The Virginia gazette (Williamsburg, Va.), 1775-06-23 00:00:00

VIRGINIA
GAZETTE.
ALWAYS FOR LIBERTY,
AND THE PUBLICK GOOD.
ALEXANDER PURDIE, PRINTER.
TO THE KING.
SIRE,
WHEN the complaints and petitions of injured subjects are treated with insolence by a profligate Parliament, and with mockery by an imperious minister, it is high time for them to assume a different tone. Your Majesty must be a great proficient in courtly accomplishments to profess astonishment at what you could not but know full well, from the protesting majority of the independent peers, from a hundred loud and honest voices (marvellous as that may seem) among your own faithful Commons, besides the many other petitions from the commercial and manufacturing parts of the kingdom; who had long before avowed their approbation of American resistance, and their utter abhorrence of the arbitrary and violent measures of administration, against what your Majesty calls a rebellious disposition only which barely exists in a part of your colonies. Had an actual rebellion not only existed, but raged, all over America, your ministers could hardly have spared more forces from the national defence than are now embarked to correct a bad disposition . If your Majesty is thus severe on ill humours and dispositions, which so much pains have been taken to excite and inflame, what thunderbolts of your royal vengeance will be hurled upon actual traitors , when you shall discover them---nearer home?
Your Majesty's "entire confidence in the wisdom of your Parliament" cannot but be well founded, considering from whom they have learned and adopted their principles and resolutions, and thus qualified themselves for the "great council of the nation."
Surely your Majesty does not suppose your good subjects so dull of apprehension as to believe that your American measures were originally planned and recommended to your ministers by Parliament. They are convinced that the majority of Parliament are too modest, and know themselves too well, to give advice to government. They know that these measures were dictated to Parliament by the minister (who is also dictated to by somebody else) and for no other purpose but to gain a parliamentary sanction to indemnify the crown and its servants from the consequences of such violent and unconstitutional proceedings. Therefore the compliment paid to Parliament on this occasion is but little better founded, or more sincere, than that made to Great Britain in the next sentence, when your Majesty declares, that "you will steadily pursue these measures, for the support of her constitutional rights and commercial interests." Your Majesty, in your great wisdom, or rather in the wisdom of your Parliament, is pleased to take measures a little extraordinary on this great occasion; which, although very expressive of the violence of your attachment to our rights and interests, it is feared, like the fostering of too fond a parent, may overlay them both. The mode graciously adopted to protect our commerce, by starving or cutting the throats of our co-
lonists, it is feared will neither increase their population, nor the trade or revenue of Britain.
Your Majesty cannot be supposed to dissemble with, or mock, your people, in a matter which so nearly concerns them. We must therefore necessarily believe, on the faith of royalty, that these measures have originated from Parliament, acting as the great council of the nation, and that they have been planned with no other view than to "support the constitutional rights, and protect the commercial interests, of Great Britain." This is a solemn declaration, made before God and the publick; and it would ill become your subjects to entertain a doubt of that sincerity in which your Majesty has been early trained, and of which your auspicious reign has afforded so many great and singular instances.
I could wish, however (that no opening might be left for invidious censure) the ministerial authors of your Majesty's speeches would endeavour, for the future, not only to think in character themselves, on the small scale of knavish craft, but that they would enable their royal master, when he addresses the publick, to speak in character also.
Conscious of their own evil principles, and designs, they put words into the royal mouth which would only have become their own. Thus your Majesty is made to address your capital in a low and familiar style, utterly beneath your dignity as a great King, and your nice feelings as an honest man. My Lord North might be "astonished (speaking in character, as a hollow, hypocritical, sneering minister) that any of your subjects could be capable of countenancing a rebellious disposition, unfortunately existing in some of the colonies," as such tyrannical and vindictive persons are not ashamed to make actual war upon a disposition; but a King of Great Britain, conscious of his own dignity, and speaking with the majesty of truth, as well as royalty, in answer to so heavy a charge, would have expressed his astonishment at the daring presumption of the petitioners in countenancing rebellion, not at their being "capable of countenancing a rebellious disposition only:" Which is little better than if your Majesty had said, "my good friends, I am very sorry you should be so unkind as to encourage a set of people whom I am obliged to treat as rebels, although I cannot call them such at present; but in all probability, by the blessing of God on my fleets and armies, they will deserve that appellation very soon."
