The Virginia gazette (Williamsburg, Va.), 1775-03-17 00:00:00

VIRGINIA
GAZETTE.
ALWAYS FOR LIBERTY,
AND THE PUBLICK GOOD.
ALEXANDER PURDIE, PRINTER.
Si medentur reipublicæ, qui exsecant partem saliquam, tanquam struman civitatis. Shumam CICERO.
To the Gentlemen of the PROVINCIAL CONGRESS of VIRGINIA.
THE addresses presented to their Lieutenant Governor by the Council and eleven polluted members of the Assembly of New York, are, to every sensible thinking American, of infinitely a more alarming nature than the threats of the Minister, the brutum fulmen of the King's speech (if that can properly be termed the King's speech which the Minister has publickly avowed to be his own composition*) or the echoing back this speech by a hireling majority of the Peers to their paymaster; for as long as a spirit of union subsists through this continent, and as long as the people at home have reason to think that this spirit does subsist, these threats of the Minister (although vibrated from the sounding board of the throne) and the echoing it back by a hired chorus of Peers, must cast more ridicule upon those by whom they are uttered than give terror to those at whom they are levelled. But the suspicion, or report, of any defection amongst ourselves, is a matter of most serious concern; it behoves you, therefore, Gentlemen, it behoves every Provincial Congress of the continent, to consider immediately of some effectual means to prevent the mischievous consequences intended by these abandoned and senseless men. Have we then formed a general association of our provinces? Have we pledged ourselves to each other, to our posterity, to mankind? Have we made so great (temporary at least) sacrifices in commerce? Have we solemnly engaged to make still greater sacrifices in the glorious cause of liberty? Have we confounded our enemies by a strain of virtue, scarcely credible in these modern ages, and with a spirit of harmony that has surpassed the most sanguine expectation? Have we acted this noble part? And shall the Council, and eleven contemptible Assemblymen of New York, attempt to render all we have done abortive? Contemptible in all respects, in numbers, in understanding, in knowledge, and in principles!
For what other tendency can their addresses to their Lieutenant Governor possibly have but to counteract the resolves of the Congress, and render every thing ye have done abortive? These compositions of pusillanimity, abject servility, and disgusting folly, amount simply to this: That the utmost exertions of this united continent (consisting of half a million of fighting men) can have no effect; that all the resistance (civil or military) which they can make, must be in vain; but that redress
alone must be sought, and can be expected from the magnanimity of the British nation, and the known goodness and virtue of the King. Gracious Heaven! grant us patience for to be told that we are to expect any thing from the magnanimity of a people who, for twelve years successively, have suffered themselves to be insulted, disgraced, trampled upon, plundered, and butchered with impunity! Or to be told that we are to look up to the goodness and virtue of a King who, for the same number of years, has been influenced to make incessant war upon the property, rights, privileges, laws, honour, and integrity of his people, in every part of the empire, is enough to drive moderation itself into violence.
But, continue these admirable Senators, what opens still a surer prospect of redress, is that his Excellency Governor Tryon is now near the throne; so it seems that what the petitions, supplications, remonstrances of the whole colonies, of the city of London, of the great commercial towns, of the leading counties of England, what the voice of policy, reason, justice, and humanity, could not effect, Colonel Tryon's being in England will accomplish. I know not whether this Colonel Tryon is a man of so extraordinary talents, eloquence, and influence, as to work these mighty miracles. I never understood that he was; but I am sure, if he has common sense, and any manly feelings, he cannot help being somewhat disgusted at this ill-timed impertinent flattery, and that he must conceive the greatest contempt for the parasites who, regardless of the most important concerns to their country and humanity, and at the very crisis which is to determine whether themselves and their posterity are to be free-men or slaves, could step out of their way to offer up incense to an unimportant individual. It may be said, this is all declamation; it may be so, but it is a declamation which an honest zeal in the publick cause has forced me into. It is now time, Gentlemen, to devise some means of putting a stop to this cancer before it spreads to any dangerous degree. You, Gentlemen of Virginia, and your neighbours of Maryland, have perhaps these means in your hands. I would propose then, that after a spirited manifesto, expressing your abhorrence of the Council* and prostitute Eleven of New York, you should proceed to punish the individuals of this wicked juncto who are in your power. Some of them have great contracts for wheat and corn in these provinces, from Norfolk, Alexandria, Chester, Baltimore, and other ports. They export prodigious quantities, and enrich themselves considerably by this commerce. I would propose, that all commerce with these assassins should be laid immediately under an interdict; that not a single ship belonging to a Counsellor of New York
(unless he purges himself by oath from having consented to the address) or of one of the prostitute Eleven, should be furnished with a freight within the capes Henry or Charles; and I have that opinion of the virtue of these provinces, to think your injunctions would be efficacious. But here I must beg leave to pause for an instant, and ask pardon of the publick for my apparent presumption. An individual who offers his thoughts to so respectable a body as a congress, delegated by the voice of a whole people, has certainly the air of presumption; it is in some measure attributing to himself superior lights and abilities. But, on the other hand, it is allowed that an individual has frequently been fortunate enough to chalk out lines in which the most sagacious and respectable bodies have not disdained to walk. If his proposals, or hints, be weak and absurd, they will naturally be laughed at; but if his intentions be honest, the consciousness of having acted from motives of rectitude, and the love of his country, will sufficiently compensate for any ridicule which his scheme can incur. I would therefore wish, that what I offer should rather be understood as hints than advice. If these hints are attended to, I shall reap no personal glory; if they are despised, I shall be no personal sufferer, as my name will probably never be known: For I have too great confidence in the integrity of the Printer to apprehend he will insinuate, even the most remotely, his conjectures of the author. But to proceed with my proposals, or hints, in which latter light I am most desirous they should be considered: I could wish to the above-mentioned manifesto was subjoined the warmest letter of thanks to the virtuous Ten of the Assembly of New York, for their endeavours to stem the profligacy and wickedness of the majority, and for the noble part they have acted as true Americans and excellent citizens; that another address, not less warm, should be presented to the Gentlemen and people of New York at large, expressing your opinion of their honesty and publick spirit, and lamenting their peculiar circumstances, which, to those who are strangers to these circumstances, may inculcate a belief that they alone are exceptions to the character of patriotism, which the Americans are now indisputably entitled to.
But, above all, I could wish that it were recommended to every province of the continent, more particularly to their immediate neighbours of Pennsylvania, the Jerseys, and Connecticut, not to suffer one of this depraved undecimvirate to set his foot on their territories, until he invokes the forgiveness of his country, and solemnly engages that his future life shall be employed in making compensation for his present conduct, of so obviously a mischievous tendency.
P. S. The epithets prostitute, profligate, &c. which I have so freely made use of, may probably appear illiberal; but when we consider the mischievous consequences which the conduct of these Council and Assemblymen of New York are fraught with, it must be allowed that no language can furnish opprobrious terms adequate to their delinquency. I am far indeed from
* I cannot persuade myself that the Council were unanimous in this infamous address; there are individuals amongst them of known probity, sense, and patriotism. But these Gentlemen, so far from objecting to the obligation of purging themselves by oath of having had any share of the guilt, will rejoice in the opportunity of acquitting themselves.
* The affected friends to government often complain, that his Majesty is not treated with the respect due to his character and station; but it appears to me, that a Minister's declaring, in an open senate, that the speech from the throne is not the King's, but his own, is going beyond disrespect: It is a most outrageous insult; it is representing his Majesty as a mere puppet, that squeaks as he, the prompter, breathes.

