The Virginia gazette (Williamsburg, Va.), 1773-04-22 00:00:00

VIRGINIA
GAZETTE.
Open to ALL PARTIES,
but influenced by NONE.
TO THE ORTHODOX LAYMAN.
SIR,
I EXPECT I have proved, in my three last letters, that the scripture passages cited against me, when understood in their true and genuine meaning, are strong authorities in favour of the doctrine I defend. I will now proceed to the other parts of your letter.
You tell me I have laid too much stress on my arguments drawn from reason, and the universal consent of mankind.
Had you reflected on the occasion of my correspondence with you, you would have discovered the impropriety of this observation. You had asserted that the FINITE duration of future punishments could not be defended by arguments drawn from REASON or revelation : I differed with you in opinion, and undertook, in my first letter, to defend the doctrine of finite punishments by arguments drawn from reason . These arguments you do not controvert, but tell me I have laid too much stress on my arguments drawn from reason. Is not this giving up the question? If it is not, pray inform me upon what other principle I ought to have laid the stress of my argument, in defence of a proposition I undertook to prove by arguments drawn from reason, against your assertion that it could not be defended by such arguments?
But when finite reason is employed in an enquiry infinitely beyond its reach and comprehension, the wisest men put but little confidence in it; they know how apt it is to deceive them; what most we wish we soon BELIEVE.
And do you really wish that future punishments may be ETERNAL? If you do, is not this to wish that great part of mankind, the workmanship of God, formed originally after his own image, and restituted to that image, equally with yourself, by JESUS CHRIST, may suffer eternal punishments? If you do not wish so great evil to your fellow creatures, your maxim is false. A man of an enthusiastic cast of mind may work himself into the belief of the greatest absurdity; but surely no man of common sense, and common humanity, can wish future punishments to be eternal, whatever his belief concerning them may be.
But if the duration of future punishments is an enquiry infinitely beyond the reach and comprehension of human reason, why do you so tenaciously contend that they are eternal? Is not their eternal duration as far beyond the ken of the wisest men as their finite duration? From whence, then, do you derive your opinion that they are infinite? If you say you derive it from the holy scriptures, I ask how do you know they teach such a doctrine? Do you exercise your own reason in examining the holy scriptures concerning a doctrine infinitely beyond the ken of the wisest men? If you do, you ought to put but little confidence in it; you know how apt it is to deceive you.
The truth is, the NATURE of future punishments cannot be comprehended by human reason; but I insist the DURATION of them may be discovered by the exercise of our reason, from the grand principles of natural religion, and may be proved, nay, hath been proved, with the greatest moral certainty, to be finite, by arguments drawn from a consideration of the divine perfections upon the principles of reason. And, indeed, our Saviour, by informing us of the sentence he will pass upon the servant who knew his Lord's will, and prepared not himself to do it, appeals to our reason for the equity of it. That servant, says this infinitely equitable Judge of the world, which knew his Lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes; but he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes: For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required; and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
To that paint of rhetoric, and glitter of oratory, with which you endeavour to depreciate human reason, and to exclude it from our religious disquisitions, I will reply in the words of Mr. Locke: REASON, says that judicious philosopher, is natural REVELATION, whereby the eternal father of light, and fountain of all knowledge, communicates to mankind that portion of truth which he has laid within the reach of their natural faculties. REVELATION is natural REASON, enlarged by a new set of discoveries communicated by God immediately, which REASON vouches the truth of, by the testimony and proofs it gives that they come from God; so that he that takes away REASON to make way for REVELATION puts out the light of both, and does much what the same as if he would persuade a man to put out his eyes the better to receive the remote light of an invisible star by a telescope.
And this is agreeable to the holy scriptures, which enjoin the use of reason in religious matters, and reprove men for neglecting it.
In the Old Testament the idolators are reproved for not making use of their reason, and their sin is ascribed to this neglect. See Isaiah 44, 18, 19; 46, 8, Jer. 4, 22; 8, 7, Isa. 1, 3, 14, 22, Psal. 32, 9; 14, 4.
In the New Testament our Saviour commends the Centurion's faith, because it proceeded upon the principles of right reason. Mat. 8, 10, and in the parable of the sower, Mat. 13, 19, 23, he joins hearing and understanding the word together, and makes one altogether unprofitable without the other. In John 5, 39, he advises the Jews to search the scriptures; but this advice had been to no purpose if they were not to have made use of their reason in finding what they searched for.
St. Paul commends the Bereans for searching the scriptures. He appeals to the common sense of mankind for the truth of what he says. 1. Cor. 10, 15, I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say; bids us not be children in understanding, and exhorts us to prove all things, and to hold fast that which is good. St. Peter exhorts us to be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh us a REASON of the hope that is in us. And St. John advises us not to believe every spirit, and to try the spirits whether they are of God.
So that it is not only every man's right but it is his duty to exercise his reason in matters of religion. REASON is the gift of God; it is given us to be used, and it is the true and proper use of it to employ it in religious enquiries. It is by the faculty of reason, by the sagacity and judgment which that is possessed of, that we understand one another's meaning, discern the sense of scripture as well as of all other books, and are enabled to comprehend the meaning of those things which are proposed to us, and to judge of their truth or fallhood. The same eyes and ears serve us to read and hear the holy scriptures as any other book; and the same REASON which we make use of in judging of human writings will enable us to comprehend the sense of the inspired writings. I am therefore surprized to find an Orthodox Layman endeavouring to decry human reason, the only proper judge in all doubts and disputes about religious matters, and the sense of the holy scriptures, by arguments which suit the meridian of ROME much better than that of a PROTESTANT country.
But reason alone cannot be a sufficient guide in our present enquiry.
Our present enquiry is whether finite punishments can be defended by arguments drawn from reason; for that was the question between us, and was the subject of the letter you have been pleased to animadvert upon. I beseech you, therefore, to inform me what other guide we can have to assist us in this enquiry. If you tell me the holy scriptures are our proper guide, I reply, the holy scriptures had no concern in that question; they were to be considered under the second head of enquiry, and were excluded from the question which I undertook to defend by arguments drawn from reason alone.
However, let us see what help the holy scriptures will afford us in this case. They are a sufficient guide in our present enquiry. But do they not require the use of REASON to understand them? And must not the sense of scripture be judged of by REASON? Revelation certainly does not destroy the faculties with which we are endowed: For though it acquaints us with such things as we could not know by the deductions of REASON, yet they must be such as we are able to understand the meaning of when they are laid before us, and then assent to, as we are persuaded they come from God. So that there will be always two things in revelation which reason must judge of, namely, the truth and the meaning of the revelation.
The use of reason, therefore, in our examination of the holy scriptures, is absolutely necessary; and if there is any ambiguous expression in them, which if taken in one sense will contradict, and if taken in another will be consistent with, the general doctrine and they teach concerning the perfections of God, and the universal redemption of mankind by JESUS CHRIST, that expression must be taken in the sense consistent with their general doctrines, and not in the sense that will overthrow them; which, I think, I have sufficiently proved the Greek words αἰών, αἰώνιος, will effectually do if they are made to signify eternal or everlasting duration.
But I might as well attempt to prove, from the supposed universal consent of mankind, a plurality of Gods, and the transmigration of souls, as the universal restitution of human nature to its original perfection and
happiness; for the universal consent I lay such stress on has been often employed to prove the plurality of Gods.
And is there no difference, Sir, between an attempt to prove the universal restitution of human nature to perfection and happiness, which is perfectly consistent with common sense, and every idea we can have of the divine perfections, and an attempt to prove a plurality of Gods, which is perfectly inconsistent with common sense, and incongruous to every idea we can have of the divine perfections? Admitting that mankind were as universally agreed in the one case as in the other (which I deny, and therefore you ought to prove before you build your superstructure upon it) is there no difference between a plain and evident truth, and a palpable and gross absurdity? I confess I did not expect to see so trifling a remark made by a man of sense, or an argument controverted, in the language of atheism, by an Orthodox Layman, which has been considered, by the best and most learned men of all ages, as a strong proof of a God.
The atheists tell us, says a learned Divine, in his discourse on natural and revealed religion, that the general consent of mankind, in the belief of a God, is no more an argument of the truth of it than the like consent as to polytheism is an argument that there are more Gods than one. And the Orthodox Layman tells me that I might as well attempt to prove, from the universal consent of mankind, a plurality of Gods, and the transmigration of souls, as the universal restitution of human nature to perfection and happiness.
Now what difference is there in these remarks? They are of the same import, and both equally weak and trifling. The answer to the atheist is, that in the worst times of polytheism the general opinion was that there was ONE supreme God, the King and Father of all; that the inferior Deities were created beings, the same with what we call Angels, and that they were subordinate to the ONE supreme eternal God, and acted under him as agents or ministers. The answer to the Orthodox Layman is, that from a consideration of the divine perfections, and the end for which mankind were created, there is all the REASON in the world to believe the universal restitution of human nature to perfection and happiness, and, consequently, the finite duration of future punishments.
