The Virginia gazette (Williamsburg [Va.]), 1775-06-03 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.
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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.
NEW YORK, May 15.
The following association was set on foot here on Saturday the 1st instant, and on that day it was signed by above 1000 of our principal inhabitants. It is to be transmitted to all the counties in the province, where we make no doubt it will be signed by all ranks of people.
ERSUADED that the salvation of the rights and liberties of America depends, under God, on the firm union of its inhabitants, in a vigorous prosecution of the measures necessary for its safety, and convinced of the necessity of preventing the anarchy and confusion which attend a dissolution of the powers of government, we, the freemen, freeholders, and inhabitants of the city and county of New York, being greatly alarmed at the
avowed design of the Ministry to raise a revenue in America, and shocked by the bloody scene now acting in the Massachusetts Bay, do, in the most solemn manner, resolve never to become slaves; and do associate under all the ties of religion, honour, and love to our country, to adopt, and endeavour to carry into execution, whatever measures may be recommended by the Continental Congress, or resolved upon by our Provincial Convention, for the purpose of preserving our constitution, and opposing the execution of the several arbitrary and oppressive acts of the British Parliament, until a reconciliation between Great Britain and America, on constitutional principles (which we most ardently desire) can be obtained; and that we will, in all things, follow the advice of our general committee, respecting the purposes aforesaid, the preservation of peace and good order, and the safety of individuals, and private property.
The following is a copy of a letter from our general committee of association to the Lord Mayor and Magistrates of London, sent by Capt. Lawrence, who sailed from hence the 6th instant.
COMMITTEE CHAMBER, New York, May 5, 1775.
My Lord, and Gentlemen,
DISTINGUISHED as you are by your noble exertions in the cause of liberty, and deeply interested in the expiring commerce of the empire, you necessarily command the most respectful attention. The general committee of association for the city and county of New York beg leave therefore to address you, and the capital of the British empire, through its magistrates, on the subject of American wrongs. Born to the bright inheritance of English freedom, the inhabitants of this extensive continent can never submit to the ignominious yoke, nor move in the galling fetters of slavery. The disposal of their own property with perfect spontaneity, and in a manner wholly divested of every appearance of constraint, is their indefeasible birthright. The exalted blessing they are resolutely determined to defend with their blood, and transfer it uncontaminated to their posterity.
You will not then wonder at their early jealousy of the design to erect, in this land of liberty, a despotism scarcely able to be paralleled in the pages of antiquity, or the volumes of modern times; a despotism consisting in power, assumed by the representatives of a part of his Majesty's subjects, at their sovereign will and pleasure, to strip the rest of their property. And what are the engines of Administration to execute this destructive project? The duty on tea, oppressive restraints on the commerce of the colonies, the blockade of the port of Boston, the change of internal police in the Massachusetts and Quebec, the establishment of popery in the latter, the extension of its bounds, the ruin of our Indian commerce by regulations calculated to aggrandize that arbitrary government, unconstitutional Admiralty jurisdictions throughout the colonies, the invasion of our right to a trial in the most capital cases by a jury of the vicinage, the horrid contrivance to screen from punishment the bloody executioners of ministerial vengeance; and, not to mention the rest of the black catalogue of our grievances, the hostile operations of an army, who have already shed the blood of our countrymen. The struggles excited by the detestable stamp act have so lately demonstrated to the world that the Americans will not be slaves, that we stand astonished at the gross impolicy of the Minister. Recent experience had evinced that the possessors of this extensive continent would never submit to a tax by pretext of legislative authority in Britain: Disguise, therefore, became the expedient; in pursuit of the same end Parliament declared their absolute supremacy over the colonies, and have already endeavoured to exercise that supremacy in attempting to raise a revenue under the specious pretence of providing for their good government and defence. Administration, to exhibit a degree of moderation, purely ostensible and delusory, while they withdrew their hands from our most necessary articles of importation, determined, with an eager grasp, to hold the duty on tea as a badge of their taxative power. Zealous, on our part, for an indissoluble union with the parent state, studious to promote the glory and happiness of the empire, and impressed with a just sense of the necessity of a controuling authority to regulate and harmonize the discordant commercial interests of its various parts, we cheerfully submit to a regulation of commerce by the legislature of the parent state, excluding in its nature every idea of taxation.
Whether, therefore, the present machinations of arbitrary power infallibly tend you may easily judge; if unremittedly pursued, as they were inhumanely devised, they will, by a fatal necessity, terminate in a total dissolution of the empire. The subjects of this country will not, we trust, be deemed by any measures conciliatory in appearance, while it is evident that the Minister aims at a solid revenue to be raised by grievous and oppressive acts of Parliament, and by fleets and armies employed to enforce their execution. They never will, we believe, submit to an auction in the colonies for the more effectual augmentation of the revenue, by
holding it up as a temptation to them, that the highest bidders shall enjoy the greatest share of governmental favour. This plan, as it would tend to sow the seeds of discord, would be far more dangerous than hostile force, in which we hope the King's troops will ever be, as they have already been, unsuccessful. Instead of those unusual, extraordinary, and unconstitutional modes of procuring levies from the subject, should his Majesty graciously be pleased, upon suitable emergencies, to make requisitions in ancient form, the colonies have expressed their willingness to contribute to the support of the empire, but to contribute of their voluntary gift, as Englishmen: And when our unexampled grievances are redressed, our Prince will find his American subjects testifying, on all proper occasions, by as ample aids as their circumstances will permit, the most unshaken fidelity to their sovereign, and inviolable attachment to the welfare of his realm and dominions.
Permit us further to assure you, that America is grown so irritable by oppression, that the least shock in any part is, by the most powerful and sympathetic affection, instantaneously felt through the whole continent; that Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New York, have already stopped their exports to the fishing islands, and those colonies which at this dangerous juncture have refused to unite with their brethren in the common cause, and all supplies to the navy and army at Boston; and that probably the day is at hand when our Continental Congress will totally shut up our ports. The minions of power here may now inform Administration, if they can ever speak the language of truth, that this city is as one man in the cause of liberty; that to this end our inhabitants are almost unanimously bound by the enclosed association; that it is continually advancing to perfection by additional subscriptions; that they are resolutely bent on supporting their committee, and the intended Provincial and Continental Congresses; that there is not the least doubt of the efficacy of their example in the other counties; in short, that while the whole continent are ardent by wishing for peace, on such terms as can be acceded to by Englishmen, they are indefatigable in preparing for the last appeal. That such are the language and conduct of our fellow citizens, will be further manifested by a representation of the Lieutenant Governor and Council, of the 1st instant, to General Gage, at Boston, and to his Majesty's Ministers by the packet. Assure yourselves, my Lord and Gentlemen, that we speak the real sentiments of the confederated colonies on the continent, from Nova Scotia to Georgia, when we declare, that all the horrors of a civil war will never compel America to submit to taxation by authority of Parliament.
A sincere regard to the public weal, and the cause of humanity, an hearty desire to spare the further effusion of human blood, our loyalty to our Prince, and the love we bear to our fellow subjects in his Majesty's realm and dominions, and a full conviction of the warmest attachment in the capital of the empire to the cause of justice and liberty, have induced us to address you on this momentous subject, confident that the same cogent motives will induce the most vigorous exertions of the city of London to restore union, mutual confidence, and peace to the whole empire.
We have the honour to be,
My Lord and Gentlemen,
Your most obedient, and
Affectionate fellow subjects.
Signed by Isaac Low, Chairman, and 90 members.
To the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor, the Aldermen, and Common Council of the city of London.
***** Abstract from the most material parts of the speeches, &c. delivered in the HOUSE OF LORDS on THURSDAY the 16th of MARCH, on a motion for committing an engrossed bill from the Commons, for restraining the commerce of the four NEW ENGLAND provinces to GREAT BRITAIN, IRELAND, and the BRITISH islands in the WEST INDIES, and to prohibit the said colonies and provinces from fishing on the Banks of NEWFOUNDLAND, under certain restrictions and limitations.
