The Virginia gazette (Williamsburg [Va.]), 1775-09-30 00:00:00

VIRGINIA
GAZETTE.
With the FRESHEST ADVICES,
FOREIGN and DOMESTICK.
IN CIVITATE LIBERA LINGUAM MENTEMQUE
LIBERAS ESSE DEBERE. — SUET. in TIB. S. 28.
PRINTED by JOHN DIXON and
WM. HUNTER, at the POST OFFICE.
ALL Persons may be supplied with this Paper at 12/6 a Year, and have Advertisements (of a moderate Length) inserted for 3/ the first Week, and 2/ each Week after. — Printing Work done at this Office in the neatest Manner, with Care and Expedition.
MADRID, May 30.
WE have just received letters from the Governor of the province of Tucuman, situated between the Rio Padro, the Paraguay and Oronoque, that the missionaries he had sent with a small detachment towards the Indians inhabiting the unknown countries adjoining to his government, found two neighbouring nations in a country fertile in trees, pasture, and wild fruits; that the people in one of these countries were of the common size, but without hair, beard, or eye-brows. The inhabitants of the other country are barely thirty two inches high, French measure. The above Governor writes, that he is sending home four of this pigmy nation, and they are expected to arrive about autumn.
LONDON, July 1.
WE are well informed that some Spanish agents are buying up here large parcels of goods that were originally intended for the American markets. This shews that the Spaniards intend availing themselves of our unhappy disputes with the Americans, by supplying them with such goods as they will not import from us.
The fortress of Ticonderoga, surprised and taken by Colonel Easton, held out in the last war a siege of 17 days.
Several Americans arrived in town on Thursday, having abandoned their native country on account of the unhappy disturbances subsisting there.
Orders are sent to Gibraltar, for laying a boom and chain across the mouth of the harbour, to prevent any vessel from coming in without leave.
On Saturday evening an order arrived at the tower for the immediate getting ready 3000 stand of small arms; the place of their destination is not publicly known, but it is generally imagined they are to be sent to Virginia.
It was thought that the appearance of Lord North at Ranelagh would have occasioned some fluctuation in the stocks. He came in with his hair in the utmost disorder, and appeared in a state of terror, which at once added to the gracefulness of his figure, and might have led the spectators to believe that he was pursued by Messrs. Hancock and Adams, with a legion of Bostonian faints at their heels.
Extract of a letter from PORTSMOUTH, June 26.
On Saturday sailed from Spithead with despatches to General Gage, at Boston, the Viper sloop of war.
We are informed, from another quarter, that it has been a matter of deliberation for some days, whether it is most expedient to transport to America a body of his Majesty's electoral troops, or to rule 5000 Highlanders for that purpose.
A letter has been received from General Burgoyne, informing his friends of his arrival at Boston, with the Generals Clinton and Howe, and the marines from England, but no troops from Ireland. He says they have nothing but salt beef, fish, and peas, to live upon. However, General Gage and they have determined not to attempt any thing further till they know the resolutions of the Continental Congress.
Three frigates, with a line of battle ship, are ordered to cruise on the coast of South Carolina, while a bomb-ketch, under their protection, is to lie before Charleston to awe that town, and prevent the people, at their peril, from sending any aid to the Bostonians. The same precautions are to be used with respect to Virginia and Maryland. In short, all the ports of the refractory colonies are to be shut up, and their whole commerce is to be entirely stopped.
July 6. The warmest advocates for Administration begin to own that France and Spain have a greater force now at sea, or ready to put to sea at a few days notice, than Great Britain, by its utmost efforts, could equip or fit out in twelve months: The united or confederated fleets amounting to 92 men of war of the line, and the most sanguine promises of the first Lord of the Admiralty not exceeding 80 men of war of the line within the above-mentioned period, that is to say, 30 within a month, 20 more in four months, and the remainder in the course of the year. Such is the humiliating state of Great Britain, once the mistress and great arbiter of the ocean.
A regiment of marine is going to be raised in Ireland, which is to consist of 1000 men, exclusive of officers.
We do not hear of any more British troops being destined for America.
It is whispered that a great Personage has given positive orders, that no more ships be broke up, till others are laid on the stocks.
July 8. The bravery of our English sailors has long been the astonishment of Europe. — The following story will shew with what justice: During the last war considerable damage was done to the enemy by privateers; a bold seaman having gained some prize-money, instead of squandering it away, got himself made master of a snug vessel, and stood out to sea. His men were as daring as he could wish, and particularly the carpenter, who was an old comrade. After they had been some time at sea, they were chased by a ship considerably larger, and as a fight was inevitable, the Captain called his carpenter aside, and whispered something in his ear, which the other assured him should be done. In the heat of the engagement a sailor went below for powder, and found the carpenter sitting on the powder chest, smoking his pipe, with a lighted match in his hand. "Down you for a coward," said the tar, "why do you sit there while we fight the French?" "I sit here (replied the carpenter) till the Captain knocks with his foot, when I shall clap this match to the powder, and blow you all up." The event however proved favourable, the English were victorious,
and it afterwards appeared that the Captain had intended, if the French had boarded him, to have given a signal to his faithful friend below, and to have embraced death rather than be taken prisoner.
In one of the letters brought by Capt. Grant, there is a more favourable account of the skirmish on the islands, by which the number of the killed and wounded are much lessened, and the loss of the King's sloop accounted for on account of the lee shore and strong eddies that set in amongst the islands.
A man who was tried last sessions at the Old Bailey, being asked what he had to say in his defence, said, "I am as innocent as the man unbanged."
When a celebrated Dutchess first heard of the encomiums passed on her son by General Gage, she exclaimed, in a transport of joy, "Thanks to the gods, my boy has done his duty!" Lady P— being some time afterwards informed of this exclamation, very coolly replied, "Surely her Grace could not have meant family duty."
A Translation of a private letter from PARIS.
The whole force of Spain being now exerted to crush the government of Algiers, has given infinite disquietude to our Ministers, who have laboured incessantly with the Porte for some time past to send an effectual succour to protect her tributary African allies. Now, a considerable Turkish fleet with a strong force is sailed for Algiers. Our Ministry have supplied well the Algerine arsenals; have sent them a large number of cannon, field artillery, with a numerous corps of engineers—some officers of abilities to direct the defence of the city; and a prudent Commissary has been some time fixed there to direct the removal of the treasure to the mountains beyond the river Isser. The Algerines have collected a body of thirty thousand cavalry from their frontiers, called Bedil Gerid, which form a cordon from Masuna to Constantine. At Bresk, Codleia, Tedlis, and Budleia, they have in each place a body of ten thousand men. The garrison of Algiers consists of fifteen thousand men; two thousand horse are encamped under the protection of the batteries; and the allied army of the States of Barbary, of four-score thousand troops, will constantly supply the garrison with reinforcements from their camp, which extends three leagues upon the southern bank of the river Isser, over which they have thrown four bridges, and are defended by four large redoubts of stone, where the Christian slaves have long worked. Each redoubt contains fifty pieces of large cannon, under the direction of our —. At Mozaga is a considerable garrison to protect the Algerine galleys, and ships of war, and where the Jews have agreed with the Dey, to collect a large number of foreign ships, to serve as transports. The government of Algiers being determined to make a descent in Spain as soon as the Spanish army lands in Africa, the united naval force of the States of Africa are to assemble in ports between Cape Tres Forcas and Cape Ini. From the Great Desert of Zara, the Dey has collected nine thousand wild Arabs, supposed the most savage in the whole continent of Africa, and are now fixed in the environs of Arzem and Sinaab, to be ready to embark for the Spanish coast, where they will be landed, and Spain being so drained of troops, will make a dreadful scene of devastation before their slaughter ceases. The zealous Janissaries of St. Ignatius have engaged to make at the same time a general insurrection in three Spanish provinces."
