The Virginia gazette (Williamsburg, Va.), 1772-12-10 00:00:00

VIRGINIA
GAZETTE.
Open to ALL PARTIES,
but influenced by NONE.
L O N D O N, August 28.
So great is the passion for lands on the Mississippi in North America, that one petition only, now lying before the Privy Council, has 180 names to it, many of them persons of large fortune, who are already sending to the neighbourhood of the Rhine and other parts of Germany for emigrants, which they are likely to collect in great numbers from the poverty of these countries.
So cultivated is the Spanish side of the Mississippi (by the French indeed, who possessed the country till the late peace at Fontainebleau) that the dwelling-houses and offices of the planters, which are built on the edge of the river, form a line above thirty miles in length. New Orleans, which is the capital of the place, is a very elegant town, and has assemblies as well dressed in it as can be met with in many parts of Old France, notwithstanding dress constitutes a science in their Mother country.
An officer of distinction says he has sat down to tables on the banks of the Mississippi, consisting of two removes, with eighteen dishes in each, and accompanied by a desert that could not be purchased for twenty pounds.
The same officer reports that the great mistake of the English negotiators, at the conclusion of the late peace, was their giving up New Orleans, which may be considered as the key of the Mississippi to the Spaniards; for had we retained it in our own hands, it would have always made us the arbiters of peace, and bound Spain to her good behaviour, in consequence of the entrance which it opened into Mexico.
August 31. There is much good sense in a certain Gentleman's satire upon the modern race of writers sent out in the India company's service. They ought to be industrious, pains-taking, moderate young men, who, by a slow but regular gradation, should be content to ascend by degrees into places of honour. They are the younger branches of opulent families, bred in all the delicacies of refined luxury, and permitted by mama to visit India, only on condition of their returning with a Nabob's fortune in the course of a very few years. How they are to procure this fortune is very easily conceived; and it cannot be doubted but that such effeminate striplings will give loose to every degenerate sentiment that can disgrace the human heart, whilst it contributes to gratify the passions, or glut their avarice. This opens a door to every species of corruption and abuse, and upon this principle the many atrocious villainies, committed by those who disgrace the company in the capacity of its servants, may easily be accounted for.
Extract of a letter from an Englishman in Paris, dated August 27.
"Within these few days near 7000 women of the town have been confined in different hospitals and prisons; when cured, destined for Corsica, and the West India islands. The police have resolved not to suffer any Ladies of pleasure in Paris, but what are acknowledged by some Abbess to be of her convent, and physicians are paid to visit daily those virtuous retreats."
Sept. 1. A Gentleman, treating of the abuses of the company's servants in East India, makes the following observations: "The abuses of the most serious nature are, the monopolies of rice and salt, which are real necessaries of life; of beetle nut and tobacco, which, from their general use, are habitually so; of cotton, a raw material for the manufactories of the country; alterations on the current coinage; oppressions of foreign merchants, from whose trade there was continual influx of specie; millions lavished in fortifications; a total want of economy in all the different details of stores and provisions for the army, the company's servants being the contractors without the smallest check over them; keeping back for years many essential accounts, which ought to be transmitted home by every ship; obstructions to the improvement of the filatures of silk; a total inattention to the choice of their muslin investments, &c. It will not appear exaggerated to those who are in the least acquainted with East India affairs, if the private fortunes brought from the East, since the acquisition of the Dewannee in 1765, are stated at five millions. It is a well known fact that the company has paid two millions to the government, besides at least an equal sum for the duties and excises on the increased trade from India since the above period. The additional dividends to the proprietors may also be said to derive from the possession of the Dewannee."
Sept. 3. The mode of arresting a celebrated Lady, now in the King's Bench prison, is said to be very whimsical: Two bailiffs, dressed very magnificently, went to see the house, which was constantly shewn to people of distinction; after walking about a long time they affected a quarrel, and drew; the servants called for help; the Lady issued in a violent agitation from the apartments where she was safely locked up, and one of the catchpoles telling her she was his prisoner, terminated the fray, though little to her satisfaction.
Sept. 5. The recesses of the several great boards in the various departments of government are much complained of by many people, as they put a stop to many essential measures. The design, for instance, of the new settlement on the Ohio, which created the late revolution in the American secretaryship of state, being necessarily postponed, though absolutely determined upon, till the meeting of the Lords of Trade in next November.
Others say that the Lords of Trade have nothing farther to do in the new settlement on the Ohio, as they have already given their opinion, which is against it, and that the latter now rests entirely with the King and Council. "Be that as it may (says the correspondent who has favoured us with the foregoing paragraph) the recess of government somewhere is the cause of delaying a measure which is acknowledged to be of the utmost utility."
As our correspondent says so much on the business of recesses, we think it merely just to observe that the recesses of Ministers from the immediate active duties of their employments are seldom any relief from fatigue, as their time is amply taken up in these intervals, in the consideration of new plans, the revision of the old ones, the dispatching of suitors, and the preparing of bills for Parliament. The question, therefore, solely is, whether the schemes which occupy their hours of seeming retirement, are not as necessary as the settlement on the Ohio; and we cannot but answer in the affirmative, if we suppose the King's servants either possessed of common honesty, or common understanding. Besides, a few months delay can be attended with no bad consequences in the one, but in the other may be productive of innumerable difficulties.
It is exceedingly whimsical that though the English consider themselves as the only free nation in Europe, every other is equally captivated with its constitution. The Russians, whom we represent as miserable slaves, deposed their Prince to maintain their rights, and the Poles are, at this moment, glorying in the full possession of their liberty, though three different armies, belonging to different Princes, are hourly dictating death through the unfortunate country.
The state of the Polish Gentry, who are at this moment scattered in a miserable exile, through the principal cities of the continent, is truly deplorable; the long evil dissensions have entirely exhausted all their ready money, and no returns are now to be expected from their estates. Their country is almost wholly in the hands of strangers, and they see, though too late, that it is better even to have a despotic Prince of their own, than to be under the government of a despotic enemy.
The scarcity of money, we hear, is so excessive, even in the neighbourhood of the great cities in Poland, that a fine horse is cheerfully sold for a ducat; the edible animals, however, are, in a manner, eaten up by the various armies. The grounds, likewise, remain uncultivated, and all the horrors of a speedy famine threaten, with the calamities of civil war, to complete the destruction of the wretched inhabitants.
It is said that a measure has been hit upon to put an end to every species of Maccaronism for the future, by laughing it entirely out of countenance. Several persons of fortune, Ladies as well as Gentlemen, are subscribing a sum to purchase a number of dresses, in the highest Maccaroni taste. These are to be given to chairmen, porters, carmen, watermen, and other low people, who are to be handsomely paid for wearing them, not only in their several occupations, but in traversing the Park, and other public places, arm in arm, in groupes. Some of the clubs for the Irish chairmens hair are made as thick as the wearer's legs, and all their other habiliments equally outré .
Cn Sunday morning last Mr. Hill, son of Sir Rowland Hill, Bart. preached at the Tabernacle in Tottenham Court Road to a very crowded audience; and the same evening he preached again in the fields adjoining to White Conduit House to an amazing mul-
titude, consisting, as was supposed, of not less than 5000 people, several hundreds of whom had assembled early in the afternoon, waiting his coming, who were all remarkably silent and attentive during the sermon. His text in the evening was from Mark, chap. xvi. ver. 16. "He that believeth and is baptised shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned."
