The Virginia gazette (Williamsburg, Va.), 1775-06-02 00:00:00

VIRGINIA
GAZETTE.
ALWAYS FOR LIBERTY,
AND THE PUBLICK GOOD.
ALEXANDER PURDIE, PRINTER.
LONDON, March 16.
DURING the debates in the House of Lords upon the New England fishery bill, the Marquis of Rockingham, after expatiating generally on the evil tendency of the bill, produced vouchers to show the gradual increase of the North American trade from small beginnings to an enormous extent. The first of these vouchers was dated in 1704, when the whole amount of the exports was rated at 54,000l. This, by various gradations at intermediate periods, advanced at length to 800,000l. six hundred thousand pounds of which were expended in the purchase of English manufactures.
The vast increase, and consequent importance, of the North American trade, being thus clearly demonstrated, the illustrious Marquis censured the impolicy of measures which struck at the existence of a branch of commerce of such extreme magnitude. But the House, in the discussion of American affairs, has hitherto proceeded in the gross, without ever considering the detail of things; yet this default was to be ascribed to the ministry, who seemed studiously to withhold the necessary information, and, in matters fraught even with national ruin, such intelligence was kept back as might throw light on affairs proper for investigation. Thus, with respect to American papers, they were laid before the House in a most mangled state, such only being submitted to the inspection of the noble Lords as answered a temporary purpose, or served to corroborate the assertions of those in office. As an exemplification of this truth, a letter from Lord Dunmore had been laid before the House, because that letter treats the Americans as an "infatuated people," and encourages administration to hope for a speedy accomplishment of their purposes; yet not the least notice is taken in that letter of the following association, into which the officers of Lord Dunmore's army had entered:
"At a meeting of the officers under "the command of his Excellency the "Right Honourable the Earl of Dunmore, "convened at fort Gower, November 5, "1774, for the purpose of considering the "grievances of British America, "Resolved, that we will bear the most "faithful allegiance to his Majesty King "George III. whilst his Majesty delights "to reign over a brave and free people; "that we will, at the expense of life, and "every thing dear and valuable, exert "ourselves in support of the honour of "his crown, and the dignity of the Bri- "tish empire. But, as the love of liberty, "and attachment to the real interests "and just rights of America, outweigh "every other consideration, we resolve "that we will exert every power within "us for the defence of American liberty, "and for the support of her just rights "and privileges, not in any precipitate, "riotous, or tumultuous manner, but when "regularly called forth by the unanimous "voice of our countrymen."
Signed by order, and in behalf of the whole corps, BENJAMIN ASHBY, clerk.
Could Lord Dunmore be supposed ignorant of this association, though it was formed previous to the day on which his letter was written? If he was apprised of the association, why not impart the particulars? A fact of such consequence, a fact of such notoriety, a fact so truly alarming, Lord Dunmore should have stated. To treat the associations of the people with superciliousness, and affect to consider them of little moment, at the same instant that a military league was entered into by the officers of Lord Dunmore's own army, whereby they pledged themselves to defend American liberty with the sword, what was this but to talk at random, without advertizing to the true state of things? But administration were accustomed to deal in generals themselves, and hence they might encourage general assertions, unsupported by facts, in others. Thus general hints had been thrown out respecting the New York defection ; yet when the fact was examined into, to what did it amount! Why, the very persons on whom ministry placed the firmest reliance, though they may disclaim the authority of the Congress, yet have they virtually denied the legislative authority of Great Britain, and voted, in consequence, a petition to the King, a memorial to the House of Lords and a remonstrance to the Commons! Did not these things plainly indicate that even the friends of government , in America, are averse to the measures of administration? And, if those on whom the noble persons in office rely the most cannot yet be brought to approve their deeds, from avowed enemies nothing but an opposition, constant and extremely rigorous, was to be expected.
March 25. Among other personages who were at court on Thursday, were the Duchess of Bedford, Earl and Countess of Bute, Countess of Hertford, Lady Apsey, and the Ladies of the Sardinian and Venetian ambassadors.
Yesterday Lord Edgecomb set out for his seat at Edgecomb, near Plymouth; and his Lordship will visit all the dockyards, accompanied by the Earl of Sandwich, before the fleet sets sail for America.
Our fine guineas, like our fine Gentlemen, are now upon their travels into foreign parts; and a great many more are preparing to set out for the coronation of the French King at Rheims, the latter end of May. The law has wisely provided a remedy against this evil, by empowering the collectors of the customs in the ports, or their searchers, to seize any sums of gold coin, amounting to 100 guineas, found in baggage or about the person of any man or woman on the point of leaving the kingdom, unless it be duly declared and entered by license as an article of commerce; but this law, like many others, is become obsolete, through indolence, and a false indulgence to persons of high rank, who go to France, Italy, the Spa in Germany, and other polite places of resort abroad.
We loudly boast, that Englishmen detest, abhor the idea of slavery! yet is there a greater slave under the canopy of heaven than an English debtor lying in prison,
totally insolvent, at the mercy of his creditor? Who confines him? An Englishman! the son of freedom! the friend and guardian of liberty! On what principle? Revenge. Yet this merciless monster styles himself a Christian, a protestant, receives the sacrament, professes vows at the altar, forgiveness of all injuries, and goes to bed in peace with perjury, in the face of Heaven, upon his conscience. Shame on such prostitution of terms!
The publick may be assured that the virtuous Americans, and their friends, are now shipping goods from France and Holland for America; which cargoes are, many of them, ensuring here free of capture.
The building of Newgate proceeds rapidly, and will be fit to receive company in the year of our Lord 2000.
The following is the increase of the revenue of the post office. In 1644, Mr. Edmund Prideaux, who was inland postmaster, was supposed to collect about 5000l. per annum. In 1654, the Parliament farmed the posts to Mr. Manley, at 10,000l. In 1664, Daniel O'Neal, Esq; farmed them at 21,500l. In 1674, they were let out at 43,000. In 1685, the gross was estimated at 65,000l. In 1688, the posts amount was 76,318l. In 1697, it was, according to Dr. Davenant, 90,505l. In 1710, they amounted to 111,461l. In 1715, the gross amount of the inland office came to 145,227l. In 1744, the same amounted to 198,226l. but the total gross amount of both inland and foreign offices (which can alone demonstrate the extent of our correspondence) was that year 235,492l. And in 1764, the gross amount was 432,048l.
March 27. It is extremely unfortunate for the Americans that the scheme of a Lord Lieutenant for the colonies has been laid aside, as Lord George Minden (with the kind assistance of his gentle aid-de-camp) might, at the same time that he was punishing the rebels with more than Roman severity, have introduced, among the well disposed, all the refinements of Roman gallantry.
Although the debates in the House of Lords were very interesting on Wednesday last, several of the auditors could not help observing the ghastly hue that overspread the countenance of Mr. Hutchinson, the late Boston Governor, when Lord Camden mentioned "Hutchinson's justices," and how highly the gubernatorial countenance was elated with joy and pleasure when his two noble advocates (Townshend and Hillsborough) so spiritedly retailed the warlike sentiments he had inspired them with against his poor countrymen.