But to keep something like an argument going, if positive assertions without a single reason deserve the name of argument, you positively deny that mankind do, or ever did, agree in the universal restitution of human nature to perfection and happiness. Do you take the term mankind here in a strict sense, so as to mean every man individually? Or do you take it for much the majority of mankind? If by the word mankind you mean every one, even to a man, in all ages and countries, I acknowledge mankind, in this sense of the term, do not, nor ever did, agree in the universal restitution I contend for: You yourself, and some few others of my friends, for whom I entertain the most perfect esteem, are exceptions, and a sufficient proof against this universal consent, in the strict sense of the term. But if by mankind you mean the vastly greater majority of mankind, which is the common notion of the term, and is the sense in which I have used it, I deny your assertion, and insist the historical deductions contained in my first letter prove evidently the uniformity of sentiments which prevailed among most of the known nations of the world concerning the primitive perfection of human nature, its fall, and universal restitution to perfection and happiness. You do, indeed, say you will prove that if mankind agree in any thing, it is in a belief that the incurably wicked are eternally punished. And for this purpose you cite three words from Plato, one of which happens to be the word ou pote , which I admit, in its strict meaning, signifies never ; but let us hear Plato himself, where he is speaking professedly of the universal restitution of mankind to their original state of perfection and happiness, and see whether this word is not to be taken in a limited sense, to make Plato consistent with himself.
"Under the reign of Saturn (says that philosopher, polit. 1.) God was the Prince and common Father of all, and governed the world by himself as he governs it now by inferior Deities. Rage and cruelty did not then prevail upon earth; war and sedition were not then known. In those happy days men sprung out of the bosom of the earth, which produced them, of itself, like flowers and trees. The fertile fields yielded fruits and corn without the labour of tillage. Mankind stood in no need of raiment to cover their bodies, being troubled with no inclemency of the seasons; and they took their rest upon beds of turf of a perpetual verdure. But under

the reign of Jupiter, Saturn, the Master of the universe, having quitted, as it were, the reins of his empire, hid himself in an inaccessible retreat: The inferior Gods who governed under him retired likewise; the very foundations of the world were shaken by motions contrary to its principle and its end, and it lost its beauty and its lustre. Then it was that good and evil were blended together; but in the end, lest the world should be plunged in an eternal abyss of confusion, God, the author of the primitive order, will appear again, and resume the reins of the empire; THEN HE WILL CHANGE, AMEND EMBELLISH, AND RESTORE, THE WHOLE FRAME OF NATURE, AND PUT AN END TO DECAY OF AGE, DISEASES, AND DEATH."
Again, in his dialogue under the title of Phædrus, he says "every soul which follows God faithfully into the super-celestial place preserves itself pure, and without blemish; but if it takes up with nectar and ambrosia, and does not attend on Jupiter's chariot, to go and contemplate truth, it grows heavy and sluggish; it breaks its wings, it falls upon the earth, and enters a human body more or less vile, according as it has been more or less elevated. Souls less degenerated than others dwell in the bodies of philosophers; the most despicable of all animate the bodies of tyrants and evil Princes. Their condition alters after death, and becomes more or less happy, according as they have loved virtue or vice in their lifetime. AETER TEN THOUSAND years souls will be reunited TO THEIR ORIGIN. During that space of time their wings grow again, and are renewed." This doctrine of Plato's, concerning the fall and restoration of souls, is explained by Macrobius in his commentary on Scipio's dream. Chap. 3, 12, 13.
We see, then, that the doctrine of the primitive perfection of nature, its fall, and restitution, are equally asserted by this philosopher. How is it possible, then, that he should intend to mean, by the three words you cite from his Phædo, that great part of mankind were to remain in Tartarus forever, in the strict sense of the word. He declares positively that God will RESTORE THE WHOLE FRAME OF NATURE to its original perfection and happiness which it lost under the reign of Jupiter. Those sinners, therefore, whom he describes by the emphatical term incurable , will continue in Tartarus, and never be released from it till God shall resume the reins of the empire, when all the evils that happened under Jupiter's government shall be removed, the whole frame of nature shall be restored to its original perfection and happiness, and an end be put to the decay of age, diseases, and death.
And, indeed, not only Plato but all the antient philosophers were of this opinion, and in this important circumstance differed widely from that which is commonly supposed to be the christian doctrine, but which, I think, has no foundation in reason or scripture, namely, that whereas we are taught to believe that only a part of the human race are to have the benefit of this restitution, and quite exclude from it all the fallen Angels, and a great part of mankind, they, on the contrary, extend this restitution to all beings whatsoever, as will appear to those who consult Gudworth's Intellectual System , Ramsey's Cyrus , and Burnet's Archaeologia Philosophica .
Your quotations from Virgil and Ovid are certainly strong and convincing proofs that the doctrine of infinite punishments was received in Italy. In your first quotation from Virgil , the poet says that an hundred tongues, and an hundred mouths, are not sufficient to describe the various punishments inflicted on the wicked in Tartarus, or Hell; but he does not say a single word concerning the duration of those punishments; a conclusive proof, without doubt, that Virgil believed that future punishments were eternal! In your second quotation, the poet speaks of a huge vulture which preyed continually upon the liver and entrails of an unhappy sufferer, which grew again as they were devoured by this gormandizing vulture: If this is an instance to your purpose, I freely leave it to you in its fullest force, after referring you to Lucretius's fine allegory upon this fable. But perhaps your third quotation will effectually prove the point in question: It is this, sedet æternum que sedebit, infelix Theseus . To explain this passage to those readers who may not be acquainted with the heathen mythology, I beg leave to inform them that this unhappy Theseus was a famous hero, and went to Hell with design to assist a friend of his, in stealing Pluto's wife, who, it seems, was a great beauty. Being arrived in Tartarus, which Ovid says is a very dark place, he and his friend sat down upon a rock, from whence he could not rise again. This was inflicted on them as a punishment for their daring attempt to steal the Queen of Hell from her husband, who, by the by, had before stolen her from her mother. This punishment Virgil speaks of in the passage before us, and because he describes this continual sitting of Theseus by the word æternum , you suppose he means that it was to be of everlasting duration: But, unluckily for you, this same unhappy Theseus , who sedet, æternum que sedebit , was delivered from his eternal confinement by his friend Hercules , and afterwards performed many heroic exploits upon earth, the history of which, Virgil , who was a great mythologist, was perfectly acquainted with. If this is not satisfactory, and you still insist that the word æternum signifies everlasting duration, I beg the favour of you to explain this passage in Ovid's third fable, ver erat æternum : According to your construction of the word æternum it must be rendered
the spring was of everlasting duration. But this cannot be the poet's meaning, because he says, in the very next fable, that this ver æternum , eternal spring, became, afterwards, breve ver, a short spring.
Well, but Ovid , speaking of Sisyphus , says, perpetuus petitur penas : What, then? Do not poets, in the profusion of their poetical flights, frequently exaggerate their descriptions beyond the truth, especially in poems professedly fabulous? So that admitting the word perpetuus , in this passage, to signify eternal, it is no evidence of the author's faith in infinite punishments. But I deny that this word signifies eternal in its strict sense, but only continual, uninterrupted, or which has no intermission, for the time it lasts; in which sense our own language has adopted it when we say perpetual law , perpetual imprisonment , perpetual pain , perpetual dread . And in this sense Virgil uses it in his 4th eclogue, which some learned critics think is a compliment to Octavian Cæsar, Octavia, and Pollio, upon the birth of Marcellus, the son of Octavia.
Te duce, si qua manent sceleris vestigia nostri, Irrita, perpetua solvent formidine terras.
If what I have said is not sufficient to convince you that mankind (I mean the incomparably greater majority of mankind) agreed in one general opinion, before the promulgation of christianity, that the duration of future punishments was finite, I will cite a passage from Sophocles , which escaped me before, and which, I think, must convince you.
Kai gar kath' adon duo tribous nomezomen, Mian dikaión chateran adikón odon— Kapeita fosci panth' a proseh apolefen.
Two are the paths to Hades : one the just To life, the other to Perdition takes The wicked: In the end, however, all That are destroy'd shall be restor'd again.
Your quotation from Judith really diverts me. It certainly must be a very bad cause that requires such authorities to defend it. Pray, Sir, who was the author of the book of Judith ? Was it not originally written in the Caldee language ? When was it translated into Greek, and who translated it? Is not the Greek translation said to be very vicious and corrupt by the best ecclesiastical writers? But admitting these just exceptions could not be made to this book of Judith , I think I have sufficiently proved, in my former letters, that the Greek word aiónios does not signify everlasting duration, which is your reason for introducing this book of Judith into the debate. Your other quotations from Josephus and Philo (whose writings in Greek I never saw) and from Climan's Romanus , Turtullian , Barnabas , Justin Martyr , Theophilus , Irenæus , St. Cyprian , Minutius , Origen , and St. Augustine , may perhaps be examined hereafter, and will, I believe, be found of very little service to you, unless it is to shew your great reading.
I am exceedingly obliged to you for your advice to me, out of Esdas ; but as I am determined to make my religious faith my own, and not rely upon other men for it, so I shall, in obedience to our Saviour's commands, search the scriptures , to know what that faith ought to be, that, by endeavouring to understand the reason of it, I may, if possible, make it profitable to myself, and not offer to God the sacrifice of fools , in which he has no pleasure.
I must now take my leave of you for this time; but desire you will allow me to address you once more, that I may answer the objections to the doctrine I defend, and shew the practical uses that result from it. I am, Sir, &c.
A CHRISTIAN LAYMAN.
