The Virginia gazette (Williamsburg, Va.), 1774-09-08 00:00:00

VIRGINIA
GAZETTE.
OPEN TO ALL PARTIES,
BUT INFLUENCED BY NONE.
WILLIAMSBURG: PRINTED BY
CLEMENTINA RIND.
All Persons may be supplied with this GAZETTE at 12s. 6d. a Year. ADVERTISEMENTS, of a moderate Length, are inserted for 3s. the first Week, and 2s. each Time after; long ones in Proportion. PRINTING WORK, of every Kind, executed with Care and Dispatch.
THE generous support which the printer of this paper has received from the public, since the decease of her late husband, induces her once more to return the warmest acknowledgements, as well for past favours as the kind promises of many individuals to continue their kindness towards her; and it is with infinite satisfaction she can assure her customers that she shall shortly, should Providence be pleased to restore her health, be enabled to conduct her business with more ease and extension than her most sanguine expectations originally dictated.
The known emoluments arising from a free exercise of the press, in all matters which serve not the ends of corruption and malevolence, and the numerous other advantages derived from a well conducted newspaper, are so apparent, that it requires no comment, or expostulation, particularly to enlarge or set them forth. To revive, at all times in her power, the spirit of this paper, by a due observance of material intelligence, and a proper attention to all pieces with which she may be favoured from any of her correspondents, which, if they exceed not the bounds of her gazette, and are fraught with either a decent or moral tendency, shall have their proper arrangement.
The printer would by no means be understood to boast a superiority in the conduct of a vehicle of this nature; she only advances, that it shall be her particular endeavour to amuse and instruct, and, at the same time, her firm determination, ever to preserve the dignity of her paper.
Nor will she presume to urge that this gazette will be always exempt, or free, from small, or typographical errors, it being utterly impossible for the nicest eye, at all times, to distinguish, or perceive, faults of that nature, owing chiefly to the extreme hurry in which we are generally involved.
A general correspondence with all the printers on this continent, as also with many of the printers, and others with whom it is convenient to carry on a correspondence of this sort, in many of the principal towns and cities of Great Britain, is established, which will of course be materially interesting and useful to us, by affording means to supply our readers with the latest intelligence from those different quarters.
But while we are thus descanting upon the benefits resulting from a paper conducted on such a plan as we have mentioned, it may not be amiss, or unkindly taken, should we now drop a hint or two with respect to the means which alone can prolong its existence:—To every person, then, but more especially to every customer, it must evidently appear, that they are served at a very great expence, which cannot be defrayed without punctual remittances from the subscribers yearly; nor would the cash, due for advertisements at different periods, and for other kinds of printing work, be unacceptably, were it to accompany the gazette money; and which we must earnestly hope will be a mutual consideration with our kind benefactors. This would enable her to proceed with spirit, and at the same time to lay something by for the support of her children at a future day; and she will not deny, that, under those circumstances, it will be pretty considerable.
The printer must now, too, beg leave to observe, that this week completes the first year since she has had the management of an office; and should it not be convenient for those of her subscribers who live remote from Williamsburg to send their subscription money so soon as they could wish, they will please to convey it by some merchant, or other person, who would readily, she is persuaded, do that kindness for her, when they attend the ensuing October general court.
Having nothing further to add, and fearing that I have already been too troublesome, I shall conclude the public's most grateful, and much obliged, humble servant,
August 18, 1774.
CLEMENTINA RIND.
QUO FONTE DERIVATA CLADES IN PATRIAM POPULUMQUE FLUXIT. To the reverend CLERGY of the CHURCH OF ENGLAND in VIRGINIA.
REVEREND GENTLEMEN,
WHOEVER will be at the pains to examine into the state of religion in this country, and has any of that generous benevolence to his fellow creatures, which is not circumscribed by the narrow boundaries of this world, cannot remain an unconcerned spectator. He must be moved to search for the cause of that prevailing ignorance and impiety among the bulk of the people, that bold spirit of infidelity that has seized the minds of the fashionable and opulent, and that defection from the established religion so much complained of in many parts of the colony. To an impartial observer, I think, it will appear pretty evident, that these events are owing chiefly and originally to the indolence and irregularities of the clergy. As you are our public instructors and monitors, you must be the main sources of religious knowledge, and the standards of christian practice; therefore any neglect of duty, or any ill example in you, must occasion ignorance and depravation of manners in those who acknowledge you for their guides.
Others, of too much spirit and penetration to give an implicit assent to what you say, and who are too licentious or too proud to acquiesce in the pure and humiliating doctrines of christianity, being deprived of the most irresistible argument for its divine origin, its powerful influence on the lives of its professors, especially teachers who ought to know it best, readily take up whatever principles best suit their tempers, and folace themselves, no doubt, with so plausible an excuse for concluding the whole system of revelation a contrivance to serve the purposes of government, and gratify the ambition, covetousness, and luxury, of the priesthood, these being the chief uses to which they see it is now applied.
And lastly, such as have by some means or other been brought to a solicitude about their future interests, and begin to discover the great unlikeness of your characters to that given in scripture of faithful ministers, and which reason tells them ought to appear in persons of your profession, immediately take you to be a set of mercenary men, devoted to the pursuits and pleasures of this world, and very unfit to be confided in matters that relate to another. What confirms them in this sentiment is, that they see no good effects of your sacerdotal labours, no reformati ons among the wicked who hear you, nor any great tendency in your performances to produce them. This makes them abandon a church where such useless ministers abound, and give up themselves to the guidance of dissenting teachers, of whose honesty, diligence, and success, they receive more satisfactory evidence, thinking it safer, I suppose, to trust to them, who seem to have gone the way they mark out to others, than to men who manifest no practical acquaintance with their business; as a plain, unlearned man, who had travelled a difficult road, ought sooner to be advised with about it than a very knowing man, who had only studied the geography of the country, and collected some general accounts of it from books.
These plain observations, I hope, will justify me in considering you as the criminal authors of the above named evils, and in taking the liberty to offer you a few obvious and seasonable advices concerning your pastoral duties, which, if vigorously discharged, will be the certain means of restoring purity and stability to the church of England.
1. In the first place, I would recommend it to you, seriously and frequently to peruse the solemn professions and promises you made at your
ordination. You there entered upon an arduous employment, renouncing all lucrative views, trusting that you were moved by the Holy Ghost, and truly called according to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, to take upon you this office, and engaged faithfully to teach the doctrines of the gospel, and watch over your flocks.
2. Make the scriptures the man of your counsel, and study well the articles, homilies, and canons, of the church; and then take heed unto yourself, and to your doctrine. This will enable you to convince gain-sayers, and defend the religion you profess, to preach consistently with yourselves, and with one another, to introduce profitable topics of discourse, and administer grace to your hearers.
3. It may seem to some impertinent, perhaps, to pretend to rectify the reading of English in gentlemen of learned educations; but I expect to be forgiven, when it is considered how much the liturgy, notwithstanding its boasted excellencies of composition, has lost, both of its credit and usefulness, by that dull and languid tone, or that rapid and puerile pronunciation, by that awkward and irreverent attitude, or that unmeaning aspect, with which divine service is often performed. Instead of enumerating the particular rules on this part of your duty, I beg leave to refer those who are willing to be instructed in this valuable accomplishment to Sheridan's lectures, where this subject is treated with elegance and precision, and shall only observe, that the most essential requisite in this and other public duties is to feel what is spoken, and then it will be delivered naturally and movingly, and will awaken correspondent affections in the hearers. Sevis me flet, dolendum, est primum ipsi sibi. It seems hardly possible for one whose mind is duly composed for devotion, and elevated with the solemnity of public worship, to read the prayers and confession without an humble and supplicating tone, to pronounce the absolution without some dignity and authority, the exhortations without some earnestness and energy, or the thanksgivings without some visible indications of gratitude and joy.
4. When you enter the pulpit, see that you never lose sight of the great doctrines of christianity, as held by the church of England, the corrupt state of human nature, its renovation by the divine spirit, and the pardon of sin through the merits of Jesus Christ. These principles you not only subscribed in the articles, but do acknowledge and attest every time you read the liturgy, where they are plainly implied or expressed in almost every section. St. Paul was a learned, diligent, and successful preacher. Observe the train of his discourses and epistles: There is not a page but what is graced with the name of his master, not a doctrine but what is built on him as the foundation, scarce a precept but what is enforced from his authority or example. How unlike many sermons we hear now! in which the preacher seems afraid of contaminating his title by the obsolete phrase of the gospel , or degrading the dignity of man by making him dependent on a Saviour, or of destroying his moral agency by asserting the necessity of divine grace.
If these plain truths were so efficacious in converting blind and brutish heathens, certainly they would be most likely to reform degenerate christians. If they were so irresistible in demolishing Romish idolatry and superstition, who can doubt but they might be employed with equal success in defending and purifying a protestant church?
But it is not enough barely to preach these doctrines, these apostolic, these protestant, these church of England doctrines; they must be enforced with demonstration of the spirit, and of power. It must be allowed that every clergyman is not capable of being an orator; but every clergyman is capable of being zealous, and may deliver his sentiments feelingly, though he cannot do it eloquently, and when the heart is engaged, and the truth maintained, all good men will bear with a coarse voice, and ungraceful gesture. I would be far, very far, from disclaiming all didactic and dispassionate preaching, yet I must assert the just claim of animated, poignant addresses, to a plentiful share in all popular discourses. Reason and argument are proper for instruction, but energy and pathos must rouse to action.