apprehending that their weight and influence are sufficient to shake the virtue of the continent, or occasion any defection. I do not believe that an individual (much less a set of men) will be found who will be stupid and wicked enough to tread in their steps, the infamous *** of Philadelphia, and a small perverse drivelling knot of Quakers, who form his senate and court, excepted. This worthy lately fixed his residence at New York, with the professed intention of working with some congenial spirits in that city towards the ruin of the whole fabric which the Congress had been raising. Indeed, it is most probable that he was the principal compiler, if not the dictator, of these wretched addresses. The style and sentiments are certainly his; the same mist, fog, and darkness, which overcast all his productions, envelop these addresses; and the same narrow crooked politics, low cunning, malignancy, and treachery, discoverable through the mist, fog, and obscurity of all his works and actions, betray themselves in these addresses. It may now be asked, as I have represented the character, weight, and credit, of these eleven Assemblymen, of the majority of the Council of New York, and their Philadelphian coadjutor, or more properly dictator, in so despicable a light, wherefore I should sound the alarm? What mischiefs can possibly result from the utmost such men can do? I answer, that although they can neither occasion any defection, nor present the least prospect of success to the enemies of America and liberty, they can do very considerable mischief: They can procrastinate the issue; they can (and most probably will) prolong the inconveniencies which we must, more or less, feel during the contest. There is nothing more certain than that the Ministry have proceeded to the enormous lengths they have done upon the presumption that the attacks upon Boston would not have been taken up by the other provinces, as the cause of the whole. * There is therefore nothing more certain than that the appearance of our firmness and unanimity must soon have overthrown them, or forced them into a total change of measures; but the least appearance that this firmness and unanimity no longer subsists will encourage them to persist, and enable them to keep their ground some time longer. These addresses of New York will give this appearance; so that whatever the Gentlemen, the merchants, the tradesmen, the mechanicks, and the people of America at large, suffer from the prolongation of the contest, whatever shall be added to the distresses and burthen of the people at home, whatever shall farther impair the commerce, strength, credit, and reputation of the mother country, and bring her still nearer to total bankruptcy and ruin, whatever shall farther alienate the affections of the child from the parent, may justly be imputed to this abject Council and eleven prostitute Assemblymen of New York.
* That this is the principle they acted upon is now put out of dispute by the conduct of Lord North in the House of Commons, and some speeches directed to him.
O P O R T O, December 16.
ON Sunday last, the 11th instant, this river rose fifteen feet perpendicular in about seven hours, filling the streets near the quays on both sides, by which many warehouses were thrown down. Pipes of wine, and various other merchandise, were carried away, and in some places the inhabitants had but just time to escape to the tops of their houses. On Monday, the torrent was extremely rapid; and about 1 o'clock the ship Kirkby Hall, James George master, with only one man on board, laden with 262 pipes of wine for London, and ready to sail, was forced from her moorings, and dashed to pieces in a few minutes on the bar; however, by the courage and skill of the pilots at St. John's, the man was saved.
At night, the following ships were driven over the bar, viz. the George, George Madgson master, from Carolina, with rice, bound to Topsham, with 120 pipes of wine on board; the Bacchus, George Hill master, from Hull, with sundry merchandises, bound to Hull, with 107 pipes of wine on board; the Amelia, Hugh Stephenson master, from Quebeck, with wheat, bound to Bristol; and a Portuguese ship called the St. John, bound to Bahia, valued at between 30 and 40,000l. This last struck on a sand near the bar, where she still remains.
On Tuesday night, the torrent abated; and though the stream still runs with great rapidity, boats begin to pass. Some frescoes here have been known as high as this, but they always hitherto came on gradually; none have been ever known so violent and so sudden. The losses are very considerable in wine, sugar, ships, horses, and merchandises of all sorts, though no certain calculation can as yet be made of the amount. However, we do not hear that any lives have been lost. His Britannick Majesty's Consul has taken the necessary measures for the recovery of such parts of the wreck and merchandise as can be found, in order to their being restored to the owners.
COPENHAGEN, Dec. 24. The ice that filled this harbour having been loosened, partly by the thaw, and partly by the labour of 900 men who were employed for several days, 67 ships which were in this harbour, and a great number long detained here by the ice, has got out, and proceeded on their voyages.
BERLIN, Dec. 27. His Prussian Majesty having been indisposed on Saturday last, did not appear on Sunday at his levee, nor dine, as usual, with the Queen and the Royal Family; but yesterday was so well as to have company both at dinner and supper, and to-day his Majesty is said to be perfectly recovered.
WARSAW, Dec. 14. The city of Dantzick is still blocked up by the Prussian troops. They are raising at Marienbourg, for the service of the King, one battalion of grenadiers, one regiment of hussars, and two corps of Uhlaus. Two thousand workmen are employed, notwithstanding the severity of the weather, in forming lines, and erecting fortifications along the frontiers of Samogitia. There is a number of engineers, &c. at Memel, which seems as if they would fortify that place.
PETERSBURG, Dec. 20. Notwithstanding the severe frost, and the extraordinary inconveniencies of the season, our Court will set out on the 6th of January for Moscow, but the true reason of this fatiguing journey is to receive the Turkish Ambassador, and to give him audience at a place remote from the foreign Ministers, so that the most essential part of the treaty may remain a secret to the rest of the Courts in Europe. We now begin to believe that France was the only mediator to that peace so detrimental to every state of Europe, and that the other two allies of Russia have actually been disappointed.
From the DANUBE, Dec. 14. Some important news is expected to be made public soon, as there are actually some very interesting affairs on the carpet in many Courts, and the tranquillity of Germany seems to be in some danger.
VIENNA, Dec. 21. It is said that the Emperour intends to take a tour to France in the spring, and that six camps will then be formed in the Austrian hereditary countries.
PARIS, Jan. 4. It is asserted, that Mr. Frances will set out for London, to supply the place of the Count de Guignes, whose affairs seem every day to meet with difficulties, and consequently less likely to be settled. Some thing is said to be in agitation between this Court and that of Great Britain, which requires a person of more consequence than a Charge des Affairs. Lord Stormont has conferences daily with our Ministers, which are thought to be relative to the alliances and treaties with
the Emperour, but nothing certain transpires.
It is the greatest astonishment to our politicians to find that the Duke D'Aiguillion had a private audience of the King on the 26th ult. and since that time has often assisted at the board of war (in his Majesty's presence) in the capacity of commander of the lighthorse.
Dec. 23. The Archbishop of Paris having received orders to be at Versailles on Sunday, regarding the refusal of the sacrament at St. Severin, his Majesty spoke to him in the following terms, in presence of the first president of the Parliament at Paris: "The King, my grandfather exiled you several times for the trouble you occasioned in the state; I sent for you to tell you, that if you relapse I shall re-exile you, but give you over to the rigor of the law."
ROME, Dec. 12. The Courts of Vienna, Versailles, and Madrid, have sent instructions to their Ministers, that no Pope shall be proclaimed unless he signs and confirms the late brief for abolishing the Jesuits, to drop the affair of the Infant of Parma, and to sign another article concerning the Chevalier Stuart; but as this would totally confine the power of the pontifick sovereign, the Holy College will not comply with it at any rate. Cardinal Palavicini has had the majority of the votes, but nobly refused to accept of the Popedom, on account of the above-mentioned articles being laid before him to sign.
GENOA, Dec. 14. Our last letters from Cadiz import, that they had advice from Ceuta that the Moors, after receiving a reinforcement, had begun to batter that place in form, but with little success, being greatly annoyed by the continual fire from the batteries of the place, as well as the frequent sallies of the Spaniards, who had destroyed several hundreds of the Moors.
L O N D O N, January 5.
THE petition from the American Congress to the King has been presented to his Majesty by Lord Dartmouth, and the same will be laid before both Houses of Parliament at their next meeting.
We are assured a great personage has inspected all the papers which have been received relating to the unhappy transactions at Boston, and that he has made memorandums on the most remarkable passages they contain.
Yesterday, in pursuance of an advertisement for a meeting of the merchants and others concerned in the American trade, there was a very numerous and respectable meeting at the King's Arms tavern, in Cornhill, of the most eminent merchants and traders in this city, to consider of a petition to Parliament on the present alarming situation of affairs with respect to America, the total stoppage of all commerce to those parts, and the present decline of the trade and manufactures of this kingdom. A motion was made by Mr. Alderman Hayley, and seconded, that Thomas Lane, Esq; an eminent North American merchant, be placed in the chair, which was carried in the affirmative. After the chairman had informed the company of the intent of the meeting, Mr. Barclay moved that an address be prepared and presented immediately to Parliament and a committee appointed to draw up the same. A more respectable meeting was scarce ever known in the city of London and every motion was carried unanimously except one Gentleman, who said, that there was no need of petitioning at present till they had information what the Parliament would do after they had taken into consideration the petition from the Congress of America to his Majesty, which petition his Majesty promised to lay before the House the earliest opportunity, and that it would then be a proper time for the merchants to meet and to take the matter into consideration; but this was absolutely, and unanimously, rejected.