Sept. 7. Lord Harcourt's departure for Ireland is now fixed for the 6th of next month, if a total derangement of the present Ministry should not take place then. But whoever may be appointed to succeed Lord Townshend, it is said his Majesty is determined he shall receive the sword of state from that Nobleman, as he is resolved to have no more Lords Justices in that kingdom, as a source of faction, and a means of keeping up an immediate interest, equally pernicious to that of Prince and people.
There are three Russians arrived here in the Queen East Indiaman, who travelled on foot from Russia to Canton, through the desarts of Persia, which is upwards of five thousand miles. They were three months in going it. They seem to be very sturdy fellows, and much used to hard labour.
Francis Hawley, Lord Hawley, Baron of Donamore, and Baronet, who died last week, was Lieutenant Governor of Antigua, and succeeded his father Francis, the late and second Lord, on May 30, 1743. He married Margaret, daughter of Thomas Tyrrel, Esquire, of the city of London, by whom he had issue one daughter, married in May, 1755, to John Brettle, Esquire.
Her Czarish Majesty has been pleased to present Lord Cathcart with her picture set with diamonds, worth 8000 roubles.
Sept. 8. It has been observed that the revolution which has just taken place in Sweden has been effected with more secrecy, dispatch, and less terror to the subjects, than those which took place not long since in Russia and Denmark.
The annals of Europe furnish not an instance of so critical a juncture as the present. The sword of war for a moment withheld in suspence, whether to be sheathed, or again embued in the blood of the subjects of the two mighty empires of Russia and Turkey; the very extraordinary and interesting proceedings of the courts of Russia, Austria, and Prussia, in regard to the unhappy kingdom of Poland, threatening the dismemberment of it; and the sudden and important revolution in Sweden, whereby a power, little less than absolute, is given to a young and enterprising Prince; these events suggest ideas big with consequences that, in a very short time, may entirely destroy the balance of power, and, in a manner, leave not a natural feature in the face of Europe. Add to the above, that it is very probable the Dowager Queen of Denmark, availing herself of the commotion in Sweden, and the engagements of the other above mentioned powers, will alarm us with the news of another revolution, by cajoling the present puny Monarch of his crown, in favour of her own son, and thus encreasing the confusion. No one doubts that the instance of Peter III. is yet recent in her memory.
Nothing can save Poland but the shame of her pseudo friends; for that only seems to restrain them from putting the coup de main to their atrocious designs.
We are credibly informed that the messenger who brought the news of the revolution in Sweden to St. James's brought also letters to the Swedish ambassador, with instructions to negotiate a new subsidiary treaty with the court of London, the King being desirous to throw off his dependence on France, and to form his alliances with protestant powers only. Like instructions, it is said, were dispatched by his Swedish Majesty to his Minister at the court of Berlin; and it is imagined that a new treaty of alliance, offensive and defensive, will speedily take place between those two powers.
Foreign politicians are in doubt whether the negotiations of peace at Fockzani will terminate to the satisfaction of the belligerent powers. The Turks are every where encreasing their armies, and the Russians have sent fresh instructions to their commanders in the Mediterranean, to hold themselves in readiness to sail on the first notice.
A noble Roman, the particular friend of Pope Julius the Second, told him how many lamented that his Holiness should attend with so much warmth to the war against France; and that God had only given him the key of his church to lock out discord, and open the door of reconciliation. The Pope re-

plied, that those persons who so much lamented, did not probably know that St. Peter and St. Paul were companions, and both Princes of the church. "My predecessors have only made use of St. Peter's key; and I now, to take off the rust, use the sword of St. Paul." "True," replied the Nobleman to his Holiness, "but you must also remember, that Christ bid Peter return the sword to the scabbard." "True," again replies the Pope, "but you must also remember that was not before , but after he had cut off the High Priest's servant's ear."
Sir Robert Murray Keith, we are told, was to have returned to Copenhagen in his former capacity; but he gave to understand that he was apprehensive he should not return here again alive if he did; at least his situation would be rendered so disagreeable, by the arts of a disappointed crew, that he should not be capable of doing that duty the nature of his office required.
It is said that a Great Personage, not content with his celebrity for his mechanical genius, is now putting in his claim to the literary also, as will appear in a short time, by the publication of an epitaph on General WOLFE , which he is now composing.
CHARLESTOWN ( S. Carolina ) October 22.
In the COMMONS HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY, the 30th day of October, 1772.
Ordered,
THAT the report of the committee of grievances, as agreed to by the House this day, be printed and made public.
By order of the House, THOMAS FARR, jun. clerk.
The COMMITTEE ON GRIEVANCES
Report,
THAT they have considered the several matters referred to them the 22d and 24th instant, by the House; and though the committee are of opinion that the Governor's calling the Assembly to Beaufort, keeping them there three days without permitting them to do any business and proroguing them on the very day, that by law, was the last that the General Assembly could be discontinued, were such measures as call for the utmost resentment of this House, and would well justify their coming immediately to a resolution to do no business with his Excellency, until he had given them satisfaction in the premises: Yet, as the people have been long deprived of the benefit of representation, and his Majesty's service, and the interest of the colony, require the immediate sitting and proceeding of the General Assembly on the arduous affairs of our country; the committee therefore recommend, that the House do not carry matters to that extremity, but that they enter into the following resolutions:
Resolved, That as this House did not exist when his Excellency formed his plan of calling the General Assembly to Beaufort, his Excellency's proceeding seemed to be founded upon his ill-will to the body of the freemen of this province, inasmuch as he thereby shewed his purpose of injuring and affronting whomsoever the freeholders of the colony should chuse to represent them.
Resolved, That his Excellency's calling the General Assembly to Beaufort, a place very distant from Charlestown, where such Assemblies have always been held (except when malignant and contagious disorders rage therein) where all the public offices and records are kept, at a time highly dangerous to the health, and inconvenient to the private affairs of the members, was a most unprecedented oppression, and an unwarrantable abuse of royal prerogative, which hath never been questioned by the people of this colony.
Resolved, That the Governor's keeping at Beaufort the fullest House ever met, at the beginning of any session, three days before he would receive them with their Speaker, and then immediately proroguing them, was adding insult to injury, and plainly manifested his contempt of the people's representatives.
Resolved, That his Excellency's proroguing the General Assembly, without suffering them to sit one moment as a legislative body, was at least an evasion, if not a direct violation, of the election law, which enacts, that the sitting and holding of General Assemblies shall not be discontinued or intermitted above six months; that time being entirely expired when his Excellency prorogued the House.
Your committee recommend, that the agent be ordered to make the strongest representations to his Majesty, of the arbitrary and oppressive proceedings of the Governor, and to use his utmost endeavours to procure the removal of his Excellency from this government, or such other marks of his Majesty's Royal displeasure, as may prevent Governors, for the future, from thus oppressing the people, by abusing those prerogatives which were intended for their benefit.
And as his Excellency's speech at Beaufort seems wholly calculated to throw the blame of all the inconveniences which the public labour under upon former Houses of Assembly, and his charges having been sufficiently confuted by them, it is unnecessary to have their conduct vindicated by this House.
BOSTON, November 5.
At the adjournment on Monday afternoon the committee, appointed to present a petition to his Excellency the Governor of this province, reported, and laid before the town, the following reply, which his Excellency had been pleased to deliver them in writing, viz.
GENTLEMEN,
THE Royal charter reserves to the Governor full power and authority, from time to time, as he shall judge necessary, to adjourn, prorogue, and dissolve, the General Assembly.
In the exercise of this power, both as to time and place, I have always been governed by a regard to his Majesty's service, and to the interest of the province.
It did not appear to me necessary for those purposes that the Assembly should meet at the time to which it now stands prorogued; and before I was informed of your address, I had determined to prorogue it to a further time.