I know there are some, and I believe there are many, even among the clergy, who highly disapprove of attempts to stir up the passions. It is a pity they so expose their ignorance and want of discernment by advancing this strange notion. Whence they got it I know not; but it is well known it did not come from any eminent orator, ancient or modern, heathen or christian, nor from any approved writer on the eloquence of the senate, the pulpit, or the theatre. And if a warm application to the passions hath sometimes been disallowed or discouraged at the bar, it has been because there is so great a chance of its perverting equity and law, and because it is the business of courts of justice to ascertain facts and decide controversies, &c. and not to instigate men to virtuous or noble exertions. Some ill effects, it is true, have followed excessive transports of the affections, raised by the unreasonable vehemence of the speaker, or the peculiar constitution of the sufferer; but it would shew as misjudged a judgment in a preacher to disuse them wholly on that account as it would in a master of a ship who should refuse to make use of the wind in sailing because it has sometimes blown a hurricane, and destroyed weak vessels. Indeed, hearing a sermon at church is preferable to reading as good a one at home, only because of its greater tendency to make impressions on the heart. For the same reason, such preaching as makes deep and durable impressions, is better than such as affects the mind but feebly and transiently. It would be very easy to corroborate this by examples and testimonies in abundance; but as I suspect the objection against pathetic preaching has arisen, at least in some, rather from an unwillingness to act than an inability to think aright, I shall endeavour to stir you up by putting you in remembrance that the prophet Ezekiel has declared, that if the watchman blow not the trumpet, and warn not the wicked from his wicked way, and the wicked man die in his iniquity, that his blood will be required at the watchman's hand. Remember, too, when you ascend the pulpit, that you declare the message of the king of kings, and that you declare it to candidates for immortality, and can you forbear to lift up your voices like a trumpet, to cry aloud, and spare not? Remember that you will be a saviour of life unto life, or of death unto death, and humanity itself must constrain you to travail as in birth, till the Lord Jesus Christ be formed in their hearts.
I would remind you, likewise, that there are many illiterate persons, and ignorant slaves, that make a part of your audiences, who have immortal spirits to be saved, and of whom you must give an account. Let this reflection make you speak plainly and intelligibly, as well as fervently and affectionately. Condescend to men of low estate, and despise not the poor, for whom Christ died.
There is, besides, one necessary part of useful preaching, which well deserves your notice, and that is, to apply to your hearers discriminately and particularly. By the first, I mean distinguishing them into their several classes of saints and sinners, rich and poor, old and young, parents and children, masters and servants, &c. and by the second, pointing out their particular duties, their personal and relative duties, their secret and visible duties, their negative and active duties, enforcing them, from the operative principles of love to God, faith in Christ, and benevolence to mankind. It is not enough to let before them general inducements to a virtuous and good life; it ought to be shown wherein such a life consists, and that none can lay claim to it who do not worship their Maker as well as do good to their neighbour, who do not worship him in their families and closets as well as in the sanctuary; and who are not charitable to the souls as well as the bodies and temporal interests of their fellow creatures.
A very slight acquaintance with human nature will convince any one of the use of this practice, in fixing the attention, in touching the conscience, and warming the heart; and it is to be regretted, that it is so much disused at the present day, in the religious discourses that are both preached and printed. Florid and random declamations, or refined philosophic disquisitions, which can only please the imaginations of the gay, or gratify the curiosity of the speculative, seem to be most in vogue. Whether christianity is better understood, or more practiced, since the ambition of its teachers has carried them into this fashion, may easily be determined by those who make the scripture the rule of judging and living. Perhaps I ought to except not a few among us who drudge along in the old, beaten, barren track, of moral preaching, inculcating virtue from principles which have no influence on themselves or their hearers, and exhibiting a scheme of religion that depreciates or destroys the atonement of Christ, and leaves out most of the evangelical graces.
5. Teach and expound the catechism diligently. This is so strictly enjoined by the rubrick, and the laws of the land, and the christian education of children may so much be promoted by it, that you cannot omit it without the just censure of all honest people, and the condemnation of your own hearts.
6. Exercise a regular and impartial discipline in your churches. Purge out the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump. Expel obstinate offenders, reject the unworthy, and admonish them who walk disorderly. Follow the rules prescribed in the liturgy and canons, and endeavour to have the visible church a peculiar people, zealous of good works, a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation.
7. Visit your flocks, and reach them from house to house. Urge them to the reading of the scriptures, and to all holy conversation and godliness. Press it upon the parents to instruct the children, and to train them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, to pray for them, to pray with them, and to teach them to pray for themselves. Shew them the duty, likewise, of teaching their slaves the principles of christianity, and reproving them for their offences against their Maker, as well as those against their masters. It would be proper for you to be personally acquainted with your parishioners as far as circumstances will allow. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep. The true shepherd calleth his sheep by name. Converge familiarly with them, that you may give them easy access to consult you on any doctrine or duty, and find out their dispositions and designs with respect to religion, that you may be better able to correct their mistakes, to tell them their faults, to direct their enquiries, and to persuade them to the steady observance of christian precepts.
8. In all things go before your congregations as shining examples of piety. The majority, after all, can copy, and will copy, more from your life and manners than from your advice and precepts. The thoughtful part will judge of the rectitude of your principles from their influence on your practice; and without dispute, the tree is best known from its fruit; and the ignorant will follow you in the broad high way, so agreeable to their natural propensities, sooner than turn aside, by your directions, into a narrow path, through a wilderness, where you have not courage to venture yourselves. You are their guides and commanders, and if you refuse to lead them on, can you expect they will march forth of themselves against the world, the flesh, and the Devil; those foes so formidable to human nature? You have still less reason to expect this, if you would reflect, that notwithstanding all your arguments for a holy and christian life, yet if you are careless or vicious in your conduct, you are advocates against it; for example is more eloquent and persuasive than words.
It has often been remarked, and with great justice, that the lazy and flagitious lives of the clergy have given occasion to more satire and ridicule, and caused more separations from the national church, than all its supposed imperfections and absurdities put together. We have instances of this at the present day. Do not the most farcical taunts and ludicrous reflections of wanton wits, who sport with religion, light upon indiscreet and ignorant priests? And do not the dissenting teachers among us expatiate with exultation and triumph on the idle and immoral lives of the unworthy part of your order? Nor can it be denied that their censures are in common so apparently true that it would argue a great degree of weakness and prejudice in any one to undertake to refute them. This must excite the compassion of the friends to the church, who will distinguish between the nature of its constitution and the lives of its clergy; but it is not at all strange that the undiscerning multitude should be caught with such discourses, and forsake the church, through indignation at its scandalous ministers.
A wicked layman is a blemish to the church, though it is but a scar on its body, not often seen, nor much regarded; but a worthless clergyman is a foul cancer in its very face, and tarnishes its beauty in the sight of all men. This should be a strong argument with you to exert yourselves, one among another, as well as among the laity, in checking the licentious, in stimulating the slothful, and in instructing the ignorant.
[To be continued.]
EXTRACTS from a pamphlet, lately published in London, intitled "Considerations on the measures carrying on with respect to the British colonies in North America."
THE author ascribes all the present confusion of things between the mother country and the colonies, "the opposition and disturbances on the one hand, and the violent laws on the other," to the attempts that have been made "to tax them without their consent." He therefore examines both the right and the expediency of this measure.
"The present accursed question (says he) between us and our colonies, how long was it unknown or unthought of! Who heard of it, from the first rise of these settlements, until a very few years ago, that a fatal attempt forced it into notice and importance? But it is now setting at work fleets and armies. It threatens the confusion, and perhaps the destruction, of both countries, and, but too probably of one of them; although God only knows whether the calamity will fall on that of the two, which many men may now imagine and believe to be most in danger."
"It is said that the money to be raised on the Americans is to be employed for their own benefit, in their civil service, or military defence: Let me ask, then, who are in their case to determine whether any money is wanted for such purposes, they who pay it, or they who take it? They who take it. Who are to determine the quantity wanted? They who take it. Who are to determine how often it is wanted? They who take it. Who are to determine whether it is really laid out in the purposes pretended? They who take it. Suppose the Americans should be of opinion, or declare, that the money so raised is used not for their advantage, but the contrary; is that a bar to the raising it? No. Suppose them to complain that the money pretended to be laid out in their civil service is given to corrupt their governors or judges; is that a bar to the raising? No. Suppose them to signify that the money alleged to be used in their military defence is employed in paying troops to enslave them, and which they had rather be without; is that a bar to the raising? No. Wherein, then, does this differ from will and pleasure , in the most absolute sense?"
"Our colonies are content that we should regulate their trade, provided what we do is bona fide , really, truly, and sincerely, for that purpose, and that only; but they deny that we shall tax them. They assent and agree to the first; but they absolutely refuse the last. Why, then, cannot we content us with the line drawn by themselves, and the present establishment, from which we receive such prodigious benefit, now arising, and yearly increasing?"

"But may not they in time extend their objections to the regulation of trade also? The course of things, and the flux of years, will certainly produce very many things more extraordinary than this. The whole of our colonies must, no doubt, without force or violence, fall off from the parent state, like ripe fruit in the maturity of time. But why should we be over curious about objects very remote, and disturb ourselves about a futurity which does not affect us, and the distance of which we do not know? Why should we share the fruit unripe from the tree, because it will of course drop off when it is ripe? Every time has its own circumstances, according to which the events of it must be provided for, when they happen. That cannot now be done. New and unreasonable demands, injustice, oppression, and violence, on our part, will hasten these events, even before their time. Let us withhold our bands from these things. We have never yet had reason to boast ourselves of such expedients; nor, let me add, ever to repent us of the contrary conduct."
In answer to what is commonly objected, concerning the expence which the colonies cost the mother country, in their original settlement, as well as their protection afterwards, he writes thus:
"But was their history told as it deserves; how they have made these their great establishments at their own charge, and with almost no expence of ours; how we have ever had the total command of the produce of that immense country, so as to regulate the commerce and exportation of it, merely according to our own advantage and convenience; that this is grown to be an object of perhaps no less than four millions sterling a year, all turned to our profit; could the extreme benefit be all set forth, which we have by these means received from the first foundation of these colonies to this time, and the cheerfulness, fidelity, and loyalty, wherewith they have submitted to this; the sincere and warm friendship and affection which they have ever borne towards us, while we kept ourselves within these bounds; the assistance which we have received from them in war, as well as the profits in peace; could all these circumstances, with many others favourable to them, be told and reflected on together, in their full light, the story itself would bid fair to make a happy and unmerited act of parliament drop out of our hands , which we are now only endeavouring to enforce obedience from our colonies, to the law of the mother country. To which I depend a lent of all allegiance to the law of the mother country."
