The Virginia gazette (Williamsburg, Va.), 1776-01-19 00:00:00

VIRGINIA
GAZETTE.
ALWAYS FOR LIBERTY,
AND THE PUBLICK GOOD.
ALEXANDER PURDIE, PRINTER.
PHILADELPHIA, January 5. IN CONGRESS, Jan. 2, 1776.
WHEREAS it has been represented to this Congress, that divers honest and well-meaning, but uninformed people in these colonies, have, by the art and address of ministerial agents, been deceived and drawn into erroneous opinions respecting the American cause, and the probable issue of the present contest:
Resolved, that it be recommended to the different committees, and other friends to American liberty in the said colonies, to treat all such persons with kindness and attention, to consider them as the inhabitants of a country determined to be free, and to view their errors as proceeding rather from want of information than want of virtue or publick spirit; to explain to them the origin, nature, and extent, of the present controversy; to acquaint them with the fate of the numerous petitions presented to his majesty, as well by Assemblies as by Congresses, for reconciliation and redress of grievances; and that the last from this Congress, humbly requesting the signal favour of being heard, like all the others, has proved unsuccessful; to unfold to them the various arts of administration to ensnare and enslave us, and the manner in which we have been cruelly driven to defend, by arms, those very rights, liberties, and estates, which we and our forefathers had so long enjoyed, unmolested, in the reigns of his present majesty's predecessors. And it is hereby recommended to all Conventions and Assemblies in these colonies liberally to distribute among the people the proceedings of this and the former Congress, the late speeches of the great patriots in both Houses of Parliament relative to American grievances, and such other pamphlets and papers as tend to elucidate the merits of the American cause; the Congress being fully persuaded, that the more our right to the enjoyment of our ancient liberties and privileges is examined, the more just and necessary our present opposition to ministerial tyranny will appear.
And with respect to all such unworthy Americans as, regardless of their duty to their creator, their country, and their posterity, have taken part with our oppressors, and, influenced by the hope or possession of ignominious rewards, strive to recommend themselves to the bounty of administration by misrepresenting and traducing the conduct and principles of the friends of American liberty, and opposing every measure formed for its preservation and security:
Resolved, that it be recommended to the different Assemblies, Conventions, and Committees, or Councils of Safety, in the United Colonies, by the most speedy and effectual measures, to frustrate the mischievous machinations, and restrain the wicked practices, of these men; and it is the opinion of this Congress, that they ought to be disarmed, and the more dangerous among them either kept in safe
custody, or bound with sufficient sureties to their good behaviour.
And in order that the said Assemblies, Conventions, Committees, or Councils of Safety, may be enabled, with greater ease and facility, to carry this resolution into execution:
Resolved, that they be authorised to call to their aid whatever continental troops, stationed in or near their respective colonies, may be conveniently spared from their more immediate duty; and the commanding-officers of such troops are hereby directed to afford the said Assemblies, Conventions, Committees, or Councils of Safety, all such assistance in executing this resolution as they may require, and which, consistent with the good of the service, may be supplied.
Resolved, that all detachments of continental troops, which may be ordered on the business in the foregoing resolution mentioned, be, while so employed, under the direction and controul of the Assemblies, Conventions, Committees, or Councils of Safety, aforesaid.
Resolved, that it be recommended to all the United Colonies to aid each other (on request from their respective Assemblies, Conventions, Committees, or Councils of Safety, and County Committees) on every emergency, and to cultivate, cherish, and increase, the present happy and necessary union, by a continual interchange of mutual good offices.
And whereas the execrable barbarity with which this unhappy war has been conducted on the part of our enemies, such as burning our defenceless towns and villages, exposing their inhabitants, without regard to sex or age, to all the miseries which loss of property, the rigour of the season, and inhuman devastation, can inflict; exciting domestick insurrections and murders; bribing the savages to desolate our frontiers; and casting such of us, as the fortune of war has put into their power, into jails, there to languish in irons and in want; compelling the inhabitants of Boston, in violation of the treaty, to remain confined within the town, exposed to the insolence of the soldiery, and other enormities, at the mention of which decency and humanity will for ever blush, may justly provoke the inhabitants of these colonies to retaliation:
Resolved, that it be recommended to them to continue mindful that humanity ought to distinguish the BRAVE, that cruelty should find no admission among a FREE PEOPLE, and to take care that no page in the ANNALS of AMERICA may be stained by a recital of any action which JUSTICE or CHRISTIANITY may condemn; and to rest assured, that whenever retaliation may be necessary, or tend to their security, this Congress will undertake the disagreeable task.