AS soon as the private business was finished, Lord Dartmouth moved for the order of the day, which being read, the Marquis of Rockingham rose, and in a very able speech opposed the commitment of the bill. He asserted, that the bill was oppressive and tyrannical throughout; that the principle which pervaded it, and the means of putting it in execution had one merit, that of consistency; and that, from the same motive, he should heartily dissent to every syllable of its contents. He said, he meant not to trouble their Lordships in any future stage of the bill, or perhaps at all on the same subject, during the continuance of the session, for which reason he wished and hoped for their indulgence on the present occasion. He desired to repeat, that the present bill, and every other framed on the same principle, and directed to the same object, to be attained only by the most flagrant acts of cruelty and oppression, must forever continue to meet with his strongest disapprobation. After examining the general principle of the bill, which he loudly condemned and reproached in the most marked expressions, he proceeded to examine the cruel and persecuting means devised for enforcing it, which he said exactly resembled the mode adopted by Marshal Rozen, King James the second's French General in Ireland, in order to reduce the rebellious citizens, and other defenders of Londonderry. They, brave men (as the Americans are now) were stiled traitors and rebels; and they, as well as our subjects in America, were to be starved into compliance; that is, the means employed were to be justified by the goodness of the cause. He then read out of Macpherson's state papers, an order from Rozen, for obliging the garrison of Derry to submit, which was to collect the wives, children, and aged parents of the garrison, to drive them under the walls of the town, there to perish in the presence of their parents, husbands, and other relations; and if they offered to return, to fire on them, and massacre them. But, added his Lordship,
weak, infatuated, and bigotted as that Prince was, his heart revolted at such a horrid expedient of subduing his enemies; for as soon as it reached his knowledge, he immediately countermanded the barbarous order, and left the innocent and inoffending to their liberty. The principle I contend was the same, the rebels might have avoided and prevented the barbarous purpose by submitting; so we shall be told, in the course of this day's debate, may the inhabitants of America. His Lordship then entered into a comparative view of the trade of America at different periods, and that of New England in particular. He quoted, from the papers lying on the table, that the amount of the exports in the year 1704, amounted to no more than 70,000. per annum; in half a century, in the year 1754, it was 180,000. about the time of the repeal of the stamp act in 1764, it was nearly 400,000. and within the last ten years it had so prodigiously increased as to amount to 7 or 800,000. This increase had extended itself, he was well assured, in pretty nearly the same proportion to all the other colonies; and it appeared, by a Gentleman who gave evidence at the bar (Mr. Watson) that the amount of total exports in the last mentioned period was about 2,600,000. His Lordship said he could not help remarking the agreement there was between that Gentleman's account and the one on the table, which made the exports to all America in 1764, about 2,700,000. His Lordship dwelt a considerable time on the strange, mutilated, imperfect accounts laid by the King's Ministers before Parliament; and particularly relative to a letter written by Lord Dunmore, giving an account of the then state of Virginia, dated some day in December, in which he omits to take the least notice of the association and declaration entered into by the army under his command early in the preceding November. It was impossible, he said, that his Lordship could be ignorant of so important a fact, which happened on the spot; but were that even so, a paper which he held in his hand made it clear that his Lordship could be at least no stranger to its being published at Williamsburg, in Virginia, the seat of his government, two days preceding the date of his celebrated despatch, in the Virginia gazette. Perhaps it might have been a spurious account, and as such his Lordship could not have taken notice of it; but if that were the case, he should be obliged to some noble Lord in Administration to rise and tell him so, otherwise he must continue to think that the proceedings of the noble Governor was not to be accounted for, consistent with his duty, or at least with the duty of those who, having better information, thought proper to hold it back. The noble Marquis concluded his speech with a general disapprobation of all the measures pursued relative to America since the repeal of the stamp act; and predicting that an useful and constitutional agreement in sentiments, and a cordial reciprocity of interests, would never take place between them and the mother country, till the same principles were once more resorted to, and similar measures adopted.
Lord Carlisle said he was much surprised that the noble Marquis could possibly conceive the bill was either intended, or could be supposed to operate in the manner he affected to think it would, no such thing being meant, no such thing could take place. The present was not a question about taxation, it was not involved in difficulty, but simply, whether we were justified in employing the most lenient methods of bringing America back to obedience, and a proper sense of their duty. The bill was not formed on the narrow views of loading them with taxes, or for the sake of a paltry revenue. He believed the Ministry had no design of forcing them into any such concession; if they had, he was certain that neither he nor many of the other Lords, who intended to vote for the measure, had any such desire.
The Duke of Manchester condemned the bill, as involving in its consequences the guilty and inoffending in one common punishment. It was a new kind of logic to him to hear it contended, that the bill was not oppressive, cruel, or unjust, in respect to the inhabitants of Nantucket; because, be their conduct what it may, they were sure to be punished. Whether they are obedient or disobedient, their fate is to be the same; and what, says his Grace, is their mode of relief? Why, after peace and obedience, which, by the bye, as far as relates to them, has never been violated or departed from, shall be restored for one month, and that the same shall be certified by the customhouse officers, then the pains and penalties inflicted by this bill are to cease. Now, when it is considered what a kind of people the majority at least of those customhouse officers are; when we seriously reflect on their narrow minds, and the mean passions they are generally actuated by, we may readily conclude what degree of favour, indulgence, or justice, the inhabitants of Nantucket are to receive at the hands of such men; men who, in the several stations besides, are to share among them the penalties and forfeitures to be recovered under this act. It is said that there are live stock on the island, and it is contended that New England has a plentiful supply of provisions within itself; because, during the late war, large supplies were procured from thence for the use of the army and navy. By this latter mode of reasoning, we might as well suppose, that because large quantities of tobacco are annually exported from the city of Glasgow, we should therefore conclude, that it grows in the neighbourhood of that town; and, by the former, that because there were provisions sufficient in New England, the people of Nantucket, deprived of the only fair means of procuring it at market, might obtain it by rapine and injustice. The noble Duke next proceeded to examine the manifest tyranny and oppression of the bill in other respects, particularly as it would affect the property of our merchants, who could not be supposed to have any hand in the outrages which gave birth to it, or to that general spirit of resistance and disobedience it was intended to subdue. He protested sincerely, he came with no prejudices or party view whatever into the House; that he had labouriously endeavoured to forget every connection, to banish every distuption, to forget all that had hitherto passed, and contemplate the bill nakedly as it came before him; nevertheless, upon the fullest investigation, and most impartial consideration, in his opinion it carried,

in the very face of it, every appearance of a most tyrannic, oppressive, and persecuting spirit, from which consequences of great and alarming danger were to be feared; for, concluded he, the military force sent to reduce those injured people may be employed at home in the destruction of our own liberties; and by the general complexion of men and measures, and the professed means employed to give the latter existence and success, there are, I fear, some persons of weight and influence who would cheerfully adopt, and assiduously labour to put such a design in execution.
Lord Dartmouth rose to correct a mistake, which the noble Duke fell into, relative to the inhabitants of Nantucket, by informing him, that the bill was not correctly printed from the copy; for that, in the engrossed bill, every thing which had the least appearance of severity, was provided against. As to the certificate required from the customhouse officers, he said, that proceeded from a misapprehension of the Duke, for the application was to be made to the Governor of the Massachusetts Bay, not to the customhouse officers. His Lordship then disclaimed the imputation thrown out by the noble Duke on administration, so far as it might be supposed to affect himself; and was certain, he said, that he might answer, with justice, that no one member of it harboured such a thought.
The Duke of Manchester answered, that the clause respecting Nantucket, however construed, could extend no further than to the whale fishery, for it still left all, but those employed in that fishery, to starve without employment or bread. He still maintained what he asserted, respecting the mode of application to the customhouse officers, so far as it related to the colonies of Connecticut and Rhode Island, and Providence plantation. His Grace then read the clause out of the bill, "if it shall be proved to the said Governor and Commander in Chief, and Council of Massachusetts Bay, by the testimony of the officers of his Majesty's customs, &c." The noble Duke then exculpated his Lordship from the most distant suspicion, that he would concur in any design to enslave his country, were he first Minister.
Lord Dartmouth thanked his Grace for the good opinion he entertained of him; but if his insinuations were directed at a noble Lord who presided at the head of the finances, he begged leave to assure him he was mistaken, for he had known that noble Lord from his early youth; they had been bred up together; he was perfectly acquainted with his disposition and sentiments; and by a knowledge thus founded and acquired, he could venture to affirm, with the fullest confidence, that there was not a noble Lord in that House, however zealous, would be further from entering into, or co-operating in any design for overturning the liberties of his country, than he would. He therefore wished, that the noble Lord would explain himself; for however flattering or pleasing his Grace's sentiments might be respecting himself, it took off entirely from the pleasure it would otherwise cause, while it was founded in an insinuation against another, and given at his expense.
"The Duke of Manchester rose again, and assured his Lordship that he had no intention of directly alluding to the noble Lord who had, unintentionally in him, been the subject of conversation. [To be continued.]
GENERAL BURGOYNE'S speech in the House after his appointment to act in America, along with the Generals CLINTON and GUNNING, under General GAGE.