The New York mail, which was to have been despatched yesterday from the General Post Office, is detained till Saturday next, by order of government, that it may carry some despatches of great importance.
An American Agent is said to have had an interview with a leading person, when he insisted on the necessity of repealing the American acts. Hold, said the statesman, I for my part will sooner submit to the block than agree that a single clause should be repealed.
Orders are sent to Ireland, to take 2000 tons of shipping into government service.
Means are said to be using to keep up the spirit of party against government in France, that their attention may be diverted from our disputes with the colonies by their own nearer home.
His Majesty's Schooner St. Laurence, Capt. Dundas, from Boston, is arrived at Plymouth.
The French are said to be fitting out, with great diligence, at Brest, four ships of the line and three frigates, the destination of which is an entire secret.
A small squadron is ordered to be fitted out forthwith, said to be destined to a remote part of the world. The orders and purpose of this voyage are not to be unfolded, to those concerned in it, till they arrive in a certain latitude.
Certain advice is received that the King of France, since the beginning of last month, has raised twenty millions of livres, at eight per cent.
On the 22d of November last the Emperor of Morocco set out for Fez with a respectable train of artillery, 30,000 foot, and 20,000 horse, to lay siege to the garrisons of Penon and Melilla, on the coast of Africa, situated from 60 to a 100 miles east of Tetuan. The Spanish Court has sent Colonel Sherlock, an experienced brave officer in their service, over to Penon, to defend it; but it is believed that neither of those three garrisons are tenable, the Spaniards having suffered the fortifications to fall into decay for many years past. As soon as Sidi Mehomet makes himself master of those important places, he will turn his arms towards Ceuta and Oran; but all the force of his empire against these two garrisons will prove too weak, there not being stronger fortifications than they are in all Europe.
Letters from Hamburg mention, that an order has been issued out there to prevent the merchants from supplying the piratical states of Barbary with cannon and other warlike stores.
It is said that in the course of the present sessions of Parliament a petition will be presented, by a body of Scotch merchants, for excluding the Dutch, and other foreigners, from fishing on the coasts of Orkney or Shetland, or subjecting them to pay duty for each vessel employed in said fisheries.
Three Gentlemen of Scotland are expected home in the first ships from the East Indies, who have been abroad only six years, and made fortunes of upwards of 20,000l. each.
It has been remarked, that notwithstanding the people of Scotland are only equal to one fourth part of the people of England, yet three fourths of the Gentlemen who return immensely rich from the East Indies are Scotchmen.
Letters from Leghorn advise, that the Molly, an English vessel, had been burnt in the port of Alexandria; whether intentionally, or by accident, doth not appear.
Advice is received that the Bourgogne, a French man of war of 60 guns, laden with ammunition, and other warlike stores, is lost within a few leagues of Martinico, and all the crew perished.
Friday night died, at his apartments in Henrietta street, Covent Garden, Paul Whitehead, Esq.; a Gentleman much admired by the literati for his publications. Amongst other whimsical legacies, he has given his heart, with 50l. to Lord Le Despencer.
Capt. Piot, of the Tartar, arrived at Doyen from Nice; the 28th ult. off Scilly, spoke with the Britannia, Ayres, from New York to London, out nine weeks, had lost all her boats; two of her crew drowned; and sprung her foremast.
WILLIAMSBURG, March 17.
Elegy to the memory of CHARLES LEWIS, Esq.; who was slain at Point Pleasant, valiantly fighting, on the 10th of October 1774. By a schoolmaster in Fincastle.
SHALL thy fair character, O Lewis! die, And with the dust in dark oblivion lie! Friendship demands a sympathising tear, And candour bids us merit to revere. In thee the warrior and the christian join'd, A son obedient and a brother kind; Paternal love, conjugal tenderness, Warm from the heart, did all thy actions grace;
A gentle master, affable and free, No slave to pride, no tool to vanity; Sincere in friendship, and in dealing just, True to thy God, thy country, and thy trust. At early years with martial courage fir'd, Thy youthful breast to warlike deeds aspir'd;
Ready t' appear in freedom's sacred cause, Protect her sons, and vindicate her laws. Led by no private view, no empty fame, Virginia's welfare rais'd thy generous flame; To guard her paths, and crush her Indian foes,
At all times freely thou did'st interpose; For this left all the sweets of nuptial bliss, Those smiling hours of love, and joy, and peace;
And every tender social sympathy Resign'd, when duty call'd thee to obey. At Point Pleasant, ill fated spot, Where death his leaden volleys round thee shot,
Thy heart exulting, brav'd the enemy, And bade the troops march on to victory: E'en when oppressed with the weight of death,
Thou anxious address'd them with thy parting breath:
"Hide not my wounds, this only let me crave,
"That you fight on, my soldiers, and be brave."
O may these words, to all the country dear, Long be remember'd with a grateful tear! And though no sculptur'd monument we see,
Nor animated bust remain of thee, Within the temple of the good man's breast Thy sweet memorial shall for ever last.
AT a meeting of the freeholders of Hanover county, after due notice at the courthouse, on Monday the 20th of February 1775, Mr. Bartlett Anderson being chosen clerk of the said meeting, they proceeded to the choice of delegates to represent them in colony convention at the town of Richmond, in Henrico county, the 20th of next month; when PATRICK HENRY, jun. and JOHN SYME, Esqrs., were unanimously chosen; and on the 4th of March, at the place aforesaid, a fuller meeting of freeholders appeared, when the following resolves were voted:
Resolved , that the thanks of this meeting be given to our worthy Representatives, for their faithful discharge of the trust reposed in them at a colony convention held at Williamsburg in August last.
Resolved , that Col. John Syme do present the thanks of this county, in the most respectful manner, to the Honourable the Delegates that represented this colony in the late Continental Congress in Philadelphia, for the prudent, just, and well concerted measures adopted by the said Congress, and to assure them that we will exert our utmost endeavours to carry those measures into execution.
Resolved , that it is just and reasonable that the Delegates that attend colony conventions should be reimbursed their expenses, as well as the Delegates that attend the Continental Congress. We do therefore recommend to our Delegates that they use their influence to have the
same taxed on the colony by the Convention.
Resolved , that it would be unjust, as well as unnatural, to keep our countrymen, that nobly fought and defended our country against a savage enemy, out of their pay; as we conceive that many of them must be in distressed circumstances, especially the families of those that were killed and wounded in the battle with the Indians. Therefore, we do most earnestly recommend that our Delegates exert their well known abilities, in Convention, to have some provision made for the payment of their wages, by a poll tax, or any other way that shall be thought expedient.
Resolved , that it be an instruction to our Delegates to consent to the imposition of any tax that the Convention may judge proper for defraying the expense of any measures necessarily adopted for securing American liberty.
AT a committee held for the county of Essex, in the town of Tappahannock, on Thursday the 2d of March 1775, by a special summons from the chairman:
The committee having been informed that Capt. Joseph Richardson, master of the brigantine Muir, had imported from the island of Antigua, in the said brigantine Muir, since the first day of February last, four pieces of British osnabrugs, and three pieces of Irish linen, some of which he had sold since his arrival; and the said Richardson, having appeared before the committee, agreeable to a previous summons for that purpose, on examination, confessed that upwards of two years ago he had imported into this colony a quantity of British osnabrugs from London, which he found himself unable to dispose of here; and therefore that he had carried some of it to Antigua, and left it there to be sold, and having found, upon his last voyage to that island, that the same had not been sold, he brought it back again to this colony, where he arrived since the first of February last, and sold one piece of it to one Thomas Wood, and that he has the residue by him; and having also acknowledged, that he had imported, at the same time, three pieces of Irish linen for the use of his family, and the same having been confirmed by the oath of William Moore, mate of the said brigantine, the committee, having taken the matter under consideration, and having found that the said Richardson was unacquainted with the continental association, and that he had no intention of violating the same, or any part thereof, but that he was willing to accede thereto, and actually did sign the same upon the first opportunity of doing so, are of opinion that the said Richardson deserves no censure for his conduct, but that the said osnabrugs and Irish linen, being prohibited by the association, be re-exported to the said island of Antigua, which the said Richardson declared himself willing to do. And it is ordered, that Archibald Ritchie and John Brockenbrough do procure from the said Thomas Wood the piece of osnabrugs by him purchased, and see that the said Richardson carry the same, as well as the other before mentioned linen, with him to Antigua, upon his next voyage.
