The Virginia gazette (Williamsburg [Va.]), 1776-01-06 00:00:00

A MESSAGE from the GOVERNOR to the COUNCIL.
Gentlemen,
THE uninterrupted harmony which has subsisted between me and the Council, has been one of the most satisfactory events of my administration. It has been my constant inclination and endeavour to preserve it by every means consistent with my duty. My conduct to you as a body, and as individuals, has ever been such as to manifest a disposition to oblige you as far as was in my power. If this has hitherto been the case (which I believe none of you will deny) it is not probable that I should, at this unhappy period, wantonly and without cause, do any thing that might endanger that harmony, or occasion "even the appearance of disunion." Why you should, therefore, of a sudden, apprehend that I meant, in my reply to your address, to cast any reflections on your conduct, I cannot conceive. If my expressions are (as you say) darkly penned, that circumstance might have afforded you a just pretence for asking an explanation, but surely not for an unhesitating application to yourselves of any matter "which your consciences tell you that you do not deserve."
Your address was perfectly satisfactory to me, except that part in which you gave your opinion respecting the personal safety of the officers of this government. I should have been very happy if I could have joined you in that opinion, and should not then have failed congratulating you on so joyful an occasion. It did not appear to me that it was warranted by the circumstances really existing in the province, and it evidently carried with it an implication that the degree of apprehension mentioned in my speech was ill-founded. As nothing was further from my intentions than the exciting of false alarms, I did not choose to lie even under the suspicion. On that account I thought it necessary to particularize some of the reasons which induced me to differ in sentiments with you in that point. Whether you or I have the best grounds for our opinion, others will judge. I expressed not the least doubt of your thinking the opinion you have just and right, but I thought it proper at the same time to assure you, that I could not agree with you in that opinion, "without being guilty of a subterfuge, which Gentlemen of your candour must disapprove." Why you should from these words suppose, that I meant a distant hint, that you had been guilty of such a subterfuge, I cannot imagine; especially as your "consciences tell you that you do not deserve it." Nor can I conceive that you have the least pretence for taxing me with "throwing an unworthy reflection on the inhabitants of this province." Whatever I may think applicable to some individuals on the present occasion, I have said nothing which can, without manifest perversion of my words, be applied to the people at large. My real opinion of them, and my confidence in their affection and regard, are too fully and clearly expressed in my speech, and my conduct has been conformable thereto, not to defeat any purpose that may be intended by such an unworthy suggestion.
Though I think as favourable of the Crown officers in general in this province as you can do, yet I am not able to comprehend that it must therefore be an "ungenerous insinuation" to intimate that some of them may have been induced by timidity or other motives, to "depart from the line of their duty." That some have actually departed from the line of their duty, from some motives or other, is a matter too publickly known to justify any attempt at concealment, particularly as you have at this session advised me to suspend one of the most considerable of them from his office on that account only.
I entirely agree with you that "aspersions ought not to be thrown out but on the surest grounds." Why, then, have you, without any foundation whatever, thrown out that a "general calumny and detraction" on "all sorts of people in this province" is to be found in my reply? Is it because I there told you, that "it is not likely that there will be found many of them who will choose to pay such a price (as their honour) for such a consideration" as their safety? Or is it because I said that it was not "probable (if they should) that they would meet with your approbation?" Or is it merely to give you some pretence for introducing an (otherwise) inapplicable quotation?
Far be it from me (however we may differ in sentiments on particular points) to pretend any doubt of your zeal in the cause of public justice, the honour of government, and support of the constitution." I have never given the least intimation of the kind; but, on the contrary, I have had frequent occasion, and never omitted any opportunity of signifying my approbation of your conduct. Even the reply at which you have so causelessly taken offence, contains "my hearty thanks for the assurances you gave me of your readiness to exert yourselves in the defence of the constitution," &c. But if you expect an implicit "confidence in your assertions," even when they may happen to appear to me evidently not well founded, you expect more than is possible for you to obtain. I ever wish you to give me your sentiments fully and freely on all occasions. They will always have weight with me, if not too repugnant to my judgment. But if from my own knowledge of things, I entertain a different opinion, I shall not hesitate to tell you so, nor to give you my reasons, even though I should be previously certain, that my expressions would be again tortured for reflections and inuendoes never intended.
Were it proper for me to mention here the steps I took, in a private way, to prevent all cause of dissatisfaction on account of the exceptionable part of your address, before it was presented in form, no one could be at the least loss to determine which of us have given the stronger proofs of a sincere disposition to avoid "even the appearance of disunion." But of this circumstance, though well known to some of your members, you, as a body, may, perhaps, with a specious propriety declare yourselves "totally ignorant."
WILLIAM FRANKLIN.
Extract of a letter from General GAGE to the Earl of DART- MOUTH, dated BOSTON, August 20.
"MR. Washington, who commands the rebel army, has written to me on the subject of the treatment of the rebel prisoners in our custody, a copy of whose letter I transmit to your Lordship, together with a copy of my answer." Major Skene, made prisoner at Philadelphia, is sent into Connecticut, where he is to be confined with some others; and I understand they make war like savages, making captives of women and children.
The rebels are very numerous, and continue to throw up works in some points nearer to the town than before. Their advanced parties have been drove back both at Boston and Charlestown, and their posts destroyed. They landed a large body the second time at the light-house, where they made prisoners of a few marines posted there by the Admiral, and ten or twelve carpenters who were repairing the house.
A fleet of transports, who had been out in search of live stock, is just returned with about eighteen hundred sheep, and above an hundred head of oxen, which will be some relief to the troops in general, and of great benefit to the hospitals."