Resolved, that the Assemblies, Conventions, or Committees, or Councils of Safety, be requested forthwith to transmit to this Congress copies of all the petitions, memorials, and remonstrances, which
have been by their respective colonies presented to the Throne, or either House of Parliament, since the year 1772; and that they also inform this Congress whether any, and what answer, were given to them.
Extracts from the minutes,
CHARLES THOMPSON, Sec. Extract of a letter from Cambridge, Dec. 18.
"Yesterday being dark and cloudy, general Putnam broke ground with 400 men on Litchmore's point, at 10 o'clock in the morning. The mist was so great as to prevent the enemy from discovering what he was about until 12, when it cleared up, and opened to their view our whole party at the point, and another at the causeway, throwing a new bridge over the creek that forms the island at high water. The Scarborough ship of war, which lay off the point, immediately poured in upon our men a broadside; the enemy from Boston threw many shells, and obliged us to decamp from the point, with two men badly wounded. The bridge, however, was ordered to be raised by the brave old general, and was completed last night. The garrison of Cobble hill were ordered to return the ship's fire, which they did, and soon obliged her to heave tight upon her springs, and to cease firing; but the battery in New Boston kept up the fire of shells till 12 o'clock last night. Our party at the point renewed their work in the evening, and continued it all night. This morning, at daylight, by a signal of two rockets from Boston, the Scarborough weighed anchor, and has left the point clear. She is now anchored at Charlestown ferry, out of harm's way. The work at the point is well secured, and will be completed this night."
"The Scarborough's flight is a proof of the enemy's weakness, and of the strength of our two last posts, Cobble hill and Litchmore's point."
Extract of a letter from Beverly, Dec. 18.
"You no doubt have heard of capt. Manley, who goes in a privateer out of this harbour; because his name is famous, and as many towns contend for the honour of his birth as there did for that of Homer's. Capt. Manley has brought into this harbour, in the course of a fortnight, two large brigs of 220 tuns each, laden with military stores and provisions, and two ships of 300 tuns each, laden with English goods, porter, live hogs, &c. to the amount of 40,000 l. sterling the whole. A sloop is just brought in here from Virginia, laden with corn, oats, potatoes, &c. The captain was a midshipman belonging to the Otter sloop of war there; she was bound to Boston, and has been out 14 days. Of the people on board is a member of their Provincial Congress, two other persons of note, whom lord Dunmore had taken prisoners, and ordered to Boston to be tried, it is supposed, for their lives. There is likewise a Tory colonel who had enlisted 300 slaves and convicts, but was defeated and obliged to

fly to lord Dunmore; who advised him to go to Boston, and recommended him to general Howe for a commission.
"The prisoners, with all the letters and papers (some of which are of great consequence) are just gone off to headquarters."
Extract of a letter from Montreal, Dec. 4.
"I have it once more in my power to write to you, as I find the communication from hence is again opened. I have just arrived here from Quebec, from whence I have been drove, on account of my refusing to take arms against the American troops. Before this can reach you, the news of Montreal having capitulated you will have heard. General Montgomery's behaviour in this country will gain him great honour, as he has all along acted with the greatest humanity and integrity. He is now on his way to Quebec, with about 3000 men, and I suppose will be in possession of that garrison in a few weeks. General Carleton has about 1200 fighting men with him; but the extensiveness of the walls, and the different places that his troops must repair to on an alarm, will so divide his force, that to me it appears certain that they cannot hold long. His rigorous treatment of the Americans in Quebec, from the first entrance of the troops into this country, would take up more time than I can at present spare; but, to crown the whole, he has turned us all out, giving us three days to prepare, but not suffering us to take any thing away but our clothes, and making it death to be found within 100 miles of Quebec. There will certainly be a strong army to retake Canada in the spring, and the general has sent home a number of pilots to bring the fleet here early. I suppose the Congress will send men here to defend it; and indeed, should they garrison it with 10 or 12,000, it will not be in the power of Britain to retake it."