A correspondent observes that England's fighting with America is neither more nor less than "self-murder;" and those who advised such a measure ought to be buried in a cross-way.
Some time ago died, near Chapel of Seggat, in the parish of Auchterless, in Scotland, Peter Garden, at the extraordinary age of one hundred and thirty one. He retained his memory and senses till near the last. He has lived under ten Sovereigns, viz. Charles I. Oliver Cromwell, Richard Cromwell, Charles II. James II. William and Mary, Anne, and Georges I. II. and III. He remembered to have been sent, when a boy, to the wood, to cut boughs for spears in the time of the civil war.
July 11. Friday, at a Court of Common Council held at Guildhall, in order to take into consideration the letter received by the Lord Mayor from the committee at New York, Mr. Stavelly moved, that a number of resolutions he produced should be presented to the King by that Court; which not being approved of, Mr. Hunt made the following motion.
"That an humble address and petition be presented to his Majesty, praying that he will be pleased to cause hostilities to cease between Great Britain and America, and to adopt such measures as will restore union, confidence, and peace over the British empire."
This motion, after several debates, the question being put, upon the shew of hands, was carried in the affirmative.
The number for the motion were, 6 Aldermen, 61 Commoners, and 2 Tellers, total 74. Against the motion, 6 Aldermen, 51 Commoners, and 2 Tellers, total 59. Majority for the motion, 15.
Mr. Hunt then moved, that a committee of 6 Aldermen and 12 Commoners might be directly appointed to draw up a petition and address, which passed in the affirmative. The committee withdrew, and in a short time returned with a most respectful petition and address, which met the approbation of the whole Court except one dissenting Alderman.
Prince Mazarino, the Spanish Ambassador, was at Kew a few days ago, and it is said gave such a satisfactory account of the present warlike preparations of Spain, that the Americans have nothing to hope, nor England to fear, from them.
There is a talk of the Common Council moving on Wednesday next for a present of 2000l. to be granted to the Lord Mayor, on account of his spirit and resolution in behalf of public liberty in general, and the rights and privileges of the citizens in particular.
Extract of a letter from PORTSMOUTH, July 8.
Wednesday an express arrived with despatches for Boston, to be conveyed by the Alderney sloop. The ship was then fitting in the harbour, and had neither guns nor scarce any thing else on board; but the people working on her all night, she was got
ready the next day, when she sailed, without anchoring at Spithead."
Extract of a letter from PORTSMOUTH, July 9.
"Since my last sailed from Spithead, the Raven man of war, for Boston."
Several vessels were taken up last week in the river on Government contract, to embark troops, stores, provisions, and ammunition, for America.
Government, we are assured, has received some very disagreeable intelligence from America, which is endeavoured to be stifled from the public; certain, however, it is, that many of the subaltern officers under the command of General Gage have thrown up their commissions.
Though Ireland is entirely in a defenceless state, no one step has been taken either to repair the fortifications on the sea coast, to complete the regiments now within that kingdom, or replace those sent to Boston.
Extract of a letter from CHATHAM, July 9.
"The 20 task companies, consisting of 400 shipwrights, still continue to absent themselves from his Majesty's dockyard here, and are determined not to return to their duty till their wages are raised to half a crown per day. The above companies are picked men, and esteemed as good workmen as any in the royal navy; they intend to petition his Majesty for redress, being unable to support themselves and families upon so small a sum as two shillings and one penny a day. In order to accomplish the same, they have appointed Mr. Joseph Mearle and Mr. Daniel Rowley, shipwrights, belonging to the said companies, who are qualified men, and extraordinary good workmen, to deliver their petition to his Majesty, for which purpose they set out from hence for London yesterday, at which place they are to meet two of their brother shipwrights from Woolwich, with the like number from Portsmouth, and two from Plymouth yards, deputed for the same business. A contribution is to be made to-morrow by the Gentlemen of this town, for the support of the shipwrights belonging to this dockyard, who have large families, and are in want of the necessaries of life."
"Yesterday about 70 shipwrights belonging to the day companies, who were appointed to work on board the ships fitting out for sea at this port, absent themselves, and joined the task companies, being determined, it seems, not to go to work again till their wages are raised to half a crown per day."
"Orders were received here for the Liverpool frigate, of 28 guns, to be fitted for sea with the greatest expedition."
Our dockyard appears a scene of distress, there being now only a few old shipwrights, worn out in the service, to do the business here, with a few apprentices, though three ships are ordered to be got ready for sea immediately, viz. the Roubuck of 44 guns, the Milford of 28, and the Liverpool before-mentioned."
Extract of a letter from the HAGUE, June 29.
"In a full assembly of the States General the 20th ult. it was resolved, that orders be issued from the Admiralty board of their High Mightinesses the States General, to the Sieur Van Stort, Vice Admiral of the Dutch squadron in the West Indies, instructing him to give orders also to all persons under him, to their utmost power to seize and destroy all ammunition, stores, and provisions, which may be found in any ship or ships, bound from any of the Dutch settlements in that quarter, or on board Dutch ships from any quarter, which are bound to any port in the English American colonies, except such as are consigned either to the Governors of New England, Philadelphia, New York, Halifax, or Virginia, and that such captures shall be considered as lawful prizes, and be shared among the officers and crews of those vessels concerned in taking them, the same as those who are enemies of the States, but that the crews (the Captain, his Chief Mate, and Super cargo, if any, excepted) be landed on the nearest dominion of Great Britain, where such capture is made. Resolved also, that the Sieur Van Stort make this known in every Dutch port or harbour where he may touch."
"Ordered, that these resolutions be made known to his Excellency Mr. Yorke, the British Minister to the States; and a copy of the same be sent to the Dutch Resident at London."
Extract of a letter from PORTSMOUTH, July 8.
"On Wednesday, agreeable to orders from the navy board, 92 people were discharged from the dockyard. None of the others are yet gone to work; but are making fresh petitions, addressed to the inhabitants, &c. of this and the adjacent towns."
July 15. Yesterday the two Sheriffs, and City Remembrancer, waited on his Majesty at St. James's, to know when he would be graciously pleased to receive the city petition and address, when he was pleased to appoint to-morrow at two o'clock.
It is now more than probable, that a change of men and measures will take place in the course of a few days.
A Nobleman of distinction, who has been long odious to the public, has ordered all his tradesmen's bills to be discharged, and is preparing with his family to set off for the south of France.
It was yesterday strongly rumoured in the neighbourhood of St. James's, that eleven Spanish men of war of the line, several frigates, bombs, and fire-ships, were cruising in the gut of Gibraltar.
Four men of war are ordered for Gibraltar as soon as possible, and four ships are taken into Government service as tenders, to lie off the Tower, to receive such men as shall enter or be pressed, to man the above four men of war.
It is asserted as a fact in the city, that Capt. Clarke, who arrived last Monday from Bencual with despatches for Government, brings an account, that the French have a very considerable fleet upon the coast of Africa, and that it is apprehended they have some design upon that place, and that the Governor wants a reinforcement of ships and soldiers.
