The Virginia gazette (Williamsburg, Va.), 1774-12-15 00:00:00

VIRGINIA GAZETTE.
OPEN TO ALL PARTIES,
BUT INFLUENCED BY NONE.
WILLIAMSBURG: PRINTED BY FOR THE BENEFIT OF
JOHN PINKNEY, CLEMENTINA RIND'S CHILDREN.
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.
MR. PINKNEY,
GIVE the following a place in your paper, and you will much oblige A FRIEND.
GIVE THE DEVIL HIS DUE.
THE Stratton Major wits of late have shone conspicuous in your papers; the first remarked for his new mule, the second for abuse and filthiness. I will content myself briefly to relate in prose, within the confines of truth, a tale of our present unhappy situation; but first let me observe on the author of the dialogue, and then make an observation or two on the Enemy to Nonsense: The author of the dialogue has made but one mistake, and that is, when he says the parson had leave granted him to be absent eighteen months, and paid besides. The truth of the case is this: The parson had leave to be absent twelve months, and received his salary as usual; he then petitioned for six more, which were also granted. During the last six months the reverend Mr. Dixon officiated once a fortnight, and was paid accordingly. About two months after the expiration of the six our reverend parson appeared, and for the last two months he was actually paid; that, in the whole, he was absent about twenty months, and paid for fourteen. Now, Mr. fault-finder, you enemy to nonsense, you lame ver- fier, let us see how you measure!
And ev'ry chap, quite void of sense, Whose only merit's impudence, And fortune, not a single sixpence. Try your last line; that is done. Now try your sense. May I—may you, by magic spell, Dear parson, sink me down to Hell!
Learn, sir, first to confute others knowledge before you confirm your own. You must be the dunce for not knowing that prose and verse might be blended with propriety. Know that poesy has coupled together, two or three kinds, as the tragical and comical, whereupon is risen the tragi-comical. Some have mingled prose and verse, as Boetius, who, though antient, is still esteemed an author of high renown; others, matters-heroical and pastoral; for if they be good when severed, the conjunction cannot be hurtful; and I wish I could say for you that you had made but one error, but I may say, with propriety, that your contains more fallhoods than one. But now to proceed: We have at this time eleven vestrymen, who, in justification of themselves, are so opinionated that it is in vain to say they do wrong; they cannot or will not be convinced. If they set acts of assembly aside, they justify it, by saying the parish is not injured. If, through their liberality, the parson is benefited, and the people oppressed, they are not to complain, because they themselves are sufferers also. If, through inattention, mixed with stupidity, parish matters are neglected, no complaint must be made; their decisive and knock-him-down argument is, that they have a right to do as they please. Their second reason I beg leave to observe on; the first and last I submit to the candour of the public. The second reason in itself seems good, but when it is known there be many amongst them, their debts being paid, would not be worth a shilling, and that others swallow the bait of flattery greedily, and content themselves with being thought men of importance, it will have then, I presume, no more weight than the first and last. It is certain that if a vestry should be vile enough (and it is my opinion this is) that by their authority the collector has a right to put his hand into my pocket and to take from thence money without my consent, which is oppression to the highest degree, more especially as there is not one man now in our vestry who was chosen by the people; that therein we have no representative, and to be taxed without representation is agreed, on all sides, to be unconstitutional, and proves that our act of assembly is defective in not having the vestries dissolved in a certain number of years. Let us be oppressed ever so much, we have but two remedies, the first by drawing up an humble petition to the house of burgesses, which often proves tedious; the second by refusing to pay the money unjustly levied on us, which perhaps might prove destructive to our property, and dangerous in the end. This vestry would be unworthy of notice, did they not deprive us of our property unjustly; and tell me where is the difference, whether oppression originates at home or from abroad? It is oppression still. Shall we, when we boast of liberty (the American's present topic) and in defence of which we seem all willing to risk our lives and fortunes, for that liberty which our brave ancestors brought over with them, and bequeathed to us, with these our native shores, purchased of the savages by their victorious arms, and at the risk of their lives, and then handed to us their swords, while smoking with savage blood, shall we grasp them, and suffer oppression? I say no, whether it be internal or external.
Quere, agreeable to the motto, will not the Devil get his vestry? HOSTIS SUM NEMINI.
MR. PINKNEY
PLEASE to insert in your next the lines below, in answer to the Enemy to Nonsense.
WHAT cou'd possess you, effeminate BEN, To quit the tea cup, and take up your pen? Was it to tell thy vast, immense estate, Or shew the thickness of thy shallow pate? To honour, too, you make but vain pretence; And sure, a- ee , dunce , and once , don't prove your sense. First pay thy debts, and you'll easily see Who is the man of worth, sir, you or me! Thy worth is little, thy honour much less, You've nothing to boast but your paltry dress. To prove, as I say, that honour you've none, I'll do it truly, sir, just for my fun: Deny—I'll swear, by the king of Morocco, You said you'd give a hoghead of tobacco— For what? Why for one single pound of tea, That was wasted o'er the most distant sea. Go to thy friend SAM, he will mend your verse; As it is, it's not worth a single curse. An enemy to nonsense you declare; Leave out the non , you're right, that I will swear. A vestryman thou art, 'tis very true, The last chose in by the infernal crew; If thou had been with virtue, honour, fraught, By them you'd been most surely set at nought; And now there be not one to compleat the set, For reason given they'll wait for C—s yet. Sure if he has virtue, and honour too, He ne'er will herd with such a set as you. Farewell, friend BEN, and know this twenty ninth line Doth end with the name of the author of this rhyme.
A PORTRAIT of the honourable CHARLES FOX, son of the late lord HOLLAND, generally distinguished by the name of the YOUNG CUB.