Extract of a letter from a volunteer with col.
Arnold to his friend in this city, dated Point aux Tremble, 21 miles from Quebec, Nov. 25, 1775.
"We arrived before Quebec the 15th instant, after a severe march of about 600 miles. When we left Cambridge, we were 1100 strong; but about half-way col. Enos got frightened, and with three companies, and the sick, which together was about one half of our number, and the greatest part of the provision, turned back! May shame and guilt go with him, and wherever he seeks a shelter may the hand of justice shut the door against him. Perhaps I have said too much, but a man that has suffered by him can hardly refrain speaking. We were about two months on our march, 32 days of which we did not see a house, and at short allowance; six days we were at half a pound of pork and half a pound of flour per man a day, after which, for four days, we had only half a pound of flour per day, our pork being gone; two days we lost ourselves, marched 40 miles, and were but 10 miles on our way. Our whole store was then divided, and it was about four pints of flour per man; a small allowance for men near 100 miles from any habitation, or prospect of a supply. After having travelled 50 or 60 miles on this scanty allowance, we came to a river, which we were told was only eight miles from the inhabited parts. Here I sat down, baked and eat my last morsel of bread; but think what was my distress, when I found, after crossing the river, that I had 30 miles to travel before I could expect the least mouthful. However, my dread was soon removed by the return of col. Arnold, who, with a small party, had made a forced march, and returned to us with some cattle he had purchased of the inhabitants. On these we made a voracious meal, and renewed our march with new courage to Point Levi; from thence we were transported in birch
canoes to the plains of Abraham, and from thence retreated to this place to wait for general Montgomery, who we are told, by express this day, will be with us soon."
We are told capt. Morgan and his company of Virginians was in the first division that crossed from Point Levi for Quebec. This company has, in less than 5 months, been raised, and travelled above 1200 miles from their place of abode.
L O N D O N, October 29.
Y ESTERDAY, about noon, his majesty went from the queen's palace to St. James's, attended by only two footmen behind his coach. About ten minutes before two his majesty got into the state coach, attended by the duke of Ancaster and lord Bruce, and proceeded to the House of Peers, where, being seated on the throne, and a message having been sent to the Commons, requiring their attendance, his majesty opened the present session of parliament with the following speech:
My Lords and Gentlemen,
THE present situation of America, an my constant desire to have your advice, concurrence, and assistance, on every important occasion, have determined me to call you thus early together.
Those who have long too successfully laboured to inflame my people in America, by gross misrepresentations, and to infuse into their minds a system of opinions repugnant to the true constitution of the colonies, and to their subordinate relation to Great Britain, now openly avow their revolt, hostility, and rebellion. They have raised troops, and are collecting a naval force; they have seized the publick revenue, and assumed to themselves legislative, executive, and judicial powers, which they already exercise, in the most arbitrary manner, over the persons and properties of their fellow-subjects. And although many of these unhappy people may still retain their loyalty, and may be too wise not to see the fatal consequence of this usurpation, and wish to resist it, yet the torrent of violence has been strong enough to compel their acquiescence till a sufficient force shall appear to support them.
The authors and promoters of this desperate conspiracy have, in the conduct of it, derived great advantage from the difference of our intentions and theirs. They meant only to amuse by vague expressions of attachment to the parent state, and the strongest protestations of loyalty to me, whilst they were preparing for a general revolt. On our part, though it was declared in your last session that a rebellion existed within the province of Massachusetts Bay, yet even that province we wished rather to reclaim than subdue. The resolutions of parliament breathed a spirit of moderation and forbearance, conciliatory propositions accompanied the measures taken to enforce authority, and the coercive acts were adapted to cases of criminal combinations amongst subjects not then in arms. I have acted with the same temper; anxious to prevent, if it had been possible, the effusion of the blood of my subjects; and the calamities which are inseparable from a state of war, still hoping that my people in America would have discerned the traitorous views of their leaders, and have been convinced, that to be a subject of Great Britain, with all its consequences, is to be the freest member of any civil society in the known world.