One fifty, one forty gun ship, and five frigates more, are commissioned to serve in America.
Two battalions of foot, of 1000 men each, are forthwith to be raised, in order to be sent to America.

There is nothing this Ministry with for more than to persuade the people of England to approve their cruel proceedings against the Americans, in order to effect which, they now circulate a piece of news which they pretend is authentically received from America, purporting that "the American Congress have resolved to "reject every conciliatory measure," and to make war not to preserve their liberty, but to be independent of England." We know that nothing can be more the reverse of the truth; that they will not agree to any conciliatory measures which this Ministry can offer is most certain; they would be fools indeed if they trusted men whose principles they know to be hostile to freedom. The truth is, they insist upon a change of ministers prior to any accommodation whatever, and if the people of England choose to prefer the continuance of such ministers in office to the restoration of peace and happiness, the Americans cannot be blamed if they refuse to listen to any terms which they can propose. If the friends of the constitution are put into the Ministry, the Americans will readily repose confidence in their assurances, and return to their allegiance on the footing they were governed in the late reigns; if not, they will soon find that all England will be their enemies, and that by flying in the face of Whig ministers they will effectually ruin America as well as England. If these Tory ministers however are suffered to direct the helm much longer, we shall have no right to blame the Americans if they resolve on never being governed by a country that gives such a proof of its not having public spirit enough to rescue itself from destruction.
A correspondent observes, it is high time to have done with whining to the Ministers of State (whose necks are in jeopardy) after their ministerial declarations both in and out of Parliament relative to their persecution of unconstitutional measures, and recollecting that every just request has been disregarded by them. In the present application he rests his hope and confidence on the King's wisdom. A wise Prince will act for himself with his people, without regarding the council of the interested Ministers.
Yesterday, during the review at Blackheath, a sharper got into Lord Dartmouth's house on Blackheath, and stole a gold watch, wearing apparel, and other valuables, which he carried off clear. No unpopular King of England was, or ever can be happy. Charles II. was so sensible of this truth, that he practiced every condescending art to win and secure the love of his people. His affability, good humour, and popular behaviour so far prevailed, that though his design to overturn our religion and liberties was well known, yet his subjects could never be brought to hate him; and when he died, no King was more universally lamented.
We are informed, that should the disturbances in New England continue till the next sitting of Parliament, an act will be passed to be passed to make it lawful to try, by a court-martial, all such persons as shall be taken in arms after the promulgation of a proclamation, on a day to be specified in the said act. Others affirm, that a Court of Oyer and Terminer shall be established for the special purpose of trying the rebels at Boston; and that no person, suspected by the King's Council as disaffected to the supremacy of Parliament over America, shall be permitted to sit upon any jury. This measure will be less liable to objections than the bringing of the culprits to be tried in this country.
Yesterday a messenger set out express from the Secretary's office for Gibraltar, with despatches to Lieutenant General Cornwallis; also a messenger with despatches to Lord William Campbell, Governor of Nova Scotia and Cape Breton.
It is said, that the reason for delaying the 5000 men, which the Ministry designed to send to America, is that the three Generals lately arrived at Boston have sent it home, as their opinion, that they may be able to defeat the provincials without further assistance, though General Gage thinks 15,000 men absolutely necessary for the reduction of New England. The transports, however, are taken up, and several regiments have received orders to hold themselves in readiness at the shortest notice; so that in case the projected attack on the provincials under Putnam should not appear practicable to our General officers, the reinforcements shall be embarked in the first week in August.
Great bets are laid, that if the American controversy is not settled before the next winter, there will be a civil war and revolution in England before the spring.
Upon a moderate computation it appears there are now lying in the river upwards of 400 vessels unemployed, which is a larger number than has been known these 50 years.
The good people of this country exacted a severe punishment from Charles I. for his contempt of popularity, which had been instilled into his mind by his insolent Minister Stafford. The King found too late the necessity of being well with his people, and endeavoured to sooth them by dining with the Lord Mayor of London; but the good hour of reconciliation was past, and no sooner did he appear with his train in the city than the citizens cried out, "To your tents, O Israel."
It is now believed that our army in America will be considerably augmented; that posts and communications will be occupied and kept open in that country, and that some considerable inland part will be made a place of arms, and the General's head quarters, otherwise it will be impossible for the troops to remain much longer in their present situation. There are however several material objections to the practicability of such a plan, at least, till the next summer. First, it may be proper to inquire whether the King's troops are of force sufficient to penetrate into the country. Secondly, though they were, if they must not expect to have the country ruined and destroyed wherever they faced. And thirdly, if it would not be impossible, in so short a time, to raise buildings, barracks, and cover for the troops, to defend them against the inclemency of the severe winters they have in that country.
It was yesterday currently reported that Halifax, and all the military stores in that town, had fallen into the hands of the insurgents from New England. If this intelligence should be confirmed, it will be impossible for General Gage to remain much longer in his present situation, as the troops will be obliged either to embark and return to Europe, or commence hostilities, by endeavouring to possess a district of country sufficient to supply them with provisions.
Some resolutions, it is said, were certainly come to last week in the Cabinet, and reported to be as follows: In case peace is preserved between England, France, and Spain, then Lord North to continue at the helm; but should a war break out, then for him immediately to resign with a pension, and Lord Chatham to succeed him, and to have such helpmates as he thinks proper.
CAMBRIDGE, September 7. THE people of New-Hampshire are building a strong fort on Pierce's island, in Piscataqua river, in order to prevent their capital, the town of Portsmouth, from being attacked by the piratical ships of war, which now infest this coast.
We hear that a young Gentleman lately from England a volunteer in Gage's army, and one or two more, were killed in the enemy's floating battery, which was sunk the beginning of last week, by our battery at Temple's Farm.
One of the enemy's serjeants, having ventured out a gunning, was taken prisoner at Malden last Tuesday.
Governor Wentworth has left his retreat at the mouth of Piscataqua river, and taken refuge at Boston.
It is said the enemy, since we began our works at Plowed Hill, have thrown from their several batteries above three hundred shells, not one of which has occasioned the least hurt to a single man in our army.
A party of the enemy, who came out last Saturday with a design to throw up a battery or intrenchment near where Mr. Browne's house lately stood, on Boston Neck, were drove back with the loss, we hear, of several killed. We also, it is said, had two men killed at the same time.
Two deserters from the enemy came to Roxbury camp last week. It is said a number more endeavoured to come off with them, but were prevented.
In the late exploit of cutting down Liberty Tree in Boston, by Gage's men, a soldier, in attempting to dismantle it of one of its branches, fell on the pavement, by which he was instantly killed.
We are told that a Captain and Lieutenant, both belonging to the marines, in the ministerial army, lately fought a duel in Boston, occasioned by a political dispute; in which the Captain was killed, and the Lieutenant badly wounded.
PORTSMOUTH (New Hampshire) Sept. 5. By a Gentleman who left head quarters last Friday evening, we are informed, that 15,000 weight of powder, a large quantity of balls, lead, &c. is arrived safe at Rhode Island.
NEWPORT, Sept. 4. A sloop was lately carried into Boston, with live stock, from Connecticut, which was taken by a cruiser, and the vessel and cargo was condemned in Boston as forfeited. The Captain left Boston last Tuesday, and informs, that ten regulars were carried into Boston dead the Sunday before, who had been killed by the rifle-men belonging to the American army, on Saturday night the 26th of last month; that it was very ticklish among the inhabitants and ministerial troops; and that there were but about 2000 regulars in Boston fit for duty, and the same number at Bunker's hill.