The reasons which you have advanced have not altered my opinion.
If, notwithstanding, in compliance with your petition, I should alter my determination, and meet the Assembly, contrary to my own judgment, at such time as you judge necessary, I should, in effect, yield to you the exercise of that part of the prerogative, and should be unable to justify my conduct to the King.
There would, moreover, be danger of encouraging the inhabitants of the other towns in the province, to assemble, from time to time, in order to consider of the necessity or expediency of a session of the General Assembly, or to debate and transact other matters, which the law, that authorizes towns to assemble, does not make the business of a town meeting.
T. HUTCHINSON.
Province House, Nov. 2, 1772.
To the inhabitants of the town of Boston, in town meeting assembled, at Faneuil Hall.
This reply having been read several times, and duly considered; it was moved, and the question accordingly put, whether the same be satisfactory to the town? Which passed in the negative, nem. con. and thereupon,
Resolved, as the opinion of the inhabitants of this town, that they have, ever had, and ought to have, a right to petition the King, or his representative, for the redress of such grievances as they feel, or for preventing of such, as they have reason to apprehend, and to communicate their sentiments to other towns.
It was then moved, that a committee of correspondence be appointed, to consist of twenty one persons, to state the rights of the colonists, and of this province in particular, as men, as christians, and as subjects, to communicate and publish the same to the several towns in this province, and to the world, as the sense of this town, with the infringements and violations thereof, that have been, or from time to time may be made. Also, requesting of each town, a free communication of their sentiments on this subject. And the question being accordingly put, passed in the affirmative, nem. con.
A committee of twenty one persons was then appointed, for the purposes aforesaid, of which the Honourable James Otis, Esquire, is Chairman; and they were desired to report to the town as soon as may be.
Attest.
WILLIAM COOPER, Town Clerk.
PHILADELPHIA, November 21.
Lieutenant Hutchings, who is employed as engineer on the coast of Florida, relieved 22 men on a desolate island, about 120 miles to the westward of Pensacola, where they had been shipwrecked 28 days, and were in the greatest distress, being at an allowance of half a pint of water per day. We do not hear who they were.
We hear a large schooner bound from Maryland to Barbados, with corn, pork, &c. put into Bermuda with the loss of her masts and bowsprit, where she sold her cargo; provisions being very scarce there.
WILLIAMSBURG, December 10.
On the death of Mr. JOHN TAYLOR, late of Norfolk, merchant.
The following was intended to have been inserted in the paper that mentioned Mr. TAYLOR's death; but, through some accident or miscarriage in coming from the country, it came to hand but lately, and now it is offered to the public.
Departed shade! accept this willing lay, Nor think amiss what justice bids me say: Thro' life he pass'd, with ev'ry virtue fraught That could enoble any human heart; Thro' business toil'd with Socratic ease, But, at fit intervals, could likewise please; A tender husband, parent, friend, and more, The steadfast friend of freedom o'er and o'er; No servile meanness ever made him frail, To cringe or truckle t' any Nabob's way. Happy! while thus he pass'd his happy time; Tho' now far happier in yon azure clime! Let us, O muses! strew his tomb with flow'rs: We can no more in these sad solemn hours.
On Saturday the 28th of November died, at Cely's, WILSON CARY , Esquire. It requires not the suspicious testimony of the pen to bear witness of his virtues, since multitudes, both relatives and friends, with gratitude declare them. The consolation we should administer to our distress is, that what once shone on earth now shines in Heaven.
By the Trimley, Capt. Page, arrived in Rappahannock river, in seven weeks from London, we are informed that Mr. WILKES was elected Lord Mayor for the ensuing year: That the Unity, Goosey, Liberty, Outram, Russia Merchant, Carnaby, and the Hanbury, Esten, are arrived in the river Thames.
At the court of Oyer and Terminer, on Tuesday last, the following criminals took their trials:
Nathan Phillips, from Hanover, for murder: Acquitted; but remanded to gaol, being a lunatic.
John Chavis, from Brunswick, for manslaughter: Acquitted.
Isaac Freeland, from Lunenburg, for horsestealing: Guilty.
To be SOLD, at public auction, at Fredericksburg, on the 29th of this instant (December) if fair, otherwise next fair day,
THIRTY SIX choice SLAVES, among which are, an exceeding valuable COACHMAN, 28 years old, and an elderly, but very valuable, HOUSE SERVANT, capable of waiting on a Gentleman's person, managing a garden and stud, and long used to drive a coach. Credit will be allowed till the 25th of April for one half, and till the 25th of October for the other, bearing interest from the date; the purchasers to procure the engagement of some merchant, of my acquaintance, to pay the money by the last days of each General Court, and give bond themselves, to JAMES MERCER.
PETERSBURG, November 30, 1772.
THIS is to give notice to all those Gentlemen who are concerned in shipping tobacco from Robert Bolling's warehouse, that they are desired to send their notes with the inspection, as they may depend that no tobacco will be delivered without both, as credit for inspection will never be had again during my continuance, on account of the disappointments I lately met with. I hope that due notice will be taken of this advertisement by all those Gentlemen concerned, as they may depend it will be strictly attended to by their humble servant,
GEORGE ARCHER.
FINDING it extremely difficult to collect the money due for the inspection of tobacco, the inspectors at Byrd's and Shoemaker's warehouses are determined to ship no tobacco, for the future, from the said warehouses, unless the inspection money is sent with the orders; and the Captains of ships are desired to take notice thereof, in order that they may not meet with disappointments.
To be SOLD, at Charlottesville, on Thursday the 14th of January next (being Albemarle court day) if fair, otherwise the next fair day,
SIXTEEN likely Virginia born SLAVES, being part of the late Col. Richard Johnson's estate. They consist of MEN, WOMEN, BOYS, and GIRLS. Credit will be given till the 25th of October next, the purchasers giving bond, with approved security. Those bonds which may remain unpaid any time exceeding one month after they become due, to carry interest from the date.
THE EXECUTORS.
To be SOLD, to the highest bidder, on Tuesday the 29th of this instant (December) at Bedford courthouse,
TWO hundred and thirty acres of rich TOBACCO WOOD LAND, lying a little above Mead's mill, on Elk creek, in Bedford, about six miles from the courthouse. Six months credit will be allowed, on giving bond, with security, to ROBERT DONALD.
ALL persons having demands against the estate of Sarah McAndrew, deceased, are desired to apply for payment before the last day of January next, as I purpose selling the estate at that time.
JACOB BRUCE, Executor.
Goochland, December 5, 1772.
STRAYED, or stolen, from Capt. Younghusband's, in September last, a roan horse, near 4 years old, 4 feet 6 inches and a half high, his head darker than his body, has a star in his face, both his hind feet white, has a scar on the top of his rump, occasioned by the bite of another horse, branded low on the near buttock W, and on the off buttock TP, paces altogether. Whoever gives information so that I get him again shall receive TWENTY SHILLINGS.
THOMAS PLEASANTS.
JUST arrived, the Trimley, Capt. Page, with about seventy choice healthy SERVANTS, among whom are many tradesmen, viz. tailors, weavers, masons, a tallow chandler, shoemakers, carpenters, gardeners, a baker, a book-keeper, a schoolmaster, a mantua-maker, with many farmers and labourers. The sale will commence at Leeds town, on Monday the 21st of December, and continue until all are sold. A reasonable credit will be allowed, on giving bond, with approved security, to JAMES MILLS, and company.

HANOVER TOWN, December 7, 1772.
AS I have just opened TAVERN in the house lately occupied by my father, Thomas Tinsley, in the said town, and intend keeping as good or the best entertainment in the colony, I shall be much obliged to those who will favour me with their custom, as they may depend on being genteelly entertained.