The American, a portrait of whom appears in the print shops, tarred and feathered, was at the House of Lords during the last debate, and seems marked with almost as strong lines and features as Governor Hutchinson. An eminent portrait painter, whose curiosity led him to hear the debates, has taken inimitable profiles of the two Gentlemen, but not for the print shops.
Previous to the adoption of the present severe measures against the Americans, the French and Spanish courts engaged to

maintain a state of neutrality, respecting the dispute with the colonies. The States General, though formally applied to, declined giving any positive answer; and whilst Sir Joseph Yorke, at the Hague, was waiting in expectation of a reply, three vessels laden with arms and ammunition sailed from Holland for America. The place of destination being soon discovered, one of them was intercepted and taken; the other two escaped, and have by this time reached the continent.
The resolution of government, with regard to the discontinuance of annual lotteries, and that, in future, when such an aid is necessary, it be granted under great regulations, is a measure that does honour to administration, and is replete with wisdom and humanity.
The last letters from Vienna announce, that the Emperour would set out on his proposed tour the 19th of April; the relays and posts have all been adjusted.
On the feast of St. Matthias, the Pope, attended by several Cardinals, and the principal Nobility, visited the chapel dedicated to Pope Pius V. dined at the Vatican, and returned in the evening to the Quirinal.
Melille was not taken when the last advices came away, though the Spaniards in that garrison were in hourly expectation that the Moors would make one general assault, and carry the place by storm.
The inundations of the Vistula, and other rivers, have been the cause of prodigious damage to Prussia and Poland.
They write from Madrid, that the King of Spain, at the instance of the British ambassador, Lord Grantham, had given orders for all the subjects of Great Britain, in prison at Cadiz or Carthagena, to be released, and forwarded to their own country.
Advice is said to have been received from Versailles, that the court is in great distress for money; to procure which the island of Corsica has been offered for sale to certain powers, who have declined the purchase.
A noble Lord, who last week, with his family, visited Mr. Cox's museum, was so struck with the sight, that he not only purchased tickets for the children, but made a present of twenty amongst his servants.
An encampment of three regiments of foot is to be made the beginning of May, on Blackheath.
It has long been the boast of Lord North (on occasionally proposing what may be properly called schemes of government, which he knew the minority must be unacquainted with, and consequently not sufficiently prepared to meet him with a counter motion) to affect the greatest nonchalance about the business, and to say, if a better was then adopted, he was ready to pursue it. But if the publick wanted to be convinced of the art of such jesuitical proposals, they need only recur to the treatment Mr. Burke's propositions met with last Wednesday in the House of Commons; as, no sooner did this wise and able statesman, with all the great and various knowledge he is possessed of, and in one of the most eloquent speeches perhaps ever delivered in any age, no sooner did he offer a plan for the preservation of his country, than his Lordship, through one of the mouths of his hirelings, so far from meeting him in a truly patriotick line, or adopting even one of his propositions, that he even for a while forgot common decency, by wanting to get rid of the whole, through the mode of calling for the order of the day. When a minister thus loses all sense of shame as well as virtue, the sonndest and deepest reasoning is obliged to submit to a monosyllable negative, the purest and most classical eloquence to the babble of a set of ministerial hounds.
WESTMINSTER, April 3. This day's Gazette contains a proclamation of the States General of the United Provinces, prohibiting the exportation of warlike stores from Holland, in English, foreign, or Dutch ships, to the British plantations in America, for six months.
NEW YORK, May 4.
BY the Hartford post, we hear that the General Assembly of Connecticut have passed an act for the immediate raising and paying six regiments of soldiers, under the command of the following officers, viz. Major General, Col. David Wooster; Brigadier Generals, Col. Putnam, Col. Jared Spencer; Colonels, Hinman, Parsons, and Waterbury. We have not heard the names of the other officers.
We hear that at the town of New London they were apprehensive of a visit from some of the MINISTERIAL PIRATES, and have removed their most valuable effects out of town.
We hear that the post having been interrupted, the postmaster (who has hitherto, without legal authority, been appointed from home, and, as a conveniency, permitted here unquestioned) has discharged the riders, the expense of which he has no longer a fund to support. An office for this necessary business will doubtless be put under proper regulations by the Continental Congress, and no more be permitted to return to the rapacious hands of unauthorised intruders; since it would be the most contemptible pusillanimity to suffer a revenue to be raised from our property, to defray the expense of cutting our throats!
On Monday last the general committee was reformed, and enlarged to 100 members, the names of whom we have not now room to insert. The whole city and province are subscribing an association, forming companies, learning the military exercise, and taking every method to defend our rights. The like spirit prevails in the province of New Jersey, where a large and well disciplined militia is now fit for action. All the other colonies, we hear, are equally well prepared.
In CONGRESS, at Philadelphia, May 15, 1775.
THE city and county of New York having, through delegates, applied to the 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 may 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 THOMSON, secretary. PHILADELPHIA, May 16. Gentlemen,
ENCLOSED we send you the advice of the Congress, on the subject on which you request it; and lest the advice to remove the military 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,
James Duane, Francis Lewis, John Jay, Lewis Morris, Philip Livingston, John Alsop.
By an express which arrived here yesterday morning from Watertown, we are informed that the Asia, and another man of war, failed with 3 or 4 companies for this
place on the 11th instant. This intelligence was communicated, as we are told, at the request of the Provincial Congress of Massachusetts Bay, and agrees with the account received about two weeks since, of an express being sent from hence to General Gage, for a military force to preserve order and good government amongst us.
May 22. Friday night last Capt. Reynolds arrived here from Portsmouth, in New Hampshire. Last Monday, off Cape Anne, he was boarded by Capt. Greeves, in a tender, who had come out of Boston the day before, and informed him that three transports arrived there the 6th instant, from England, with troops, and that many more were hourly expected; that several vessels were then in sight, which he imagined was part of the fleet, and several guns had been heard in the offing.
Thursday Capt. Reynolds spoke with Capt. Lindsay, in the Faulcon sloop of war, who acquainted him, that having advice that a sloop lay at a place called Sandwich, which had carried some provisions to Providence, &c. for the use of the Boston provincials, he despatched his Lieutenant, with his tender and 20 men, and two other officers, to take possession of her, which they accordingly did; but before they could carry her off, she was retaken, as also the tender, by some boats from the country, and the Lieutenant lost one arm, the gunner was wounded in the head, and the Doctor's mate in one of his legs. The seamen were sent prisoners into the country.
By a Gentleman that arrived here last Saturday from Cambridge, we learn that the troops in the provincial camp at Boston consisted of about 7000 men; but that they were daily increasing from New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, were in high spirits, and abounded with provisions.
WILLIAMSBURG, June 2.
AT a general meeting of the freeholders of Mecklenburg county, convened at the courthouse, on Monday the 8th of May 1775, the following Gentlemen were appointed a committee, agreeable to the resolution of the American Continental Congress, for the better securing a due observance of the association entered into by that august body, viz. John Speed, Bennett Goode, William Lucas, Henry Speed, Francis Ruffin, Lewis Burwell, Sir Peyton Skipwith, Benjamin Whitehead, George Baskerville, 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 the 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, when they met, and came to the following resolutions.
The proceedings of the Convention held at Richmond the 20th of March last, being read, were unanimously approved.