FROM the time I have been under orders to serve in America I have thought it an unbecoming part to give my voice as a judge in any American question; but having taken some share in the debates of the last year, which have been misrepresented, and having appeared in some divisions this year, before I had any knowledge or suspicion of my destination, I anxiously wish to take this occasion to explain the motives upon which I have invariably acted; and notwithstanding the exhausted state of the debate, I rise with confidence in the House, that they will give that indulgence to my situation, which I should have little claim to upon any other pretensions.
Sir, I think an explanation the more necessary, because, both without doors and within, allusions and references are making continually, to the sentiments of those who are to act in the military department; a very important, but very unenviable lot.
In some of the licentious printers of the times there have not been wanting suggestions to the public, that a sanguinary Minister had chosen the Generals best fitted by their inclinations to carry havoc and destruction through the continent of America. Within these walls we have been treated very differently indeed; we have found an attention, a respect, a favour of opinion and expression, that has imprinted upon my mind, and I am persuaded equally upon the minds of my colleagues, a sincere satisfaction, and a deep sense of gratitude to Gentlemen on all sides of the House: But still, Sir, I have observed, through the course of the debate, an opinion to prevail, that a great latitude of orders is to be given, and that in acting under such latitude, we shall be influenced by the speeches we hear in this place, some of which are supposed to weigh the most inflammatory ideas, others ideas of the most humiliating concession. I do not know, Sir, that any such latitude will be given, at least it will hardly extend to my inferior station. The utmost merit I shall be able to claim in this expedition will probably be that of an attentive, an assiduous, circumscripted obedience.
But I can speak with confidence of those under whom I am to leave this country, as well as of the high and respectable officer who now commands in America: Such men will not want the oratory of this House to give a due tone to their spirit or their humanity.
A noble sentiment fell from an honorable Gentleman in my eye (Col. Barre) that bravery and compassion were associate virtues; may they remain blended on the minds of every military man in America, let a persuasion uniformly prevail, that upon a review of our conduct hereafter by our dispassionate and impartial countrymen, our bravery will be judged by the test of our compassion. Should we inevitably be made the instruments of punishment, let every action of the unhappy conflict be directed and marked by that temper which ever ought to discriminate the correction of the state from the sudden and impetuous impulse of passion and revenge; but with these principles at the heart of every soldier, and these there will be, for there is a charm in the very wanderings and dreams of liberty that disarms an Englishman's anger; with these principles at the heart, care must be taken that the honour, the ascendancy, the impression of the British arms, be not insulted or diminished in the hands of those to whom they are intrusted; and while we remember we are contending against fellow subjects and brothers, it must not be forgot that we are contending in the crisis, and for the fate of the British empire.
An honorable young member on the other side (Mr. Acland) who has entered into the army with a zeal which justly entitles him to the esteem of every officer, and whose Parliamentary spirit and talents have this day proved him a most valuable acquisition to this House, asked early in the debate whether it could be supposed these Americans, who denied the authority of the British legislature, would accept the mode of taxation proposed by these resolutions? I believe they will not; and I differ so far with him upon this occasion as to say I do not like the resolution the worse upon that account: While it holds out conciliation to those who wish to return to obedience and fidelity, and must be accepted by all rational men and well-intentioned subjects, the refusal of it will be as explicitly and decisively declaratory, as any manifesto could express, of the principles on which they act who continue to resist, and puts the dispute on clear ground.
In foreign war, the conscience of the quarrel belongs to the state alone; the soldier draws his sword with alacrity; the cause in which he engages rests between God and his Prince, and he wants no other excitements to his duty than such as the glory of his country, personal honour, and just ambition will suggest. In
civil discord (without inquiring casuistically, whether in any, or in what possible case, a military servant of the Crown can be justified in declining a service to which he is legally commanded) I believe a consideration of the cause will find its way to the breast of every conscientious man, and in the execution of his duty he will find sorrow and remorse on one side, or satisfaction and inward comfort on the other, according to the private judgment he entertains. I perceive Gentlemen on every side of the House acknowledge the truth of this general observation; I shall be acknowledged if any Gentleman denies a particular application of it. Is there a man in England (I am confident there is not an officer or soldier in the King's service) who thinks not the Parliamentary rights of Great Britain a cause to fight for, to bleed and die for? Sir, I will assert, that the professed advocates of America have never ventured to meet this argument fairly; they have always slanted it to collateral inquiries, accusation, recrimination, and examination of the measures by which we have been led into our present dilemma. Past errors may be great and manifest; every administration for these ten years past may have had their share. It is not my present purpose to justify any. Inquiries may be very proper at a proper time; but as member of Parliament, I hold myself indispensably called upon to take up the question upon this important now, this unparalleled moment in the English history, when we tamely suffer Government to be suspended, when we sit here the mere shadow of authority, the phantom of Parliament, assembled only to lament the substance we have lost, and to propose and subtilize questions of our own impotency.
Another method of evading a debate upon the true merits of this question has been to confound the understanding. Ingenious men will run changes upon real and virtual representation, external and internal taxes, revenue and regulation, till one's head grows dizzy with distinctions, and the most gross absurdities and contradictions become for a moment specious; but it is not in rhetoric or sophistry to argue the great rational majority of the people of England out of the plain simple proposition which is contained in the declaratory act of the 6th of the present King. The reason of the nation has been long convinced; the trial now only is, whether we have spirit to support our conviction.
Sir, if the whole body of the kingdom does not rouse at this alarm, and shake off that torpidity under which our public spirit has long shamefully languished; if every class and distinction of men do not join in this great cause; if our merchants and manufacturers do not in one instance take example from the Americans, and render it glorious by adapting it to a better cause; if they do not feel insult and affront in the suspicion, that while one country dares the interruption of commerce to effectuate her chimerical claims, the other will not exert equal fortitude to vindicate her fundamental rights; if this be our wretched state, I agree that the sooner a formal surrender is made the better; let Great Britain revert to her primitive insignificance in the map of the world, and the Congress of Philadelphia be the legislature to dispense the blessings of empire. Let us spare the blood of our subjects, let us spare the treasures of the state; but let us at the same time confess we are no more a people.
After this avowal of my principles it might be thought that I sought the situation in which I am going to be employed. I publicly declare I did not seek it. I will take leave to pay on the part of my colleagues, it was sought by none of us, but it was accepted with that submission which is due from servants of the Crown, and with that sense of gratitude to his Majesty which the importance of the trust required. I feel an additional call of gratitude on my own part, for the honour my name receives in being classed with those distinguished officers to whom I have alluded.
I will trespass no longer upon the time of the House; with the sentiments I have expressed I take leave of all American questions; with these sentiments I shall take leave of my country; I shall endeavour to maintain them in arguments if admitted to any intercourse in America: I shall enforce them to the best of my power if called upon to act in the line of my profession; conscientiously convinced that upon the due support of them, both here and on the other side the Atlantic, the existence of this country and constitution directly, emphatically, and conclusively depends.
A few sentences from a speech delivered by Sir Francis Winstanley in the House of Commons, in the reign of Charles II. The subject before the House related to pensioners and pensions, on which Sir Francis thus expressed himself:
"Mr. SPEAKER, THE last House of Commons, sensible how narrowly this nation escaped being ruined by a sort of MONSTERS called PENSIONERS, entered into a consideration how to exclude them from the House.
"I have often heard it said, "that England can never be destroyed but by itself." To have corrupt Parliaments is the most likely way that can be invented. When they who are the legislators of the nation accept bribes from the Minister, to undermine the liberty of the people, they should be punished as traitors.
"It was my fortune, Sir, to sit here in a Parliament wherein I did observe that those who had pensions, and those who held offices, voted, most of them, as they were directed by some great officer. This they did as regularly as if their business had been to preserve their pensions, or earn their douceurs, and not to promote the views of those who sent them here. Their constituents they disregarded as strangers, by which appellation they generally distinguished them. These men were so far from being the true representatives of the people, that they formed a distinct middle interest between the King and the people, and their chief business was to serve the end of the Minister, though never so opposite to the real interest of the nation. Hence these men seldom cared to speak much themselves, though they very willingly allowed that liberty to their adversaries; for, confident that when the question came to be put they should carry it by numbers, they left honest men to dispute about the rectitude of a measure pre-disposed within themselves to vote it expedient. It was thus, Sir, that we had all speaking on one side, all voting on the other; and this was called by one party freedom of debate, by the other doing the business of Government."
***** NEW YORK, May 18.
In CONGRESS, MONDAY May 15, 1775.
