The Virginia gazette (Williamsburg, Va.), 1773-09-30 00:00:00

VIRGINIA
GAZETTE.
Open to ALL PARTIES,
but influenced by NONE.
To Mrs. RIND.
WILLIAMSBURG, September 22, 1773.
MADAM,
THE very earnest address of your correspondent, "A Virginian," on the subject of paper money, unquestionably demands our most serious attention; especially as it comes warmly recommended by so respectable a number of readers in the county of STAFFORD. That we ought "to profit from the experience of others," it must be owned, is a lesson sanctified by the voice of wisdom; the observation, from its antiquity, hath, long since, become proverbial; but, give me leave to remark, that, in most political reformati- ons, it is often observable, that the zeal of the reformer is too apt to hurry him beyond the object of his wishes, and may introduce inconveniences, which he hardly foresees and may live to lament. Of this fort I must consider the essay, which is the subject of my present contemplation. The author's extreme aversion to every kind of paper currency may be, in his own opinion, well founded, and he has displayed too large a share of good sense to admit a suspicion, that he could have wished to depreciate what paper money we have now remaining in circulation; but yet, it is to be feared that his observations may have this tendency. I will, for a moment, suppose the original evil, in first admitting it amongst us, to have been, even as great, as he would represent it; but surely, we are now called upon by every principle of justice; by every dictate of political wisdom, to support its credit; should this fail, the confusion the country may be thrown into, and the losses, which may be sustained by individuals, the present possessors of the money, are more easily to be conceived than described.
Having, on a late occasion, given the public what appeared to me a faithful history of our paper currency, from its first introduction, I should now leave the author's ob- servations on our former emissions unnoticed, were it not to be apprehended that the want of a thorough understand- ing of the subject may mislead some of your readers, and lay a foundation of groundless prejudices. That other countries, as well as Virginia, have sustained inconveni- encies, and, perhaps losses, from a paper currency, I am not at all concerned to deny; but what I undertake to maintain is, that these have not arisen from paper money, merely as such, but that they have been chiefly, if not to- tally, owing either to these bills of credit not being esta- blished upon proper funds, or to a superabundance of them, or to some mismanagements. I might, if the limits of your paper would permit, go farther and shew clearly that other countries have derived great advantages from paper currencies and that the business of those communities would be vastly cramped and could not be transacted to advantage without them. In doing this, I should take into my view the different banks; some established immediately by, and others, under the auspices of public authority; some upon one, and others, upon different kinds of funds; and might ask, with propriety, what are the notes issuing from those banks more or less than paper money? Gentlemen, whose eyes are captivated and so much allured by the glitter of the precious metals, as hastily to pronounce every other species of money counterfeit, will do well to consider more distinctly the nature of money, and what is it's proper office. The original commerce of the world, we know, was car- ried on merely by barter; work was paid in work, and one species of goods exchanged for another; as nations became more civilized and commerce more extensive, it was found more convenient and necessary to fix a certain price upon some particular things as a measure and standard for all others. Gold, silver, copper and brass, being the more scarce and noble metals, were agreed upon by the common consent of most nations; though it is equally well known that iron, leather, paper, and many other things, having a certain stamp impressed upon them to denote their value, have been adopted and passed currently in many countries as money, and, in some of them, been preferred even to gold or silver. From the most celebrated authors we learn that money, in respect to its proper office, is to be con- sidered as no more than a "ticket or counter, a mere repre- sentation of a commodity in it's absence, which, if we had it in our possession, we would readily exchange for another, we might have occasion for." It must, how- ever, be acknowledged that the species of money, whose value is universal, is much to be preferred, tho' not in ex- clusion of all other kinds; I mean such, as may be substi- tuted, as it's representative. In some countries the quan- tity of specie, as it is commonly called, is found inadequate to the demands of commerce and the purposes of govern- ment. Hence the necessity of some sort of paper currency; and, when this is established upon competent funds and properly managed, experience proves that it fully answers the purposes of gold and silver, especially for transacting the internal business of a country; and that, in some re- spects, it has superior advantages. Payments are made with much greater facility and the paper is much more portable. It is indeed subject to forgeries, a misfortune much to be lamented by us, but to be ascribed, in a great measure, to our inexperience, the want of such proper paper, as is used, with good success, in other countries, which we could not procure at first, and, which we did
not afterwards provide, hoping that every emission would be the last. But, I beseech you, are not the precious me- tals almost equally exposed to counterfeits? And are not these counterfeits in general more difficult to be detected? For answer to this question I beg leave to refer to the different authentic accounts, we have received from most parts of the world of the state of their several coins and the almost numberless forgeries of it, which have been dis- depreciated by clippings, sweatings, and a number of other tricks, which the ingenuity, or rather the wickedness of men, have invented. Thus much premised,
I take the liberty, since the necessity of the measures formerly adopted by this country seem obliquely, as that of some late transactions is directly questioned, once more to remind your readers of the circumstances we were in, when our paper money was first introduced. Attacked, as we were, in all quarters by a most powerful, in conjuncti- on with a most savage and barbarous enemy; when our country was in the most imminent danger, and we had to contend for all that was dear and valuable, could we pos- sibly have looked supinely on and suffered every thing to go to destruction? Had this been our plan, the county of Stafford, I am persuaded, would speedily have become a frontier and, with it, the lower counties would soon after- wards have fallen victims to the enemy. Under these cir- cumstances, what was to have been done? Money, the acknowledged sinews of war, was necessary; immediately necessary; troops could not be levied and supported without it; of gold and silver there was indeed some in the hands of individuals, what quantity I don't know, but the public could not command it. Did there not result from hence a necessity; an absolute necessity of having recourse to a paper currency, as the only resource, from which we could draw relief? Perhaps we might have furnished more than our just quota, but it was not a time for us to have stood upon nice calculations with our sister colonies. Let us next con- sider what was the nature of this paper money and how it was established. Not being able to procure specie in time, it was resolved to issue treasury notes, which were to pass current according to the value of their denominations ex- pressed in each note; these were to be redeemed in a few years, and, to secure their redemption, a land and poll tax; a duty on tobacco; a tax on writs and ordinary licen- ces and on wheel carriages was imposed; the notes were issued at different times, as exigencies required, and were redeemable at several periods. The author of the address doth not deny, but seems to admit the sufficiency of the funds; indeed, I believe, it was never questioned; so that the notes became current throughout this, and, I understood, were in exceeding good credit in the neigh- bouring colonies. Had the business of our treasury been properly managed (that it was not I am sure I have been far from wishing to conceal) all these notes would have been long since cancel'd and destroyed. But surely, an after misconduct in office, in a particular instant, cannot operate as a general objection against paper currencies, un- less the author will suppose that the dispositions of all men are alike, and that abuses are not to be corrected and guarded against. The author's strictures upon this mis- management, I own, are too justly founded; and, could it now answer any good purpose, I would readily join him in repeating my censures of it. Individuals have felt the fatal effects and I have no doubt but the community sustained a loss by exchange being kept up. But, with me, there are proper times and seasons for all things. The assembly took the earliest opportunity of fixing a proper stigma on this misconduct, which I hope will be a warning to others; they did justice to the country, in exacting the utmost re- tribution, and, by endeavouring to guard against the like mischiefs in future; if any thing farther can be added or done to give a more general satisfaction, or the least far- ther security to the public; in the name of justice to the community, let it be done, without the loss of time and without respect of persons. But let us not, instead of al- leviating and making the best of former misfortunes, so far as may consist with justice, suffer them to mar every future endeavour to retrieve them. It is from this period I have wished to look forward, having a proper regard to every thing that preceded it.
The quantity of paper money issued, in the course of the late war was very considerable, having exceeded half a million, which perhaps was more than this country could have conveniently borne, if it could have been avoided; it may point out one of the inconveniences I have mentioned, arising from a superabundance of such sort of money, but cannot, as I conceive, militate against a paper currency altogether. That so large a quantity of paper money con- tributed to raise exchange, I will freely own as my opinion, though, at the same time, I am thoroughly persuaded that the balance of trade being so much against us was the chief governing cause of it. That, as a necessary conse- quence of a high exchange, the prices of foreign goods were enhanced I will not deny, tho' I must take the liberty to differ in opinion with the author in his estimate of the losses the country sustained, which he makes amount to 200,000. One material circumstance he seems to have overlooked. A very just position of his own (which he considers in theory, and experience shews us that it gene-
rally holds also in practice) is that the price of provisions and labour must encrease "in proportion to the encrease of money;" if he had added tobacco, bills of exchange, and every other vendible commodity, I would have agreed with him that the prices of all these things are very considera- bly encreased by the encrease of money, tho' he must allow that other circumstances frequently combine to effect this encrease of price. How did the case stand then between the merchant and vender of these commodities and the planter and purchaser? The quantity of money raised ex- change and of course the price of foreign goods; so that the planter paid more for them; but, on the other hand, the planter, because of the great quantity of money, re- ceived more for his commodities, than he otherwise would have done, whether he was allowed for them in discount on the books of the merchant with whom he dealt, or sold them for ready money. Another thing probably happen- ed, which men are not always aware of in the course of these transactions, namely, that the very debts contracted with the merchants, sometimes, under peculiar circum- stances, might have operated as an addition to the quantity of money, by encreasing the competition amongst buyers for the planters commodities; in other instances, where people were distressed, the contrary effect might take place. I am not able to state an exact account of profit and loss between the merchant and planter in these transactions; I have had my fears that the planters, upon the whole, were losers, but nothing, in comparison of what the author supposes. The plain and simple matter of fact the differ- ent inhabitants of this country are able to judge of; whe- ther greater prices were not given for tobacco and the other produce of their estates during the war and for several years after, than they had been accustomed to. From every account I have heard, I believe this was the case; I know it was so in my own private concerns. But let the expences and losses sustained by the emission of our paper notes have been as great as the author would represent, I must con- sider them altogether as the price of that security and hap- piness we now enjoy; and whoever recollects the dangers and distresses to which the country, particularly our fron- tiers were exposed, I am persuaded that he must, upon the whole, acknowledge it to have been an advantageous pur- chase. Perhaps some men of very frugal, parsimonious dispositions, impressed by the galling ideas of expence, may view this part of the subject in the same light that some patients, recovered from long and dangerous illnesses may do their physician's and apothecary's bills. In the extre- mity of their danger, they would have given the whole world, had it been at their command, for the assistance of some healing hand; but, now the danger is all over, the doctor is almost forgotten, his charges complained of and perhaps his account disputed, however reasonable in other men's opinions. Who were the few individuals alluded to, as alone reaping "temporary advantages," from this paper money, I do not know; the printer and others concerned in preparing the notes had a moderate allowance and the late treasurer received a commission; but the whole expence did not, if my information is right, amount to one fifth part of what it would have done in a neighbouring colony; after the money was issued for public services and expences, I suppose particular men, in the course of its circulation, might have made the same advantages with it, as they would have done with any other sort of money. What "great disorder in the state" could have happened to re- duce this money to nothing, I cannot divine, unless it would equally have stript every owner of his gold and silver; if the currency, as every one must be satisfied, who is acquainted with this country, must have stood or fallen with it, I should suppose in this respect, at least, that it was as valuable, and had as great a degree of permanency, as could have been wished.