The committee having determined to encourage arts and manufactures within this colony as far as it is in their power, do agree and oblige themselves to pay 60l. current money to any person or persons who shall first produce to the committee 500 pair of STOCKINGS, mens and womens, manufactured in this county, a third of which to be reasonably worth 1s. sterling a pair, a third to be reasonably worth 2s. sterling a pair, and the other third to be reasonably worth 3s. sterling a pair, of all which he or they must give this county the refusal, and that the county will give for the same 75 per centum on the above prices; and that this committee will give the best encouragement to WOOL COMBERS.
By order of the committee.
JACK POWER, Clerk.

By decree of the court of Vice Admiralty, on Thursday the 23d of March, will be sold, at Burwell's Ferry, for ready money, the Schooner SALLY, with her rigging, tackle, and apparel, 16 hhds. of tobacco, 300 bushels of corn, and 300 bushels of oats.
JAMES COCKE, Marshal.
To be LET upon easy RENTS, for lives,
A QUANTITY of LAND in Warwick county, in small parcels; the houses to be built, and improvements made, either by the subscriber or the lessor, as may be agreed on.
W. M. CARY.
TAKEN up, in Prince William, a middle sized BULL, four years old, with a white face, a white list down his back and belly, the other part red, marked with a crop and slit in the left ear, and a half spade on the under side of the right ear. Posted, and appraised to 30s.
HENRY HOLECLOUGH.
To be SOLD,
SUNDRY LOTS in the town of Blandford, one of which has a good dwelling-house upon it, with three rooms below and two above, a good cellar, all convenient out-houses, and a garden. The others are unimproved, but very good situations. Likewise a tract of LAND in the county of Amherst, containing 1100 acres. It is exceeding fine tobacco land, and in good order for cropping, with all necessary houses upon it. This land may be seen by applying to Mr. William Lee, who lives in the county, and the terms made known by applying to Mr. John Baird, merchant in Blandford, or the subscriber.
ALEXANDER GORDON.
GOODE'S BRIDGE, Chesterfield, March 8.
THE noted English horse JANUS is in great perfection. He stands at my house, and covers at 5l. the season, or 40s. the leap. Mares that go by the season shall be covered night and morning, provided no other mare interferes. The leap money to be paid at the stable door. I have rented a large pasture for the use of the mares gratis. I will not be liable for any of the mares that get away. The season expires the 15th day of August next.
JOHN GOODE.
WILLIAMSBURG, March 8, 1775.
LENT to some of my acquaintances in this city, The Country Cousins , and The Memoirs of Count de Forbes . The favour will be gratefully acknowledged, if the person, in whose possession the above mentioned books are, would be so obliging as to send them to
WILLIAM DAWSON.
FREDERICKSBURG, Feb. 24, 1775.
HAVING for some time established a manufactory as a SADDLER in all its branches, in the town of Falmouth, I find it requisite to give my personal attendance chiefly at that place, and therefore have appointed Mr. Edward Simpson, a person of integrity, and a master workman, to superintend my shop in this town, and hope for the continuance of the favours received of my customers, either here or at Falmouth. I want a journeyman well recommended, who is acquainted with the harness branch of my profession; and I hereby notify a certain John Green, now of this town, who was formerly in my employ, to refrain from deluding and assisting my workmen with horses in order to remove them from their engagements with me.
RICHARD LEWIS.
For SALE,
A TRACT of LAND in Caroline county, near Newmarket, containing about 2000 acres of well timbered land, having thereon two plantations, in good repair, with proper and convenient edifices for farming, or making tobacco. For terms apply to the subscriber.
(tf) JOHN BAYLOR.
For SALE,
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 in King William, Mr. John Armistead in Caroline, or Mr. John Baylor, Executors. (tf)
MARCH 8, 1775.
RUN away from the subscriber, some time in November last, a negro fellow named HENRY PERFUME, alias SHARPER, about four feet eight inches high, pitted with the smallpox, one of his fore teeth much decayed, and one of his little fingers is crooked. He was tried last March in Gloucester county for felony, and found guilty, but a pardon was obtained for him by Mr. Lewis Burwell; after which he was set at liberty, and lived near the courthouse many months, and I suppose is lurking about there now, as he has a wife in the neighbourhood. I will give 40s. to any person who will deliver him to me, in Charles City.
2|| JOHN EDLOE.
TAKEN up, in Stafford, a dark brown MARE about twelve years old, thirteen hands high, with a bushy mane and switch tail, but no perceivable brand. Posted, and appraised to 6l.
THOMAS SUDDIN.
MANCHESTER, Feb. 11, 1775.
THE subscriber intending for Britain, by the ensuing fall, proposes to sell the following TRACTS of LAND, viz. About 2000 acres in Bedford county, lying upon both sides of the north fork of Otter river, and Hurricane creek, about 100 acres thereof cleared, producing tobacco of a fine quality; there are several houses upon the land, large peach and apple orchards, and a meadow. The land lies well, is a remarkable good place for raising flocks of all kinds, having an excellent range upon the mountains joining it.----- Also another tract of about 300 acres, a mile below the other, which has a grist-mill upon it, lately built, with a stone dam, and a never-failing stream. There are little more improvements upon this tract, but the soil is good, and would make a valuable settlement.-----Likewise a valuable and well known tract of land, in Hanover county, called Half Sink, on Chickahominy river, containing, by a late survey, 667 acres, a great part of which is rich low ground, affording a vast quantity of large white oak timber. The plantation is in good order to work ten hands, has the necessary houses upon it, lately built, and lies eleven miles from Richmond town.-----Four lots in the town of Richmond, with houses thereon, one or two of which are new, and is the place where Mr. James Vaughan formerly kept ordinary. The pasture is fenced with posts and rails, and it would be a suitable place for a tavern, or afford conveniencies for three private families.--- The above lands may be entered upon next fall, and the lots at the expiration of the present year they are rented for. I shall be glad to treat with any person who inclines to purchase.
4 ALEXANDER BAINE.
*** I want to purchase the half acre lot at Rockey Ridge, No. 132, drawn to ticket No. 373, in Col. Byrd's lottery.
To cover this SEASON,
BAY BOLTON, a full blooded hunter, got by old Starling out of a hunter mare. He is a dark bay, seven years old, sixteen hands high, well made and formed. He stands at my plantation, about four miles from Alexandria, and will cover mares at thirty shillings the leap, and five shillings to the groom, or three pounds the season, and five shillings to the groom. Many good judges have seen him, and all agree he is as complete a horse as has been imported for this country. His colts have turned out very fine, several having been sold at thirty pounds, currency when three months old. Those who choose the season may have good pasture, and great care will be taken of the mares, but I will not be answerable for any that may be lost. The money will be exp. when the mares are taken away.
JOHN CARLY
*** If any person inclines to purchase my horse, I will sell him after the season, and give reasonable credit.
RUN away from the subscriber, in Richmond town, an English indented servant man, named WILLIAM PARKER, by trade a blacksmith, but since he has been in Virginia has acted as a waiting man. He is 21 years of age, about five feet eight inches high, well made, and of a quick speech; had on, when he made his elopement, a black coat and jacket, a pair of buckskin breeches, a round hat bound with velvet, and a brown surtout coat. He carried away sundry ruffled shirts, silk stockings, &c. I expect he will attempt to ship himself on board some vessel for Britain. All masters of vessels are hereby forewarned from carrying away any such person. Whoever secures the said servant in any jail, so that I get him again, shall have 3l. for his trouble.
ARCHIBALD MCKENDRICK.
FIFTY DOLLARS REWARD.
