The Virginia gazette (Williamsburg, Va.), 1774-10-06 00:00:00

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A PRETTY STORY, written in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and 774, by PETER GRIEVOUS, esquire.
THE PREFACE.
A BOOK without a preface is like a face without a nose. Let the other features be ever so agreeable and well proportioned, it is looked on with detestation and horror if this material ornament be wanting.
Or rather, a book is like a house: The grand portico is the dedication; the fluted pavement is an humble address to the reader, in order to pave the way for a kind reception of the work; the front door with its fluted pilasters, pediment, triglyphs, and medallions, are the title page; with its motto, author's name and title, date of the year, &c. the entry is the preface (oftentimes of a tedious length) and the several apartments and closets are the chapters and sections of the work itself.
As I am but a clumsy carpenter at best, I shall not attempt to decorate my little cottage with any out of door ornaments; but as it would be inconvenient and uncomfortable to have my front door open immediately into the apartments of my house, I have made this preface by way of entry.
And now, gentle reader, if you should think my entry too plain and simple you may set your imagination to work, and furnish it with a grand staircase, with cornices, stucco, and paintings; that is, you may suppose that I entered very unwillingly upon this work, being compelled to it by a chain of unforeseen circumstances; that it was written in the midst of a great hurry of other business, and under particular disadvantages of time and place, and that it was only intended for the inspection of a few friends, without any expectations of ever seeing it in the press.
You may, kind reader, go on to suppose that when my friends perused my work, they were struck with the energy of my genius, and insisted that the public ought not to be deprived of such a fund of amusement and improvement through my obstinate modesty; and that, after many solicitations and powerful persuasions, I had been prevailed upon to bless mankind with the fruits of my labour.
Or, if you like not this, you may suppose that the following sheets were found in the cabinet of some deceased gentleman, or that they were dug out of an ancient ruin, or discovered in a hermit's cave, or dropped from the clouds in a hail storm. In short, you may suppose just what you please; and when, by the help of imagination, you have seasoned the preface to your palate, you may turn over this leaf, and feast upon the body of the work itself.
CHAPTER I.
ONCE upon a time, a great while ago, there lived a certain nobleman, who had long possessed a very valuable farm, and had a great number of children and grandchildren. Besides the annual profits of his land, which were very considerable, he kept a large shop of goods, and being very successful in trade, he became, in process of time, exceedingly rich and powerful; insomuch, that all his neighbours feared and respected him.
With respect to the management of his family, it was thought he had adopted the most perfect mode that could be devised; for he had been at the pains to examine the economy of all his neighbours, and had selected from their plans all such parts as appeared to be equitable and beneficial, and omitted those which from experience were found to be inconvenient; or rather, by blending their several constitutions together, he had so ingeniously counterbalanced the evils of one mode of government with the benefits of another, that the advantages were richly enjoyed, and the inconveniences scarcely felt. In short, his family was thought to be the best ordered of any in his neighbourhood.
He never exercised any undue authority over his children or servants; neither, indeed, could he oppress them if he was so disposed; for it was particularly covenanted, in his marriage articles, that he should not at any time impose any tasks or hardships whatever upon his children, without the free consent of his wife.
Now the custom in his family was this, that at the end of every seven years his marriage became, of course, null and void; at which time his children and grandchildren met together, and chose another wife for him, whom the old gentleman was obliged to marry, under the same articles and restrictions as before. If his late wife had conducted herself, during her seven years marriage, with mildness, discretion, and integrity, she was re-elected; if otherwise, deposed. By which means the children had always a great interest in their mother-in-law; and through her, a reasonable check upon their father's temper. For besides that he could do nothing material respecting his children without her approbation, she was sole mistress of the purse strings, and gave him out, from time to time, such sums of money as she thought necessary for the expenses of his family.
Being one day in a very extraordinary good humour, he gave his children a writing under his hand and seal, by which he released them from many badges of dependence, and confirmed to them several very important privileges. The chief were the two following, viz. that none of his children should be punished for any offence, or supposed offence, until his brethren had first declared him worthy of such punishment; and secondly, he gave fresh assurances that he would impose no hardships upon them without the consent of their mother-in-law.
This writing, on account of its singular importance, was called the GREAT PAPER. After it was executed with the greatest solemnity, he caused his chaplain to publish a dire anathema against all who should attempt to violate the articles of the great paper, in the words following.
"In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, amen! Whereas our lord and master, to the honour of God, and for the common profit of this farm, hath granted, for him and his heirs forever, these articles above written, I, his chaplain and spiritual pastor of all this farm, do admonish the people of the farm once, twice, and thrice; because that shortness will not suffer so much delay as to give knowledge to the people of these presents in writing: I therefore enjoin all persons, of what estate soever they be, that they, and every of them, as much as in them is, shall uphold and maintain these articles, granted by our lord and master in all points. And all those that in any point do resist, or break, or in any manner hereafter procure, counsel, or any ways assent, to resist, or break these ordinances, or go about it by word or deed, openly or privately, by any manner of pretence or colour, I, the aforesaid chaplain, by my authority, do excommunicate and accurse, and from the body of our Lord Jesus Christ, and from all the company of Heaven, and from all the sacraments of holy church, do sequester and exclude."
CHAPTER II.
NOW it came to pass that this nobleman had, by some means or other, obtained a right to an immense tract of wild, uncultivated country, at a vast distance from his mansion-house. But he set little store by the acquisition, as it yielded him no profit; nor was it likely to do so, being not only difficult of access, on account of the distance, but was also overrun with innumerable wild beasts, very fierce and savage; so that it would be extremely dangerous to attempt taking possession of it.
In process of time, however, some of his children, more stout and enterprising than the rest, requested leave of their father to go and settle on this distant tract of land. Leave was readily obtained; but before they set out certain agreements were stipulated between them. The principal were: The old gentleman, on his part, engaged to protect and defend the adventurers in their new settlements; to assist them in chasing away the wild beasts, and to extend to them all the benefits of the government under which they were born; altho' during them, that although they should be removed so far from his presence, they should, nevertheless, be considered as the children of his family, and treated accordingly.
At the same time he gave each of them a bond for the faithful performance of these promises; in which, among other things, it was covenanted, that they should, each of them in their several families, have a liberty of making such rules and regulations, for their own good government, as they should find convenient; provided these rules and regulations should not contradict, or be inconsistent with, the general standing orders established in his farm.
In return for these favours, he insisted that they, on their parts, should at all times acknowledge him to be their father; that they should not deal with their neighbours without his leave, but had to his shop only for such merchandise as they should want. But in order to enable them to pay for such goods as they should purchase, they were permitted to sell the produce of their lands to certain of his neighbours.
These preliminaries being duly adjusted, our adventurers bid adieu to the comforts and conveniencies of their father's house, and set off on their journey. Many and great difficulties they encountered on their way; but many more, and much greater, had they to combat on their arrival in the new country. Here they found nothing but wild nature. Mountains overgrown with inaccessible foliage, and plains steeped in stagnant waters. Their ears are no longer attentive to the repeated strokes of industrious labour, and the busy hum of men; instead of these, the roaring tempest, and incessant howlings of wild beasts, fill their minds with horror and dismay. The needful comforts of life are no longer in their power; no friendly roof to shelter them from inclement skies; no fortresses to protect them from surrounding dangers. Unaccustomed as they were to hardships like these, some were cut off by sickness and disease, and others snatched away by the hands of barbarity. They began, however, with great perseverance, to clear the land of encumbering rubbish, and the woods resounded with the strokes of labour; they drain the waters from the sedged marshes, and pour the sun beams on the reeking soil; they are forced to exercise all the powers of industry and economy for bare subsistence, and like their first parent, when driven from Paradise, to earn their bread with the sweat of their brows. In this work they were frequently interrupted by the incursions of the wild beasts, against whom they defended themselves with heroic prowess and magnanimity.
After some time, however, by dint of indefatigable perseverance, they found themselves comfortably settled in this new farm, and had the delightful prospect of vast tracts of land, waving with luxuriant harvests, and perfuming the air with delicious fruits, which before had been a dreary wilderness, unfit for the habitation of men.
In the mean time they kept up a constant correspondence with their father's family, and at a great expence provided waggons, horses, and drivers, to bring from his shop such goods and merchandise as they wanted; for which they paid out of the produce of their lands.
CHAPTER III.
NOW the new settlers had adopted a mode of government in their several families similar to that their father had established in the old farm, in taking a new wife at the end of certain periods of time, which wife was chosen for them by their children, and without whose consent they could do nothing material in the conduct of their affairs. Under these circumstances they thrived exceedingly, and became very numerous; living in great harmony amongst themselves, and in constitutional obedience to their father and his wife.
Notwithstanding their successful progress, however, they were frequently annoyed by the wild beasts, which were not yet expelled the country, and were moreover troubled by some of their neighbours, who wanted to drive them off the land, and take possession of it themselves.
To assist them in these difficulties, and protect them from danger, the old gentleman sent over several of his servants, who with the help of the new settlers drove away their enemies. But then he required that they should reimburse him for the expence and trouble he was at in their behalf: This they did with great cheerfulness, by applying from time to time to their respective wives, who always commanded their cash.
Thus did matters go on for a considerable time, to their mutual happiness and benefit. But now the nobleman's wife began to cast an avaricious eye upon the new settlers; saying to herself, if by the natural consequence of their intercourse with us my wealth and power are so much increased, how much more would they accumulate if I can persuade them that all they have belonged to us, and therefore I may at any time demand from them such part of their earnings as I please. At the same time she was fully sensible of the promises and agreements her husband had made when they left the old farm, and of the tenor and purport of the great paper. She therefore thought it necessary to proceed with great caution and art, and endeavoured to gain her point by imperceptible steps.
In order to this, she first issued an edict, setting forth, that whereas the tailors of her family were greatly injured by the people of the new farm, inasmuch as they presumed to make their own clothes, whereby the said tailors were deprived of the benefit of their custom; it was therefore ordained that for the future the new settlers should not be permitted to have amongst them any shears or scissors larger than a certain fixed size. In consequence of this, our adventurers were compelled to have their clothes made by their father's tailors; but out of regard to the old gentleman, they patiently submitted to this grievance.