NEW YORK, Sept. 11. CAPTAIN PECK, arrived at Coracoa the 5th of August from Virginia, on his passage fell in with 5 transports from Louisiana, bound for Porto Rico, full of soldiers; the ships appeared very large, and were Dutch built.
[The following address, &c. from the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Commons of the city of London, was delivered to Capt. COUPAR the day he sailed from London, and was to have been presented to the King the 4th of July.]
TO THE KING'S MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY. The humble address and petition of the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Commons of the city of London, in Common Council assembled.
Most gracious Sovereign, YOUR Majesty's most loyal and dutiful subjects, the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Commons of the city of London, in Common Council assembled, with all humility beg leave to lay themselves at your royal feet, humbly imploring your benign attention towards the grievous distraction of their fellow subjects in America.
The characteristic of the people, Sire, over whom you reign, has ever been equally remarked for an unparallelled loyalty to their Sovereign, whilst the principles of the constitution have been the rule of his government; as well as a firm opposition, whenever their rights have been invaded.
Your American subjects, royal Sire, descended from the same ancestors with ourselves, appear equally jealous of their prerogatives of freemen, without which they cannot deem themselves happy.
Their cheerful and unasked-for contributions, as well as willing services to the mother country, whilst they remained free from the clog of compulsory laws, will, we are sure, plead powerfully with the humanity of your disposition, for graciously granting them every reasonable opportunity of giving, as freemen, what they seem resolutely determined to refuse, under the injunction of laws made in dependent of their own consent.
The abhorrence we entertain of civil bloodshed and confusion, will, we trust, Sire, if not wholly exculpate us in your royal mind, yet plead powerfully in our favour, for the warmth with which we lament those measures, whose destructive principles have driven our American brethren to acts of desperation.
Convinced of the earnest disposition of the colonists to remain firm in all dutiful obedience to the constitutional authority of this kingdom, permit us, most gracious Sovereign, to beseech you, that those operations of force, which at present distract them with the most dreadful apprehensions, may be suspended; and that, uncontrouled by a restraint incompatible with a free government, they may possess an opportunity of tendering such terms of accommodation, as we doubt not will approve them worthy of a distinguished rank amongst the firmest friends of this country.
[Extract of a letter from an officer in the army at TICONDEROGA, to his friend in this city, dated August, 1775.]
"I have now the pleasure to inform you, that we arrived here on the 19th ult. in good spirits, though we have had a very fatiguing march, being obliged to go round by Skeneborough, as there were not boats on lake George to bring us over. Out of the four companies, we had twelve deserted from us on the road, and the most of those were old deserters from the regulars. We held a court-martial at every other stage, and gave several of the unruly ones Moses's laws, i. e. thirty nine; and they now begin to behave very well, being kept under as strict discipline as any of the regulars. There is the greatest plenty of fresh and salt provisions here, the men have as much as they can use, a gill of rum and as much spruce beer as they can drink every day, so that they have no occasion to drink the lake water, it being reckoned very unhealthy. The number of troops here at present is 1700 men, and 700 at Crown Point, about 14 miles from here. We expect this day four companies of the second battalion of New York forces, the boats being already sent for them. We are ordered to be in readiness in eight days, to sail for St. John's, where we shall have a smart brush with the regulars; the battalions are now making with the greatest expedition, and I am afraid the rest of our regiment will not be here in time. The General talks a good deal of their being so dilatory in coming up, and seems to regret very much the being obliged to go without them. There has been a French Gentleman here lately from Canada, who has put our men in great spirits, by assuring us that the greatest part of the Canadians would join us on our arrival, but that they dare not make themselves known to be our friends, till we are landed amongst them. The same Gentleman, who is a person of great property there, declared that upon our arrival, he would kill five fat oxen to make a treat for the officers. As for my own part, there is nothing gives me the least uneasiness.
P. S. Since writing the above, a spy of ours arrived from St. John's, who says, that there were two vessels ready to be launched at that post, each mounting 16 guns, in order to take possession of the Lake, which would render it impossible for us, for some time, to get past, therefore we have received immediate orders to embark for that place, and are to sail to-morrow morning the 28th.
"Col. Waterbury's regiment of 1000 men, Capt. Mott's company of 100 men, and our four companies, with 700 that are now at Crown Point, and 500 of the Mountain Boys, are to join us. Our spy informs us that there were only 570 regulars at St. John's, and 50 Indians; so that I am in hopes we shall meet with very little resistance, if we do, we are pretty well prepared for them. We have five companies of the second battalion of New York forces here, and about three companies of the New England troops. This is all the intelligence I can give you at present."
PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 13. YESTERDAY arrived Capt. Falconer, from London, which he left in company with Capt. Osborne for this port; by him we have papers to the 13th of July, which are filled with the regular advices from America, to the latter end of May and first of June, as also a great number of lies, with regard to affairs on this continent. They have an account of the appointment of General Washington; of taking the army at Cambridge into the continental pay, &c. By the papers, &c. we cannot find that any more troops are coming out to this country, they having only
7000 in Ireland, and 9000 in England for their own defence, and are apprehensive of a visit from the Spaniards; but we find several frigates already failed and more sailing; the Ministry having determined to beat our towns down; to starve us in a plentiful country; or force us to build a fleet, to protect our trade, whenever we please to carry it on.
Capt. Davidson, from Cadiz, informs, that a French Captain, who arrived there, reported, that the Spanish fleet had landed 10,000 men within 20 leagues of the town of Algiers, and that they were immediately attacked by a large body of horse and entirely cut off. The French Captain was imprisoned by the Governor of Cadiz, for reporting the above, till he should hear the truth of it.
[Extract of a letter from the AMERICAN camp, August 31, 1775.]
"Since the affair at Plowed Hill, the ministerial troops remained quiet till Sunday night, but on Monday morning we were alarmed by a signal from Chelsea, and presently perceived that they were drawn up and in motion on the side of Bunker's hill, facing that way. It was immediately conjectured that they intended to attack us at high water, and in a short time 5 or 6000 of our men were marched to the intrenchment on Plowed Hill, and on the Charlestown road. We waited there till near 3 o'clock in the afternoon, whilst the most awful silence was observed by both sides, until some of our men straggling along the walls fired upon the regular battalions, which brought on several shot from the floating batteries, with the loss of one of the Bay soldiers. Since that time they have thrown between 20 and 30 bombs, and a vast number of cannon ball, but without doing any injury to our people.
"Unless very large reinforcements soon arrive, there will not be another engagement this year, as we have so vastly the superiority in point of numbers. At present they lie tolerably still, except disturbing us at night with their bombs."
[Extract of a letter, dated CAMBRIDGE, Sept. 4, 1775.]
"The enemy are endeavouring to annoy our new post with shot and bombs. Their shot have killed four and wounded three on this side. At Roxbury they killed three on Friday night, a small loss. We seldom return the fire. On Saturday we gave them a few 24 pounders, which we believe killed several of their men, as the first shot entered their guard-house.—Deserters are coming over to us every day.
"Mr. Simpson, of Pennsylvania, who was wounded at Plowed Hill, is since dead."
[Extract of a letter from LONDON, July 12.]