RUN away from the ship Elizabeth, Capt. Frederick Baker, lying at Alexandria, four sailors, viz. JAMES ROBB, born in the north of England, about five feet ten inches high, smooth faced, with black hair; had on, or took with him, a suit of blue clothes with a red velvet cape. WILLIAM TATE, six feet high, much pitted with the smallpox, and has short curly hair; had on a red waistcoat and trousers. CHARLES THOMPSON, about five feet five inches high, a short, thick, well set fellow, smooth faced, with short straight hair. JOHN FIELD, about five feet seven inches high, well set, smooth faced, lips, looks a little askant, and has brown lank hair tied behind. They carried with them their chests and beddings, and robbed the ship of the hammocks they slept in, and four oars. They also carried with them, from on board the said ship, an indented servant for four years, named WILLIAM WILLIAMS, but went amongst the servants and ship's company by the name of Alick. He is about 23 years of age, pock marked, speaks much in the Scotch accent, has short curly black hair, a watch in his pocket, a baker by trade, and will endeavour to pass for a freeman; had on a pepper and salt coloured cloth coat, and leather breeches. It is certain that they went down the river, as they were seen at Nanjemay, and will probably endeavour to get on board some ship, or proceed straight to Norfolk. All masters are forewarned from taking them on board. They went off in a Moses New England built boat, the stuff on her looks like turpentine and ochre, and is of a brown colour. She was formerly a tender to a fishing Schooner. Whoever apprehends them shall have the above reward, or 40s. for each sailor, or the boat, and 5l. for the servant, with reasonable charges if delivered to the Captain on board the said ship, or for the servant committed to any jail, or delivered to
4 ROBERT ADAM & Co.
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LONDON, January 7.
ADVICES from Madrid say, that orders had just been issued by the intendant of the land forces there to fill up and complete, immediately, all the different corps of infantry in the provinces of that kingdom. The rupture with the Emperor of Morocco is said to be the occasion.
They write from Gibraltar, that the Emperor of Morocco's squadron has had an obstinate engagement with some Spanish men of war in the Mediterranean, in which the former were repulsed with loss.
At the last Board of Treasury, the state of the silver coinage was taken into consideration; when, upon examination, it appeared that the said coin is greatly adulterated and diminished, and it was agreed that application be made to Parliament for redressing this national grievance.
The various accounts received from Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Poland, Copenhagen, and other places subject to the northern powers, abound with deplorations of the inclemency of the season. Letters have been received from Copenhagen, of the most alarming kind; the frost and snow continues, with a severity unparalleled in the memory of man.
January 12. Yesterday morning was held the adjourned meeting of merchants, and others concerned in the American commerce, to receive the report of the committee appointed on Wednesday last, when the petition to Parliament, as drawn up by the committee appointed, was read three times, and gave universal satisfaction. A debate arose from a merchant trading to Quebec, observing that the Canada bill was not enumerated among the grievances in the petition; in answer to which, it was observed that the petition was drawn up in a general sense as possible, and the question being put, whether the petition should stand without addition or amendment, it was resolved in the affirmative, four to one.
Lord North hath publickly declared, that so far from the meetings of the American and West India merchants being disagreeable to him, he, on the contrary, wishes for nothing more than as much information as possible on the American business, to be laid before Parliament as speedily as possible.
The Premier has certainly applied to most of the intelligent and experienced men in the kingdom for their advice in regard to the present posture of affairs between Great Britain and her colonies, and it is as certain (says our correspondent) all are of opinion that government should persevere in asserting its authority. At a late meeting of Treasury Lords, the same opinion, we hear, was maintained; and many letters lately received from disinterested Gentlemen and merchants, residing in different quarters of America, contain the same sentiments. Upon the strength of such united advice, orders are hourly expected to be sent off to Portsmouth to hasten the preparations which have been making for an expedition to the British colonies.
Some fresh instructions have been lately sent to the Governors of Gibraltar and Minorca, and the fleet on the Mediterranean will be reinforced with several ships early in the spring.
It was yesterday morning strongly reported in the city that the French had sent a powerful fleet into America, which is cruising at the back of the Western Islands, and, that their project might pass undiscovered by the English, the ships of which this fleet is composed are said to have sailed one at a time from different ports in France.
Positive orders, we hear, have lately been transmitted to the commanders of the several men of war on the North Ame-
rican station to be extremely vigilant in their duty against smugglers, and to seize all such goods and merchandise as, by the laws of trade, ought to be exported directly from Great Britain to the colonies.
They write from St. Malo's, that more goods have been shipped off lately from thence to the West Indies and America than for many years past; and that, in return, they receive both corn and call.
By letters from Jamaica, it appears that the Dutch islands of Curacoa and St. Eustatia are now converted into complete magazines for all kinds of European goods, and that an amazing trade is now carrying on there with the British North American colonies.
It is now credited, that a Governor will be appointed to succeed General Gage.
A letter from Madrid, of very good authority, contains the following paragraph: "The enormous preparations for war, which are carrying on with so much assiduity in this kingdom, seem to have far greater matters in view than to carry on the war with the Emperor of Morocco. A general pardon is just issued from Court, not only granting his Catholic Majesty's pardon to all the deserters of the land and sea troops, but entitling them also to the salary due to them from the time of deserting down to the time of their entering into service again. At all the seaports, they fit out the vessels of war with the utmost expedition. New orders are given for building ten ships of war more in Sweden; and although the maritime powers seem to be in good harmony, yet it is advisable for every one to be on his guard, as there was never a period in which less was to be trusted to the faith of treaties and guaranties than the present."
A misunderstanding, it is said, lately happened between two German Princes, which may be attended with very ill consequences.
According to the last advices from Hamburg, the strict union which has hitherto subsisted between the three allied powers is at an end; two of them, viz. the Courts of Petersburg and Berlin, having concluded a private treaty of alliance, offensive and defensive, to which it is said the Court of London will accede. These letters add, that the Empress of Russia, and the King of Prussia, are by no means pleased with the cession of part of Moldavia and Wallachia, made by the Ottoman Porte in favour of the House of Austria, and to which the latter has sent eight battalions of foot, and four regiments of hussars, to take possession.
Throughout Asia, the French political missionaries are labouring, in and out of season, to turn the balance of power and trade in their favour.
By the last accounts from the Mediterranean, we hear that the trade carried on there is greatly interrupted by the swarms of Barbary corsairs which infest the coasts of Spain and Italy.
A report prevails at Pisa, that the Emperor of Morocco hath declared war against the French, and that his corsairs have already insulted the flag of that nation.
They write from Gibraltar, that a Spanish frigate has been sunk off Ceuta in an engagement with four Moorish cruisers, and two thirds of the crew perished.
They write from Mahon, that the Emperor of Morocco had sent a fleet of seven ships against the Spanish fort of Ceuta, and it was reported that an army of 40,000 Moors were to attack it on the land side at the same time.
They write from Gibraltar, that a Tangier row-boat, with sixty men on board, attempting to board a large Hamburg ship in the Mediterranean, had been run down
by the latter, and every soul on board perished.
A violent shock of an earthquake has been felt at Konigsberg, in Norway. It was very distinctly felt during one minute and a half. The tremulation was accompanied with a subterraneous noise, somewhat like distant rumbling of thunder. Several of the buildings were damaged, which occasioned the inhabitants to desert their houses, and threw the whole village into the utmost disorder.
Orders are sent to Ireland for 400 tuns of provisions to be shipped off for his Majesty's garrisons of Gibraltar and Minorca, on account of the importation being stopped from the Barbary coast.
Yesterday there was a levee at St. James's, after which a chapter of the Order of the Thistle was held, when his Grace the Duke of Gordon was invested with the Riband, late the Duke of Athol's. There were present the Lord Chancellor, Lord Mansfield, the Earls of Portmore and March, the Duke of Buccleugh, &c. After the chapter was over, the Lords North, Dartmouth, and Barrington, attended the King at St. James's, on business, till near 5 o'clock.
From what passed at a great man's levee, the other day, it is thought that the first points that will be agitated in American affairs will be whether the Ministry can now hear any petition or remonstrance from a Congress constituted by illegal powers, there being no precedent of government doing business with any person or persons not legally constituted.
A letter from Paris says, that the Marquis de Noailles is appointed Ambassador to England.
For some days past the clerks at the Treasury and Admiralty have been employed in preparing several estimates and accounts to be laid before Parliament against their next meeting, which will be to-morrow se'nnight.
It is the opinion of many in Ireland, that the Parliament of that kingdom will meet at the end of the present prorogation, pass a vote of credit, and then be dissolved; so that another Parliament may be chosen against October next.