The rebellious war now levied is become more general, and is manifestly carried on for the purpose of establishing an independent empire. I need not dwell upon the fatal effects of the success of such a plan.
The object is too important, the spirit of the British nation too high, the resources with which GOD hath blessed her too numerous, to give up so many colonies, which she has planted with great industry,
nursed with great tenderness, encouraged with many commercial advantages, and protected and defended at much expense of blood and treasure.
It is now become the part of wisdom, and (in its effects) of clemency, to put a speedy end to these disorders, by the most decisive exertions. For this purpose, I have increased my naval establishment, and greatly augmented my land forces, but in such a manner as may be the least burthensome to my kingdoms.
I have also the satisfaction to inform you, that I have received the most friendly offers of foreign assistance; and if I shall make any treaties in consequence thereof, they shall be laid before you. And I have, in testimony of my affection for my people, who can have no cause in which I am not equally interested, sent to the garrisons of Gibraltar and Port Mahon a part of my electoral troops, in order that a larger number of the established forces of this kingdom may be applied to the maintenance of its authority; and the national militia, planned and regulated with equal regard to the rights, safety, and protection of my crown and people, may give a farther extent and activity to our military operations.
When the unhappy and deluded multitude, against whom this force will be directed, shall become sensible of their error, I shall be ready to receive the misled with tenderness and mercy; and in order to prevent the inconveniencies which may arise from the great distance of their situation, and to remove, as soon as possible, the calamities which they suffer, I shall give authority to certain persons upon the spot to grant general or particular pardons and indemnities, in such manner, and to such persons, as they shall think fit, and to receive the submission of any province or colony which shall be disposed to return to its allegiance. It may be also proper to authorise the persons so commissioned to restore such province or colony, so returning to its allegiance, to the free exercise of its trade and commerce, and to the same protection and security as if such province or colony had never revolted.
Gentlemen of the House of Commons,
I have ordered the proper estimates for the ensuing year to be laid before you, and I rely on your affection to me, and your resolution to maintain the just rights of this country, for such supplies as the present circumstances of our affairs require.
Among the many unavoidable ill consequences of this rebellion, none affects me more sensibly than the extraordinary burthen which it must create to my faithful subjects.
My Lords and Gentlemen,
I have fully opened to you my views and intentions. The constant employment of my thoughts, and the most earnest wishes of my heart, tend wholly to the safety and happiness of all my people, and to the re-establishment of order and tranquillity through the several parts of my dominions, in a close connection and constitutional dependence. You see the tendency of the present disorders, and I have stated to you the measures which I mean to pursue for suppressing them. Whatever remains to be done, that may farther contribute to this end, I commit to your wisdom. And I am happy to add, that, as well from the assurances I have received, as from the general appearance of affairs in Europe, I see no probability that the measures which you may adopt will be interrupted by disputes with any foreign power.
WILLIAMSBURG, Jan. 12,
U PON information being brought to the camp at Cambridge, that six companies of Royal Irish, and some of the light-horse, were sailed from Boston, to take possession of Rhode Island, general Lee,

with his retinue, escorted by 30 riflemen, immediately set off to take the command of the troops there, to oppose their landing. He arrived on Christmas day, and was joined, a few hours after, by general Putnam.
Copy of a letter from capt. Bellow to col. Howe, dated Liverpool, off Norfolk, Dec. 30, 1775, before the destruction of that place.
SIR, AS I hold it incompatible with the honour of my commission to suffer men in arms against their sovereign and the laws to appear before his majesty's ships, I desire you will cause your sentinels in the town of Norfolk to avoid being seen, that women and children may not feel the effects of their audacity; and it would not be imprudent if both were to leave the town. I am, sir, your most humble servant.
HENRY BELLEW.
To Robert Howe, esq;
Col. HOWE's answer.
NORFOLK, Dec. 30, 1775. I AM too much of an officer to wish you to do any thing incompatible with the honour of your commission, or to recede myself from any point which I conceive to be my duty. Under the influence of reciprocal feelings, consequences may ensue which either perhaps would choose to avoid. Our sentinels have received orders not to fire at your boats, or any other, unless approaching the shore, in a hostile manner. If they exceed this order, we would punish them ourselves; or, if you do it, we shall thank you for it. If, however, your resentment extends farther than merely to them, I should wish the inhabitants of the town, who have nothing to do in this matter, may have time to remove with their effects; and as to the rest, I should be unworthy of the respect of a man of your character if I consulted any thing but my duty. I am, sir, your most obedient servant.