"THE city and county of New York having, through Delegates, applied to Congress for their advice how to conduct themselves with regard to the troops expected there, the Congress took the matter into their most serious deliberation, and came to the following resolution:
"That it be recommended, for the present, to the inhabitants of New York, that if the troops which are expected should arrive, the said colony act on the defensive, so long as may be consistent with their safety and security; that the troops be permitted to remain in the barracks, so long as they behave peaceably and quietly, but that they be not suffered to erect fortifications, or take any steps for cutting off the communication between the town and country; and that if they commit hostilities, or invade private property, the inhabitants should defend themselves, and their property, and repel force by force; that the warlike stores be removed from the town; that places of retreat, in case of necessity, be provided for the women and children of New York, and a sufficient number of men be embodied, and kept in constant readiness for protecting the inhabitants from insult and injury."
A true copy from the minutes. CHARLES THOMPSON, Sec'yry.
Gentlemen, Inclosed we send you the advice of the Congress, on the subject on which you requested it, and left the advice to remove the mili-
tary stores might be construed to extend to those belonging to the Crown, we think it prudent to suggest to you, that the contrary construction is the true one.
You would have received this advice before, had not sundry circumstances not material, or perhaps proper to explain, concurred in deferring it till now. We are, Gentlemen, Your humble servants,
PHILADELPHIA, } James Duane, Francis Lewis, John Jay, May 16, 1775. } Lewis Morris, P. Livingston, J. Adlop.
"We hear that Capt. Murray, in a sloop from the coast of Africa, was brought to yesterday in our harbour, by Capt. Montague of the Kingfisher sloop of war, who ROBBED him of six fivels, a number of cohorts, and 120lb. of gunpowder, &c. [Quere. Is not this invading private property?]
NEW LONDON, May 12. A number of troops (about 300) arrived at Bolton a few days ago, from Halifax.
The provincial army are about to send proposals to General Gage for exchange of Prisoners.
The New Hampshire Congress, we hear, have resolved to raise their quota for the common defence.
WORCESTER (near Boston) May 10.
"WE hear that the Senecas, one of the Six Nations of Indians, are determined to support the Americans, against the arbitrary exactions of the British Parliament, and if desired, will lend their help in this day of general distress, expecting if the colonies are subjected, they shall also fall a sacrifice to the relentless fury of Great-Britain.
"We hear that the master of a fishing schooner, arrived at Marblehead last week, on his voyage met with the wreck of a Spanish Galleon, out of which they saved and brought off with them, the crew, a chest containing a large sum in gold, and 40,000 dollars.
"It is confidently asserted, that several houses in Boston belonging to persons who had removed out of that distressed town, have been plundered of effects left therein, by the soldiery. The Hon. John Hancock, Esq's. house, we hear was entered by a number of soldiers, who began to pillage and break down the fences; but upon complaint being made by the Selectmen to Gen. Gage, he ordered the fences to be repaired, and Earl Percy to take possession of the house.
"Some officers in the King's army, it is said, have sworn that the Americans fired first. Their method of cheating the Devil, we are told, has been by some means brought out. They procured three or four traitors to their God and country, born among us, and took with them, and they first fired upon their countrymen, which was immediately followed by the regulars. It is also said these wretches were dressed in soldiers clothing.
"The commanding officer at Cambridge, has given leave to the regulars who were taken prisoners, either to go to Boston and join their respective regiments, or have liberty to work in the country for those who would employ them. In consequence of which those who were confined, in this town (fifteen in number) heartily requested to be employed by the people, not choosing to return to their regiments to fight against their American brethren, though some of them expressed their willingness to spill their blood in defence of their King in a righteous cause. They all sat out yesterday for different towns.
PHILADELPHIA, May 16. Extract of a letter from New York, dated May 10.
"WHEN the news of the engagement, between the provincials and the regulars, arrived here, Dr. Cooper, with several others, fled on board the man of war, and have since failed for Europe, so that the city is almost cleared of Tories, and the few which remain are ashamed and afraid. A soldier, who had deserted from the Welsh fusileers, was among the forces that came to assist us from New England; some of the soldiers in the barracks saw him, and told the officers; he was taken and confined; but when his New England Captain heard of it, he went to the barracks, called for the commanding officer, and demanded his man. The officer told him he was a deserter, the Captain replied, he did not care, he would have him, as he had promised to protect him. An officer, who was standing by, said if he was the commanding officer, he would take him prisoner. The Captain replied, he might, but he would be the dearest prisoner he ever had, and swore the barracks should be in a flame in an hour if he attempted such a thing. However, the commanding officer thought proper to deliver up the man; and the very next day two centinels deserted from the Governor's door."
Last Saturday the Honourable the General Assembly of this province adjourned to Monday the 19th of June next.
Intelligence being received that a deserter was confined in the jail of Burlington, a considerable number of Gentlemen, belonging to the city militia, went last Saturday morning to inquire into the truth of it, and release the unfortunate man, which they performed, and brought him back with them. The poor fellow, when called for, was greatly affected, thinking he was going to be conveyed to his regiment, but when he discovered their intentions, he soon recovered himself, and was very thankful to his benefactors and deliverers.
May 18. Last evening arrived here John Brown, Esq; from Ticonderoga, expre's to the General Congress, from whom we learn, that on the beginning of this instant, a company of about fifty men, from Connecticut, and the western part of Massachusetts, and joined by upwards of one hundred from Bennington, in New York government, and the adjacent towns, proceeded to the eastern side of Lake Champlain; and on the night before the 11th current, crossed the lake with 85 men (not being able to obtain craft to transport the rest) and about day-break invested the fort, whose gate, contrary to expectation, they found shut, but the wicker open, through which, with the Indian war whoop, all that could enter one by one, others scaling the wall on both sides of the gate, and instantly secured and disarmed the centinels, and pressed into the parade, where they found the hollow square; but immediately quitting that order, they rushed into the several barracks on three sides of the fort, and seized on the garrison, consisting of two officers, and upwards of forty privates, whom they brought out, disarmed, put under guard, and have since sent prisoners to Hartford, in Connecticut. All this was performed in about ten minutes, without the loss of a life, or a drop of blood on our side, and but very little on that of the King's troops.
In the fort were found about thirty barrels of flour, a few ditto of pork, seventy odd chests of leaden ball, computed at three hundred tons, about ten or twelve barrels of powder in bad condition, near two hundred pieces of ordnance of all sizes, from eighteen pounders downwards, at Ticonderoga and Crownpoint, which last place, being held only by a corporal and eight men, falls of course into our hands.
By this sudden expedition, planned by some principal persons in the four neighbouring colonies, that important pass is now in the hands of the Americans, where we trust the wisdom of the GRAND CONTINENTAL CONGRESS will take effectual measures to secure it, as it may be depended on that Administration means to form an army in Canada, composed of British regulars, French, and Indians, to attack the colonies on that side.
Mr. Brown brought intercepted letters from Lieut. Malcolm Fraser, to his friends in New England, from which appear that General Carleton has almost unlimited powers, civil and military; and has issued orders for raising a Canadian regiment, in which Mr. Fraser observes, the officers find difficulty, as the common people are by no means fond of the service. He likewise remarks that all the King's European subjects are disaffected at the partial preference given to the late converts to loyalty, as he phrases it, to their utter exclusion from all confidence, or even common civility. Matters are indeed in such a situation, that many if not most of the merchants talk of leaving the province.
* A party of the 26th, commanded by Capt. de la Place.

Mr. Brown also relates that two regular officers of the 26th regiment, now in Canada, applied to two Indians, one a head warrior of the Caughnawaga tribe, to go out with them on a hunt to the south and east of the rivers St. Lawrence and Sarrel, and pressing the Indians further and further on said course, they at length arrived at Cohasset, where the Indians say they were stopped and interrogated by the inhabitants, to whom they pretended they were only on a hunt, which the inhabitants (as the Indians told Mr. Brown) replied must be false, as no hunters used silver (bright) barrelled guns. However, the Cohasset people dismissed them all; and when they returned into the woods, the Indian warrior insisted on knowing what their real intention was, and they told him that it was to reconnoitre the woods, to find a passage for an army to march to the assistance of the King's friends in Boston. The Indian asked, where they could get the army? They answered, in Canada, and that the Indians in the upper castles would join them. The Chief on this expressed resentment, that he, being one of the head men of the Caughnawaga tribe, should never have been consulted in the affair. But Mr. Brown presumes the aversion of this honest fellow and his friends to their schemes, was the reason of their being kept from their knowledge. The conductors of this grand expedition are to be Monsieur St. Luke le Corne, the villain who let loose the Indians on the prisoners at Fort William Henry, and one of his associates.
Oh, George, what tools art thou obliged to make use of!
The Honourable General Assembly of the colony of Rhode Island have resolved to raise immediately 1500 effective men, for the preservation of the liberties of America. They are to be formed into three regiments; and, to defray the expence, the sum of 20,000l. is to be emitted in paper bills.