"The Parliament is not sitting, and of consequence nothing transpires. Things seem rather to bear a more favourable aspect; that fiery spirit of Administration, with which we were at first threatened, is in a great measure appeased; the unanimity and unexpected measures entered into by the colonies, have opened the eyes of the Ministry, and I am inclined to hope, will convince them of their errors. The undauntedness of your conduct throughout the whole of this disagreeable contest, is such as does you honour, and deserves to be handed down to the latest posterity; you have already shown them what you Americans can do, and that you are determined to risk your lives and properties in defence of your liberties.
"We imagine e'er that your ports are shut up; our reasons for this supposition is, that as the retraining act takes place with you the 20th instant, which restrains your shipping to any parts except Great Britain, Ireland, and the West Indies; by this we must naturally suppose, that at the same time that act takes place, your exportation will cease; if not, it will make good the old saying, of furnishing them with weapons to beat yourselves. Should your exportation cease, of course there will be an end to all remittances; this alone will occasion more noise, in particular amongst the manufacturers, than any one thing heretofore, as these people begin to complain, and will continue so to do as their miseries increase. I have reason to hope you will continue firm in your wise resolution of non-importation and non-exportation, and losing no time in making yourselves masters of the military art, under the greatest expectations of retrieving your former liberties, first making the detested Ministry feel the want of your commerce and affection. That you may be successful in all your undertakings, and that a happy reconciliation may speedily take place, is the sincere wish of your's, &c."
Sept. 14. By Capt. Henderson, from Carthagena, we learn that the Algerines have killed and taken 5000 of the Spaniards, and that their fleet and army were returned. It is said the Spaniards landed about 8000 men, at some distance from Algiers, under the General second in command, whom the Algerines artfully led into an ambuscade, and would have taken and killed all of them, if General O'Reily, first in command, had not exerted himself, and brought about 3000 of them off.
Sept. 16. This afternoon arrived the New York post, which has brought the July packet.
THE KING'S ANSWER to the address and petition of the Common Council of the city of London, July 18th.
"I am always ready to listen to the dutiful petitions of my subjects, and ever happy to comply with their reasonable requests, but while the constitutional authority of this kingdom is openly resisted by a part of my American subjects, I owe it to the rest of my people, of whose zeal and fidelity I have had such constant proofs, to continue and enforce those measures by which alone their rights and interests can be asserted and maintained."
On Tuesday last General Wooster, with the Connecticut forces, under his command, returned from Long Island to the camp at Harlem.
An EULOGIUM sacred to the memory of the late Major-General WARREN, who fell June 17th, fighting against the ministerial army at Boston.
WHEN an amiable man with a promising family of children perishes in the blood of life, every friend to humanity must share in the distress which such a calamity occasions in the circle of his acquaintances. This distress is heightened when we hear that the virtues of the man were blended with the exalted qualities of a patriot. We rise in our expressions of grief, when we are told that he possessed not only the zeal of a patriot—but the wisdom—the integrity and the eloquence of a senator. But when we hear that these shining qualities were crowned with the patience—the magnanimity—and the intrepidity of a warrior, we are led to contemplate one of the most august characters in human nature. When such a man falls, grief is dumb, and eloquence is obliged for a while to muse eulogiums which it cannot express.
Such were our feelings upon hearing of the death of the illustrious General Warren who fell on the 17th of June at the head of a detachment of the American army near Boston. It is impossible to do justice to his full-orbed character. He filled each of the numerous departments in life that were assigned to him so well, that he seemed born for no others. He had displayed in the course of three and thirty years all the talents and virtues of the man—the patriot—the senator—and the hero. He was unlike the Spartan General only, in not expiring in the arms of victory. But even in this unfortunate event he has served his country—for he has taught the sons of freedom in America, that the laurel may be engraven upon the cypress, and that true glory may be acquired not only in the arms of victory but in the arms of death.
If our pleasures are exalted in proportion to the extent and degrees of our benevolence, how shall we describe those pleasures which the hero feels who performs the highest act of benevolence to mankind, by dying in defence of the liberties of his country. He enjoys a prelibation, the most like the joys of heaven that mortals can taste upon earth.—He partakes of the nature and happiness of God.—
Say illustrious shade! When new resentments kindled in thy bosom at the prospect of executing vengeance upon the foes of

liberty?—Say what were the transports of thy mind when the twice repulsed enemy fled before thy powerful arms?—But when, alas! borne down with numbers thou wast forced to retreat, and death showed his commission to the ball that pierced thy bosom, Oh! say what joy thrilled after it, at the prospect of having thy brows encircled with the patriot's crown of martyrdom?—Tell me ye brave Americans who beheld our hero fall—did he not in his last moments pour forth his usual expressions of loyalty to the crown of Britain, and his wonted prayers for the welfare of his country? Did he not in faltering accents call upon his fellow soldiers to forget his death, and to revenge his country's wrongs alone?—Ah! he breathes his last!—crowd not too closely on his shade ye holy ministers of heaven. Make room for yonder spirit.—It is the illustrious HAMPDEN who flies to embrace him, and pointing to the wound that deprived him of life in a conflict with arbitrary power above an hundred years ago, he claims the honour of conducting him to the regions of perfect liberty and happiness.—
How ineffable are the delights of heaven to a virtuous lover of liberty! To behold the power of the Sovereign of the universe directed by unerring wisdom, and limited by the eternal laws of justice!—To see perfection in government consisting in the happiness of every member that composes it! To enjoy the most perfect freedom, and yet to chuse nothing but such things as are agreeable to the will of the supreme being.—These, blessed shade, now constitute a part of thy enjoyments. Oh! couldst thou tell us what other pleasures now occupy thy capacious mind! Dost thou still direct by an invisible influence the counsels of thy native colony?—Dost thou still inspire whole battalions of thy countrymen with courage, and lead them on to danger and glory?—These we know would be a happiness suited to the benevolence and activity of thy spirit, and we hope not an inferior part of the happiness of heaven.—But it is not for mortals to pry too minutely into the secrets of the invisible world.—
What a noble spectacle is the body of a hero who has offered up his life as a ransom for his country! Come hither ye vindictive ministers, and behold the first fruits of your bloody edicts. What atonement can you make to his children for the loss of such a father?—to the King for the loss of such a subject?—and to your country for the loss of such a member of society? You may now recall your military executioners. Here you may satiate your lust for arbitrary power.—You have lain its most implacable enemy.—
Come hither ye mercenary wretches who are hired to commit murder upon your fellow subjects, and behold the victim of your cruelty. You have no tears to shed over a brother whom you have butchered, for you have given up your title to humanity. You have ceased to be MEN, and we have nothing to expect from you but the vices of slaves. We only beseech you not to insult the body of our departed hero. Spare the anguish of an aged mother whose affection extends to the corpse of her beloved son.—You have nothing now to fear from his eloquence or his arms.—Sheath your swords. You have performed an exploit which has filled up the measure of your infamy, and while the name of liberty is dear to Americans, the name of WARREN will fire our hearts, and nerve our arm against the execrable mischief of standing armies.—
Come hither ye American senators who are met to consult for the safety and liberty of the united colonies.—Here contemplate a spectacle that shall—But I forget the dignity of my auditors—let the wounds of the breathless hero before your eyes address you. Methinks I hear him call upon you with an energy that should be irresistible, never to listen to terms of accommodation with Great Britain that shall deprive you of a single privilege of Englishmen. Oh! interrupt not (methinks I hear him say) my present felicity with the least apprehension that I have sold my life for a country of slaves. I will listen with rapture to your wise deliberations, but I will haunt the midnight hours of that traitor who sells for peace or liberty with a bayonet at his breast, or who suspends for a moment the execution of vengeance upon the enemies of our country.—
Come hither ye military champions for American liberty and glory, come and behold a spectacle that shall rouse in your bosoms new principles of courage and ambition.—Mark! the widening hue of that path of glory which he trod.—But remember his ghost walks unrevenged among us. Ten thousand ministerial troops cannot atone for his death. Let not the remembrance of your former connection with them enervate your arms, nor silence the clamours of justice in your breasts. The enemies of liberty are no longer the brethren of freemen. When your swords once more, and let them never be returned to their scabbards till the monster tyranny is expelled from the British empire, or till his bounds are prescribed and America remains the land of perfect freedom and happiness.—
Come hither in the last place ye American fathers and mothers, and behold the sad earnest of arbitrary power. Behold your friend—your fellow citizen—one of the guardians of your liberty—the pride of your country—the pillar of your hopes—behold this illustrious hero covered with blood and wounds. But pause not too long in bedewing his body with your tears.—Fly to your houses, and tell your children the particulars of the melancholy fight. Chill their young blood with histories of the cruelty of tyrants, and make their hair to stand an end—with descriptions of the horrors of slavery. Equip them immediately for the field. Shew them the ancient charter of their privileges. Point to the roofs under which they drew their first breath, and shew them the cradles in which they were rocked. Call upon heaven to prosper their arms. And charge them with your last adieu to conquer, or like WARREN to die in the arms of liberty and glory.