L O N D O N, February 11. TUESDAY a motion was made in the House of Commons for augmenting the halfpay of the Captains in the navy. Lord Howe presented the petition, signed by several Captains, which he desired might be read; which being done, he entered fully into the matter, stating the hardships many of those worthy men laboured under, who had only their halfpay to live on, and a wife and several children to maintain. Lord North answered him, and having assured the House how disagreeable it was to him to be under the necessity of opposing the motion, told them the principal motive that induced him to stand up against it was that he plainly foresaw it would open a door for many petitions of the like nature. Colonel Barre made an excellent speech on the occasion; but Sir Gilbert Elliot gave a turn to the debate, by proposing to refer the matter to a committee. After a debate of four hours and a half, the question was put, and the House divided, 154 for the reference, and 45 against it. It was proposed by the augmentation to encrease the halfpay from four shillings a day to six.
We hear, from Paris, that the King has taken a surprising turn, and seems at present to find his greatest pleasure in politics; he has quitted the bosom of Madam Barre for the cabinet; and, feeble as he is, never fails of assisting at all the councils. Some say that this is in consequence of the present disposition of the three powers who are now about to make a division of the kingdom of Poland; and that, if possible, he is determined to frustrate their cruel and ambitious designs. For this purpose he is endeavouring to engage the Kings of Great Britain and Spain to join him, and to oppose those usurpers. A messenger is said to have arrived at the French ambassador's in Great George street, from Paris, on the above important business. Should Great Britain and Spain acquiesce to Lewis's scheme, which is not improbable, it is very
likely we shall see Europe in arms in less than three months.
A correspondent has sent us the following relative to a recent duel. He says he happened to be going over Marybone fields, in company with some others, at the time the two Lords were about to engage. Suspecting their business, he, with his companions, drew near them; upon which Lord Townsend accosted them with "Gentlemen, you see what we are about; keep your proper distance, or I'll fire upon you." Our correspondent adds that Lord Townsend likewise behaved all the time like the true Gentleman: When the duel commenced he seemed quite undismayed; and when it concluded, greatly affected; having all the feelings of a humane man. Upon the whole no man could behave more becoming than his Lordship did; which, should Lord Bellamont's wound prove mortal, will no doubt greatly lessen his offence in the eye of the law.
We hear a very extraordinary race is to be run at the next Newmarket meeting by an ox against a coachhorse, for a thousand pounds.
It is conjectured that the very bad appearance of Lord North's forces on the naval officers petition, will hasten his resignation.
Some politicians assert that the late manœuvre on the naval officers petition, was a scheme concerted in a certain quarter, in order to render the premier's resignation as disgraceful as possible.
Yesterday a young foreigner of high rank (supposed to be the Dauphin of France) was introduced by the French ambassador to his Majesty at St. James's, and received with every proper mark of respect.
Lord Bellamont is now supposed to be out of danger, though the ball is not yet extracted, but it is at last discovered to be lodged near the back bone.
It is asserted that the real original of the quarrel between the Lords Townsend and Bellamont was, that the latter solicited the former to fill up the late vacancy of Adjutant General of his Majesty's forces in Ireland, which Lord Townsend had promised to use his interest to obtain for him, but that failing therein through the decay of his Excellency's interest on this side of the water, owing to the death of his brother, his pride would not suffer him to own it, which made him trifle with Lord Bellamont in the manner that has been related in all the papers. The cause, we are told, was that the post which his Lordship solicited was previously promised to, and bestowed on, Colonel Luttrell, before his Majesty was acquainted with the promise of his Viceroy to Lord Bellamont.
A few days ago a duel was fought in Dublin, between Colonel Blaquiere, secretary to the Lord Lieutenant, and Beauchamp Bagnall, Esquire, member for the county of Catherlough. The cause of this quarrel was Colonel Blaquiere, while he was charge des affaires at Paris, refused to represent Mr. Bagnall at the French court, because he had not been presented in England. They fired their pistols without effect, and the reserved fire being with Colonel Blaquiere, he declared he bore no ill will to Mr. Bagnall, and fired his second pistol in the air. Here the affair ended.
On Thursday night was finally determined, at Sergeant's inn, in Chancery lane, before a full commission, consisting of Lord Dartmouth, Lord Sandys, Bishop of Oxford, Bishop of Asaph, Bishop of Llandaff, Lord Chief Baron Smythe, Justice Alston, Justice Willes, Dr. Ducarel, Dr. Markman, and Dr. Simpson, the long contested cause of jactitation, brought by the Honourable Thomas Harvey against his Lady, after a cohabitation of 18 years, and had issue by her; when after a long hearing for several evenings prior to this, and six counsel on each side, the two sentences at Doctors Commons were reversed, and the marriage pronounced for.
Great inconveniencies have lately been experienced from a report industriously propagated, that the bank of England now refuses all kinds of Portugal money: If this had been a new regulation at the bank it might probably have been worthy consideration; but we should be glad to be informed at what time the bank did accept the coin of Portugal in payment. And yet the merchants of England, as well as principal traders, have not only upheld its currency, but by the laws of this country it is made felony to counterfeit it. Hence we can assure the public that its circulation is in no wise suppressed; and in many places we observe that the merchants and capital traders have advertised their readiness to accept Portugal money in all payments as heretofore.
February 20. The disposition to lessen extravagancies is certainly gaining ground. Five hundred carriages have been already struck out of the excise registers, and many more laid down that were never entered.
Thursday came on in the court of common pleas, Westminster, before the Lord Chief justice De Grey, and a special jury, a cause wherein the liberty of the subject is much concerned. The action was brought by Henry Bostock, Esquire, a Dutch merchant in Hatton Garden, against Saunders, and others, excise officers, for entering into and ransacking the plaintiff's house, under pretence of searching for smuggled tea, but without finding any. For this offence the plaintiff laid his damages only at 100l. The officers pleaded a justification, by producing the commissioners of excise warrant; but the jury brought in a verdict for the whole damages laid in the declaration, subject to the opinion of the court, whether the commissioners warrant is for the insult a justification in law.

On Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Monday last, the committee at the Thatched House discharged 47 debtors (who had 27 wives and 60 children) from the several prisons in this city.
Yesterday was tried, before Lord Mansfield and a special jury, a cause wherein a haberdasher in the Strand was plaintiff, and a young Baronet in Gloucestershire defendant. The action was brought for goods sold and delivered by the plaintiff to the defendant's wife, to the amount of 771. but it coming out from the evidence that she had eloped from her husband before the contracting of the debt, the plaintiff was nonsuited.
This morning came on, before Lord Mansfield and a special jury, a cause wherein Mr. Popham, of Hampstead, was plaintiff, and Mr. Anford, a young Gentleman of 18, defendant. The action was for crim. con. with the plaintiff's wife, when the jury brought in a verdict with 2001. damages.
The distilling spirits from corn is wholly suppressed in Sweden, as it was proved more grain was consumed that way than the kingdom produced.
The estate of Thomas James Selby, Esquire, of Buckinghamshire (60001. per annum) has, within these few days, been claimed by three sisters, elderly women, at Chelsea, two of whom take in washing and ironing; the other is married to a painter and glazier, and has three children.
We hear from Kidderminster that the poor carpet weavers in that country are almost starved, for want of employment; upwards of three hundred persons, with wives and children, being out of work.
The following odd circumstance, says a correspondent, is strictly true: A chimney-sweep, at a village in Kent, has seventeen children, sons, who all follow the occupation of their father.
The number of persons who lost their lives at the fire in Bishopsgate street, last Thursday, is known to be eight: Mr. Collier, hairdresser; Mrs. Collier, his wife, who kept the shop; Miss Smith, her sister and partner; Mrs. Jewson; Miss Noble, and another young Lady belonging to the shop; and two servants. Some of the bodies have since been dug out of the ruins.
Yesterday morning, between two and three o'clock, a fire broke out in Princes street, St. Giles's, which destroyed three houses, and greatly damaged two others. It was with great difficulty that Mr. Coleman's timberyard, which is adjoining to that street, was kept from catching fire.
Extract of a letter from Cornwall, February 17.
"How shall I describe to you the deplorable situation we are in? All the tanners have risen, and been plundering the country for these ten days. On the 6th near 150 went to Ruan, where they were fired on, some of whom were wounded; however, they carried off and sold what corn they thought proper. The Monday and Tuesday they were at Falmouth and Penryn, at the latter of which places they were innumerable, and drove the soldiers who were sent from the garrison to an inn, which they endeavoured to break into and take their arms from them; on which the soldiers fired and killed one, shot another through the body who lay for dead, and wounded numbers. Notwithstanding this, they did not quit the town till they had plundered the mills and malt-houses. An unhappy girl, with a child in her arms, in Dr. Coade's house, was shot through the body, and died soon after. They have been plundering in different parts since. At Truro, the 10th, they carried off about 60 bushels from Teague, the miller; and came again the next day, when the inhabitants of all ranks took arms, and being reinforced by some soldiers, forced them to retreat. They are now dispersed over different parts of the country, plundering the inhabitants of corn, money, provision, apparel, &c. and are so very desperate as to stop every person they meet on the highway, and oblige them by oaths to give them money. On Thursday they were at Tolvern, where they wonnoved and took a quantity of barley, &c. In short it is impossible to tell you the mischief they have done. We have sent to the war office for troops, and the whole country is arming. At Falmouth they have planted cannon at the town's end, and all the inhabitants that are able to carry arms. We have likewise guarded Penryn, Tolvern, and King Henry's Passage, with 500 men, and at Trelissian bridge. In short, we are raising men, casting ball, and consulting every means to stop their progress."