ROBERT HOWE.
To Henry Bellow, esq;
We have advice from South Carolina, that some disturbances had lately happened in that province, occasioned by a number of people from the back parts (who had been seduced by certain emissaries sent among them by their governor, lord William Campbell) taking up arms in favour of government, to the amount, it is said, of 1500 men. To put a stop to such proceedings, a body of between 7 and 800 men were sent against them; upon which an engagement ensued, wherein above 70 of those traitors to their country were killed on the spot, a great number wounded, and many taken prisoners. It is said, however, that some few days after the battle they rallied, in consequence of which the Whig party had been reinforced with 1000 men from Charlestown.
We are likewise informed, that 600 Georgian troops had marched for St. Augustine, to reduce that important place to the obedience of the United Colonies.
We can, from indubitable authority, assure the publick, that 1300 barrels of GUNPOWDER are lately landed at different places to the northward, and large quantities more daily expected; also, that 60 tons of SALTPETRE have been imported at Philadelphia, so that we have nothing to do now but to fight and be free.
By some gentlemen from the northward, we have certain intelligence that an express had arrived at the Congress, with advice that general Washington has ordered all the heavy artillery to Litchmore's point, in order to burn Boston, which was thought to be very practicable. And that general
Montgomery, with 3000 men, had joined col. Arnold before Quebec, who were reinforced with 2500 Canadians, making up, in the whole, an army of between 5 and 6000 men, with which there is not the least doubt but we shall soon be in possession of that important place; and, it is to be hoped, Carleton likewise.
A gentleman of Hampton writes to his friend in this city, that commissioners are actually appointed by government to come to America, to negotiate terms of an ACCOMMODATION.
Deaths.] Mr. ALEXANDER CRAIG, than whom a more honest, friendly, and obliging man, does not exist; and whose memory will be always dear to his family, his friends, and numerous acquaintances. He was a committee-man, and one of the common-hall of this city, and carried on the saddling business, in all its branches, to a greater extent than any one ever did before in this colony.
IN CONGRESS, Nov. 11, 1775.
RESOLVED, that it be recommended to such proprietors of tobacco warehouses and tobacco houses, in Virginia and Maryland, as cannot speedily have the earth of the floors of their houses worked for saltpetre, that they cause those floors to be soon dug up, and left fine, loose, and light, at least six inches deep, suffering the tobacco stalks and trashy leaves to be spread thereon, and leaving the doors open, especially in dry weather, as often as convenience will permit, whereby the soil will be much the more impregnated with nitrous particles, the manufacture of saltpetre facilitated, and the quantity thereof greatly increased.
Extract from the minutes.
CHARLES THOMSON, secretary.
WILLIAMSBURG, Jan. 19, 1776. THE Committee of Safety will proceed, on Monday the 12th of next month, to the choice of the several officers for the COMPANY of ARTILLERY directed by the General Convention, to wit: One captain, three lieutenants, one serjeant, four bombardiers, and eight gunners. All persons inclined to be employed therein, and who can be well recommended, are desired to attend on that day.
By order of the Committee of Safety.
J. PENDLETON, clerk.
To be SOLD, for ready money, THREE excellent STOCKING FRAMES, with every necessary implement for carrying on that branch of business. Any person inclinable to purchase may apply to ADAM ALLAN, & co.
WILLIAMSBURG, Jan. 18, 1776. We have now at work a very sober journeyman, who is very capable and willing to manage the business, should the purchaser be unacquainted with it.
AYLETT'S WAREHOUSE, Jan. 6, 1776. AS the subscriber intends for Britain early next month, he requests the favour of all those who have had dealings with him at the store here, and at King William courthouse, to come and have their accounts adjusted.
JAMES GOVAN.
GOOCHLAND, Jan. 15, 1776. WE intend to leave the colony soon, and to return in a few months.
JOHN SNODGRASS. ARCHIBALD BRYCE.