Resolved, that the thanks of this committee be presented to ROBERT BURTON, and BENNETT GOODE, Esqrs. our worthy delegates at the said convention, for their faithful discharge of the important trust reposed in them.
Resolved unanimously, that the removal of the gunpowder out of the publick magazine, by express order of Lord Dunmore, is truly alarming; and that his excuse for such conduct, in his answer to the address of the mayor, aldermen, and common council of the city of Williamsburg, is unsatisfactory and evasive, and he has thereby forfeited all title to the confidence of the good people of this colony.
Ordered, that the clerk send copies of these resolves to each of the printers, in order to this being published.
ISAAC HOLMES, clerk.

A T a meeting of the committee of Westmoreland county, at the courthouse, the 23d day of May 1775, present the Reverend THOMAS SMITH chairman, and fifteen other members of the said committee.
This committee having taken into consideration the address of the citizens of Williamsburg, presented to his Excellency the Governor on the 21st day of April last past, and his Excellency's verbal answer thereto, as also his Lordship's speech to the Council the 2d of May, and the proclamation issued on the next day, in consequence of the advice given him by a majority of the said Council, look upon themselves as indispensably bound to declare their sentiments thereon, as well to expose the inimical measures of men in high office, for a long time steadily pursued against the just rights of a loyal people, as to take off the odium they have endeavoured, by some late proceedings, to fix upon this colony.
The seizing the powder, confessedly placed in the magazine for the defence and protection of this colony, by order of his Excellency the Governor, was a step by no means to be justified, even upon the supposition of its being lodged there from on board a man of war, as his Lordship has in his proclamation asserted; although, in his verbal answer to the address of the citizens of Williamsburg, he has tacitly acknowledged the powder to belong to the country, by agreeing to deliver it up, that is, the same powder they demand as the country's: And we have been informed, that the country had powder in the magazine, which cannot now be found there. We therefore consider the removing the powder privately, and when that part of the country was, as his Lordship confesses, in a very critical situation, to be a part of that cruel and determined plan of a wicked administration to enslave the colonies, by first depriving them of the means of resistance; and do resolve,
1. That the dissatisfaction discovered by the people of this country, and late commotions raised in some parts thereof, proceeded, not as his Lordship, in his proclamation, has injuriously and inimically charged, from a disaffection to his Majesty's government, or to a design of changing the form thereof, but from a well grounded alarm occasioned altogether by the Governor's late conduct, which clearly evinced his steady pursuit of the before-mentioned ministerial plan to enslave us.
2. That so much of his Excellency's proclamation which declares "the real grievances of the colony can be only obtained by loyal and constitutional applications" is an insult to the understanding of mankind, inasmuch as it is notorious, that this, and the other colonies upon this continent, have repeatedly heretofore made those applications, which have ever been treated with contumely; and as his Lordship, since the late unhappy differences between Great Britain and the colonies have subsisted, hath deprived us of the constitutional mode of application, by refusing to have an Assembly.
3. That so far from endeavouring or desiring to subvert our ancient, and to erect a new form of government, we will, at the risk of our lives and fortunes, support and defend it as it existed, and was exercised, until the year 1763; and that his Lordship, by misrepresenting the good people of this colony, as well in his letter to the British minister, as in his late proclamation, hath justly forfeited their confidence.
4. That his Majesty's Council, who advised the proclamation before-mentioned, have not acted as they were bound to do from their station in government; which ought to have led them to be mediators between the first magistrate and the people, rather than to join in fixing an unjust and cruel stigma on their fellow subjects.
5. That the thanks of this committee are justly due to the delegates of the late Continental Congress, and to the delegates from this colony particularly, for
their prudent, wise, and active conduct in asserting the liberties of America; and that the design of government, which in some instances we are informed has already been carried into execution, to deprive them of all offices, civil and military, tends manifestly to disturb the minds of the people in general; and that we consider every person advising such a measure, or who shall accept of any office or preferment of which any of the noble asserters of America liberty have been deprived, as an enemy to his country..
Ordered, that the clerk transmit a copy of the foregoing resolutions to the printer, as soon as conveniently may be, in order that the same may be published in the Gazette. (A copy.)
JAMES DAVENPORT, clerk.
RICHMOND County, May 25, 1775.
In Committee, LANDON CARTER, Esq; in the Chair.
AS his Majesty's Council have judged it proper to publish an admonitory address to the community at large, we should think ourselves wanting in respect to the deliberations of that Honourable Board not to consider it with the strictest attention. We have done so accordingly; and as we find that the matter of the address is not only exceptionable, but are farther informed, that it is industriously circulated among the people, together with a proposition lately made in the House of Commons by Lord North, which covers the most insidious and dangerous views, under an artful guise of wisdom, humanity, and peace, we should be wanting in a much higher duty to ourselves, and our constituents, should we fail to animadvert on both with freedom and decency. We cannot, then, but think,
1. That the mild professions of regard for the prosperity and welfare of this country, in the first part of the address, are inconsistent with the passionate expressions of detestation and abhorrence for that spirit in the people by which alone the liberties of this country can be secured. We confess we are entire strangers to any licentious and ungovernable spirit prevailing. If the Honourable Gentlemen mean to brand the late commotions with these appellations, we are compelled to observe, that no person can so unjustly and uncharitably construe them, unless he entirely turn aside from the violent and provoking measures which justify them; for it cannot be expected that the people should continue quiet when every violence is offered to their privileges and prosperity, or that they should tamely suffer the foundation of their constitution to be overturned by a too scrupulous adherence to its form.
2. That their inviting and exhorting us to mild and constitutional modes of application clearly implies, that they esteem our former proceedings in this respect violent and irregular. The justice of this charge we leave to be decided by the world; who are in possession, and who have given ample testimony in favour of the many suppliant, wise, and firm applications, which have been addressed to the several branches of the British legislature.
3. We allow all due weight to the pledges of their friendship, which the Honourable Council have among us; and we hope that their integrity may ever be an effectual antidote to the influence of that servile and baneful spirit which we are authorised (by the explicit declarations of many independent and respectable members of both Houses of Parliament) to say, prevail extremely in this age, with men in office.
With respect to the proposition of Lord North above-mentioned, insultingly called, by ministerial tools, the OLIVE BRANCH, we are of opinion that it offers no kind of redress (even if the colonies should submit) of any one of the many grievances under which they now labour; for in the only instance in which a seeming redress is proposed (that of taxation) the Parliament of Great Britain is to settle the quantum to be raised by each colony, and the application thereof, the colonies determining only on the mode of levying.
This by no means is a relief to them, but in fact puts them in a worse situation than ever, as they thereby will fully acknowledge the absolute power of the British Parliament, and we are still to have the sword hang over our heads, ready to fall on such as shall in any instance disobey the minister, or refuse to obey his dictates. Lord North himself declared his intention was only to divide the colonies, and thereby the more easily subdue them. The selecting out Governor Pownall's speech alone, approving the motion, when so many excellent speeches were made exposing the measure, and setting its treachery and absurdity in a clear and evident light, is a certain proof of the design in the King's officers here to mislead the good people of this colony. By order of the committee.
LE ROY PEACHY, clerk.
ADVERTISEMENTS.
PRINCE GEORGE, May 22, 1775.