[As General Washington's second letter is not published, General Gage was not so candid as to send it, or the Ministry have suppressed its publication.]
CHARLESTOWN, (S. Carolina) Nov. 17.
IN consequence of a resolution to obstruct the approach of ships of war to town through Hog Island Creek, the provincial armed schooner Defence, of 12 guns and 70 men, commanded by Capt. Simon Tufts, went there on Saturday with four schooner hulks, which were to be sunk in such manner as to effect the above mentioned purpose. Accordingly, on that evening, Capt. Tufts sunk three of them, notwithstanding several shots were fired
at him from the Tamar sloop of war, lying in Rebellion Road, which Capt. Tufts answered with two shots. The fourth hulk not having come up early enough in the tide, he was obliged to remain in the creek till morning. The Tamar and Cherokee men of war had warped much nearer the schooner in the night time, and about four o'clock began a heavy cannonade, which was continued with little intermission till near seven. However, the hulk was carried to its station, and there left sinking. Capt. Tufts having thus effected his purpose, retreated. Two boats from the men of war went to the last hulk, set it on fire, and towed it from the place where it had been left; upon which two guns were ineffectually fired at them from the schooner. Upwards of 100 shot were fired at the Defence by the men of war, only three of which struck her, one under her counter, one in her side, and the third in her shrouds, but not a man on board was in the least hurt. The Charlestown militia, on the drums beating to arms, turned out, and continued under arms for several hours.
Since the above, most people have been employed in removing their families and effects out of town.
We hear that the Provincial Congress have resolved immediately to raise a regiment of artillery, to consist of three companies of 100 men each, including non-commissioned officers and gunners.
MADRID, August 25.
WE have advice from Monte Video, that in the month of April last the Portuguese came to attack that place with a squadron of five ships and some land forces; but that our Governor repulsed them, and sunk one of their ships. On occasion of this act of hostility, they have raised at Buenos Ayres 15,000 troops, which are incorporated with 1000 veterans, and part of them will be employed in the defence of that colony, whilst the rest go to attack the Portuguese in that of St. Sacramento.
LEGHORN, Sept. 2. Letters from several Tuscan officers at Alicante positively assert, that the Spanish fleet will undertake nothing more this year against the Algerines; on the contrary, the fleet is separated, and the foreign vessels discharged.
LONDON, Sept. 22.
THE detachments from Burgoyne's and Elliot's light-horse, being ordered to march to be ready for embarking for Boston, put black crape upon their swords, and passed in that truly mournful manner from Kensington to Brentford; and in their way they met his Majesty, to whom they meant to shew that they disliked and detested the unnatural service they were going on.
Most of the officers, particularly the field officers and Captains, of the regiments of Ireland, ordered to go to America (except those of the 46th) have presented memorials, soliciting leave of absence, alleging sickness, &c.
An address to his Majesty has been moved for at Aberdeen in Scotland, but goes on more slowly there than at either Glasgow or St. Andrews, so that it is a chance whether it will be carried. A number of respectable people are against it, as they say it cannot be proved that any opposition which is carried on is intended against the King, but against his Ministers, who are as heartily despised in Scotland as in England. Why then ask the King?
We hear from Aberdeen, that the King's proclamation was read there last week, in due form, but was far from being so joyfully received as some people expected.
It is said the Duke of Northumberland has freighted a ship for Boston, with fresh provisions, for the use of Lord Percy's regt.
Boston is said to be no longer tenable. The Government troops will, in consequence, retire to Long Island.
It is rumoured about the Court, that Lord Holdernesse will resign his post, and that Lord George Germaine is to succeed him as preceptor to the Prince of Wales.
By the last advices Government have received, there is every reason to believe that the Americans, if they have not effected, have yet meditated the capture of Canada.
The Hon. Admiral Byron will be appointed the second in command on the American station.
Sept. 25. Government has, we hear, contracted for 10,000 tons of potatoes from England and Ireland, to go to America, three thousand of which one potatoe merchant has engaged to furnish them with.
A correspondent informs us, that an officer on half pay applied to a noble Lord, his friend, for a command in America, thinking it the likeliest way for promotion, which the other dissuaded him from for the present, adding, that he thought things were in a train of accommodation.
The instructions from the freeholders of the county of Middlesex, to the Right Hon. JOHN WILKES and JOHN GLYNN, Esquires, Knights of the Shire for that county, agreed on at a meeting on Monday the 25th of September, 1775, at the Mile-End assembly room.
WE, the freeholders of the county of Middlesex, summoned here by public advertisement of the sheriff of this county, acknowledge our approbation and grateful sense of your conduct as our representatives during the last session of Parliament; and though we have no reason to doubt your steady perseverance in the true interests of your country, yet we think it our indispensable duty to acquaint you with our sentiments at the present awful crisis, big with the fate of this great empire, and the happiness, glory, and prosperity of the whole people.
We behold, with all the horror and grief natural to a free people, the fatal stab given to our excellent constitution, by a majority of the last venal Parliament, whereby the most sacred and unalienable rights of the freeholders of this county, the right of election, was in the most impious manner wrested from the electors, and assumed by the elected, who placed a person as our representative in Parliament contrary to the sense and will of the county, expressed by a very great majority of legal votes, thereby establishing a precedent of the most dangerous tendency to the rights of all the electors of Great Britain; which injury has been again confirmed, by the malice of our inveterate enemies, in the present Parliament (chosen by surprise, under a national delusion) suffering that vote to appear in their journals, a standing record of the injustice, venality, and corruption, of their predecessors.