"But is there any medium between Great Britain and Ireland, why not there also between Great Britain and North America? The claims of the colonies are not higher than those of Ireland: Why should forbearance, moderation, and regard, towards [America] that a little more distant portion of our country, produce in the one case effects consonant to what the like causes do in the other? How was it there, twenty years ago, before the first of the last of these acts were thought of? All was peace, calm, and content. The repealing the first of them, the stamp act, did that do any mischief? Not unless the reconciling, uniting, and connecting again, all the parts of our government be such. There was hardly any where to be found a man but who was pleased and happy in the measure, except a minister or two at home, who lost their power and their places on the occasion; and except a few sycophants abroad, who hoped to recommend themselves by traducing and disturbing those to whom they owed assistance and protection, and who desired to fish in troubles which they themselves contributed greatly to create. What evil star reigns, then, at this period, that these blessings cannot now take place as they formerly did?"
In answer to the hopes which some may entertain of a disunion among the colonies themselves, he writes thus:
"In the cause of not being taxed by us, it is well understood how much they are united. All accounts and reports from thence, of all men and of all parties, concur in that circumstance: We reckon entirely without our host, if we do not expect to have to do with an union of that continent, or if we depend on any measures insufficient to subdue the whole. Does any one in America or England imagine that all these disputes and feuds are only, at the bottom, about a duty of threepence upon a pound of tea ?"
He then considers how far it may be practicable to bring America to submit to internal taxation , by armies and fleets. "A fleet (says he) cannot sail all over North America. No immediate impression upon Boston, or any of the towns of America (where a fleet can come) will carry the command of the whole continent, or force it to submit to measures so universally against their bent and inclination."
But we will not quote more on this head. The Americans are loyal to their sovereign, and retain the strongest affection to the mother country; and God forbid that ever measures should be persevered in which may drive them to such a state of desperation as might lead them to hazard a contest, which, if successful on their part, would certainly terminate in the total and irretrievable destruction of both . "What fruits (says he) would for some time be reaped from provinces mangled and mutilated in a severe contest, obliged to their disadvantage, should they at last return to us again? But we should overlook what must be the case should the event terminate against us, and end, after an expence of much treasure and blood, in so fatal and inestimable a loss on our side, as that of these colonies would be. No man knows whither this affair would run in a long trial. We need not be nice in measuring our force against the Americans. The evil of such a day will sufficiently decide the contest."
EXTRACT FROM BRYDONE'S TRAVELS, &c.
WE are compleatly tired of Syracuse, which, of all the wretched places we have yet met with, is by many degrees the most wretched: For, besides that its inhabitants are so extremely poor and beggarly, many of them are so over-run with the itch, that we are under perpetual apprehensions, and begin to be extremely well satisfied that we could not procure beds. It is truly melancholy to think of the dismal contrast that its former magnificence make with its present meanness. The mighty Syracuse, the most opulent and powerful of all the Grecian cities, which, by its own proper strength alone, was able, at different times, to contend against all the power of Carthage and of Rome, which is recorded (what the force of united nations is now incapable of) to have repulsed fleets of two thousand sail, and armies of two hundred thousand men, and contained within its own walls, what no city ever did before or since, fleets and armies that were the terror of the world; this haughty and magnificent city, reduced even below the consequence of the most insignificant burgh! Sic transit gloria mundi! I have not even been able to procure a table to write upon, but, by way of succedaneum, am obliged to lay a form over the back of two chairs. We have got into the most wretched hovel you can conceive, and the most dirty; but what is still worst of all, we can find nothing to eat, and if we had not brought some cold fowls along with us, we might have starved.
The poor people of the village have found us out, and with looks full of misery have surrounded our door. Accursed tyranny! what despicable objects we become in thy hands! Is it not inconceivable how any government should be able to render poor and wretched a country which produces, almost spontaneously, every thing that even luxury can desire? But, alas! poverty and wretchedness have ever attended the yoke, both on this, and on the other side of the globe.
We are amazed at the richness of the crops, far superior to any thing I had ever seen either in England or Flanders, where the happy soil is assisted by all the arts of cultivation; whilst here, the wretched husbandman can hardly afford to give it a furrow, and gathers in, with a heavy heart, the most luxuriant harvest. To what purpose is it given him? Only to lie a dead weight upon his hand, sometimes, till it is entirely lost; exportation being prohibited to all such as cannot pay exorbitantly for it to the sovereign. What a contrast is there betwixt this and the little uncouth country of Switzerland! To be sure, the dreadful consequences of oppression can never be set in a more striking opposition to the blessings and charms of liberty. Switzerland, the very excrescence of Europe, where nature seems to have thrown out all her cold and
stagnating humours; full of lakes, marshes, and woods, and surrounded by immense rocks and everlasting mountains of ice, the barren, but sacred, ramparts of liberty; Switzerland, enjoying every blessing, where every blessing seems to have been denied; whilst Sicily, covered by the most luxuriant hand of nature, where Heaven seems to have showered down its richest blessings with the utmost prodigality, groans under the most abject poverty, and with a pale and wan visage, starves in the midst of plenty!
It is liberty alone that works this standing miracle. Under her plastic hands the mountains sink, the lakes are drained, and these rocks, these marshes, these woods, become so many sources of wealth and pleasure!
B O S T O N, August 8.
A LETTER from a gentleman at Pownalborough, on Kennebeck river, dated the 20th ult. says: "We had on Thursday last a most violent tempest of wind, thunder, rain, and hail; at Winthrop it demolished whole acres of the tallest woods, without leaving a single tree standing. The storm was attended with midnight darkness, the ground covered several inches deep with large forked hail stones, and several people had their crops entirely destroyed."
A correspondent observes, "that nothing can equal the base servility of some late hantic addressers, in countenancing those measures which every good mind abhors, and profanely giving the name of most gracious to him under whose weighty hand we are declared against the liberties of this country. It is not a time for flattery, but for every man to speak truth to his neighbour, and to act out the patriot, the christian, and the hero. To flatter our oppressors, is at once the most servile and wicked, disgraces human nature, and is abominable in the sight of a free soul."
By captain Leech, in one week from Philadelphia, who arrived here last Saturday night, we are informed, that 400 barrels of flour were ready to be shipped as a present for the poor of Boston.
Last week a generous donation of grain was received here from the towns of Windham and Farmington, in Connecticut.
CHARLESTOWN (South Carolina) August 2.
FRIDAY last a messenger arrived here express from his excellency governor Martin, of North Carolina, with dispatches to his honour the lieutenant governor, and the superintendent of Indian affairs. Private letters and other Indians have commenced hostilities, and penetrated a considerable way into the province of Virginia, where they have murdered a great many families, and reduced the western part of the country to great distress.
N E W P O R T, August 15.
BY a gentleman from Plainfield, in Connecticut, we are informed, that the inhabitants of that town are making up a flock of sheep to send for the support of Boston; and that colonel Eleazer Fitch, of Windham, having busied himself in opposition to the rights of the people, enraged them to such a degree, that they had withdrawn the whole of their cattle trade from him; and it is hoped all such will meet the like fate.
We hear the town of Washington, in Connecticut, is raising a quantity of grain, &c. for the support of Boston.
There are a number of cruisers on this coast, so that it is necessary to keep a good look out.
The 20th of July there was a meeting of upwards of 700 freeholders of the county of Kent, on Delaware, beside other inhabitants, when they entered into spirited resolves respecting the measures taken against Boston, appointed a committee of 13 gentlemen, and ordered a subscription to be immediately set on foot for the relief of the sufferers in that distressed town.
The people of Georgia had caught the flame of patriotism, and were to have a meeting about the 10th instant.
The delegates for New Hampshire are now in this town, on their way to join the grand AMERICAN CONGRESS. God send them safe.
NEWBERN (NORTH CAROLINA) August 19.
By his excellency JOSIAH MARTIN, esquire, captain general, governor, and commander in chief, in and over the said province.
A PROCLAMATION.
WHEREAS it appears to me that meetings and assemblies of the inhabitants of this province have been in some of the counties and towns thereof already held, and are in others appointed to be held, without any legal authority, and that resolves have been entered into, and plans concerted, in such meetings as are passed, derogatory to his majesty and the parliament of Great Britain, and that there is reason to apprehend the same inflammatory, disloyal, and indecent measures, may be adopted in such future assemblies, inconsistent with the peace and good order of this government, and tending to excite clamour and discontent among his majesty's subjects of this province, I have thought fit, with the advice and consent of his majesty's council, to issue this proclamation, to discourage, as much as possible, proceedings so illegal and unwarrantable in their nature, and in their effect so obviously injurious to the welfare of this country, and to this end I do hereby strictly require and enjoin, on their allegiance, all and every his majesty's subjects, to forbear to attend at any such illegal meetings, and that they do discourage and prevent the same by all and every means in their power, and more particularly that they do forbear to attend, and do prevent, as far as in them lies, the meeting of certain deputies, said to be appointed to be held at Newbern on the 25th instant; and I do more especially charge, require, and command, all and every his majesty's justices of the peace, sheriffs, and other officers, to be aiding and assisting herein, to the utmost of their power.
GIVEN under my hand, and the great seal of the province, at Newbern, this 13th day of August, 1774, and in the 14th year of his majesty's reign.
JO. MARTIN. GOD SAVE THE KING. By his excellency's command, JAMES PARRATT, D. S.