Encouraged by this success, she proceeded in her plan. Observing that the new settlers were very fond of a particular kind of cyder which they purchased of a neighbour, who was in friendship with their father (the apples proper for making this cyder not growing on their own farm) she published another edict, obliging them to pay her a certain stipend for every barrel of cyder used in their families! To this likewise they submitted; not yet seeing the scope of her designs against them.
After this manner she proceeded, imposing taxes upon them on various pretences, and receiving the fruits of their industry with both hands. Moreover she persuaded her husband to send amongst them from time to time a number of the most lazy and useless of his servants, under the specious pretext of defending them in their settlements, and of assisting to destroy the wild beasts; but in fact to rid his own house of their company, not having employment for them; and at the same time to be a watch and a check upon the people of the new farm.
It was likewise ordered that these protectors, as they were called, should be supplied with bread and butter cut in a particular form: But the head of one of the families refused to comply with this order. He engaged to give the guest, thus forced upon him, bread and butter sufficient; but insisted that his wife should have the liberty of cutting it in what shape she pleased.
This put the old gentleman into a violent passion, insomuch that he had his son's wife put into jail for presuming to cut her loaf otherwise than as had been directed.
CHAPTER IV.
AS the old gentleman advanced in years he began to neglect the affairs of his family, leaving them chiefly to the management of his steward. Now the steward had debauched his wife, and by that means gained an entire ascendancy over her. She no longer deliberated what would most benefit either the old farm or the new; but laid and did whatever the
steward pleased. Nay, so much was she influenced by him, that she could neither utter ay or no but as he directed. For he had cunningly persuaded her that it was very fashionable for women to wear padlocks on their lips, and that he was sure they would become her exceedingly. He therefore fastened a padlock to each corner of her mouth; when the one was open, she could only say ay; and when the other was locked, could only say no. He took care to keep the keys of these locks himself; so that her will became entirely subject to his power.
Now the old lady and the steward had set themselves against the people of the new farm, and began to devise ways and means to impoverish and distress them.
They prevailed on the nobleman to sign an edict against the new settlers, in which it was declared that it was their duty, as children, to pay something towards the supplying their father's table with provisions, and to the supporting the dignity of his family; and for that purpose it was ordained that all their spoons, knives and forks, plates and porringer, should be marked with a certain mark, by officers appointed for that end; for which marking they were to pay a certain stipend; and that they should not, under severe penalties, presume to make use of any spoon, knife or fork, plate or porringer, before it had been so marked, and the said stipend paid to the officer.
The inhabitants of the new farm began to see that their father's affections were alienated from them, and that their mother was but a base mother-in-law, debauched by their enemy the steward. They were thrown into great confusion and distress. They wrote the most supplicating letters to the old gentleman, in which they acknowledged him to be their father in terms of the greatest respect and affection; they recounted to him the hardships and difficulties they had suffered in settling his new farm, and pointed out the great addition of wealth and power his family had acquired by the improvement of that wilderness, and shewed him that all the fruits of their labours must, in the natural course of things, unite, in the long run, in his money box. They also, in humble terms, reminded him of his promises and engagements on their leaving home, and of the bonds he had given them; of the solemnity and importance of the great paper, with the curse annexed. They acknowledged that he ought to be reimbursed the expenses he was at on their account, and that it was their duty to assist in supporting the dignity of his family. All this they declared they were ready and willing to do; but requested that they might do it agreeable to the purport of the great paper, by applying to their several wives for the keys of their money boxes, and furnishing him from thence; and not be subject to the tyranny and caprice of an avaricious mother-in-law, whom they had never chosen, and of a steward who was their declared enemy.
Some of these letters were intercepted by the steward; others delivered to the old gentleman, who was at the same time persuaded to take no notice of them; but, on the contrary, to insist the more strenuously upon the right his wife claimed of marking their spoons, knives and forks, plates and porringer.
The new settlers observing how matters were conducted in their father's family, became exceedingly distressed and mortified. They met together and agreed, one and all, that they would no longer submit to the arbitrary impositions of their mother-in-law, and their enemy the steward. They determined to pay no manner of regard to the new decree, considering it as a violation of the great paper; but to go on and eat their broth and pudding as usual. The cooks also and butlers served up their spoons, knives and forks, plates and porringer, without having them marked by the new officers.
The nobleman at length thought fit to reverse the order which had been made respecting the spoons, knives and forks, plates and porringer, of the new settlers; but he did this with a very ill grace; for at the same time avowed and declared that he and his wife had a right to mark all their furniture, if they pleased, from the silver tankard down to the very chamber pots; that as he was their father he had an absolute controul over them, and that their liberties, lives, and properties, were at the entire disposal of him and his wife; that it was not fit that he who was allowed to be omnipotent, immortal, and incapable of error, should be confined by the shackles of the great paper, or obliged to fulfil the bonds he had given them, which he averred he had a right to cancel whenever he pleased.
His wife also became intoxicated with vanity. The steward had told her that she was an omnipotent goddess, and ought to be worshipped as such; that it was the height of impudence and disobedience in the new settlers to dispute her authority, which, with respect to them, was unlimited; that as they had removed from their father's family, they had forfeited all pretensions to be considered as his children, and lost the privileges of the great paper; that, therefore, she might look on them only as tenants at will upon her husband's farm, and exact from them what rent she pleased.
All this was perfectly agreeable to madam, who admitted this new doctrine in its full force.
The people of the new farm, however, took little notice of these pompous declarations. They were glad the marking decree was reversed, and were in hopes that things would gradually settle into their former channel.
CHAPTER V.
IN the mean time the new settlers increased exceedingly, and as they increased their dealings at their father's shop were proportionably enlarged.
It is true they suffered some inconveniences from the protectors that had been sent amongst them, who became very troublesome in their houses; they seduced their daughters, introduced riot and intemperance into their families, and derided and insulted the orders and regulations they had made for their own good government. Moreover, the old gentleman had sent amongst them a great number of thieves, ravishers, and murderers, who did a great deal of mischief by practising those crimes for which they had been banished the old farm. But they bore these grievances with as much patience as could be expected, not chusing to trouble their aged father with complaints, unless in cases of important necessity.
Now the steward continued to hate the new settlers with exceeding great hatred, and determined to renew his attack upon their peace and happiness. He artfully insinuated to the old gentleman and his foolish wife that it was very mean and unbecoming in them to receive the contributions of the people of the new farm, towards supporting the dignity of his family, through the hands of their respective wives; that upon this footing, it would be in their power to refuse his requisitions whenever they should be thought to be unreasonable, of which they would pretend to be judges themselves; and that it was high time they should be compelled to acknowledge his arbitrary power, and his wife's omnipotence.
For this purpose another decree was prepared and published, ordering that the new settlers should pay a certain stipend upon particular goods, which they were not allowed to purchase any where but at their father's shop, and that this stipend should not be deemed an advance upon the original price of the goods, but be paid on their arrival at the new farm, for the express purpose of supporting the dignity of the old gentleman's family, and of defraying the expenses he afforded to afford them.
This new decree gave our adventurers the utmost uneasiness. They saw that the steward and their mother-in-law were determined to oppress

and enslave them. They again met together and wrote to their father, as before, the most humble and persuasive letters, but to little purpose; a deaf ear was turned to all their remonstrances, and their dutiful requests treated with contempt.
Finding this moderate and decent conduct brought them no relief, they had recourse to another expedient: They bound themselves in a solemn engagement not to deal any more at their father's shop until this unconstitutional decree should be reversed, which they declared to be a violation of the great paper.
This agreement was so strictly adhered to that in a few months the clerks and apprentices in the old gentleman's shop began to make a sad outcry. They declared that their master's trade was declining exceedingly, and that his wife and steward would, by their mischievous machinations, ruin the whole farm. They forthwith sharpened their pens and attacked the steward, and even the old lady herself, with great severity; inasmuch that it was thought proper to withdraw this attempt likewise upon the rights and liberties of the new settlers. One part only of the new decree remained unreserved, viz. the tax upon water gruel.
Now there were certain men on the old farm who had obtained from the nobleman an exclusive right of selling water gruel. Vast quantities of this gruel were vendred amongst the new settlers; for it became very fashionable for them to use it in their families in great abundance. They did not, however, trouble themselves much about the tax on water gruel; they were well pleased with the reversal of the other parts of the decree, and considering gruel as not absolutely necessary to the comfort of life, they were determined to endeavour to do without it, and by that means avoid the remaining effects of the new decree.
The steward found his designs once more frustrated, but was not discouraged by this disappointment. He formed another scheme, so artfully contrived that he thought himself sure of success. He sent for the persons who had the sole right of vending water gruel, and after reminding them of the obligations they were under to the nobleman and his wife for their exclusive privilege, he desired that they would send sundry waggon-loads of gruel to the old farm, promising that the accustomed duty which they paid for their exclusive privilege should be taken off from all the gruel they should send amongst the new settlers, and that in case their cargoes should come to any damage, he would take care that the loss should be repaired out of the old gentleman's coffers.
The gruel merchants readily consented to this proposal, knowing that if their cargoes were sold they would reap considerable profits, and if they failed the steward was to make good the damage. On the other hand, the steward concluded that the new settlers could not resist purchasing the gruel to which they had been so long accustomed, and if they did purchase it when subject to the tax aforesaid, this would be an avowed acknowledgment on their parts that their father and his wife had a right to break through the tenor of the great paper, and to lay on them what impositions they pleased, without the consent of their respective wives.
But the new settlers were well aware of this decoy; they saw clearly that the gruel was not sent to accommodate, but to enslave them, and that if they suffered any part of it to be sold amongst them it would be deemed a submission to the assumed omnipotence of the great madam.
CHAPTER VI.
ON the arrival of the water gruel the people of the new farm were again thrown into great alarms and confusion. Some of them would not suffer the waggon to be unloaded at all, but sent them immediately back to the gruel merchants. Others permitted the waggon to unload, but would not touch the hateful commodity, so that it lay neglected about their roads and highways until it grew sour and spoiled. But one of the new settlers, whose name was Jack, either from a keener sense of the injuries attempted against him, or from the necessity of his situation, which was such that he could not send back the gruel, because of a number of mercenaries whom his father had stationed before his house to watch and be a check upon his conduct; he, I say, being almost driven to despair, fell to work, and with great zeal stowed to pieces the cakes of gruel, which had been sent him, and utterly demolished the whole cargo.