BALTIMORE, May 20.
Extracts of letters from PHILADELPHIA to Gentlemen in this town, dated the 16th instant, which have been delivered into the hands of our committee.
ON Sunday a ship (Capt. Byrne) arrived here from Liverpool, which brings letters to the 3d of April, and advise us of the ship —, Jones master, being loaded with salt, and some dry goods, which would sail in a few days after him, for this port; and that the ship Johnston, belonging to Mr. Gildart of Liverpool, was loaded with salt and dry goods by the House of Messrs. Ashton and company, bound to your port. You may daily look for your ship, as we do for ours. We have already given directions to our pilots, &c. to watch her motions. It is said, from good authority, that Mr. Leister of Pool has 4 ships coming to America, to load with bread, &c. for Newfoundland. Be careful that some of them do not load with you. If any of them come here, I think they will hardly ever return.
Captain McIlvaine is arrived from Corke, which he left the 4th of April; the troops (seven regiments) were then embarking on board 50 transports, and amongst them 40 horses. They were not to sail until further orders, which were to be given after the arrival of the packet from America. Capt. McIlvaine spoke with seven transports on the Banks of Newfoundland, with troops from England for Boston, and the three General Officers in company.
A vessel arrived yesterday from Liverpool, whose Captain has brought a quantity of cheese, which he must carry back. He informs us, a ship was ballasting with salt for this place, and one or two more for yours. They will be taken care of, and we hope your committee will take care of those going your way. A good look out ought to be kept, that people acting knowingly, in direct opposition to our engagements, may not escape; and it is well if those ships, on hearing how things are at your Capes, do not land their dry goods in some part of the Bay. All goods on board should be taken possession of by the committee, and ship and all should be sent back, the salt at least thrown into the sea, and the goods returned by the ship.
WILLIAMSBURG, June 3.
LAST Monday morning a detachment of cavalry from the WILLIAMSBURG VOLUNTEERS, in their uniforms, well mounted and equipped, with a waggon containing their baggage and provisions, set out in a regular military procession, to meet the Hon. PEYTON RANDOLPH, Esq; late President of the Grand Continental Congress, on the way hither from Philadelphia, his presence being requisite at our General Assembly now sitting here. On Tuesday, about noon, the troop of horse met that Gentleman at Ruffin's ferry, accompanied by Col. CARTER BRAXTON, and escorted them to Williamsburg, after having been joined by a company of infantry, who marched out the distance of two miles for the same purpose. They arrived here by sunset, and were attended to the honourable Gentleman's house by the whole body of cavalry and infantry, whose very martial appearance gave great satisfaction to the spectators. The bells began to ring as our worthy Delegate entered the city, and the unfeigned joy of the inhabitants, on this occasion, was visible in every countenance; there were illuminations in the evening, and the volunteers, with many other respectable Gentlemen, assembled at the Raleigh, spent an hour or two in harmony and cheerfulness, and drank several patriotic toasts.
Yesterday the Honourable House of Burgesses appointed committees to proceed on the ordinary business of the country.
We hear from King and Queen, that on Monday the 22d ult. a most dreadful whirlwind happened in that county. It seemed to rise from two thunder clouds meeting in the west; about one o'clock its course was easterly, and tore up every thing in its way near a quarter of a mile wide. Many poor people have felt its direful effects; no less than eight plantations are swept in as many miles, some not having a house left; 4 persons, viz. a young man, a woman, a boy, and a child in its mother's arms, were crushed to death, and several so much bruised and wounded that their recovery is doubtful. In short, such a scene of horror and devastation was never seen before by winds in this country.
Extract of a letter from PHILADELPHIA, May 23.
A Gentleman from Rhode Island brings an account that a Captain of a man of war at Boston had sent out a cutter to take a sloop arrived in a river there, with provisions for the provincial army, which was done; but the people collected in armed boats, regained their own, and took the other vessel, sending the crew prisoners into the country. Accounts from England and Ireland are, that the troops at the former are said to be countermanded, and at the latter an unwillingness to embark had produced a skirmish, in which many were killed, and the embarkation stopped.
In a late Philadelphia paper have been published, by order of the Congress, affidavits and depositions of sundry persons of Lexington, Concord, &c. by which it appears that the provincials were first attacked at both places by the King's troops. The following are depositions of three of the wounded regulars, which were published with those of the provincials.
LINCOLN, April 23, 1775.
I JOHN BATEMAN, belonging to the 52d regiment, commanded by Col. Jones, on Wednesday morning the 19th day of April instant, was in the party marching to Concord; being at Lexington, in the county of Middlesex, and being nigh the meeting-house in said Lexington, there was a small party of men gathered together in that place when our said troops marched by; and I testify and declare, that I heard the word of command given to the troops to fire, and some of said troops did fire, and I saw one of said small party lay dead on the ground, nigh said meeting-house; and I testify that I never heard any of the inhabitants so much as fire one gun on said troops. JOHN BATEMAN.
CONCORD, April 23, 1775.
I JAMES MARR, of lawful age, testify and say, that in the evening of the 18th instant I received orders from George
Hutchinson, Adjutant of the 4th regiment of the regular troops stationed at Boston, to prepare and march. To which order I attended, and marched to Concord, where I was ordered by an officer, with about 100 men, to guard a certain bridge there; while attending that service, a number of people came along, in order, as I suppose, to cross said bridge, at which time a number of the regular troops first fired upon them. JAMES MARR.
I EDWARD THOROTON GOULD, of his Majesty's own regiment of foot, being of lawful age, do testify and declare, that on the evening of the 18th instant, under the orders of General Gage, I embarked with the light infantry and grenadiers of the line, commanded by Col. Smith, and landed on the marshes of Cambridge, from whence we proceeded to Lexington; on our arrival at that place, we saw a body of provincial troops armed to the number of about sixty or seventy men; on our approach they dispersed and soon after firing began, but which party fired first I cannot exactly say, as our troops rushed on, shouting and huzzing, previous to the firing, which was continued by our troops so long as any of the provincials were to be seen. From thence we marched to Concord; on a hill, near the entrance of the town, we saw another body of provincials assembled; the light infantry companies were ordered up the hill to disperse them; on our approach they retreated towards Concord. The grenadiers continued the road under the hill towards the town, and six companies of light infantry were ordered down to take possession of the bridge, which the provincials retreated over; the company I commanded was one, three companies of the above detachment went forward about two miles; in the mean time the provincial troops returned to the number of about three or four hundred; we drew up on the Concord side of the bridge, the provincials came down upon us, upon which we engaged, and gave the first fire. This was the first engagement after the one at Lexington; a continued firing from both parties lasted through the whole day; I myself was wounded at the attack of the bridge, and am now treated with the greatest humanity, and taken all possible care of by the provincials at Medford.
Medford, April 25, 1775.
EDWARD THOROTON GOULD, Lieut. King's own Regt.
On Thursday last the General Assembly of this colony met here, agreeable to the Governor's proclamation; the Hon. House of Burgesses having made choice of PEYTON RANDOLPH, Esq; for their Speaker, his Excellency was pleased to open the session with the following SPEECH:
Gentlemen of the COUNCIL, Mr. SPEAKER, and Gentlemen of the HOUSE OF BURGESSES,
I HAVE called you together to give you an opportunity of taking the alarming state of the colony into your consideration, and providing remedies against the evils which are increasing therein; and I am induced to it at this time particularly, because, as the declarations of the King and Parliament, contained in the joint address of the Lords and Commons on the 7th of February last, and his Majesty's answer, no longer admit of a doubt that your well-founded grievances, properly represented, will meet with that attention and regard which are so justly due to them; so likewise the resolution of the House of Commons, which followed on the 27th of the same month, will, I trust, have the effect of removing the jealousy which has been the principal source of disquiet and uneasiness in the minds of the people: Therefore, I entertain the strongest hopes that nothing will remain, after a just consideration of the nature and tendency of that resolution, to prevent your seriously exerting yourselves to bring the disputes, which have unhappily raged between the mother country and the colonies, to a good end; to which the step already taken by the House of Commons must be considered as a benevolent tender, and, I hope, auspicious advance on the part of the parent state.
It must now be manifest, to all dispassionate people, that the Parliament, the high and supreme legislature of the empire, far from having entertained thoughts so inconsistent with the wisdom and public virtue which have ever distinguished that august body, of oppressing the people of the colonies, or of promoting the interest of one, at the expence of another part of their fellow subjects, have only been extending their care that the whole, in consideration of the enjoyment of equal rights, privileges, and advantages, should be obliged, according to their abilities and situation, to contribute that proportion towards the burthens necessary for the support of their civil government, and for the common defence, which the subjects of the same state cannot, with any justice, or consistently with their own welfare, refuse to grant; the principle of which having never, I believe, been denied by the people of his Majesty's dominion of Virginia, I hope you will think it reasonable now to acknowledge the propriety, and to engage to fulfil your part of the obligation it concludes.