ALL persons who have demands against the estate of Anthony Colin Peniston, deceased, are desired to bring in their accounts, properly proved, that they may be discharged. Those indebted are requested to make immediate payment, to THOMAS PENISTON, adm.
For SALE, on two years credit,
A DWELLING-HOUSE 28 feet square, with three rooms above, three below, and a cellar, a kitchen, smokehouse, and dairy, with a garden new paled in. The whole of the houses are entirely new, and pleasantly situated in the town of Blandford. Bond, with approved security, will be required; and the bond to bear interest from the date, if not paid when it becomes due. WILLIAM M c WHANN.
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.
N. B. He has just procured by the Bland, Capt. Danby, from London, a WATCH FINISHER, who will repair and clean repeating, horizontal, and plain watches, very reasonably, and warrant them twelve months, accidents excepted.
TAKEN up, in Mecklenburg, a dark bay HORSE eight or nine years old, about four feet nine inches high, a star in his forehead, shod before, his right hind foot white, several saddle spots, a roached mane, and branded on the near buttock M or H, but dull. Posted, and appraised to 18l. ELIJAH GRAVES.
BEDFORD, April 6, 1775.
WHEREAS my wife Frances has behaved in a very uncommon manner to me of late, this is to forwarn all persons from having any dealings with her on my account, as I will not be answerable for any debts of her contracting after this date. JOHN STIFF.
DOTTEREL
STANDS at Stratford, the seat of the late Honourable Philip Ludwell Lee, and will cover mares at 3l. the season, or 20s. the leap. Good care and pasturage for the mares, but if they stray they will not be accounted for. The publick has lately been sufficiently advertised of the goodness of his pedigree. The ADMINISTRATORS.
RUN away from the subscriber, in Augusta county, the 25th of February, a convict servant man named JOHN THRIFT, about five feet ten inches high, well made, brown hair, and has a very impudent look; had on, when he went away, an old felt hat, a brown hunting shirt, a light coloured sagathy waistcoat, old buckskin breeches, old shoes, and white yarn stockings. Whoever takes up the said servant, and secures him so that I may get him, shall have 20s. if taken in the county, and if out of the county 40s. besides reasonable charges if brought home. ROBERT M c KITTRICK.

To be SOLD to the highest bidder, on Tuesday the 15th of August next, at Mr. Spencer Boyd's store in King and Queen county; and entered upon at Christmas next.
TWO valuable tracts of land adjoining each other, lying in the lower end of the said county; one of which I now live on, containing 237 acres. The other was lately the property of Mr. Thomas Foster, by plat 180 acres. They will be sold separately or together, as may appear most eligible on the day of sale. They are in good order for cropping, and the soil is well adapted for the culture of corn and tobacco. Their situation for trade is very convenient, and there are good improvements upon them. I apprehend a more particular description is unnecessary, as no person will incline to make a purchase, of such importance, without viewing the premises. I shall therefore be always ready to show the same to any person between this and the day of sale, and to treat for a private bargain. Twelve months credit will be allowed the purchaser, on giving bond with approved security; but if not discharged when due, to carry interest from the date.
WILLIAM DILLARD, junior.
*** At the same time and place will also be sold, several likely NEGROES, one of which is an exceeding good carpenter and wheelwright. For terms apply as above.
RUN away from the subscriber, in Staunton, the 22d of April, a servant boy named WILLIAM LUSCOMBE, 17 or 18 years of age, about four feet ten inches high, of a whitely complexion, and black hair; had on, when he went away, a reddish coloured coat, blue waistcoat, and red plush breeches. Whoever secures the said servant, so as I get him again, shall have 20s. reward if taken in this county, and if out thereof 40s.
2|| ROGER NORTH.
RUN away from the subscriber, in Gloucester county, on the 14th of this instant (May) a negro man named NED, about 19 or 20 years of age, five feet two or three inches high, rather of a tawny complexion, has some ringworms on his face, and some white hairs in his head; his clothing was an old brown coat, and a yellow striped cotton waistcoat. I bought him last March at the sale of Mr. John Shermer, in James City county, for Mann Page, junior, Esquire. He was brought from one of his quarters in King William county, and I have reason to believe that he will go to those parts, or to his mother, who lives with Mr. Thomas Booth, in Richmond town. Any person who will take up the said slave, and secure him so that I get him again, shall be paid 40s. by Mann Page, junior, Esquire, to whom the negro belongs.
(tf.) JAMES JONES.
RUN away from the subscriber, in Brunswick county, near Hicks's Ford, a likely negro man named DAVID, about 22 years old, of a yellowish complexion, about five feet eight inches high, speaks slow, has a small piece out of the middle of his left ear, and has lost one of his great toes; had on, when he went away, a negro cotton jacket, check shirt, a pair of old black breeches, a pair of gray mixed worsted stockings, a pair of old shoes with steel buckles, and an old hat. He passes the roads in publick, on pretence of being about business, and is apt to change his name, and his owner's likewise. He was taken out of Norfolk jail the 8th of May, and made his escape that night. He will endeavour to get on board some vessel. I hereby forewarn all owners of vessels, and others, from conveying any such negro on board, and caution all owners of vessels to examine all negroes they receive. Whoever will apprehend the said negro, and bring him to me, shall be rewarded.
EDMUND WILKINS.
AS the copartnership of Inglis & Long will expire on the 31st instant (May) those indebted to them, whose accounts are due, are requested to make payment at the ensuing meeting of the merchants; and all persons who have any demands against them are requested to bring them in, and they will be paid.
(6) INGLIS & LONG. NORFOLK, May 16, 1775.
*** The business will be carried on after the 31st instant, on account, and in the name of, SAMUEL INGLIS.
WILLIAMSBURG, May 26, 1775.
I INTEND for England immediately after the October meeting of the merchants, in the Neptune, Jonathan Punder-son commander. All persons who have any demands against the subscriber are requested, for the last time, to bring in their respective accounts, that they may receive payment; and those indebted are desired to come and settle, that his affairs may be adjusted before his departure.
WILLIAM DAWSON.
STRAYED or STOLEN, from the subscriber in Prince George county, a dark iron gray HORSE about five feet high, five years old, has a lump on one of his fore legs (just below the knee) that is very perceivable, a long tail with the end white, one of his hind feet white, and one side of his rump grayer than the other. Likewise a dark chestnut sorrel, HORSE about four feet six or seven inches high, with a small star in his forehead, a hanging mane, and switch tail. Whoever brings the said horses to me, in Prince George county, shall have 40s. reward; and if stolen, on conviction of the thief, 5l.
ROBERT BOLLING.
RUN away the 20th of March last, a very black, large, likely, young negro man, named SELLOR. I bought him of the Reverend John Brander in Bedford, who bought him of one Ransone in Gloucester county, on North river, Kingston parish, where I am sure the slave is. Whoever will bring him to me, in James City county, shall receive 3l. and all expenses.
(6) JOHN AYLETT.
VIRGINIA, to wit.
At a general court held at the Capitol, the 13th day of April, 1775.
Joseph Wharton, of the city of Philadelphia, merchant, plaintiff, against Richard Ford, and Co. of the city of London, merchants; George Moore, and Co. of Alicant, merchants; Peter Trotter, and Co. merchants; John Marsh, Esq; and John Syme, Esq; defendants.