CRUTCHFIELD TINSLEY.
THIRTY DOLLARS REWARD.
RUN away from the subscriber, on the 10th of October, an indented servant man named MATHEW SAVAGE, Virginia born, and I am told several of his relations live near Williamsburg. He indented himself in Ireland, and came over from thence, in a ship with many Irish servants, to Baltimore town. I made a purchase of all the healthy servants in the ship, and he was one of the number: But finding he was an American born, I would not sell him, but agreed to give him liberty to hire himself, in order to raise the sum of 251. Maryland currency; on the payment of which I agreed to give up his indentures. He appeared to be very thankful, as I had not treated him as a common servant, and promised to be very industrious, to raise the money for his freedom; and in order to get him employed, I gave him a letter to a relation of mine, who was building a mill, to employ him, and sent by him a bolting cloth for the mill, value eight pounds, but I have never since heard of him, or the bolting cloth. He is about 5 feet 9 inches high, well set, about 45 years of age, of a ruddy complexion, wears his own black hair, talks much of his abilities in the management of indigo, and says he was overseer for Colonel Byrd, at one of his indigo plantations. He had on, and took with him, a grey bear skin coat, black plush breeches, a pair of black worsted stockings, two or three pair of thread ditto, green cloth trowsers, and other apparel, which I cannot exactly describe. Whoever will take up the said servant, and deliver him to the subscriber, in George Town, Frederick county, Maryland, shall receive the above reward.
WILLIAM DEAKINS, jun.
STRAYED, or stolen, from my pasture, a blooded bay mare, 13 hands and a half high, branded on the left buttock TN, has a long switch tail, and long mane hanging on the left side of her neck, with a snip or white on her upper lip, trots altogether, and is rather cathamed. Whoever brings the said mare to me shall receive TWENTY SHILLINGS.
JAMES SOUTHALL.
STRAYED, or stolen, from the subscriber, in Sussex, near the chapel, on Raccoon swamp, the 16th of November, a grey fleabitten mare, about 4 feet 6 or 7 inches high, 6 years old, paces naturally, cathamed, has a hanging mane and tail, and had on a good saddle and bridle when lost. Whoever will bring the said mare to me, or give me intelligence where I may get her, shall receive TWENTY SHILLINGS.
GEORGE LONG, jun.
COMMITTED to the gaol of Prince George a Negro man about 30 years old, 5 feet 6 inches high, and says he came from Barbadoes with Capt. Atkinson. He has two blankets, three oznabrish shirts, three pair of trowsers, a cotton waistcoat without sleeves, a striped Virginia cloth jacket, and a pair of plaid hose. Whoever owns the said Negro is desired to take him away, and pay charges.
HENRY BATTE.
TAKEN up, in Loudoun, near Gum Spring meeting house, a sorrel mare, about 12 hands high, has a star in her forehead, branded on the right thigh H. Posted, and appraised to 4l.—The taker up has since removed into Spotsylvania, where the owner is desired to come.
DENNES WRIGHT.
TAKEN up, in Lunenburg, on Meherrin river, a small white mare, about 4 feet 4 or 5 inches high, appears to be branded on the near buttock H, and has a large scar under her breast. Posted, and appraised to 3l.
JOHN GLEN.
JUST PUBLISHED,
And to be SOLD, by EDWARD CUMINS, At the NEW PRINTING OFFICE In WILLIAMSBURG,
THE STORE, OR THE AMERICAN SYREN: BEING A COLLECTION OF THE NEWEST AND MOST APPROVED SONGS. Price one PISTEREEN.
WHEREAS the administrator of Messrs. Sprowle and Crook's estate did advertise last January for all persons indebted to the said estate to make speedy payment; and as little or no regard has been paid to that notice, those that are still indebted are once more desired to make immediate payment, as the administrator is determined to deliver their accounts into the hands of a lawyer immediately, in order to commence suits against them.
ANDREW SPROWLE.
FREDERICKSBURG, December 1, 1772.
HAVING still a very large assortment of European and other GOODS on hand, suited to both fall and spring, I would willingly lump off the whole, or in parcels assorted, at a very low advance, for cash, tobacco, bills of exchange, or at short credit with security. Mean time I will sell them in small parcels, or by retail, at 50 per cent. advance, on first sterling cost (by real invoice) for ready money, or tobacco. Among the above is a full assortment of RUGS and BLANKETS of almost all kinds and prices, striped DUFFILS of various prices, and COVERLIDS.—I must earnestly request all those whose bonds and accounts are due to make speedy payments, and save me from the disagreeable necessity I am under of putting to immediate diligence all bonds and accounts over due that are not paid this fall, or very early next spring, and that without respect to persons. The Gentlemen and others indebted, by paying particular attention to this, will very greatly oblige
GEORGE MITCHELL.
WE the subscribers take this method of informing the public that a stage is now carried on between Philadelphia and Baltimore, by the way of Wilmington and Charles Town: The advantages that will attend this stage, we hope, will induce every person that wants a quick dispatch to Baltimore to favour us with their custom. As Wilmington is situated on Christiana, two miles from Delaware river, and Charles Town, on North East river, eight from the mouth of Elk river, we shall never be detained by contrary winds, which is frequently the case with other stages. Foudrey and Bush's stage leaves the Crooked Billet wharf, in Philadelphia, every Wednesday, and returns every Friday: Patrick Hamilton's stage waggons leaves Charles Town every Thursday, and returns every Friday from Wilmington; and his packet leaves Charles Town every Saturday, and returns every Wednesday. Passengers pay from Philadelphia to Wilmington two shillings; from Wilmington to Charles Town five shillings; from Charles Town to Baltimore four shillings. Goods are received in Philadelphia by Messieurs Edwards and Marris, Chestnut street wharf.
PATRICK HAMILTON, FOUDREY AND BUSH.
FORTY DOLLARS REWARD.
RUN away from the Reverend Mr. Boucher's, in Prince George county, Maryland, the 4th of October last, a convict servant named Samuel Carter, alias Gasford, belonging to the subscriber in Stafford. He was transported in the ship Thornton, to Rappahannock river, last June, which, I am informed, he boasts is not the first time of his having been transported to America. He is about twenty three years of age, of the middle size, and wears his own brown hair, which probably he may cut off, the better to disguise himself. He rode off a small bay blooded horse, trimmed, with a ridged mane, his foretop cut off, his tail bobbed short, and has a small white spot on one of his ears, it is uncertain whether he is branded or not, but believe he is with IM in a piece. The said fellow likewise took with him a portmanteau containing some wearing apparel of mine, and several suits of his own, particularly a blue coat with a red cape, a waistcoat of the same, and a wilton waistcoat and breeches; carried also with him a very good German flute, which he plays very well on, and is very fond of. Whoever will deliver the servant and horse to me, or to Dr. Richard Brooke in Maryland, shall be entitled to the above reward, or one half for either of them.
CLEMENT BROOKE.
FOR SALE,
ABOUT eleven hundred ACRES of LAND, lying in Orange county, thirty miles from Fredericksburg, on the road to the courthouse. For particulars enquire of Capt. Reubin Daniel, who is empowered to treat for the same. The land may be laid off in parcels, as best suit the purchasers. An indisputable title will be made, and twelve months credit allowed.
GEORGE DANIEL.