The following is one of the most remarkable examples which is to be met with in ancient history:
M. ATTILIUS REGULUS is put to a cruel death for his singular love to his country.
THE most noble and heroic instance of patriotism is that of the famous Marcus Atilius Regulus. He had been chosen consul, and soon after defeated and taken prisoner by the Carthaginians, who used him with great severity during the time of his imprisonment. They being at length tired with a war in which they had exhausted their strength and treasure, began to think of making a peace with Rome. With this view they began to soften the rigour of his captivity, and having engaged him by a solemn promise to return to Carthage, they prevailed upon him to go to Rome with their ambassadors, and use his interest with the senate to accept their peaceable proposals. Upon their arrival before the gates of Rome, Regulus refused to enter, alledging that he was now no longer a senator, but a prisoner and a slave to the Carthaginians; for which reason they had their audience without the walls, where he backed the Carthaginians proposals for a peace and exchange of prisoners.
As it was customary for the ambassadors to withdraw whilst the senate was deliberating upon an answer, Regulus also withdrew with them, and would not be prevailed on by any means to be present at their debate, till the Carthaginians, who were his masters by right of war, had obliged him to it. His behaviour at that august assembly was such as became his present misfortunes; and, when it came to his turn to speak, he expressed himself to this effect: "Though I am a slave at Carthage, yet I am a free man at Rome, and as such shall now exhort you not to agree by any means to the proposals made now to you, but to prosecute the war with the utmost vigour. The Carthaginians are quite dispirited, their treasure and forces exhausted; they have scarce any but mercenaries to oppose against you, so that they must shortly yield to your successful arms. As for the exchange of prisoners, you have a considerable number of brave officers, who may hereafter be serviceable to you, them I would have you to exchange; but as for me, who am now grown old and useless, you need not bestow one thought upon, but suffer me to return to my captivity according to my promise, and let the Gods take care of the rest." The senate, greatly affected with his magnanimity, endeavoured by all possible means to retain him, but all to no purpose. It was neither in their power, nor that of his nearest friends and relations, nor even of his virtuous wife and children, to dissuade him from keeping his word, and returning to his confinement. As soon as the noble captive was arrived, the exasperated Carthaginians, who were by that time acquainted with what had passed at Rome, not only condemned him to death, but resolved to invent some new kind of torments for him, to satisfy their resentment. To this end, having cut off both his eyelids, they kept him for some time in a dark dungeon, after which they exposed him to a hot sun at noon day, which he could not behold without the most excruciating pain; after which they shut him up in a kind of a chest, hark all over with nails, with their points inward, so that he could neither lie, sit, nor lean, without acquiring wounds, and where they suffered him to expire with hunger, thirst, and heat.
The honourable ALGERNON SIDNEY'S LETTER against bribery and arbitrary government, written to his friends, in answer to theirs, persuading his return to England.
I AM sorry I cannot in all things conform myself to the advice of my friends; if theirs had any joint conformity with mine, I would willingly submit my interest to theirs; but when I alone am interested, and they only advise me to come over as soon as the act of indemnity is passed, I cannot wholly lay aside my own judgment and choice. I confess we are naturally inclined to delight in our own country, and I have a particular love to mine. I hope I have given some testimony of it. I think that being exiled from it is a great evil, and would redeem myself from it with the loss of a great deal of my blood; but when that country of mine, which used to be esteemed a Paradise, is now like to be made a stage of injury, the liberty which we hoped to establish oppressed, all manner of profligateness, looseness, luxury, and lewdness, set up in its height, instead of piety, virtue, sobriety, and modesty, which we hoped God, by our hands, would have introduced, the best of our nation made a prey to the worst, the parliament, court, and army, corrupted, the people enslaved, all things vendible, and no man safe, but by such infamous means as flattery and bribery, what joy can I have in my own country in this condition? Is it a pleasure to see all that I love in the world sold and destroyed? Shall I renounce all my old principles, learn all the vile court-arts, and make my peace by bribing some of them? Shall their corruption and vice be my safety? Ah! no! better is a life among strangers than in my own country upon such conditions. Whilst I live I will endeavour to preserve my liberty, or at least, I will not consent to the destroying it. I hope I shall die in the same principles in which I have lived, and will live no longer than they can preserve me. I have in my life been guilty of many follies, but, as I think, of no meanness; I will not blot and defile that which is past by endeavouring to provide for the future. I have ever had in my mind, that when God should cast me into such a condition as that I cannot save my life but by doing an indecent thing, he shows me the time is come wherein I should resign it; and when I cannot live in my own country but by such means as are worse than dying in it, I think he shows me I ought to keep myself out of it. Let them please themselves with making the king glorious, who think a whole people may justly be sacrificed for the interest and pleasure of one man, and a few of his followers. Let them rejoice in their subtlety, who, by betraying the former powers, have gained the favour of this, not only preserved, but advanced themselves in these dangerous changes. Nevertheless, perhaps they may find the king's glory in their shame, his plenty the people's misery, and that the gaining an office, or a little money, is a poor reward for destroying a nation, which, if it were preserved in liberty and virtue, would truly be the most glorious in the world, and that others may find they have, with much pains, purchased their own shame and misery, a dear price for that which is not worth keeping, nor the life that is accompanied with it. The honour of English parliaments have ever been in making the nation glorious and happy, not in selling and destroying the interest of it, to satisfy the lusts of one man. Miserable nation! that, from so great a height of glory, is fallen into the most despicable condition in the world, of having all its good depending upon the breath of the vilest persons in it, cheated and sold by them they trusted! Infamous traffic! equal almost in guilt to that of Judas! In all preceding ages parliaments have been the pillars of our liberty, the sure defenders of the oppressed. They, who formerly could bridle kings, and keep the balance equal between them and the people, are now become the instruments of our oppressions, and a sword in his hand to destroy us. They themselves, led by a few interested persons, who are willing to buy offices by themselves, by the misery of the whole nation, and the blood of the most worthy and eminent persons. Detestable bribes! worse than the oaths now in fashion in this mercenary court! I mean to owe neither my life nor my liberty to any such means. When the innocence of my actions will not protect me, I will fly away till the storm be overpassed. In short, where Vane, Lambert, and Haslerigg, cannot live in safety, I cannot live at all. If I had been in England, I should have expected a lodging with them, or, though they may be the first, as being more eminent than me, I must expect to follow their example in suffering, as I have been their companion in acting. I am most in amazement at the mistaken informations that were sent to me by my friends, full of expectations of favours and employments. Who can think that they who imprison them would employ me, or suffer me to

live, when they are put to death? If I might live, and be employed, can it be expected that I could serve a government that seeks such desirable ways of establishing itself? Ah! no! I have not learnt to make my peace by persecuting and betraying my brethren, more innocent and worthy than myself. I must live by just means, and serve to just ends, or not at all, after such a manifestation of the ways by which it is intended the king shall govern.
I should have renounced any place of favour into which the kindness and iniquity of my friends might have advanced me, when I found those that were better than I were only fit to be destroyed. I had formerly some jealousies; the proclamation for indemnity increased them; and the imprisonment of those three men, and turning out of all the officers of the army, contrary to promise, confirmed me in my resolution not to return.
To conclude, the tide is not to be diverted, nor the oppressed delivered, but God, in his own time, will have mercy on his people; he will save and defend them, and avenge the blood of them who shall now perish upon the heads of those, who, in their pride, think nothing is able to oppose them. Happy are those whom God shall make instruments of his justice in to bless a work. If I can live to see the day, I shall be ripe for the grave, and able to say with joy, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace (so for Arthur Haverigg, on Oliver's death) farewell my thoughts as to king and state, depending upon their actions. No man shall be a more faithful servant to him than I, if he makes the good and prosperity of this people his glory; none more his enemy, if he doth the contrary. To my particular friends I shall be constant on all occasions, and to you a most affectionate servant.
A. SIDNEY.
WILLIAMSBURG.
THE delegates from the counties at the late convention having signified their opinion that the officers fees, since the expiration of the act for regulating and collecting them, cannot be legally taxed, it seems none of the county courts will proceed to do business until there be a session of general assembly; and the gentlemen of the general court-bar, doubting the return of two of their body, who are appointed as deputies for this colony at the congress, time enough to prepare for the approaching general court, and convinced if that honourable court should then proceed to business it would add much to the uneasiness of the present times, have thought it most advisable, all these circumstances considered, now to countermand the attendance of such witnesses, as may have been summoned, in order to save a great and probably a fruitless expence to their clients: It is therefore presumable there will be no trials at the next general court, except in criminal cases, in which all the justices in the colony are determined to proceed, in preserving that good order so necessary at this critical period.
The Indians are daily committing some murder or other. Their cruel and inhuman treatment towards the people on the frontiers loudly calls for vengeance.
Arrived in Rappahannock the Trident, Mitchell, in six weeks from London.
ENTERED in the lower district of JAMES RIVER.
August 20. Schooner Catharine, James Lewis, from Bermuda, with 3 large anchors.
20. Sloop Betsey, Peter Bryson, from Nevis, with 85 hogheads of rum, 2 hogheads, and 8 barrels of sugar.
20. Schooner Katey, Joseph Badsen, from Lisbon, with ballast.
22. Sloop Polly, Hillary Mosely, from Barbados, with 17 hogheads of rum, 1 hoghead and 15 barrels of sugar.
22. Sloop Live Oak, John Eve, from the Gremades, with 50 hogheads of rum, 10 tiers of coffee, and 5 New Negroes.
22. Brig May, James Conyers, from Antigua, with 32 hogheads of rum, 23 hogheads, 12 tiers, and 20 barrels of sugar, and 15 barrels of limes.
22. Sloop Jenny, Jacob Wright, from St. Eustatia, with ballast.
22. Sloop Lucy, George Keeble, from Curacoa, with 800 limes, and ballast.
23. Brig Mary and Jane, George Chapman, from London, with European goods, and 16 cockets.
25. Brig Douglass, Francis Russell, from Nevis, with 145 hogheads of rum, 28 hogheads, and 5 barrels of sugar.
25. Sloop Porgy, Jeremiah Basset, from Antigua, with 40 hogheads of rum, and 6 hogheads of sugar.
25. Schooner Necessity, Jeremiah Hudson, from Barbados, with 22 hogheads of rum, 4 casks of red port wine, 23 kegs of butter, and 180 hams.