Mr. SPEAKER, and Gentlemen of the HOUSE OF BURGESSES,
No specific sum is demanded of you for these purposes, that (as I think obviously appears) your justice and liberality may be left to their full scope, and that your gift, if you should be induced to offer any, may be, in the completest manner, free. The civil government of this country being already provided for, you will only have to declare what proportion, and by what means, you are willing to contribute towards the public burthens of the state, burthens to which the mother country hath cheerfully submitted to secure the colonies from the encroachments of a dangerous and vigilant enemy: And I am warranted to say, that as it is never intended to require you to tax yourselves, without Parliament's taxing the subjects of Great Britain on the same occasion, in a far greater proportion, no prudence which you shall think necessary to observe for your security in that particular can be disapproved of.
And I can likewise assure you, that if you should judge fit to adopt the principle, and imitate the example of justice, equity, and moderation, in your proposals, which actuated the House of Commons in their resolution, declaring at once what was ultimately expected of you; such a compliance on your part will be considered by his Majesty not only as a testimony of your reverence for Parliament, but also as a mark of your duty and attachment to your Sovereign, who has no object nearer his heart than the peace and prosperity of his subjects in every part of his dominions.
I must recommend to you to fall upon means of paying the officers and private men employed in repelling the late invasion and incursions of the Indians, as I make no doubt you will think their services on that occasion deserving of your attention.
Gentlemen of the COUNCIL, Mr. SPEAKER, and Gentlemen of the HOUSE OF BURGESSES,
Your may be assured of my cheerful concurrence in all measures, and ready assent to all laws, which it may be found expedient to adopt for the present peace, tranquillity, and advantage of the country; and I hope you will think it necessary to these ends, that the courts of justice should forthwith be opened, in order that the laws may again have their due course.
I cannot conclude without exhorting you in the most earnest manner, to enter upon the subject matter, now recommended to you, with that patience, calmness, and impartiality, which its great importance requires, and to reflect upon the benefits this country hath received from the support given to it by the parent state, which I hope will animate your zeal, now you have it in your power, to restore that harmony and mutual confidence which rendered both countries so flourishing, and, in short, to pursue your true interest, which will convert our present gloomy apprehensions into prospects of peace, happiness, and lasting security.
AT a general meeting of the freeholders of Mecklenburg county, convened on Monday the 8th day of May 1775, at the courthouse of said county, in order to elect a committee, pursuant to a resolution of the American Continental Congress, the better to secure a due observation of the association entered into by the said Congress, the freeholders then proceeded to the choice of
a committee, and elected into the office the following Gentlemen, viz. John Speed, Bennett Goode, William Lucas, Henry Speed, Francis Ruffin, Lewis Burwell, Robert Burton, Edmund Taylor, Cleverious Coleman, Thacker Burwell, Sir Peyton Skipwith, Benjamin Whitehead, George Barkerville, Reuben Vaughan, Joseph Speed, John Tabb, John Jones, William Leigh, Robert Ballard, Samuel Hopkins, jun. and John Ballard, jun. John Speed, Esq; was unanimously chosen Chairman, and Mr. Isaac Holmes Clerk of this committee.
Resolved unanimously, that every member of this committee exert his endeavours to enlist volunteer soldiers, agreeable to the resolution of the late Provincial Convention.
It being too late in the day to proceed on business, the committee adjourned to Saturday the 13th of May 1775.
Saturday the 13th of May, 1775, the committee met according to adjournment, and came to the following resolves.
The resolves of the Convention held at the town of Richmond the 20th of March 1775, were read, and unanimously approved of.
Resolved, that the thanks of this committee be presented to Robert Burton and Bennett Goode, Esquires, our worthy Delegates, for their faithful discharge of the important trust reposed in them.
Resolved unanimously, that the removal of the gunpowder out of the magazine, by express orders of Lord Dunmore, is truly alarming; and that by his answer for such conduct, to the Mayor, Recorder, Aldermen, and Common Council, of the city of Williamsburg, on that important occasion, has highly forfeited all title to the confidence of the good people of Virginia.
Ordered, that the Clerk send copies of these resolves to each of the printers, and they are desired to publish them in their next gazettes. ISAAC HOLMES, Clerk.
AT a meeting of the committee for Prince George county, held at Blandford, on Monday the 3th of May, 1775, the following resolutions were entered into, viz.
Resolved, nem. con. that every merchant, trader, or other person, importing any goods, wares, or merchandise, into this country, before he lands the same ought to produce, to the Chairman of this committee, a certificate from the Chairman of the committee of the county, town, or city from whence the said goods, wares, or merchandise, were re-shipped, that the same were imported into this colony before the first day of February.
Resolved, that a committee of intelligence, consisting of Benjamin Harrison of Brandon, David Meade, Richard K. Meade, Hubbard Wyatt, Peter Eppes, James Cocke, Nathaniel Harrison, John Baird, Robert Boyd, William M'Whann, Richard Bland, jun. Theodorick Bland, jun. Nathaniel Raines, Thomas Bonner, and John Raines, sen. be appointed to convey any alarm, as speedily as possible, to the adjacent counties, and that the same mode be recommended to every county in this colony.
Ordered, that a copy of the above resolutions be transmitted to the printer, and he is desired to publish them as soon as possible. Signed by order of the committee. HARTWELL RAINES, Sec'y.
WILLIAMSBURG, June 3, 1775.
DURING my Absence from this Colony, Mr. William Maitland will transact the Business of Burfar to the College of William and Mary, as also my own Business, under the Direction of John Blair, Thomas Everard, and John Tazewell, Esquires, who have been pleased to accept of a Power of Attorney from me for that purpose. ROBERT MILLER.
JAMES GEDDY, Goldsmith, Near the Church, Williamsburg,
HAS now on Hand an Assortment of JEWELLERY, which he would sell at an unusual low Price for ready Money. He has just procured, by the Bland, Capt. Danby, from London, a WATCH FINISHER, who will repair and clean REPEATING, HORIZONTAL, and PLAIN WATCHES, on reasonable Terms, and warrant them twelve Months, Accidents excepted. (2)
A CONVENIENT HOUSE is just built at the College Landing, on the Creek that runs into James River, for storing any Kind of Goods; where are to be sold (on low Terms, for Cash) Salt, Tar, barrelled Pork, Hogs Lard, Bacon, good barrelled Shads and Herrings, Coal for Smiths and Grates, Pine Plank, Cypress Boards, Pails, Shingles, &c. — Flats to be hired at the same Place. Mr. James Jordan lives at the said Landing, will take in Lodgers, and keeps Carts to hire. CHARLES TALIAFERRO.
N. B. My Business is carried on as usual, by good Hands. I make for Sale light POST CHARIOTS, which will be sold as cheap as can be imported. The last of my Make, I am informed, turn out very well. — I have good Harness for Sale.
I INTEND to leave the Colony as soon as possible. All Persons having any demands against me are desired to make them known immediately; and those who are indebted I hope will not fail to discharge their Accounts this Meeting. I have for Sale a Mulatto Fellow about 18 Years of Age, used to House and Garden Work, and taking Care of Horses; also sundry Pieces of exceeding good Mahogany and Walnut Furniture, two full blooded Mares, 15 Hands high, with their Foals, one Year old, by Partner, remarkably large and fine. The above may be seen, and the Terms known by applying to me in Williamsburg. HENRY MORSE.
TO BE SOLD,
To the highest Bidder, on the Premises, on TUESDAY the 1st of AUGUST next.
ALL that valuable Tract of LAND late the Property of Matthew Branch, deceased, lying on James River, in the County of Chesterfield, containing about 500 Acres. One Half the Purchase Money to be paid on the Delivery of the Land, and the other Half twelve Months after. A good Title will be made by RIDLEY BRANCH, and MATTHEW BRANCH. 6
WARWICK, May 29, 1775.
TO BE SOLD,
At HANOVER TOWN, on THURSDAY the 15th of this Instant (JUNE) at the Shop of the deceased Dr. JOHN WALKER,
A large Assortment of MEDICINES, TOGETHER with an elegant and complete Set of SHOP FURNITURE, SURGEON'S and MIDWIFERY INSTRUMENTS, and many valuable MEDICAL BOOKS. An Inventory of the Whole may be seen at any Time before the Sale, in the Hands of THOMAS SIMPSON, Adm'r. HANOVER TOWN, June 1, 1775. (2)
SOUTHAMPTON County, April 19, 1775.