We are called upon to redouble our attention and zeal for the defence and preservation of all our constitutional rights, from seeing the iron hand of oppression extended to our fellow subjects on the other side of the Atlantic; Popery, that bane of civil and religious liberty, established in an extent of country infinitely larger than all our possessions in Europe, thereby arming, as it were, many of our fellow subjects with the crucifix in one hand, and a dagger in the other, against our protestant brethren; a Popish Bishop appointed, and the greatest comfort and encouragement given to the clergy of that church, while the pastors of our own pure and excellent faith are suffered to remain without support and provision, but what Romish priests and Romish councils shall design to afford them; other cruel and oppressive acts passed against our fellow subjects in America, wholly repugnant to the ancient, just, and generous proceedings of British councils, and British assemblies, destructive of that glory of the English law, the trial by jury, and many other undoubted rights and privileges of English subjects; in violation of charters and royal covenants of the most solemn nature; which acts and oppressions, under the influence of the present Ministers, have been productive of a most impolitic, unnatural, cruel, and destructive civil war, against our suffering and much injured fellow subjects in America.
We lament, as a commercial people, the inevitable injuries that must be sustained by the loss of a most valuable branch of our
commerce, the decay of trade and manufactures, and consequent distresses of the industrious poor.
To remedy all these evils, the melancholy experience of past times evincing, how insufficient is the removal of a Ministry, while their maxims and views are entailed upon the government; we desire that you will not only continue strenuously to oppose them, but endeavour to procure on such constitutional security, by shortening the duration of Parliaments, and enacting such other laws as may prevent the nation from suffering by the like errors and iniquities for the future.
And we instruct you to exert yourselves in procuring that vote of the late House of Commons to be rescinded, which, in the most injurious and unconstitutional manner, deprived the freeholders of this county of their undoubted right of election.
We also instruct you to forward an inquiry into the expenditure of the public treasure, so peculiarly necessary at this time, and in a nation burthened with taxes, and oppressed with debts; that you will not suffer the people to be imposed upon by the flimsy artifices of a Minister, pretending to lessen, while he is, in reality, increasing the public burthens.
Should any additional land tax or new imposts be imposed in the ensuing session, we expect that you will not assent to them without a previous redress of grievances; and that you will strenuously oppose all votes of credit, or taking any foreign troops into the pay of Great Britain, unless another attempt should be made by tories and jacobites against his Majesty's person, family, or government.
The state of the navy, that great bulwark, safety, and protection of the commerce of this nation demands, and we hope will engage, your serious attention; and that you will inquire by what fatal mismanagement and corrupt influence, after such immense sums have been voted during a peace establishment, that it is in its present deplorable condition.
We particularly instruct you to exert yourselves in preventing the further effusion of the blood of our innocent fellow subjects in America, and to put a speedy end to the present unnatural and ruinous civil war.
We also desire you to use your unwearied endeavours to assist and support the representatives of the city of London for obtaining a redress of every obnoxious and unconstitutional act, and in bringing to the justice of their country the advisers of such nefarious measures, as have been adopted during the last fourteen years, tending to subvert the constitution of this country, and which we are convinced will very soon effect the ruin and destruction of the British empire.
[The above meeting consisted of near 500 freeholders.]
Sept. 26. Last night, at the previous meeting of the Livery, at the Halfmoon tavern, Cheapside, near 300 Liverymen assembled, where it was resolved, that John Wilkes, Esq; our present Lord Mayor, and John Sawbridge, Esq; Aldermen, be recommended by this meeting to the next Common Hall, to be returned to the Court of Aldermen for their choice of one of them to be Lord Mayor of this city for the ensuing year.
To the KING's most Excellent MAJESTY.
The humble petition of the merchants, traders, manufacturers, and other citizens of BRISTOL.
May it please your Majesty,
WE your Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects the merchants, traders, manufacturers, and other citizens of Bristol, humbly beg leave to approach the throne, with the most respectful assurance of our unalterable attachment and affection to your Majesty's royal person and family, and of our unfeigned zeal for the support of your government, the glory of your reign, and the peace and prosperity of your once united and flourishing, but now most unhappily distracted empire.
It is with an affliction not to be expressed, and with the most anxious apprehensions for ourselves and our posterity, that we behold the growing distractions in America threaten, unless prevented by the timely interposition of your Majesty's wisdom and goodness, nothing less than lasting and ruinous civil war. We are apprehensive that if the present measures are adhered to, a total alienation of the affections of our fellow subjects in the colonies will ensue; to which affection, much more than to a dread of any power, we have been hitherto indebted for the inestimable benefits which we have derived from those establishments: We can foresee no good effects to the commerce or revenues of this kingdom, at a future period, from any victories which may be obtained by your Majesty's arms over desolated provinces and an exasperated people.
From the consequence of a reverse of things, in the course of human events not impossible, we choose to avert our eyes.
We apprehend that none can profit by the continuance of this war, and therefore we hope none can wish it, except those nations who, envious of the diffusive liberty and consequent power and prosperity of your dominions, are the natural enemies of Great Britain.
We owe a testimony of justice to your colonies, which is, that, in the midst of the present distractions we have received many unequivocal proofs that our fellow subjects in that part of the world are very far from having lost their ancient affection and regard to their mother country, or departed from the principles of commercial honour and private justice; notwithstanding the cessation of the powers of government throughout that vast continent, we have reason to think, judging by the imports into this city and by our extensive correspondencies, that commodities of America, enumerated by acts of Parliament, have been as regularly brought to Great Britain as in the most quiet times; we assure your Majesty that the trade of this port and the subsistence of a great part of your kingdom has depended very much on the honorable, and, in this instance, amicable behaviour of your American subjects.