WILLIAMSBURG, Jan. 18, 1776. STRAYED or STOLEN out of my lot in this city, the 11th instant, a dark gray mare 4 years old next spring, between 13 and 14 hands high, with a hanging mane and switch tail, white face, trots and gallops, but paces very slow, and is branded on one of her buttocks O, but I do not remember which; she is with foal. Whoever brings the said mare to me shall have 10s. (if) SERAFINO FORMICOLA.
For SALE, A GREAT variety of household furniture of the very best kinds, which have been little used, consisting of mahogany tea boards, chairs, tables, dressing tables, dressing boxes and glasses, a large elegant beaufet, card tables, tea tables, clothes press, desk and book-case, chimney and pier glasses in frames, shaving stand, some exceeding fine prints, plate warmer, two suits of elegant morine curtains for beds, a fine Wilton carpet, japanned plate warmer, elegant copper tea kitchen, copper preserving pan and cover, some neat prince's metal candlesticks, fire screens, fashionable genteel plated candlesticks, sets of pearl fish and counters, fish pools, japanned tea tray, silver salt cellars with spoons, India tea chest, sweetmeat and other glasses, a set of very fine blue and white table china, a set of red and white tea do. and coffee cups. Bond, with approved security, payable in 12 months, is required of the purchaser; but a considerable discount for ready money will be allowed. For farther particulars inquire of the printer of this advertisement.
For SALE next Gloucester court day, at the courthouse,
SEVERAL very likely SLAVES; also a quantity of corn, fodder, &c. belonging to the estate of Thomas Foster, deceased. Six months credit will be given the purchasers, on bond with approved security. Interest will be expected from the date, if the bonds are not punctually paid.
LEWIS BURWELL.
TWENTY very fine SLAVES will be sold, for ready money, at the Rocky Ridge, on Thursday the 1st of February.
AGREEABLE to an order of the General Convention, I do hereby give notice, that Tom, Will, and Jemmy, negro slaves belonging to Merritt Moore; Anthony, to Henry Howard; Charles, to John Poole; Cuffey, to Charles Boush; Davy, to Charles Jenkins; Poole, to Willis Hoslin; Dennis, to the widow Hodges; are now confined in the publick jail, and directed to be delivered to their respective owners, on their paying the expenses which have accrued, or shall accrue, from the time of their being taken to the time of their delivery. PETER PELHAM, jailer.
JANUARY 15, 1776. To be SOLD for ready money, at Cumberland town, on Thursday the 25th instant, agreeable to an order of the Hon. Committee of Safety,
THE whole cargo of the brig Fanny, capt. Cunningham, from Corke, lately taken a prize by capt. Barron; consisting of a large quantity of PORK, BEEF, BUTTER, POTATOES, TONGUES, CLARET, PORT WINE, PORTER, CHEESE, HAMS, PARSNIPS, ONIONS, EGGS, &c. &c. The sale will begin at 11 o'clock, and continue till all is sold.
RICHARD ADAMS.
ANY gentleman in want of a TUTOR to instruct his children in Latin, English, Writing, and Arithmetick, may hear of a young man properly qualified, and whose character is unexceptionable, by inquiring of Alex. Purdie, printer.
HANOVER TOWN, January 13, 1776. THE subscriber intends to sail for Britain early next month. ARCHIBALD GOVAN.
THOMAS OKRELL, TAILOR, WILLIAMSBURG,
BEGS leave to inform the publick, that he has opened shop near mr. Pierce's store, and will work very reasonably for ready money. Those gentlemen who please to employ him may depend upon having their work done in a neat manner, and in any fashion they choose. ||

WE intend to leave the colony soon. JAMES M'DOWALL. GEORGE WEIR. ROBERT BURTON.
PRINCE WILLIAM county, Jun. 4, 1776. WHEREAS the subscriber, some time in the month of October last, passed his obligation to a certain Charles Adams , of the town of Dumfries , for the sum of 101. to be paid in pork and corn for a servant woman purchased of him, and warranted by him to have no other ailment than the ague and fever; and whereas, upon taking her home, I have discovered her to be a lunatick, with which I am convinced the said Adams could not be unacquainted at the time of the sale, and have therefore returned her to the said Adams , who refused to give up my obligation: I therefore forewarn all persons from taking an assignment of the same, as I was deceived by him, and am determined not to pay it.