I have not been able to procure a sight of Mr. Pittman's account of Louisiana or any other author, who treats upon the same subject; so that I cannot judge to what cause it was owing that "paper money had almost effected the ruin of that province;" but I must suppose it was owing either to the want of a proper establishment of their notes or to some redundancy of them: It should have been shewn that they were established upon funds equally good and sure as ours, or else the example is not applicable. Your corre- spondent, from the disparity of the cases, is surely rather unfortunate in the other two instances held forth, as bea- cons, to warn us of our danger. Can "the paper credit, which lately produced such extensive injuries in Great Britain," with any sort of propriety, be compared to our paper money? Some private bankers, it seems, upon mere speculation, had for a number of years circulated their own notes for immense sums of money, some hundred thousand pounds, we are told, more than their real capitals; this succeeded for a time, but, as it must have happened from the nature of things, the bubble burst at last and the secret was betrayed. What happened in the Massachusetts go- vernment might indeed serve as a caution to us, if there was the most distant probability of our falling into their politi- cal errors; but I am sure nothing of this sort is to be ap- prehended from any measures hitherto pursued. This opinion I may venture to say is justified by the reluctance and disinclination shewn by our assembly to the issuing very moderate sums in the three last instances, tho' cases of ne-

cessity, as well as by their rejecting every proposal that has been made for establishing a loan office; tho' a scheme of this sort had, with success, been adopted by another colony. It is, with much unwillingness, that I intermeddle with the concerns of others, but your author has made it necessary. From Dr. Douglass's summary of the proceedings of the New England colonies we learn that there had been emitted in paper money to the enormous amount of about three million seven hundred and forty eight thousand pounds, of which sum the proportion of the Massachusetts Bay alone was 2,466,712 l. These sums he tells us were partly intended to defray the expences of some expeditions they were engaged in, partly to defray the expences of government and that a considerable proportion was lent out to the inhabitants upon mortgages to government at a long period; whether proper and adequate funds were established for the redemption of this money, I will not determine, tho' I should suppose the contrary, because, from the author's account, after deducting 2,342,390 l. reimbursed by parliament to those colonies for their expences in the reduction of Louisbourg, there remained a debt of about 1,405,000 l. New England currency: The Doctor farther tells us that, in the year 1748, their exchange had risen ten for one, that is 1,100 l. of their currency would purchase no more than one hundred pounds sterling; the vast unlikeness of their situation to ours I shall leave to the candid of your readers without any farther comment. Whether the British parliament did right in interposing in an instance even of this extraordinary nature, is a political question, that would require a different discussion.
It is asserted that our emissions of paper money have banished gold and silver, by which I suppose the author means, if we had no paper, the place of it would have been supplied by the precious metals: if so, the quantity of money in the country would have been nearly equal; and I would fain know whether gold and silver are not as likely to contribute to the extravagance of our inhabitants, as paper.
But perhaps his observation alludes to the superabundance of paper, we once had, which I have acknowledged might have been a necessary evil; but this will also prove that our commodities rose in price, as few could be possessed of the paper money without giving value for it.
I have said thus much in hopes of removing any prejudices that may have been imbibed from general principles. I am not, and never was an advocate for paper money, except in cases of absolute necessity, and it is my earnest wish that no unhappy incident may ever revive an occasion of our engaging in it hereafter. The present object of my concern is to support the credit of what we have left, and, I must own, it gives me pain to see any thing done, however undesignedly, that has a tendency to depreciate it. If a doubt remains with any one as to the sufficiency of the security which the holders of our paper have for its redemption, I flatter myself that I can, with great ease, give the utmost satisfaction upon this head.
As to the confusion of the funds complained of; in this the author is much mistaken. The funds are entirely distinct and the balance due on each may be seen to a shilling. It hath, in the letter to my correspondent in London, been acknowledged that, from their being in circulation notes of different emissions, which was occasioned by former mismanagements, and, because the payments made into the treasury were indiscriminately in such notes, as the collectors could receive, that one fund has become indebted to another; but this makes no difference as to the quantity of money in circulation. If, for example and to speak in round, easy numbers, there were in circulation one hundred pounds; one half of the notes issued in 1762 and the other of those issued in 1769; a collector ought in strictness to pay into the treasury 50 l. for the taxes of 1769, in those notes; but, instead of this, he receives of the people and pays 50 l. in the notes of 1762; so much is sunk and there remains only 50 l. out. If a person is satisfied with the security given by the public for both sorts of money, what difference can it make to him whether he is possessed of a genuine note of 1762, or 1769? And this is all the mighty confusion. That it doth not consist with strict propriety to suffer paper money to continue in circulation, after the period of its redemption is past, must be acknowledged; but how could this have been avoided, after what happened, without obliging the people to pay new taxes? This indeed might and I am persuaded would have been done, if there had been any apparent necessity for it; but the former funds, after the strictest examination, were judged amply sufficient to redeem all the notes outstanding, and the money was in such good credit, that it was generally preferred either to gold or silver. I have acknowledged that so large a quantity of paper money, as we had formerly in circulation, might have contributed to raise exchange, and it is supposed by some, that what still remains produces the same bad effects and moreover banishes gold and silver, to the great prejudice of the country; as a proof of this the late exports of specie, I suppose, will be appealed to. Whether the exporters, in general, will find their account in sending the money to England rather than giving thirty per cent. for bills, I will not say, but I have seen a calculation made by a Gentleman of some gold exported last May, of which he has just received an account, by which it appears he has lost nearly two and a half per cent. I will readily grant that, in a country possessed of no other money than gold or silver, exchange cannot rise above a certain point, but then there ought to be enough of this money to answer both the purposes of remittances to other countries, and to serve as a medium of traffick at home. Whoever supposes, that we might have had gold and silver enough for each occasion, must be a stranger to the many complaints, which prevail of the great scarcity of them in most countries, with which we are connected. Some I know are sanguine enough to think that our commodities would have brought in gold and silver; but this I am persuaded would have been in such small quantities, that, if the produce of our estates could have been sold for no other sort of money, they would either have remained as drugs upon our hands, or we must have parted with them at such miserable prices, as no man could live by, and such, as hardly any variation of exchange, considering the complicated internal affairs of this country, could have compensated for. I am apt to think that some have not fully considered how very necessary a sufficient quantity of money is
in every community to transact their internal affairs; to promote industry, and employ the inhabitants of every class to advantage. Let them consult the police of the best regulated and most thrifty countries in the world, and they may be thoroughly informed; but, if they should not be satisfied from thence, let them exercise a little patience, till our paper money is quite gone, and then, without pretending to the gift of prophecy, I will venture to believe they will feel the loss of it.