We have, in this single city, received within one year from the first of September, 1774, more than a million bushels of wheat, to say nothing of the quantity of other valuable commodities essential to our navigation and commerce. These circumstances we humbly beg leave, with the utmost deference, to submit to your Majesty's consideration, in order to shew that whenever your royal clemency shall exert itself in behalf of your colonies, the disposition on their part, to peace and reconciliation, are by no means so unfavourable as many persons, from passion or misinformed, may possibly suggest.
No part of your Majesty's subjects can with more earnestly to preserve the constitutional superiority of the British legislature over all parts of your dominions than the citizens of Bristol; but they are convinced from clear reason and severe experience that this superiority can hardly be preserved by mere force, nor without acquiring the confidence and cultivating the affections of the great and numerous people who inhabit the British plantations; we humbly conceive that this authority would suffer no diminution in the least prejudicial to it, by healing concessions, by the relaxation of penal statutes, which have been found ineffectual for their purpose, and by relinquishing the pursuit of an object the possible attainment of which, under any circumstances of fortune, may admit of the most serious doubt: On the contrary, we have reason, although things have been carried to unfortunate lengths of hostility on both sides, to hope the most salutary effects from a return, under your Majesty's provident and sagacious direction, to the ancient, indulgent, and happy usage of this kingdom with regard to its colonies. We find ourselves under an indispensable necessity of making, with a respectful plainness, this dutiful and most faithful representation of our sentiments to your Majesty, lest it might be supposed that, by our silence, we were consenting to the opinions and wishes for coer-
Flanger than all Europe & Asia

eye proceedings expressed in the late address to your Majesty.— We assure your Majesty, that we are men of peaceful dispositions, that we desire the thought of obtruding on your Majesty's will and clemency any sort of recommendation of force and rigour against any part of your people; that we who have long flourished by an amicable intercourse with the colonies should call for coercive measures, as the probable means of future commerce, would not only be arrogant and presumptuous, but unnatural and ungrateful: No experience has hitherto taught us the good effects of such measures, and it little becomes us to recommend violent and extraordinary proceedings; we must always look back with satisfaction and gratitude, to that period of your Majesty's reign, when a prudent conciliation restored tranquility and commerce to all your Majesty's dominions.
We assure your Majesty, that after having humbly entreated the exertion of your Majesty's wisdom, for reconciling amicably the differences which unhappily subsist among your subjects, we have cleared ourselves to our own consciences, and acquitted ourselves in the eyes of Almighty God, of our Sovereign, and of our country, from any share whatever in producing the calamities which the present proceedings, so inauspiciously begun, may yet bring upon this nation.
WATERTOWN, Dec. 11.
WE have just received certain intelligence, that on Saturday last Capt. Manley, of the Lee privateer, took and carried into Beverley a large ship of 300 tons burthen (mounted with two double fortified 6 pounders, and 6 blunderbusses, with 18 men before the mast) bound from London for the ministerial army at Boston, laden with coals, and provisions, consisting chiefly of porter, cheese, and 40 live hogs, 30 more have died on the passage. Although fuel and the above articles are no rarity to the army of the united colonies; yet so far as they are distressing to their enemies, so far it must be acknowledged they are an advantage to us. The above ship had 7 weeks passage, and brought papers to the 16th of October, which, together with the letters, we are informed, the Captain have overboard after he was taken.
NEWPORT, December 11. About one o'clock yesterday morning, the bomb-brig, a Schooner, and 2 or 3 armed sloops, left this harbour, went to Conanicut, and landed upwards of 200 marines, sailors, and Negroes, at the East ferry, marched in three divisions immediately over to the West ferry, and set the several houses on fire which were near the ferry place, then retreated back, setting fire to almost every house on each side the road, from the West to the East ferry, and several houses and barns some distance on the N. and S. side of the road; driving out the women and children, swearing they should be burnt in the house if they did not instantly turn out. Widow Hull lost one house, Joseph Clarke, Esq; two houses and one barn, Thomas Fowler one house, barn and crib full of corn, Benjamin Ellery, two houses, store, and barn, Benjamin Remington, two houses, John Gardner, Esq; one house and tanyard, Thomas Hutchinson, one house, Widow Franklin, two, Abel Franklin, one, Benedict Robinson, one. All the above houses were plundered of beds, wearing apparel, and such household furniture as could be conveniently carried off, the rest were consumed. Some women, we are told, were stripped of some of their best clothes they had on. It is said Capt. Wallace commanded on this HUMAN expedition. A company of minute-men had left Conanicut the afternoon before, so that there were but about 40 or 50 soldiers on the island, most of whom had been enlisted but a few days, and arrived there but the evening before, in miserable condition for so sudden an attack; but notwithstanding, it is said, there is certainly one officer of marines killed, and 7 or 8 badly wounded. There was not one provincial either killed or wounded, except Mr. John Martin, who was shot in his belly standing unarm'd in his door. The above vessels brought off 30 head of oxen and cows, a few sheep and hogs, most of which they killed before they took them on board. They left Conanicut yesterday, and came to this harbour again about noon. The above houses were not all occupied by the owners, but each had at least one family in it, and some had two. We expect to give more particulars of this matter next week.
NEW YORK, December 18.
A letter from his Excellency William Tryon, Esq; to his Worship the Mayor of this city.
Ship Dutchess of Gordon, off New York, December 18, 1775.