WE last spring imported, in the Two Sisters, Capt. Field, from Liverpool, one hoghead of earthen ware, IGF, No. 3, thirteen sacks of salt, a box of garden seed, IP, No. 1, and a box ditto, WW, No. 2. None of the above goods have yet been received by us, and doubt not but they are lodged on some part of James river. Whoever may have received them will oblige us by sending them speedily round, or by informing us, by post, where they may be had from. We have under our care a hoghead of merchandise, R, crowsfoot, RC, No. 1, imported in the Dawes, Capt. Brown, from London.
JOHN and GEORGE FOWLER.
STRAYED from the subscribers, about six months ago, a likely bay horse, of the middle size, he is young, but we cannot exactly tell his age, nor are we certain of his having any brand; he came from Lunenburg county, where we understand he had been raised by hand, is remarkably gentle, but very mischievous, is slack of courage, goes dull and heavy, and has a small wart on one of his ears. Whoever produces the said horse, or gives information sufficient for his recovery, shall receive a reward more than adequate to all the trouble and expence it may cost them.
JOHN and GEORGE FOWLER.
FOR SALE,
A VALUABLE tract of LAND in Hanover county, adjoining the seat of Mr. John Skelton, containing 337 acres, on which are necessary houses, for a plantation, in good order for cropping; there is on the said land a fine place for a meadow, a creek running through it. Likewise a good apple and peach orchard. Credit will be given till June for one hundred and fifty pounds, and June twelvemonth the balance, with bond, and approved security. I likewise propose selling the place I purchased of Mr. Smith, the tract containing 212 acres, with a good dwellinghouse, kitchen, storehouse, stable, barn, &c. The terms may be known by applying to the subscriber. I also beg the favour of those indebted to me to make payment; and those who have any demands are desired to make them known.
JOHN THORNTON.
To be SOLD, at Fauquier courthouse, on Tuesday the 15th of December next,
EIGHTY FOUR choice SLAVES, thirty of them very fine Africans, and the remainder Virginia born. The credit that will be given for the greatest part of them will be one half in June next, and the other half next June twelvemonth, with interest from the date, if not paid punctually. About twenty of them must be sold for ready money, or very short credit. The public may depend that the above number of slaves will be there that day, let the weather be ever so bad, and an undoubted title made the purchasers by
JOHN HAWKINS.
STRAYED, or stolen, from Mr. Mann Page's plantation, near Hanover town, the 15th of July last, a dark bay horse, about 14 hands and a half high, with a short switch tail, and hanging mane, not branded, has a remarkable scar on his nose, and trots and gallops well. Whoever brings him to me, near Fredericksburg, or to Mr. Crutchfield, near Hanover town, shall receive FORTY SHILLINGS.
MANN PAGE, jun.
TAKEN up, in Dinwiddie, on Gravelly Run, a small bay mare, about 3 years old, 4 feet 4 or 5 inches high, has a blaze face, paces naturally, branded on the near buttock 5, and has never been docked. Posted, and appraised to 7l.
WILLIAM EPPES.
TAKEN up, in Albemarle, on Michum's river, a bay mare, about 4 feet 5 or 6 inches high, paces naturally, about 4 years old, branded on the near buttock —10, has a hanging mane, and sprig tail, and is unbroke. Posted, and appraised to 8l.
THOMAS MASTOCKTON.
TAKEN up, at Cely's, the plantation of Colonel Wilson Cary, a cypress pettiauger, 22 feet long, and 3 feet wide, has usually carried four oars, and is marked in the stern 444444. The owner may have the said vessel by paying the charge of this advertisement, and a reasonable allowance to the takers up.
THOMAS WOOTEN, jun.
TAKEN up, near the Long Ordinary, in Dinwiddie, a small red steer, his face, head, and belly white, has a half crop and slit in the right ear, and a swallowfork in the left, his horns are sawed, and appears to have been under yoke. Appraised to 40s.
BENJAMIN WATSON.
TAKEN up, in Cumberland, a sorrel horse, with a blaze in his forehead, has a switch tail, branded on the near buttock M, about 4 feet 5 inches high, paces naturally. Posted, and appraised to 8l.
SAMUEL ALLEN.
TAKEN up, in Spotsylvania, a bay horse, about 4 feet 6 inches high, with a hanging mane, and switch tail, has saddle spots on each side of his back, white marks under his belly, and branded, or scarred, on the near buttock I. Posted, and appraised to 5l.
FRANCIS TALIAFERRO.
TAKEN up, in King William, four head of cattle, viz. one red and white cow, a red heifer, with a white flank, one ditto with a white face, and one dark yearling, marked with an overkeel and underkeel in the left ear, and a crop and underkeel in the right. Posted, and appraised to 6l.
BENJAMIN TEMPLE.
WILLIAMSBURG, November 25, 1772.
TWENTY POUNDS REWARD.
WHEREAS a LETTER BOX, placed by Capt. Robert Necks (commander of the ship Lunn & Lloyd, bound to London) at the Raleigh tavern, for the convenience of the merchants, now in this city, to receive their letters for Great Britain, was stole from the said tavern by some wicked disposed persons, last Sunday night, and several of the letters were found open in the street next day, and the bills of exchange and invoice that were therein taken out and destroyed: In order that the authors of that atrocious crime may be detected and punished, I do hereby offer the above reward to any person that will discover, and make known, the person and persons, or any of them, that perpetrated the said fact, or were concerned in removing and breaking open the said box, or any of the letters or packets that were therein, so that such offender or offenders be convicted thereof.
JAMES SOUTHALL.

General Post Office, New York, Nov. 1, 1771. NOTICE is hereby given, that on account of the new regulation of the post from Canada , which is to arrive every Tuesday evening at this office, and the weekly post from the eastward and southward arriving every Wednesday , the mail going from hence by the packets will, for the future, be closed at twelve o'clock at night, on the first Wednesday in every month (being the same time it closes at the General Post Office in London for America ) and a packet dispatched therewith, the next day, for Falmouth .
By command of the Deputy Postmaster General. ALEXANDER COLDEN, Secretary.
FALLS of POTOWMACK, Sept. 10, 1772.