As to exchange, if we take a view of it with the principal combined causes, by which it is influenced, how strangely shall we find some Gentlemen mistaken in ascribing its rise chiefly, if not solely, to paper money? Having for many years been pretty attentive to the fluctuations of this merchandable commodity, for so I must take the liberty of calling it on this occasion, I am not quite unprepared to form a tolerable judgment of it: From April 1751 to April 1755 inclusive, exchange fluctuated from twenty seven and a half to thirty per cent: tho' it was generally at thirty; and, in October 1752, it was as high as thirty two per cent. Paper money was not known in this country at either of these periods, and I would gladly know how it happened that exchange rose so much above, what is called par. I will not attempt to avail myself of the forty five per cent. difference, which prevailed in the war before last, because a very high insurance might have had great influence; but the instances mentioned happened in times of profound peace. I will suppose that we have now in circulation about 80,000 l. tho' the real sum I am very confident is less; the exchange, so much complained of, is at thirty per cent. In the year 1766, when there were above 200,000 l. of notes in circulation, exchange was at twenty five per cent. and some years ago, when the paper in circulation amounted to 140,000 l. exchange was down as low as fifteen per cent. in May 1771 it was at twenty per cent. and continued at the same rate in October, tho' the 30,000 l. was then issued to pay for lost tobacco. To what could all these shiftings and changes have been owing? To nothing more or less than certain causes, which are well understood in the commercial world. Bills of exchange considered as a merchandize, in respect to price, should be viewed in "a compound proportion, directly as to the demand and reciprocally as to the plenty of them;" or, in other words, the value or price of bills will be in proportion to the number of them brought to market, compared with the quantity of money, which may be there to purchase them; if more money, than bills, exchange will rise; if less money, than the drawers have occasion for, exchange will fall. A few years since, bills were so plenty at market that the drawers could hardly procure money enough at fifteen per cent; and lately they have become so scarce, that it is doubted by some, whether the money'd men could have made all their remittances, even at an higher exchange than prevailed, had they not exported a quantity of specie. The former very low exchange brought in great part of the specie we had in the country; this added to what money was here before contributed to raise exchange; but the great governing cause of this rise was the extreme scarcity of bills and this owing chiefly to misfortunes in Great Britain. At the same time the demands for them appeared greatly increased, probably owing to the vast importations of goods for several years, which must have augmented the balance of trade greatly against us. From this source in my opinion are derived the greatest misfortunes to this country. Could we but prevail with ourselves to lessen our imports and endeavour to make within ourselves such necessaries as our soil and climate are well adapted to, the balance would soon be changed in our favour, and we need not fear any ill consequences attending exchange, tho' the quantity of paper money should be much greater than it is. I would observe farther that, tho' our paper money is by some few so much complained of, I do not recollect one single instance of a drawer's receiving a shilling more in paper for his bills, than he did in gold or silver. That our paper currency hath hitherto supported its credit so well could not, as is supposed, have been owing barely to what the Virginian is pleased to term the "countenance of the legislature," nor to "want of thought in the possessors of it," nor to "the absence of other money;" I had rather presume that those, who have had most to do with it, were men versed in business, particularly well acquainted with money matters, and who were satisfied that this money was established by the laws of the community on proper principles. It was not owing to "the absence of other money," because, for many years and till exchange lately took a little start, the paper money was generally preferred to gold or silver, and, I believe, at this time, it is preferred to all kinds of silver, except dollars, which happen to be in demand in Great Britain; and this, even under the supposed disadvantage of it's not being a legal tender, which surely must be considered by every impartial person as a proof of its goodness. Who the Gentleman was of such "affluence and credit in England, and yet terrified with apprehensions of a goal because his creditor insisted on receiving gold or silver and would not take the paper, he was possessed of," I do not know; tho' I must suppose his affluence and credit would have secured him against these terrible apprehensions, had he inclined to have made use of either. He possibly might have applied to the treasury; tho' I do not recollect on instance of a person appearing under these circumstances; if the sum was large, it is probable it was not in the treasurer's power, at the time, to accommodate him, otherwise he certainly would have done it. The true state of the treasury, in respect to gold and silver (for there are no secrets, which I would wish to conceal) has been this. In the course of business, there had circulated thro' the office very considerable sums of each and the treasury, for several years, was actually possessed of this kind of money from fifteen to twenty thousand pounds, which remained ready to be exchanged for paper. The holders of the notes, especially such as were tattered or torn, were repeatedly invited to bring them in; the treasurer frequently made personal applications, just before the meeting of the committee appointed to burn the notes, to such persons, as he supposed possessed of any quantity of the money, and desired them to exchange it, that the burnings might be as large as he could make them. Notwithstanding this, the holders of the notes, many at least, declined bringing them in, generally giving for reasons that
they were satisfied with the paper, and that it was most convenient. When exchange, about July 1772 rose to twenty five per cent. the money'd men, having been accustomed to buy bills under par; hearing that exchange was low to the northward, and, in hopes of giving a check to it here, made considerable drafts on the treasury and continued to do so, till the stock of specie was nearly exhausted; so that the treasurer hath not of late been able to furnish any large sums of gold or silver; he hath endeavoured to reserve as much as would accommodate those, who might have occasion of small change, and to take in the tattered notes. Under these circumstances it must be submitted, how friendly it is to this community in any member of it, who happens to be averse to our currency, to seize an unfortunate moment, and, from a disappointment of one or two individuals, to conclude that our money is of little or no worth, and this, tho' a whole country stands bound as security for it. I should rather have expected, as is done in other countries, since every man is certainly interested in supporting the credit of the money, that every Virginian, at least, would have taken pains and pleasure in assisting the treasury by throwing into it all the specie he could. Your correspondent declines investigating thoroughly, "whether the late act of assembly authorizing the emission of 36,834 l. was founded either on wisdom or necessity;" he might have had his reasons for declining this investigation, and therefore, instead of untying the knot, he, Alexander like, cuts it by giving us his opinion, as an individual, that it "rested on neither." I will not venture to rest a matter of such consequence upon my private opinion, but rather choose to rely on the better judgment of the legislature, which I know corresponded with the previous desires and wishes of the generality of the trade that both the emissions of 1769 and 1771 should be immediately called in; if a better expedient, than that made use of, had been proposed, it doubtless would have been adopted. But I have lived long enough to know how much easier it is to find fault with measures, than to amend them. The necessity, without repeating all the reasons formerly mentioned, was evident from this single consideration, that the circulation of the notes of both emissions was stop't, thro' the greatest part, if not the whole country. Could "justice policy or common humanity" have justified the legislature in withholding the best relief from the owners of these notes, that it was in their power to give them? But we are told that "the new money was not a whit less liable to abuse than the emissions of 1769 or 1771 altho' it was certain that the new emission must give rise to a considerable public expence." Public expences, I know, are terrible bugbears to some people, who, tho' daily experience shews that even private families cannot live free of considerable expences, seem to suppose that the business of this great country and every contingency may be supported almost without them; but, for my part, I shall never grudge a moderate public expence to secure either a great public good, or, to relieve the community from a great public calamity.
If any one doubts my disposition to political economy, or my endeavours to save every thing to the country, that is in my power, I shall only say that I have been peculiarly unfortunate in not being able to convince him of both, and perhaps I may not live to see better opportunities of doing it, than have already offered. That the new money may be liable to abuse I will not deny; but that it is much more secure against counterfeits and forgeries, than any we have ever had, is submitted to the judgment of all, who have examined it. This was the opinion of the assembly, even of those members, I conversed with, who were against the emission. The means of discovering the good from the forged bills of the other emissions being made public would have rendered them, after a time, the more dangerous. The forgers were possessed of exact copies of the original arms, types, and all the other devices; the chief errors of the counterfeits consisted in the difference of paper and the water letters; if these had been corrected, it might have puzzled the most knowing to detect new forgeries; though we could have been sure that no new counterfeits would have been attempted, yet how many people in the country are unable to understand those discriminating marks, which are now become familiar to persons of discernment? Can any unprejudiced person, after a moment's reflection, say it is within any degree of comparison near so easy to forge an entire set of new bills, impressed on paper of a new fabric, guarded in the manner these are, as it is to correct the errors in the forgeries of the former notes?
No good reason, it seems, has yet been "furnished for "empowering the emission of so large a sum as 36,834 l." considering the sums, that the taxes had brought in, as the treasurer informed the public. Is it not surprizingly strange that the author should insist that so large a sum was ordered to be emitted, when it was clearly proved by the letter he quotes and the act of assembly thereby referred to, that no more than 29,000 l. could be issued; the sum, however, was not so much relied on, as that the assembly had not taken upon them to direct other notes to be issued for calling in those of 1769, whose period of redemption was past, and that the notes to be issued for calling in those of 1771 were only to be substituted in their stead and made redeemable on the same day, that they were to be redeemed. Whether receiving old notes for taxes, instead of new ones, under the circumstances formerly related, was proper or not is again submitted; it was unavoidable, and the country could not have sustained the least possible inconvenience, had not the new notes been unhappily forged, which I believe no one foresaw or could have suspected. One expence indeed will be incurred by it; I mean the interest to be paid on such sums, as have been borrowed to redeem the notes of 1769; but this and all the expences attending the new money will be fully reimbursed by the interest received on the balance due from the late treasurer's estate. What principles the author had to go upon, in estimating the losses incurred by the late forgeries, he best knows; but, from all I have been able to collect, I have my hopes that they do not amount to one fourth part of the sum. Be this, however, more or less, it is much to be lamented, and the cautions suggested by it I am hopeful will prove the means of preventing such mischiefs hereafter. Could those, who have the greatest dislike to paper money, prevail with themselves to exercise a little patience; this business in a few years will probably be all wound up and set

pled to the satisfaction of every one. I should do injustice to the conclusion of the address, if I suffered it to pass unnoticed. In answer to a quotation from Baron Montesquieu, I beg leave to refer your author to Baron Puffendorf (from whom by the bye Montesquieu borrowed his sentiments) where he will find that this learned author considers every kind of money as variable in its value. "When therefore, says he, the price of a thing happens to be changed, we must carefully distinguish whether that change be made in the value of the thing or in the value of money. The former happens when the plenty of money, standing, as it was, the commodity begins to be more plentiful or scarce than usual; the latter, when the commodity, remaining as usual, the plenty of money is encreased or decreased;" which observations are illustrated by familiar examples.
Thus you may see, Madam, that a man, possessed today of 120l. in gold and silver, which would entitle him to 100l. sterling; tomorrow, by such an influx of these precious metals, as seems to be wished and expected, might be obliged to give 130l. for 100l. sterling; or if the number of bills brought to market should be considerably lessened, tho' the quantity of gold and silver continued as formerly, he might feel the same effects. The Gentleman speaks of an "irruption of thirty or forty thousand pounds from our printing office" just as an historian would describe the irruption of the Goths and Vandals; but surely he would not intimate that nothing more hath been thought necessary, than barely sending an order to the printer to strike off such a number of treasury notes; as if they were no more than so many simple advertisements; he must know that there never has been an emission voted, but upon the maturest deliberation, and, then only, on the most pressing emergency; he must also acknowledge that, in every instance, the most competent funds have been established for the redemption of the money.
Fearing that I may have trespassed too far on your indulgence, I shall only add that I am, Madam, your obliged humble servant,
RO. C. NICHOLAS.
WILLIAMSBURG, September 30.
On the 16th instant died, in King and Queen county, Capt. WILLIAM HARWOOD, in the 39th year of his age. As a husband, he was tender, affectionate, and endearing; as a parent, ever careful of the morals of his children; as a master, indulgent and humane; as a companion, lively and entertaining; and as a christian, pious and sincere.
The LAUGHING PHILOSOPHER, A CUSTOMER, and O. Z. will be inserted in our next.