THE defendants, Richard Ford and Co. George Moore and Co. Peter Trotter and Co. and John Marsh, being beyond sea, on the motion of the plaintiff, by his counsel, it is ordered that the other defendant, who hath effects of the said Richard Ford and Co. George Moore and Co. Peter Trotter and Co. and John Marsh, in his hands, as is suggested, do not pay, convey away, or secrete such effects, until the farther order or decree of this court; that the said defendants, Richard Ford and Co. George Moore and Co. Peter Trotter and Co. and John Marsh, do appear here on the first day of the next court, to answer the plaintiff's bill; and that a copy of this order be within 15 days inserted in the Virginia Gazette, for two months successively, and published on some Lord's day, immediately after divine service, in the church of the parish of St. Paul, in the county of Hanover, and be also posted up at the front door of the Capitol, in the city of Williamsburg.
BEN: WALLER.
WILLIAMSBURG, May 25, 1775. THE Visitors and Governors of William and Mary college are desired to meet on Thursday the 8th of June.
By order of the Rector.
MATTHEW DAVENPORT, Cl. Visit.
FOR CHARTER
To any part of BRITAIN, An exceeding good vessel, burthen about 500 hlids. For terms apply to GREENWOOD, RITSON, & MARSH. NORFOLK, May 3, 1775. (tf.)
F O R S A L E,
A TRACT of LAND, containing 3000 acres, whereon is a plantation which has employed, for some years past, twelve or fourteen slaves; this tract lies in the upper end of King William county. Also a tract lying in the lower end of the said county, containing 1100 acres, and pleasantly situated on Pamunkey river; a brick dwelling-house, with necessary offices, a fishing shore, and a lively fertility of soil, recommend the latter tract to any Gentleman who may be about to settle in life. Possession will be delivered on the 25th of December next, to the purchaser, or purchasers, who will have liberty of sowing fall grain. Mr. Benjamin Grymes, jun. of Orange, will make known particulars to any person who may be inclined to purchase the whole, or any part of the said tracts. Credit till the first of January 1777 will be allowed, by
JUDITH ROBINSON.
(tf.) LUCY ROBINSON.
BENJAMIN GRYMES, jun.
RUN away from the subscriber, at West Point, in King William county, the 21st of last December, a very likely Virginia born negro man, named MIKE, about 22 years old, six feet high, and flutters much; had on, when he went away, a suit of negro cotton, but may probably change his clothes. I forewarn all masters of vessels from carrying him out of the colony. Whoever brings the said negro to me shall have 3l. reward, besides what the law allows, and if taken out of the colony 10l. (tf.) JOHN WEST.
For SALE at Tappahannock,
AN exceeding likely young negro man, who is a very good house servant, understands taking care of horses, and is a tolerable good cook. If the purchaser is not perfectly satisfied with him after a month's trial, he may return him if in health.
(tf.) ARCHIBALD M'CALL.
To be SOLD in Amherst county, FOUR THOUSAND acres of exceeding good tobacco LAND, being part of a large tract formerly advertised, together with a very valuable gristmill, upon Buffalo river. This land is equal to any that has yet been sold of the tract. The time of payment will be made agreeable to purchasers. Mr. Gabriel Penn, who lives near the land, is authorised to bargain for it, and will show it to any persons inclineable to purchase.
(tf.) CARTER BRAXTON.
For S A L E,
A TRACT of LAND in Caroline county, near Newmarket, containing about 3000 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 S A L E,
A TRACT of LAND in Caroline county, contiguous to Mattapony, 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)
ARTICLES of Intelligence, Essays, Advertisements, &c. are thankfully received for this Paper, the Price of which is 12s. 6d. per Annum, Advertisements inserted as usual. PRINTING WORK done with Care and Expedition, and on reasonable Terms.

PHILADELPHIA, May 22. ON the 16th instant the General Assembly of New Jersey met at Burlington, when Governor Franklin opened the session with a long speech, recommending the adoption of Lord North's conciliatory plan ; and on the 18th, the House of representatives addressed his Excellency, as follows:
May it please your Excellency, WE his Majesty's loyal and dutiful subjects, the representatives of the colony of New Jersey, in General Assembly convened, have taken under our consideration your Excellency's speech at the opening of the session, together with the resolution of the House of Commons accompanying the same, containing a proposition for accommodating of the unhappy differences at present subsisting between our parent country and the colonies.
As the Continental Congress is now sitting, to consider of the present critical situation of American affairs, and as this House has already appointed delegates for that purpose, we should have been glad that your Excellency had postponed the present meeting until their opinion could be had upon the resolution now offered for our consideration, and to which we have no doubt that a proper attention will be paid; more especially, as we cannot suppose you to entertain a suspicion that the present House has the least design to desert the common cause, in which all America appears to be both deeply interested and firmly united, so far as, separately, and without the advice of a body in which all are represented, to adopt a measure of so much importance. Until this opinion is known, we can only give your Excellency our present sentiments; being fully of opinion that we shall pay all proper respect to, and abide by, the united voice of the Congress on the present occasion.
Your Excellency is pleased to tell us, that this resolution "has had a variety of interpretations put on it," "that scarcely any have seen it in its proper light;" and you proceed to give us that explanation of the design and occasion which you apprehend will enable us and our constituents to judge how far the plan it contains ought to be acquiesced in, and what steps it may be prudent to take in the present situation. We confess, that your Excellency has put a construction on the proposition which appears to us to be new; and if we could be of the opinion that the resolution "holds no proposition beyond the avowal of the justice, the equity, and the propriety of subjects of the same state contributing according to their abilities and situation to the publick burthen," and did not convey to us the idea of submitting the disposal of all our property to others in whom we have no choice, it is more than probable that we should gladly embrace the opportunity of settling this unhappy dispute.
Most Assemblies on the continent have, at various times, acknowledged and declared to the world their willingness, not only to defray the charge of the administration of justice, and the support of the civil government, but also to contribute, as they have hitherto done, when constitutionally called upon, to every reasonable and necessary expense for the defence, protection, and security, of the whole British empire; and this colony, in particular, hath always complied with his Majesty's requisitions for those purposes. And we do now assure your Excellency, that we shall always be ready, according to our
abilities, and to the utmost of our power, to maintain the interests of his Majesty and of our parent state. If then your Excellency's construction be right, and if a proposal "of this nature" will, as you are pleased to inform us, be received by his Majesty with every possible indulgence, we have hopes that the declaration we now make will be looked on by his Majesty, and his ministers, not only to be similar to what is required from us, but also to be a "basis of a negotiation," on which the present differences may be accommodated, an event which we most ardently wish for.
We have considered the resolution of the House of Commons. We would not wish to come to a determination that might be justly called precipitate in the present alarming situation of affairs; but, if we mistake not, this resolution contains no new proposal. It appears to us to be the same with one made in the colonies the year preceding the passing the late stamp act; at least, it is not materially different therefrom. America then did not comply with it; and though we are sincerely disposed to make use of all proper means to obtain the favour of his Majesty and the Parliament of Great Britain, yet we cannot, in our present opinion, comply with a proposition which we really apprehend to give up the privileges of freemen; nor do we want any time to consider whether we shall submit to that which, in our apprehension, will reduce us and our constituents to a state little better than that of slavery.