These proceedings were soon known at the old farm. Great and terrible was the uproar there. The old gentleman fell into great wrath, declaring that his absent children meant to throw off all dependence upon him, and to become altogether disobedient. His wife also tore the paddocks from her lips, and raved and stormed like a Bilinggate. The steward lost all patience and moderation, swearing most prophetically that he would leave no stone unturned till he had humbled the settlers of the new farm at his feet, and caused their father to trample on their necks. Moreover, the gruel merchants roared and bellowed for the loss of their gruel, and the clerks and apprentices were in the utmost consternation, lest the people of the new farm should again agree to have no dealings with their father's shop. Vengeance was immediately set on foot, particularly against Jack. With him they determined to begin, hoping that by making an example of him they should so terrify the other families of the new settlers that they would all submit to the designs of the steward, and the omnipotence of the old lady.
A very large paddock was accordingly prepared to be fastened upon Jack's great gate, the key of which was to be given to the old gentleman, who was not to open it again until he had paid for the gruel he had spilt, and resigned all claim to the privileges of the great paper; nor then neither, unless he thought fit. Secondly, a decree was made to new model the regulations and economy of Jack's family in such manner that they might for the future be more subject to the will of the steward. And thirdly, a large gallows was erected before the mansion-house in the old farm, and an order made that if any of Jack's children or servants should be suspected of misbehaviour they should not be convicted or acquitted by the consent of their brethren, agreeable to the purport of the great paper, but to be tied neck and heels, and dragged to the gallows at the mansion-house, and there be hanged without mercy.
No sooner did tidings of this undue severity reach the new farm but the people were almost ready to despair. They were altogether at a loss how to act, or by what means they should avert the vengeance to which they were doomed; but the old lady and steward soon determined the matter; for the paddock was sent over, and without ceremony fastened upon Jack's great gate. They did not wait to know whether he would pay for the gruel or not, or make the required acknowledgments, nor give him the least opportunity to make his defence. The great gate was locked, and the key given to the old gentleman, as had been determined.
Poor Jack found himself in a most deplorable condition. The great inlet to his farm was entirely blocked up, so that he could neither carry out the produce of his land for sale, nor receive from abroad the necessaries for his family.
But this was not all: His father, along with the paddock aforesaid, had sent an overseer to hector and domineer over him and his family, and to endeavour to break his spirit by exercising every possible severity; for which purpose he was attended by a great number of mercenaries, and armed with more than common authorities.
On his first arrival in Jack's family he was received with considerable respect, because he was the delegate of their aged father; for notwithstanding all that had past, the people of the new settlers loved and revered the old gentleman with a truly filial attachment, attributing his unkindness entirely to the intrigues of their enemy the steward. But this fair weather did not last long. The new overseer took the first opportunity of showing that he had no intentions of living in harmony and friendship with the family. Some of Jack's domestics had put on their Sunday clothes, and attended the overseer in the great parlour, in order to pay him their compliments on his arrival, and to request his assistance in reconciling them to their father; but he rudely stopped them short in the midst of their speech, called them a parcel of disobedient scoundrels, and bid them go about their business. So saying, he turned upon his heel, and with great contempt left the room.
CHAPTER VII.
NOW Jack and his family, finding themselves oppressed, insulted, and tyrannized over, in the most cruel and arbitrary manner, advised with their brethren what measures would be adopted to relieve them from their intolerable grievances. Their brethren, one and all, united in sympathising with their afflictions; they advised them to bear their sufferings with fortitude for a time, assuring them that they looked on the punishments and insults laid upon them with the same indignation as if they had been inflicted on themselves, and that they would stand by and support them to the last. But, above all, earnestly recommended it to them to be firm and steady in the cause of liberty and justice, and never acknowledge the omnipotence of their mother-in-law, nor yield to the machinations of their enemy the steward.
In the mean time, lest Jack's family should suffer for want of necessaries, their great gate being fast locked, liberal and very generous contributions were raised among the several families of the new settlements, for their present relief. This seasonable bounty was handed to Jack over the garden wall; all access to the front of his house being shut up.
Now the overseer observed that the children and domestics of Jack's family had frequent meetings and consultations together; sometimes in the garret, and sometimes in the stable; understanding, likewise, that an agreement not to deal in their father's shop, until their grievances should be redressed, was much talked of amongst them, he wrote a thundering prohibition, much like a pope's bull, which he caused to be pasted up in every room in the house; in which he declared and protested that these
meetings were treasonable, traitorous, and rebellious, contrary to the dignity of their father, and inconsistent with the omnipotence of their mother-in-law; denouncing also terrible punishments against any two of the family who should from thenceforth be seen whispering together, and strictly forbidding the domestics to hold any more meetings in the garret or stable.
These harsh and unconstitutional proceedings irritated Jack and the other inhabitants of the new farm to such a degree that * * * * *
Cætera desunt.
Several gentlemen having expressed a desire to have the above piece in a pamphlet, they now receive notice that it is printed in that manner, and may be supplied upon the earliest application. It is done in an elegant manner; the price of which is one pittance.
THE GLORIOUS SEVENTY FOUR, A NEW SONG. To the tune of HEARTS of OAK.
COME, come, my brave boys, from my song you shall hear, That we'll crown seventy four a most glorious year; We'll convince Bute and Mansfield, and North, though they rave, Britons still, like themselves, spurn the chains of a slave.
CHORUS. Hearts of oak were our fires, Hearts of oak are their sons; Lift them we are ready, as firm and as steady, To fight for our freedom with swords and with guns.
Foolish elves, to conjecture, by cresing of mains, That the true-blood of freemen would change in our veins; Let us scorch, let us freeze, from the line to the pole, Britain's sons still retain all their freedom of soul.
Hearts of oak, &c. See—our rights to invade, Britain's dastardly foes, Sending Lylons and Lylons, did vainly suppose, That our hearts, like our swords, were never grown, And that we were a people who knew not their own.
Hearts of oak, &c. From our shores, Or presented to Neptune, or rats in our stores; But to awe, to divide, till we crouch to their sway, On brave Boston their vengeance they fiercely display.
Hearts of oak, &c. Now, unash'd, we unite, we agree to a man, See our stores flow to Boston from rear and from van; Hark! the sounds, how it flies, freedom's voice, how it sounds! From each country, each clime, bark, the echo rebounds!
Hearts of oak, &c. Across the Atlantic, so 'bund'ring the roar, It has rous'd Britain's genius, who do'st on his bice; fore Who has injur'd my sons, my brave boys o'er the main, Whose spirits to vigor it renews me again!
Hearts of oak, &c. With sons, whom I foster'd and cherish'd of yore, Fair freedom shall flourish till time is no more; No tyrant shall rule them, 'tis Heaven's decree, They shall never be slaves while they dare to be free.
Hearts of oak, &c.
BOSTON, September 8.
AT a meeting of the committees from every town and district in the county of Middlesex, and province of Massachusetts Bay, held at Concord, in the said county, on the 30th and 31st of August, 1774, to consult upon measures proper to be taken at the present very important day, the honourable JAMES PRESCOT, esquire, chosen chairman; after having read the late act of the British parliament, entitled "An act for the better regulating the government of the province of Massachusetts Bay in New England," and debated thereon; voted, that a committee be appointed to take into consideration the said act, and report to this meeting. Voted also, that Mr. Jonathan Williams Austin of Chelseaford, captain Thomas Gardner of Cambridge, doctor Isaac Puffer of Charlestown, captain Josiah Stone of Farmingham, Mr. Richard Deavens of Charlestown, doctor Oliver Prescott of Groton, Henry Gardner, esquire, of Siew, Mrs. William Brown of Farmingham, and Mr. Ebenezer Bridge, junior, of Billerica, be the committee; who reported as follows:
IT is evident to every attentive mind that this province is in a very dangerous and alarming situation. We are obliged to say, however painful it may be to us, that the question now is, whether by a submission to some late acts of the parliament of Great Britain, we are contented to be the most abject slaves, and entail that slavery on posterity after us, or by a manly, joint, and virtuous opposition, assert and support our freedom.
There is a mode of conduct, which, in our very critical circumstances, we would wish to adopt, a conduct, on the one hand, never tamely submissive to tyranny and oppression; on the other, never degenerating into rage, passion, and confusion. This is a spirit, which we revere as we find it exhibited in former ages, and will command applause to latest posterity.
The late acts of parliament pervert the whole system of jurisprudence, by which means we think the fountains of justice are fatally corrupted. Our defence must therefore be immediate, in proportion to the suddenness of the attack, and vigorous in proportion to the danger.
We must now exert ourselves, or all those efforts, which for ten years past have brightened the annals of this country, will be totally frustrated. Life and death, or, what is more, freedom and slavery, are in a peculiar sense now before us, and the choice and success, under God, depend greatly upon ourselves. We are therefore bound, as struggling not only for ourselves, but future generations, to express our sentiments in the following resolves; sentiments which, we think, are founded in truth and justice, and therefore sentiments we are determined to abide by.
RESOLVED, that as true and loyal subjects of our gracious sovereign George the third, king of Great Britain, &c. we by no means intend to withdraw our allegiance from him, but, while permitted the free exercise of our natural and charter rights, are resolved to expend life and treasure in his service.
Resolved, that when our ancestors emigrated from Great Britain, charters and solemn stipulations expressed the conditions, and what particular rights they yielded, what each party had to do and perform, and which each of the contracting parties were equally bound by.
Resolved, that we know of no instance in which this province has transgressed the rules on their part, or any ways forfeited their natural and charter rights to any power on earth.
Resolved, that the parliament of Great Britain have exercised a power contrary to the above mentioned charter, by passing acts which hold up their absolute supremacy over the colonists, by another act blocking up the port of Boston, and by two late acts, the one entitled "An act for the better regulating the government of the province of Massachusetts Bay," the other entitled "An act for the more impartial administration of justice in said province," and by enforcing all these iniquitous acts with a large armed force to dagoon and enslave us.
Resolved, that the late act of parliament entitled "An act for the better regulating the government of the province of the Massachusetts Bay, in New England," expressly acknowledges the authority of the charter, granted by their majesties king William and queen Mary to said province, and that the only reasons suggested in the preamble to said act, which is intended to deprive us of the privileges confirmed to us by said charter, are the in expediency of continuing those privileges, and a charge of their having been forfeited, to which charge the provinces has had no opportunity of answering.