Oh! posterity!—posterity! You will often look back to this memorable era.—You will transfer the epithets of rebels and traitors from the loyal people of America to their just originals. You will unfold every part of that system of despotism which has been contrived for the British empire.—You will show pious kings milled by arbitrary ministers, and pious ministers milled by arbitrary kings.—You will show that even the monarchs of Britain have shed tears in prevailing upon their subjects to accept of their hateful commissions, and at the same time have exulted in the society of a few partisans at the prospect of seeing a continent deluged with the blood of freemen.—Oh! save human nature from the worst of infamy by turning your eyes to the American colonies. Here let your historians and orators kindle with Roman or ancient British eloquence. Prize the liberty we have transmitted to you. It cost us much treasure and blood. It cost us (Oh! how high the prize) it cost us a WARREN's life.
WILLIAMSBURG, Sept. 30. In Committee, at HANOVER TOWN, the 21st of September, 1775. Resolved, THAT it is the opinion of this committee, that the commissary or contractor appointed in each district should provide for the battalion thereof, under the said appointment, the several articles necessary for their encampment and discipline described by an ordinance of Convention, as follows, to wit, tents of the same kind as directed for the regulars, kettles, cantens, drums, fifes, and a stand of colours with the following motto on one side, VIRGINIA FOR CONSTITUTIONAL LIBERTY. And on the other side the name of the district. (Copy) JOHN PENDLETON, Junior, Clerk to the Committee of Safety.
The committee of Safety earnestly recommend it to the committees of the several counties to lose no time in collecting and forwarding the public arms, according to the order of Convention; and also to elect their militia officers where it is not done, and forward their certificates to this committee, that commissions may be made out, and the militia embodied as soon as possible. By order of the committee, JOHN PENDLETON, Junior, Clk.
It is expected that such members of the House of Burgesses as are convenient will meet at the Capital in Williamsburg, on Thursday the 12th of October, in order to adjourn to some future day.
To Messrs. DIXON & HUNTER, GENTLEMEN,
As a plain Narrative of Facts would have perfectly confuted all the groundless Allegations Mr. JACOB HITE has virulently set forth, so injurious to my Character, in Mr. PINKNEY's Gazette of July 6th, and in several Hand-Bills, I intended to have the Case of HUNTER versus HITE printed: It would then have relied with the impartial Public to determine on the Justice of my Proceedings, as well as on the extraordinary Conduct of Mr. HITE in that affair. It will then appear who is possessed of the Effrontery he imputes to me; it will also then appear who has violated the Laws of their country, and that Nothing is sacred to Mr. JACOB HITE, but sacra aurumque .
Being called abroad at present, on Business of great Importance, this must be deferred until my Return.
Last Silence in the mean Time should be construed, as formerly, into a Confession of those illiberal Charges, I must beg Leave to inform the Public, that, having taken but slight Security of my Deputy Sheriff, and inspecting that he had made me liable for the great Sum of £.1600 Sterling, by trusting to JACOB HITE's Word for Delivery of the Effects on the Day of Sale, Mr. HUNTER at the same Time inspecting my Collusion with my Deputy, and JACOB HITE to keep him out of his Money—I beg Leave, I say, to inform the Public, that I did necessarily interfere in that Affair, on Purpose to have Justice done to an honest Man, as well as to save my own Character and Estate. But I did not interfere until several Venditioni Exponas had been issued, until Mr. HUNTER had been several Times insulted and baffled on the Days of Sale, and until I had at last procured a Number of Purchasers, with ready Cash, from PENNSYLVANIA, MARYLAND, and VIRGINIA. These Purchasers assembled at the appointed Day of Sale, and the Effects might have been sold to the greatest Advantage; but JACOB HITE would not produce a single Article that had been executed, and told the Company that he had reprieved with the Deputy Sheriff.
It is necessary to remark here, that JACOB HITE had given it from under his own Hand to GABRIEL JONES, Esq; Attorney for Mr. HUNTER, that he would not replevy, on Condition that Mr. HUNTER granted him five Months Indulgence after the Judgment obtained, before he issued an Execution. This Indulgence was granted, and more, by Mr. HUNTER's Permission.—The Court of FREDERICKSBURG would not admit my Deputy's Return of a Replevy; another Venditioni Exponas was issued, and put into my Hands by Mr. HUNTER's particular Directions. Hence I thought it my Duty to act; and having, by several Persons, founded JACOB HITE's Intentions, I found that he would not deliver up the Effects executed.
I took several Men of Reputation with me, unarmed, and seized on Part of the Estate that had been executed, without any Tumult or Violence; gave a Receipt to THOMAS HITE, the Son of JACOB, for the Effects I had taken, to be sold towards discharging the Execution of HUNTER against HITE. Notwithstanding this Receipt, THOMAS HITE, two Days afterwards, at the Head of a Banditti, went and broke open the Gaol where the Negroes were kept, rescued the Negroes and Horses, tied the Under Sheriff and one of the Guard, carried them to the house of JACOB HITE, and kept them tied there a Night and Part of two Days.
As soon as they could be got ready, a Number of the Negro Fellows and Horses were sent off towards the Southward, under the Conduct of a Fellow that had belonged to JOHN HITE, the Son of JACOB. This Fellow had been active in breaking open the Gaol and rescuing the Negroes, and was therefore reckoned a proper Person to conduct them: It was he that had the Pals.
This can be proved by several respectable Persons, who took the Slaves and Horses about twenty five Miles towards CAROLINA; and these Fellows were afterwards retaken seventy Miles towards CAROLINA. It is to be observed, that JACOB HITE had purchased an Estate in CAROLINA, or rather in the CHEROKEE Country, and has a Son there who manages for him.
As to the Injunction Mr. HITE complains of, I requested him to let the Judgments he mentions go towards discharging of Mr. HUNTER's Execution, which he refused. It is true, after the Injunction was obtained, he desired the Coroner to get a Receipt for them; but I can prove, by the same Coroner, that I offered a Receipt in Part of Mr. HUNTER's Execution, provided Mr. HITE gave me an Order to pay that in Part to Mr. HUNTER. My Attorney told me that I could not, with Propriety, give a Receipt without that Order, as the Injunction was depending. Besides, I was well acquainted with Mr. HITE's insidious Chicanery and Evasion.