By the resolution now offered, if assented to, we think we shall be, to all intents and purposes, as fully and effectually taxed by our fellow subjects in Great Britain, where we have not any representation, as by any of the late acts of the British Parliament under which we have been aggrieved, of which we have complained, and from which we have prayed to be relieved, and that too in a much greater degree perhaps than by all those acts put together. We cannot consent to subject the property of our constituents to be taken away for services and uses of the propriety of which we have no right to judge, while to us are left only the ways and means of raising the money. We have always thought, and contended, that we had a right to dispose of our property ourselves; and we have always cheerfully yielded our assistance to his Majesty in that way, when the exigencies of affairs required us so to do, and he has condescended to ask it from us. It is the freedom of granting, as well as the mode of raising monies, which this House cannot voluntarily part with, without betraying the just rights of the constitution. The present resolution seems to require us to raise a proportion which a Parliament of Great Britain may at any time think fit to grant. At this time, we cannot form any judgment either of the extent of the proposition, or of the consequences in which the good people of the colony may be involved by our assent to a provision so indefinite; for it appears to us to be impossible to judge what proportion, or share, the people can bear, until we know what situation they will be in when any sum is intended to be raised. Upon the whole, though sincerely desirous to give every mark of duty and attachment to the King, and to show all due reverence to the Parliament of our present state, we cannot, consistent with our real sentiments, and the trust reposed in us, assent to a proposal big with consequences destructive to the publick welfare; and hope, that the justice of our parent country will not permit us
to be driven into a situation the prospect of which fills us with anxiety and horror.
There may be much truth in the observation, "that mankind generally act not according to right but according to present interest, and most according to present passion;" yet we trust that our conduct on the present occasion is neither influenced by the one or the other; and we persuade ourselves that your Excellency is so well acquainted with the people you govern that it is quite unnecessary for us to make use of any means to convince you of the injustice of the charge "that the Americans have deeper views, and mean to throw off all dependence on Great Britain, and to get rid of every controul of their legislature."
We heartily pray that the supreme disposer of events, in whose hands are the hearts of all men, may avert the calamities impending over us, and influence our sovereign, his ministry, and the Parliament, so as to induce them to put a stop to the effusion of the blood of the colonists, who wish always to look upon their fellow subjects in Britain as their brethren, and are really desirous to promote their interest and happiness upon any reasonable terms; and it will give us great pleasure to find your Excellency amongst those who, by just and proper representations of the inhabitants of these colonies, shall assist in settling of the present unhappy differences.
By order of the House. CORTLAND SKINNER, Speaker. HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY, May 19, 1775.
His Excellency's ANSWER. Gentlemen, I HAVE done my duty. I lost no time in laying before you the propositions I had received for an amicable accommodation of the present unhappy differences. I gave you as full and candid an explanation of them as I was authorised, or enabled, to do. Whether those propositions, or my explanation of them, did, or did not, contain any thing new, is but little to the purpose. The question is, whether they ought, or ought not, to be approved, either in whole or in part, or be made the ground of a negotiation; and whether, in the latter case, every Assembly on the continent ought not to take some active measures to effect an end so desirable. In stating the matter to you, I could have no suspicion that you did not think yourselves competent to the business, and were necessarily to wait the determination of another body. It was but the last session that you assured me, that you would not suffer any of the rights vested in you by the constitution to be wrested out of your hands, by any person or persons whatsoever." I shall forbear to point out the inconsistency of this address with that declaration, nor shall I aim to convince you of the wrong ideas you have formed of those propositions. Were they ever so rightly understood, or ever so well approved by you, yet, to judge by your own declarations, it would be of no avail. The times are, indeed, greatly altered: I shall be happy to see some proper attempts to mend them. My representations and endeavours, from the first commencement of this unnatural dispute to this day, have not been, nor shall ever be, wanting to effect a reconciliation. I am persuaded, that if a disposition of this sort is manifested, and the proper steps are pursued by those who have it in their power to take the lead in this important affair on the part of America, it may be easily accom-

plished, to mature satisfaction. His Ma- jesty, I am sure, would wish to avoid the shedding of the blood of his American as much as that of his British subjects. They must be all equally dear to him, if they are equally dutiful. The Americans in general have been, and I hope will ever prove, as well disposed to his Majesty, and his family, as the subjects of any other part of the dominions."
On Wednesday evening last arrived here John Brown, Esq; from Ticonderoga, express to the General Congress, from whom we learn, that on the beginning of this instant a company of about 50 men, from Connecticut, and the western parts of Massachusetts, and joined by upwards of 100 from Bennington, in New York government, and the adjacent towns, proceeded to the eastern side of the 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 daybreak invested the fort, whose gate, contrary to expectation, they found shut, but the wicket 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 sen- tries, and pressed into the parade, where they formed the hollow square; but imme- diately quitting that order, they rushed into the several barracks on three sides of the fort, and seized on the garrison, con- sisting of two officers, and upwards of 40 privates*, whom they brought out, dis- armed, 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 30 barrels of flour, a few barrels of pork, 70 odd chests of leaden ball, computed at 300 tuns, about 10 barrels of powder in bad condition, near 200 pieces of ordnance, of all sizes, from 18 pounders downwards, at Ticon- deroga and Crown Point, which last place, being held only by a corporal and eight men, falls of course into our hands.
By a 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 Con- tinental Congress will take effectual mea- sures to secure it, as it may be depended on that administration means to form an army in Canada, composed of British re- gulars, French and Indians, to attack the colonies on that side.
Mr. Brown brought intercepted letters from Lieutenant Malcom Fraser, to his friends in New England, from which ap- pear, that General Carleton has almost unlimited powers, civil and military, and has issued orders for rasing a Canadian regi- ment; 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 pro- vince.
Mr. Brown also relates, that two regu- lar officers of the 26th regiment, now in Canada, applied to two Indians, the head warrior of the Caughanawaga tribe, to go out with them on a hunt to the south and east of the rivers St. Laurence and Sorrel, and pressing the Indians farther
* A party of the 26th, commanded by Capt. de la Place.
and farther on said course, they at length arrived at Cohas, 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 Cohas 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 at Bos- ton. The Indian asked, where they would 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 headmen of the Caughanawaga 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 Mons. St. Luke le Corne, the vil- lain who let loose the Indians on the priso- ners at fort William Henry, and one of his associates.
Oh George what tools art thou obliged to make use of!
On the 17th instant the ship Jenny, Capt. M'Ilvaine, arrived from Corke. She left that place the 4th of April, at which time there were three regiments of foot, and one of horse, only waiting for their agent to embark for America, having sent their baggage on board the transports. On the 12th of April, in latitude 45:44, longitude 36:33, he saw six sail of transports bound from England to America.
Extract of a letter from New York, May 22.
"Saturday afternoon the brig Charm- ing Peggy, Capt. John Lawrence, arriv- ed here from Falmouth, in six weeks. By him we learn that all the acts depending in Parliament relative to American affairs had received the royal assent, and that the packet for this port was to sail the day after him."
The deposition of Lieutenant Gould, of the King's own regiment, who was present at the late engagements at Lexington and Con- cord bridge, in the province of Massachu- setts Bay.