Resolved, that a debtor may as justly refuse to pay his debts, because it is expedient for him, as the parliament of Great Britain deprive us of our charter privileges, because it is expedient to a corrupt administration for us to enjoy them.
Resolved, that in all free states there must be an equilibrium in the legislative body, without which constitutional check they cannot be said to be a free people.
Resolved, that the late act, which ordains a council to be appointed by his majesty, his heirs, and successors, from time to time, by warrant under his or their sign or sign manual, and which ordains that the said councillors shall hold their offices respectively for and during the pleasure of his majesty, his heirs, and successors, effectually alters the constitutional equilibrium, renders the council absolute tools and creatures, and entirely destroys the importance of the representative body.
Resolved, that no state can long exist free and happy where the course of justice is obstructed, and that when trials by juries, which are the grand bulwarks of life and property, are destroyed or weakened, a people fall immediately under arbitrary power.
Resolved, that the late act, which gives the governor of this province a power of appointing judges of the superior and inferior courts, commissioners of oyer and terminer, the attorney generals, provosts, marshals, and justices of the peace, and to remove all of them (the judges of the superior court excepted) without consent of council, entirely subverts a free administration of justice, as the fatal experience of mankind, in all ages, has testified that there is no greater species of corruption than when judicial and executive officers depend, for their existence and support, on a power independent of the people.
Resolved, that by ordaining jurors to be summoned by the sheriff only, which sheriff is to be appointed by the governor without consent of council, that security which results from a trial by our peers is rendered altogether precarious, and is not only an evident infraction upon our charter, but a subversion of our common rights as Englishmen.
Resolved, that every people have an absolute right of meeting together to consult upon common grievances, and to petition, remonstrate, and use every legal method for their removal.
Resolved, that the act which prohibits these constitutional meetings cuts away the scaffolding of English freedom, and reduces us to a most abject state of vassalage and slavery.
Resolved, that it is our opinion, these late acts, if quietly submitted to, will annihilate the last vestiges of liberty in this province, and therefore we must be justified by God and the world in never submitting to them.
Resolved, that it is the opinion of this body, that the present act, respecting the government of the province of Massachusetts Bay, is an artful, deep laid plan of oppression and despotism, and that it requires great skill and wisdom to counteract it. This wisdom we have endeavoured to collect from the united sentiments of the country; and all are grieved that we are obliged to mention any thing that may be with such very important consequences as may now ensue, yet our duty as men, as freemen, as christian freemen, united in their bonds, obliges us to resolve that every civil officer now in commission in this province, and acting in conformity to the late act of parliament, is not an officer agreeable to our charter, therefore unconstitutional, and ought to be opposed in the manner hereafter recommended.
Resolved, that we will obey all such civil officers, now in commission, whose commissions were issued before the first day of July, 1774, and support them in the execution of their offices according to the manner usual before the late attempt to alter the constitution of this province; nay, even although the governor should attempt to revoke their commissions; but that if any of said officers shall accept a commission under the present plan of arbitrary government, or in any way or manner whatever assist the governor or administration in the assault now making on our rights and liberties, we will consider them as having forfeited their commissions, and yield them no obedience.
Resolved, that whereas the honourable Samuel Danforth and Joseph Lee, esquires, two of the judges of the inferior court of common pleas for this county, have accepted commissions under the new act, by being sworn members of his majesty's council appointed by said act, we therefore look upon them utterly incapable of holding any office whatever. And whereas a venire, on the late act of parliament, has issued from the court of sessions, signed by the clerk, we think they come under a preceding resolve of acting in conformity to the new act of parliament; we therefore resolve, that a submission to courts thus acting, and under these disqualifications, is a submission to the act itself, and of consequence, as we are resolved never to submit one iota to said act, we will not submit to courts thus constituted and thus acting.
Resolved, that as in consequence of the late act, all business at the inferior court of common pleas is of general sessions of the peace next to be held at Concord in said county, to prevent the many inconveniences that may arise therefrom, we resolve, that all actions, writs, suits, &c. brought to said court or to remain in the same condition as at present (unless settled by court or parties) till we know the result of a provincial and continental congress. And we resolve, that no plaintiff, in any cause, action, or writ, aforesaid, ought to enter said action in said court thus declared to be unconstitutional. And we resolve, if the court shall sit in defiance to the voice of the county, and default actions and issue executions accordingly, no officer ought to serve such process. And we are also determined to support all constables, jurors, and other officers, who, from these constitutional principles, shall refuse obedience to courts which we have resolved are founded on the destruction of our charter.
Resolved, that it is the opinion of this body of delegates, that a provincial congress is absolutely necessary in our present unhappy situation.
These are sentiments which we are obliged to express, as these acts are intended immediately to take place. We must now either oppose them, or tamely give up all we have been struggling for. It is this that has forced us so soon on these very important resolves. However, we do it with humble deference to the provincial and continental congress, by whose resolutions we are determined to abide; to whom, and the world, we cheerfully appeal for the uprightness of our conduct.
On the whole, these are "great and profound questions." We are grieved to find ourselves reduced to the necessity of entering into the discussion of them; but we deprecate a state of slavery; our fathers left a fair inheritance to us, purchased by a waste of blood and treasure. This we are resolved to transmit equally fair to our children after us; no danger shall affright, no difficulties intimidate us; and if in support of our rights we are called to encounter even death, we are yet undaunted, sensible that he can never die too soon who lays down his life in support of the laws and liberties of his country.
Which report being maturely deliberated, Voted, that the sense of the whole body, respecting the same, be collected by yeas and nays, which being done, there were 146 yeas and 4 nays.
Voted, that it be recommended to the several towns and districts in this county that each appoint one or more delegates to attend a provincial congress to be held at Concord, on the second Tuesday of next.
Voted, that a fair copy of the proceedings of this meeting be transmitted and forwarded to the grand continental congress, and also to the town clerk of each town in this county.
Voted, that the thanks of this meeting be given to the honourable JAMES PRESCOT, esquire, for his faithful services as chairman.
Voted, that this meeting be dissolved, and it was accordingly dissolved. A true copy. Attest. EBENEZER BRIDGE, Clerk.
To the printers of the PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL.
GENTLEMEN, Please to insert in your paper the following extract from the minutes of the congress now sitting at Philadelphia. By order of the congress. CHARLES THOMPSON, Secretary.
IN CONGRESS, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1774.
THE resolutions entered into by the delegates from the several towns and districts in the county of Suffolk, in the province of Massachusetts Bay, on Tuesday the 6th instant, and their address to general Gage, dated the 9th instant, were laid before the congress, and are as follows:
At a meeting of the delegates of every town and district in the county of Suffolk, on Thursday the 6th of September, at the house of Richard Woodward, of Dedham, and by adjournment, at the house of Mr. Vose, of Milton, on Friday the 9th instant, Palmer, esquire, being chosen moderator, and William Thompson, esquire, clerk, a committee was chosen to bring in a report of the proceedings, and the following being several times read, and paragraph by paragraph, was unanimously voted, viz.
WHEREAS the power, but not the justice, the vengeance, but not the wisdom, of Great Britain, which of old persecuted, scourged, and excited our fugitive parents from their native shores, now pursues us, their guileless children, with unrelenting severity; and whereas this then savage and uncultivated desert was purchased by the toil and treasure, or acquired by the blood and valour of those our venerable progenitors, to us they bequeathed the dear bought inheritance, to our care and protection they consigned it, and the most sacred obligations are upon us to transmit the glorious purchase, unfettered by power, unclogged with shackles, to our innocent and beloved offspring. On the fortune, on the wisdom, and on the exertions of this important day is suspended the fate of this new world and of unborn millions. If a boundless extent of continent, swarming with millions, will tamely submit to live, move, and have their being at the arbitrary will of a licentious minister, they basely yield to voluntary slavery, and future generations shall load their memories with incessant execrations. On the other hand, if we arrest the hand which would ransack our pockets; if we disarm the particle which points the dagger to our bowels; if we nobly defeat that fatal edict which proclaims a power to frame laws for us in all cases whatsoever, thereby entailing the endless and numberless curses of slavery upon us, our heirs, and their heirs forever; if we successfully resist that unparalleled usurpation of unconstitutional power, whereby our capital is robbed of the means of life; if the streets of Boston are thronged with military executioners; if our coasts are lined and harbours crouded with ships of war; if the charter of the colony, that sacred barrier against the encroachments of tyranny is mutilated, and in effect, annihilated; whereby a mere law is framed to shelter villains from the hands of justice; whereby an unalienable and inestimable inheritance which we derived from nature, the constitution of Britain, and the privileges warranted to us in the charter of the province, is totally wrecked, annulled, and vacated, posterity will acknowledge that virtue which preserved them free and happy; and while we enjoy the rewards and blessings of the faithful, the torrents of panegyric will roll our reputations to that latest period, when the streams of time shall be absorbed in the abyss of eternity. Therefore we have resolved, and do resolve,

1. That whereas his majesty George the third is the rightful successor to the throne of Great Britain, and justly entitled to the allegiance of the British realm, and agreeable to compact, of the English colonies in America; therefore, we the heirs and successors of the first planters of this colony do cheerfully acknowledge the said George the third to be our rightful sovereign, and that said covenant is the tenure and claim on which we are founded our allegiance and submission.  2. That it is an indispensable duty which we owe to God, our country, ourselves, and posterity, by all lawful ways and means in our power to maintain, defend, and preserve those civil and religious rights and liberties, for which many of our fathers fought, bled, and died, and to hand them down entire to future generations.  3. That the late acts of the British parliament for blocking up the harbour of Boston, for altering the established form of government in this colony, and for screening the most flagitious violators of the laws of the province from a legal trial, are gross infractions of those rights to which we are entitled by the laws of nature, the British constitution, and the charter of the province.  4. That no obedience is due from this province to either or any part of the acts above mentioned, but that they be rejected as the attempts of a wicked administration to enslave America.  5. That so long as the justices of our superior court of judicature, court of assize, &c. and inferior court of common pleas in this county are appointed, or hold their places, by any other tenure than that which the charter and the laws of the province direct, they must be considered as under undue influence, and are therefore unconstitutional officers, and as such no regard ought to be paid to them by the people of this country.  