THE use of this quaint nick-name will be forgiven when it is considered that the person has been long known by it in the public prints, which have teemed much with panegyric and with scandal on him. When Heaven has bestowed the noblest principles, the most extensive abilities on a man, it is truly to be lamented that the prejudices of education should corrupt or confine them. When those powers of the soul which seem pointed by a providential direction to act in a public sphere, in the most beneficial manner, are by the absurdity of human politics wrested out of their intent, and blindly directed to answer the contrary purpose, we behold the perversion with compassion, but detestation follows the cause. The honourable subject of this essay was born with the advantageous gifts of nature about him; the least polish produced a vein of the utmost richness; and before manhood began, the powers of his mind gained a full maturity. The situation of life in which he was born entitled him to pre-eminence among the public, and every hand pointed out the spot where his abilities would have scope for a proper display. But the sun is not without its spots; the foolish, the criminal indulgence of a good natured, extravagant parent, to a youth of high passions, shaded the light of reason, which would have exerted itself over every of his actions. An intended political education warped his mind from its natural bias, and shadowed his judgment; and he stood forth early to the world a pattern of the most singular nature; of the wildest extravagance, and of the greatest goodness of heart; of the most extensive political knowledge, with notions wholly ministerial, and in a great measure totally absurd. With all these abilities, and all these prejudices about him, it will easily be conceived that administration took an early notice of him; it is true they did; they were every way secure of him; his wants, arising from the most profuse extravagance, soon pointed out the necessity of accepting a place, which he did with the utmost dislike of all kind of business, the shadow of which he avoided with the greatest industry. To recite any instances of this extravagance would be wholly unnecessary, as too many of them are already made public to leave any doubt remaining. The most amazing part of his character is his gaining almost intuitively a knowledge of every thing; and it is well known, that after several days and nights of dissipation at White's and in King's Place Court, he has attended a great assembly, and spoke to a matter he had scarcely ever heard before, in such an unremitting flow of judicious eloquence, as has surprized and astonished the whole of his auditors. An offence against lord North, the all-powerful minister, who strongly professed himself a friend to the honourable gentleman, procured his dismissal from the admiralty office, but fearful lest he might employ himself in a dangerous manner, a short time saw him placed in a more conspicuous situation in the treasury; here his ambition for a superior post soon began to display itself, and the little attention which was paid to him on that account, as
well as the distressed state of his finances, and the little opinion he was in with the public from his follies and extravagancies, hurt his mind, and urged him on to pursue such dissolute measures to his friend the premier, as at length procured his dismissal. The disgusting circumstances that attended his dismissal raised much resentment in him against the cause, whose favourite measures he opposed with the most powerful exertion of his abilities, though from well known reasons, his opposition did not meet with success. His consequence in his political character now suffered a considerable eclipse, but was attended with the most praiseworthy effect in his private life. The loss of so considerable an income, first taught him some kind of economy, which he exerted in diverting himself of many instruments of his pleasure, and negotiating a treaty with his father for the payment of all his debts, by which he laid himself under particular restrictions, which he has most religiously observed. The events, which have recently happened, and though expected by him, were much unwilling for, have placed him free from all encumbrances, at the head of a fortune so affluent, that he has now the most glorious opportunity of exerting all his powers in favour of his country. Wealth gives consequence in the senate, which, added to such abilities, and an independence on administration, may execute wonders. It seems that he will not let this "golden opportunity" pass him, as (if our intelligence is just) many advances have been made towards a reconciliation by the minister; many offers have been made, many temptations thrown in his way, but all in vain; he has rejected them with the utmost disdain, and has declared, that he will never again accept of a place, but from the immediate appointment of his sovereign, which shall not proceed from the recommendation of man. We have the utmost reason to believe him true in this resolution, and presume should he still follow it, he will rise with the first offices in the state.
The honourable gentleman, above described, we are informed, has lately sold his house, in St. James's Street, to his cousin, for the duke of Leinster, for the purpose of retiring into the temple (of which he is become a student) and dedicating those abilities, which the world justly give him credit for, to the service of the law.
BOSTON, November 10.
A PROCLAMATION.
WHEREAS a number of persons unlawfully assembled at Cambridge, in the month of October last, calling themselves a provincial congress , did in the most open and daring terms, assume to themselves the powers and authority of government, independent of, and repugnant to his majesty's government, legally and constitutionally established within this province, and tending utterly to subvert the same; and did amongst other unlawful proceedings, take upon themselves to resolve and direct a new and unconstitutional regulation of the militia, in high derogation of his majesty's royal prerogative; and also to elect and appoint Henry Gardner, esquire, of Stow, to be receiver general, in the room of Harrison Gray, esquire, then and still legally holding and executing that office; and also to order and direct the monies granted to his majesty, to be paid into the hands of the said Henry Gardner, and not to the said Harrison Gray, esquire, and further earnestly to recommend to the inhabitants of the province, to oblige and compel the several constables and collectors to comply with and execute the said directions contrary to their oaths, and against the plain and express rules of the law: All which proceedings have a most dangerous tendency to ensnare his majesty's subjects, the inhabitants of this province, and to draw them into perjuries, riots, sedition, treason, and rebellion; for the prevention of which evils, and the calamitous consequences thereof, I have thought it my duty to issue this proclamation, hereby earnestly exhorting, and in his majesty's name strictly prohibiting all his liege subjects within this province, from complying in any degree with the said requisitions, recommendations, directions, or resolves of the aforesaid unlawful assembly, as they regard his majesty's highest displeasure, and would avoid the pains and penalties of the law. And I do hereby charge and command all justices of the peace, sheriffs, constables, collectors, and other officers, in their several departments, to be vigilant and faithful in the execution and discharge of their duty, in their respective offices, agreeable to the well known established laws of the land; and to the utmost of their power, by all lawful ways and means, to discountenance, discharge, and prevent a compliance with such dangerous resolves of the above mentioned, or any other unlawful assembly whatever.
Given at Boston this 10th day of November, in the 15th year of the reign of his majesty George the third, by the grace of God, &c. &c. THOMAS GAGE.
GOD SAVE THE KING.