THE subscriber am the manufacturer of SNUFF and TOBACCO, who formerly resided at Bla- denburg , in Maryland , and at this time have a quantity of very good old snuff by me, grown better by age, which I would willingly dispose of by wholesale on very reasonable terms; that is, in such a manner as to allow the purchaser a very good profit in retail- ing it. Those who incline to become customers to me may be furnished with any quantity on notice given, and it shall either be packed in Weston's or Kippen's bottles, or in country made pots, agreeable to orders. From my own observation, patriotism in Virginia and Maryland is not so dormant but it may be awakened by a proper application to a person's real interest; and I am convinced that many Gentle- men, through choice, and taste likewise, would prefer mine to foreign snuff, provided they could be furnish- ed with it in their own neighbourhood; which induces me to think that the Gentlemen merchants can have no objections to procure it for them, when I can assure them that customary commissions will be allowed them, or that they will have a sufficient profit in retailing it. However, such Gentlemen as would take one dozen bottles, or more, at a time, and lodge payment for the same with some merchant convenient to them, shall have it at my wholesale prices; and I will en- gage to deliver the same to their orders at general landing places, on both sides of the rivers Potowmack and Rappahannock , and at Norfolk for Gentlemen on Tork and James rivers, they paying package and freight, the charge whereof will be very small, and shall not forget to recommend it to the care of their merchant. The prices will be as follow: For one dozen, or more, of snuff, commonly called plain Scotch , in Kippen's bottles, three dollars per dozen; in Weston's bottles five dollars per dozen; and in pro- portion for pots. Those who chuse it, may have the snuff packed in bulk, either in large pots of twelve to twenty pounds each, or in tight casks from thirty or forty pounds each, to four or five hundred pounds, at two shillings and eight pence, Maryland currency, per pound, payable in dollars, at seven shillings and six pence each, exclusive of the charge for pot or cask. I likewise make round high toast at two shillings and six pence, rappee at four shillings, and Spanish snuff at five shillings, Virginia currency, per pound, when six pounds, or more, are taken at a time. The two latter kinds, either plain or scented, at choice of the purchaser. I would gladly enforce an encouragement of my manufacture by a reiteration of my good op- inion of the taste of the Gentlemen and Ladies of Vir- ginia and Maryland , as well as of the readiness and willingness of the merchants to oblige them, by taking quantities of me for the purpose of retailing; and would recommend it to Gentlemen at a distance to give their orders to their merchant, who will forward them to me; all which orders shall be strictly and punctually complied with, both as to the kinds of snuff they may direct, and in every other respect. Those Gentlemen merchants who may receive snuff from me, to be distributed by them to Gentlemen in their neighbourhood, shall be entitled to 10 per cent. for their trouble; and I only request from them a re- mittance of the balance, after deducting their com- missions. A collection of all orders that may be offer- ed them is therefore desired, and their forwarding them to me immediately by post, or otherwise, will be acknowledged a particular favour. I would like- wise furnish cut tobacco of two sorts, viz. shag and saffron; the first for chew, the latter for the pipe; provided orders of consequence enough to induce me to manufacture it are timely received. The price of each will be nine pence, Virginia currency, per pound, by the dozen, and in smaller quantities at ten pence per pound. I have now only to observe that those Ladies and Gentlemen who are not already acquaint- ed with the quality of my snuff and tobacco (which I affirm to be good) may receive information from many Gentlemen concerning it, in most parts of Vir- ginia and Maryland , who have heretofore had trial of both; and I wish for no other recommendation. I humbly conceive that the interest of the public is con- cerned in the encouragement of country manufactures, and I shall, in future, if properly supported by it, in this very useful branch of its commerce, gratefully acknowledge the favours that may be conferred on the public's very humble servant,
RICHARD THOMPSON.
NORFOLK, November 24, 1772.
THE subscriber, having convenient stores for the reception of GOODS, still continues to receive and sell goods, at public and private sale, on com- mission, and begs leave to inform the public that the greatest punctuality will be observed in payment of the proceeds at any juncture. He also begs leave to return his employers and friends his most hearty thanks for their favours heretofore received, and hopes for a continuance of their custom so long as they find him punctual, which shall be his constant endeavour to abide by.
GEORGE KELLY, V. M.
TAKEN up, in Pittsylvania , on Whitethorn creek a bay mare, 4 feet 8 or 9 inches high, 11 or 12 years old, with a roach mane and bob tail, has some saddle spots, her left eye blind, has a middl- sized bell on, and branded on the near buttock IL. Posted, and appraised to 4l. 10s. JOHN PAYNE.
To be SOLD, by the proprietors, at public vendue, on the first day of April, 1773, together, or in parts, as may best suit the purchasers, for cash, or short credit.
THE OXFORD FORGE, or BLOOMERY, in Bedford county, with all the lands thereunto belonging, being 6000 acres, well timbered, advan- tageously situated for coaling, the stream is good, there are several banks of ore, sufficient for any num- ber of iron works the owner or owners may think proper to erect. The quality of the iron that has already been made in the bloomery, or blooming way, is not inferior to any on the continent. There are two sets of furnaces, the farthest not exceeding a quarter of a mile from the ore banks; and we can venture to assure any person or persons, that may incline to purchase, that a furnace may be built at either of the said places as cheap, and carried on at as small expence, as at any place in America . Pig or bar iron may be exported at a small expence, as the forge lies within one mile of James river, which affords an easy carriage within six or seven miles of navigation. The country in which the said works are situated is very extensive, and as there are no iron works to intercept their market, the demand for iron will be very great. A considerable part of the said lands is very capable of farming, or planting. There is also a large quantity of meadow ground. The terms of sale may be known by applying either to Robert Harper , of Berkeley county, Thomas James , late of Carlisle ironworks, in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania , or to Benjamin Elledge , on the pre- mises, who will shew the lands, &c. Indisputable titles will be made the purchasers.
ROBERT HARPER, THOMAS JAMES.
N. B. There is an exceeding good lawmill with- in a hundred yards of the forge, with sundry conveniencies for mills of any other kind, which the pur- chaser may think proper to erect.
TAKEN up, in Mecklenburg , a grey mare, about 4 feet 6 or 7 inches high, much fleabitten, has several large saddle spots, branded on the near shoul- der and buttock TC in a piece, and appears to be very old. Posted, and appraised to 2l. MOSES OVERTONE.
TAKEN up, on Dan river, in Pittsylvania , a roan mare, about 8 years old, near 14 hands high, has a short switch tail, and sloping ears, branded on the near shoulder and buttock C, trots, and has a star in her forehead. WILLIAM OWEN.
TAKEN up, near Lunenburg courthouse, a small black mare, both her hind feet white, a small blaze in her face, some saddle spots, branded on the off buttock LT, and has on a pretty good bell. Posted, and appraised to 5l. JOHN WHITE, sen.
TAKEN up, in Pittsylvania , on Whitethorn creek, an old black mare, and young colt; the mare has a long tail, and hanging mane, about 4 feet 5 or 6 inches high, branded, as well as can be perceived, WE, and has a small bell on. Posted, and appraised to 3l. JOHN PAYNE.
TAKEN up, on Banister river, in Halifax coun- ty, a small sorrel mare, about two years old, has a white spot on her forehead, and branded on the buttock with a dot. Posted, and appraised to 4l. RICHARD DANIEL.
TAKEN up, in Albemarle , a black mare, about 4 feet 11 inches high, branded on the near shoulder 3, and on the near buttock H, has a small saddle spot on her near side, and trots naturally. Posted, and appraised to 13l. ALEXANDER MACKINZIE.
TAKEN up, in Mecklenburg , a small black mare about 4 feet 2 or 3 inches high, 11 or 12 years old, trots, paces, and gallops, branded on the near shoulder and buttock RB, has a small star in her forehead, some saddle spots, and has had a fistula. Posted, and appraised to 4l. EDWARD COLLEY.
To be SOLD, on the premises, on Monday the 21st of December next, if fair, if not, the next fair day.
A VALUABLE tract of LAND in Gloucester county, adjoining the seat of Jonathan Watson , Esquire, containing about 1800 acres, on which are all necessary houses for a plantation, in very good repair, and land enclosed sufficient to work thirty hands. There is on the said land a fine swamp for a meadow, about ten acres of which are already clear- ed; also an orchard of Hughes's apples, and several other choice fruits. Twelve months credit will be allowed for one half the purchase money, and two years for the remainder, upon bond, and approved security. JOHN FOX.
** The above land is very convenient to naviga- tion, &c. and will be shewn to any person inclined to purchase by applying to John Dudley , overseer, on the premises.
At the same time and place will be SOLD, A VALUABLE tract of LAND, containing 400 acres, now in the possession of Robert Kemp , known by the name of Col. Buckner's Dragon Quar- ter , with all convenient houses thereon, adjoining Turk's ferry. The land is exceeding good for tobacco and grain. Also a number of valuable SLAVES Likewise flocks of all sorts. The time of payment will be agreed on at the day of sale. Good titles will be made by THOMAS WHITING.
WARWICK, November 1, 1772.
THE subscriber has for sale about five thousand acres of LAND, lying in different parts of Pittsylvania county, and mostly upon Smith's river, the soil of which is well calculated either for making tobacco or hemp. The terms may be known by ap- plying to John Rowland , who lives near the land, and will shew it to any person inclining to purchase. PATRICK HUNTER.