6. That if the justices of the superior court of judicature, assize, &c. justices of the court of common pleas, or of the general sessions of the peace, shall sit and act during their present disqualifying state, this county will support and bear harmless all sheriffs and their deputies, constables, jurors, and other officers, who shall refuse to carry into execution the orders of said court; and as far as possible to prevent the many inconveniences which must be occasioned by a suspension of the courts of justice, we do most earnestly recommend it to all creditors that they show all reasonable and even generous forbearance to their debtors, and to all debtors, to pay their just debts with all possible speed, and if any disputes relative to debts, or trespasses shall arise, which cannot be settled by the parties, we recommend it to them to submit all such causes to arbitration, and it is our opinion that the contending parties, or either of them, who shall refuse so to do, ought to be considered as co-operating with the enemies of this country.  7. That it be recommended to the collectors of taxes, constables, and all other officers, who have accepted seats at the council board, by virtue of a mandamus from the king, in conformity to the late act of the British parliament, entitled "An act for the regulating the government of the Massachusetts Bay," have acted in direct violation of the duty they owe to their country, and have thereby given great and just offence to this people, therefore resolved, that this county do recommend it to all persons who have so highly offended, by accepting said departments, and have not already publicly resigned their seats at the council board, to make public resignations of their places at said board, on or before the 20th day of this instant, September; and that all persons refusing to do so, shall, from and after said day, be considered by this county as obstinate and incorrigible enemies to this country.  8. That the fortifications begun and now carrying on upon Boston Neck, are justly alarming to this county, and give us reason to apprehend some hostile intention against that town, more especially as the commander in chief has in a very extraordinary manner removed the powder from the magazine at Charlestown, and has also forbidden the keeper of the magazine at Boston, to deliver out to the owners the powder which they had lodged in said magazine.  9. That the late act of parliament for establishing the roman catholic religion and the French laws in that extensive country now called Canada is dangerous in an extreme degree to the protestant religion, and to the civil rights and liberties of all America; and therefore as men and protestant christians, we are indispensably obliged to take all proper measures for our security.  10. That whereas our enemies have flattered themselves that they shall make an easy prey of this numerous, brave, and hardy people, from an apprehension that they are unacquainted with military discipline, we therefore, for the honour, defence, and security of this country and province, advise, as it has been recommended to take away all commissions from the officers of the militia, that those who now hold commissions, or such other persons be elected in each town as officers in the militia, as shall be judged of sufficient capacity for that purpose, and who have evinced themselves the inflexible friends to the rights of the people; and that the inhabitants of those towns and districts, who are qualified, to use their utmost diligence to acquaint themselves with the art of war as soon as possible, and do for that purpose appear, under arms at least once every week.  11. That during the present hostile appearances on the part of Great Britain, notwithstanding the many insults and oppressions which we most sensibly resent, yet, nevertheless, from our affection to his majesty, which we have at all times evidenced, we are determined to act merely upon the defensive, so long as such conduct may be vindicated by reason and the principles of self preservation, but no longer.  12. That as we understand it has been in contemplation to apprehend sundry persons of this county, who have rendered themselves conspicuous in contending for the violated rights and liberties of their countrymen, we do recommend, should such an audacious measure be put into practice, to seize and keep in safe custody, every servant of the present tyrannical and unconstitutional government throughout the county and province, until the persons so apprehended be liberated from the hands of our adversaries; and restored safe and uninjured to their respective friends and families.  13. That until our rights are fully restored to us, we will, to the utmost of our power, recommend the same to the other counties, withhold all commercial intercourse with Great Britain, Ireland, and the West Indies, and abstain from the consumption of British merchandise and manufactures, and especially of East India teas and piece goods, with such additions, alterations, and exceptions only, as the grand congress of the colonies may agree to.  14. That under our present circumstances it is incumbent on us to encourage arts and manufactures among us by all means in our power, and that a committee be and hereby are appointed a committee to consider of the best ways and means to promote and establish the same, and to report to this convention as soon as may be.  15. That the exigencies of our public affairs demand that a provincial congress be called to concert such measures as may be adopted and vigorously executed by the whole people; and we do recommend it to the several towns in this county to chuse members for such a provincial congress, to be held at Concord, on the second Tuesday of October next ensuing.  16. That this county, confiding in the wisdom and integrity of the continental congress, now sitting at Philadelphia, pay all due respect and submission to such measures as may be recommended by them to the colonies for the restoration and establishment of our just rights, civil and religious, and for renewing that harmony and union between Great Britain and the colonies, so earnestly wished for by all good men.  17. That whereas the universal uneasiness which prevails among all orders of men, arising from the wicked and oppressive measures of the present administration, may influence some unthinking persons to commit outrage upon private property; we would heartily recommend to all persons of this community not to engage in any riots, riots, or licentious attacks upon the properties of any person whatsoever, as being subversive of all order and government; but by a steady, manly, uniform, and persevering opposition, to convince our enemies that in a contest so important, in a cause so solemn, our conduct should be such as to merit the approbation of the wise, and the admiration of the brave and free, of every age and of every country.  18. That should our enemies, by any sudden manoeuvres, render it necessary to ask the aid and assistance of our brethren in the country, some one of the committee of correspondence, or a select man of such town, or the town adjoining, where such hostilities shall commence, or shall be expected to commence, shall dispatch couriers with written messages to the select men or committees of correspondence of the several towns in the vicinity, with a written account of such matter, who shall dispatch others to committees more remote, until proper and sufficient assistance be obtained; and that the expense of said couriers be defrayed by the county, until it shall be otherwise ordered by the provincial congress.
PHILADELPHIA, September 21.
Extract of a letter from London, dated July 29. WITH respect to politics, it is not necessary, in this advanced part of the season, to write much. The relations of Philadelphia, and those of Maryland and Virginia, I must, however, tell you, are esteemed both by the court and the merchants of the city, as very inoffensive, and as the
mere ebullitions of a set of angry men, whose force was spent the day they were made; and the proposed congress is spoken of, as really considered, both by administration, and all the merchants of the city, as a scheme that will produce no sort of security to the liberty of the colonies, nor trouble to administration; and it is under this general apprehension that the stocks continue so uncommonly high as they are at present, and have been for some time past. Mr. Hutchinson is in good health, and in apparent high spirits. He is much quoted by administration; and they are assured by him that their proper and spirited measures will unquestionably excite a perfect submission in all parts of America. Depend on it that it is only such partridges as Mr. Hutchinson, &c. that support the despotic and destructive schemes and wishes of the enemies of America; and it is from their infamous suggestions that administration is taught to laugh at your proposed congress, as they are assured by them, and from both New York and Philadelphia, that it will produce nothing more than a remonstrance or petition of right (which by the bye it is already determined not to receive) and that you are so attached to your private interests you will never stop either imports or exports. The honest-hearted Americans, at present in this city, are daily both at court and in London ridiculed, on account of the high sounding declarations of patriotism, made, as it is said, by the cowardly Americans, and are hourly mortified with the defamable opinions of Hutchinson, and other natives of America, being pleasingly repeated, and relished on. But, for my part, however I am perpetually injured with the professed sentiments of these men, I persuade myself your countrymen are not so contaminated with the vices and effeminacy of this nation not to see that this is the important crisis when they ought to make a solemn, fullen, united, and invincible stand, against the cruel, tyrannic, and ruinous system of policy, adopted and exercising by this legislature against the rights and freedom of America; and, let me add, that if the deputies of the several provinces, when convened in congress, do not one and all firmly resolve to establish through every county and township, in their respective provinces, a solemn league and covenant, and under the obligation of an oath or affirmation, not to purchase or use the manufactures of this country (save what are collected already within the provinces) and, if possible, not to export any provisions to the West India islands, and, at the same time, they do not religiously resolve to meet again in congress every six months, for the purpose of forming a suitable plan, for the permanent security of American rights and freedom; I say, if these things are not done, and if they do not determine faithfully to stand by each other, until every act passed this session is reverted, and until all their just rights and privileges are fully recognized and established by this legislature, our children will be irremediably deprived of that inheritance of liberty which our fathers carefully and piously transmitted to us.
Extract of a letter from London, dated July 1.
"I am sorry to learn, by late letters from Philadelphia, that you are likely to have an Indian war, by the imprudence of some of the back inhabitants. I most sincerely wish that steps may be taken to prevent it; for you may be assured the people in power here wish for it. They say it will be the means of humbling and reducing the rebellious Americans to obedience. This they are determined to do, let the consequence be what it may. I am much grieved to hear that the unjust and tyrannical steps taken by government here, against the Massachusetts Bay, are not, by the other colonies, looked upon as an attack upon all America, but intended only against that province. The policy of this country is to divide and conquer; and if the other colonies sit quiet, and suffer the people of New England, for want of their uniting and making it one common cause, to be reduced to the necessity of submitting to such terms as government here shall hold out to them, they will attack the other colonies, and then for ever will be the liberties of America; for the Americans will be soon as absolute slaves as the Frenchmen. The infamous Quebec bill, which establishes popery and arbitrary power through a country, capable of maintaining more people than England, France, and Spain, is intended to keep the old colonies in awe; and people here in power make no secret of saying, that by keeping the Canadian militia well disciplined, they shall be able, with them, and the fleet, to keep the colonies always in subjection. Would you believe, that out of all the bishops, only the bishop of St. Asaph had virtue enough to vote against this bill? I hope we shall never suffer one of them to set his foot in America. Nothing can save America but their uniting and religiously entering into an agreement, and sincerely keeping it, not to import any goods from Great Britain, nor to export any goods either to Great Britain or the islands, until justice is done them by this country, and their liberties settled on a firm and solid basis. This, in less than one twelve months, will bring the people of this country to reason, and force them, contrary to their inclinations, to do the Americans justice; for they have no trade but what is against them, save to Ireland and America."
On Friday last the honourable delegates, now met in general congress, were elegantly entertained by the gentlemen of this city. Having met at the City Tavern about 3 o'clock, they were conducted from thence to the statehouse by the managers of the entertainment, where they were received by a very large company, composed of the clergy, such genteel strangers as happened to be in town, and a number of respectable citizens, making in the whole near 500. After dinner the following toasts were drank, accompanied by music and a discharge of cannon.