November 17. At a meeting of the inhabitants of this town by adjournment, November 7, the committee appointed for that purpose, made the following report, which was accepted by the town. "Whereas sundry regiments of his majesty's troops are, contrary to law, and to the great annoyance and detriment of his majesty's good subjects of this province, now stationed in the town of Boston, in a time of profound peace, for the avowed purposes of carrying into execution sundry acts of the British parliament, tending to subvert the constitution of the province, which it is our duty to protect against upon all occasions; yet, nevertheless, we the inhabitants of the town of Boston, in town meeting legally assembled, taking into serious consideration, the distressed circumstances of this metropolis, and being anxious still to use our best endeavours to preserve that decency and order for which the town has ever been remarkable, relying on the justice of our cause, and confiding on the united endeavours of the colonies, the wisdom of the continental congress, the justice and clemency of our sovereign, and the smiles of divine providence, that our grievances will shortly be redressed, and our unalienable and precious rights, liberties, and privileges, be restored and secured to us upon a just and permanent basis. Therefore we recommend,
That as his excellency the governor has assured the town, that he will do all in his power to secure the peace and good order of the town,
That the town on their part will exert their best endeavours to effect the same desirable purpose; and to this end would augment the town watch, and it is recommended to the selectmen of the town, that they en-crease the watch to the number of twelve men in each watch house, for the security and safety of the inhabitants, and that they be directed to patrol the streets of the town, for the whole night and the ensuing season.
And it is earnestly desired that his majesty's justices of the peace, and other officers would exert their authority for the observance of the laws, and preservation of peace and order, and that when they hear of any disturbance, they would not wait for a complaint, but call on the inhabitants, who will at all times be ready in assisting to disperse such persons, or in bringing offenders of what rank or order soever to justice.
As in our present situation it is incumbent upon us particularly to tend to the peace and good order of the town, it is therefore earnestly recommended to the inhabitants to do all in their power to prevent or suppress any quarrels or disturbances. And it is seriously recommended to all masters of families that they restrain their children and servants from going abroad after nine o'clock in the evening, unless on necessary business.
And it is further recommended to the selectmen of the town, to enjoin upon all retailers and taverners of the town, that they strictly conform to the laws of the province, relating to disorderly persons.
Attest. W. COOPER, T. Ck."
The superior court which was to have been held at Salem on Tuesday the 1st instant, was then adjourned, by proclamation, pursuant to a warrant from two of the justices to the sheriff, to the Monday preceding the third Tuesday of June next.
The town of Scituate, at a full meeting on Monday the 14th instant, unanimously made choice of a large committee for executing the plans of the continental and provincial congresses. It likewise appointed a day for chusing militia officers, and a committee for each company to give personal warning to all on the alarm list for the purpose mentioned. Directions were given by the town to the clerk, for entering on the records such persons as should by the province be considered and published "as rebels against the state"; and to the constables and collectors to pay to Henry Gardener, esquire, monies which they then had, or in future might have in their hands, belonging to the province; the advertisements of the late treasurer Gray, being treated with the contempt due to one on the "rebel list." A company and train of artillery, will, by private subscription, be likewise provided in said town for defence of American freedom. Surely the colonies are in earnest for preserving their liberties, and a general attention to the art military, will in a short time render them secure, notwithstanding the designs of oppressive tyranny. May military discipline, then, immediately take place throughout America.
Tuesday last the encampments were broke up, and the troops are gone into houses, stores, &c. in different parts of this town.
The same day the regiments that lately arrived from Quebec and New York landed and went into barracks also.
We have now eleven regiments in this town, besides the artillery.
In the last transports that arrived here came a large quantity of powder, cannon balls, shells, &c.
The following donations have been received, during the course of the week past, for the relief of the poor, suffering by means of the port bill, viz. from Chester town and Candy parish, in the province of New Hampshire, 31. and 84 sheep. From Concord, on Pennebec river, New Hampshire, 30 bushels of peas. From Rehoboth 141. From Rehoboth and East Greenwich, 112 sheep. From Tiverton 72 sheep. From Glassenbury 160 bushels of grain. From Southington 150 bushels of grain. From Wethersfield 73 bushels of grain. From Middleton 1080 bushels of grain. And from Mr. Samuel Moody, schoolmaster at Newbury Falls, 5 guineas.
A number of artificers arrived here last week from Halifax, who have been employed in preparing barracks, which being now fit for the reception of the troops, the encampment will be broke up to-morrow.
A free gift of 150 fat sheep from the town of Smithfield, and 57 from Johnston, both in Rhode Island colony, were lately drove from thence for the benefit of this place.
The town of Scituate, in the same colony, has also sent 122 sheep, the inhabitants of Gloucester about the same number, and 250 from Stonington in Connecticut.
The town of Portsmouth, in New Hampshire, have voted the sum of two hundred pounds, and the town of Exeter, one hundred pounds lawful money, to be paid by the selectmen of said towns, for the relief of the poor of this capital.
November 21. Some of the latest letters from London say there is a good prospect of a happy change of members of parliament at the ensuing election; that Hutchinson meets with the thorough contempt of the wisest among the nobility; that the people in general began to be convinced that he and others have abused the nation by false representations of the colonies, and this province and town in particular; and that our grievances will be redressed. Other letters advise us, that the lesson of administration to us is, to prepare for a further struggle, and be in readiness for the extreme event. A lesson which true wisdom dictates to a people threatened as we are, to learn without the least delay.
Extract of a letter from Quebec, dated October 24. "At the request of the gentlemen of a committee from Montreal, I send the enclosed, with an assurance that it is a true translation from the French original, and beg you would insert it in your useful paper, that the sentiments of a very (if not most) considerable number of our Canadian brethren and fellow subjects in this province may appear in a just light to our brethren in the province of Massachusetts."
Instructions to the English gentlemen of the committee at Montreal, From the Canadian farmers, &c.
"We the Canadian farmers and others, being greatly alarmed at a late act of parliament, which re-establishes the ancient laws of this country, the bad effects of which we too severely felt during the French government, and being entirely satisfied under the English laws, as administered in this province, beg leave to acquaint the gentlemen of the committee for Montreal that any legal steps they shall take for the repeal of the said act will be approved of by us, and we sincerely hope and pray that they will use all means in their power for the same, by petitioning his majesty and representing to the merchants of London the flourishing state of the trade and agriculture of this province since the conquest thereof, which we attribute to that freedom which every one has enjoyed under the English laws, and we hereby declare that we never had any hand in a certain petition said to be sent to his majesty, in the name and in behalf of all the Canadians for obtaining said act, nor have we, nor any part of the country where we reside, been in any wise consulted thereupon, therefore we verily believe the said petition was contrived and obtained in a clandestine and fraudulent manner, by a few designing men, in order to get themselves into posts of profit and honor."