Last week her Majesty received a very genteel present of sable skins from the Empress of Russia, which are said to be the grandest ever seen in England.
Letters from the continent mention, that something is actually fermenting among the Princes of the German empire. The King of Prussia's sub-delegate at the chamber of visitation at Wetzlar has been grossly affronted at the commission, which affront the King will not give up without having full satisfaction.
Certain agents of France are at present very busy here in secretly enlisting recruits for the Irish brigades in the service of his Most Christian Majesty, and meet with great success in the environs of the metropolis.
It is said that the Spanish Ministry are intent on two points of great utility to overcome superstition, and to engage the bulk of the people in industry.
The Prussian embassy, it is said, has been refused by both South and North Britons.
A correspondent says, the members of St. Stephen's are like schoolboys after a breaking up: Having done mischief, they are loth to come to school.
The North Star, Archibald Stanford commander, bound from Madeira to Ireland, deep laden, and several passengers, is lost thirty leagues west of Madena, in a violent storm, and every person on board perished.
The Martin, Clark, from Virginia to London, is totally lost near the mouth of

the harbour of Milford: the Captain, and part of the crew, drowned.
The Charming Nancy, Daverson, from Boston, is arrived at Spithead, with an express, in 24 days passage.
A private letter from Amsterdam lays, that eighty tuns of tea were actually shipped on board a Dutch vessel the middle of last month, for St. Eustatia, in order to be disposed of to the North American vessels, which are continually passing that way.
They write from Dublin, that a few days ago two Gentlemen, Lieutenant F--- and Ensign C---, went to Daly's chocolate house to play at Hazard, when the Lieutenant having lost his money, called to the Ensign to lend him part of what he had; which not being complied with, words arose, when they retired to the coffee room, drew their swords, and Mr. F--- was run through the body, just under the breast, and expired immediately.
Jan. 14. Thursday a Gentleman arrived in town with letters from General Gage, with which he waited upon Lord North. In consequence of this, we hear most of the leading men in Administration were convened, in the evening, to deliberate, and take resolutions upon, the contents of those letters; which, it is whispered, are not of so unfavourable a nature as other circumstances may give room to imagine.
The Ministry have received advices from Boston that the principal people in the province of Massachusetts Bay have assembled, and put the government of that province into commission.
The greatest part of the military, we are told, will soon be removed from the province of Massachusetts Bay, and the blockade by sea is to be continued, with the addition of more shipping.
The duty on hops, for the year 1774, amounted to upwards of 158,800l.
On Saturday and Sunday last arrived at Sandwich seven vessels, with upwards of 3000 quarters of corn from foreign parts.
It is said that the late Lord Middleton has left not less than 400,000l.
A most violent hurricane hath committed prodigious devastation on the coast of Languedock; two Swedish vessels, laden with pitch and timber, were lost, and a third foundered in the gulf of Lyons. Not a person, on board either of these vessels, escaped.
On Tuesday died, at his house in Bruton street, Major General Lawrence, in the 78th year of his age; who for the space of 20 years, commanded the East India company's troops, and was the first officer who carried military discipline into India.
Lieutenant Colonel Prescott, of the 7th regiment of foot, is arrived, in 25 days from General Gage.
The Captain of a vessel belonging to Whitehaven, a few weeks ago, when he was clearing out at Norfolk (Virginia) asked the Collector what he thought would be the result of the present disturbances?
"Pray (says the Collector) don't you think we are as white as the Europeans?"
"Yes (replied the Captain) I think our complexions are much the same." "Well then (returned the Collector) we will not be slaves, while we are so nigh you in colour."
Paul Whitehead's bequest of his heart to Lord Despencer (who was his patron, and under whom he enjoyed a place in the Wardrobe of 300l. per annum) brings to remembrance something as whimsically similar in the will of King James II. who left his body to the English, his bowels to the Irish, and his heart to the Scotch.
WHITEHALL, Jan. 18. The King has been pleased to appoint Guy Carleton, Esq; to be Captain General and Governor in chief of his Majesty's province of Quebec, in America.
GLASGOW, Jan. 12. It is with pleasure we can inform the publick, that the great canal is filled with five feet of water to the Stocking Field, within two miles of this place; and on Friday last a vessel arrived there, from Kirkintilloch, with goods.
On the 19 ult. died at Plymouth Colonel Archibald Patoun, a director of engineers there, commandant of the citadel, F. R. S. and author of the book entitled Patoun's navigation; a gentleman of great learning, probity, and humanity, who in all his offices most faithfully served the King and government.
Jan. 19. Yesterday the trade of this city had a meeting, and subscribed a petition to Parliament relative to American affairs.
Tuesday the Court of Session sat down at Edinburgh, agreeable to the adjournment for the Christmas holidays.
Same day the Court of Session, upon a report of Lord Gardenston, passed the bills of suspension, in the cause Doddsley against M c Farquhar, for printing Chesterfield's letters, whereby the sale of all Scots and Irish editions of that book is prohibited, until the question of right, as to the property of the book, is finally determined.
On Friday last came on at the Old Bailey, London, the trial of Mr. D. Main, clerk to Mr. Alexander Hart, writer in Edinburgh; accused of breaking open his master's repositories, and stealing a watch chain, and a Confession of Faith. Mr. Justice Althurst summed up the evidence in a pathetick manner, after which Mr. Main was honourably acquitted by the jury. Several witnesses were taken up from Edinburgh, and it is supposed that this affair has cost the parties upwards of 700l. each.
They write from Riccarton, near Kilmarnock, that a pear tree belonging to Hugh Parker, in Burleith, in that parish, produced a crop of pears in summer last; it budded and blossomed in autumn, and what is remarkable, the pears are now quite ripe.
Extract of a letter from London, Jan. 6. A circumstantial account of the proceedings of the AMERICAN MERCHANTS assembled on Wednesday, at the King's Arms tavern.
Thomas Lane, Esq; being placed in the chair, Mr. Barclay first opened the debate. He went fully into the nature of the meeting, which was to consider of some proper methods for stemming those evils that threatened no less than the destruction of the whole empire, by the present unhappy disputes between this country and North America. As this was a subject of the greatest magnitude and importance to the trade of this country, he hoped it would be treated with great temper and circumspection, and that consequently it should be only taken up merely on a commercial ground, leaving the political to those who should best know how to discuss it. He then produced the two following written propositions, which were severally read, and seconded.
"That it is the opinion of this meeting, that the alarming state of the trade to North America makes it expedient to petition Parliament for redress."
"That a committee be appointed to prepare a petition to the House of Commons, and lay the same before a general meeting, to be held at this place this day se'nnight."
Mr. Bacon, member for Aylesbury, rose after Mr. Barclay; and after joining with him in thinking the present question of the greatest importance to this country, yet thought the mode of petitioning rather premature. There was, he said, a petition from America already presented to the King, and the King had given his answer, it should be laid before the Parliament. Now, says he, let us wait till we hear how this petition is received, before we go upon one, the prayer of which might be different from the other.
Mr. Barclay answered him, by saying that the least protraction might be dangerous, and
that if they waited for the future on the Parliament, by that time some measures which might be a great measure, the purpose of all; that besides, so large a North American merchants of L not sit idle spectators in so great as the present; that their not ex selves before was made a handle by the Minister, and that their and assistance must necessarily be grounds of an amicable accomm
Mr. Samuel Vaughan acquiesced, that having had the intended a meeting of the West India merchants and planters on the night the London tavern, upon the present, he would declare his resolutions. He then read a letter from the merchants, traders, &c. in the West India business, residing at Bristol, requesting to join themselves to the London meeting of merchants, &c. and that, upon this letter being read at the last night's meeting, they had resolved to accept of the association, and likewise resolved to have a general meeting at the London tavern on the 18th instant for that purpose.
Mr. Hayley read a letter from the council of commerce at Liverpool, requesting to know what steps the London American merchants intended to take. He likewise said he had letters from Manchester, Leeds, and other places, to the same purport. These letters urged for the immediate necessity of coming to some determination. Mr. Barclay corroborated this, by reading a letter from Leeds, giving a most pitiable account of the miseries and distresses of the manufacturers in that town, on account of the non-importation article.