The king. The queen. The duke of Gloucester. The prince of Wales and royal family. Perpetual union to the colonies. May the colonies faithfully execute what the congress shall wisely resolve. The much injured town of Boston and province of Massachusetts Bay. May Great Britain be just and America free. No unconstitutional standing armies. May the cloud which hangs over Great Britain and the colonies, burst only on the heads of the present ministry. May every American hand down to posterity, pure and untainted, the liberty he has derived from his ancestors. May no man enjoy freedom who has not spirit to defend it. May the persecuted genius of liberty find a lasting asylum in America. May British swords never be drawn in defence of tyranny. The arts and manufactures of America. Confusion to the authors of the Canada bill. The liberty of the press. A happy reconciliation between Great Britain and her colonies, on a constitutional ground. The virtuous few in both houses of parliament. The city of London. Lord Chatham. Lord Camden. Bishop of Saint Asaph. Duke of Richmond. Sir George Saville. The Marquis of Rockingham. Mr. Burke. General Conway. Mr. Dunning. Mr. Sawbridge. Dr. Franklin. Mr. Hancock. The acclamations with which several of them were received, not only testified the sense of the honour conferred by such worthy guests, but the fullest confidence in their wisdom and integrity, and a firm resolution to adopt and support such measures as they shall direct for the public good at this alarming crisis.
WILLIAMSBURG.
HIS excellency lord Dunmore, we hear, has amicably settled matters with the Delaware, Wyndot, and Seneca Indians, who have lately brought many tokens of their peaceable disposition, and of their determination to maintain peace. His lordship left off some time since with a detachment, in order to compromise affairs with the other nations, and it is supposed he will be equally successful.
Many of the principal merchants at Baltimore, in Maryland, have received letters from general Gage for blankets, &c. which they positively denied granting him. The merchants there have sent letters to the congress; their contents we are not informed of.
On Saturday morning last died, at Mansfield, the seat of Mann Page, esquire, near Fredericksburg, the honourable JOHN PAGE, esquire, of North river, Gloucester county. He was one of his majesty's council of this colony.
MR. PINKNEY, If nothing which will better answer the design of the enclosed should come to hand, you may insert it in your next paper. I am, sir, your CONSTANT READER.
ON THE DEATH OF MRS. RIND. YE mournful bards! why are your lyres unstrung! Shall CLEMENTINA's praise remain unsung! Sooner the loveliest of the tuneful throng Shall raise his lays to elegiac long: To her, blest shade, a plaintive verse is due, Lov'd by the muses, and fair science too; And sure a happy proof of this remains, In her soft numbers, and harmonious strains. With manly sense, and fortitude of mind, The softer graces of her sex combin'd, To form a bright example in her life, Of friend, of mistress, daughter, mother, wife. Aid us, religion! to receive the stroke, Which fatally those dear connections broke. When worth and genius prematurely die, All men must give th' involuntary sigh; But when that worth is intimately known, We pay the tribute of a heart-felt groan!
To be SOLD, at Amherst courthouse, on Monday the 5th of December next, being court day,
FIFTEEN VIRGINIA BORN SLAVES.
TWELVE or eighteen months credit will be allowed, the purchaser giving bond, to carry interest from the date, with approved security. The interest will be remitted to those who pay the principal in 12 months from the day of sale. DANIEL GAINES.
PATRICK BEECH, At the BRICK SHOP, opposite Mr. Turner's store.
WILLIAMSBURG,
BEGS leave to inform the public that he makes and sells all sorts of GOLD, SILVER and JEWELLERY WORK, after the newest fashions, and at the lowest prices, for ready money only. Those who are pleased to favour him with their commands may depend upon having their work done in the neatest manner, and on the shortest notice; and their favours will be most gratefully acknowledged. He gives the highest prices for old GOLD, SILVER, or LACE, either in cash, or exchange. Commissions from the country will be carefully observed, and punctually answered.
TWO good, lober, creditable, JOURNEYMEN CABINET-MAKERS, will meet with good encouragement by applying to the subscriber, in Williamsburg.
RICHARD BOOKER. To be SOLD, at public auction, before the Raleigh door, in Williamsburg, on Friday the 29th instant (October) at 4 o'clock in the afternoon, THAT valuable TRACT of LAND, near the mouth of Archer's Hope creek, where Mrs. Tate lately lived. There are on it a commodious dwellinghouse, and convenient out houses; adjoining to the high land is a considerable quantity of very good marsh. Any person inclining to purchase may treat with Robert C. Nicholas, esquire, as to the payments, which will be made easy, upon bond, with approved security; and the land, &c. will be shown by Mr. Everard's overseer, at the adjoining plantation.
SARAH TATE. To be SOLD, by public vendue, at Camden, the sale to begin on Monday the 7th of November next, being the time of the court there, so continue from day to day until the whole are sold. ALL the valuable lands, stores, houses, mills, boats, waggons, horses, and stock of store goods, with about 100 as valuable negroes as any in this province, being chiefly coopers, millers, bakers, wagoners, jobbing carpenters, boatmen, and field slaves, belonging to the late partnership of Kershaw, Chesnut, and company, of Camden, which expired with the month of April last.
The town of Camden being regularly laid into large and commodious lots for building upon, will be sold in separate lots to the highest bidder; every purchaser to make choice of a lot as it is knocked off, excepting such lots as are already improved. The healthy and advantageous situation of Camden for trade, with the promising prospect of its soon becoming the most considerable inland town in this part of America, are well known, and need not be enlarged upon.
Their lands, consisting of many thousand acres, lying chiefly upon the Wateree river and its branches, among which are many settled and well improved plantations, a great part whereof is rich river low ground as any in America, will be set up, in convenient tracts, from one hundred to one or two thousand acres, so as to accommodate purchasers of all ranks.
Their saw and grit mills, which no cost has been spared to make as complete as any on the continent, will be let up with the necessary lands adjoining.
At the same time and place will be sold, their commodious and well situated stores at Granby, on the Congaree river, where their business is carried on under the firm of John Chesnut and company.
On Wednesday the 16th day of November next, and the following days, at the courthouse at Long Bluff, will be sold, that valuable plantation called Liberty Hill, and all their other lands at and near Oberaw Hills, on Pee Dee river, together with their stores, houses, mills, remaining stock of store goods, and about 50 valuable negroes, employed in carrying on their business at Chatham, under the firm of Ely Kershaw and company.
The whole being to be sold in order to make a final settlement of the copartnership which lately subsisted between the subscribers. Twelve months credit will be given, if required, upon all sums above 100l. on paying interest from the day of sale, giving such security as shall be approved of by
JOSEPH KERSHAW, JOHN CHESNUT, ELY KERSHAW, WILLIAM ANCRUM, AARON LOOCOCK.
Any person inclining to purchase any of their lands or lots at Camden, already built upon, may have them at private sale.
A list of their lands, with plans annexed, as also a plan of the town of Camden, may be seen in the hands of any of the said late copartners.
All persons indebted to them at any of their stores above mentioned, or in Charleston, are desired to take notice that their accounts, bonds, or notes, must be discharged in the course of the ensuing fall, as no longer indulgence can be given.
PORT ROYAL, September 22, 1774.
WHEREAS by a decree of the honourable the general court, April the 13th, 1772, in a suit in chancery, Edward Dixon and others, complainants, against Thomas Turner and others, defendants, in consideration of the reports made and returned, and the order of his majesty and his privy council, it is, among other things, decreed and ordered, that the said Thomas Turner, and the said Edward Dixon, and his children, pay the balance of certain debts and costs, in the said decree mentioned and referred to, in proportion to the value of the estates which they took under the will and codicil of Thomas Turner, the testator, in the said decree likewise mentioned, and that the said Edward Dixon, and Thomas Turner, if they shall think fit, sell so many of the slaves devised to them respectively, and the children of the said Edward, by the will of the said testator, as will raise money sufficient to pay and discharge their proportions of the said debts and costs, as by the said decree may particularly appear. And whereas the proportion of the said debts and costs, for which the said Edward and his children were made responsible by the said decree, amount to about 3000l. current money, the said Edward Dixon proposes to offer for sale, to the highest bidder, for ready money only, about 100 entailed SLAVES, devised to him and his children as aforesaid; the sale to begin at his plantation, near Burk's Bridge, in Caroline county, on the 4th day of November next ensuing, and at his plantation, near the Mount church, in the said county; also at Port Royal on the 8th of the same month, and at his plantation at the Celler Mountains, in Fauquier county, on the 18th day of the same month. The said sale is to be continued till as much money can be raised as will amount to the proportion aforesaid. If either of the days aforesaid should prove bad, the sales to be on the next succeeding fair days. A good title will be made to the purchasers, agreeable to the said decree, by
EDWARD DIXON. N. B. As I am giving up trade, I request of all those, whose accounts are unsettled on my books, to come and settle them immediately, and pay the balances that are due, as no longer indulgence can be given.
STOLEN out of the subscriber's stable at Smithfield, on Sunday the 2nd instant, October, a dark bay horse, upwards of 14 hands high, has many saddle spots, and other spots, on different parts of his body, thin mane and switch tail, paces, trots, and gallops, goes well in harness, and has lately been galled on the breast, which plainly appears, and is branded on one of his buttocks (but am not certain which) I.G. He formerly was the property of Mr. Robert Mitchell of Richmond; and I am apprehensive the thief is gone that way. I will give FORTY SHILLINGS for the delivery of the horse, and pay reasonable charges, and FIVE POUNDS on conviction of the thief. ARTHUR SMITH.
NORFOLK, October 4, 1774.
THE directors of the LIGHTHOUSE are desirous to engage immediately with some person to carry a quantity of stone from Cape Henry to the place whereon the lighthouse is to be fixed, about one mile and a half distance.
BASSETT MOSELEY.
FOR LONDON. THE snow GALE, Henry Jefferson, master, has good accommodations for four cabin passengers, and will sail on or before the 20th of October. Any person inclining to take a passage in the above vessel may apply to the said captain, at Mr. Musselburg's, about 3 miles above Newport News, near Norfolk, opposite where the ship loads.
WILLIAMSBURG, September 27, 1774.
I INTEND shortly to leave the colony. AGATHA CURTIS.
To be SOLD, on Wednesday the 19th of October, ABOUT one thousand acres of exceeding good LAND for tobacco, wheat, and corn, in the lower end of Middlesex county, on Rappahannock river, which abounds with the finest fish and oysters, and is very convenient to church and mill. The land will be laid off in small parcels to suit the purchasers, one half of the money to be paid down, and the other half on the 20th day of April, 1775, for which bond, with security, will be required. The land will be shown by Benjamin Hoxin and Benjamin Hackney, or the subscriber. WILLIAM CHURCHILL. MIDDLESEX, September 27, 1774.