25. Schooner Rebecca, Jeremiah Holden, from Philadelphia, with 10 tiers of rum, 32 hogheads of molasses, 15 wheat fans, 1 ton of hay, 1 barrel of oil, 25 boxes of soap, and 1 barrel of lover seed.
26. Sloop Euphan, John Chisholm, from Antiruther, with European goods, and 2 cockets.
29. Ship Sparling, William Prestman, from Liverpool, with 14 cockets.
30. Sloop Frances, John Fowle, from Bermuda, with ballast.
30. Brig Frances, Joseph Outerbridge, from Bermuda, with 8 hogheads of rum.
31. Brig Peggy, Thomas Colvert, from Nevis, with 89 hogheads of rum, and 1 bale of cotton.
CLEARED OUTWARDS.
August 20. Sloop Polly, Jacob Fox, for New York, with 10 tons of hemp.
20. Sloop William and Daniel, Benjamin Robinson, for Antigua, with 2500 bushels of corn, 10 barrels of pork, and 15,000 shingles.
23. Brig Creole, Thomas Allen, for North Carolina, with ballast.
26. Brig Betsey, George Tucker, for the Grenades, with 4000 staves, 30,000 feet of plank, 75,000 shingles, and 254 and a half bushels of corn.
27. Brig Peggy, William Lewis, for Surinam, with 496 barrels of flour, 720 barrels of bread, 78 barrels of pork, 15 barrels of beef, 1 horse, 15 kegs of rum, 1 pipe of Madeira wine, 1900 hoops, 15,000 feet of plank, and 75,000 staves.
30. Sloop Lady Catharine, Samuel Wilkins, for New York, with 34 tons of hemp, and 38 tiers of rice.
30. Brig Dolphin, John Kelso, for New York, with 52 tons of hemp.
30. Brig Hamilton, John Oliffe, for London, with 1421 barrels of turpentine, 1 barrel of ink root, and 5900 staves.
31. Sloop Success, John Williams, for Barbadoes, with 3038 barrels of corn, 60 barrels of flour, 20 barrels of pork, and 100,000 shingles.
FRIDAY, September 6. The northern post, who arrived in this city about 4 o'clock this afternoon, has brought New York papers as late as the 29th ult. which contain London news up to July 7, and Boston intelligence as late as the 22nd of last month. It is not in our power to give our readers a circumstantial account of the London advices; we have, however, endeavoured to gratify them by inserting the purport of the most material paragraphs, and also promise to be as circumpect as possible (with respect to a minute relation) in our next.
BOSTON, August 22.
WE bear that at a meeting of the cadet company last week, a letter was laid before them from Mr. Flucker to colonel Hancock, acquainting him that the governor had no further occasion for him as commander of that corps; upon which the company voted a committee to wait on his excellency with a message, informing him, that in consequence of his extraordinary dismissal of their first officer, they had judged proper to return the standards, which as commander in chief he had presented the company on his taking the chair, and to acquaint him they no longer considered themselves as the governor's independent company of cadets.
We hear that his excellency the governor intends soon to issue his majesty's writs, for convening a general assembly at Salem, in October next.
Last week the committee of correspondence for this town received a polite, spirited, and friendly letter from the committee of fifty one at New York, evincing the resolves of that city, wherein the committee disclaim their ever giving the least reason to insinuate their resolution to break off a correspondence with the committee of Boston; and request the copies of the letters, dates and references of publications, &c. in the papers intending to create a jealousy so detrimental to the common cause. A committee is appointed to answer our brethren's desires, and it is hoped so much light will be obtained as will serve to detect the hidden endeavours of some very industrious persons to impeach American virtue, and annihilate that confidence which is so necessary to the common salvation.
The following is the substance of lord CHATHAM's speech to the house of lords, on the 26th of May, respecting this province. It was received from London by the Scarborough man of war, and came from the best authority: "I do not rest my opinion of the people of Massachusetts upon any one particular action, their tar-ring and feathering this or that man, or their throwing the tea into the sea. The whole tenor of their conduct, and their open and avowed resolutions in their assembly, manifest an evil and rebellious spirit against this country; and therefore, I think they ought to be brought to make a full and entire submission. When this is done we ought to treat them with lenity, but not till they have made this submission. I know these declarations will be far from popular in America, but I have already made the same out of this house that I have now it; declarations which, I suppose, will not prompt them to erect any more statues of me."
Is it possible there can be any foundation in the foregoing heads of lord Chatham's speech, when we consider the character of that nobleman, who has ever, with the utmost freedom of language, vindicated the colonies. We have already published extracts from this very speech, which these paltry heads, the product of some malicious pen, means to contradict. Will not the following extract have a material effect upon the mind of every impartial man, notwithstanding the boasted authority from which the preceding one is said to spring?
Additional particulars of Lord CHATHAM's speech: "His lordship stated, with great force, many objections to the clause giving to the French Canadians so advantageous a part of the fisheries of cod on the Labrador coast, to the great prejudice of the English fishermen on the banks of Newfoundland; considering the said fisheries of Labrador as a nursery of French Canadian seamen, to man, in case of a French war, any squadrons of France in these seas. This experienced and truly protestant statesman exposed, with unanswerable force, the train of fatal mischiefs attending the establishment of popery and arbitrary power in that vast and fertile region now annexed to the government of Quebec, and capable of containing (if fully peopled, not less than thirty millions of souls. His whole speech breathed nothing but the love of his country, the true principles of the reformation, and of the glorious revolution; deducing the whole series of laws from the supremacy first revived under Henry the eighth down to this day, as fundamentals constituting a clear compact that all establishments by law are to be protestant, which compact ought not to be altered, but by the consent of the collective body of the people. He further maintained, unanswerable, that the dangerous innovations of this bill were at variance with all the safeguards and barriers against the return of popery, and of popish influence, so wisely provided against by all the oaths of office and of trust from the constable up to the members of both houses, and even to the sovereign in his coronation oath. He pathetically expressed his fears that it might shake the affections and confidence of his majesty's protestant subjects in England and Ireland, and finally lose the hearts of all his majesty's American subjects."
A few days ago his excellency governor Gage desired the selectmen of this town to attend him at the province house, when he informed them of that clause in the late act of parliament for holding town meetings without special leave from the governor, and gave them the same to read, which being done, his excellency told them he was ready, on application, to give liberty for a town's meeting, if he should judge it expedient; and being told that the provincial law had been the rule of their conduct in these matters, he said he was determined to put the act of parliament into execution, and they must be answerable for any bad consequences.
NEW YORK, August 29.
WE hear that last Monday morning as two of the gentlemen appointed a committee to collect for our suffering brethren in Boston, set out upon that business, the first gentleman they called upon was Mr. D---e, who generously presented them with ten pounds in cash, and the best pipe of brandy in his distillery, valued at twenty eight pounds; observing, at the same time, that the generosity of the Virginians and Carolinians, &c. was great and honourable with respect to food, but he thought such glorious sufferers for the common good ought to drink as well as eat.
We hear from Great Barrington, in the government of Massachusetts Bay, that last week the newly appointed judges met there, in order to hold a court according to the new form of government, fabricated by the parliament, a great number of people assembled, supposed to be 1500, would by no means permit the court to proceed, and at last they were obliged to retire without doing any business.
Last Friday morning the Boston delegates set out from hence for Philadelphia.
The delegates from Connecticut arrived here last Friday evening, and are to set out this day for Philadelphia also.
Thomas Lynch and Christopher Gadsden, esquires, the two other delegates from South Carolina, arrived at Philadelphia last Monday, in the brig Sea Nymph, captain Moore.
By captain Jeffries we learn that the Kent man of war, of 70 guns, in saluting an admiral in the Downs, blew up, by which accident seventy men lost their lives, 40 more were carried to the hospital, and the ship was so much damaged that it was with difficulty captain Fielding got her into port.
The general assembly of the province of South Carolina have voted the sum of 1500l. sterling for defraying the expences of their five delegates that are to attend the general congress at Philadelphia the 1st of next month.
PHILADELPHIA, August 24.
Extracts of a letter from London.
"WE are now anxiously expecting the arrival of the packets, that we may certainly know your determination about a nonimportation agreement, and consequently the time it is to take place: You must believe, under the present disagreeable state of public affairs, that the inducement to send to your side the water our property at such a juncture, can only be to serve our friends, believing that the receipt of the goods, before the shutting up the ports, must be very advantageous to individuals; we confiding in our correspondents to exert their abilities, notwithstanding there may be interruptions in the regular course of trade. If the non-importation doth not take place, we expect the market on the continent will be glutted with goods, as large quantities are gone, and going on speculation, and orders from your side very numerous."
We hear that the tradesmen and farmers of the city of Philadelphia, and province of Pennsylvania are determined to enter into an association not to purchase any such spring goods, as shall be imported from Great Britain this fall.
It is said in the Boston Gazette and New York Gazetteer, that lord Chatham has deserted the cause of America. The Americans thank and honour him for his past services, but are so far from being willing to rest the justice of their cause upon his or any other man's opinion, that they will not abandon their principles, should an angel descend from Heaven, and plead in behalf of the late measures of the British parliament.
A correspondent remarks that the American patriots should be distinguished by the name of LOYALISTS, while the advocates for the supremacy of the British parliament should be called the friends of the USURPERS.
Another correspondent remarks that submission to the British parliament, after being detected and exposed in the garb of the necessary virtue of MODERATION, has now assumed the names of PETITIONING and REMONSTRATING only.
The people of America, now in England, have most spiritedly remonstrated against the Quebec bill, notwithstanding his majesty has condescended, in his speech on the 23rd of June last, to return his unfeigned thanks to both houses of parliament for their care in rendering the said bill so upright, and as tending to the general good of every individual!
EXTRACTS from sundry newspapers, and also of letters from London, dated July 6 and 7.