SIR, I LOSE no time in transmitting to you herewith, a letter I this morning received from Capt. Parker, of his Majesty's ship Phoenix, communicating certain instructions he has received from Admiral Greaves for the rule of his conduct on this station, which letter you will forthwith make known to the corporation and citizens of New York; and I request that you will insert it in the public papers, to the end that the inhabitants of this province may have the COMFORT of knowing the protection that is afforded to the friends of order and good government, and warned to avoid a continuation of measures that will involve the country in misery, and bring distress upon their families, and on their own heads.
I am, Sir, your very humble servant, WILLIAM TRYON.
Whitehead Hicks, Esq; Mayor of the city of New York.
SIR, BEING ordered by my instructions from Vice Admiral Greaves, Commander in Chief of his Majesty's ships and vessels in North America, publicly to signify, to all towns accessible to his Majesty's ships, that in case any violence shall hereafter be offered to any of the officers of the Crown, or other peaceable disposed subjects of his Majesty, or if any bodies of men shall be raised and armed in the said towns, or any military works erected otherwise than by order of his Majesty, or those acting under his authority, or if any attempts shall be made to seize or destroy any public magazine of arms, ammunition or stores, in all or either of those cases, it will be my duty to treat the said town, as in open rebellion against the King.
"I am to request that your Excellency will be pleased to let the above instructions be publicly made known in the town of New York, at the same time you will assure them that I shall be happy in granting the town every protection in the power of his Majesty's ships under my command. I am, Sir,
Your most obedient, and most humble servant, H. PARKER."
Phoenix, at New York, December 18, 1775.
To his Excellency Governor Tryon. Captain Vandepuy of the Asia, has shewn his orders to some of the principal inhabitants here, which is, to seize all vessels either going in or out, the provision vessels and those with salt to be sent to Boston; in consequence of which he has already took a brig belonging to Mr. Beach, with a load of salt, from Lisbon or St. Ubes; and notwithstanding the leaks intolerable, and has already pumped out near one quarter of her salt, yet she is going to Boston."
PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 23.
Extract of a letter from DOMINICA, November 6.
By a Gentleman from Martinico, I am told, that several thousand French troops were already arrived, and more coming to Martinico, Guadaloupe, and the neighbouring islands.
Extract of a letter from ST. EUSTATIA, December 1.
"We have an undoubted account of the arrival of 2500 men at Martinico, and 1800 at Guadaloupe; they are part of a reinforcement of 10,000 men, ordered out for those islands; there is
also 4000 ordered out for St. Domingo, part of which is arrived."
By a letter from Col. Arnold, dated November 20, we learn that he was at Point Au Tremble, on the Quebec side of the river, that he had received advice that Col. McClean was preparing to sally out, and that his men were in good spirits and waiting for it; that the officers of government in Quebec had removed their effects on board the vessels, and permitted none of them to sail, from which it is concluded they will make no great defence.
By letters from General Scuyler, we learn, that Col. Easton had taken the vessels bound from Montreal for Quebec, under the command of Carlton or Prescott; that Carlton, with four or five Canadians, had landed from the fleet, and were making the best of their way to Quebec, in the dress of peasants; that the brig Galpee (together with 7 sloops and Schooners which were taken as above) had on board, which are also taken, Brigadier General Prescott, Captain William Dunbar, Major of Brigade, Captain William Gamble, Quarter-Master General; Captains, Anstruther, Swan, Glawford, and Harris; Lieutenant Cleveland; Ensigns, Camble, Leslie, McDonald, Dr. Beaumont, and 150 privates, and most of them of the 26th regiment and the artillery. There was on board the vessels, two cannon of 9 and two of 6 pounders; 36 cannon cartridges, and 45 ball; 3 barrels of powder, 2380 musket cartridges, 8 casks of arms, 200 pair of shoes, a quantity of intrenching tools, 760 barrels of flour, 20 of biscuit, 675 barrels of beef, and 376 firkins of butter. We further learn that Colonel Allen and his party, who were taken prisoners near Montreal, are actually sent to England in irons, by Major Prescott; and that General Montgomery, with a strong detachment, was to leave Montreal on the 25th of November, to reinforce Colonel Arnold at Quebec.
Extract of a letter dated ST. CHRISTOPHER'S, Nov. 15.
"We have just received a letter from Dominica, dated the 10th inst. which informs that the packet from England had just arrived that morning, and it was said (privately) that the had brought over a proclamation prohibiting the exportation of West India produce to the continent.—The packet cannot be here before the 16th.—If the above news is true, we shall hardly have a chance of sending you another letter from an English island, as we suppose they may seize all property belonging to the Continent, yet can hardly believe they will till we see it done. You write us you have had thoughts to send a vessel out in ballast to be ready to take a cargo of rum of the ensuing crop, but we advise you to wait to hear further from us how the islands will act respecting the prohibition of their produce.—In Dominica the Assembly has laid a duty of one shilling a barrel on bread and flour, and every other article in proportion.—We leave you to judge what they think of your ports being stopped; we believe ere long they will feel the effects of it, though at this juncture every thing is plenty.—The Governor of Grenada has sent despatches to most of the Governors throughout the islands informing them of the conflagrations."
WILLIAMSBURG, Jan. 6.
Extract of a letter from Col. HOWE, to the Hon. the PRESIDENT of the CONVENTION, dated Dec. 28, 1775.
I AM at present, Sir, so indispensably engaged that I have not time to be so particular as I could wish had I any thing of importance to communicate; but, except some salutes from the men of war, matters remain just as they did when I wrote you last: No effectual steps have been taken in respect to the exchange of prisoners, for which the enclosed copies of letters between Lord Dunmore and myself will, I hope, account in such a manner as to leave me, in the opinion of your Hon. Body, free from blame."