WILLIAMSBURG, September 6, 1774.
I BEG leave to inform the public, and particularly those gentlemen who were pleased to take my subscription papers to their respective counties, to raise a small sum of money for the encouragement of making SALT, that after viewing many places on this and the other side of the bay, and on the sea coast of the Eastern Shore, I have now fixed on a convenient spot, on the coast, for erecting proper works; and as nothing more can be done on my part without money, I must beg the favour of them to forward such sums, as they may be able to collect, to Robert Carter Nicholas, esquire, who is so kind as to take the trouble of receiving and paying the money out to me. Proper security shall be lodged in his hands for any sum that I may draw. The certainty of being able to make salt as good as any whatever is hardly to be doubted, from the several experiments which I have made, and which are pretty fully certified by gentlemen of veracity, whose certificates will be lodged in the hands of Mr. Nicholas. The gentlemen will readily see the necessity I am under of requesting speedy assistance, when I inform them that I have for some time past devoted my whole attention to this business, and given over every pursuit from whence my family might have derived any advantage, and that, in order to put the works in as great a forwardness as it was in my power, I have incurred a considerable expence, and been obliged to contract for some of the necessary materials.
JAMES TAIT.
MR. TAIT having produced to me a sample of salt made on the Eastern Shore, together with a certificate of a gentleman of unquestionable credit, I have no doubt, with proper encouragement, of his succeeding in his proposed scheme, from which it seems highly probable that this country will reap the greatest advantage: I shall, therefore, most cheerfully comply with his request, and take great pleasure in contributing every thing in my power towards carrying it into execution.
RO. C. NICHOLAS.
PURSUANT to a decree of the honourable the general court, and by letter of attorney from colonel George Mercer, of Virginia, now in London, will be sold, at public auction, about 3500 acres of LAND, in the county of Loudoun, near West's ordinary, about 12 miles from Leesburg, 40 from Alexandria, and 35 from Dumfries, on Potomack. This land is well known by the description of the Bull Run Mountains, and is very fertile. Also 6500 acres on Shenandoah river, in the county of Frederick, opposite to Snicker's ordinary, and binding on the river about 7 miles. As this tract is part of a survey, one of the first in that part of the colony, its quality cannot be questioned; it is well watered, will admit of 2 mills on land streams, and others on the river. There are now in it 6 plantations, well improved for cropping, 110 slaves, and very large and choice stocks of horses (some of the dray breed) black cattle, hogs, and sheep, which, together with the crops of corn and wheat now growing, (expected to be upwards of 2000 barrels, and 5000 bushels) will be sold, on the premises, on the 24th of November next, or next fair day. The Loudoun lands will be sold at West's ordinary on the 21st day of the same month, and both tracts laid off in lots to suit every purchaser, who may see them by applying to Mr. Francis Peyton, living near the Loudoun lands, and Mr. William Dawson, who resides on the Shenandoah tract. Among the slaves are 2 good blacksmiths, 2 carpenters, and an exceeding trusty and skilful waggoner. The aged black cattle and grown hogs will be fattened for slaughter. Purchasers above 25l. will be allowed credit for 12 months, on giving bond and security to the subscribers, who will be prepared to make conveyances.
JOHN TAYLOR, GEORGE WASHINGTON.
To be SOLD, on Monday the 10th of October, at Louisa courthouse, being court day, to the highest bidder.
A TRACT of LAND in said county, whereon is a very good dwellinghouse, all other necessary out houses, barns, &c., and a good crop of corn growing on the plantation; being the tract of land which Mr. George Barclay lately lived upon, and purchased of Mr. Clifton Rhodes. The terms of payment will be made known on the day of sale.
WILLIAM FRASER.
Pursuant to an act of assembly, will be SOLD, at Smithfield, on Thursday the third of November next.
EIGHTEEN hundred and eighty eight acres (the remaining part of a tract) of well timbered, level LAND, in Isle of Wight county, belonging to Mr. James Burwell. This land is laid off into 7 lots, and is within 11 miles of Smithfield, and 5 of a very fine merchant mill. Any person who has thoughts of purchasing, may know the terms by applying to Mr. James Burwell, in York county.
LEWIS BURWELL, DUDLEY DIOGES, THOMAS NELSON, junior. NATHANIEL BURWELL.
To be SOLD, to the highest bidder, for ready money, on Wednesday the 5th of October, at John Wilkinson's plantation, in New Kent county.
TWENTY ONE LIKELY NEGROES,
Consisting of men, women, boys, and girls; also the stock of cattle an horses, some household furniture, and one riding chair, by virtue of executions obtained in New Kent court by Messrs. John Eilbeck, David Roff, and company, against the estate of the said Wilkinson.
JOSIAH HOLT, D. S.
PURSUANT to the last will and testament of Samuel Hening, deceased, will be sold, on the 11th day of November next, at his late dwellinghouse in Culpeper county, several SLAVES, stocks of HORSES, CATTLE, SHEEP, and HOGS; among the cattle are many BEEVES. Also will be sold, some HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE. All persons indebted to the said estate are desired to come and settle; and those that have any demands against it are requested to make them known before the day of sale. There is likewise a quantity of INDIAN CORN to be sold.
DAVID HENING, Executor.
FOR SALE,
A TRACT of exceeding good LAND, containing about 430 acres, on which is a large, commodious dwellinghouse, with all convenient out houses, in good repair, situated on the south branch of Pamunkey river, adjoining the lands of colonel Thomas Nelson and colonel Symes. The terms may be known by applying to the last named gentleman, Mr. Clough at Rocky Mill, or to
DAVID HOOPS.
RUN away from the subscriber in York county, in August last, a negro man slave, upwards of 6 feet high, of a tawny complexion, and has lost some of his fore teeth, has a black spot in his forehead, and calls himself STEPNEY BLUE. He has been seen in Gloucester county, was the property of Sarah Mingham, who I have since married, and as I have been informed, has a forged pass, with his mistress's name to it, giving him leave to hire himself. He went away with a free negro woman named Esther Roberts, which I am told is his wife, and I make no doubt but he will, or has got a pass, in order to go as a free man. Any person who will take up the said slave, and secure him so that I get him again, shall receive 20s. if taken up within 20 miles of this place, 40s. if at a greater distance, and 5l. if out of the colony, besides what the law allows.
NATHAN YANCEY.
FOR CHARTER,
THE ship LONSDALE, James Grayson, master, burthen about 430 hogheads, British built, 2 years old, a very good vessel, well fitted and found. For terms apply to Richard Squire Taylor, in King William county.
TAKEN up, in Loudoun, within 3 miles of Leesburg, a light roan horse, about 12 years old, 13 hands 3 inches high, branded on the near buttock W, his mane and tail almost black, and has a black spot, about the size of a musket bullet, near the pitch of each of his shoulders. Poffed, and appraised to 8l.
JOHN M'BRIDE.
TAKEN up, in Fauquier, a small bay horse, about 13 hands high, has a short tail, with a hanging mane, a star in his forehead, his right hind foot white, about 4 years old, branded on the near buttock J, trots naturally, and is shod before. Poffed, and appraised to 10l.
FRANCIS ATWELL.
NORFOLK, September 13, 1774.
I DO hereby give notice that the partnership of Hargraves and Orange is dissolved by mutual agreement, Mr. Hargraves having purchased my part of the stock, and has taken the whole on himself. Those who have any demands against the said concern are desired to apply to Mr. Hargraves.
WILLIAM ORANGE.
THERE is remaining in Byrd's warehouse, Henrico county, a hoghead of TOBACCO, marked M W G, No. 1, weighing 912 grots, 107 tare, 805 neat. The owner's name is not known. It was inspected July 1, in the year 1771, and will be sold according to law, if no owner claims it within the limited time.
SAMUEL and ROBERT PRICE.
TAKEN up, in Chesterfield, a bay mare, about 10 years old, 4 feet 5 inches high, a large star in her forehead, and has a white streak leading towards her nose, two of her feet white, has some saddle spots, and branded on the near buttock VC. Poffed, and appraised to 8l.
WILLIAM AKIN.
RUN away from the subscriber, lying on Byrd Creek, in Goochland county, on Saturday the 9th of July, SAMUEL GREGORY, alias NAILING, an apprentice, about 18 years of age, swarthy complexion, thin visage, grey eyes, a down, inoffensive look, shews his teeth much when he laughs, has short sandy coloured hair, round shouldered, and stoops in his walk; hacion an osnaburg shirt and trowlers. I have been credibly informed he went to Loudoun county, or some of the counties adjacent. I expect he will employ himself in the carpenter's business, as he has been in that branch for 3 years past. Whoever brings him to me shall have FIVE POUNDS.
TURNER ANDERSON.
RUN away from the subscriber, living in Nansemond county, near Suffolk town, a negro woman named MILLA, who has been absent ever since the year 1768; she has a scar upon the back part of each of her hands, near her little fingers, and another on the top of one of her feet, is about 4 feet 6 inches high, and about 20 years old. I am told she has been in Norfolk; and I am also informed that at the house of Mr. Thomas Huff, between Rappahannock and Potomack rivers, there is a wench that calls herself free Milia, who may probably be the same. TEN POUNDS will be given to the person who will bring her to
JOHN HARRISON, junior.
RUN away from the subscriber, about the 20th of April last, a mulatto fellow named PETER BROWN, a painter by trade, but can do carpenter's work; he is 35 or 40 years of age, of a dark complexion, 5 feet 8 or 9 inches high, slim made, has a thin visage, several of his upper foreteeth are out, is fond of singing, which he can do very well, and is a remarkable fine whistler. The said fellow has several suits of cloaths, therefore I cannot describe his dress. He was some years past tried for a robbery, but obtained the governor's pardon, on suffering one year's imprisonment; after that he was sold to Mr. John Fox, of Gloucester, with whom he lived one or two years; he then ran away, and passed for a free man in the counties of King William, Caroline, and Hanover, where he was taken up and brought home. As he has a wife at Mr. Benjamin Hubbard's, it is likely he may be lurking in that neighbourhood; and as he was raised in Petersburg, it is probable he may be about there. Whoever will take up the said runaway, and deliver him to me, at Osburn's, shall receive FORTY SHILLINGS reward. All persons are forbid harbouring or carrying him out of the colony.