ALEXANDER CATLETT.
WARWICK county, January 15, 1776. WHEREAS several persons have recently (in a very unfriendly manner, to say no worse of it) taken the liberty to hunt after and kill one of my tame deer, on my own possessions, and, in order to prevent a discovery of the property thereof, cut off and endeavoured to conceal the ears of the said deer, which was marked, and have, at divers other times, passed through and hunted my land, leaving down my fences, to the great injury of my property: In order to prevent such illegal practices for the future, I hereby forewarn all persons from hunting or passing through my lands in an illegal manner, as they may be assured, upon due conviction thereof, they will be prosecuted with the utmost rigour of the law.
THOMAS HAYNES.
WHEREAS I have been informed that some reports have been spread to the prejudice of capt. Joseph Spencer , respecting his conduct in a late attack of the enemy, commanded by lieutenant-colonel Scott : These are to certify, that the above affair was inquired into by a court-martial, who, after a fair hearing, honourably acquitted capt. Spencer ; that the said capt. Spencer has served under my command ever since we left Williamsburg , upon the Norfolk expedition, and has always discharged his duty as a good officer.
Given under my hand at Norfolk , the 6th day of January , 1776.
WILLIAM WOODFORD.
AT a general court-martial held for inquiring into the conduct of capt. Spencer of the minute battalion, upon lieutenant-colonel Scott's detachment, and for the trial of all the prisoners in all the guards:
P R E S E N T
JOHN RUFFIN , president. Capt. Markham . Capt. Fleming . Capt. Meade . Capt. Crawford . Capt. Jameson . Capt. Mason . Lieut. Gee . Lieut. Monroe . Ensign Woodson . Lieut. Hanway . Ensign Holloway . Ensign Foster .
Capt. Spencer appeared before the court, when several depositions were read, and divers witnesses were sworn and examined; on consideration whereof, the court is of opinion that capt. Spencer is not guilty of the charge laid against him, and that he be discharged from the arrest.
JOHN RUFFIN.
Approved of by ROBERT HOWE.
(Copy)
test
JOHN RUFFIN.
RUN away from the subscriber in Caroline , the last of December , a mulatto fellow named GILBERT , 5 feet 6 inches high, about 34 years old, has a large scar on his breast occasioned by whipping, and is much marked with the smallpox. He was well clothed, but I cannot particularly describe his dress; and he is a tolerable good shoemaker. It is very likely he will endeavour to pass for a freeman, as he is a cunning fellow. Whoever delivers the said slave to me shall have SIX DOLLARS reward.
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JOHN EVANS.
TAKEN up in the lower end of Goochland , a BAY HORSE 4 feet 7 inches high, about 13 years old, has a short switch tail, his mane half cut off, the other part hangs on the near side, has some saddle spots, branded on the near shoulder with a small dot, and on the near buttock PM in a piece. Posted, and appraised to 81.
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WILLIAM UTLEY.
To be SOLD , for ready money, at King William courthouse, on Thursday the 15th of February 1776, being court day,
ALL the remaining slaves of the estate of col. John Martin , deceased, late of the said county, by ELIZABETH MARTIN , executrix.
ALL persons who have any demands against the estate of Peyton Randolph , esq; deceased, are desired to bring in their accounts, properly proved. Those indebted to the said estate are requested to make immediate payment, to
BETTY RANDOLPH, JAMES COCKE, } executors.
Those gentlemen who have borrowed any books of the late Speaker are desired to return them immediately.
To be RENTED , and entered on immediately,
THE tavern at Aylett's warehouses, King William county; the very publick situation of which place, the great resort of company to it, and the advantages of boarding a number of merchants, being so well known, a particular description is unnecessary. The terms may be known by applying to mr. Benjamin Temple , near the premises; mr. Robert Pollard , at my store at Aylett's ; or the subscriber, in Williamsburg ; who has for sale, in the said city, a quantity of best superfine, common, middling, and ship BREAD FLOUR , also about 20 barrels of TAR , and an elegant assortment of ladies black, white, and green, satin CARDINALS and BONNETS ,
WILLIAM AYLETT.