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 em- barked with the light infantry and gren- adiers of the line, commanded by Colonel Smith, and landed on the marshes of Cam- bridge, 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 50 or 70 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 huzzaing, 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 Con- cord, and on a hill near the entrance of the town saw another body of provincials assembled; the light infantry companies were ordered up the hill to disperse them, and on our reproach they retreated towards Concord. The grenadiers continued the road under the hill towards the town; 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 meantime the provincial troops returned, to the number of about 3 or 400; we drew up on
the Concord side of the bridge; the pro- vincials 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 pos- sible care of, by the provincials at Medford. EDWARD THOROTON GOULD, Lieutenant in the King's own regiment. MEDFORD, April 25, 1775.
BOSTON, May 10.
WE hear that the Senecas, one of the Six Nations of Indians, are deter- mined to support the Americans, against the arbitrary exactions of the British Par- liament, and, if desired, will lend their help in this day of general distress, ex- pecting, if the colonies are subjected, they shall also fall a sacrifice to the relentless fury of Great Britain.
The Tories in Boston seem, in general, as desirous of quitting that capital as the Whigs. Many have embarked in a ship, Capt. Callahan, for London; some have gone to Halifax, and others, among whom is a number of addressers to the late Go- vernour Hutchinson, choose rather to put confidence in the people, and are retiring into the country.
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 amongus, whom they took with them, and they first fired upon their countrymen, which was immediately followed by the re- gulars. It is also said, these wretches were dressed in soldiers clothing.
When the second brigade marched out of Boston to reinforce the first, nothing was played by the fifes and drums but yankie doodle ; which had become their fa- vourite tune ever since that notable exploit , which did such honour to the troops of Br- tain's King , of tarring and feathering a poor countryman in Boston, and parading with him through the principal streets, un- der arms with their bayonets fixed. Up- on their return to Boston, one asked his brother officer how he liked the tune now, "Damm them, returned he, they made us dance it till we were tired." Since which, yankie doodle sounds less sweet to their ears.
All accounts agree, that 5 or 600 ma- rines, to reinforce the King's troops, ar- rived at Boston on Saturday last from Ha- lifax.
Our army has begun an intrenchment at Cambridge.
General Gage is making Boston as se- cure from an attack as he possibly can; however, it is thought, by some, that the bulwarks are not so strong as to be impreg- nable.
WILLIAMSBURG, June 2.
YESTERDAY the GENERAL ASSEM- BLY of this colony met at the Capitol, agreeable to his Excellency the Governor's proclamation. The Honourable the HOUSE of BURGESSES having made choice of PEY- TON RANDOLPH, Esq; to be their Speaker (whom the Governor was pleased to ap- prove) his Excellency commanded their immediate attendance in the Council Chamber, and opened 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 of providing reme- dies against the evils which are increas-

ing 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 publick virtue which have ever distinguished that august body, of oppressing the people of the colonies, or of promoting the interest of one at the expense 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 consistent 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 specifick 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 publick 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,
You 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 consideration of the subject-matter 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.
THE committee of the county of Buckingham desire it may be known to the inhabitants of the lower counties, that should any of them, in the impending struggle for our dearest rights, be driven from their habitations, that the people of Buckingham are disposed to give the most friendly reception to as many of the wives, children, and slaves, of those their brethren, as their situations severally will permit, as also, to join them with their whole strength, to restore them to the peaceable and quiet enjoyment of their possessions. Farther, that if any of their said brethren would choose, by way of precaution, to make settlements, and cultivate grain in Buckingham, that, coming with recommendations from their county committees,
they may have lands assigned them, and continue on them as their own, until a cessation of the present troubles. Also, that their stocks shall be equally welcome to the woods and fields of the said county, except such part only as may propagate the murrain; which, as endangering the common means of subsistence, may be equally fatal to all parties. The committee of Buckingham do not doubt but their sentiments upon the matter in question will be general throughout the interior counties.
Published by order of the committee, held at the courthouse, the 22d of May, 1775.
ROLFE ELDRIDGE, clerk.
W A N T E D,
A COACHMAN, to go immediately to Philadelphia, with a set of horses, for one of the Delegates, and to remain in his service till his return to South Carolina. Inquire of the Printer.
Extract of a letter from an eminent merchant in the city of Philadelphia, to his correspondent at Fredericksburg, May 14, 1775.
"An express arrived here yesterday from New York, for the opinion of the Congress whether they should oppose the landing of the troops at that place: We have nothing here but drums, fife, &c. &c. Thirty companies of foot, and two troops of horse, are now training in this city; and all our province, nay all America, seems to be in arms. No trade of any kind going on. I sincerely believe 150,000 men are in arms on the continent. Strange policy at home! The people have petitioned our Assembly to raise a sum of money for an army, but it is referred to the Congress. Boston is actually besieged by more than 20,000 men, who are intrenched so near that the sentries are within call of one another. The inhabitants of the town have lived on salt provisions for 14 days, and at short allowances; horses dying for want. An express having been sent by Governor Carleton from Quebeck, to General Gage, by Major Dunbar, the provincials took him prisoner, and examined his papers. Carleton writes, he can get officers enough, but no men; and he believes they had rather fight against government than for it."
"You may plainly see, by this, what the Quebeck bill was passed for. Lord North will meet with nothing but disappointments. New York firm, to a man, against him; and his friends, the Catholicks, will not act. Poor man! he, and all his train of ministerial tools, I think, must give way, or do worse."
We have the satisfaction to assure the publick, from undoubted authority, that 1300 barrels of gunpowder, containing 65,000 wt. are safely landed at Baltimore, in Maryland; and that there is no doubt but America will be well supplied with that commodity, so necessary for the preservation of its liberties.
Last Tuesday evening, the Hon. PEYTON RANDOLPH, Esq; escorted all the way from Ruffin's ferry by a troop of 36 of the Williamsburg volunteers, and met, a little way out of town, by the rest of the company, arrived safe at his house in this city, amidst the acclamations of the inhabitants, from the General Congress at Philadelphia; and next morning they presented him with the following address, as a tender of their best services at this dangerous and alarming period:
To the Hon. PEYTON RANDOLPH, Esq; SIR,
WE the members of the volunteer company in Williamsburg, embodied, to support the constitutional rights and liberties of America, are exceedingly alarmed to hear, from report, that the same malevolent demons,

from whom have originated all the evils of America, are now exerting their utmost treachery, to ensnare your life and safety. The friends of liberty, and mankind, have never escaped the fury of arbitrary despots. No wonder then that you should be selected, as a proper victim to be sacrificed to the malice of the present administration.
Permit us, therefore, attached to you by the noble ties of gratitude and fellow citizens, to entreat you, in the warmest manner, to be particularly attentive to your own safety, as you regard the interests of this country. We now proffer to you our services, to be exerted at the expense of every thing a free man ought to hold dear, as you may think most expedient, in the defence of your person, and constitutional liberty, and will most cheerfully hazard our lives, in the protection of one who has so often encountered every danger and difficulty in the service of his countrymen. May Heaven grant you long to live, the father of your country, and the friend to freedom and humanity!
To which he was pleased to return the following ANSWER.