TAKEN up, in Orange , a bay mare, about 4 feet 3 or 4 inches high, with a star in her forehead, and a snip on her nose, has some saddle spots, but neither docked nor branded. Also a grey horse colt, about two years old, about 3 or 4 years old, neither docked nor branded, and is unbroke. Likewise a bay horse colt, about two years old, has a star in his forehead, but neither docked nor branded. Posted, and appraised, the grey colt to 5l. and the bay to 3l. WILLIAM RIDDELL.
WARWICK, October 25, 1772.
AS the store formerly kept by Alexander Stewart at Rocky Ridge , for James and Robert Donald , and company, is now broke up, and the debts put into my hands to collect, all those indebted for deal- ings there are desired to pay off their accounts im- mediately, or settle their balances by bond; and those who have any demands against the store are desired to apply to me for payment. PATRICK HUNTER.
Who has for sale a TRACT of LAND lying on the forks of Roanoke , in Mecklenburg county, con- taining about 600 acres, on which is an exceeding good dwellinghouse, storehouse, and other necessary buildings, as also several valuable improvements. As the land lies within sixteen miles of the courthouse, and eighty from Petersburg , it would answer any person very well who intends keeping a back store.
To be SOLD, to the highest bidder, on Monday the 21st day of December, if fair, if not, the next fair day, at Hobb's Hole, being Essex court day.
A VERY valuable tract of LAND, adjoining the town of Tappahannock , containing about 700 acres, the soil inferior to none in the colony for wheat, corn, or tobacco; also two lots in the said town of Tappahannock , with houses on each. Twelve months credit will be allowed, the purchasers giving bond and security to SARAH SCANDRETT, GRIFFING BOUGHAN.
FOR SALE.
THE following TRACTS of LAND in Pitts- ylvania county, viz. Four hundred acres on Ba- nister river, 770 acres on Beaver creek, 345 acres on Burch's creek, 380 acres on Leatherwood , 400 acres on Snow creek.
These lands were formerly the property of Mr. Samuel Gordon , deceased. The price, and time of payment, may be known by applying to JERMAN BAKER.
TO BE LET ON LEASE.
A VERY large and commodious HOUSE in the town of Petersburg , built for a tavern, and well fitted for that business; it is two stories high, has a number of very convenient lodging rooms, and large and small rooms for the entertainment of guests. Any person qualified for the business of a tavern keeper, with a proper capital, may find this as advantageous a situation as any on the continent. Apply to the subscriber, who lives on the premises. THOMAS EGLETON.
WILLIAMSBURG: Printed by WILLIAM RIND , at the NEW PRINTING OFFICE , on the Main Street. All Persons may be supplied with this GAZETTE at 12/6 per Year. ADVERTISEMENTS of a moderate Length are inserted for 3/ the first Week, and 2/ each Time after; and long ones in Proportion.

L O N D O N, September 12.
THE debts of Mr. Fordyce's partnership, it is said, do not exceed 160,000l. though they have been represented to be 550,000l. Sept. 15. The following faithful and impartial relation of Mr. Fordyce's behaviour, at his last examination before the commissioners of bankruptcy, on Saturday last, cannot be unentertaining to our readers, as it comes from undoubted authority:—Mr. Fordyce came into the Hall exactly at twelve o'clock, and with difficulty passed through an immense crowd of people that had assembled to see him. When he sat down at the table he discovered, in his looks, as much anguish of mind as the highest sensibility could occasion a mortal to suffer; but in a few minutes he became quite composed; the colour returned to his cheeks, and for two hours, whilst the creditors were proving their debts, he joined, in his appearance, the becoming courage of a man, with the just feeling for the misfortunes which he had brought upon others.
About two o'clock he entered upon his examination on oath, when the commissioners, with great spirit, invited any of his creditors to put all questions freely to him, and told them that "it was their undoubted right to be resolved in any scruples they might entertain relative to his conduct, and that they should insist on plain and explicit answers being given by Mr. Fordyce." The enquiry was entered upon by one of the assignees. After a sensible introduction, that he should put no question out of a wanton curiosity, or such as should wear the mark of the least sort of insult to the unhappy Gentleman before them, but merely to discharge their duty as assignees, and to satisfy the public with regard to many matters that were charged against Mr. Fordyce, and concluded with affirming, in a manly manner, that "if he was guilty, he deserved no favour, and if he was innocent, which he hoped might be the case, Mr. Fordyce ought to thank him for giving him such an open opportunity of vindicating himself from such calumny."
The first question he put was, what sum of money he carried off with him when he first absconded? Mr. Fordyce, on his oath, replied, "that so far from taking money with him, he was obliged to borrow a small sum from a friend to pay for a few pair of stockings which he had occasion for on his journey." The assignee next demanded, whether "if not in money, he had not taken with him any other valuable property?" Mr. Fordyce answered, "not to the value of a single shilling but what returned with me, and is here surrendered," pointing to a bag that lay on the table before him, and "I wish to God (added he) I could deliver more; I wish and hope to pay every shilling for which I stand indebted." Here nature burst forth, and a few tears eased the anguish of an aching heart. With pleasure inexpressible I observed, to the honour of the English nation, that every one of his creditors heartily sympathized with him in his sorrows.
This point being cleared up, another of his assignees, in a polite manner, requested him to account before the world, upon his oath, in what manner he had lost the sum of seventy five thousand pounds, which appeared to be deficient? The reply was, "that when his misfortunes came upon him, the raising of money by drawing and redrawing (to keep up his credit, in hopes of recovering himself, and to be able to do justice to his creditors) was so expensive, that it had swallowed up that enormous sum, but that he referred him to the books then surrendered, which would discover every shilling that had ever come into his hands, or had gone out from them." The Gentleman observed, "that the expence of raising money could not be thought to amount to the fifth part of that sum." Mr. Fordyce instantly made answer, that "more than two thirds of it had been really expended for that purpose, and that the Gentleman himself, if he chose it, could explain this matter as well as any man in England." By the manner in which this was delivered by the one, and received by the other, it appeared that more meaning was conveyed to their own understandings, than was clearly expressed to the company; probably the Gentleman himself had received some of the expenditure of this very deficiency.
An assignee required an explanation of the various sums that had been paid to Mr. Atkinson immediately before his departure, which Mr. Fordyce gave in a clear, candid, and generous manner, and concluding, on his oath, that "Mr. Atkinson had often accommodated him with money, but that he never served Mr. Atkinson so much as once."
The next interrogation was relative to a sum of money that had been secured to Mr. Fordyce's sisters the very day before he left London, which he acknowledged to be true. He said "the sum was under a thousand pounds; that his sister was not in such affluent circumstances as conveniently to bear the loss; that he had ever considered himself as her trustee; that the sum came not into his hand in the way of trade, and that therefore he doubted not but every Gentleman of true sentiment would excuse him." He added, "that he did not pay her in cash, but only gave an order to his sister to receive it from a Gentleman who owed him the money."
The next enquiry was concerning a small sum which had been paid to his brother the Clergyman: The circumstances attending it Mr. Fordyce explained with the greatest candour. He said "it was money, bona fide, due to his brother; but if his creditors should, upon enquiry into the matter, think that it was any unwarrantable preference given to his brother, that he should advise and persuade his brother to give it up."
This closed his examination, and Mr. Fordyce's manliness and candour gave the more satisfaction, as the malevolence of his enemies, joined to the aspersions which are generally cast on such as fail in making good their engagements, had led the world to expect a contrary conduct.