In the mean-time, as your Majesty's confidence in your Parliament is almost as great as the people's distrust and detestation of them, there can be no doubt but, by pursuing the salutary measures they recommend, your government will become as respectable, though not so gentle and condescending, as your speeches.
Your Majesty will pardon the well-meant simplicity of a true subject, although a plain-dealer.
REGULUS.
MADRID, March 27.
AN officer arrived express last night from Melilla, with an account of the Moors having entirely raised the siege of that place, and desired a constant peace with Spain.
LONDON, April 11.
WHILE the most interesting complaints of the people were reading to the King, Lord Gower, suspected of being a Jacobite Peer, was laughing them to scorn. N. B. He was one of the supporters of the throne.
In the Belfast paper of the 11th ult. there are no less than 14 vessels advertised for carrying passengers, redemptioners, and servants to America, viz. ten for Newcastle and Philadelphia, whose burthens amount to 4450 tuns; one for Philadelphia only, of 400 tuns; one for Newcastle and Baltimore, of 450 tuns; and one for New York, and another for Annapolis in Maryland, each of the same burthen.---How considerable must the emigrations from Ireland be, to form such a branch of commerce!
The wharfs and quays about the custom-house are loaded with all kinds of merchandise, marked ARMY, which are going in the transports to Boston. One house in the Boston trade ships 20,000l. in this manner, and it is said to be done on a very advantageous footing, as the prices of all European goods are much advanced in America.
HOUSE OF COMMONS, March 30.
At 3 o'clock Lord North moved for the order of the day, to receive the report of the amendments made in the committee to the bill for restraining the commerce of the colonies of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and South Carolina. The House was very full, and long debates were expected; but nothing was said but a few words by Captain Luttrell, who condemned the principle of the bill throughout, and ventured to foretel that it would answer no good purpose but one, that of bringing disgrace and ruin on its framers and abettors.
Lord North, after replying shortly, and defending the bill on the old ground of necessity, offered a clause to extend the bill to the counties of Newcastle, Kent, and Sussex, on Delaware. The clause was contained in the following words: "That during the continuance of this act no goods shall be shipped from the counties of Newcastle, Kent, and Sussex, on Delaware, but to the places therein before mentioned." A few observations were made upon this extraordinary mode of procedure, unprecedented and unknown in the annals of Parliament, that of condemning people unheard, nay even without inquiry. It was answered generally, that the House was in possession of information sufficient to warrant the insertion of the clause; that the papers lying on the table contained that information; and that any Gentleman who doubted that the inhabitants of those counties deserved no exclusive favour, or particular indulgence, had need only to

peruse the last despatches now before the House, to be convinced. The clause with the other amendments, being read a second time, were agreed to by the House without any farther opposition; and the bill was ordered to be engrossed, and read a third time on Monday next.
Lord North laid before the House several American papers, with a list of the same; the titles of which being read, they were ordered to lie on the table for the perusal of the members.
A conference, or meeting of the wise men.
Were any thing wanting to prove the untempered mortar, rotten bricks, and other ill-sorted materials the tottering fabric of administration is composed of, their late blundering conduct, in respect of the Massachusetts Bay fishing bill, furnishes the fullest evidence. On Friday the 9th instant, a bill for restraining the commerce, and prohibiting the fishery, of the four New England provinces, having passed the Commons the preceding Wednesday, it was sent to the Lords for their concurrence. It was read the same day a first time, and was ordered to be read a second time on the following Wednesday, being the 15th. On that day witnesses were examined at their Lordships bar, for and against the bill. It was then read a second time, and agreed to be debated the next day (Thursday). On Friday it was committed, and the third reading fixed for Tuesday the 21st; a day, we venture to predict, that will be ever memorable in the British annals.