"The parliament is prorogued to the 4th of August. His majesty has been pleased to appoint lieutenant Edward Abbott, of the royal regiment of artillery, to be lieutenant governor of Fort Detroit, in North America; Governor Hutchinson and his family arrived safe in England the latter end of June. On the 29th instant died, at 84, the learned Zachary Pearce, bishop of Rochester, and on the 1st of July died the right honourable Henry Fox, lord Holland; his lordship left an estate of near four hundred thousand pounds: To lady Holland he has bequeathed 30,000l. at her own disposal, 20,000l. to the honourable Charles Fox, and 10,000l. to the honourable Henry Fox; the remainder, a few legacies excepted, is settled on the right honourable Stephen, the present lord Holland, who has promised his brother, the honourable Charles Fox, that he will resign in his favour the place he now enjoys of clerk of the Pells in Ireland. General Murray is going to relieve general John Campbell with Pugatcheff; he continues at the head of a very large body of troops. The dutchess of Gloucester is safely delivered of a daughter. Admiral Man is going to relieve sir Peter Dennis in the Mediterranean. There has not yet appeared a greater probability than at present of a peace being concluded between the Russians and the Turks. Lord Stanley, grandson of the earl of Derby, is married to lady Elizabeth Hamilton, daughter to the late duke of Hamilton, as is the duke of Devonshire to lady Georgina Spencer, daughter of earl Spencer, and lord Hereford to the honourable Miss Tracy. The booksellers bill, passed by the house of commons, has been rejected by the house of peers; from which stubborn adherence to the former decision of the lords, many families will most mournfully rue their implicit confidence in chancery decrees. The citizens of London have chosen alderman Plover and Mr. Hart sheriffs for the ensuing year; the interest of Mr. Wilkes has been deeply wounded by the choice of these gentlemen, as his friends had supported an opposition to them from Mr. Williams and Mr. Greave. The French king, and all the royal children of France, have been inoculated, and are on the recovery from the smallpox. Great interest is making all over the kingdom for securing seats in the new parliament, which it is expected will be called soon after the next session. As admiral Douglass was proceeding to Plymouth from Portsmouth, a very unfortunate accident happened to the Kent man of war of 70 guns; whilst she was saluting the admiral, a quantity of powder took fire, which occasioned the loss of a great many men, 70 are missing, and 30 more sent to the hospital, part of the ship's decks were blown up, but the commander found means to get her into port.
The parliament of Ireland is prorogued to the 26th of July. The amount of the national debt, when it was stated in January last, is one hundred twenty eight millions, five hundred twenty four thousand, and three hundred thirty two pounds, seven shillings and one penny; the annual interest for the same, four millions, five hundred forty three thousand, two hundred and twelve pounds, four shillings and threepence. The bill for settling the government of Quebec occasioned more debating in the two houses than any other brought into parliament the last session; the duke of Gloucester went to the house of lords, and opposed it in person, which has made him popular. Ireland will be very sensibly affected in the consequences of this act; such encouragements are given to persons of the roman catholic communion as to threaten that country with the loss of its most useful inhabitants. Sir Thomas Frankland, the duke of Bolton, and sir Charles Hardy, will be created admirals of the White, the admirals beneath them promoted according to their seniority, and the captains sir Richard Bickerton, sir Edward Vernon, and earl Ferrers, are to be raised to the rank of rear admirals of the Blue. The reverend Mr. Tindall, the translator of Rapin's history of England, died lately at Greenwich, aged 86. By the late death of doctor Robert Lowth, lord bishop of Oxford, the world has been deprived of one of the most polished gentlemen of the age, and the finest scholar in Europe. The Minerva, a Russian ship of war, of 54 guns, on board of which was admiral Synawin, met in her way from Leghorn to Petersburg with a barbarian squadron, and after a battle of four hours the Minerva was sunk, and every person on board perished. This same admiral Synawin was three years on the New York station, on board his majesty's ship Coventry, commanded by captain Archibald Kennedy. There are twelve ships of the Spanish line, and double that number of frigates and small armed vessels cruising in the Mediterranean. Colonel Blaquiére is appointed alnager of Ireland, in the room of Hely Hutchinson, esquire. On the 25th of June died the reverend doctor Amory, a very eminent divine of the protestant dissenters communion, and the supposed author of the life of John Bunce. On Tuesday the 28th of June it was reported on Change that captain Cook had discovered the great southern continent, but this stands in need of confirmation. Certain it is, that he had more advantages to support him in this second voyage to the southern world than any preceding navigator. By the Valentine, East Indiaman, lately arrived, advices are received that his majesty's ship the Adventure, captain Furneaux, was safe arrived at the cape of Good Hope, from a voyage to New Zealand and the Otaheite islands. She parted with the Resolution, captain Cook, off Cape Palliser, in New Zealand, homeward bound. The duke of Gloucester joined the minority after he had opposed the Canada bill."
WILLIAMSBURG, September 6, 1774.
I BEG leave to inform the public, and particularly those gentlemen who were pleased to take my subscription papers to their respective counties, to raise a small sum of money for the encouragement of making SALT, that after viewing many places on this and the other side of the bay, and on the sea coast of the Eastern Shore, I have now fixed on a convenient spot, on that coast, for erecting proper works; and as nothing more can be done on my part without money, I must beg the favour of them to forward such sums, as they may be able to collect, to Robert Carter Nicholas, esquire, who is so kind as to take the trouble of receiving and paying the money out to me. Proper security shall be lodged in his hands for any sum that I may draw. The certainty of being able to make salt as good as any whatever is hardly to be doubted, from the several experiments which I have made, and which are pretty fully certified by gentlemen of veracity, whose certificates will be lodged in the hands of Mr. Nicholas. The gentlemen will readily see the necessity I am under of requesting speedy assistance, when I inform them that I have for some time past devoted my whole attention to this business, and given over every pursuit from whence my family might have derived any advantage, and that, in order to put the works in as great a forwardness as it was in my power, I have incurred a considerable expence, and been obliged to contract for some of the necessary materials.
JAMES TAIT.
WILLIAMSBURG, September 6, 1774.
MR. TAIT having produced to me a sample of salt made on the Eastern Shore, together with a certificate of a gentleman of unquestionable credit, I have no doubt, with proper encouragement, of his succeeding in his proposed scheme, from which it seems highly probable that this country will reap the greatest advantage: I shall, therefore, most cheerfully comply with his request, and take great pleasure in contributing every thing in my power towards carrying it into execution. RO. C. NICHOLAS.
WILLIAMSBURG, September 2, 1774.
THE subscriber, who is lately arrived in England, desires all persons indebted to him, by bond or otherwise, to pay what they owe to Mr. Robert Prentis, of this city, who is properly empowered as attorney for (3) GEORGE PITT.
WARWICK, September 1, 1774.
THE store here, of late kept by me on account of Messieurs Dregborn, Murdoch, and company, of Glasgow, is now in the charge of my brother David Leitch, and the said company's store in Prince Edward county, hitherto managed by Mr. Henry Benkin Lightfoot, is under the direction of Mr. John Graham. The business of the stores will, on the same account, be prosecuted so far to their usual extent as the situation of public affairs will admit. The debts due to this store I continue to collect, and those contracted with Mr. Lightfoot will remain with him for the same purpose. It will be deemed obliging in those whose accounts are open, and inconvenient to discharge, immediately to close them by bond, or such specialty as may be approved of. (3) JOHN LEITCH.
THE subscriber has now for sale, at the falls called Ellison's, or at Warwick, on James river, a large quantity of PIT COAL, very fine either for grates or smiths work, and shall be glad to supply any person, at either place, at the usual prices, which are 10d. per bushel at Warwick, and 6d. at the pits, ready cash; however, a few months credit will make but little difference, provided good merchants notes are given, punctually to be settled at the time agreed on. Those gentlemen from below, who may favour me with their orders, are desired to lodge them with Mr. Daniel Weisiger, who lives at the spot, and, as formerly, will be punctual in complying with them. 3 FRANCIS SMITH, junior.
STRAYED, or stolen, from Ambrose Rain's, in Spotsylvania, on the 16th of August, a light sorrel horse, about 14 hands high, has a hanging mane and switch tail, a blaze in his forehead, and without any brand, both of his fore, and one of his hind feet, are white, and had a small bell about his neck. I have some reason to believe he was stole, and carried to Orange county. Any person that will deliver the said horse to me, at Mr. Henry Garnet's mills, in Essex county, or to Mr. Reubin Zimmerman, near Frederickburg, shall have a reward of twenty shillings. 2 BENJAMIN BRAGG.
COMMITTED to the gaol of Charles City, on the 29th of August, a likely fellow, about 5 feet 10 or 11 inches high, denies he has any master, and has passed for several years as a free man, under the name of Doctor Dick. The owner, if any, is desired to take him away, and pay charges. 3 SMITH GREGORY.
TAKEN up, near Occoquan, in Fairfax, a bay mare colt, about 3 or 4 years old, about 13 hands high, trots and paces, and has neither mark or brand. Posted, and appraised to 8l. 10s. GILBERT ROWLAND.
FALLS OF POTOMACK, IN VIRGINIA, AUGUST 22, 1774. THE subscriber being just arrived from Great Britain, with a number of engineers and artificers, in order to remove the obstructions to the navigation of Potomack river, at and above the lower falls; and thinking himself fully qualified for such an undertaking, agreeable to his proposals before his embarkation for Europe, he is desirous to have a meeting of his principal subscribers, and others interested in this necessary work; and considering it most convenient to all concerned to have the same at George Town, in Maryland, he proposes that it shall be there on Monday the 26th of September next, at which time and place he will certainly attend, and be ready to lay before them an accurate plan, and estimate of the expence; also an act of the Virginia assembly, and likewise a subscription from some of the principal proprietors, &c. of the province of VANDALIA, now residing in England, for the further encouragement of the proposed undertaking. JOHN BALLENDINE.
FOR LIVERPOOL.
THE ship Juno, John Windover, master, a fine, strong, new vessel, now lying at Luyton's, in Rappahannock, will take in tobacco, on liberty of consignment, at 8l. sterling per ton. Those gentlemen who are pleased to favour said ship are desired to send or deliver their notes, or orders, to the master on board, or the subscriber, who will attend the different county courts. 3 CHARLES ALEXANDER.