ON serious consideration of the present state of our practice in the General Court, we find it can no longer be continued on the same terms. The fees allowed by law, if regularly paid, would barely compensate our incessant labours, reimburse our expences, and the losses incurred by neglect of our private affairs; yet even these rewards, confessedly moderate, are withheld from us in a great proportion by the unworthy part of our clients. Some regulation, therefore, is become absolutely requisite to establish terms more equal between the client and his counsel. To effect this we have come to the following resolution, for the invariable observance of which we mutually plight our honour to each other: "That after the 10th day of October next we will not give an opinion on any case stated to us but on payment of the whole fee, nor prosecute or defend any suit or motion, unless the tax, and one half the fee, be previously advanced; excepting those cases where we chuse to act gratis." And we hope no person whatever will think of applying to us in any other way. To prevent disappointment, however, in case this should be done, we think it proper to give this further warning, that no such application, either verbal, or by way of letter, will be answered or attended to in the smallest degree. We should feel much concern if a thought could be entertained that the worthy part of our clients could disapprove this measure. Their conduct has been such as calls for our acknowledgments, and might merit exemption from this strictness were such exemption practicable; but they will readily perceive this would defeat the purpose, and that no distinction of persons can by any means be attempted. We hope, therefore, from their friendship, a chearful concurrence in this our plan, since the requisition is such only as their punctuality would of itself prevent.
JOHN RANDOLPH, EDMUND PENDLETON, JAMES MERCER, THOMAS JEFFERSON, PATRICK HENRY, jun. GUSTAVUS SCOTT.
*** The subscriber by no means disapproves of the above resolution; but as he has long determined to quit his practice as an attorney, and practise only as a counsel in such causes as are ready for trial, he has declined signing the above, as he shall not engage in any cause for the future but such in which he shall previously receive an adequate satisfaction for his trouble, which they may be assured will not be less than the legal fees.
THOMSON MASON.
To be SOLD, to the highest bidder, the 27th of October, FIVE hundred acres of choice low GROUNDS, on Ware river, in Gloucester county, and near 200 acres of the five are in wood. There are no houses on the land, but the subscriber will lend the purchaser a dwellinghouse, with two brick chimnies, and underpinned with the same, a quarter 20 feet by 40, and a large loft, well floored, that will hold 300 barrels of corn, for a reasonable time. The subscriber will likewise shew the land to any Gentleman that may be inclined to become a purchaser. Twelve months credit will be allowed; and bond and good security required. If the money is not paid on the day it becomes due, interest from the date of the bond will be demanded, t d f FRANCIS WILLIS, junior.
ANY person wanting an assistant in the management of a county court clerk's office, may hear of a young man, duly qualified for that purpose, by addressing a line to Mr. William Nelson, clerk of Caroline county court. 3
LAND for SALE.
THE valuable unimproved moiety of the tract on which Mr. John Thompson, junior, now lives, lying on the north side of Warwick Swamp, in Prince George county, containing 792 acres, of which about 200 are good low grounds, and has a large quantity of fine oak, poplar, gum, and pine timber, thereon. Also 60 acres of higher land, adjoining the former. Credit will be allowed the purchaser one, two, or three years, as will best suit him, and the terms may be known by applying to Mr. Nathaniel Harrison, of Sussex, near the premises, or to the subscriber, in York town. 3 WILLIAM GOOSLEY.
W O O L L E N S.
JUST IMPORTED in the Kingston Packet, Joseph Turner, master, a few bales of WOOLLENS, consisting of low priced BROADCLOTHS, DUFFILS, FRIZES, with suitable trimmings, a few bales of DUTCH BLANKETS, and a quantity of SEINE TWINE; which I will sell on reasonable terms, for ready money, or short credit. t f JOSHUA STORRS.
RICHMOND, September 22, 1773.
AT a meeting of a majority of the patentees of the tract of 51,302 acres of land, in the forks of the Great Kanawha and the river Ohio, held at Winchester the 8th of September, 1773, it is resolved, that each patentee should either attend in person, or appoint an agent, properly authorized, for the purpose, to meet at the mouth of the Great Kanawha, in order to proceed to a final partition or division of each patentee's share of the said tract of land, on Wednesday the 20th of October. And to prevent any farther delay, it is farther resolved by the parties present, that a majority, met on the spot, shall finally divide the respective shares of the claimants, which shall be binding on all parties, whether absent or present. And farther it is expected, that those who send agents will supply them with money to defray the expence of surveyor, chain carriers, and provisions. ADAM STEPHEN, PETER HOG, JOHN WEST, jun. CHARLES M. THRUSTON.
FOR SALE, sundry TRACTS of LAND, in Orange county, North Carolina, namely,
FIVE hundred and thirteen acres on Dan river, formerly the property of George Lumpkins; has on it convenient houses, good orchards, and a good quantity of fine low grounds.
147 acres on Hagan's creek, on which is a remarkable good seat for a mill, and is convenient to the above tract. 320 acres on Mill creek, which formerly belonged to Abraham Miles, has on it some improvements, and is good land for hemp or tobacco.
270 acres on North Hico river, which also belonged to Abraham Miles, and is exceeding good land.
Also one tract of land in this colony of 25 acres, being an island in Dan river, Pittsylvania county, which is said to be the best fishing place on that river.
The above lands are about 140 miles from the falls of Appomattox. For a more particular description of them, any person inclining to purchase may be informed by applying to Mr. Roger Atkinson, or Mr. John Jones, at Petersburg. I shall be in Williamsburg at the November meeting, and will there let such as want to buy know the price for the whole, or any separate parcel, and allow a reasonable credit. Bond, with approved security, will be required at the time deeds are executed. 8 CHARLES YATES,
Attorney in fact for the assignees of Younger, Wilkinson, and company.
FREDERICKSBURG, September 15, 1773.
RUN away from Fredericksburg a Negro man named CAESAR, belonging to the estate of Mr Philip Sowerby, deceased. He is a well made fellow, about five feet nine or ten inches high, pitted with the smallpox, and of a yellowish cast, formerly belonged to Mr. Peter Mayre, is a notorious runaway, and has often been outlawed. I am informed he lately committed a robbery in Essex, and was pursued and taken in Middlesex, but made his escape from the constable. He has now been about six months gone, and I hear has been often in custody, but always contrived to get at liberty. Whoever apprehends the said Negro, and delivers him to me at Fredericksburg, shall receive THREE POUNDS reward, and reasonable travelling expences, according to the distance he is brought. 4 CHARLES YATES.
To be LET, on the 9th day of November next, on the premises, to the highest bidder, for one or more years (if not done in a private manner before that time)
THE noted and valuable MILL on Fine creek, in Cumberland county, belonging to the estate of my deceased father John Pleasants. It is about 28 miles from Warwick, fitted for manufacturing wheat, and very conveniently situated for procuring that article. Any person inclining to rent the said mill before the time above mentioned may know the terms by applying to me. I have also a quantity of good WALNUT PLANK for sale, ready to be delivered to any person at Richmond. 3 ROBERT PLEASANTS, Executor.
HAVING received a letter from London enclosing an invoice and James Jones's receipt (who is said to be the mate) for a large CHEST containing oznabrigs and rolls, marked R P, N o . 1, shipped on board the Planter, James Miller, master, and dated the 17th of April last; but having never heard any thing of the said package, and being informed that the said ship did load in Pamunkey river, I suppose the captain may have lodged it in some warehouse on that river. If therefore any person, under whose care it may be lodged, will give information thereof, or forward it to me, near Four Mile creek, on James river, all expences shall be thankfully paid by 3 ROBERT PLEASANTS.
NOTICE is hereby given, that the commissioners appointed by the courts of King and Queen and King William counties, to let the clearing of Mattaponi river, from Todd's Bridge downwards, as far as may be thought necessary, will attend for that purpose, at Aylett's warehouse, on Wednesday the 13th of October at 10 o'clock.
NORFOLK, September 28, 1773.
WE have lately imported a quantity of EUROPEAN GOODS, in small assorted packages, which we will sell at a low advance for cash, or short credit, viz. KENDAL COTTONS, SADDLERY, IRISH LINENS, OZNABRIGS, low priced HATS, CHECKS, stamped COTTONS, and SUITS of CLOATHS, with trimmings; also RUSSIA LINEN, DUFFILS, &c. We have likewise for sale, a quantity of CADIZ and LAMATTA SALT, GINGER, PIMENTO, and choice LISBON WINE in quarter casks.
GREENWOOD, RITSON, AND MARSH.
To be SOLD, at auction, on Thursday the 28th of October next,
SEVEN hundred acres of LAND in the county of Culpeper, the property of Capt. William Payne. This land lies on Hazel river, near Capt. John Brown's, who will shew it to any person inclining to purchase. Bond and agreeable security will be required, and the terms of credit will be made known on the day of sale. 2 RICHARD MITCHELL.
Accomack, September 22, 1773.
THE subscriber intends to leave the colony soon. PATRICK JEFFERY.
Goochland, September 20, 1773.
I INTEND for Great Britain soon; and therefore desire all those who have any demands against me that they would make immediate application for payment. 3 HENRY MARTIN.
Williamsburg, September 22, 1773.
THE subscribers intend to leave this colony soon. EDWARD WATTS, JOHN VENCE.
WANTS EMPLOYMENT. A PERSON desirous of settling in a country town, in the character of a SCHOOL MISTRESS, who proposes to teach reading, plain needle work, and marking. As it is her fixed purpose to pay the strictest attention to the business of her school, she flatters herself with hopes that she shall be able to give entire satisfaction to all Gentlemen and Ladies who may be pleased to employ her. For farther particulars enquire of the printer of this paper.
A SOBER, DILIGENT JOURNEYMAN BARBER,
WHO UNDERSTANDS WIGMAKING AND HAIRDRESSING, Will meet with ENCOURAGEMENT by applying to me, in Williamsburg. WALTER LENOX.
††† Or I would gladly purchase the remainder of a SERVANT's time, if he is well acquainted with the above business. W. L.
Westmoreland, September 10, 1773.
THE copartnership of James Ballantine and company, merchants, in Glasgow, is now at an end, and the books for the concern closed; we therefore beg that those indebted for dealings with us will speedily make payment, or settle their accounts by bond with Mr. John Middleton, who is appointed collector for the said concern. We also hope this will be the more duly attended to, as very great indulgence has been already given; and those who neglect to comply with this request must expect to have suits brought against them immediately. The stores under our management will be carried on to the usual extent for Messrs. John Ballantine and company. 3† HUGH HAMILTON, THOMAS BLANE.