Rochester, in New Hampshire, November 11. On Tuesday the 8th instant the committee of correspondence at this place, at the desire of a number of people, wrote to Mr. Nicholas Austin, of Middletown, to attend them at the house of Mr. Stephen Wentworth, it being suspected that he was employed in procuring artificers at Wolfborough, &c. to go to Boston to build barracks for the soldiery there. Mr. Austin accordingly waited upon them, and the charge in some measure being proved against him, he was obliged on his knees, as nothing less would satisfy, to make the following confession, viz. "Before this company I confess I have been aiding and assisting in sending men to Boston to build barracks for the soldiers to live in, at which you have reason justly to be offended, which I am sorry for, and humbly ask your forgiveness; and I do affirm, that for the future, I never will be aiding or assisting in any way whatever, in act or deed, contrary to the constitution of the country, as witness my hand."
NICHOLAS AUSTIN.
From the SOUTH CAROLINA GAZETTE. Ubi consuleris mature, FACTO opus est.
SALLUST.
MANY thanks to the worthy congress re-echoes from the generous breasts of grateful thousands. The firmest friend of our continent cannot form a more sanguine wish than that the colonies may firmly execute what they have wisely resolved. When I read their glorious proceedings, I see inscribed on every page, in golden capitals, "THE AMERICANS ARE INVINCIBLE." The untutored savages of the new world, and the polished sons of freedom in the old, when they know our manly opposition, with admiration will exclaim, "Brave Americans, worthy of liberty!" And join in their united supplications to the known and unknown God to smile upon our glorious struggle.
Some extol Roman greatness, and others admire Corsican bravery; but the heart of every son of these provinces may distend with joy when he reflects that he is born an American.
Oh glorious day! Oh happy union! From Nova Scotia to Georgia, one mighty mind inspires the whole! When I consider the unanimity, the firmness, the wisdom, of our late representatives, I feel a joy unutterable, and an exultation never felt before. What remains, but that each one join heart and hand in the vigorous execution of their wisely concerted plan! The wretch who hangs back proclaims, by his delay, that he either regards not the welfare of America, or that he understands her interests better than the united wisdom of her sons.
We now know our duty; happy for us if we reduce our knowledge into practice. Without this in vain has the congress met; in vain have they resolved. Much better to have acquiesced at once than to fail in the execution of a plan with so much pains concerted. In this case we may expect the derision of schoolboys and the execrations of posterity.
Away with the flimsy excuses suggested by avarice and mistaken self interest. Know it, ye American colonies, that true self interest demands the exact observance of all the principles of the association. That fond principle which leads a distressed mariner for the preservation of life, to throw overboard his property, much more consistently calls upon you, to save yourselves and posterity, by frugality and a temporary suspension of exports.
The wit of man could not have devised any thing more likely to obtain a redress of our grievances than the plan concerted. In vain has humanity and justice plead our cause; but now self love will operate in our favour more strongly than the cries of the infant, fatherless, and widow. If we strictly adhere to the line marked out, in a few months the West India planters, the English and Irish manufacturers, will be so distressed, that, from a regard
to their own interests, they will espouse our cause in a manner that will shake the throne of majesty itself; whilst lord North, and every abettor of American oppression, will be cursed with the dying groans of starving millions.
The present struggle will either insure happiness and freedom, or miserable slavery, to this continent. America fully and freely represented, has drawn up its bill of rights; these acknowledged, our ruin can proceed only from ourselves. To obtain a thorough establishment of them, we need only wield the weapons of self denial prescribed by our representatives. If we fail in our present opposition, future attempts must certainly be in vain; whereas if we succeed, no minister will be hardy enough to renew the unsuccessful attack. Our all is upon the behaviour of this day hangs the fate of generations. Let every one, therefore, who loves liberty, walk in the way pointed out by the united North America!
VOX PC
TO GENERAL GAGE.
SIR,
THE whole of your proceedings are so replete with folly, that I have more than once thought that I have prostituted my time in exposing you to censure. You have rescued me from the repetition of the task, and have, by your late answer to the address of the provincial congress of Massachusetts Bay, taught me that you are a more proper object for ridicule. In the list sentence of your answer you have apologized for contriving, what has been unjustly called, a business on the Boston Neck. The same business which leads the Bostonians to call submission to government, slavery. Tyrants, ministers, rascals, and governors, a compound of the whole, not led them to traduce, by a military name, a work which was intended only to amuse some, and to exercise your patience. You have committed no hostile acts against the province of Massachusetts Bay; you have only raised a creature like yourself, which, "unless annoyed, will annoy nobody."
Can it be deemed ungenerous to hint that the lives, liberties, or properties, of any person, except avowed enemies, are in danger from Britons, after the massacre of the 5th of March, and the execution of the Boston port and Quebec bills?
You say that Britain never formed the black design of wantonly destroying or enslaving any people on earth. It will be sufficient to contradict this assertion by only hinting at the depredations which have lately been committed upon human nature in the East Indies, under the sanction of the British name. Her attempt to enslave the colonies hardly deserves the name of "a design," since it has been executed with a folly equal to its iniquity. It would be the blackest ingratitude to suppose that our mother country ever intended to enforce the acts for rapine and murder in Massachusetts Bay, when she appointed general Gage to carry them into execution.
Your illegal proclamations will not suffer us to believe that you even with "to preserve union and harmony between Great Britain and her colonies."
There was a time when Britain deserved the name of a "spirited" nation; but she has forfeited that character by her late shameful composition with the court of Spain. The armies and fleets of Britain were reserved for more important purposes than to humble the pride of a rival nation. A handful of Charibs, on the island of St. Vincent's, were devoted to destruction; the power and vengeance of Britain were directed against them; her troops were victorious; and lord North added to his other triumphs the sole glory of this successful expedition. Alas! Britain, how art thou fallen! thy victories are now only over humanity, and thy trophies are now nothing but the ensigns of liberty!