February 24. Sir William Young, Baronet, Governor of Dominica, is, we hear, to be appointed to the government of Jamaica, in the room of Sir William Trelawney, Baronet, deceased.
A discovery has lately been made on an estate of Sir Nicholas Bayley's, in the isle of Anglesey, of a small stream of water, that, by laying a quantity of thin iron plates in it, forms a crust on them of exceeding good copper; which by being beaten off, and melted, produces masses of that metal worth 801. a ton. The same is now working with great spirit by the proprietors, who estimate that it will bring in 60,0001. a year, as they shall be able to obtain seventy five tons weight every three months. This discovery is the more valuable, as it is not attended with the expence of mining. The stream is supposed to run through certain copper strata.
Sunday night died at Bramham Park, near York, the Right Honourable Lord Bingley: His Lordship was created Baron Bingley, May 4, 1762, with limitation to his heirs male by his Lady, only daughter and heiress to Robert Benson, Esquire, by whom,
besides a fortune of 100,0001. he obtained the fine seat at Bramham, worth upwards of 70001. per annum.
Extract of a letter from Poole, February 22. "This afternoon we had a most violent storm of wind, which drove seventeen sail of ships from their moorings, which occasioned a most shocking fight, some of which were carried near a league; others lost their masts, and some their boltspirts, besides being otherwise greatly damaged, so that several of them appear like perfect wrecks. This is remarkable, that tomorrow it will be twenty two years since such a violent storm happened there."
The committee of the whole House, to consider of the subscription to the thirty nine articles of the church of England, is postponed for six months.
It is said a general settlement of all the several degrees of currency in his Majesty's foreign plantations, for the better regulating of the course of exchange, is now under consideration.
Yesterday died in Rosemary lane, Rag Fair, Martha Hatts, who by buying and selling rags had acquired a fortune of upwards of five thousand pounds!
Early this morning it blew a severe hurricane at S. S. E. when all the tiers of ships from Union stairs to London bridge drove from their anchors, and the chief part of them went on shore between the tower and the bridge; several loaded lighters and boats are sunk, and many craft drove through bridge. Several ships lost their masts, others their boltspirts; several boats full of men were jammed between the ships and funk, and it is feared a great many lost their lives. A ship from Dartmouth was stove to pieces against the starling of the bridge, and a sloop lies up the starlings.
Another account says, that at Limehouse a tier of fourteen vessels was driven from thence down to Greenwich afloat, one of which, lately arrived from Lisbon, has received considerable damage. A large brig coming up the river from the Nore was overlet in scarseach, just below the Hope, and every soul on board supposed to be drowned.
A Gentleman who came from Gravesend reports, that about three o'clock this morning the element seemed to be all over in a ferment, and the clouds appeared of a fiery red for near two hours.
The Ministry is again restored to a state of unanimity, and nothing but smiles appear in the cabinet. The King has held different consultations with his different great men, and convinced them that concord is the only method either of serving him or of doing the business of their country.
Yesterday Lord Guernsey made a motion in the House of Commons to congratulate the Queen upon the birth of a Prince, and on her happy recovery from her late delivery. He introduced this motion with advertising generally to the happiness and security we derived from the present family on the throne, and to the real joy it should give us on every fresh occasion which might be a means of ensuring and confirming those signal blessings. He said that the history of this country had furnished many melancholy instances of the mischief which arose from the ambition, turbulent spirit, and pride, of many of her Majesty's predecessors; but that, on the contrary, her Majesty was not only the reverse in every thing which concerned public affairs, but was likewise equally amiable in her private virtues. She was the most exemplary wife, the most tender and affectionate parent; in fine, it was difficult to determine whether, in her private or public character, she deserved most national gratitude, or private affection and esteem.
Business now multiplies so fast upon the House of Commons that the clerks are obliged to work day and night in copying bills, petitions, minutes, and extracts, for the use of the several members. There is now no appearance of that indolence which prevailed in the beginning of the session; on the contrary, every thing is bustle, and the Minister seldom sits down to dinner till twelve o'clock at night.
Feb. 25. The following is an authentic account of Lord Bellamont's present situation. The ball entered at the point of the short rib, and extended itself towards the navel; from the entrance of the ball to the extremity of the wound is full five inches and a half, during which progress it sinks deeper to the extremity, where it is of such a depth, that notwithstanding Lord Bellamont's repeated solicitations, the physicians and surgeons that attend him do not think it safe to open the three last inches of the wound, which renders it very doubtful whether the ball can be extracted. The open wound is in as good a state as can be expected; but the covered wound does not seem inclined to heal, notwithstanding it hath ceased all discharge, since it threw off three pieces of his coat, that were carried in by the ball. In this situation the physical Gentlemen declare they cannot pretend to pronounce what may be the event, although they conceive favourable expectations from his Lordship's good habit of body.
February 27. This day the bill to enable foreigners to lend money on estates in the West Indies, passed the committee in the Upper House.
Yesterday a petition was presented to the House of Commons from the city of Litchfield against the exportation of cheese and the enclosing of commons, which was referred to a committee.
There is to be a lottery this year, of exactly the same number of tickets, blanks, and prizes, as last.
Several transports are taking in their stores and provisions in the river, to carry over three regiments of foot to North America, and to bring back three regiments now there to England.
A society of Gentlemen have this week fed, at the Three Tons tavern in Spitalfields, upwards of 10,000 of the distressed poor.
On Saturday the bank began again to take Portuguese gold coin, which has been followed by the bankers.
WILLIAMSBURG, April 22. Part of Governor MARTIN'S SPEECH to the General Assembly of North Carolina on the 25th of January last.
The law for the government of the public treasury will make another object of your deliberations, and is second to none in point of importance. The perplexity and disorder of the finances of this country are unhappily matter of notoriety and complaint; and as the just economy of public money is one of the first principles of political happiness, it is my duty to exhort you, in the most earnest manner, to take this matter into your serious consideration, to give the public the fullest illustration of the present state of the funds, and to make an exact and strict application of them; and more particularly of those that have been created for sinking the paper currency, that the public faith may be inviolably preserved. The admirable method and arrangements which have taken place in the TREASURY of the neighbouring province of VIRGINIA have established the public credit of that colony upon the firmest basis, to the immortal honour of its legislature: And as the greatest states have not thought it unworthy of them to borrow improvement from their neighbours, so I hope, Gentlemen, you will not think it derogatory to your wisdom, that I hold up this example to your imitation; especially, as I can, from my heart, assure you I do it upon no other principle than ardent desire to see the public credit of this country upon such a respectable footing as may invigorate its prosperity to the emulation of the happiest and most flourishing of its sister colonies.
By the Peter, Capt. Lang, from Greenock, we are informed that the sailors at that place refused to do duty, and would not suffer the carpenters to work, because they were not allowed river pay: In consequence of which one hundred soldiers were sent down to quell them, and, by order of one of the bailiffs, fired, and killed three women and a boy, whilst the mob continually pelted them with stones, &c. Some of the shipmasters secured a parcel of the sailors in prison, but were obliged to deliver them up again. The merchants and others sent for more forces; and when Capt. Lang failed it was reported more soldiers were arrived at Port Glasgow.
Arrived the Brothers, Capt. Drew, from Bristol, and the Bell, Moodie, from Glasgow, in York river; the John, Taylor, in James river, and the Liberty, Alexander, in Rappahannock, from Liverpool.
On Sunday last Mr. JOHN BOUSH, eldest son of Mr. Samuel Boush of Norfolk, was married to Miss NANCY WALLER, daughter of Benjamin Waller, Esquire, of this city.
Hail to the rising morn, the sacred day, Which gave young ANNA to her swain away. Smile, gentle love, their mutual vows receive, And Venus celsius to the fair one give. Let ev'ry tender thought, each fond desire, Their love cement, and friendship fan the fire; Let sorrow never cause the heart-felt sigh, Or tears of grief e'er glitter in her eye; But health, and peace, and joy, attendant wait, And in her breast erect their fav'rite seat. My pray'r is heard, see Hymen's car appear, His torch bright blazing on the happy pair: Be blest, he cries, your union I approve, And ev'ry virtuous joy shall crown your love. The youth with thanks receives the wish'd for bliss, And now with grateful transport calls her his.
The account of Mr. James Marshall's death, as mentioned in our last, proves to be without foundation, as that Gentleman is now alive and well.
On Friday, Saturday, Monday, and Tuesday, the following criminals received their trials at the General Court:
John Chapman, from Halifax, for grand larceny: Acquitted.
John Dugard, from Caroline, for bigamy: Acquitted.
William Strange, from Stafford, for horsestealing: Acquitted.
James Hill, from Fairfax, for horsestealing: Acquitted by the Grand Jury.
William Nicknes, from Lancaster, for burglary: Acquitted by the Grand Jury.
Leonard Burnett, from Essex, for murder: Acquitted.
Benjamin Cook, Joseph Cook, Benjamin Woodward, and Peter Medley, from Pittsylvania, for counterfeiting gold and silver, and passing counterfeit treasury notes: Acquitted.
Moses Terry, from Halifax, for passing counterfeits: Guilty, but pardoned.