"SIR, Ship DUNMORE, Dec. 25, 1775. "I this moment received yours of the 24th, and in compliance with your request, have empowered the bearer Mr. Laurie, to agree to any one of your Lieutenants in our custody, being exchanged in place of Mr. Batut, Lieutenant of the 14th regiment, and to an equal number of your privates, in lieu of those of the 14th with you now. I am, Sir,
Your most obedient humble servant, ROBERT HOWE, Esq; DUNMORE."
Col. HOWE's answer to the above.
"My LORD, December 25, 1775. "Delirious as we are to regain our friends in your custody, and to return to the army the officers and men of their corps who have fallen into our hands, we can by no means submit to place the officers and soldiers of the army, who have been taken in battle, upon a footing with those officers of militia and the peasants that you have thought proper to deprive of their liberty. We have, since our march from the Great Bridge, taken a number of those who were in action at that place, among them some who acted under your commissions as field-officers. Those I conceive may be equitably exchanged for those of the same rank in your hands; and, reluctant as I am to continue in confinement either your prisoners or ours, I shall consent to no exchange but such as equity shall warrant; I beg leave to refer you to Mr. Laurie for particulars. I should be glad to be favoured with a list of the prisoners you have in your hands, the rank they bear, and the manner in which they were taken. I am, my Lord,
Your Lordship's most obedient humble servant, His Excellency Lord DUNMORE. ROBERT HOWE."
The GOVERNOR's reply to Col. HOWE.
"SIR, December 26, 1775. "Your's of last night I received, and really am at a loss to know what your meaning is: You certainly, when you proposed an exchange of prisoners, could never have meant to pay your own people so poor a compliment, as not to look upon those, whom the Convention thought proper to appoint to hold military commissions in any other light than officers; those you talk of as officers of militia and peasants, whom you say I have thought proper to deprive of their liberty, come under that predicament, and were taken armed against their liege Sovereign. If the rank of officers in each army is not to be our guide, I own I am at a loss to know by what rule we are to be governed in an exchange of prisoners. I am, Sir, your humble servant,
ROBERT HOWE, Esq; in Norfolk. DUNMORE."
Colonel HOWE's answer.
"My LORD, "I was not understood by your Lordship last night, and it gives me concern. You do me justice, however, when you suppose I could not mean even by implication to degrade any commissions issued by Conventions, whose authority I acknowledge, whose appointment I honour, and to whose service I have devoted myself. I am, I find, to inform your Lordship of what I really thought you before acquainted, that Conventions, from the fatal necessities of the times, have been compelled to establish three different military bodies, militia, minute battalions, and regular regiments, and that they have made a distinction in the rank of each: What I said, therefore, in respect to militia officers, was not without its propriety, had my meaning extended no farther than as to their rank. You, my Lord, sometimes affect so much to despise any rank derived from Conventions, that courtesy itself cannot induce you even in the common forms of address to admit those appellations which they have affixed to particular characters. Circumstances, however, at other times, have so far an influence upon your Lordship as to prevail upon you not only to admit that rank, but to endeavour to carry it higher than even the Convention intended. A Colonel in the minute service ranks only with a Lieutenant Colonel of the regulars; a Colonel of militia, only with a Lieutenant Colonel of minute-men. This must make it plain that a militia Lieutenant,
though your Lordship had taken him in battle, cannot be deemed an equitable exchange for a Lieutenant of regulars, much less, my Lord, if a man should have been torn from his farm, and arbitrarily deprived of his liberty because a Convention had nominated him an officer, without his having done any one act that could warrant his seizure, or continue his confinement longer than despotism prevails over rights and privileges: In this case I might indeed compassionate his fate, but should betray the confidence reposed in me by my country should I attempt to release him by a prisoner of equal rank taken in battle, who it would be my duty to consider as a pledge in my hands for the redemption of some brave man that by the chance of war may happen to be captivated. The Convention, in order to establish a militia, have appointed Captains in particular districts to train and exercise in arms all persons from sixteen to sixty years of age, without instructing or directing them to act against Government: These may meet and go through the manual exercise, and then return home, surely, without the least guilt! Six months after, should some or all of these people be taken from their ploughs, made prisoners, and offered in exchange for those that are prisoners of war, could an officer be justified who admitted of such an exchange? Or would you, my Lord, should we seize upon the persons of the peasants, who come into this town every day, and who attended to your proclamation, and subscribed your test, admit of them in exchange for our officers and men, who, you assert, were taken in arms? Information had given me to think, and till your last letter, I had no reason to doubt that some of those officers and men you offered us were such as I have described, and it was to that I in part alluded when I said, that I could not put those prisoners taken in battle upon a footing with the militia officers and peasants whom you, my Lord, had thought proper to deprive of their liberty. I was explicit I thought, when I told your Lordship that I looked upon those officers who, under your appointment, fought at the Great Bridge, though taken since the action, as prisoners who would equitably be offered in exchange for those of ours of the same rank taken by you; and when I desired an exact list of the men in your custody, the rank they bore, and the manner in which they were taken, I imagined it would be granted me. I wish now to obtain such a list, my Lord; and if I do, you will find that I shall not degrade those commissions issued by Convention, the rank of which you seem so desirous I should maintain, but join you heartily if you choose it, in one measure at least, that of returning to their friends such prisoners as we have of yours, and restoring to the bosom of their country those that you have torn from it.