Previous to the third reading, that able negotiator, and elegant despatch-writer, Lord B---, rose, ---to do what? To effect, with one single dash of his pen, the most extraordinary thing that ever entered into the mind of an English senator to conceive; to alter the body of a bill, and its whole frame and purport, without altering its title, to originate a money bill in the House of Lords, and to extend its pains and penalties to five provinces containing a million of inhabitants, on a supposed delinquency, without proof, and without hearing. In the midst of this political fog, when scarce any man looked farther than the top of his nose, the learned Lord on the woolsack, in reply to some objections started on the last head, rises very gravely, and tells them, all is perfectly right; that letters in a box are as good evidence as if they were read and considered; that allegations and facts stated in those letters are sufficiently proved, though they have not been so much as read; and that the supposed culprits are proved guilty, because they have never been formally or judicially charged with any crime. The first man of the age sits by, sucks in his cheeks to prevent him from laughing at the solemn farce, approves of the wisdom of the proposed amendment; but reminds the corps called the Zealots, that they need not be in such violent haste, for there was a bill on its journey from the same place which would answer all the comprehensive ideas of the great A---r, and his three intelligent followers and abettors, the Lord Chancellor, and two of his Majesty's secretaries of state.
Another noble Lord (Lord Abercorn) suggested a doubt, whether the title and body of the bill corresponded; but every one forgot, or pretended to forget, that the amendment partook of every essential constituent quality of a money bill.
The question was, at length, put; and, however extraordinary it may seem, there appeared for the amendments 73, against them 21.
But the House was no sooner cleared than the great man who laughed at the able N---r told them they were all in the wrong; that the amendments were in fact a money bill, and, as such, would be rejected by the Commons; and that the annals of Parliament did not furnish a precedent where the title of a bill professed one thing
and enacted another. The bill stood for Thursday in the Lower Assembly; the minister absented himself all day, after sweating and tugging in endeavouring to convince a parcel of B---ds, and on the next day the first part of the farce was played. Every reason was assigned, but the true one. The leading amendment was, in fact, a money bill; but it would not be prudent to say so. Mules are, of all animals, the most difficult to be driven out of their own pace; even horses will bear their burthens more pleasantly by the jingling of the bells. There was a meeting of the wise men of Gotham. It was not that the bill said Massachusetts Bay, when it meant Virginia; it was not that it inflicted pains and penalties on people unaccused, untried, and unheard; it was not that the bill created offences, inflicted penalties, and appropriated forfeitures; but lest the stupid inebriated commanders of his Majesty's ships of war, from the fumes of grog, flip, and rack punch, should not be able to comprehend the deep-laid policy and wise commercial regulations of his Majesty's late ambassador to the Empress of all the Russias. The amendments were disagreed to.
It is imagined the resolution lately taken by the Americans, with respect to the non-reception of felons, will be attended with very disagreeable consequences; for as Florida is thinly inhabited, and the French retain a secret interest there, they will not fail to take advantage of a set of people who can have no choice in a matter.
It is said that no less than 93 persons of fashion are preparing to visit France, on the approaching coronation.
When King James II. attempted to introduce the Roman Catholick religion, and arbitrary power, into Great Britain, he had an army encamped on Hounslow Heath, to terrify the people. Seven bishops were seized upon, and sent to the tower; but they appealed to the laws of their country, and were set at liberty. When this news reached the camp, the shouts of joy were so great that they re-echoed in the royal palace. This, however, did not quite convince the King of the aversion of the soldiers to be the instruments of oppression against their fellow subjects. He therefore made another trial; he ordered the guards to be drawn up, and the word was given, that those who did not choose to support the King's measures should ground their arms, when, behold! to his utter confusion, and their eternal honour, the whole body grounded their arms.
April 17. Two women yesterday presented petitions to his Majesty in the guard-room as he was going to the chapel royal, one of which was praying that his Majesty would be graciously pleased to reprieve her son, a young man 21 years of age, who is under sentence of transportation. The poor woman was so much affected that it was with great difficulty she was prevented from fainting away. The petitions were both received very condescendingly.