You charge the inhabitants of Massachusetts Bay with subverting their charter, by assembling in an illegal and unconstitutional manner. In this respect, Sir, they have been obliged to appeal from the tyranny of laws to the liberty of nature. The violation of the British constitution, in suffering a standing army to come among them, is the only political crime a true-bred American has to charge. In this act of submission to the crown, they have committed high treason against the liberties of America. The colonies have acquitted them of this crime, as they were only for an accommodation with Great Britain. Should their resolution fail of the end, the sword of justice will not long sleep in obscurity. But I hope (which consider you as vassals in America) will be executed upon you. You will then cease to complain of such trifles as "our withholding every necessary for your preservation;" you will be thankful for breathing the air of America.
Having appeared to your justice, humanity, and reason, in vain, I shall cease to address you in this public manner. I began these letters by calling upon you, by your regard for the peace and happiness of Britain and the colonies, to renounce your commission; I shall conclude them by conjuring you, by the same motives, to continue to execute it. The liberties of America will be safe, while you are held up as an epitome of the military spirit and generosity of the British nation. Reluctance begins to subside in our bosoms; for the whole of your operations fearfully entitle you to contempt. JUNIUS AMERICANUS.
NEW YORK, November 21.
Extract of a letter from Quebec, dated October 30. A COMMITTEE is arrived here from the English inhabitants in Montreal, who have met a committee of the inhabitants of this place, and are drawing up a petition to his majesty, against the act of parliament for regulating the government of this province, and hope they will meet with success.
Captain Hunt, from Charlestown, South Carolina, informs us, that the ship Britannia, captain Ball, arrived there from London a few days before he sailed, and that a passenger who came in the vessel had, in a clandestine manner, got on board eight chests of tea, which the captain on his arrival made known to the committee, who soon caused the gentleman to order his India commission to be thrown into the sea; that captain Moon, from Philadelphia the 4th of November, brought delegates from the congress, who were received by their fellow citizens with the ringing of bells, &c. and that on the 5th of November the inhabitants of Charlestown gave up most of the tea they had in their houses to be burnt in one general bonfire.
The following address, from the committee of mechanics, was on Friday last presented to the delegates who represented this city at the general congress.
GENTLEMEN,
WE being actuated by a real regard for the interest and prosperity of our injured and oppressed country, and influenced by a principle of gratitude, embrace this early opportunity to testify our most grateful and unfeigned acknowledgements for your readiness in accepting, and fidelity in executing the high and important trust reposed in you, by your fellow citizens and countrymen; and for the wise, prudent, and spirited measures which you have adopted (in conjunction with the worthy and respectable delegates of the neighbouring colonies) for obtaining a redress of grievances, and a restoration of our violated rights; and thereby re-establishing (upon the most permanent basis) that harmony and confidence between America and the parent state, so ardently desired by all good men, and so essentially necessary to the mutual advantage and security of both countries.
At the same time, permit us to assure you, that we are determined, as far as our influence extends, to exert ourselves in support of the common cause, and shall ever be ready to aid and assist in carrying the salutary measures of the general congress into execution, to the utmost of our power and ability.

That you may long live to enjoy the fruits of your labours, and receive, from a grateful people, the applause and honor which is justly due to the preservers of their country, is the sincere wish of,
Gentlemen, your obliged humble servants, and fellow citizens.
Signed by order of the } DANIEL DUNSCOMBE, chairman. mechanic committee. } To PHILIP LIVINGSTON, JOHN ALSOP, ISAAC LOW, JAMES DUANE, JOHN JAY.
To which they were pleased to return the following polite ANSWER.
GENTLEMEN, THE polite and respectful terms in which you are pleased to communicate your approbation of our conduct, in an important office, demand our most sincere acknowledgments.
Honoured by the united suffrages of our fellow citizens, and animated by a sense of duty, and the most cordial affection for our oppressed country, however unequal to the delicate and arduous task, we undertook it with cheerfulness, and have discharged it with fidelity.
While, from abundant experience, we bear testimony to the unshaken zeal for constitutional liberty, which has ever distinguished the worthy inhabitants of this metropolis, and is nobly exerted at the present alarming crisis, your anxious solicitude for the restoration of that harmony and mutual confidence between the parent state and America, on which the glory and stability of the British empire so absolutely depend, cannot fail of recommending you to the esteem of all good men, and of holding you up as an example worthy of imitation and applause.
To soften the rigour of the calamities to which, in this tempestuous season, we may be exposed, let us all with one heart and voice, endeavour to cultivate and cherish a spirit of unanimity and mutual benevolence, and to promote that internal tranquility which can alone give weight to our laudable efforts for the preservation of our freedom, and crown them with success.
We are, gentlemen,
With the most affectionate regard,
Your obliged and very humble servants, PHILIP LIVINGSTON, JOHN ALSOP, ISAAC LOW, JAMES DUANE, JOHN JAY.
To Mr. Daniel Duncomb, chairman, and the committee of mechanics in the city of New York.
November 24. Last Monday arrived from Rhode Island his majesty's ship Kingfisher, commanded by captain James Montagu. This ship is appointed to relieve his majesty's ship Swan, commanded by captain James Aseough, who will in a few days sail to join admiral Graves, at Bolton.
PHILADELPHIA, November 30.
Extract of a letter from Charlestown, in South Carolina, dated November 16.
OUR delegates arrived here the 6th inst. and our people are well pleased with the proceedings of the congress. Last Wednesday an elegant dinner was given them by our standing committee, to which no revenue officer was invited; the day was spent with great cheerfulness and harmony. We had great diversion the 5th instant, in seeing the effigies of lord North, governor Hutchinson, the pope and the Devil, which were created on a moving machine, and after having been paraded about the town all day, they were in the evening burnt on the common, with a large bonfire, attended by a numerous crowd of people."
YORK, December 14. 1774.
MR. PINKNEY, BY inserting the following QUERIES in your useful paper you will oblige your constant customer, MERCATOR AMERICANUS.