PETERFIELD TRENT.
STRAYED from the subscriber, the 10th of May last, a dark bay mare, about 4 feet 6 inches high, not branded, has a mealy nose, thick mane, and long switch tail, strong made, has good courage, paces, trots, and gallops. THIRTY SHILLINGS will be given to any person that will deliver her to the subscriber, in King & Queen, or to Mr. David Anderson, junior, merchant in Louisa, where she was bred.
MATTHEW ANDERSON, junior.
TAKEN up, in Southampton, a black horse, about 4 feet 4 inches high, near 12 years old, branded on the near buttock in the form of a heart, and has the scar of a fistula. Poffed, and appraised to SIX POUNDS.
LUCY TAYLOR.
TAKEN up, in Spotsylvania, a black steer, with two crops and an underkeel in the right ear, and a hole in the left. Poffed, and appraised to 1l. 15s.
MARY PENN.
FOR SALE,
A TRACT of LAND, containing upwards of 3000 acres, in the county of Richmond, upon Rappahannock river, opposite to the seat of Robert Bewerley, esquire, extending more than 2 miles upon the river; the land is extremely well timbered, a great part of it lies well, and is equal to any in that part of the country. There are also, beside the quantity of dry land above mentioned, between 4 and 500 acres of valuable marsh, which may easily be reclaimed; a large water course running through the greatest part of the tract affords a considerable quantity of rich, valuable meadow land, and a good mill seat. There are also several delightful situations for a gentleman's seat, commanding extensive prospects up and down the river, where the greatest plenty of fish and fowl are to be had. A part of the tract is in possession of several tenants at will, some of whom pay from 20l. to 25l. annual rent for 100 acres. It will be sold (and may be entered upon next Christmas) either together, or in parcels, by private bargain, at any time before the 10th of October, and if not disposed of before that time (of which notice shall be published in this gazette) it will then be offered for public sale, upon the premises, on the 3d Monday in November. Twelve or 13 months credit will be allowed, upon giving bond, with good security; to bear interest from the 25th of December, if the purchase money is not paid agreeable to the contract. The terms will be made known to those who incline to purchase privately, and the lands shown, if required, and an undoubted title made, by the subscriber, living in Westmoreland county.
WILLIAM BERNARD.
NEW YORK, July 27, 1774.
FIFTY POUNDS REWARD. WHEREAS on the 19th of June last past a certain JOSEPH THORP was entrusted with a considerable sum in half johannes, of nine penny weight, to be delivered by him at Quebec, and as he has not yet made his appearance there, with other suspicious circumstances, it is apprehended he is gone off with the money. He is a native of England, about 6 feet high, swarthy complexion, very dark, keen eyes, and pitted with the smallpox, of a slender make, stoops as he walks, talks rather slow, and has some small impediment in his speech. He lived some time in Boston, from whence he removed to Quebec, assuming the character of a merchant in both places; he was also once in trade in Newcastle, Virginia, and has a brother settled there. It is believed he went on board captain John F. Pruyim, for Albany, and took with him a blue casimir, and a dark brown cloth suit of clothes. Whoever secures the said Joseph Thorp in any of his majesty's gaols on this continent shall be entitled to ten per cent. on the sum recovered, and the above reward of 50l. when convicted. Apply to Cusson and Seton of New York, Joseph Wharton, junior, of Philadelphia, Robert Clifflie of Baltimore, James Gibson and company of Virginia, John Bonfield of Quebec, Matthias Burne, or John Rowe, of Boston. It is requested of those who may have seen this Joseph Thorp since the 19th of June last past, or know any thing of the route he has taken, that they convey the most early intelligence thereof to any of the above persons, or to Greenough, Rison, and Marfo, in Norfolk, or to Mr. Robert Pleasants and company, at Four Mile creek, Henrico county; the favour will be gratefully acknowledged. All masters of vessels are forewarned from taking him off the continent.
NORFOLK, April 21, 1774.
NOTICE is hereby given, that a number of vessels will be wanted this summer to bring about 6000 tons of stone from Mr. Brooke's quarry, on Rappahannock, and land the same on Cape Henry, for the lighthouse. Any person inclineable to engage in such work are desired to treat with Matthew Phripp, Paul Loyall, and Thomas Newton, junior, esquires. The directors of the lighthouse will also be glad to purchase one or two flat bottomed vessels from 80 to 120 tons burthen.
BASSETT MOSELEY.
FOR SALE,
ABOUT twelve thousand acres of exceeding rich TOBACCO LAND, in Amherst county, whereon are several plantations and improvements sufficient to work forty or fifty hands. There is on this land for sale a very valuable GRIST MILL, lately built, with a stone dam and a pair of good COLOGNE MILL-STONES, which mill has for two years past got upwards of 100 barrels of toll corn, and is situated on a never failing stream. The land will be shown by William Womack, who lives at one of the plantations, and the prices of the land made known by him. One or two years credit will be allowed, interest being paid for the second year, and also for the first, if the money is not paid agreeable to contract. The land is to be laid off and surveyed by Colonel William Cabell, at the expence of the purchaser. Deeds will be made, upon bond and approved security being given, either to Call, William Cabell, or the subscriber. Six per cent. discount will be allowed for ready money, or good merchants notes. If any person would chuse to exchange lands in the lower part of the country, on or near some navigable river, that are good, it is more than probable we should agree.
CARTER BRAXTON.
FOR SALE,
NINE hundred and forty acres of valuable land, lying on both sides of Contrary River, in Louisa, with three plantations thereon, two of which has sufficient houses for overseers and negroes; the other is improved with all necessary buildings, and orchards of all kinds, fit for the reception of a gentleman, the houses being finished in the best manner. This tract is well timbered and watered, lies within 32 miles of Fredericksburg, and 43 of Page's warehouse; there are at least 400 acres of low grounds, of the best soil, 300 of which are now to cut. The three plantations are under good fences, and in good order to work 12 or 15 hands. Robert Fleming, John Massey, and John Lain, are now in possession of the plantations, who will shew the land to any person inclineable to purchase, and Major Thomas John will agree with them for the price. The above tract is said to be the most valuable in Louisa for growing corn, wheat, or tobacco, and situated in the best range for stock of any below the great mountains.
(if 1*)
FOR SALE,
FIVE hundred acres of land, lying on Deep Creek, in Louisa, about 45 miles of Richmond town, and is exceeding good land, well watered by Deep Creek, and a large branch thereof, which runs through the middle of the land, and affords a large quantity of rich meadow ground. Any person inclineable to purchase may see the land, and know the terms, by applying to the subscriber, living near it.
GEORGE MERIWETHER.
TO BE RENTED, FROM YEAR TO YEAR, OR FOR A TERM OF YEARS,
THE beautiful seat of the honourable George William Fairfax, esquire, lying upon Potomack river, Fairfax county, about 14 miles below Alexandria. The mansion house is of brick, two story high, with four venient rooms and a large passage upon the lower floor, five rooms and a passage on the second, and a servant's hall and cellars below; convenient offices, stables, an coach house, adjoining, as also a large and well furnished garden, stored with great variety of valuable fruits, in good order. Appertaining to the tract on which these improvements are, and which contains near 2000 acres (surrounded, in a manner, by navigable water) are several valuable fisheries, and a good deal of cleared land in different parts, which may be let altogether, or separately, as shall be found most convenient. The terms may be known of Colonel Washington, who lives near the premises, or of me, in Berkeley county.
FRANCIS WILLIS, junior.
FOR SALE, AND VERY CHEAP,
A PLANTATION in good order for cropping, none of the land having been cleared above six years, with all necessary houses, quite new, together with 1500 acres of exceeding rich land, the soil of which is so good that it will bring large tobacco for five or six years without dung. I have made on this plantation above three thousand pounds of tobacco per share. The place is very healthy, and has a fine range for stock. This land lies in the lower end of Buckingham county, near to Appomattox river, on each side of Great Ducker's and Mayo creeks. Tobacco has been carried above this land near to Petersburg by water, and last month, in the dry weather, two canoe loads of wheat were carried near to Petersburg, and the canoes brought back; they were loaded but a little below this land. I make no doubt but Appomattox river will be soon cleared, and then the expence of sending wheat, tobacco, &c. will be trifling. Any person inclineable to purchase will see, by the produce of the land, that it is exceeding rich. I really do not know any better high land in the colony. This tract of land is well timbered, and has excellent water on it. I do not know a better place for a merchant mill than is on Ducker's creek. People are going much on raising wheat in these parts, and a good mill would be very advantageous to the owner. Also another tract of land of 826 acres, in Albemarle county, I believe about ten miles from the courthouse, joining Mr. James Harris and the quarters of Mr. John Winston. On this land is a small plantation, a good apple orchard, &c. The land is good, and my price so low, that I am convinced any person who viewed either of the above tracts of land would not hesitate to give the price I shall ask. Neither of these tracts are under any incumbrance whatsoever. A reasonable time of payment will be allowed.
ANTHONY WINSTON.
For SALE,
A TRACT of land, on Charles river, York county, containing about 600 acres, part of which is marsh that may be drained with very little expence. The situation of this place is very convenient for a family, as it lies upon a river that abounds with oysters and fine fish, particularly sheepsheads; it is within 200 yards of a mill, and 2 miles of the church. My reason for selling it is, my having bought a tract of land more convenient to me. Whoever inclines to purchase may know the terms by applying to the subscriber, in York town.
THOMAS NELSON, junior.
WANTED for the lighthouse directors eight second-hand ANCHORS, nearly a thousand weight each. Any person having such for sale are desired to make their terms known to the subscriber in Norfolk.
BASSETT MOSELEY.
YORK town, June 9, 1773.
THE subscribers being very solicitous to comply with the will of their testator, the late Honourable William Nelson, desire that all persons who were indebted to him will endeavour to make as speedy payments as possible. Those who have accounts open on his books, and who cannot immediately discharge the balances, are desired to give their bonds. This request is the more necessary, as most of the legacies bequeathed by the testator are to be paid in sterling money, and he has directed that his younger sons fortunes shall be placed out at interest upon undoubted securities, so soon as it can be done. Those who have any demands are desired to make them immediately known.
THOMAS NELSON, HUGH NELSON, THOMAS NELSON, jun. RO. C. NICHOLAS.