The advices received last week from Admiral Man, we are informed, are of so disagreeable a nature, that an express was sent on Saturday from the Admiralty for three men of war to sail forthwith to join his squadron in the Mediterranean.
The things most to be feared in a popular government are, a foolish, obstinate, and unrelenting King, an abandoned Ministry, profligate House of Peers, a venal House of Commons, Bishops without grace, Clergy without religion, soldiers without courage, an exhausted treasury, swarm of tax-gatherers, heavy taxes, starving poor, sound ships breaking up, and rotten ones building to defend our coasts, and annoy our enemies, a sordid, avaricious treasurer, a secretary who does not know how to speak his native language, nor spell any other, much less understand it, and pretended patriots, "as numerous as insects on the banks of the Nile."
WILLIAMSBURG, June 23. HOUSE OF BURGESSES, MONDAY, June 20, 1775.
THE resolutions of the General Congress of the 17th and 29th of May last, and the 2d of this instant (June) being severally read,
Resolved, that this House approve of the same; and recommend it to the several committees within this colony, for carrying into execution the continental association, to be vigilant in seeing the said resolutions strictly complied with.
ADVERTISEMENTS.
JUNE 23, 1775.
THE commissioners appointed to settle the accounts of the militia, and of those who furnished provisions, &c. for the late Indian expedition under the command of Col. Andrew Lewis, will attend at Staunton, in Augusta county, on Monday the last day of July next, to settle the accounts from Culpeper and that part of Augusta lying on the east side of the Allegheny mountains; at Botetourt courthouse, on Tuesday the 8th day of August, to settle the accounts from Botetourt; at Joseph Grey's, in Fincastle county, on Friday the 18th day of August, to settle the Fincastle accounts; and at Bedford courthouse, on Wednesday the 30th day of August, to settle the accounts from Bedford, and the neighbouring counties below the Blue Ridge of mountains: Of which all persons concerned are desired to take notice, and to give their attendance accordingly.
NEW KENT, June 17, 1775.
RUN away from the subscriber, the 8th instant (June) a likely negro man named JONATHAN, about 21 years old, of a yellowish complexion, straight made, about 5 feet 6 or 7 inches high, with a bold countenance, and hath an impediment in his speech. He carried with him three different suits of clothes, so that I cannot describe his dress. He was seen in York town last Monday, intending to make his escape out of the colony. As he is artful, I do not doubt but he has procured a forged pass. Whoever apprehends said negro, and delivers him to me in New Kent, within two miles of the Brick House ferry, on York river, shall have 5l. reward, and if taken out of the colony 10l. paid by 2|| JAMES TYRIE.
NOTICE is hereby given, that there are now remaining, in Osborne's warehouse, in Chesterfield county, six hogsheads of tobacco, mark, numbers, weight, and names, as follows, which have been inspected upwards of three years.
No. 701, gross 1213, tare 128, neat 1085, estate of James R. Bradby, note out. No. 2012, gross 1114, tare 113, neat 1001, George Foster, Sandy creek. No. 2108, gross 1224, tare 120, neat 1104, Henry Cox, Cumberland, note out. No. 2236, gross 1388, tare 128, neat 1260, estate of James R. Bradby. No. 2237, gross 1150, tare 128, neat 1022, estate of do. No. 2254, gross 763, tare 113, neat 650, estate of do. EDWARDS & GRAVES.
STOLEN from my pasture in Prince Edward county, the 2d instant (June) a very likely bay GELDING about 15 hands high, a star in his forehead, a switch tail and hanging mane, no brand that I can remember, but he has a remarkable large wen on one of his hind legs, near the footlock. As a runaway negro was seen lurking about my plantation that evening, I imagine he stole him, and rode him down the road leading to Petersburg, wherein he was followed by the track about 15 miles. Whoever delivers the said gelding to Col. Augustine Claiborne in Sussex, Col. Herbert Claiborne in King William, Mr. Augustine Claiborne in Dinwiddie, or to me in Prince Edward, shall be paid 40s. reward.
(2)
JOHN NASII, jun.

FREDERICKSBURG, June 20, 1775.
THE subscriber intends leaving the colony for a few months.