After several other Gentlemen had spoken successively to the business of the meeting, in which they all essentially agreed (though two warned them of petitioning in favour of those who had resisted the authority of Parliament) the motions were severally put by the chairman, and carried unanimously. The committee were then appointed to consist of 23, and the names given in accordingly, at the proportion of three to each province, and two over, nine of whom were to constitute a committee. A short debate then ensued, on including the tradesmen and others concerned in American commerce in the prayer of the petition, which was finally agreed to. It was unanimously agreed, that these resolutions should be inserted in all the newspapers.
The above meeting consisted of between 300 and 400 of the most respectable merchants and traders concerned in the American business, and was conducted throughout with much spirit, good sense, and moderation.
It is supposed the petition of the American merchants will be followed by others from Bristol, Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, and by the other manufacturing towns in England.
A CARD, to the LADIES.
At a friendly meeting in Glasgow, present several Gentlemen of character, merit, and abilities. After dinner, the married Gentlemen rallied the unmarried for not taking wives, as all of them are in circumstances to support a wife and family. The bachelors, in return, frankly acknowledged themselves friends of matrimony; but added, that business and modesty prevented them from making addresses to the FAIR, and with one consent agreed to this intimation.
LADIES who want HUSBANDS, and wish to live a sober happy life, may hear of something to their advantage, by directing to A. B. to be left with the publisher.
N. B. The utmost secrecy may be depended on.

ANTIGUA, January 25:
W E have received the following melancholy account of a storm which happened at Madeira, by Capt. George Keys, just arrived here, and whose ship was lost in it: On the 18th of December last the gale came on, which obliged all the shipping then in the bay to put to sea; among which a large Dutch ship bound for Surinam was drove on shore and totally lost; also a Portuguese brig, of which no account has been received since, and is supposed to have foundered at sea.
On the 17th, bring fine weather, and the wind easterly, the shipping all returned to anchor in the bay of Fynchall. It continued fair till Sunday the 18th about 3 o'clock P. M. when a sudden and heavy squall came on from the south, and continued to blow with such unrelenting fury as to prevent the shipping getting out, attended with thunder, lightning, and rain.
NEW YORK, February 27.
T HE weather was so uncommonly warm last Wednesday, that many young lads went into the river to swim. Extract from the votes and proceedings of the General Assembly of this colony.
Die Jovis, 10 ho. A. M. the 23d Feb. 1775. A motion was made by Mr. Thomas, in the words following, viz.
Mr. Speaker, I MOVE that the sense of this House be taken on the necessity of appointing Delegates for this colony, to meet the Delegates for the other colonies on this continent, in General Congress, on the 10th day of May next; and debates arising on the said motion, and the question being put thereon, it was carried in the negative, in manner following, viz.
For the negative. Mr. Walton, Mr. Jauncey, Mr. Brinckerhoff, Col. Seaman, Mr. Brush, Mr. Delancey, Mr. Coe, Mr. Van Kleeck, Mr. Rapalje, Mr. Nicoll, Mr. Billopp, Col. Phillips, Mr. Ten Eyck, Col. Wells, Mr. Wilkins, Mr. Kissam, Mr. Gale.
For the affirmative. Mr. Clinton, Col. Woodhull, Mr. Thomas, Mr. Boerum, Capt. Seaman, Col. Ten Broeck, Mr. De Witt, Col. Schuyler, Col. P. Livingston.
March 2. We have authentic advices, of the 22d of last month, from Ulster county, that on Saturday night the 18th Mr. John Schoonmaker, being in bed, overheard the following conversation between his own Negro York, and a Negro named Joe, belonging to Mr. Joannes Schoonmaker, viz.
York. How many?--- Joe. a great many.--- York. From where?--- Joe. from Keys Creek, Hurley, and Kingston.--- York. How much powder have they?--- Joe. Two pounds. York. That is not enough, they should have more to get through with it, and drums enough to prevent hearing the cries. They will begin, two at your house, two at John De Pui's, and in proportion more at other houses. It will be put in execution between this and Wednesday night; when once begun, we must go through with it. We are to set fire to the houses, and stand by the doors and windows to receive the people as they come out.
The above (in substance) being deposed before a magistrate, the two negroes were committed to jail, and, together with several other negroes, examined next day before four magistrates, who met for that purpose; but no farther discoveries could then be made.
A letter from said place names Marbletown as well as the three above mentioned, and that the negroes were to be divided into parties, to fire the houses, cry fire, and kill the people as they came out. The motive for this conspiracy was the recovery of their freedom. A large quantity of powder and ball was found with several negroes, and there are said to be
advices in town, that, besides the two negroes before mentioned, seventeen or eighteen more have been committed to jail.
A report has likewise been current in town, for a day or two past, that these negroes were to be joined by five or six hundred Indians; but it does not appear that there is any good foundation for the report.
They write from Connecticut, that General L--- is soon expected to take the command of an army in that colony.
Last week orders were received from Virginia, for the purchase of as large a quantity of arms as can be procured in this city.
We are informed, by a Captain of a vessel from Antigua, that Admiral Parry, with the squadron under his command on that station, has received orders to sail for Boston, where this Gentleman will be second in command, as he is a junior Vice Admiral of the Blue Flag to Admiral Graves. The Gentleman who brought this advice added, that he heard Admiral Parry himself declare the above destination of his Majesty's ships.
A melancholy accident happened last Friday at Newtown, on Long Island, viz. Two young lads, one named Hamilton, about 16 years old, and the other named Roberts, about 12 years old, racing with their waggon and horses, with some of their companions in another waggon, by a sudden and unexpected jolt Hamilton and Roberts fell out, and being run over by the horses, &c. they were both killed, one of them on the spot, and the other survived but a few hours.
On Tuesday last, between 12 and 1 o'clock, the new hospital at Ranelagh, a large pile of buildings lately erected and nearly finished, was discovered to be on fire. The workmen being all gone to dinner, and the rooms lumbered with combustible materials, the flames spread so fast that before any help could be called they were got to too great a height to be suppressed, and the whole wooden part of the building, the erecting of which had been the work of many months, was, in about one hour, reduced to ashes. It is unknown by what means the accident happened, but it is supposed that the shavings might have been left too near the fire. It is hoped, however, that charity, which reared this structure, will cause another to spring from its ashes, for the relief of the distressed poor.
By Captain Quill, who arrived here yesterday in thirty days from the Bay of Honduras, we learn that the inhabitants of that place are about to send a donation of 100,000 feet of mohogany, to be sold in Europe, for the relief of the poor of Boston.
PHILADELPHIA, March 4.
O N Wednesday last a negro man, belonging to Mr. Adam Baker, in Cheltenham township, was found hanging on a tree, by some women who were passing along the road. He hung himself, it is supposed, thinking he would go back to his own country, having given that as a reason for a former attempt, when, the rope breaking, prevented his intention.
IN ASSEMBLY.
TUESDAY, February 21, 1775. A. M.
The Governor, by Mr. Secretary, sent down a written message to the House, which was read by order, and is as follows, viz:
Gentlemen, A T a time when the disputes between Great Britain and her colonies are drawing towards an alarming crisis, I cannot, consistent with my duty to his Majesty, or a proper attention to the true interests of the people over whom I preside, avoid recommending to you any measure which occurs to me as proper for the Representatives of the province to pursue; or which, in my opinion, may have a tendency to compose those unhappy differences.
You will agree with me, Gentlemen that in all cases wisdom dictates the use of such means as are most likely to attain the end proposed. On the present occasion it is conceived that any grievances which his Majesty's subjects in America apprehend they have reason to complain of should be humbly represented to his Majesty by the several Assemblies, as the only proper and constitutional mode of obtaining redress; and I have the best reason to believe that a proper attention will be paid to such representations, and to any propositions that may be made through that channel, on the present state of American affairs.
This mode, therefore, I earnestly recommend to you to adopt; and I most ardently wish that the proceedings of this, as well as the other colonies, may be of such a temperate and dutiful nature as to afford a foundation for a re-establishment of that harmony with the mother country which is so essential to both.
Feb. 21, 1775. JOHN PENN.
THURSDAY, February 23, 1775. A. M.