GEORGE the Third, by the grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, &c. To the sheriff of Gloucester county, greeting: We command you that you summon Joseph Davenport to appear before the justices of our said county court in chancery, at the courthouse of our said county, on the first Thursday in next month, to answer a bill in chancery, exhibited against him by John Thruston; and this he shall in no wise omit, under the penalty of 100l. and have then there this writ. Witness John Clayton, clerk of our said court, at the courthouse aforesaid, the 10th day of August, in the 13th year of our reign. 3* JASPER CLAYTON, D. C. G. C.
STOLEN, or strayed, out of Robert Pleasants's pasture near Four Mile creek, in Henrico county, about the beginning of July last, a dark bay mare, about 4 feet 5 or 6 inches high, with a hanging mane and switch tail, paces naturally, but has no brand. Whoever brings the said mare to the subscriber, in Cumberland county, or to Robert Pleasants aforesaid, shall receive TWENTY SHILLINGS reward. MIRIAM PLEASANTS.
YORK, September 27, 1773.
STRAYED from this town, about a month ago, a large red or brindled cow, marked with a slit and nick in each ear, gave milk at the time of straying, and is supposed to be some where between this and James town ferry. Whoever will give information of her so that she may be had on sending for, shall receive TEN SHILLINGS, or twenty shillings shall be paid to the person who brings her home. 3 WILLIAM GOOSLEY.
COMMITTED to James City prison, on the 28th of this instant (September) a black fellow, about 5 feet 10 inches high, says his name is JAMES, and that he belongs to Mr. John Armistead, in Mecklenburg county; part of his right ear is cut off. Also a yellow fellow, who says his name is WILLIAM, and that he belongs to Mr. William Penn, in Amherst county; he is about the height of James, has a short flat nose, and a scar on his left knee. The owners are desired to pay charges, and take them away. 3 JOHN CONNELLY.
COMMITTED to the gaol of Augusta county, on the 3d day of September, a runaway servant man named James Adams, by trade a tailor, about 23 years of age, 5 feet 7 or 8 inches high, and has on a wilton coat of a light colour. He says he was born in England, and that his master's name is Jeremiah Alderson, of the county of Prince Edward. The owner is desired to pay charges, and take him away. 3 JOHN CAWLEY, Gaoler.

SUSSEX, September 16, 1773.
AS the partnership of Glaister Hunnicutt and company expires the first day of October next, we have appointed Peter Williams to collect and settle all accounts due to that concern; all those, therefore, that are indebted to the said company, are desired to make speedy payment to him. The store will be continued under the firm of Glaister Hunnicutt, who will be much obliged to all his old friends for a continuance of their custom.
3 GLAISTER HUNNICUTT.
AS Mess. Glaister Hunnicutt and company have thought proper to appoint me to collect and settle all accounts due them after the first day of October next, and the books must be closed as soon as possible, I request all persons indebted to them to come and settle their accounts, and give bond, otherwise no indulgence can be given. I shall give due attendance on every Wednesday and Friday at the said store, in order to settle, and on no other days.
3 PETER WILLIAMS.
*** I shall attend the county courts of Sussex and Prince George.
WILLIAMSBURG, September 23, 1773.
ALL persons who have demands against the estate of the late Mr. John Tyler are desired to make them known to me immediately, that provision may be made to discharge them.
JOHN TYLER.
NORFOLK, September 22, 1773.
For CHARTER, to LIVERPOOL, THE ship NANCY, JAMES DYSART, master, burthen about 300 hogheads of tobacco. For terms apply to JOHN LAWRENCE, and company.
Who have for sale Antigua, Barbados, and Jamaica rum, Barbados and Jamaica spirit, muscovado sugar, molasses, coffee, ginger, pimento, mold candles, fine salt in sacks, Madeira and Teneriffe wines, &c. &c. *4
To be SOLD, on Thursday the 14th of October next, if fair, if not, the next fair day, at Westbury, in Charles City county.
ALL the personal estate of the late Littlebury Cocke, deceased, consisting of horses, cattle, sheep, and hogs, household and kitchen furniture. Six months credit will be allowed the purchasers, on giving bond, with approved security, to
3 REBECCA HUBBARD COCKE, Executrix.
To be SOLD, on the first Wednesday in October, being Charles City court,
TWO hundred acres of LAND, whereon the courthouse stands, with a commodious tavern, and all necessary outhouses. One third of the purchase money to be paid on New Year's day, when the premises may be entered upon, one third in October 1774, and the other third in October 1775. Also a merchant mill, with two pair of stones, and eight acres of ground adjoining, with a stream that never fails, however dry the summer. The mill may be had in possession immediately. Bond and security will be required. 2 SAMUEL HARWOOD.
To be SOLD, on Thursday the 7th of October next, at Mr. John Gardner's ordinary, near the Park church, in King and Queen county, to the highest bidder,
THE TRACT OF LAND whereon I now live, containing 785 acres, on which is an exceeding good BRICK DWELLINGHOUSE 50 by 20, and all other convenient houses; also a well accustomed GRIST MILL, with a plentiful stream of water, and was built to manufacture wheat, but not finished, which might be completed at the expence of about seventy five pounds. I will divide the land into lots, or sell it altogether, as may best suit those inclined to purchase. It is to be laid off as follows: The dwellinghouse with 400 acres, Rogers's tract with 300, and the mill with 85 acres. The terms will be made known at the day of sale. Bond with approved security will be required. ** GABRIEL THROCKMORTON.
Pursuant to the last will and testament of Mr. Robert Pitt, late of New Kent county, deceased, will be SOLD, to the highest bidder, the 20th day of October next, on the premises,
THE plantation whereon the said Robert Pitt lived, two miles above the Long Bridge, ten from Newcastle, eighteen from Richmond, and eight from Holt's forge, containing about 500 acres of level land, 200 of which are excellent low grounds, proper for wheat, tobacco, or meadow; great part of the remainder is fine tobacco, the rest very good corn land, and the uncleared ground abounds with large white oaks, cypress, and ash; there is also on it a good situation for a mill, with a pretty good stream of water. The buildings consist of a handsome and commodious dwellinghouse, with all necessary offices, an overseer's house, several large barns and tobacco houses framed, and shingled with cypress. The plantation is now in good order for cropping, as there is a large opening, under good fences, and the ground fresh. The houses have been built within a few years, and are now in good repair, it being the plantation purchased by Mr. Pitt of Mr. Peter Russell. At the same time and place will be sold, about twelve likely SLAVES, consisting of men, women, and children; also horses, cattle, hogs, and sheep, a parcel of very good household and kitchen furniture, a good collection of law books, and other books; likewise wheat, corn, fodder, plantation tuenfils, and all other the personal estate of the said Robert Pitt. The time of payment will be agreed on at the day of sale.
The EXECUTORS.
*** All persons indebted to the estate of Mr. Robert Pitt are desired to make payment; and those who have just demands against it are desired to make them known at the day of sale.
I HAVE received advice that a quantity of COARSE WOOLLENS will be consigned to me in the Kingston Packet, Joseph Turner, master, from Hull, which I will sell on reasonable terms for ready money, or short credit. JOSHUA STORRS.
WILLIAMSBURG, September 23, 1773.
JUST IMPORTED,
A LARGE assortment of WOOLLENS, viz. beaver coating, plains of various sorts, fearnoughts, frizes, Kendal cottons, rugs, duffil and Dutch blankets, Welch, Shetland, and plaid hose, worsted stockings of all sorts and sizes, Scotch carpets and carpeting of almost all sizes; also currants, raisins in casks and jars, capers, India mangoes, anchovies, mens, womens, and childrens shoes, womens morocco and childrens shoes, threads of all sorts, as usual, wholesale and retail, a large parcel of Scotch lawns, figured and plain, will be sold, by wholesale, on very reasonable terms. ALLAN & TURNER.
N. B. We expect, in a few weeks, a large quantity of BROADCLOTHS and TRIMMINGS.
WILLIAMSBURG, September 14, 1773.
THE PUBLIC HOSPITAL, established by an act of the General Assembly for the reception of ideots, lunatics, and other persons of unsound minds, being now completed, notice is hereby given that the court of directors will meet at the said hospital on Tuesday the 12th of October next, to receive all such persons as may be sent thereto, according to the directions of the said act, and that the court, for the same purpose, and the better ordering the general business of the hospital, will meet on the same day in every succeeding week, till farther notice.
It is hoped that the magistrates in the several counties will in every instance distinguish between such persons as have no estates and those who are able to defray the whole or part of the expence of their support and maintenance as the law requires, and that none but such as are proper objects of the act of Assembly will be sent to the said hospital. By order of the court of directors. JACOB BRUCE, Clerk.
BEING desirous of paying every shilling that I am indebted, I will sell, to the highest bidder, on Tuesday the 26th of October next, on the premises, my plantation, commonly known by the name of PURTON, containing from 2500 to 3000 acres, and lies about six miles above Queen's Creek, on the north side of York river. Great part of the land is very fine, has abundance of good timber on it, consisting of red and white oak, pine, and some black walnut; also some hundred acres of fine marsh, most of which, with little trouble, may be made arable land. There is a mill on the said land, supplied by a constant stream. The times of payment to be as follows: One third next December, another third in April 1774, and the balance the succeeding October. Bond and good security will be expected; and an undoubted title will be made by LEWIS. BURWELL.
N. B. Those of my creditors that do not approve of the credit mentioned in the above advertisement, it is hoped they will be so kind as to acquaint me in time; for, notwithstanding the great loss I shall sustain, and particularly several children, whose dependence is entirely on what may hereafter be raised from my estate, two thirds of which being entailed, I will sell on any credit they shall think proper. L. B.
TWENTY DOLLARS REWARD.