To be SOLD, at the next September Frederickburg fair, THE fee simple estate of 400 acres of LAND, in the county of Orange, subject to the lives of colonel William Taliaferro and Elizabeth his wife, being the place where the said William Taliaferro lives. The land is very good, and has on it valuable improvements. The terms will be made known on the day of sale. THE TRUSTEES.

TO BE SOLD, OR LEASED FOR A TERM OF YEARS, THE land whereon Suffex courthouse now stands, containing between 5 and 600 acres, exceeding good for grain, well watered, and a tolerable place for stock. It will be needless to describe the improvements thereon, as any person inclinable to purchase, or lease it, would chuse to take a view of it before making any contract. Any one inclinable to purchase may have long credit for three fourths of the money; and any person inclinable to rent it for a term of years may have it with all necessaries for carrying on a tavern, together with a valuable slave, or the place only, as may best suit. The terms may be known, either for sale, or leasing it, by applying to colonel David Mason , or the subscriber, on the premises. JOHN BERRYMAN.
To be SOLD, on the premises, on Monday the 26th of September next, by virtue of a deed of trust made me by John Baynham.
TRACT OF LAND, formerly the property of doctor John Baynham , deceased, containing by estimation 500 acres, in Caroline county, lies on the main road from Hanover to Caroline courthouse; there is a quantity of fine low ground, and exceeding fine orchards; a good dwellinghouse, storehouse, and all other convenient out houses; the situation is remarkably healthy and pleasant. One hundred and thirty pounds of the purchase money to be paid down; the other payments to be made known on the day of sale. CHRISTOPHER TOMPKINS, junior.
*** AT the same time and place will be sold, all the personal estate of the said Baynham , consisting of Rocks of all kinds, household furniture, books, some physic instruments, and other things too tedious to mention. There will be a short credit for the above, giving bond, and good security, to (2) JOHN BAYNHAM, executor.
THE PURSE in Richmond town will be run for, as usual, the 1st day of the fair, which is the 2d Thursday in November next, by any horse, &c. carrying weight for age, according to the rules of racing; all horses, &c. to be entered with James Gunn the day before. CHICKAHOMANY, August 23, 1774.
FOREWARN all persons from hunting, fishing, and fowling, on my LAND in James city. JOHN C. COCKE.
RUN away from the subscriber, living at the ferry opposite Alexandria , in Prince George county, Maryland , on Wednesday night the 27th instant, an Irish indentured servant man named THOMAS BEATON , about 23 years of age, 5 feet 9 or 10 inches high, much pitted with the smallpox, short sandy coloured hair, thin visage, down look, ruddy complexion, and has a rupture in his bowels; had on, and took with him, a light coloured wilton coat, blue broadcloth jacket, striped country ditto, oznabrig shirt, Irish linen ditto, a pair of oznabrig trousers, striped holland ditto, buckskin breeches, country made pumps, plated buckles, and felt hat. As he can write a tolerable good hand, it is probable he may forge a pass. Whoever takes up the said servant, and secures him so that his master may get him again, shall receive 3l. including what the law allows, and reasonable charges paid, if brought home, by JOHN CLIFFORD.
*** As the aforesaid servant has made several elopements and forged passes, and after being confined, has privately made his escape, whoever apprehends him are desired to take particular care to confine him. He has stolen sundry clothes. STITH GREGORY, gaoler.
COMMITTED to the gaol of Charles City , on Wednesday the 17th instant ( August ) a very likely black negro fellow, who says his name is JACK , and that he belongs to Griffin Stith , on the Eastern Shore . He is about 5 feet 10 inches high, and appears to be about 25 years of age. He says he run away from his overseer, in Brunswick county, about 18 months ago, and has passed for a free man ever since. The owner is desired to prove his property, pay charges, and take him away. STITH GREGORY, gaoler.
COMMITTED to the gaol of Charles City , on Thursday the 25th instant ( August ) a likely Virginia born negro woman, who says her name is AMEY , and that she belongs to John A. Finnie , of Surry county; she is about 5 feet 8 or 9 inches high, and has on striped Virginia cloth clothes. The owner is desired to take her away, and pay charges. STITH GREGORY.
TAKEN up, in the Robinson Fork , in Culpeper , a bay mare, about 4 feet 7 inches and a half high, and appears to be about 4 years old, branded on the near shoulder K , has a star in her forehead, and one of her hind feet white. Posted, and appraised to 10l. JOSEPH HENDERSON.
JAMES HALDANE, COPPERSMITH AND BRASS FOUNDER, in CHURCH STREET , near the church, NORFOLK , CONTINUES TO CARRY ON HIS BUSINESS AS USUAL. MAKES and sells all sorts of COPPER WORK, viz. fills, brewing coppers, sugar boilers, stills and hatters coppers, brass mill work, capuchin plate warmers, tea-kitchens, all sorts of ship, fish, and wash kettles, stew pans, Dutch ovens, tea kettles, sauce pans, coffee and chocolate pots, &c. at the most reasonable rates. He gives the best prices for old copper, brass, pewter, or lead. *** Those who are so obliging as to favour me with their employ in the mending or tinning old work, may depend on having them soon done, and in the neatest and compleatest manner. FREDERICKSBURG, August 9, 1774.
A PERSON of the name of William Foster having procured a recommendation to me, I lent him, the 19th of last month, my SINGLE CHAIR and a MARE to visit captain John Lee , on Rappahannock , to whom he said he was recommended, to return in four days at the most; but not hearing of him since, except that he had mistaken his way, and got to Richmond , on James river, and colonel William Fleming's , in Cumberland county, I am obliged to take this method of recommending him to all honest men, as a profound knave. Such a flagrant act of injustice, accompanied with such ingratitude to me, will no doubt engage every gentleman to endeavour to strip him of the price of his villainy: But I will gladly pay FORTY SHILLINGS to have my mare and chair detained till I can send for them, or FIVE POUNDS to be delivered here. As the knave is young, I had rather he should turn from his wickedness and live!
He is about twenty, of slim and genteel make, and fair complexion, rather pale and foul skin, black hair, very long, and clubbed like a macaroni! He is exceeding vain, boasts much of his learning, particularly of geography, and professes teaching the classics, music, dancing, and fencing; he grins much when he laughs, which he often does at his own wit. His dress was shabby; I believe, one only coat, formerly a pale blue, or sea green, the cuffs of which have been lately let down, and the original colour makes a remarkable ring round his arm. He passed on my friend, as from New England , and said he intended to visit Virginia , in his way to Charleston , South Carolina , in order from New England to see the country; expecting here some supplies he had ordered from New England .
I cannot recollect whether the mare has any brand or flesh marks; she is about 14 hands and a half high, half blooded, well made, rather round, a chestnut bay, with a full long bob tail, and hog mane, very small feet, and shod before, trots very nimble, and remarkably low. The carriage of the chair is new, the springs and axletree are iron, the body is painted green, with the initials of my name on the back, in a double cypher, in blue letters, in a gilt ground; it has been new lined, and has now a carpet bottom; but I suspect he will quit the chair for a faddle. He borrowed a SILVER WATCH , quite new, made by Thomas Walker , of Fredericksburg , who will, I presume, give something to recover it. JAMES MERCER.
FIFTY POUNDS REWARD. NEW YORK, July 27, 1774.
WHEREAS on the 19th of June last past a certain JOSEPH THORP was entrusted with a considerable sum in half Johannes, of nine penny weight, to be delivered by him at Quebec , and as he has not yet made his appearance there, with other suspicious circumstances, it is apprehended he is gone off with the money. He is a native of England , about 6 feet high, swarthy complexion, very dark, keen eyes, and pitted with the smallpox, of a slender make, stoops as he walks, talks rather slow, and has some small impediment in his speech. He lived some time in Boston , from whence he removed to Quebec , assuming the character of a merchant in both places; he was also once in trade in Newcastle, Virginia , and has a brother settled there. It is believed he went on board captain John F. Pryn , for Albany , and took with him a blue cashmir, and a dark brown cloth suit of clothes. Whoever secures the said Joseph Thorp in any of his majesty's gaols on this continent shall be entitled to ten per cent. on the sum recovered, and the above reward of 50l. when convicted. Apply to Cuson and Seton of New York , Joseph Warton , junior, of Philadelphia , Robert Christie of Baltimore , James Gibson and company of Virginia , John Bondfield of Quebec , Matthias Burne , or John Rowe , of Boston . It is requested of those who may have seen this Joseph Thorp since the 19th of June last past, or know any thing of the route he has taken, that they convey the most early intelligence thereof to any of the above persons, or Greencow , Ritson , and Marshall , in Norfolk , or to Mr. Robert Plantations and company, at Four Mile Creek , Hanrico county; the favour will be gratefully acknowledged. All masters of vessels are forewarned from taking him off the continent.
FAUQUIER, August 16, 1774. RUN away on the 3d of this instant ( August ) from my quarter, on Carter's Run , a negro wench named WINNEY ; she is about eighteen or twenty years of age, 5 feet 3 or 4 inches high, of a yellowish complexion, had on when she went away an oznabrig shirt, petticoat, and jacket; she also took with her a white dowlas jacket and petticoat, and a great variety of other clothes. She being an artful, subtle wench, I imagine will frequently change her dress. I do not recollect any particular mark she has in her face, though I am told there is a lump upon the back of her neck, occasioned by the cut of a switch. About three years ago she made an elopement, and got into Maryland , near Port Tobacco , where she passed several months for a free woman, and went by the name of Winney Redman . Whoever will take up the said wench, and deliver her to me, in Fauquier county, near the courthouse, or to my overseer, on Carter's Run , in the said county, shall receive TWENTY SHILLINGS reward, if taken up in the said county, if in the adjacent counties FORTY SHILLINGS , if out of the colony FIVE POUNDS , besides what the law allows, and all reasonable charges paid. JAMES SCOTT, junior.