Francis Sullivan, from Lancaster, for grand larceny: Acquitted.
Peter Sidebottom, from Stafford, for horsestealing: Guilty.
Mary Murphey, from Augusta, for grand larceny: Guilty.
Edward Brown, from Charles City, for grand larceny: Guilty.
Eliphalath Musgrove, from James City, for murder: Guilty.
John Bently, from Prince William, for horsestealing: To take his trial in June.

As I intend for Britain in June, I propose selling, on Monday the 24th of May next, being Frederickburg fair day, or privately, as may be agreed upon before, 400 acres of land upon the Fall Hill, and three miles from Frederickburg, with 20 slaves, flocks of cattle, &c. Also above ten acres of meadow land adjoining the said town of Frederickburg, and the ferry, and ferry lots, together with the store and warehouse thereon, for ready money, bills, or tobacco, as may suit the purchasers.
JAMES HUNTER, jun.
To be LET, on Monday the 26th instant (April) at the glebe in Fairfax parish, in the county of Fairfax,
THE building sundry houses on the said glebe, viz. one of brick 42 feet by 28 in the clear, a kitchen, meathouse, and dairy, a barn, stable, and some other small houses, all of which are to be framed work; also some paling. They will be put up together, or in two divisions, as may suit the undertakers. A large proportion of the value will be ready to be paid down, in the course of the ensuing summer, the undertakers giving bond, with sufficient security, for due performance. A plan will be produced on the day, and the terms made known, by applying to
JOHN DALTON, } Churchwardens. EDWARD DULIN, }
GEORGE the Third, by the grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, &c. To the sheriff of Frederick county, greeting: We command you to summon Isaac Jackson to appear before the Justices of our said county court in chancery, at the courthouse, on the first Tuesday in April next, to answer a bill in chancery, exhibited against him by Elizabeth Joliffe, executrix, &c of William Joliffe, deceased; and this he shall in no wise omit, under the penalty of 100l. Witness James Keith, clerk of our said court, at the courthouse, the 8th day of April, and in the 13th year of our reign. JAMES KEITH.
RUN away from the subscriber, in Charlotte county, on the 22d of March, a Negro fellow named NED, about 26 years of age, 5 feet 4 or 5 inches high, and well set; had on, and took with him, a Negro cotton jacket and breeches, a pair of blue yarn stockings, a green plains coat, with a piece put in between the shoulders, a pair of brown cloth breeches, and a new felt hat. He generally keeps his head well dressed, has remarkable small legs for the size of his body, walks with his toes much out, and can play on the violin, in which he takes great delight. I imagine he will change his name and dress, and endeavour to pass for a freeman, and try to get into the back parts of Virginia. Whoever secures the said Negro so that I may get him again shall, if taken in Virginia, receive THREE POUNDS, if in North Carolina FIVE POUNDS, and if in South Carolina EIGHT POUNDS. RICHARD GAINES.
IW. No. 132 1124 112 1012 John Withers. IHW. 184 1107 112 995 John Withers.
THE above tobacco has remained in Cave's warehouse upwards of three years. The proprietor thereof, John Withers, is desired to take notice that the subscribers intend to proceed to a sale thereof according to law, on Friday the 30th of this instant, April.
WILLIAM GARRARD, THOMAS MOUNTJOY.
IN answer to an advertisement, published in the Virginia Gazette last September, signed John Tankerley, a noted ordinary keeper at Charlotte courthouse, wherein he says I had received unlimited credit and the utmost civility from him for upwards of two years, in justice to myself, I think it necessary to inform the public that his assertion is entirely false, as I can positively affirm that I never even saw him but a little better than half that time. He maliciously brought suit against me in Charlotte court, and produced a confused account of ten pounds, although he was sensible that my undisputed account of fadlery against him amounted to near that sum. He says that I took advantage of the act of Assembly provided to prevent frauds of that nature: I confess it; but I can with great truth assure him that such a proceeding would have been very repugnant to my disposition, had I not been conscious that I had received the most unmerited treatment from him, and therefore I think it incumbent on me to give this public notice of it, that no one, in future, may suffer from a like imposition.
SAMUEL HUMPHREYS.
TAKEN up, in Culpeper, a small bay mare with a star in her forehead, a hanging mane and sprig tail, and branded on the off buttock W. She had a small bay mare colt by her side. Posted, and appraised, the mare to 4l. 5s. and the colt to 20s.
ARJALON PRICE.
TAKEN up, in Prince Edward, three red hogs, two fows and one barrow; one of the fows is marked with a crop and half crop in each ear, and the other with a crop and underkeel in the right ear, and an overkeel and crop in the left; the barrow is marked with a crop and underkeel in the right ear, and a crop, underkeel, and slit, in the left. Posted, and appraised to 2l. 10s.
JOHN BIGGER, jun.
RUN away from the subscriber, living near Fauquier courthouse, some time in November last, a convict servant man named ELIJAH HILL, about 5 feet 6 inches high, of a dark complexion, much pitted with the smallpox, writes a very good hand, and is an excellent lawyer. It is imagined he took with him a servant lad belonging to Mr. Bennett Price, of said county: The lad is about 18 years old, and of a fair complexion. Whoever apprehends the said Hill so that I get him again shall receive FIVE POUNDS, besides what the law allows.
RANDOLPH SPICER.
TAKEN up, in Amelia, a middle sized sorrel horse, has a blaze face, and a large knot on his nose, and his brand, as well as I can make out, is a dot upon his near shoulder and buttock. Posted, and appraised to 10l. JOHN NORRIS, jun.
TAKEN up, in Bedford, a black mare, about 14 or 15 years old, has a star in her forehead, and snip on her nose, trots and paces, has a remarkable white stroke on her right shoulder, some small white spots on her rump, and a long switch tail, but no brand perceivable. Posted, and appraised to 3l. WILLIAM DANIEL.
By the Right Honourable JOHN EARL OF DUNMORE, his Majesty's Lieutenant and Governor General of the colony and dominion of Virginia: A PROCLAMATION.
WHEREAS I have received information that JOHN FORD, junior, who was committed to the prison of Amelia county on a charge of being concerned in forging several treasury notes of this colony, and passing them, knowing the same to be forged, hath broken the said Prison, and made his escape: To the end therefore that the said John Ford should not, if guilty, escape with impunity, I have thought fit to issue this proclamation, hereby, in his Majesty's name, strictly charging and requiring all sheriffs, constables, and other officers, to make diligent search after the said John Ford, and him having apprehended to carry him before some Justice of the Peace of the county where he shall be taken, to be dealt with according to law; and all his Majesty's liege subjects within this dominion are strictly forbid to entertain, harbour or conceal the said John Ford, as they shall answer the contrary at their peril.
And I do hereby moreover promise a reward of FIFTY POUNDS to the person who shall apprehend and deliver the said John Ford as aforesaid.
Given under my hand, and the seal of the colony, at Williamsburg, this 8th day of April 1773, and in the 13th year of his Majesty's reign. DUNMORE.
GOD SAVE THE KING.
THREE OR FOUR
Journeymen Chairmakers
WOULD MEET WITH ENCOURAGEMENT, AS ALSO ONE OR TWO
APPRENTICES,
BY APPLYING TO ELKANAH DEANE; WHO HAS FOR SALE AN ELEGANT
PHETON and CHAISE.
GEORGE the Third, by the grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, &c. To the sheriff of Berkeley county, greeting: We command you that you summon David Hunter, Moses Hunter, and Edward Bufon, to appear before our Justices of our said county court, at the courthouse of the said county, on the third Tuesday in March next, to answer a bill in chancery, exhibited against them by Samuel Johnston, Esquire; and this they shall in no wise omit, under the penalty of 100l. each; and have then there this writ. Witness William Drew, clerk of our said county court, at the courthouse of the said county, the 24th day of February, in the 13th year of our reign. WILLIAM DREW.
THE badness of the weather preventing the sale of my land, advertised some time ago, I now propose selling it, at public auction, before the Raleigh door, in Williamsburg, on the 3d of May next. The land is pleasantly situated on Mattaponi river, and contains 650 acres by estimation, and 100 acres of marsh on the opposite side of the river. There is on the said land a genteel two story brick house, and offices of brick; likewise a large warehouse 60 by 24, with a brick cellar, and within 30 yards of a wharf where vessels of an hundred tons may load. Any person inclinable to purchase will be shewn the land, and know the terms, by applying to
JOHN MEREDITH.
N. B. As the title to the above mentioned land was some time ago in dispute, I think it will not be improper to inform the public that the entail has been broke by act of Assembly, and the Royal assent obtained.
NORFOLK, March 3, 1773.
OLD LISBON and low priced WHITE WINES, LOAF SUGAR, and a few WHEAT FANS, to be sold by HARMANSON & HARVEY.
FORTY DOLLARS REWARD.
RUN away from the subscriber, living in Westmoreland, the 12th of August last, an Irish convict servant man named MATTHEW THARP, by trade a gardener, about 5 feet 5 inches high, well made, much pitted with the smallpox, has short dark hair, but generally wears a dark wig over it clubbed; had on, and took with him, a pair of leather breeches, light coloured cloth coat, old striped jacket, several white and oznabrigr shirts, one check ditto, an old brown holland coat, striped holland trowsers much stained, shoes and stockings of many sorts, a hat almost new, with a band and buckle. This fellow was convicted, last June Oyer court was a twelve-month, for horsestealing. Whoever will secure him in any of his Majesty's gaols, so that I get him, shall receive the above reward. I have been credibly informed that some time after the said Tharp eloped, he went down to Williamsburg, and applied to John Randolph, Esquire, for a pass, which he obtained. JOSEPH PEIRCE.