RUN away from the subscriber, living in Westmoreland, the 12th of August last, an Irish convict servant man named MATTHEW THARP, by trade a gardener, about 5 feet 5 inches high, well made, much pitted with the small-pox, has short dark hair, but generally wears a dark wig over it clubbed; had on, and took with him, a pair of leather breeches, light coloured cloth coat, old striped jacket, several white and oznabrish shirts, one check ditto, an old brown holland coat, striped holland trousers much stained, shoes and stockings of many sorts, a hat almost new, with a band and buckle. This fellow was convicted last June Oyer court was a twelvemonth for horsestealing. Whoever will secure him in any of his Majesty's gaols, so that I get him, shall receive the above reward. I have been credibly informed that some time after the said Tharp eloped, he went down to Williamsburg, and applied to John Randolph, Esquire, for a pass, which he obtained. JOSEPH PEIRCE.
FOR SALE,
Several valuable tracts of land, adjoining each other, or both sides of Chappawamick Run, in the counties of Stafford and Prince William, containing 2600 acres, being the seat whereon the subscriber formerly resided. These lands are situate four miles above Aquia warehouses, and four miles below the town of Dumfries, the soil of more than half of it exceeding good; there is on it as fine a mill seat as any in the colony, upon a large and never failing stream. There is a great appearance of iron ore, and a large quantity of white oak and pine timber, a tolerable commodious dwellinghouse, a great number of convenient outhouses, good orchards, and several tenements in order for cropping. There are also 200 acres of fine meadow ground, half of which was sowed in timothy last fall and this spring. A more particular description will be unnecessary, as it is presumed that any person inclined to purchase will view the premises; and the subscriber earnestly entreats all such to form their ideas of the value of this estate from their own observations, and not from any accounts they may receive from others, as there are some persons, who are thought good natured, worthy men, amuse themselves with decrying the property of their neighbours, even at the expence of truth, and under the mask of friendship to the person injured. And the subscriber is more particular in this caution, as he hath formerly received several severe injuries of that kind from one in that neighbourhood. The above lands are under the incumbrance of two mortgages; the one for a considerable sum, made by the subscriber himself, the other for an inconsiderable sum, made by the person of whom he purchased one of the small tracts, which mortgages are to be first paid out of the money arising from the sale. For terms apply to THOMSON MASON.
FOR SALE,
THE tenement at present occupied by Captain James Gunn, in that part of the town of Richmond called Shockoe, on the north side of the falls of James river, with a number of convenient houses upon it, well adapted for either a merchant, tavernkeeper, or private Gentleman, rented at forty pounds a year; also the public storehouse at the same place, rented at fifteen pounds a year; the two half acre lots, No. 400 and No. 670, in the same town; the valuable lot of one hundred acres of timbered land, near the same, known by the description of No. 799; also the two half acre lots, No. 116 and No. 267, in the town of Manchester or Rocky Ridge, on the south side of the falls of James river. For terms apply to Joshua Storrs of Richmond, or to the subscriber. THOMSON MASON.
TO BE SOLD,
ABOUT fourteen thousand acres of exceeding good LAND in the county of Pittsylvania. For terms apply to Mr. Hugh Rose, of Amherst, who will treat with any person inclined to purchase, and be empowered to make a legal title. tf THOMAS LOMAX.
STRAYED, or stolen, from the subscriber, living in King William, about 4 miles from Newcastle, on the 20th of August, a bay horse, branded on the near buttock H, has some saddle spots, a hanging mane, and short switch tail, a white spot in his forehead, paces naturally, is about 4 feet 6 inches high, and was very fat when he went away. Whoever will convey the said horse to me shall receive FORTY SHILLINGS. 3 EDWARD VALLINTINE.
AS I am desirous of discharging all the debts of the late Mr. William Drummond in the speediest manner, I purpose to sell the well known, beautiful, and convenient situation, PORTO BELLO. Whoever is inclined to become a purchaser may know the terms by applying to my brother, John Tyler, who will be frequently in Williamsburg between this and Christmas. It may not be amiss to say that a third of the purchase money must be paid down on the delivery of the above place, which will be on the 1st of January next. This is thought necessary, because there are many young Negroes, which, if exposed to sale by execution, will sell to a great disadvantage. But I hope this rigorous method will not be prosecuted by those who have it directly in their power, as my integrity is pawned to do ample and immediate justice to every creditor. RACHEL DRUMMOND.
*** All those indebted to the estate of Mr. Drummond are desired to make immediate payment; and those who have demands against it are requested to make them known.
WOOLLENS.
THE subscriber has now upon hand several bales of coarse woollens, properly assorted for a store, from 60s. to 80s. sterling value. Also a large quantity of coarse cloths and trimmings, in small bales, from 3s. 6d. to 12s. per yard sterling, which he intends selling by the bale, or retailing by the piece. I also expect more coarse woollens in very soon of all sorts. I sell at a low advance for cash, or short credit. Any person applying to me, at Mr. John Woodside's, in Norfolk, or at the general courts, may depend on being served to satisfaction. JOHN STONEY.
At a court continued and held for Goochland county, July the 20th, 1773.
William Craig, plaintiff, against John McDonald, defendant, } In chancery.
THE defendant having absconded and removed out of the colony of Virginia, and failing to enter his appearance according to the rule of this court, on the plaintiff's motion by his counsel, it is ordered by the court that the bill of the plaintiff be taken, as confessed, unless the defendant appear here, and answer thereto, within the space of three months from this court; and also that a copy of this order be fixed up at the front door of the courthouse, and at the church door of the parish of Trinity, in the county of Louisa, and likewise inserted in the Virginia gazette for two months successively. VALENTINE WOOD, C. C.
To be SOLD, to the highest bidder, on Thursday the 4th of November next, before the Raleigh tavern, in Williamsburg,
THE exceeding fine PLANTATION and TRACT of LAND in Chesterfield county, at the falls of James river, belonging to the subscriber, which contains upwards of 2000 acres, and, on account of its richness and situation, is deservedly esteemed the most valuable in the colony, nay, equal to any in America. It is in good order for cropping, and about 250 acres will be sowed in wheat this fall; from which may be expected to be reaped at least 5000 bushels. Twelve months credit will be allowed, the purchaser giving bond and approved security to W. BYRD, and his TRUSTEES.
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. tf
THOMAS NELSON, THOMAS NELSON, jun. HUGH NELSON, RO. C. NICHOLAS.

P A R I S, July 6. THE 17th of last month a storm which fell in the neighbourhood of Belford and which lasted but twelve minutes, destroyed all the hopes of the inhabitants of a plentiful harvest. The least hail stones that fell weighed four or five ounces, and many were taken up which weighed half a pound. Several persons were wounded, and many of the smaller sort of cattle killed, while the larger sort were so affrighted and dispersed, that it was a long time before they were discovered, when many of them were found much hurt. All the glass exposed to the storm was broken, and great damage done to many houses.
L O N D O N, July 10. THE following circumstance reflects great honour on his Majesty: When he arrived at Portsmouth he observed that all the cooks employed were Frenchmen, and turning to Lord Sandwich, who was at that time with him, said, "Surely I am not in my own dominions, for they are all French people about me; this is a sight I did not expect to see." On Friday, when he dined on board Lord Sandwich's yacht, he was highly pleased with his dinner; Lord Sandwich then acquainted his Majesty it was dressed by an English cook, which served as a whet to his appetite, for he eat much more than he had done any of the preceding days, and declared that he thought no cooks could dress a dinner like an Englishman. How praiseworthy would it be in our nobility, and people of fortune, to emulate the conduct of his Majesty in this particular; for, by preferring their countrymen to foreigners, they would not only render this nation happy, but prevent many extravagancies, and escape many impositions.
We hear from Paris that the Duke de Lauzan, who is but 26 years of age, and the only heir of the House of Biron, having fallen in love with an English lady, he followed her to England, where he has been for a long time. His uncle, the marshal, was in hopes he would have returned for the review of the French guards, as he has a company; but being disappointed, was obliged to make an apology to the King for his absence. The marshal and the Duke de Gontault, having wrote to the Duke de Lauzan, reproached him in such terms as his conduct deserved, but he returned no other answer than sending his resignation as captain, signifying to them, at the same time, that he did not care a farthing for the French nation, and that he would live and die amongst the English.
A few days ago Lord North, and several of the foreign ministers and noblemen, dined with the West India merchants. Success to trade was the general toast.
July 13. A correspondent favours us with the following, as an instance of modern equity : Not long since a certain haberdasher of justice , within a hundred miles of York Buildings, decided a cause wherein a notorious sharper was convicted in deceiving an innocent young farmer to a house of bad repute, and, after plying him plentifully with liquor, defrauding him of a considerable sum of money. The fact was clearly proved against the defrauder, who, in his own defence, pleaded his character, which, with all his effrontery, he could not justify. In fact, he was such an atrocious knave, that no person, except a very infamous brother gambler , could be found to speak in his behalf. And even this friend in iniquity refused to be his bail; his worship at the same time declaring that he recollected this impudent cheat, that he knew him to be an old offender, and a pest to the honest and unwary part of mankind, and was therefore about to commit him. But behold, at this juncture, Astrea took her flight, and the Goddess of the Golden Mine is supposed to have insinuated herself between Midas and the thief , and operated so much upon his worship's morbid brain, that justice even winked while the balance preponderated, and thus the robber and the robbed were suffered to compromise this harmless affair privately between themselves. The villain, therefore, was suffered to depart with impunity, and the innocent countryman perhaps once more was left to be sacrificed.—O, justice, where art thou fled!