TRACT OF LAND, containing upwards of 3000 acres, in the county of Richmond , upon Rappahannock river, opposite to the seat of Robert Beverley , esquire, extending more than 2 miles upon the river; the land is extremely well timbered, a great part of it lies well, and is equal to any in that part of the country. There are also, beside the quantity of dry land above mentioned, between 4 and 500 acres of valuable marsh, which may easily be reclaimed; a large water course running through the greatest part of the tract affords a considerable quantity of rich, valuable meadow land, and a good mill seat. There are also several delightful situations for a gentleman's seat, commanding extensive prospects up and down the river, where the greatest plenty of fish and fowl are to be had. A part of the tract is in possession of several tenants at will, some of whom pay from 20l. to 40l. per annum; I rent for 100 acres. It will be sold (and may be purchased upon next Christmas ) either together, or in parcels, by private contract, and time before the 10th of October , and if not disposed of before that time, for which notice shall be published in this gazette) it will be offered to public sale, upon the premises, on the 3d Monday in November . Twelve or 13 months credit will be allowed, upon giving bond, with good security; to bear interest from the 25th of December , if the purchase money is not paid agreeable to the contract. The terms will be made known to those who incline to purchase privately, and the lands shown, if required, and an undoubted title made, by the subscriber, living in Westmoreland county. toll c 10 oct. WILLIAM BERNARD.
TO BE SOLD, THE noted and well accustomed TAVERN , at present occupied by the subscriber, lying in James City county, about 15 miles from Williamsburg , on the main road leading to New Kent courthouse and Ruffin's ferry, with 500 acres of LAND in good order for cropping, and 6 fields under good fence. The terms of payment will be made easy by the subscriber. THOMAS DONCASTLE.
FOR SALE, NINE hundred and forty acres of valuable land, lying on both sides of Contrary River , in Louisiana , with three plantations thereon, two of which has sufficient houses for overseers and negroes; the other is improved with all necessary buildings, and orchards of all kinds, fit for the reception of a gentleman, the houses being finished in the best manner. This tract is well timbered and watered, lies within 32 miles of Fredericksburg , and 43 of Page's warehouse; there are at least 400 acres of low grounds, of the best soil, 300 of which are now to cut. The three plantations are under good fences, and in good order to work 12 or 15 hands. Robert Fleming , John Massey , and John Lain , are now in possession of the plantations, who will show the land to any person inclinable to purchase, and Major Thomas Johnson will agree with them for the price. The above tract is esteemed the most valuable in Louisiana for growing corn, wheat, or tobacco, and situated in the best range for stock of any below the great mountains. (tf 1*)
RUN away, from Neabisco furnace, the 16th of March , a light coloured mulatto man named BILLY , or WILL , the property of the honourable John Tayloe , esquire. When I tell the public that he is the same boy who for many years used to wait on me, in my travels through this and the neighbouring province, and by his pertinacity, or rather impudence, was well known to all my acquaintances, there is the less occasion for a particular description of him. However, as he is now grown to the size of a man, and has not attended me for some time past, I think it not amiss to say that he is a very likely young fellow, about 20 years old, 5 feet 9 inches high, stout and strong made, has a remarkable swing in his walk, but is much more so by a surprising knack he has of gaining the good graces of almost every body who will listen to his bewitching and deceitful tongue, which seldom or ever speaks the truth. He has a small scar on the right side of his forehead, and the little finger of his right hand is quite straight by a hurt he got when a child. Had on, when he went away, a blue fearnought jacket, and an under one of green baize, cotton breeches, oznabrig shirt, mixed blue sale stockings, country made shoes, and yellow buckles. From his ingenuity, he is capable of doing almost any sort of business, and for some years past, has been chiefly employed as a founder, a stone mason, and a miller, as occasion required; one of which trades, I imagine, he will, in the character of a free man, profess. I have some reason to suspect his travelling towards James river , under the pretence of being sent by me on business. Whoever apprehends the said fellow, and brings him to me, or to his master, the honourable John Tayloe , at Mountainey , or secure him so as to be had again, shall have treble what the law allows, and all reasonable charges paid. tf THOMAS LAWSON.
FOR SALE,
ABOUT twelve thousand acres of exceeding rich TOBACCO LAND , in Amherst county, whereon are several plantations and improvements sufficient to work forty or fifty hands. There is on this land for sale a very valuable GRIST MILL , lately built, with a stone dam and a pair of good COLOGNE MILL-STONES , which mill has for two years past got upwards of 100 barrels of toll corn, and is situated on a never failing stream. The land will be shown by William Womack , who lives at one of the plantations, and the prices of the land made known by him. One or two years credit will be allowed, interest being paid for the second year, and also for the first, if the money is not paid agreeable to contract. The land is to be laid off and surveyed by Colonel William Cabell , at the expence of the purchaser. Deeds will be made, upon bond and approved security being given, either to Call , William Cabell , or the subscriber. Six per cent. discount will be allowed for ready money, or good merchants notes. If any person would chuse to exchange lands in the lower part of the country, on or near some navigable river, that are good, it is more than probable we should agree. CARTER BRAXTON.
F O R S A L E, FIVE hundred acres of land, lying on Deep Creek , in Louisiana , about 45 miles of Richmond town, and is exceeding good land, well watered by Deep Creek , and a large branch thereof, which runs through the middle of the land, and affords a large quantity of rich meadow ground. Any person inclinable to purchase may see the land, and know the terms, by applying to the subscriber, living near it. tf 1* GEORGE MERIWETHER.
To be SOLD, at public auction, at Westmoreland courthouse, on Tuesday the 27th day of September, being Westmoreland court day.
TWENTY very likely VIRGINIA born SLAVES . Credit will be allowed until the 10th of November following, on giving bond and good security. The bonds to bear interest from the date, if not punctually discharged. tdf RICHARD PARKER.
TO BE RENTED, FROM YEAR TO YEAR, OR FOR A TERM OF YEARS, B E L V O I R,
THE beautiful seat of the honourable George William Fairfax , esquire, lying upon Potowmack river, in Fairfax county, about 14 miles below Alexandria . The mansion house is of brick, two story high, with four convenient rooms and a large passage upon the lower floor, five rooms and a passage upon the second, and a servants hall and cellars below; convenient offices, stables, and coach house, adjoining, as also a large and well furnished garden, stored with great variety of valuable fruits, in good order. Appertaining to the tract on which these improvements are, and which contains near 2000 acres (surrounded, in a manner, by navigable water) are several valuable fisheries, and a good deal of cleared land in different parts, which may be let altogether, or separately, as shall be found most convenient. The terms may be known of Colonel Washington , who lives near the premises, or of me, in Berkeley county, tf FRANCIS WILLIS, junior.
NORFOLK, April 21, 1774. NOTICE is hereby given, that a number of vessels will be wanted this summer to bring about 6000 tons of stone from Mr. Brooke's quarry, on Rappahannock , and land the same on Cape Henry , for the lighthouse. Any person inclinable to engage in such work are desired to treat with Matthew Phripp , Paul Loyall , and Thomas Newton , junior, esquires. The directors of the lighthouse will also be glad to purchase one or two flat bottomed vessels from 80 to 120 tons burthen. tf BASSETT MOSELEY.
FOR SALE, A TRACT of land, on Charles river , York county, containing about 600 acres, part of which is marsh, that may be drained with very little expence. The situation of this place is very convenient for a family, as it lies upon a river that abounds with oysters and fine fish, particularly sheepheads; it is within 200 yards of a mill, and 2 miles of the church. My reason for selling it is, my having bought a tract of land more convenient to me. Whoever desires to purchase may know the terms by applying to the subscriber, in York town. THOMAS NELSON, junior.
WANTED for the lighthouse directors eight second-hand ANCHORS , nearly a thousand weight each. Any person having such for sale are desired to make their terms known to the subscriber in Norfolk . t. f. BASSETT MOSELEY.
FOR SALE, AND VERY CHEAP, A PLANTATION in good order for cropping, none of the land having been cleared above six years, with all necessary houses, quite new, together with 1500 acres of exceeding rich land, the soil of which is so good that it will bring large tobacco for five or six years without dung. I have made on this plantation above three thousand pounds of tobacco per share. The place is very healthy, and has a fine range for stock. This land lies in the lower end of Buckingham county, near to Appomattox river, on each side of Great Ducker's and Mayo creeks. Tobacco has been carried above this land near to Petersburg by water, and last month, in the dry weather, two canoe loads of wheat were carried near to Petersburg , and the canoes brought back; they were loaded but a little below this land. I make no doubt but Appomattox river will be soon cleared, and then the expence of sending wheat, tobacco, &c. will be trifling. Any person inclinable to purchase will see, by the produce of the land, that it is exceeding rich. I really do not know any better high land in the colony. This tract of land is well timbered, and has excellent water on it. I do not know a better place for a merchant mill than is on Ducker's creek. People are going much on raising wheat in these parts, and a good mill would be very advantageous to the owner. Also another tract of land of 826 acres, in Albemarle county, I believe about ten miles from the courthouse, joining Mr. James Harris and the quarters of Mr. John Winston . On this land is a small plantation, a good apple orchard, &c. The land is good, and my price so low, that I am convinced any person who viewed either of the above tracts of land would not hesitate to give the price I shall ask. Neither of these tracts are under any incumbrance whatsoever. A reasonable time of payment will be allowed. tf ANTHONY WINSTON.
YORK town, June 9, 1773. THE subscribers being very solicitous to comply with the will of their testator, the late Honourable William Nelson , desire that all persons who were indebted to him will endeavour to make as speedy payments as possible. Those who have accounts open on his books, and who cannot immediately discharge the balances, are desired to give their bonds. This request is the more necessary, as most of the legacies bequeathed by the testator are to be paid in sterling money, and he has directed that his younger sons fortunes shall be placed out at interest upon undoubted securities, so soon as it can be done. Those who have any demands are desired to make them immediately known. THOMAS NELSON, HUGH NELSON, THOMAS NELSON, jun. RO. C. NICHOLAS.