STRAYED, or STOLEN, from the Subscriber, on the 16th of December last, a BAY HORSE about 14 Hands high, with a Star in his Forehead, and a Snip on his Nose; his right Eye is out, paces naturally, branded on the near Buttock O, but not plain, and had a Bell on. Whoever contrives the said Horse to me, or gives me such Intelligence of him as will enable me to get him again, shall receive a Reward of 20s. ALEXANDER MURRAY.

POETS CORNER.
The Monk and Jew.
AN unbelieving Jew one day Was scating o'er the icy way, Which being brittle let him in, Just deep enough to catch his chin; And in that woful plight he hung, With only power to move his tongue.
A brother scater near at hand, A Papiſt born in foreign land, With haſty ſtrokes directly flew To ſave poor Mordecai the Jew: But firſt, quoth he, I muſt enjoin That you renounce your faith for mine; There's no entreaties elſe will do, 'Tis hereſy to help a Jew.
"Forſwear mine faith! No! Cot forbid! Dat would be ferry baſe indeed. Come, never mind ſuch tings as deeze, Tink, tink how fary hard it freeze. More coot you do, more coot you be; Vat ſignifies your faith to me? Come tink agen, how cold and yet, And help me out van lettie bit."
By holy maſs, 'tis hard, I own, To ſee a man both hang and drown, And can't relieve him from his plight, Becauſe he is an Iſraelite. The church refuſes all aſſiſtance, Beyond a certain pale and diſtance; And all the ſervice I can lend Is praying for your ſoul, my friend.
"Pray for mine ſoul! ha! ha! you make me laugh; You petter help me out py half: My ſoul I ſarrant will take care To pray for her nown ſelf my tear. So tink a little now for me; 'Tis I am in de hole, not ſhe."
The church forbids it, friend, and faith, That all ſhall die who has no faith.
"Vell! if I muſt believe, I muſt; But help me out van little firſt."
No, not an inch without Amen, That ſeals the whole—"Vell hear me den:
I here renounce, for coot and all, De race of Jews, both great and ſmall; 'Tis de varſt trade penæth de ſun, Or varſt religion, dat's all vun: Dey cheat, and get deir living pite, And lie, and ſwear de lie is right. I'll go to maſs as ſoon as ever I get to toder ſide de river. So help me out, dow Chriſtian friend, Dat I may do as I INTEND."
Perhaps you do intend to cheat, If once you get upon your feet?
"No, no, I do intend to be A Chriſtian, ſuch a one as dee." For though the Jew, he is as much A Chriſtian man as I am ſuch.
The bigot Papiſt joyful hearted, To hear the heretic converted, Replied to the deſigning Jew, "This was a happy fall for you; You'd better die a Chriſtian now, For if you live you'll break your vow." Then laid no more, but in a trice Popp'd Mordecai beneath the ice.
WILLIAMSBURG, May 27, 1775. THE VISITORS and GOVERNORS of William & Mary College are deſired to meet on Thurſday the 8th of June. By Order of the Rector. MATTHEW DAVENPORT. C. V.
WILLIAM & MARY COLLEGE, May 21, 1775. I intend for ENGLAND ſoon. JAMES MADISON.
TAKEN up, in Caroline, a brindled COW, marked with a Crop and Underkeel in the right Ear. Poſted, and appraiſed to 50s. WILLIAM REDD.
TAKEN up, in Bedford, on the north Fork of Otter River, a SORREL MARE about 3 Years old, 4 Feet 8 Inches high, with a light Mane and Tail, and a large Blaze in her Face, branded on the off Buttock and near Shoulder M. Poſted, and appraiſed to 10l. (||) JOHN JAMESON.
TAKEN up, in Bedford, a white and bleck COW, marked with an Underkeel in the left Ear, and a Half Crop in the right, appears to be pretty old. Poſted, and appraiſed to 50s. JOHN STIFF.
TAKEN up, in Bedford, on the Waters of Meadow Creek, a middle ſized BAY MARE, with about a five Shilling Bell on, branded on the near Shoulder S, trots naturally, and is about 4 Feet 3 or 4 Inches high. Poſted, and appraiſed to 8l. 5s. WALTER DEWITT.
TAKEN up, in Bedford, on Fleming's Mountain, a BLACK HORSE about 4 Feet 7 Inches high, 6 Years old, branded on the near Shoulder and Buttock, and on the off Shoulder, O; he has a Mark, or Scar, on the near Buttock, under the Letter, and trots naturally. Poſted, and appraiſed to 10l. WILLIAM HUMPHREY.
TAKEN up, in Amherſt, a SMALL BLACK MARE about 4 Years old, 4 Feet 2 Inches high, has a ſmall Star in her Forehead, neither docked nor branded. Poſted, and appraiſed to THREE POUNDS TEN SHILLINGS. JOSEPH EDWARDS.
TAKEN up, in James City, a BLACK HORSE about 4 Feet 6 Inches high, with a hanging Mane and Switch Tail. Poſted, and appraiſed to 15l. HANNAH ROGERS.
TAKEN up, in King William, a GRAY HORSE, ſomewhat fleabitten about the Head and Neck, about 4 Feet 8 Inches high, with a hanging Mane and Switch Tail, paces flow, and appears to have been uſed to working with a Collar. He has no Brand perceivable, is thought to be 10 or 11 Years old, and came to my Plantation laſt November. JOHN WARREN.
RUN away from the Subscriber, in Nansemond, ſome Time in May 1774, a Virginia born Negro Fellow named WILL, about 35 Years old, about 5 Feet 10 Inches high, very black, ſtout, and well made, has ſeveral Scars, one acroſs each Ear, and one on his Chin. He has been ſeen in King William County, with a Negro Woman of Mr. William Allegré's. I will give FIVE POUNDS to any Perſon who delivers the ſaid Fellow to me in Nanſemond, or TEN DOLLARS to have him ſecured in any of his Majeſty's Gaols, ſo that I may get him again. He is outlawed; and as he is very artful, it is apprehended he may make his Eſcape from thoſe who take him, if they are not particularly careful. HENRY GODWIN.
JUST PUBLISHED, A ſecond Edition of the Manual Exercise Recommended by the late Convention at Richmond. PRICE 7d.
RUN away from the Subscriber, in Glouceſter County, on the 14th Inſtant (May) a Negro Man Slave named NED, about 19 or 20 Years of Age, 5 Feet 2 or 3 Inches high, rather of a tawny Complexion, has ſome Ringworms in his face, and ſome white Hairs on his Head; his Clothing was an old brown Coat, and a yellow ſtriped Cotton Waifcoat. I bought him for Mann Page, Jun. Eſq; in March laſt, at the Sale of Mr. John Shermer's Eſtate, in James City County; he was brought from one of his Quarters in King William, and I have reaſon to believe he will go to thoſe Parts, or to his Mother, who lives with Mr. Thomas Booth, in Richmond Town. Whoever ſecures the ſaid Slave ſo that I get him again ſhall have 40s. Reward, to be paid by Mann Page, Jun. Eſq; to whom he belongs. tf JAMES JONES.
STRAYED, or STOLEN, from Fredericksburg, on Saturday Evening the 30th of April laſt, a ſmall BRIGHT BAY MARE about 13 1/2 Hands high, 6 Years old, trots and paces, has a Switch Tail, is a little marked on the Breaſt with a Collar, but not branded. She was bred near King William Courthouſe, and very probably may be gone that Way. Whoever delivers the ſaid Mare to me, in Dumfries, ſhall have FOUR DOLLARS Reward. ADAM JORDAN.
TO BE SOLD, A PLANTATION lying on both Sides of Staunton River, in Halifax and Charlotte Counties, about three Miles below Booker's Ferry, and in good Order for Cropping, at preſent in the Poſſeſſion of William Black, who will ſhow the Land; it contains 310 Acres, 70 of which are very fine low Grounds, and may be entered on at Chriſtmas next. For Terms apply to the Subscriber. —And at Prince Edward Court, on the third Monday in July next, will be ſold, by Virtue of a Deed of Truſt from James M c Machan, a PLANTATION in Prince Edward County, about 6 Miles from the Courthouſe, on the Branches of Spring Creek, containing 400 Acres; it is in good Order for Cropping, and in Poſſeſſion of James M c Machan, who will ſhow the Land. —Alſo, at Charlotte Courthouſe, on the firſt Monday in Auguſt next, will be ſold, by Virtue of a Deed of Truſt, a PLANTATION containing 282 Acres, lying on Cubb Creek, in the ſaid County of Charlotte. —The Terms of Payment for the above Tracts of Land will be made known at the Time of Sale, by THOMAS YUILLE.