"I have not had it in my power, till within this hour, to answer your favour of last night; the delay you will please to excuse. I am, my Lord,
Your Lordship's most obedient humble servant, His Excellency Lord DUNMORE. ROBERT HOWE."
The other sloop of war fired a broad-side yesterday se'nnight at the main guard in Norfolk, which wounded one man, and damaged several houses. And on the day following the whole fleet began a heavy cannonading, and under cover of their guns a number of men were landed, who set the town on fire in several different places. The most important particulars of this transaction are contained in the following extract.
Extract of a letter from Col. HOWE, to the Hon. the PRESIDENT of the CONVENTION, NORFOLK, January 2.
"The cannonade of the town began about a quarter after three yesterday, from upwards of one hundred pieces of cannon, and continued till near ten at night, without intermission; it then abated a little, and continued till two this morning. Under cover of their guns they landed and set fire to the town in several places near the water, though our men strove to prevent them all in their power; but the houses near the water being chiefly of wood, they took fire immediately, and the fire spread with amazing rapidity. It is now become general, and the whole town will, I doubt not, be consumed in a day or two. Expecting that the fire would throw us into confusion, they frequently landed, and were every time repulsed, I imagine with loss, but with what loss I cannot tell. The burning of the town has made several avenues, which yesterday they had, so that they may now fire with greater effect. The tide is now rising and we expect at high water another cannonade. I have only to wish it may be as ineffectual as the last; for we have not one man killed, and but a few wounded. I cannot enter into the melancholy consideration of the women and children running through a crowd of shot to get out of the town, some of them with children at their breasts: A few have, I hear, been killed. Does it not call for vengeance, both from God and man? It is but justice to inform you, that I had the pleasure to find every officer ready to execute orders at a moment's warning, and that the men behaved with steadiness and spirit. Col. Stevens went down at my command, and led some men near the water, where he engaged a party who had landed, with the spirit and conduct of a good officer. Of my friend Col. Woodford it is almost needless to speak, but I cannot avoid expressing, that I received from him every assistance which conduct and spirit could give me."
A vessel arrived at Philadelphia has brought papers to the 28th of September, by which we learn, that Admiral Shulden had taken leave of his Majesty, and would soon depart for Boston; that Aldermen Hayley and Newham were sworn in sheriffs for the city; that the Ministry had shipped 600 sheep for their hungry tools at Boston, and advertised that there will be no regular conveyance for letters by the New York or Charlestown packet boats after the first Wednesday in October, but that whenever a packet may be dispatched to any part of the continent, proper notice will be given.
Yesterday were brought to this city, from the Great Bridge, Lieutenant Batut and five or six privates of the 14th regiment, who were wounded at the late battle at that place; also several Tories, sailors, and negroes, prisoners, in the whole about 30.
Thursday the 21st ult. in Lancaster county, a Negro fellow was tried and found guilty of sheep-stealing; he was sentenced to be burnt in the hand, but instead of saying, God save the King (as is usual upon such occasions) he roared out, with the greatest seeming sincerity, "God d--n the K--g,——and the Governor too."
Advertisements, &c. omitted this week, shall be inserted in our next.
IN CONVENTION, DECEMBER 22, 1775.
Resolved unanimously, THAT the thanks of this Convention are justly due to the brave officers, Gentlemen volunteers, and soldiers of North Carolina, as well as to our brethren of that province in general, for their prompt and generous aid in defence of our common rights against the enemies to America and of the British constitution.
TO BE SOLD, on Thursday the 18th Instant (January) on twelve Months Credit, a LOT in the Town of Petersburg, on which is an exceeding good Dwelling-House two Story high, well calculated for a Tavern, or for a large Family. The Sale will be made on the Premises. (2)
THE SHIP ROCKINGHAM, Richard Hopper Master, now lying in Nansemond River, will sail for Glasgow the first Week in February. She goes in Ballast, and will be exceedingly well fitted for Passengers. For Passage, apply to Gibson, Donaldson, and Hamilton, in Suffolk, or to Dixon & Hunter.
THE SLOOP CHRISTIAN, Burthen about 3500 Bushels, will sail for the West Indies in three Weeks, from Hampton. Passengers will apply on Board said Vessel, or to Archibald and James Gowan.

POETS CORNER.
On WINTER.
NO more the birds on ev'ry blooming spray... Strike in melodious notes the tuneful lay;
STRAYED from the 2d Regiment, when on its March through Surry, a handsome BAY GELDING about 14 1/2 Hands high...
R. K. MEADE.
TAKEN up, in Halifax, a BRIGHT BAY HORSE about 9 or 10 Years old, 4 Feet 6 or 7 Inches high...
DAVID HUDELSTON.
TAKEN up, in Halifax, a GRAY HORSE about 8 Years old, about 4 Feet 6 Inches high...
CHARLES WILSON.
AUGUSTA, November 20, 1775.
ALL Persons having Claims against the Estate of Mr. Francis Kirtley, deceased, are desired to bring them in by the last Day of March next...
FRANCIS KIRTLEY, Executor.
FOR SALE,
THE noted and well accustomed TAVERN in James City County, about 15 Miles from Williamsburg...
THOMAS DONCASTLE.
Monsieur LAFONG, HAIR-DRESSER, &c.
AND BARBER GENERAL!
IN Order to carry on the Business more extensively, has taken a Partner, and returns his Customers his most sincere Thanks...
The Public's most obedient
And most devoted humble Servants, LAFONG & WILEY.
They will engage Customers only quarterly.