According to Sir Isaac Newton's calculation, a guinea loses in its weight, by wear, the value of one farthing in a year, and consequently a guinea that hath been current an hundred years will be deficient two shillings and a penny. It appears that Sir Isaac Newton's calculation is pretty exact; because the guineas coined an hundred years ago, in the reigns of Charles and James the Second, do generally want about two shillings in weight. These guineas of Charles and James the Second are the lightest that are now current, and yet they are not, by this act, to be cut; because their deficiency of weight arises only from a reasonable wear of them. Let us therefore suppose, says a correspondent, what will very probably be the case in many instances, that a tenant makes a tender of the payment of his rent chiefly in the guineas of Charles and James
the Second, and that his landlord refuses to take such light money, what must follow? Will not a law suit probably be the consequence? For how can justices of the peace, as the act directs, settle such matters between landlord and tenant? Would not the tenant's tender of his rent, in such money, be a legal tender? Does this act, or any other act now existing, say it is not? And what may be the case between tenant and landlord may be the case also in all other tenders of payment. But though these light guineas of Charles and James the Second are not, by this act, to be cut, yet if a guinea of George the Third's should be deficient in weight only one shilling, or less, it might be cut, because such deficiency could not arise from a reasonable wear of it. From hence it plainly appears that some of our best and heaviest guineas may, by this act, be cut, whilst our worst and lightest may escape. In short, this act will distress the public in general, be infinitely injurious and detrimental to all tradespeople and shopkeepers, who cannot always spare time to weigh every piece of gold offered to them in payment, nor will they be able always to refuse light money, when they have weighed it, without disobliging, and perhaps losing, their customers. All that can be said for the act is, it will answer the purposes of the bank and the minister.
July 17. We hear from Dublin that, a few days ago, a married lady of that city took an advantage of her husband's absence, and, after a most affectionate farewell to her children and domestics, and leaving a letter for her husband, expressive of the reluctance with which she was obliged to quit him, eloped, and has not since been heard of. The singularity of this affair is totally unaccountable, the gentleman and she having lived together in the strictest harmony and fidelity, possessed of ease, opulence, and the respect of all their acquaintance.
We learn from Carlisle that one John Weare, blacksmith, was born deaf, yet can speak so as to be understood by his acquaintance. His companions speak to him whispering; he cannot so well understand them when they speak aloud. If they only form the words with their lips he understands them perfectly. He never was at school, yet he can read, write, and cast accounts, better than most mechanics. He was asked what idea he had of sound, and answered he once heard some loud claps of thunder, and upon rejoicing days could hear the large cannons, but not so perfectly as to count the number of reports.
All the privy counsellors are summoned to meet on Monday evening next at Lord Sandwich's house in the Admiralty on very important business.
It is said the court of Spain have started some difficulties in regard to limits assumed by the English of carrying on a clandestine trade with his Catholic Majesty's subjects in America and the West Indies, in consequence of which orders have been issued for fitting out a great number of guarda coastas.
It is evident that this nation has been too long under the direction of state empirics, whose only merit has been to skin our wounds, and palliate our distempers; and Doctor North and company , we are told, do not mean to alter their practice. It is therefore time that a more skilful person be appointed to search the wound to the bottom, and to apply wholesome medicaments to the almost corrupted body. The cure may be painful, but it must be speedily undergone, for a delay will certainly bring more dreadful symptoms, and infallibly end in political death. We have been too long deluded by the magic sound of words, and some of the principal men in our country have been drove from the throne by odious distinctions and false imputations; whereby the rancour and animosity of parties have been kept up, and his Majesty has been deprived of the assistance of some of the ablest of his subjects, most firmly attached to his person and family.
To the honour of Lord North, we learn that he has done more praiseworthy, charitable acts in and about Oxford in a fortnight, than any of his predecessors have done for half a century. What adds to his reputation is, that he has done this in the most private manner possible.
While many people were talking in a political coffeehouse, not far from St. James's, on the business that brought over the secretary of the lord lieutenant of Ireland at this time, and all agreeing that it must be that of a union between England and Ireland, a noble lord started up and said it was upon an errand of more utility, being to strike off a swarm of foreign pensioners the Irish were shamefully loaded with, whilst many of their own country gentlemen, not knowing how to get bread, were in a state of desperation.
A great man lately observed that as long as he had sat in a certain august assembly, he never knew a bill passed with so many incoherencies and absurdities as the India bill, which he could ascribe only to the impetuous desire the ministry had of getting the East India company into their clutches at any
rate, no matter how soon, or what became of the company and its proprietors. The lust of power, and its consequences to themselves, were the grand spring of all their rapid measures in this and every other subject. Delays and deliberations they have always held dangerous, and not without reason.
There is a pawnbroker in Clerkenwell who is accumulating a fortune by taking in pledges of a very extraordinary kind. The labouring men in the neighbourhood having bought a Sunday's dinner, usually spend the remains of the week's earnings at the alehouse; they then come home drunk, and the next morning compel their wives to pawn the baked dinner for more money for the alehouse. On Monday morning the labourer gets half a crown in advance, and the Sunday's dinner is redeemed and eaten cold on the Monday. An artist in the silver way, who uses a small vise, is frequently reduced to the necessity of pawning it; but never having money to redeem it, his wife always sits in the pawnbroker's shop till the jobb is finished, when the vise is re-pawned and the woman redeemed.
Extract of a letter from Gibraltar, June 23.
"Monsieur de Tournouy, the French envoy to the Dey and Regency of Algiers, has just arrived here from that place, after having successfully negotiated a treaty of amity with the Algerines, which has been long wanted by the French, as a misunderstanding has long subsisted between them, much to the hindrance of the French trade and commerce up the Mediterranean. The principal articles of the treaty are as follows: "That the ships belonging to France may come to any port in the kingdom of Algiers, and trade there, paying a duty of ten per cent. and for powder, arms, ammunition, cordage, iron, timber, and planks, for shipping, and all other naval stores, no duty is to be paid. That as well the ships belonging to France as those of Algiers, may freely pass the seas, and traffic, without any search, hindrance, or molestation, from each other; and that all persons, and passengers, of what country soever, with their money, goods, and moveables, to what people or nation soever belonging, on board the said ships, should be wholly free, and not be stopped, taken, or plundered, or receive any damage whatever from either party. That if any war should happen between his most Christian Majesty and the Dey and Regency of Algiers, the French consul, and all his Majesty's subjects residing there, shall, at all times, both in peace and war, have liberty to depart to their own country, or to any other, in any ship or vessel of what nation soever, with their effects, families, and servants. That no French ship, wrecked on the coast of Algiers, should be seized, or its crew made slaves; but the Algerines shall use their best endeavours to save both men and goods. That if any ship of Tunis, Tripoli, or Sallee, or of any other place, should bring any goods or ships, belonging to his most Christian Majesty's subjects, into the territories of Algiers, they should not be permitted to be sold there. That when any French man of war shall appear before Algiers, proclamation shall be made to secure all christian captives; after which, if any christian whatever should escape to such ship of war, they should not be required; nor the French consul, or the commander of such ship, or any other subject of France, be obliged to pay any thing for such christians. That if any subject of France dies at Algiers, the government shall not seize on his effects or money, but suffer his heirs or executors to enjoy them; or if he dies without will, the French consul shall possess himself of the goods and money of the deceased, for the use of his heirs and kindred. That no French subject in the kingdom of Algiers shall be liable to any other jurisdiction, but that of the Dey or Divan, except differences between themselves, which shall be determined by the consul. That the French consul shall enjoy entire freedom and safety in his person and estate; shall be permitted to chuse his own terjiman (interpreter) and broker, to go on board the ships in the road; to have the liberty of the country, and be allowed a place to pray in; and that no man shall do him any injury in word or deed." With many other articles equally to the honour and advantage of the French nation.
Mr. Bruce, the celebrated Englishman, whom we lately mentioned to be in a very dangerous way, is much better. After great pains and difficulty, the worm hath been wholly extracted. The travels of this gentleman are extremely remarkable. He relates, amongst other things, that he was present at three battles in Abyssinia. Two Kings successively lost their lives in the two first; and these events had like to have cost him his liberty, but happily the victory gained by his successor facilitated the means of his quitting that country. In the first battle Mr. Bruce received two strokes from a lance, one on each arm; and what is extraordinary, the wound on the left arm broke out a fresh in Nubia and in Egypt; so that he concluded the weapon was poisoned; however, he is now cured of both those wounds, and it is hoped time will restore him to a sound state of health.

July 19. By letters from Cairo, dated May 9, we learn that Ali Bey being on his march towards Egypt, at the head of 40,000 men, to conquer that kingdom, met Mehmet Bey Aboudab, who commanded an army of 30,000 men, well skilled, in a plain near Satchie; that the 29th of April the two armies engaged in a battle which lasted eight hours, when Aboudab gained a complete victory; Ali Bey, having received five mortal wounds, was taken prisoner, and in 48 hours after, having kissed Aboudab's hand, expired in the tent of the vanquisher. His head was afterwards cut off and sent to Constantinople to the Grand Signior.
Aboudab, who has defeated Ali Bey, is the only son of that warrior, but having long since discovered a very refractory spirit, had fled from his father, and joined the Turks.
A letter from Warsaw, dated June 20, says that the trial of the prisoners charged with the assassination of the King has made several important discoveries, for which reason the examination of those prisoners is kept secret. It is whispered here that several high personages of Europe were the authors of the plot against the King. Six Polish noblemen, who fled when the trial began, were secured by the Russians, and brought hither; and since that time the Sieur Zamburky, who was one of the commissioners of that inquisition, was discovered to have been a chief actor in the plot against his Majesty, and was immediately committed to prison. A new committee of enquiry has been since appointed, and several of the highest families here are suspected to have been concerned in the conspiracy, even the family of Radzeville, and both the marshals of the new national confederacy, have declared, that they will resign their charges in case any further enquiry be made. The affair occasions uncommon confusion.
It is certain that persons who are lately arrived from various parts of the kingdom, all concur in declaring that in the memory of man never were seen finer or more promising crops of all sorts of standing corn; and that if any, the barley has rather the advantage of the rest.
An ordinance is issued at Paris, which declares that all English vessels laden with cotton velvet stuffs of the manufacture of that country, shall be prohibited from admission into France, under the penalty of seizure of the goods, and a fine of 3000 livres.
It is said that Mess. Wilkes and Bull will be returned by the livery to the court of aldermen at the ensuing election for lord mayor.
On Friday his Excellency General Paoli embarked on board the Three Sisters, Captain Hailes, lying off Dover, for St. Petersburg, having obtained a post in the Russian service.