WHETHER the author of some late extraordinary queries in Messieurs Purdie and Dixon's last paper, who styles himself an ASSOCIATOR, may not be sometimes found in a certain grand seminary? Whether his assuming the signature of an associator, when it is notorious to the world he is not, does not imply a duplicity of conduct, great meanness, and pusillanimity?
Whether a man's principles, with respect to religious tenets, honour, and sincerity, may not be impeached, when his assertions are so frequently founded on the caprice of a fruitful imagination, and not matters of fact?
With what justice or propriety can any person, in a public coffeehouse, and other places, highly condemn the proceedings of the committees of York and Gloucester, and even set them at defiance, when under the borrowed name of associator, in Messieurs Purdie and Dixon's last paper, he expressly avows and applauds those very measures he before opposed with great wrath in public places?
Whether this lukewarm patriot does not daily infringe and act in violation of the association, by using that pernicious herb tea, which government intended to force upon the Americans to their destruction?
Whether this gentleman must not be possessed of great effrontery, when he undertakes to arraign the conduct of a merchant in London, who he says has knowingly violated the association of this country, with respect to the importation of tea? And whether this proof will not be very difficult for him to make?
Whether this reverend prelate will not be much mortified when he finds that his weapons, malevolence, envy, and revenge (besides his want of christianity) are found insufficient to give the smallest wound to those characters which he would wish to injure?
The above reflections, Mr. Pinkney, lead me to consider how much more eligible would this man's lot be if he could not write at all, since, by indulging a caustic scribendi, he will, in a short time, lose those few friends he has at present.
WILLIAMSBURG.
To the right honourable JOHN earl of DUNMORE, his majesty's lieutenant and governor general of the colony and dominion of VIRGINIA, and vice admiral of the same:
MY LORD,
With the most heart-felt joy, and unfeigned pleasure, beg leave to offer our congratulations to your lordship on your safe return after the fatigues and dangers of a troublous expedition.
Your lordship's vigorous opposition to the incursions and ravages of an Indian enemy hath effectually prevented the desolation of a growing back country, and the horrors of human carnage. The scene of war was remote from us, our properties and estates were not immediately exposed to the miseries consequent thereon; but though not equally interested, we sensibly participate in the blessings that are derived to our fellow subjects in that quarter of the colony, from the prospect of a permanent peace. The lenity you exercised towards the Indians, when they expected the cruelty of the victor, hath attached them to you from principle; and unless the intrigues of traders, or the insidious arts of the enemies to this government, should again foment differences, we flatter ourselves the present tranquility will not speedily be interrupted. You have taught them a lesson, which the savage breast was a stranger to, that clemency and mercy are not incompatible with power, and that havoc and bloodshed are not the inseparable concomitants of success and victory.
Permit us, my lord, to express our lively satisfaction at the addition to your family by the birth of a daughter, and to assure you it is greatly heightened by the promising hopes that your lady's recovery will be unattended with danger. We should be wanting in respect to her ladyship to omit any opportunity of testifying our esteem for her; an esteem that her exemplary piety, and true dignity of conduct, will ever command.
To which his excellency was pleased to return the following ANSWER. GENTLEMEN,
I AM, in the most sensible manner, obliged to you for this address. The motives which induced me to exert my efforts to relieve the back country from the calamity under which it lately laboured, would have been disappointed if one of its principal ends if it had not met your approbation; and this very honourable testimony, which you are now pleased to give me of it, conveys the highest gratification to me.
The cordiality of your expressions, on the occasion of the addition to my family, and the distinguishing mark of the notice which you so kindly take of lady Dunmore, attach me to you by the strongest ties of gratitude, and the warmest affection.
TRIALS at the DECEMBER GENERAL COURT, 1774.
Thomas Poe, from James City, for theft: Burnt in the hand.
James Biddleston, from Prince Edward, for theft: Burnt in the hand.
Edmund Porter, from Frederick, for horsestealing: Guilty. Death.
William White, from Berkeley, for horsestealing: Acquitted.
CHESTERFIELD courthouse, November 25, 1774. PROPER notice having been given, requesting the freeholders of the county to meet here on this day, in order to chuse a committee for the said county, a great number assembled, and made choice of the following gentlemen, viz. Archibald Cary, Benjamin Watkins, Bernard Markham, Robert Goode, Francis Goode, Daniel McCallum, Thomas Randolph, Robert Donald, James Donald, Robert Kennon, George Robinson, John Archer, Abraham Salley, Joseph Bass, Benjamin Branch, Thomas Bolling, Neil Buchanan, Thomas Worham, Field Trent, Alexander Trent, John Bott.
A majority of the committee being present, appointed Archibald Cary, esquire, their chairman.
The committee then ordered that notice should be given in the public papers, requesting that any matters relating to the association, and which came before the said committee, might be directed to Archibald Cary, esquire, or in his absence, to Mr. Thomas Randolph.
Ordered, that the chairman, or in his absence, Mr. Thomas Randolph, do appoint a time and place for the committee to convene themselves, as occasion may require.
Ordered, that Mr. Jeremiah Baker be wrote to by Mr. chairman, requesting the favour of him to act as clerk to the said committee, and then the committee adjourned. ARCHIBALD CARY, Chairman.
IT being proved to the committee of Hanover county that I have been guilty of saying that my opinion of the American virtue was, that a little gold, properly distributed, would soon induce the people to espouse the cause of the enemies to this country, as also that I did utter sundry other things in contempt of the cause of American liberty; in order that proper atonement be made for such my indiscretions, I do make this public concession, declaring myself heartily sorry for such my offence; and the public may be assured, that in future I shall observe a different conduct, by which I hope to obtain their forgiveness for what is past. MALCOLM HART.