The House met, pursuant to their adjournment, and taking into consideration the Governor's message of the 21st instant, after some time spent in debate thereon, referred the same to farther consideration to-morrow morning.
FRIDAY, February 24, 1775. A. M.
The House met, pursuant to their adjournment, and proceeded, agreeable to the resolution of yesterday, in consideration of the Governor's message; which producing a debate of considerable length, the question was called for, and put by the Speaker, whether the farther consideration thereof shall be postponed till some day in the week after next. Carried in the affirmative.
SATURDAY, February 25, 1775. A. M.
Upon motion, resolved, that this House will on Wednesday, the 8th of March next, resume the consideration of the Governor's message.
Extract from the journals. CHARLES MOORE, Clerk of Assembly.
The General Assembly of the island of Barbados have drawn up a spirited petition to be transmitted to Great Britain, and to be presented to his Majesty in favour of America.
WILLIAMSBURG, March 17.
A letter from the several Agents to the Speaker of the Hon. the House of Burgesses of Virginia, dated London, Dec. 24, 1774.
SIR,
T HIS is just to inform you, that having received the petition of the Congress to the King, we immediately communicated it to Lord Dartmouth, Secretary of State for the American department, as the regular official method, and that by which only we could have expectation of obtaining an answer. His Lordship this day informed us, that he had laid

the same before the King, that his Majesty had been pleased to receive it very graciously, and to say, it was a matter of so great importance, that he should, as soon as they met, lay it before his two Houses of Parliament. We can now only add, that we are with great respect, Sir, your most obedient humble servants,
B. FRANKLIN. W. BOLLAN. ARTHUR LEE.
Extract of a letter from a Gentleman in London, of undoubted credit, to his correspondent in this city, dated Dec. 26, 1774.
"The unanimity, firmness, and moderation of the resolutions of the General Congress, and the universal approbation both these and their addresses meet with here, has roused the merchants, and disconcerted the Ministers. As yet, however, they appear unresolved; unwilling to retract, and unable to proceed. In my opinion, however, the Closet power, that rules this unhappy country, will not permit them to retreat without violence. It is therefore my duty to say, that nothing but a continuance of that union and firmness, which have happily shaken their resolution, will effectually change their conduct, and give us redress."
"Lord North's late language in the House of Commons is humble to a degree, but he is a very treacherous man; and the political wisdom of the present times being to dupe and deceive by personal falsehood, it becomes us to be upon our guard. Three of the Gentlemen appointed by the Congress to deliver their petition presented it through the hands of the Secretary of State, and were answered, that his Majesty received it very graciously, and, from its importance, he would lay it before his two Houses of Parliament, as soon as they met. They are adjourned till the 24th of February."
"The buzz of the Court is, that Lord North and Lord Dartmouth will give place to the Lords Gower and Hillsborough, and all the acts complained of will be repealed, except the Admiralty acts and the Declaratory act. The opinion, however, of all our friends, is, that firmness and unanimity on your part, in demanding a full redress, and a solemn ratification of your rights, cannot be resisted."
"As the King has declared his intention to lay the petition before the Parliament, we have thought that an immediate obedience to the orders of the Congress, for publishing their petition, might be construed by our enemies into disrespect to the King, and factious views, which it has been their constant endeavour to fix upon us. It is therefore determined to defer the publication, till it is laid before Parliament. The effect of the addresses upon mens minds needs no addition at present, but may want reanimation at a future day, which the petition is well calculated to effect."
Extract of a letter from a very respectable Gentleman in London, to his correspondent in Virginia, dated Dec. 26, 1774.
"It is with great pleasure I inform you, that the firmness, unanimity, and moderation of the proceedings in America, have turned the tide so much in our favour heret that the Ministry seem much inclined to repeal the acts of which we complain. The petition of the Congress, after two Councils held upon it, was received; and the answer was, that his Majesty received it very graciously, and, from its importance, would lay it before his two Houses of Parliament, as soon as they met. They are adjourned, for the holidays."
"Lord Chatham commends both the petition and the rest of the proceedings of the Congress, in the highest terms. He thinks, an authentick renunciation of the right to tax America on the part of the Parliament, and a recognition of their supreme power on our part, should accompany the repeal, as a solid foundation for future confidence and affection. It is certain, that the least appearance of remission or disunion on the part of America will encourage the Ministry to do what they most ardently wish, namely, to leave the business so unsettled that they may revive the dispute in some other form, to the infinite distress, if not total destruction, of America. It becomes the Americans then, by persevering in the measures which have already operated so happily, to fix their rights upon so solid a foundation as to shield them from doubt or invasion hereafter."
"The demands of the Congress are so moderate, and so essential, that, in my judgment, not an iota of them can with safety be retracted; and it is the opinion of our wisest friends here, that unanimity and firmness will be irresistible."
"You have acted suaviter in modo, fortiter in re : Continue that, and be assured of success."
By list taken from the custom-house books at Philadelphia, New York, and Baltimore in Maryland, it appears there have been exported from thence, since the beginning of this year, 30,603 hhds. of flax seed. From the same ports, in 1774, there were exported 30,500 hhds.
The Justitia , Kidd, from London, is arrived in Rappahannock, and the Peter , Lang, from Glasgow, in James river.
** Some egregious errors having, through hurry and inattention, crept into the motto to the piece which begins this paper, the candid reader will please to read it as follows:
Hi medentur reipublicæ, qui exsecant partem aliquam, tanquam strumam civitatis.
CICERO.
Mr. PURDIE,
As you have been kind enough lately to favour the publick with an extraordinary speech, permit me to hope that you will also insert in your paper one full as genuine , that actually fell to my share in reading not long ago. I am persuaded, that although I cannot, with the Lord
Mayor of London, compliment this as so a bloody good one, yet, from its prodigious sensibility, I will venture to pronounce it full as entertaining to most of your readers, if not as consistent with the just policy of the present time as the other, and therefore not less deserving of the attention of the curious . Anecdote tells us, when William the conqueror was marching against the people of Kent, he was greatly surprised by those truly virtuous people, who, with boughs of trees in their hands, appeared at a distance like a moving forest, when Stigand, at their head, thus addressed the conqueror: "You are accosted, illustrious General , by the men of Kent, who are ready to submit to your government, provided they have proper concessions made to their most equitable demands, being a sort of men who are determined to retain that liberty which they received from their ancestors; neither will they be reduced to a state of servitude , by any new and unconstitutional legislature , for they can bear with a regal , but not with a tyrannical authority . With their freedom , therefore, unassailed , and their ancient constitution reserved to them, receive the men of Kent, not as a parcel of slaves , but as subjects attached to you in loyalty and love . But if you shall attempt to deprive them of their liberties and immunities , you shall deprive them of their lives also, for they had rather fall under a certain enemy than under the certain laws of an unconstitutional supremacy ; and though the rest of Englishmen can suffer SLAVERY , to be free is the property of the men of Kent ." It must be needless to contend with historians, for the effect of this truly spirited conduct; and as it is certain that these men of Kent did enjoy privileges peculiar to themselves, we may let the temporising writers of these times choose to what memorable event they will ascribe them.
FIFTY VERY LIKELY
S L A V E S
Among them some valuable tradesmen, will be sold at Richmond fair , for ready money, by the SHERIFF of James City county .
RAPPAHANNOCK, March 11, 1775.
JUST arrived, the Justitia , Captain Kidd, with about 130 healthy servants, men, women, and boys, among whom are many tradesmen, such as carpenters and joiners, bricklayers and plasterers, shoemakers, barbers and hair-dressers, several weavers, cutlers, curriers, bakers, a tanner, a tailor and staymaker, a blacksmith, a painter, a printer, a bookbinder, a miller, a stocking weaver, a schoolmaster, a hatter, a silk dyer, and others. There are also many farmers, and country labourers, Gentlemens servants, &c. &c. The sale will commence at Leeds town , on Wednesday the 22d instant (March) and be continued until all are sold. A reasonable credit will be allowed, the purchasers giving bond, with approved security, to
2
THOMAS HODGE.
TAKEN up, in Brinswick , a small bay Horse about ten years old, four feet one inch high, some white hairs in his forehead, is hip-shot, and branded on the near buttock S. Posted, and appraised to 40s. ALEXANDER WATSON.