The Estate that came to my Hands was well sold, I may say, in Spite of Mr. HITE's Teeth, designing to buy every Thing at an under Rate himself. In Order to defraud the Creditor, he forbade the Purchasers to buy, and sued every one of them as soon as they had purchased. Near an Hundred Suits are now depending on Account of that affair.
Mr. HITE seems uneasy, least Mr. HUNTER has not received the Money for the Sales. I wish he would pay Mr. HUNTER the £.1000 which yet remains due on that Judgment. Mr. HUNTER is in Possession of all the Sheriff's Returns and Account of Sales, and can best tell what Money is due upon that Account.
It will appear, by the above Detail, that JACOB HITE is so void of Honour and Integrity that he is not to be bound by Promise, either in Word or Writing: Instance his Promise to the Deputy Sheriff for the Delivery of the Effects, and his Promise to Mr. GABRIEL JONES not to replevy upon being granted the five Months Indulgence.—He seems to promise only with a View to deceive.
It is likewise to be observed, that besides the groundless Imputations thrown out against me with licentious Virulence, the Hon. the General Court does not escape him; he accuses them of Partiality, and charges the Court of FREDERICKSBURG with being arbitrary.—I am sorry to be obliged to give the Public the Trouble of attending to private Disputes, and am Their humble Servant, ADAM STEPHEN.
THE Honourable Committee of Safety
Having appointed me Commissary of Provision to the two Virginia Regiments, and instructed me to make my Purchases as diffusive as possible, I hereby give Notice, that I will attend at Frederickburg on Saturday the 14th of October, at Louisa Courthouse on Tuesday the 17th, at Cumberland Courthouse on Thursday the 19th, at Pride's Ordinary, in Amelia County, near Col. Tabb's, on Saturday the 21st, and at Petersburg on Tuesday the 24th of the same Month, in Order to contract or receive Proposals for Beef, Pork, and Flower, for victualling the said Regiments; also a Quantity of stall'd Beef, to be delivered at different Periods, from January till June next, and a large Quantity of Beef and Pork over and above the Quantity necessary for said Regiments, to be laid in Store for future Contingencies. I expect every Person who has Provisions to dispose of will come with the lowest Terms, as they will probably not meet with another Opportunity, and that such as I am not well acquainted with will provide good Security for the Performance of their Contracts.
JOHN HAWKINS. I want to purchase two good WAGGONS and TEAMS.
LOST , from Mr. RIDDLEHURST's, in Hampton, while encamped there, a half-worn SADDLE, with its Furniture; the Saddle has Silver topped Buttons, engraved with the Letters S G. Whoever will contrive that it shall be returned to Mr. Riddlehurst in Hampton, Mr. Southall in Williamsburg, or to me in Cumberland, shall be handsomely rewarded. EDWARD CARRINGTON.
WANTED to the Battalion of Minute-Men in the lower End of the Northern Neck, an ADJUTANT who is well acquainted with the Duty of that Office, agreeable to the Order or Directions of his Majesty in the Year 1764. As this is the only Officer in the Minute Service whose Pay will be constant for nine Months in the Year, it is hoped such as are qualified will readily engage.—Also wanted, a DRUMMER and FIFER, who can teach others the Duty, to act as Drum and Fife Majors.—The Chaplain's Place to said Battalion is not yet engaged.
MR. Henry Shelton, of Albemarle County, has a Bond of mine, with Mr. David Anderson, Jun. Security, for sixty Pounds, payable the 16th Day of February 1779, bearing Interest from the 16th Day of February last: This is to forewarn all Persons against taking an Assignment of said Bond, as I do not apprehend that I am indebted to the said Shelton a single Shilling, but that he is a Trifle in my Debt. MATTHEW ANDERSON, Junior.
A COMPANY of Gentlemen of North Carolina having, for a large and valuable Consideration, purchased from the Chiefs of the Cherokee Indians, by and with the Consent of the whole Nation, a considerable Tract of their Lands, now called Transylvania , lying on the Rivers Ohio, Cumberland, and Louisa, and understanding that many People are desirous of becoming Adventurers in that Part of the World, and with to know the Terms on which Lands in that Country may be had, they therefore hereby inform the Public, that any Person who will settle on and inhabit the same before the first Day of June 1776, shall have the Privilege of taking up and surveying for himself 500 Acres, and for each titheable Person he may carry with him and settle there 250 Acres, on the Payment of 50s. Sterling per Hundred, subject to an yearly Quitrent of 2s. like Money, to commence in the Year 1780. Such Persons as are willing to become Purchasers may correspond and treat with Mr. William Johnson in Hillsborough, and Col. John Williams of Granville, North Carolina, or Col. Richard Henderson at Boonsborough, in Transylvania.—This Country lies on the south Side of the Rivers Ohio and Louisa, in a temperate and healthy Climate. It is in general well watered with Springs and Rivulets, and has several Rivers, up which Vessels of considerable Burthen may come with Ease. In different Places of it are a Number of Salt Springs, where the making of Salt has been tried with great Success, and where, with Certainty, any Quantity needed may be easily and conveniently made. Large Tracts of the Land lie on Lime-stone, and in several Places there is Abundance of Iron Ore. The Fertility of the Soil, and Goodness of the Range, almost surpasses Belief; and it is at present well stored with Buffalo, Elk, Deer, Bear, B-aver, &c. and the Rivers abound with Fish of various Kinds. Vast Crowds of people are daily flocking to it, and many Gentlemen of the first Rank and Character have bargained for Lands in it; so that there is a great Appearance of a rapid Settlement, and that it will soon become a considerable Colony, and one of the most agreeable Countries in America. (6)
HUNTINGTON, Sept. 14, 1775. THE Lands I have for some Time past advertised for Sale are not as yet sold. I will sell them at a very low Price, and allow a reasonable Time of Payment for Part of the Money. The Reason why I have not sold them was, that I would give no Credit. ANTHONY WINSTON.
CABIN POINT, Sept. 28, 1775. THE Subscriber gave two BONDS to Stephen Swope of Surry, for a Piece of Land in said County, one of 100l. payable the 1st of March 1774, the other for 200l. payable the 1st of March 1775; but as I understand the Land is entailed, I am resolved not to pay the Bonds till a good Title can be made, and hereby forewarn any Person from taking Assignments of them. FRANCIS MORELAND.
TO BE SOLD, At STRATFORD, the Seat of the late Hon. PHILIP LUDWELL LEE, Esq; in WESTMORELAND, on THURSDAY the 19th Day of OCTOBER. The famous high blooded Horse D O T T E R E L,
Greatly distinguished on the Turf in England, and in high Estimation in this Country for Certainty in getting Foals of Beauty and Form. His Pedigree will be shewn at the Day of Sale.
At the same Time and Place will be sold a considerable Number of COLTS and FILLIES from DOTTEREL.
Twelve Months Credit will be allowed the Purchasers, on giving Bond, with approved Security, to the Administrators; and if the Money is not punctually paid when due, the Bonds are to carry Interest from the Date.
Five per Cent. Discount will be allowed for ready Money. Essex County, Sept. 10, 1775.