HANOVER, November 12, 1774. THE committee duly elected for Hanover county, having taken into consideration a charge against me for violating the association, for contemptuous behaviour to many respectable gentlemen who questioned me touching the same, for attempting to stir up a party in order to support me in such my behaviour, and having found me guilty of the same, I do hereby heartily and sincerely profess and declare that I am truly sorry for my misconduct, and that I was led, through inadvertency in the first instance, and by unguarded heat and passion in the subsequent part of my conduct, by which great and general offence has been given to my countrymen; and I do hereby declare my hearty and evincing attachment to the cause of American liberty; that I do most cordially accede to the general association; that I will most strictly and religiously adhere to the same; and will willingly join in any future measures which my country shall adopt for the public good. From this my candid confession and declaration I am induced to hope for the forgiveness of such of my countrymen as have taken offence at my conduct, and the public may rest assured, that in future I shall be careful in conforming most rigidly to whatever is the general sense of the public, in any matter respecting the general policy of America. PAUL THILMAN.
WILLIAMSBURG, December 12, 1774. THE subscriber intends going to England about the middle of February next, and requests the favour of all persons indebted to him to be as speedy as possible in their payments; those who cannot immediately pay, are requested to settle their accounts by giving bond, with approved security. And whereas many debts due to the estate of Mr. Thomas Hornsby, deceased, yet remain unsettled, notwithstanding many former advertisements relative thereto, all persons indebted to the same are earnestly requested to settle, and if they cannot immediately pay, to give bond to the subscriber, with approved security. All debts that remain unsettled will be left in the hands of my attorney, with directions to commence suits as soon as the courts of justice are opened. The subscriber has on hand about 12000. sterling worth of European goods, which he would sell wholesale, at a low advance, and allow credit; also 500 acres of land, in James City county, to dispose of, very cheap, and on long credit. JOSEPH HORNSBY.
CHARLES CITY, December 10, 1774. A TRACT OF LAND for a year, and entered on at Christmas, containing, by an old survey, 550 acres, the farthest part of which is not more than 6 miles from Williamsburg. This land I formerly advertised for sale, and now would willingly sell it for 1000. on long credit, a price much under its real value, as the wood alone is worth more money to a gentleman in the city. At least 400 acres of the above land are to clear, which are exceeding good for gain, and several meadows, rich and firm, that, by little pains, may be made arable. If I do not part with the above by Christmas, I purpose to sell wood by the load, to those who chuse to cart it. For further information apply to Mr. Robert Anderson, in Williamsburg, or the subscriber. JOHN TYLER.
To be SOLD, to the highest bidder, on Tuesday the 20th of December, if fair, otherwise next fair day, at Lester's ferry, in Charles City county, ALL the personal estate of Robert Lorton, late of that place, deceased, consisting of a variety of exceeding good HOUSEHOLD and KITCHEN FURNITURE, STOCKS OF CATTLE, HORSES, HOGS, and SHEEP, a RIDING CHAIR, without harness, and sundry other articles. Six months credit will be allowed the purchasers, on giving bond (with approved security) to carry interest from the date, if not punctually discharged. All persons having demands against the said estate are desired to attend the sale, or send in their several claims properly authenticated. (1) THOMAS LORTON, Administrator.
WHEREAS about the ninth day of April, 1773, I Amos Livesay was arrested, or pretended to be arrested, by one Peter Williams, at the suit of Gloucester Harnett, of the county of Sussex, merchant, which said Harnett refused to accept bail, though I offered the same, and insisted the said Williams should take me to prison, unless I would give him security on my land in Prince George county for a debt of 241. 10s. which he pretended to be due to him, when there was not 131. due; I do hereby therefore give this notice to prevent any person or persons whatsoever from taking any assignment of my said land from the said Harnett, being determined to pay only my own debt (for which I have given him notice) and not to deliver up to him, or any one else, the possession of my said land. AMOS LIVESAY.
MR. PINKNEY, An advertisement having appeared in your paper some time ago, signed John Green, the tendency of which may be extremely injurious to me, I should be glad, through your press, to controvert what the said Green has urged with respect to myself. He says that a partnership never existed between us, but only intended: In answer to which, I declare we were permanently engaged in partnership some time before the death of the late Mr. Howton; at whose decease the said Green consulted me about purchasing a wench of Mr. Howton's widow, which I readily agreed to, as also towards purchasing a stock of goods; all which I looked upon myself culpable for, in case of default in him. It would be useless to take notice of the frequent reports of the said Green, relative to our partnership; I shall therefore rest my cause with those friends who have given me their custom, to whom I return my sincerest thanks.
All persons indebted to the above partnership are requested to make payment to me immediately, as I have the books in my possession; and those to whom we are indebted are desired to bring in their claims.
I think it necessary to inform the public that I now carry on the business for Mr. Richard Lewis, of Fredericksburg. JOHN SORREL.
(3)
3 W. BYRD. I HEREBY forewarn ALL PERSONS from HUNTING or SHOOTING on my LANDS at Westover and Buckland.
TO THE P U B L I C. WHEREAS David Hamilton obtained a bond illegally from the subscriber, therefore he forewarns all persons from taking an assignment of the same, as he will not answer it. FREDERICK county, JAMES BLACKBURN. October 20, 1774.
BEDFORD, December 13, 1774. THE partnership between John Wilkinson and son John was dissolved the 1st day of September last: All persons indebted to them for dealings at their store in Bedford, and elsewhere, are desired to come and settle their accounts, either by bond or otherwise. (1) JOHN WILKINSON, JOHN WILKINSON, junior.
MARYLAND, September 25, 1774. FIFTEEN POUNDS REWARD. RUN away last night, from Dorsey's forge, 3 servant men, viz. William George, born in England, about 34 years old, about 5 feet 7 inches high, has a down look, light coloured short hair, pock marked, round shouldered, and has had his left wrist broke, which occasions it to be much larger than his right; he is a carpenter and joiner by trade; had on and took with him, 1 check and 1 oznabrig shirt, old leather breeches, light blue jacket without sleeves, a small round hat, bound with black worsted, and has a small piece of crape tied round the crown, a pair of ribbed worsted stockings, and a pair of pumps, with steel buckles; he had on an iron collar. Solomon Burnham, born in York, and speaks in that dialect; he is about 26 years of age, about 5 feet 10 inches high, swarthy complexion, down look, short black curled hair; had on and took with him, 1 oznabrig shirt, blue grey jacket without sleeves, leather breeches, a coarse hat about half worn, a pair of yarn stockings, and a pair of shoes and buckles, professes himself to be a complete farmer, and had on an iron collar. Samuel Chapman, an Englishman, 28 years of age, 5 feet 7 inches high, a lusty well made fellow, a little round shouldered, swarthy complexion, has a large bony face, thick lips, and a very full set of teeth; had on and took with him, a cloth jacket, 1 oznabrig and 1 check shirt, oznabrig trowsers, 2 pair of stockings, new shoes with buckles, and a new felt hat. Whoever takes up said servants, and brings them to the subscribers, shall have, if 20 miles from home, 30s. if 30 miles, 40s. and if 60 miles, 51. for each, including what the law allows, and reasonable charges. SAMUEL DORSEY, junior. EDWARD NORWOOD.