TO BE SOLD,
On Thursday the 11th of January 1776, if fair, otherwise the next fair Day, at the Plantation of the late Mr. James Burwell, in King William County,
ALL the Estate at said Plantation, consisting of STOCK of every Kind, the Crop of CORN, WHEAT, &c. PLANTATION UTENSILS, &c.
WILLIAM RUSSELL, D. S. York.
Forty Shillings Reward.
RUN away from the Subscriber, some Time in August last, SAWNEY, a likely Virginia born Negro Man Slave about 18 Years of Age...
HENRICO, Dec. 22, 1775.
AMHERST, December 10, 1775.
We intend to leave the Colony in a short Time.
JOHN M'KINDLAY.
PATRICK HART.
AT Marlborough Iron Works, in Frederick County, in the Colony of Virginia, is immediately wanted a sufficient Number of Hands to cut 5000 Cords of Wood.
ISAAC ZANE.
JUST COME TO HAND, And to be SOLD by the Subscriber, at the Store lately occupied by Mr. TURNER, a large Assortment of GOODS...
BROADCLOTHS, Shalloons, Dorset-teens, Durants, Velverets, Shags, Serge-Denims, Chair and Curtain Lace...
WILLIAM PITTS.
I expect an Assortment of LINENS in a few Days.
CAROLINE, Dec. 7, 1775.
WHEREAS a certain false and scandalous Report, highly reflecting on our public Character, has been propagated against us in this Paper of the 2d Instant...
WILLIAM & JAMES SUTTON.
CAROLINE County, to wit, This Day came before me, Edward Brown, Richard Edmonson, Junior, and William Southworth, Junior...
G. GUY.
Fifty Dollars Reward.
To all Men in all civilized Kingdoms, States, Provinces, Colonies and Islands;
PATRICK MACKAY, Esq; of the Island of Sappello, in the Province of Georgia hereby Gives Notice of a most daring and flagitious Robbery and Piracy...
About Eleven o'clock in the Night of Tuesday the thirty first Day of October 1775, nine armed Men came on board a Schooner, then lying moored off the Point of Sappello...
There were on Board the Schooner, at the Time when the Pirates boarded her, a white Man, John Bacon, and three Negro Men...
When the Schooner was boarded by the above mentioned Pirates, she was in Ballast; the only Provisions then on Board were, about five Bushels of Potatoes...
The above Reward is hereby offered to any Person who shall apprehend and bring to Justice the above mentioned Samuel Price, Samuel Wells, and their accomplices...
PATRICK MACKAY.
GEORGIA, November 1, 1775.
STRAYED from LILLIPUT, in JAMES CITY County, a RED HEIFER, branded on the near Buttock C, and has got a Hole through one of her Ears.
HENRY CHAPLIN.
TREASURY OFFICE, December 22, 1775.
PURSUANT to an Act of the General Assembly, and a Resolution of Convention, I have appointed Mr. Bartholomew Dandridge to assist in signing and Mr. William Rose in filling up and numbering the Treasury Notes.
ROBERT C. NICHOLAS, Treasurer.
WILLIAMSBURG, December 23, 1775.
THE surviving Partners of Mr. John Prentis, late Manager of the Trade under the Firm of himself and Company, earnestly request all Persons indebted to the said Partnership to pay their respective Balances to Mr. Robert Prentis, the present Manager...
ROBERT PRENTIS, & Co.
PRINCESS ANNE, December 16, 1775.
THE Subscriber's State of Health making it necessary for him to leave the Colony in a few Months, he desires all Persons to whom he is indebted to bring in their Accounts...
ANTHONY WALKE.
RUN away from the Subscriber, in Staunton, Augusta County, the 7th Instant (December) a Servant Boy named BARTHOLOMEW ARCHIBALD, about 18 Years of Age...
ROGER NORTH.
W A N T E D,
A WET NURSE, of good Character, without a Child. Inquire of the Printers.
tf
JUST PUBLISHED,
Virginia ALMANACK
FOR THE YEAR OF OUR LORD ONE THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-SIX: CONTAINING
THE Lunations, Conjunctions, Eclipses; the Sun and Moon's Rising and Setting; the Rising, Setting, and Southing of the Heavenly Bodies...
WHEREIN ARE ALSO CONTAINED,
A Table of Court Days - a List of the Council and House of Burgessies of Virginia - List of Parishes, and the Ministers in them - The Governors and Visitors of William & Mary College...
To be rented for two Years, to the highest Bidder, on the 1st Day of January next,
THE Ordinary lately occupied by Mr. Isham Allen, belonging to the Estate of Samuel Abney, deceased, about six Miles from Williamsburg...
ROBERT C. WARREN.
TO BE SOLD
Under a Power of Attorney from Mr. JOHN BAYLOR, ABOUT 1000 Acres of Land in the county of Orange, to be laid off on the upper Part of a Tract whereon John Hawkins lives.
EDMUND PENDLETON, Jun.
N. B. I am also empowered to receive and pay Mr. Baylor's Debts, but I am apprehensive it will not be in my Power to do either, and therefore hope his Creditors will not be impatient or uneasy.
Just come to Hand, and to be SOLD at this
PRINTING OFFICE,
A large and exact VIEW of the late BATTLE at CHARLESTOWN, Elegantly coloured, Price one Dollar.
Also an accurate MAP of
The present SEAT of CIVIL WAR,
Taken by an able Draughtsman who was on the Spot at the late Engagement. Price one Dollar.
YORK TOWN, September 19, 1775.
RUN away from Col. Philip Rootes, of King and Queen, a Negro Man named HARRY, who was some Years ago mortgaged to the Hon. William Nelson.
THE EXECUTORS.