RUN away from the Subscriber, about the Middle of July last, a Virginia born Negro Lad named NED, who is about 18 Years of age, and about 5 Feet high; one of his Hands has a large Scar, occasioned by its being burnt when he was a Child, by which Means some of his Fingers grow together. He has a flat Face and long Head, which is remarkably sharp on the Top. His Clothes were such as are common for Negroes, and he was seen going down the Country. Whoever will secure the said Negro, so that I get him again, shall have a Reward of 40s. besides what the law allows. JAMES EDMONDSON.
STRAYED, or STOLEN, from the Subscriber, in Southampton County, about the 15th of August last, a large BAY MARE and FILLY; the Mare has a bushy Mane and Tail, is a natural Pacer, if branded, I do not recollect it, and had a large Bell on, with a Crack in one Edge; the Filly is a Sorrel, with a white Face, and was a late Foal. Whoever brings them to me shall have 40s. Reward, and if stolen, 4l. on Conviction of the Thief. (H) HARTWELL HOWELL.
At a Meeting of the COMMISSIONERS, appointed by the CONVENTION, for superintending the Manufactory of all Arms, at Frederickburg, on Wednesday the 13th of September, 1775, the Commissioners intend to meet on the 10th Day of October next, at Frederickburg, for the Purpose of engaging a further Number of Gunsmiths, and other Artists, capable of managing that Business in its various Branches. All Persons who are willing to enter into the Service for a Year at the least, and can come well recommended for Skill and Sobriety, are desired to attend; if agreed with, they will have good Encouragement, according to their Merit, and all events be paid for their Attendance and travelling. Good Lock-Smiths are much wanting. THE COMMISSIONERS.

POETS CORNER.
On LIBERTY.
OH despicable state of all that groan Under a blind dependency on one!
PETERSBURG, Sept. 16, 1775.
LOST in the Camp at Williamsburg, in the Month of July last, a small MUSKET, or FUSEE, fixed for a Bayonet...
ROBERT SKIPWITH.
EVERY MAN HIS OWN DOCTOR,
Particularly in a certain Disorder, be their Case ever so deplorable, BY THE USE OF
Dr. KEYSER's celebrated PILLS.
THAT all Persons suffering under any Degree of the venereal Disorder may be encouraged to use the Means for their Recovery...
The Patient is most effectually cured without any Inconvenience to himself, or being exposed to the Shame or Confusion of his Disorder...
His Majesty ordered the most rigid and nicest Examination, by twenty seven of the principal Physicians and Surgeons...
This occasioned the King to establish an Hospital, where these Pills alone are administered, and from whence seven Thousand Soldiers have been in a short Time dismissed...
The Cures are attested by the Duke of Bedford and Lord Ligonier in England, and the Dukes of Nivernais, Choiseul, an Praissin, in France.
The Gentlemen of the Faculty in Europe, after the most convincing proofs in Favour of the Medicine, gratefully contributed to establish the Reputations of Dr. Keyser's Pills...
They have perfectly restored Persons afflicted with dropical Disorders, the Gravel, Palsy, Apoplexy, White Swellings, Stiff Joints, and the Asthma...
In the Rheumatism they have effected astonishing Cures, even in the most obstinate Stages of it, in many Parts of the Country.
They are sold by the Printers of this Paper, who have got a fresh Parcel lately from PARIS, in Boxes of 10s. 20s. and 40s. each.
YORK Town, September 19, 1775.
RUN away from Col. Philip Rootes, of King and Queen, a Negro Man named HARRY, who was some Years ago mortgaged to the Hon. William Nelson.
THE EXECUTORS.
Five Pounds Reward.
RUN away from the Subscriber, in Berkeley County, Virginia, the 8th Instant (September) two Irish Servant Men, viz. RICHARD DULANCY, about 25 Years of Age...
MARCUS STEPHENSON.
WESTOVER, Sept. 19, 1775.
IN July last, the High Sheriff of Charles City, advertised two Negroes, MICHAEL and AARON, late my Property, who broke Gaol and escaped...
WILLIAM BYRD.
RUN away from the Subscriber, in Botetourt County, a Mulatto Man named PLIM, about 23 Years of Age. Being detected in a Theft...
ANDREW LEWIS.
It is probable there is a white Servant with him, belonging to Mr. John Neely, who writes a good Hand, and may forge a Pass.
COMMITTED to the Gaol of Henrico, a Negro Man who says his Name is DICK, and belongs to Mr. Carter Harrison of Cumberland County.
MARY LINDSAY.
TAKEN up, in Hanover County, near Bull Field, a LIGHT BLACK HORSE, 4 Feet 6 Inches high, at least 14 Years old...
JOHN CHICK.
TAKEN up, in Amelia, near the Fork of Nottoway, a BLACK MARE about 4 Feet 6 Inches high, 5 Years old last Spring...
JAMES GUNN.
CAROLINE County, September 12, 1775.
WHEREAS a most base and infamous
Report has been propagated against me, by some malicious and ill-designing Persons, declaring that I had endeavoured to exasperate the Negroes to rise and carry into Execution the ministerial Measures against the Rights and Liberties of America...
SAMUEL KEMP.
P. S. As Mr. Kemp has already experienced the Compassion and Generosity of the worthy Gentlemen of this County...
STRAYED, or STOLEN, from the Subscriber, in Hillsborough, North Carolina, some Time in April last, a BAY HORSE, about 8 or 9 Years old...
JOHN COATSWORTH.
TAKEN up, in Hanover, near Cook's Bridge, a BAY MARE, about 4 Feet 5 Inches high, 15 Years old, paces slow...
JOHN ALEXANDER STILL.
THE Subscriber being very desirous of
getting out of Debt, without any Dependence on his ungrateful Debtors, proposes to sell the pleasant and healthy Seat of HUNTINGTOUR, near Appomattox River...
HUNTINGTOUR would be a pleasant and safe Place for a Gentleman of Fortune to retreat to in the Horrors of a civil War...
I hope any Gentlemen inclined to purchase will visit the Premises this Summer. I will also sell, very cheap (that is, for about Half the Value) the Tract of rich LAND I have advertised in Albemarle for some Time past.
ANTHONY WINSTON.
RUN away from the Subscriber, in Williamsburg, the 16th Instant (July) two Servant Men, viz.
JOHN STAUNTON, an Englishman, very talkative, by Trade a Wheelwright, pitted with the Smallpox, about 5 Feet 7 or 8 Inches high...
JOHN SHIPHARD.
DINWIDDIE, September 1, 1775.
FOR SALE, on very reasonable Terms,
several Tracts of valuable PATENTED LAND, some of which have Plantations with considerable Improvements thereon...
NATHANIEL MANSON.
ALEXANDRIA, June 5; 1775.
EIGHT POUNDS REWARD.
RUN away from the Subscriber, two indentured Servants named ROBERT SHAW and ANDREW INGLES, both Natives of Scotland, and Bakers by Trade.
JAMES KIRK.
ROBERT ADAM.
GEORGE PURVIS.
(tf-||3s.)
TO BE SOLD,
THREE Thousand Acres of well timbered LAND, near Newmarket, in Caroline County, whereon are two Plantations in good Repair...
JOHN BAYLOR.
TO BE SOLD,
A TRACT OF LAND in Caroline County, contiguous to Matapony, containing about 2000 Acres of well timbered Land, the Property of Mr. Robert Baylor.
For SALE, and very CHEAP,
THE Tract of LAND whereon I now live, in the lower End of Caroline County, that contains 476 Acres, and is known to be very good.
LE ROY HIPKINS.