FOR SALE, A NEW BRIGANTINE, now rigging, and may be ſoon got ready for Sea, Burthen 122 Tons. She is a handſome well calculated Veſſel, built of excellent Materials, ornamented with a Figure Head and other carved Work. Credit will be allowed for one Half of the Money on giving proper Security. If not ſold ſhortly, would accept of a Freight. Apply to Capt. Wills Couper, Merchant, who will be at the Merchants Meeting, or to me in Suffolk. SAMUEL COHOON.
WANTED, A PERSON who underſtands building a FULLING-MILL and FRIEZE-MILL. Any ſuch Perſon coming well recommended will meet with good Encouragement by applying to the Subscriber, in Nanſemond, near Chuckatuck. SAMUEL BRADLEY.
FOR SALE, A NEAT LONDON MADE PHÆTON, that has been but little uſed, with Harneſs for a Pair of Horſes. For Terms inquire of the Printers.
MAY 14, 1775. I intend to Great Britain immediately. R. CORBIN, Junior.
MAY 15, 1775. STRAYED from Mr. Henry Lee's, in York County, a BRIGHT BAY HORSE about 14 Hands high, 5 years old, his Brand I do not know. Any Perſon that will deliver him to the ſaid Lee, or to me in Warwick County, ſhall receive TEN SHILLINGS Reward. WILLIAM HARWOOD.
For CHARTER to any Part of BRITAIN, AN EXCEEDING GOOD VESSEL, Burthen about 500 Hogſheads. FOR TERMS APPLY TO Greenwood, Ritſon, & Marſh. NORFOLK, May 3, 1775. (tf)
RUN away from the Subscriber, in New Kent, the 27th of April laſt, a Negro Fellow named MICHAEL, about 25 Years old, 5 Feet 7 Inches high, had on a Cotton Waifcoat, an Oſnaburg Shirt, Leather Breeches, and a Pair of black Stockings. He walks remarkably ſtraight, and has been in Williamsburg offering to hire himſelf. Whoever brings him to me ſhall have 40s. Reward, or 20s. if ſecured in any Gaol. tf SAMUEL APPERSON.
STRAYED from the Subscriber, in Blandford, on the 4th of March laſt, a dark bay Mare, 7 or 8 Years old, about 14 Hands high, with a hanging Mane and Switch Tail, eat-hamm'd, paces naturally, has ſome Saddle Spots on the near Side, and branded WK, or WR, on the near Shoulder and Buttock. Alſo a ſmall ſorrel FILLY went away with her, two Years old this Spring, had a Snip on the right Noſtril, but neither docked nor branded. They were ſeen on Rowanway, and are imagined to have gone towards Walker's Mill, on Nottoway, or Hick's Ford, on Meherrin. —Whoever will bring the ſaid Mares to me ſhall be handſomely rewarded for their Trouble. (tf) DAVID BLACK.
To be ſold by Auction, At the Meeting of the Merchants in May next, for Caſh or ſhort Credit, about 600l. Sterling Worth of EUROPEAN GOODS.
TO BE SOLD To the hiſheſt Bidder (or otherwiſe) on the Premiſes, on SATURDAY the 17th of JUNE next,
A VALUABLE Tract of LAND on James River, in the lower End of Amherſt County, containing upwards of 1000 Acres of high and low Grounds, with a Shad Fiſhery; alſo a Quarry of Limestone and various coloured Marble, and Land cleared, with Houſes, ſufficient for 10 or 12 Hands to work thereon. —Alſo for Sale, on the Premiſes, on the Tueſday following, being the 20th of June, if fair (otherwiſe next fair Day) a well known valuable Tract of LAND in Goochland County, on James River, adjacent to the lower End of Elk Iſland, and adjoining the Land at Carter's Ferry (now Woodſon's) about 45 Miles above Richmond Town and Shocko, with good Improvements, and Ground cleared ſufficient to work about 10 Hands. The ſaid Tract contains, of high and low Grounds, upwards of 700 Acres. Upon both theſe Tracts are beautiful Situations to live on, with good Water, Meadow Ground, &c. and are capable of great Improvements. It is thought no Perſon will venture to purchaſe either of the above Tracts without firſt viewing them; therefore it is neceſſary to ſay any thing further in Recommendation of them. The Payments to be agreed on at the Days of Sale, and Bond, with good Security, will be required by the Truſtees of JOHN HOWARD. A few undoubted Rights to Officers or Soldiers Land would do, at a moderate Price, in Part of Payment; and the Lands may be entered on by Chriſtmas next. 5
TO BE RENTED, A large Dwelling-Houſe In RICHMOND TOWN, 40 Feet by 20, with two rooms below and two above, a Garden newly pailed in, a Kitchen, and all other Outhouſes neceſſary for a Family. The Situation is as pleaſant as any in Town. The Terms may be known by applying to the Printers hereof, or to the Subscriber, in ſaid Town. (tf) GABRIEL GALT.
TO BE SOLD, THREE Thouſand Acres of well timbered LAND, near Newmarket, in Caroline County, whereon are two Plantations in good Repair, with proper and convenient Edifices for farming or making of Tobacco. For Terms apply to the Subscriber. (tf) JOHN BAYLOR.
TO BE SOLD, A TRACT of LAND in Caroline County, contiguous to Mattaponi, containing about 2000 Acres of well timbered Land, the Property of Mr. Robert Baylor. The Terms may be known by applying to Mr. Nathaniel Burwell of King William, Mr. John Armifield of Caroline, and Mr. John Baylor, Executors. (tf)
For SALE, and very CHEAP, THE Tract of LAND whereon I now live, in the lower End of Caroline County, that contains 470 Acres, and is known to be very good. The Improvements are, a new Dwelling-Houſe 32 by 28 Feet, with three Dormants on a Side, two Fireplaces below, and one above, a good Cellar, the Kitchen 24 by 16 Feet, with all other Outhouſes quite new, and the Plantation in fine Order for Cropping. Its Situation is equal to any Foreſt Place whatever. I will give Credit till next Chriſtmas, when Poſſeſſion may be had. (tf) LE ROY HIPKINS.
TO BE SOLD, or RENTED, (Preference will be given to the firſt) A PLANTATION on Allen's Creek in Mecklenburg, within a Mile of Roanoke, conſiſting of about 120 Acres of Land, the Property of Meſſrs. Alexander Donald and Co. and whereon the Subscriber now lives. The Land of itſelf is valuable, excluſive of the Improvements, which are a good Dwelling-Houſe, with other neceſſary Outhouſes, and a large and convenient Storehouſe, 32 by 44 Feet. There are about 20 Acres of the low Ground well ſet in Timothy and Clover, and notwithstanding this dry Summer, 15 Acres of it have yielded above 30,000 Weight of Hay, which, with about 300 Buſhels of Oats in the Straw, ſome Indian Corn, 40 Head of Cattle, 50 Head of Sheep, and ſome Hogs, will be ſold on reaſonable Terms. The Purchaſer may have Poſſeſſion of the Premiſes as ſoon as he pleaſes, and long Credit (if required) will be allowed for the Land, on his giving Bond and Security. It is expected the Store will be continued, and of Courſe the Purchaſer will have the Benefit of the Board of the Storekeepers, and beſides the Situation of the Place (being on Taylor's Ferry Road) makes it well calculated for a Tavern. (tf) EBENEZER MACHARG.
PRINCE GEORGE, November 10, 1774. RUN away from the Subscriber, a Muſſatto Boy named SAM, about 16 or 17 Years old, of a very light Complexion, and will endeavour to paſs for a free Boy, has gray Eyes, brown Hair, a ſmooth artful Tongue, is a great Villain, but a very good Barber. In the Month of June laſt he was put in York Jail, on Suſpicion of having ſtolen ſome Money in Williamsburg. He made his Eſcape from thence and got to Norfolk, where he was put in Jail and ſent to me by Water. The next Day (September 20th) he made his Eſcape from my Overſeer, and has not ſince been heard of. He was born in Frederick Town, Maryland, has lived in Fredericksburg, Norfolk, and York Town, and is well acquainted with moſt Parts of Virginia. He was very meanly clad, having been ſo long in Jail, but it is probable will procure Clothes. I will give 40s. Reward to have him committed to any of his Majeſty's Jails, if taken in the Colony of Virginia, and if out of the Colony 5l. All Captains of Ships, or Maſters of Veſſels, are hereby forewarned from carrying him out of the Country, or employing him. (tf) JOHN BLAND.