The next matter was to consider what should be done with the jewels and trinkets belonging to Mr. Fordyce's Lady, which were all given up, together with his own watch, and four shillings in money, which was the small stock remaining of this eminent banker, who so very lately was in possession of 150,000l. Such is the mutability of human affairs! This debate continued some time; none were against giving them back to Lady Margaret, but they were divided in the propriety of doing it. Then, at last, it was unanimously agreed, that the assignees should give them back in the whole, or in part, at any period they should think proper. It is remarkable that, notwithstanding the extravagance some impute to Mr. Fordyce, the affluence of his fortune, at the time he courted his Lady, and as he himself expressed, "being deeply in love," and also taking into consideration that his bride was a Lady of quality, the whole amount of the marriage presents exceeds not the value of one thousand pounds.
The assignees applied to the commissioners for their opinion, whether they had power, on any future occasion, to compel Mr. Fordyce to appear, and be again examined? When Mr. Lane, in a very masterly manner, expounded the law in such cases, declaring that "they had full power to have him examined again as often as they pleased, touching his affairs, but not so as to make him answer such questions as might tend to a conviction of himself, in concealing to the value of twenty pounds; for that being a capital felony, the wife and merciful law of England will not permit."
Mr. Fordyce then rose up, and "declared, upon his honour, and as he was a Gentleman, or by any other tie that was held sacred amongst men, he would, of his own accord, without compulsion, wait upon his creditors, at all times, to explain his accounts, and his affairs, should he be at the most distant part of the globe, or if his attendance should be attended with ever so great hazard or inconvenience to his own person." In short, I did not know which to admire the most on this remarkable event, the polite, yet strict, justice of the commissioners, the sympathizing lenity of the creditors, or the manly candour of Mr. Fordyce.
Sept. 16. A patent, we are informed, is making out, to create the present Lord Mayor a Baronet.
It is computed that, within this month, upwards of 400 artificers have arrived at this metropolis from Birmingham, where trade is now so dead, and has been for some time, that they cannot get employment. From Coventry we hear news full as disagreeable. The silk and woollen manufactories are quite at a stand; which, with the excessive high price of provisions, has reduced hundreds to a state of beggary.
The peace between the Turks and Russian is entirely concluded; likewise, the several partitions of Poland are settled.
Sept. 18. John Ramsay, a seaman, who left the Havanna the 25th of last May, where he had been prisoner for seven years, arrived at Liverpool about a fortnight since, and says he left forty seven Englishmen prisoners in that place, besides two commanders.
The Parliament, which stands prorogued to the 29th instant will, we hear, be prorogued to the 24th of November next, then to sit for the dispatch of business.
His Majesty has ordered a particular account of the state of the army in America to be made out, with all possible speed, and to be laid before him.
Some news which arrived from America the beginning of last week, occasioned, we hear, a messenger to be instantly dispatched to the Earl of Hillsborough in Ireland.
Sept. 22. It is said that had Mr. Fordyce been only able to maintain his ground till now, he must have necessarily acquired half a million of money, by the fall of India stock. But his web was so finely spun, that it cracked prematurely, and left him a beggar, where he expected to be the wealthiest man in the kingdom.
It is thought that some regulations will be made on the meeting of Parliament, that will restrain the reigning evil of paper circulation.
Sept. 23. The following are the judges appointed in the commission sent to Newport, in Rhode Island, who are to report their proceedings to his Majesty, viz. Joseph Wanton, Esq; Governor of Rhode Island; Daniel Horsmanden, Esq; Chief Justice of the province of New York; Frederick Smith, Esq; Chief Justice of the province of New Jersey; Peter Oliver, Esq; Chief
Justice of the province of Massachusetts Bay, and Robert Auchmuty, Esq; Judge of the Vice Admiralty Court established at Bolton. Any three of them are empowered to act.
The marriage of the Duke of Gloucester with Lady Waldegrave, is no longer problematical; it is absolutely declared, and the officers of the Duke's household have already kissed her Royal Highness's hand, in her new character.
It is reported that, in consequence of the Duke of Gloucester's acknowledging his marriage, and giving orders for his Lady to be acknowledged as Duchess of Gloucester, he has been forbid the Court, and both the brothers are now on the same footing.
The following removes and promotions, it is said, are determined on for North America, viz. Edward Manwaring, Esq; to be Comptroller of the Customs at New Haven, in the room of George Mills, Esq; who is to be the established clerk of exports and imports at Boston, in the room of Mr. Thomas Irving, advanced to the Collectorship of Quebec, in the room of Andrew Ainslie, Esq; who is to be a commissioner at Boston, in the room of John Robinson, Esq; nominated to the office of Chief Justice in Eyre for the new colony of Wales, going on upon the Ohio.
We are told that Mr. Wilkes has already a promise of a large majority of the votes of Middlesex freeholders, against the next general election.
The benevolent temper of the English nation never appeared more strongly than at Mr. Fordyce's examination last Saturday. Calumniated as he had been in all the public prints, the moment he showed himself only intentionally upright, resentment gave way to commiseration; his misfortunes even added dignity to his character, and the very rabble grumbled pity, as Pierre expresses it, with a degree of warmth that did credit to their general humanity.
Bets in the city are now five to two, that Mr. Wilkes will be Lord Mayor for the ensuing year.
Sept. 25. We hear that the Lord Chamberlain has been ordered to give notice to the Nobility and Gentry of the court, that those who visit two discarded Princes, must not be surprized if they were not well received in the circle.
Dispatches are now preparing, in order to be sent to the Governors and Commanders in America, and the West Indies.
Orders are stuck up at the war office, for all persons (commissioned and private) absent from regiments on duty in the West Indies and America, to join them without delay.
The whale fishery has been more successful this year than ever was known.
A correspondent informs us, that Lord Dartmouth has signified his determined resolution that the most lenient measures shall be adopted towards the Americans.
DIED. The Earl of Litchfield. The Earl of Powis. Lord Bothwick, a Scotch Peer. Right Hon. John Lord Carrisfort, K. B.
October 3. The latest accounts from Copenhagen advise, that vast preparations are making for war, in order to retrieve the honour of the Danish arms. All the military arrangements are settled, the troops are in motion, and the navy is augmenting with great expedition.
We learn from Hamburg, that a great number of recruits are now raising there, for the service of the King of Prussia.
Advices are received, that the French are drawing together a considerable force on the coast of Brittany, and are arming several ships for sea.
B O S T O N, November 16.
We hear that Sir Francis Bernard, Bart. has lately had a large estate left him and his children, by a relation, that lately died in England, particularly a seat in Aylesbury, which a few years ago was elegantly fitted up by John Wilkes, Esq;
By letters from Barbados, we learn, that it was expected that Sir Francis Bernard would be appointed to that government.
We have advice from England, that Lieutenant Dudingston, who commanded the Gaspee armed schooner that was burnt at Rhode Island, is promoted to the rank of Captain, by his Majesty's express command.
Extract of a letter from Surinam, Sept. 28, 1772.
"The Dutch have taken fifty one Bush Negroes, and killed a few more. They have lately done much mischief in breaking up the plantations, &c."
P H I L A D E L P H I A, Nov. 25.
Extract of a letter from Bermuda to a Gentleman in this city, dated October 22, 1772.
"I am sorry to acquaint you that we are in a very bad situation at present: Corn has sold here for some time at 5s. 4d. 6s. 8d. and 10s. 8d. per bushel, flour at 30s. ship bread from 32s. to 35s per cwt. very bad, and at present not any one article above mentioned to sell in all Bermuda, except about 200 barrels of very old corn; we stand in great need of speedy relief, particularly with corn, having a very bad crop of potatoes."