COMMITTED to the gaol of Hampton county a negro man named JOHN, who says he belongs to Jack Dabson in St. Martin's, in the West Indies, and was sold to him by captain Atkinson, at whole quarter, in Charles City county, he formerly lived. He is about 5 feet 9 inches high, and has on an oznabrig shirt, green coat, and rolls breeches. The owner is desired to prove his property, pay charges, and take him away. (2) JOHN SCOTT, Gaoler.
TAKEN up, in Spotsylvania, a sorrel mare, 3 years old last spring, about 4 feet 6 inches high, with two small black spots in her forehead, and branded on the near buttock WH in a piece, as near as can be made out. Possed, and appraised to 81. (3) REUBEN STRAUGHAN.
To be SOLD, on Friday the 13th of January, if fair, otherwise next fair day, at a plantation near Pete's ferry, lately the property of doctor John Ravenscroft, to the highest bidder. ABOUT twenty very likely NEGROES, chiefly Virginia born, consisting of men, women, boys, and girls; also several HORSES and CATTLE, a yoke of OXEN in a CART, all the UTENSILS of husbandry belonging to the said plantation, and a considerable quantity of FODDER. Twelve months credit will be allowed for all sums above 51. the purchasers giving bond with approved security, and, if the bonds are not punctually discharged, to carry interest from the date. BOLLING STARK, Attorney for George M'Murdo, and John Ravenscroft.
To be SOLD, at Dinwiddie court, on Monday the 19th of December, A TRACT OF LAND, containing 193 acres, sufficiently cleared to work 5 hands, with a peach and apple orchard, a dwelling house 16 feet square, with outside chimneys, a new barn, 32 by 20 feet, and 12 feet pitch. The land lies on Dutterwood creek, joining the glebe land. Credit till the 25th of April will be given, on giving bond, with satisfactory security, to Mr. John Baird. STEPHEN DANCE.
To be SOLD, at BREMO, on Monday the 19th of December next, if fair, if not, the next fair day. ALL the HOUSEHOLD and KITCHEN FURNITURE, 6 or 8 valuable work HORSES, with the stock of CATTLE, HOGS, and SHEEP, belonging to the estate of colonel Bowler Cooke, deceased; also the present crop of CORN and FODDER made on the plantation. Credit will be allowed on all sums above 40s. till the 25th of October next, the purchaser giving bond and security to GEORGE WEBB, Executor.
GREENWICH, November 29, 1774. RUN away, on the 1st of September, a very likely Virginia born Negro slave named GABRIEL, by trade a weaver, about 26 or 27 years of age, 5 feet 6 or 7 inches high, is very black, and has a cleft with one of his eyes. He was formerly the property of Doctor Styman, of this county, and was much feared on his back with whipping, before I purchased him. He is fond of readings, and plays well on the violin. His dress was a brown Virginia fustian coat, with white metal buttons, and blue plain waistcoat; but he carried with him a variety of other cloths. I understand he has a forged pass, and imagine he will endeavour to pass for a free man. All masters of vessels are hereby forbid carrying him out of the colony. I will give a reward of 201. if he is taken in this county, 40s. if in any adjacent county, and 101. if out of the colony. The above slave is outlawed. JOHN FOX.
TAKEN up, in Amelia, a bay mare, about 10 or 11 years old, between 4 feet 8 and 9 inches high, switch mane and tail, a star in her forehead, her near hind foot white, and a small part of her near fore foot, several saddle spots on her back, and no perceivable brand. Possed, and appraised to 111. Apply to the subscriber in Prince George county. (1) JOHN THWEAT.
TAKEN up, in Halifax, on Sandy Creek, a black mare, about 4 feet 6 inches high, branded on the near buttock O, and on the near shoulder J, in which some white hairs are grown out, has a half crop in her right ear, a star in her forehead, some saddle spots, a short tail, and hanging mane, trots indifferently, and appears to be old. Appraised to 51. (2) THOMAS DIXON.
TAKEN up, in Orange, a small flea bitter grey horse, about 11 years old, and branded on the near buttock with a cross. Possed, and appraised to 31. REUBEN DANIEL.
TAKEN up, on Appomattox river, near the upper bridge, in Prince Edward, a bay mare, about 4 feet 2 inches and a half high, has a star in her forehead, about 6 years old, her left eye is what is called a glass eye, all of her feet are white intermixed with black spots, has a snip on her nose, and branded on each buttock S. Possed, and appraised to 51. WILLIAM HALL.
TAKEN up, in York county, 7 unmarked fows, one of them white, two spotted, three grifled, and one black. Possed, and appraised to 31. 10s. JOHN CHISMAN, senior.
TAKEN up, on Deep Creek, in Cumberland, a bay mare, about 4 feet 6 inches high, about 5 years old, a twitch tail, and no brand perceivable. Possed, and appraised to 121. JACOB MAGEHE.
TAKEN up, near Great Guinea creek, in Cumberland, an iron grey mare colt, 4 feet 2 inches high, neither docked or branded, has a white spot on her left buttock, and a blaze inner face; possed, and appraised to 21. 10s. Also a sorrel mare colt, 4 feet high, neither docked or branded, her left hind foot white, and has a blaze in her face. Appraised to 21. HARTWELL MACON.
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. E. F. BASSETT MOSELEY.