TAKEN up, in Amherst, a dark brown horse, about 5 or 6 years old, has no perceivable brand, with a hanging mane and switch tail, trots naturally, about 4 feet 8 inches high, has a few white hairs behind his left ear, and a small star in his forehead. ROBERT DINWIDDIE.
FOR SALE,
THE plantation whereon the subscriber lives, in King and Queen, about a mile and a half from Todd's warehouse, containing 657 acres, in good order for cropping, with a large peach and apple orchard thereon beginning to bear, and a quantity of low grounds, which may be made good meadow with very little expence. The dwellinghouse, kitchen, and other outhouses, have been built between four and five years. Any person inclinable to purchase may know the terms by applying to ROBINSON DAINGERFIELD.
RUN away from Eltham, on Sunday the 10th of January, a light Mulatto fellow named OTHO, about 5 feet 9 inches high, freckled in the face, has light grey eyes, and brown hair, which he wears tied behind, his skin under his clothes is very white, and had on, when he went away, a blue cloth waistcoat, and a coat of the same, with a red velvet cape. I expect he will endeavour to pass for a white man. All masters of vessels are forewarned from harbouring or carrying the said slave off at their peril. I will give FIVE POUNDS to any person who will deliver him to me, or secure him in any gaol, and give notice thereof. BURWELL BASSETT.
FREDERICKSBURG, February 24, 1773.
WHEREAS some of those indebted on the books here have not paid due regard to my advertisement of the 1st of December last, I give them this last notice that all and every account not paid off, or a good part of it, before the 20th of April, or our May fair at farthest, or settled by bond, or other specialty, before that time, will most certainly be put into the hands of a lawyer, without respect of persons. Unavoidable reasons will oblige me to this, which I shall probably, in time, acquaint them with. Those who are put to trouble and expence cannot now blame me for want of notice. I have sold part of the goods on hand, but so as not to distort the store, and have still a large assortment by me, which I will sell in wholesale or retail on the terms formerly advertised. Any person who will purchase the whole shall have them on terms which they themselves will say are very low and reasonable. GEORGE MITCHELL.
DOCTOR GRAHAM, oculist and aurist, at Philadelphia, thus publicly gives notice that he proposes to be at Williamsburg about the middle of April next, where those persons whose circumstances or situation have precluded them from the benefit of applying for assistance at Philadelphia may consult him in all disorders of the eye, and its appendages, and in every species of deafness, hardness of hearing, ulcerations, noise in the ears, &c. Those persons, likewise, who have been born deaf and dumb, or those who labour under any impediment in their speech, by applying personally, will probably be assisted.
RUN away from the subscriber, at Peterburg, about the middle of September last, a very likely Negro man named PHIL, about 20 years of age, of a yellowish complexion, about 5 feet 9 inches high, and proportionably made; he is a native of Africa, but speaks broken English, having been some years in the West Indies, and has lost two joints off two of his fingers on his right hand; had on an oznabrigr shirt, an old Virginia cloth waistcoat, with a new Negro cotton jacket over it, and a pair of old check trowsers. As he has been used to the sea, he will probably endeavour to get on board some ship, and make his escape out of the colony; all masters of vessels are therefore forewarned from harbouring or carrying him off, at their peril. I will give THREE POUNDS reward to any person who will deliver said slave to me, or to Mr. Hugh 3d Mehin at Portsmouth, and FORTY SHILLINGS to secure him in any gaol, and give notice thereof. THOMAS GORDON.

S U P P L E M E N T TO THE V I R G I N I A G A Z E T T E.
THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 1773.
M U N I C H, February 4.
T HE mortality still continues to rage among the horses in this electorate: It is a sort of inflammation of the lungs, which carries them off. The only remedy we have yet found effectual is bleeding them when first affected.
In the neighbourhood of Seifenfels an epidemic fever makes great ravages, by which many whole families have been carried off. The physicians have done every thing in their power to put a stop to it, but without effect, and have applied to government to appoint nine days prayers to be put up to St. Stephen to stop its progress.
L O N D O N, February 13.
A PERSON who deals much in SILVER had the curiosity, the other day, to tell out ONE HUNDRED POUNDS worth of it, and then to inspect it carefully, and see how much of it was really good; and he found that about TEN POUNDS of it only came from the Tower, and all the rest from the Mint at Birmingham. This demonstrates such a carelessness in government, and is such a disgrace to it as cannot be paralleled in any age or nation. Even of this bad coin there is not one half sufficient for the common uses of the subject.
Feb. 18. Last night Mr. Foote's long expected PUPPET SHEW was performed, for the first time, at the Theatre Royal in the Haymarket: It began with a very humorous exordium spoken by Mr. Foote, in which he described the origin, antiquity, and utility, of the species of drama he was going to produce. The shew is called The Handsome Housemaid ; or Piety in Pattens , and contains a number of satirical strokes, which furnished much entertainment; but the additional stage where the figures were exhibited was too far removed from the audience, for many of the persons who spoke for the puppets, to be distinctly heard; and some part of the spectators not understanding the intentions of placing persons in the front of the house to converse with the master of the shew, and others disliking the shortness of the piece, several persons expressed their disapprobation at the conclusion of the entertainment, and the galleries strenuously insisted that the piece should be withdrawn, in which they were opposed by the pit and boxes. A general scene of disorder ensued; some of the benches were torn up, and on Mr. Foote's being repeatedly called for, he came on, and the spectators being divided, after great altercation, the question was put whether the puppet shew should be played again, and a majority appearing in favour of it, Mr. Foote politely retired. The crowd was so great before six o'clock, from the numbers that resorted to the above entertainment, that the Haymarket was impassable for above an hour; the doors of the Theatre were broke open, and great numbers entered the house without paying any thing for their admission. Several hats, swords, canes, cloaks, &c. were lost among the mob; three Ladies fainted away, and a girl had her arm broke in endeavouring to get into the pit. The number of the Nobility that attended was actually astonishing: Guineas were frequently offered for single seats, but they were not attainable even at that price; and though a debate was carrying on in the House of Commons, which was expected to last till three o'clock in the morning, the illustrious representatives of the people could not withstand the invitation of the puppets: On the contrary, they crowded from the service of their country to the region of amusement, and, when the piece terminated, returned to wait for a division. The leading business of the puppet drama is to ridicule those dull sentimental comedies which now set the theatrical audiences to sleep; for the dialogue of the puppets teemed with those hackneyed and disjointed sentiments which are become so fashionable of late, and the scene exhibited those unnatural transitions of passion which Mr. Cumberland had the honour of bringing into vogue.
When the report of Lord Bellamont's being wounded reached St. James's, a Great Personage pathetically exclaimed, Unhappy nation, where the loss of life is to be deemed a satisfaction for an imaginary wound of honour!
An ingenious chemist on the continent has lately discovered a very cheap and elegant manner of dying a most beautiful scarlet, which has, by the means of Lord Harcourt, been procured for the use of the society of arts, manufactures, and commerce; and the members on Wednesday night voted their thanks to that Nobleman and Lord North, who brought an account of the process to England.
March 2. Lord North, we hear, has actually intimated his desire for resigning to a Great Personage, who has consented to it upon the following condition: That his Lordship do procure a successor who will agree to act under his directions, the Great Personage having the highest opinion of his Lordship's skill in politics.
We learn from Gibraltar that the Emperour of Morocco has ordered out several sail of cruizers from Madagor and Larache to cruise against the Venetians, with whom they are going to break, on account of the latter having espoused the cause of the Russians against the Ottoman Porte.
The bill for preventing occasional votes in elections of members to serve in Parliament, in such cities, boroughs, and places, where the right of voting is in the inhabitants only, has been read the first time, and ordered to be printed. It is imagined that the above bill will occasion high contentions among the country Gentlemen.
It should seem as if the House of Commons read his Majesty's speech, at the opening of the sessions, in the same manner as Hebrew is read, backward. The above speech recommends the high price of provisions among the first subjects for their deliberations; but though the sessions is now three parts over, the House have not yet come to any resolution on the subject.
The two Dutchesses of Gloucester and Cumberland now receive their visitors according to etiquette. They sit, and every person presented has the honour of kissing their hands; but the Dukes decline this distinction themselves, from motives of very laudable modesty.
It is said that in order to check the spirit of dueling, which seems to be rapidly reviving in this kingdom, the legislation will render the consequences to both parties the same as in case of high treason, viz. a confiscation of their estates and extinction of their titles.
Yesterday Lord Townsend was near an hour at the Queen's palace. He seems to be under great anxiety of mind on account of the present situation of Lord Bellamont.
Lord Bellamont was formerly Mr. Coote, and afterwards Sir Charles Coote, Knight of the Bath. He was exceedingly active in suppressing the dangerous insurrections of the white boys in Ireland, and had the ribband given him in reward for his services, at the instance of Lord Halifax, then Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. Sir Charles was afterwards created a Baron of Ireland, and since an Earl of that kingdom, under the title of Lord Bellamont. His Lordship has a Lady and seven children.