Two armed cutters are ordered to be stationed in the Frith of Forth, for the more effectual prevention of smuggling.
They write from Gibraltar of two French ships of force being drove on shore near there, and both of the crews perished.
We hear that a grant of 5000 acres of land near Lake Champlain, on the back of the New York settlements in North America, has lately been made to Colonel Ord, of the train of artillery.
A correspondent from Boulogne asserts that more than three score carcases of beef are weekly imported there from England, and that most of the provision consumed on that coast is English. If so, there needs no other account for the enhanced price thereof in our markets.
The last letters from Warsaw advise that the commissioners appointed to draw up the articles of the treaty of partition, have been searching the records of the Chancery of Poland, in order to find out the original receipt by which the late King of Prussia, father of his present Majesty, renounced forever, for himself and descendents, all pretensions to Prussian Poland; but as they have not been able to find it, it is suspected to have been clandestinely taken away, to deprive the republic of the benefit of it.
It is said administration have procured the late act for preventing the diminution of guineas to be passed, in order to facilitate the currency of five pound bank notes; a circumstance the present ministerial financiers have had long at heart.
The directors of the bank of England have given orders that all their money, wanting more than in proportion of one shilling in the guinea, be forthwith cut to pieces, and persons are now employed in that business. It is with confidence said that the bank have already cut to the amount of 125,000. in guineas and half guineas.
The postmasters general have ordered money-scales and weights to be made for the inland and foreign officers, and one for each letter carrier, that they may weigh all gold before they take it. Upwards of one hundred sets are ordered for this purpose.
Yesterday was tried in the court of common pleas at Guildhall, before Mr. Justice Gould, by a special jury, the great cause in which Mr. Fabricas, an inhabitant of Minorca, was plaintiff, and General Mostyn, the governor of that island, defendant, for imprisoning the plaintiff in a dungeon, during which time he was allowed only bread and water for his subsistence, and all his friends, even his wife and children, were denied access to him; that after
six days close confinement, and without having been brought to any trial, he was put on board a ship and banished to Carthagena in Spain. To which the defendant pleaded, in justification, that as the plaintiff was guilty of a riot and disturbance of the peace and order of the government of that island, he was obliged to order the plaintiff to be banished, which he pleaded, he, by virtue of his high office, had authority to do, and proved in evidence, that General Blakeney had done the like. The trial began at ten in the morning, and lasted till between ten and eleven in the evening, when the jury, which was special, brought in a verdict for the plaintiff, with three thousand pounds damages and costs of suit; and at the same time declared, that they could not, from any of the evidence, perceive any seditious intention in the plaintiff.
G I A S G O W, July 22.
The convention of royal boroughs have resolved to make another application to parliament next session, for their assistance to re-establish the linen manufacture in this country; and it is thought they will meet with success, as the consideration of this important object was delayed last session, only on account of the multiplicity of business.
The following very singular circumstance happened a few days ago in the neighbourhood of Edinburgh: One William Walker, a grocer, at the end of Fountainbridge, some time ago set a hen with duck eggs, all which hatched and came out, except one, which, upon handling, he found likewise to have been hatched. Curiosity immediately prompted him to break the shell, when, to his great surprise, there was a duckling in it with two heads and two necks, perfectly formed.
B O S T O N, September 6.
Extract of a letter from Surinam, dated Paramaribo, July 25, 1773.
"As the seaport of the colony so much depends on credit, think how this sudden stoppage of it must affect it, and what bad consequence must arise therefrom. Most of the bills drawn last year, as well as this, are or will be protested, and but few of the drawers able to pay the principal, and the damages are so great that it must involve many in ruin. Scarce a day passes but houses, slaves, or plantations, are sold by execution. At present, I suppose upwards of sixty plantations are under execution to be sold; and, to add to this distress, there is likely to be very short crops both of sugar and coffee. The runaway Negroes, too, continue to be very troublesome. Baroone, one of the chiefs, lately attacked and killed a lieutenant and 25 men. There is a battalion of state troops arrived here, and several detachments are sent to different parts of the rivers; what service they may do I cannot say, but the expence of them, with 400 prime slaves, freed to act against the runaways, will be very great; and the taxes are already so heavy that many of the inhabitants are scarce able to pay them. It is proposed to lay double duties and tonnage on all English vessels trading here, to help to pay the public charges, which there is no doubt will take place. The state troops begin to be very sickly, two colonels and a number of privates are already dead, and the sickly time just coming on. In a word, our situation is truly deplorable."
S A L E M, (New England) August 24.
We have just received the following account from Salisbury: On Saturday morning last, about eight o'clock, came on in the town of Salisbury, and part of Amesbury, the most violent tornado, or short hurricane, perhaps ever known in this country, or, it may be, for the time it lasted, in any other, and, beyond dispute, attended with the greatest destruction of buildings ever known from the first settlement of the country. This tempest was preceded by a heavy rain, and gross darkness. It appeared first upon Merrimack river (which was in the utmost tumult, and seemed to threaten the affrighted inhabitants with momentary destruction.) It then spread over the land, in width from the river, about a quarter of a mile, in length on Salisbury side, about three quarters of a mile, from Po river downwards, in Amesbury something more from the river upwards; and, where the strength of the veins were, carried all before it, not only throwing down fences, trees, and buildings of every kind, but carried to a great distance heavy plank, timber, bricks, &c. Nay, two heavy vessels in Amesbury, one of them almost finished, of 90 tons burthen, were lifted twenty two feet from their blocks, and thrown down. The air all this time was full of almost every thing that could be moved, which were hurled with such impetuosity against houses and persons abroad, as that many lives were in the utmost danger; some of whom are persuaded that they were taken up by the winds, carried a considerable way, and then let down safe. Those who were in the houses and other buildings which fell (which could not be less than an hundred or two) when they perceived them falling, either went into the cellars or endeavoured to flee abroad, and mostly escaped unhurt, others with slight wounds, none dangerous, though the buildings and sometimes the chimneys fell so as to flatten them down and almost to bury them, and were afterwards dug up by their neighbours. Yet through the great and marvellous mercy of that God who ruleth in the
form, no life was lost or bone broken on Salisbury side, where the most damage was done, nor any dangerously wounded. And in Amesbury only one aged woman, who fled from her falling house, had the bones of one of her legs broken; and one Capt. Smith, of Beverly dangerously wounded, who was carried out of a loft in Capt. Bailey's warehouse about an hundred feet; who is yet alive, and may possibly recover. The tempest is supposed to have continued at the height about three minutes: Had it continued so much longer, it is thought not a building on either shore would have been now standing.
N E W Y O R K, September 2.
Mr. Timothy Soper, the mate of Capt. Moore, informs, that on the 28th of April last, the sloop Capt. Fairly , of this place, put into Hispaniola in distress; that the Spaniards immediately seized the vessel and cargo, and, after plundering the captain and his people, carried them to the prison, and put them in irons, where they all remain in close confinement, except the above Timothy Soper, who was then Capt. Fairley's mate, and made his escape the 4th of August.
NORFOLK, July 27, 1773.
THE subscriber has lately received, on consignment from the manufacturer, in bales of about 231. sterling each, a large parcel of KENDAL COTTONS, which he will dispose of on reasonable terms, payable next April. Any person inclinable to purchase will please to apply to him at the ensuing meeting in Williamsburg, or afterwards, by orders addressed to him here.
JAMES INGRAM.
F O R S A L E,
THE three following TENEMENTS in the city of Williamsburg, which formerly belonged to the Honourable Philip Ludwell, and are now held by William Lee, Esquire, of the city of London, in right of his lady, viz. the large wooden house on the back street, next door but one to Mr. Speaker's, the brick house on the Main Street, where Mrs. Rind lives, and the house called the Blue Bell, below the Capitol, and opposite to the playhouse, in which Mr. Brammer formerly lived; together with all the lots and their appurtenances. The terms may be known of the subscribers. If these tenements should not in the mean time be disposed of, they will be offered at public sale, before Mr. Southall's door, on Friday the 29th of October next, at four o'clock in the afternoon.
RICHARD HENRY LEE, FRANCIS L. LEE, RO. C. NICHOLAS.
NORFOLK, September 15, 1773.
I AM directed by the Common Hall of this borough to give notice that the first Monday in April and October in every year is appointed for holding of public fairs, or meetings, for selling such goods or commodity as may be brought thereto, free from toll, and agreeable to charter: Every person coming to, being at, and returning home, from such fair, held within the said borough, is exempted from all prosecutions and arrests at common law for three days preceding, and three days after, such fair is held; and, for the encouragement of the industrious farmer, and housewife, a handsome bounty will be given to those who produce for sale the finest and best wove Virginia manufactured linen, or woollen cloth, either plain or mixed, also for the best beef, veal, mutton, lamb, poultry, of all kinds, &c. &c. JOSEPH CALVERT, Serjeant.
To be SOLD, to the highest bidder, at Charlote courthouse, on the first Monday in October next, being court day,
ABOUT THIRTY LIKELY VIRGINIA BORN
NEGROES,
For ready money. If it rains, there will be a sale notwithstanding, and continue the next day; unless all are sold the first.
FREDERICKSBURG September 7, 1773.
NOTICE is hereby given that the copartnership of Hunters and Taliaferro is discontinued. All persons having demands against the said company, or indebted thereto, are to apply to the subscriber, in Fredericksburg, who has the settlement of the said concern. Those indebted, who fail to come and settle their accounts, and pay the balances, or give bonds for the payment thereof, will meet with no indulgence.—Upon hand, for sale, about seven hundred pounds sterling worth of GOODS, which will be lumped off at a moderate advance, and a reasonable time of payment allowed. JOHN TALIAFERRO.
COMMITTED to the gaol of Prince William, the 27th of August, an outlandish Negro woman, speaks English very indifferently, but, as well as I can learn from her, her name is JENNY; she is of the middle size, has on a brown linen shift and petticoat, and is about 25 years old, slim made. The owner is desired to pay charges, and take her away. JOHN BLANSET, Gaoler.
WILLIAMSBURG:
PRINTED BY CLEMENTINA RIND.