GENTLEMEN,
THE affection you have expressed for me demands the warmest returns of gratitude. I feel, very sensibly, the happiness resulting from the kind attention of my worthy fellow citizens to my security and welfare. Your apprehensions for my personal safety arise from reports, which I hope have no foundation. Such unjust and arbitrary proceedings would bring on the authors of them the resentment and indignation of every honest man in the British empire. I shall endeavour to deserve the esteem you have expressed on this occasion, and shall think it the greatest misfortune that can attend me if ever my future conduct should give you any reason to be displeased with the testimony you have now offered of your approbation.
MR. PURDIE,
BE pleased to print this distich. Let those who will apply it.
"And shall TRELAWNEY die!
"There's forty thousand men alive will know the reason why."
From the CONTINENTAL CONGRESS.
At a meeting of a special committee for the county of Prince William, held at the house of Thomas Young, in the town of Dumfries, on Monday the 22d of May 1775.
P R E S E N T,
FOUSHER TEBBS, Esq; in the chair. William Grayson, Thomas Blackburn, Henry Lee, Andrew Leitch, Richard Graham, William Brent, John Brett, John M'Millian, Henry Peyton, John Peyton, Hugh Brent, James Triplet, Lynaugh Helm, William Tebbs, Thomas Atwell, William Carr, Jesse Ewell, and Cuthbert Harrison, Gentlemen of the committee.
A PROCLAMATION by his Excellency Lord Dunmore, with the advice of his Majesty's Council, having appeared in the publick papers, charging a certain Patrick Henry, and his followers, with rebellious practices, for extorting from the Receiver General the sum of 330l. in satisfaction for the powder his Lordship thought proper to remove from the publick magazine in Williamsburg, this committee, having taken the said transaction into their serious consideration, and it appearing to them, from the address of the corporation of the city of Williamsburg, on the removal of the powder, wherein a claim is made, as restitution is required, and no right in government by his Excellency at that time alledged, which we conceive he would naturally and necessarily have done if any such had existed, and having also been informed, from respectable authority, that assurances had been given to several Gentlemen in Wil-
iamsburg, by his Lordship, that, if no disturbances were raised, the powder should be returned; for these, and other reasons which might be given, they are of opinion that the powder removed from the publick magazine in Williamsburg did of right belong to this colony.
This committee being farther of opinion, that the late violent and hostile proceedings of his Majesty's troops in the Massachusetts Bay, in attempting to seize the military stores of that colony, would have justified reprisals of a much greater MAGNITUDE,
Resolved therefore, unanimously, that the thanks of this committee are justly due to captain PATRICK HENRY, and the GENTLEMEN VOLUNTEERS who attended him, for their proper and spirited conduct on that alarming occasion.
(Signed by order.)
EVAN WILLIAMS, clerk.
ADVERTISEMENTS.
I INTEND to leave the colony as soon as possible. All persons who have any demands against me are desired to make them known immediately; 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 old, used to a house, garden, and taking care of horses; sundry pieces of exceeding good mahogany and walnut furniture; two full-blooded mares, about 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.
WILLIAMSBURG, June 1, 1775.
DURING my absence, from this colony, Mr. William Maitland will transact the business of burfar to the college of William & Mary, as also my own business, under the direction of John Blair, Thomas Everard, and John Tazewell, Esqrs. who have been pleased to accept of a power of attorney from me for that purpose.
ROBERT MILLER.
For CHARTER to Great Britain, or the West Indies.
THE brigantine Amelia, now lying in Nansemond river, burthen 300 hhds. or 1500 barrels, and will be ready to take on board by the 5th of June. For terms apply to Mr. John M'Dowall, present in Williamsburg, or the subscriber at Milner's.
DAVID KING.
MILNER'S, May 30, 1775.
To be SOLD, and entered on at Christmas next,
A PLANTATION or tract of LAND, containing 110 acres, more or less, lying in the county of Elizabeth City, on the east side of the entrance of Hampton river, and commonly known by the name of Fort Fields. The situation is healthy and agreeable, and the land exceeding good. There is on this land a good dwelling-house, and all necessary outhouses, and it is well situated for carrying on the West India trade, or the baker's business, and houses built on this land would always rent to advantage. Those who are inclined to purchase may know the terms by applying to Mr. John Cary, in the county of Elizabeth City, or to the subscriber in Henrico.
MILES SELDEN.
TAKEN up, in Buckingham, a small black MARE about 4 feet 3 inches high, appears to be very old, has a large blaze in her face, glass eyes, her hind feet and off fore foot white, has a saddle spot on the off side of her back, a great many white hairs about the root of her tail, paces and trots, but has no brand. Posted, and appraised to 3l.
MACE FREELAND.
To be SOLD at Hanover town, on Thursday the 15th 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, surgeons and midwifry instruments, and many valuable medical books. An inventory of the whole may be seen, at any time before the sale, in the hands of
(2) THOMAS SIMPSON, adm.
TEN DOLLARS REWARD.
RUN away from the subscriber, in Warwick county, an indented servant man named CHARLES GIDDINS, by trade a sawyer, about 30 years of age, 5 feet 7 inches high, black hair, and dark complexion; had on, when he went away, a dark brown broadcloth coat, blue jacket, leather breeches, worsted stockings, and old negro made shoes; but it is likely he may change his dress, as he carried with him a fustian frock, a white jeans waistcoat, and breeches. He was sent up to Williamsburg, on business, on Saturday last, and took with him a bay horse about fourteen hands and a half high, with a star in his forehead, a switch tail, and a sore underneath, occasioned by the crupper; he rode a silver stiched saddle, with a snaffle bridle, which had a silver plated bit. All persons are desired to apprehend the said servant, and commit him to any of his Majesty's jails on the continent, so that he may be had, when the above reward will be thankfully paid by Mess. Samuel Kerr and co. merchants in Portsmouth.
(tf.)
SAMUEL LONG.
* * * If any person can give the least intelligence what route he has taken, or of his leaving or selling the horse, it will be thankfully received.
STRAYED from the subscriber, the 1st of January 1774, a large deep forrel colt, not quite 4 years old, 4 feet 10 inches and a half high, has a small dark spot on one of his thighs, his mane half roached, was just learning to pace, has a lofty carriage when rode, but is not branded that I remember. He was bred in Fauquier county, and carried into Westmoreland by Mr. James Bishaw, from whom I purchased him; and it is very probable he made for one or other of those counties, although I have never seen him advertised according to law, in any of the papers. I therefore offer a reward of 7l. 10s. to any person who will bring him to me, living in the lower end of Brunswick county.
JAMES MORRIS.
TAKEN up, in Prince Edward, a roan HORSE four years old, four feet and a half high, a natural pacer, had an old bell, with the collar much pieced, and branded on the near buttock TR in a piece. Posted, and appraised to 11l.
ROBERT BLACK.
TAKEN up, in Prince Edward, a brindled STEER about four years old, has some white in his forehead which extends to each horn, and marked with a crop and underkeel in the right ear, and crop and slit in the left. Posted, and appraised to 30s.
DANIEL M'GETREE.
TAKEN up, in Brunswick, a small bay HORSE about four feet four inches high, thirteen years old, has only one eye, and is not branded. Posted, and appraised to 5l.
JAMES MASON.
TAKEN up, in Brunswick, a white MARE four feet four or five inches high, twelve or thirteen years old, and branded on the near shoulder IC. Posted, and appraised to 6l.
THOMAS MORRIS.