During the sale of a great Lady's effects, lately sold by auction, the diamond necklace she wore when she was married, was knocked down to a jeweller for one thousand and ten pounds.
Yesterday was argued in the court of King's Bench, the cause in which two porters in Carnaby market claim the estate of the late Sir Andrew Chadwick, as lawful heirs thereto. This affair is of consequence, being about 7000l. per annum. About a year ago two people were convicted of forging a will as made by that Gentleman; but the present claimants lay their title as heirs at law.
A petition was last week presented to the House of Commons, from one Edmund Quincy, of New England, setting forth, that he has discovered on his estate a peculiar ore for making steel, equal to the German steel; but that by an act of the 22d of his late Majesty, the petitioner finds himself restrained from using a tilt hammer; and is thereby deprived of the advantages of making steel upon an equal footing with foreigners; he therefore prays for leave to make steel in America, either with tilt hammers or otherwise, and to import the same into Great Britain, in like manner as iron from America may now be imported. Quere . If tilt hammers are allowed in one instance, may not the Americans take advantage of it, to the prejudice of the iron manufacturers of this kingdom?
Lord Greville Montague, we are told, is to succeed Sir William Trelawney in the government of Jamaica, Lord William Campbell to succeed Mr. Montague in the government of Carolina, and the Honourable Mr. Legge to be Governor of Halifax.
Lately died William Williams, Esq; of Pantysirry, near Lampeter, in Cardiganhire. This remarkable person led the life of a hermit at a place surrounded with the most stupendous rocks. He was possessed of a plentiful fortune, and the poor people near his abode stiled him "King of the mountains," from the great number of horses he had there.
We hear that Lord Townsend sends twice every day to enquire after the health of Lord Bellamont.
Roses, to the honour of humanity, in these times when the poor are starving, were sold last week at the fruit shops in St. James's Street, at the MODERATE price of SIXTEEN SHILLINGS a piece.
Boatbuilders are so much wanted in the English settlements in Africa, that a common ship carpenter is paid after the rate of 20l. sterling per month, on engaging for a limited time in the country.
We hear from Jamaica, and by several Gentlemen just arrived from thence, that they have lately made vast quantities of rum; in consequence thereof, the prices are greatly fallen on the keys at the port of London.
The vessel sunk near the starlings of London bridge has been the cause of incredible mischief on Friday evening; several west country barges, unaware of the matter, run foul of it, and sunk. Several lives were lost.
All the vessels lying in the river, outward bound for the Mediterranean, are sitting as in time of war; and some, we hear, have applied for letters of marque to fight against the Barbary States.
The court at St. James's has so far relaxed its severity with respect to the Dukes of Gloucester and Cumberland that no offence is now taken at any of the Nobility or Gentry, though even in the King's service, who visit them; so that we may speedily look for a reconciliation between the brothers of the Royal family.
A correspondent observes that as a Great Personage knew of the late misunderstanding between two Noblemen, it was a pity he had not interposed, as it would undoubtedly have prevented the unhappy consequences.
Within an hour after Lord Townsend's return home from the late duel, he sat down, and wrote a circumstantial relation of the whole affair to a celebrated wit; and his Lordship concluded with assuring his dear friend that he had not pulled a trigger since he was upon the BUSH FIGHTING service in America.
Upon the last conference Lord Ligonier had with Lord Townsend, relative to settling the dispute with Lord Bellamont, Lord Ligonier was still endeavouring to adjust it in an amicable manner, when his friend cut him short with the following reply: "No, no, Ligonier, the world has too long sneered upon my reputation; I will now convince them, at least, I have one virtue left." Saying this, he instantly commissioned Lord Ligonier with a challenge.
The part which Lord Ligonier took in a late fracas , from beginning to end, is looked upon by every body to be such as reflects an equal degree of credit on his courage, humanity, and friendship.
The island of St. Vincent, about which there is so much parliamentary altercation, is no more than twelve miles in breadth, and twenty four in length; the inland part is very mountainous, and many rapid streams run from the mountains into the sea, where, however, they form a secure retreat for such little vessels as are necessary for the inland trade.
L I V E R P O O L, March 5.
On Monday last two countrymen from Yorkshire were apprehended here, and brought before the Mayor, for knowingly uttering COUNTERFEIT GUINEAS. Several base and counterfeit guineas and half guineas were found in their possession, and they could give no account how they got them. Mr. Mayor committed them to Lancaster castle, to be tried at the next assizes.
T HE brig LIGHTFOOT, JACOB COOPER, master, will be ready to take in tobacco, at Bermuda Hundred, on account of Mess. Norton and son, by the beginning of May. Notes or orders may be lodged with J. H. Norton, Esquire, Williamsburg, Thomas Lilly of York, or the Captain on board.
T HE ship PLANTER, THOMAS LILLY, master, will be ready to take in tobacco, on liberty of consignment, by the 12th of May next. Notes or orders will be received by said Lilly, at the Honourable Col. Corbin's, in King & Queen.
NORFOLK, April 13, 1773.
W HEREAS on the 18th of March last Mr. George Jackson gives notice to the public that the partnership of George Jackson, Matthew Jackson, and William Jaques, is dissolved, and earnestly hopes that the creditors will settle with him only, I hereby inform the public that I was not in the least consulted about that matter, nor gave my consent to his advertisement, and therefore desire that no debts may be paid to either the said George or Matthew Jackson, without having it from under my hand for settling the same.
WILLIAM JACQUES.

To be RENTED, for a TERM of YEARS, THE MILLS at the falls of James river, in the town of Manchester, which consist of a double sawmill, a gristmill, with two pair of stones, for country work, which is worth about 400 barrels of corn the year, and a merchantmill with four pair of best French burstones, and all conveniencies necessary for carrying on the manufacturing business in the best manner; likewise a good dwellinghouse with two rooms on a floor, and a cellar and large fireplace in it; as also a large stone house, cooper's shop, stable, blacksmith's shop and tools, and a lot of two acres and a half enclosed about the works. The stream affords water enough for as many more mills, and the works are so situated that they are out of danger from freshes, having never received any damage but from the unparallelled one in May 1771. These works, being placed within a few yards of navigation, and in the most flourishing part of the country, where any quantity of wheat may be purchased, the business of manufacturing, as well as the West India trade, may be carried on to as great advantage as any where on the continent, and a ready market may be had for any quantity of plank, scantling, &c. The saw and gristmills are now finished, and the merchantmill will be finished by the 1st of September next. Any person inclined to rent the said works may know the terms by applying to
JOHN MAYO.
THE great COCK MATCH between the upper and lowland Gentlemen will be fought at Williamsburg on Tuesday the 25th of May.
To be SOLD, for ready money, at Pittsylvania courthouse, on the 27th of May next, being court day,
EIGHT hundred and four acres of LAND in the said county, on a branch of Banister river, and known by the name of Middle Creek, near Lightfoot's glades or meadows. If any person inclines to view the said land, attendance will be given by the subscriber the day before the sale. A good title will be made the purchaser. The said land is sold to reimburse the subscriber a debt which he paid Joseph Parks, as security for William Simmons, and other expences, in saving the said land.
PETER LE GRAND.
CUMBERLAND, April 17, 1773.
WANTED immediately, a person well recommended as to morals, and capable of teaching LATIN, GREEK, WRITING, and ARITHMETIC : To such an one I will give the sum of FORTY POUNDS a year. He shall likewise have the sole profit arising from as many scholars as he shall teach above the number of eight, and not exceeding twelve. If application is not made, either personally, or by letter, in about a month from this date, I shall not expect it at all from this advertisement.
ROBERT M C LAURIN.
THERE is now at my house at Capahosick ferry a Negro man about 26 years of age, by trade a carpenter and sawyer, and is of a yellowish complexion. This fellow nearly answers the description of one that I advertised some time ago as run away from me, and was brought to me as such, having confessed, when taken up, that he was my property. However, as he has had the smallpox during the time he was absent from me, which makes a considerable alteration in him, and as he now says he does not belong to me, I am unwilling to claim him, and therefore desire any person, who may think himself entitled to him, will appear in a reasonable time after this notice, for which purpose I have advertised him. He says he passed at Baltimore, in Maryland, as a free man, by the name of George Green, and at Annapolis, in said province, by that of Charles Chevier, and that he lived in North Carolina upwards of three years. He has prevaricated much with respect to the person whom he belongs to, having first said that he was the property of Thomas Nelson, Esquire, of York, then that he belonged to one White on the Eastern Shore, and, afterwards, to Samuel Sowerbutt's, a butcher in Fredericksburg. He has been much whipped by constables, since run away, for his irregular behaviour. JOHN FOX.
WILLIAMSBURG, April 22, 1773.
THIS is to desire all those who are indebted to Mr. Matthew Holt by bond, note, or account, to make immediate payment, as the situation of his affairs will not admit of any indulgence.—Will be sold, before the Raleigh door, on Monday the 3d of May, a likely NEGRO GIRL, for ready money. JOHN HOLT.
RUN away from the subscriber, living in Dinwiddie, about the 1st of January last, a Virginia born Negro fellow named PETER; he is about six feet high, and one of his ancles has been put out of place, which occasions him to limp much. Whoever will convey the said slave to me shall have THREE POUNDS reward. EDWARD WALKER.