RICHMOND , December 26, 1775.
RUN away, on Sunday the 3d instant, an English servant man, named RALPH CHILLINGSWORTH , of the middle stature, slim made, thin visaged, has had the smallpox, is very fond of spirituous liquors, a plaisterer by trade, and a very artful sensible fellow. He had on a good frieze coat, red cloth waistcoat, worsted stockings, strong London made shoes, white shirt, brown wig, which is rather too large for him, and a beaver hat, that has been dressed, after being some time wore. He has been seen, since he made his escape, selling some osnabrugs, and I hear purchased a gun, with which it is probable he will endeavour to get on board some of the men of war at Norfolk . Whoever conveys the said servant to me shall have 40s. reward, but if he returns to his duty he will be received kindly.
RICHARD ADAMS,
N. B. The above servant was lately seen in Williamsburg , in a hunting shirt with green trimmings, and said he had enlisted in a company at York town.
WILLIAMSBURG , Jan. 1, 1776.
CONSIDERING the great rise in the price of PAPER , the high expense attending the transportation of it to this place from Philadelphia , and the difficulty there is to procure it almost on any terms, the PRINTER is reduced to the necessity of demanding half the year's subscription money from every new subscriber to his GAZETTE , and begs that those who owe him for the last 11 months (from Feb. 3, 1775 , to Dec. 31 ) which is 11s. 6d. would send in their subscriptions, and those that subscribed later to pay in to Dec. 31st , at the rate of 12d. halfpeny per month, that he may begin a new account, this NEW YEAR , with all his customers, whom he shall endeavour to serve to the utmost of his abilities, and hopes to be able to furnish them always with pleasing intelligence, even in these boisterous times.
*** Those indebted to me, likewise, for ADVERTISEMENTS , BOOKS , STATIONARY , &c. will exceedingly oblige me by paying off their accounts; as I have some debts of my own to discharge, which I would willingly settle as soon as I am able.
I am the PUBLICK'S obliged
And devoted servant,
ALEX. PURDIE.
To be SOLD or RENTED ,
SEVERAL valuable PLANTATIONS in Cumberland county. For terms apply to JOHN MAYO.
WILLIAMSBURG , January 6th, 1776.
THE subscriber begs leave to inform the publick, that he has opened the late mr. Elkanah Deane's shop near Palace street, where he intends to carry on the COACH and CHAIR making business in its various branches.
|| WILLIAM HOLLIDAY.
THE ship Rockingham , Richard Hopper master, now lying in Nansemond river, will sail for Glasgow the first week in February . The ship goes in ballast, and will be exceedingly well fitted for passengers. For passage, apply to the master on board said ship; to Gibson , Donaldson , and Hamilton , at Suffolk ; or to mess. Dixon and Hunter , in Williamsburg .
N. B. The ship Rockingham is a new vessel, and well found.
To be RENTED for a term of YEARS ,
THE well accustomed tavern on the road from Hanover courthouse to Hanover town. The conveniencies of this place, for either a publick or private family, are very great, the dwelling-house having six rooms below stairs and two above, a kitchen, dairy, meat-house, quarter, blacksmith's shop, a very large barn and stable, with every other necessary for the immediate reception of a family. Any person inclinable to rent the said place may know the terms by applying to the subscriber, near the premises. THOMAS SMITH.
To be SOLD under a power of attorney from Mr. John Baylor ,
ABOUT 1000 acres of land in the county of Orange , to be laid off on the upper part of a tract whereon John Hawkins lives. The land in general is very good, and contains a considerable quantity of valuable low ground. The terms may be known by applying to mr. James Newman , near the premises, or to the subscriber, in the county of Caroline . (tf)
EDMUND PENDLETON , jun.
N. B. I am also empowered to receive and pay mr. Baylor's debts, but I am apprehensive it will not be in my power to do either, and therefore hope his creditors will not be impatient or uneasy.
ARTICLES of Intelligence, Essays, Advertisements, &c. are thankfully received for this Paper, the Price of which is 12s. 6d. per Annum; Advertisements inserted as usual. PRINTING WORK done with Care and Expedition, and on reasonable Terms.