TAKEN up, in Amherst, a small bay horse, about 4 feet 6 inches high, branded on the near buttock WR in a piece, had on a small bell, and a pair of iron fetters. Posted, and appraised to 8l. JOHN MURRILL.
TAKEN up, in Chesterfield, a brown cow yearling, with some white on her fore legs, marked with a crop and slit in the left ear, and a crop and nick in the under side, and a half moon in the upper side, of the right. Posted, and appraised to 1l. 5s. CORNELIUS ELLETT.
THE immediate settlement of my affairs being at this time absolutely necessary, all persons indebted to me are requested to be speedy in their payments; and all those who have open accounts are desired to come and settle them, and give bonds, or other specialties, as all accounts that remain unsettled the 1st of May next will be put into suit.—The house and lots where I now live are for sale: They consist of a large dwellinghouse, storehouse, and every other necessary building for a merchant, and a family. The terms may be known by applying to
JAMES ROBB.
TO BE SOLD,
A TRACT of one thousand acres of LAND, in Orange county, near the courthouse, and about 30 miles from Fredericksburg. The improvements on it are a new, convenient, and elegant, small dwellinghouse, kitchen, barn, and all other necessary buildings, quite new, and in good order . It has a piece of valuable and extraordinary good meadow ground, which, as some part of it is already improved, with little expence might be made to support a very large flock. There is also a constant and plentiful stream running through it. As the land abounds in a great quantity of different kinds of timber, and is convenient to a well settled neighbourhood, it is thought that either a saw or grist mill would be advantageous. The land in general is very level, fit for tobacco, and suitable for farming. Should any person incline to view it, Dr. J. Marlden, who resides on the premises, or Mr. Samuel Thompson, who lives near them, will be kind enough to shew it. The terms, which shall be made in every respect agreeable to the purchaser, may be known by applying to the subscriber, the Honourable Robert Carter's, at Nomony, in Westmoreland county. J. MARSHALL.
To be SOLD, on Friday the 30th instant (April) at five o'clock in the afternoon, before Mr. Southall's door in Williamsburg,
THE dwellinghouse, outhouses, lots, and pasture, where Col. Philip Johnson formerly resided, in this city. The commodiousness of their situation need not be described, as it is so well known. Any person inclining to purchase may, in the mean time, treat with Peyton Randolph and Robert Carter Nicholas, Esquires. The tenement may be entered upon immediately, and the purchaser will have credit till next Christmas, paying interest from the day of sale, and giving bond, with approved security.
WESTMORELAND, March 23, 1773.
AN advertisement some time ago published by Mr. Richard Hanson, attorney for Mr. Lyonel Lyde, informing the public that several Negroes by me advertised for sale, as the estate of Mr. John Monroe, deceased, had been mortgaged by Col. Andrew Monroe to the said Lyonel Lyde, to secure the payment of a very considerable sum of money, gave me the first information of that transaction; since which I thought it incumbent on me, as well to justify my own conduct as to prevent any uneasiness in the purchasers of these slaves, to make an enquiry into the matter, and I can now, with the greatest certainty, assure them that Col. Andrew Monroe, previous to the mortgage before mentioned, had not only given the slaves aforesaid to his son, the said John Monroe, by a marriage contract, but had also given him up the possession of them, at least twelve months before the execution of the said mortgage. Col. Monroe may have imposed upon Mr. Lyde, but could not thereby affect the title of his son in an estate given to him in the manner aforesaid; and therefore I hope the purchasers will immediately discharge their bonds, which, I presume, some of them have been prevented from doing by Mr. Hanson's publication.
JOHN ASHTON.
RICHMOND, April 6, 1773.
IMMEDIATELY after the present April General Court I will leave this colony. As there are many debts still due to me, which were contracted when I was formerly in the country, I flatter myself that the several debtors will now think it high time they were discharged. This I request of them as a particular favour. Those who fail complying may be assured that their bonds will, without any further notice, be put into the hands of a lawyer. If there are any demands against me, I beg they may be made known, that they may be instantly discharged.
A. DONALD.
WANTED , on charter, for Glasgow, a VESSEL from three to four hundred hogheads of tobacco burthen. For terms apply to Mess. Lawrence and company, merchants in Norfolk, or the subscriber in Warwick. JOHN LEITCH.
FOR LONDON,
THE snow NANCY , RICHARD BARRON , master, burthen about 330 hogheads, lying at Bull Hill, Appomattox river: She will sail by the 10th of May at farthest, and will take in tobacco, on liberty of consignment, at eight pounds sterling per ton. Orders sent to Mr. John King at Peterburg, or the subscriber, shall be attended to.
JOHN TABB.
BALTIMORE, March 24, 1773.
THE subscribers give this public notice that they have begun to inoculate, and will continue till the 10th of July. Those who chuse to come are requested to give timely notice, that proper accommodations may be provided for their reception.
HENRY STEVENSON.
JOHN COULTER.
Pursuant to the last will and testament of Mr. John Smith, of Hanover, deceased, will be SOLD, on the premises, some time next fall, and entered on at Christmas,
A VALUABLE tract of LAND lying in Hanover county, on the Brook Swamp, between four and five miles from Richmond, and two miles from the Meadow Bridges, known by the name of Picknocky, and containing about 200 acres, whereon is an extraordinary piece of dam work, nearly finished, which will effectually keep off the overflowings of the brook from upwards of 100 acres of exceeding rich, well timbered low grounds. Likewise a tract of about 200 acres of very rich, well timbered land, lying in Goochland county, on James river, near the mouth of the Great Bird, and opposite to Elk Island, having on it a plantation in order for working sixteen hands, and the soil is very suitable for tobacco, wheat, and Indian corn. This land will be sold altogether, or in parcels, as may best suit the purchasers. Also the reversion of a tract of about 500 acres of very good tobacco and grain land, lying in Goochland county, on the branches of the Little Bird, contiguous to the lands of Mr. Samuel Gilt, at whose death the purchaser will have possession. The lands in Goochland will be shewn by Mr. John Ware, near the premises. The days of sale, and time of payment, will be made known in a future advertisement.—All persons indebted to the estate of Mr. John Smith, deceased, are desired to make immediate payment; and those who have any demands against the said estate are requested to make them known to
WILLIAM ANDERSON, Executor.
N. B. For the convenience of those who may have accounts to settle with me for transactions had with Mr. Smith, I shall attend at every Hanover court, and the two succeeding days in Hanover town.
W. A.
AS the bonds taken by Mess. Tayloe, Thornton, and Fitzhugh, on account of the estate of Mr. Benjamin Grymes, will be very shortly due, I take this method to inform those whom it may concern that they are put into my hands to collect, for which purpose I will attend at Williamsburg on the 25th of this instant April; and for the convenience of those who may not have business there, I will also attend at Fredericksburg from the 15th to the 18th of April. As those Gentlemen are largely engaged for that estate, I hope all persons indebted, either by bond or account, will be punctual and speedy in their payments, as no indulgence can or will be granted to such as fail. I am desired by the same Gentlemen to request a meeting of Mr. Benjamin Grymes's creditors at Williamsburg on the 27th of April, when a state of their engagements, as well as debts due to them, will be laid before them, in order to see if the whole will pay the trustees; and if so, what will remain for the creditors.
ANTHONY THORNTON, jun.
To be SOLD, at public sale, at Culpeper courthouse, on Monday the 17th of May next,
A TRACT of LAND whereon I now live, near the Ragged Mountain, containing about 200 acres, on which is a good dwellinghouse 20 feet by 16, a tobacco house, barn, and other outhouses. Also another tract on the Ragged Mountain, containing about 360 acres, which now rents for 1200 weight of tobacco yearly. Credit will be allowed till next April General Court, on giving an approved merchant's note for payment. The above lands are sold to satisfy a debt due to Mess. Payne, Moor, and company, to whom they are under mortgage.
NICHOLAS GREEN.
NONPAREIL stands at my lots in York town, and covers mares at 20 shillings the leap, and 30 shillings the season. He is a fine dark bay, 15 hands and an inch high, is as full blooded as any horse upon the continent, and in the year 1769 he beat Mr. Galloway's famous horse Selim.
T. LILLY.
LATELY discovered in the possession of a Negro fellow belonging to me a SILVER WATCH , maker's name William Clayton, London, No. 10,206. He says he won it of a sailor, in the town of Dumfries, about twelve months ago. As I have not the most implicit confidence in him, I give this notice of the matter, that if any one hath a right to the said watch they may apply to the subscriber, near Dumfries, in Prince William county.
T. BLACKBURN.
To be LET to the lowest bidder on Monday the 10th of May next, at Richmond county courthouse,
THE building of a brick PRISON for the use of the said county, at which time and place attendance will be given by the Gentlemen commissioners appointed for that purpose. Bond and approved security will be required of the undertaker for his performance. THE SHERIFF.
LOST , yesterday, out of the subscriber's pocket, between Warwick town and Williamsburg, a large red leather pocket book, with a slate pencil; there were several bonds, notes of hand, and other papers; also a large letter, covered with brown paper, directed to Col. Edward Carter, and two to Colonel Pendleton, and a patent, in the name of Patrick Vance. Any person who finds the same, and delivers it to Robert Donald, in Warwick, shall have TEN SHILLINGS reward. JOHN ROWLAND.