(2) JAMES MAURY.
JUNE 21, 1775.
RUN away from the subscriber, near York town, on Tuesday last, two negro men, viz. JEMMY, a tall stout black fellow, about 45 years old, has a large head and face, and one of his fore teeth, which are large, broke near the middle. CHARLES, a stout young tawny fellow under 20 years old, has a remarkable large mouth and feet, and has lost part of the third finger of his right hand. As they left their work in the field, they went off with only their shirt and trousers. Charles had a new pair of coarse rolls, and Jemmy's was his last year's, which were of very good rolls, much wore; but he went to Capt. John Chisman's, where he had a wife, and from thence took with him other clothes, together with his wife, and a boy of 12 or 14 years old, with all the luggage. I will give 20s. to any person who will bring either of the fellows to me, or that will confine them in prison, so that I get them again.
AUGUSTINE MOORE.
RUN away from the subscriber, ROBERT ROBINSON, a valuable joiner and carpenter, about 28 years of age, 5 feet 6 or 7 inches high, makes a good appearance both in person and in dress, wears his own dark coloured hair cut short before and behind, has a clean skin, and is of a thin make; had on, a fashionable good beaver hat, a fine cloth coat, of a parson's gray colour, with hair buttons, white Russia drill breeches, and a double breasted waistcoat of corded light jeans or fustian, light blue worsted stockings, single channel pumps not much wore, and wears in his sleeves either a pair of black or a pair of oval purple buttons set in yellow metal. He was born in the south of Scotland, worked long in the city of Edinburgh, and in the town of Kelso upon Tweed, and also undertook and built a church at Inverness, in the north of Scotland. The said servant was purchased three weeks ago at Monday point, on Potomack, from on board the Friendship, Capt. Park, from Glasgow. He speaks broad, writes a good hand, and may probably make himself out a pass. All masters of vessels are cautioned against receiving him, and I will give 3 l. to any person that will deliver him to me, in Lancaster county, besides what the law allows.
(tf) MUNGO HARVEY.
STOLEN from Mr. John Fitzhugh's pasture, in Stafford, near the courthouse, on Sunday night, the 11th instant (June) a likely bay HORSE about 14 hands high, with a hanging mane and switch tail, has a fresh scar under his throat, occasioned by a late swelling, which has reduced his plight very much, paces and canters so well as to be an exceeding fine riding horse, and branded on the near buttock TF in a piece. It is more than probable, indeed I think it certain, that the said horse was taken off by one William Gray, a joiner, who cloped from these parts the same night on account of some misdemeanors which he had been committing in Falmouth, and for which he was, at that time, pursued by a justice's warrant. The said Grey is a likely young fellow about 22 years of age, rather taller than middle size, wears his own dark curled hair, takes snuff to excess, which affects his speech very perceptibly. He told some of his comrades that he was going to Bedford county, from whence he lately came, but how far to believe this is uncertain. Whoever will find and produce the said horse to me shall have 40s. reward, and 5 l. if the thief can be detected and brought to justice.
4|| GEORGE FITZHUGH.
CHESTERFIELD, June 23, 1775.
I INTEND for Great Britain immediately. 1|| JAMES HARRISON.
COMMITTED to Botetourt jail, a servant man who says his name is CHARLES MILSON, and that he belongs to Robert Anner, in Hannah's town, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. The owner is desired to take him away, and pay charges. 1||
FRANCIS SMITH, sheriff.
FOR LONDON,
THE brigantine Anne, Alexander Kennedy master, burthen about 200 hhds. newly launched, and will be in Rappahannock river by the first of July, to take in tobacco on liberty at 8 l. sterling per tun. Those who are inclined to ship will please to lodge their orders with Mr. Henry Mitchell or Mr. David Blair, merchants, in Fredericksburg, or the Captain on board said vessel. 2||
To be SOLD by the subscriber, THE lot whereon his ordinary stands, in the town of Blandford, with all the house and kitchen furniture, &c. thereunto belonging. Also the plantation whereon he now lives, pleasantly situated on Appomattox river, about a mile below Blandford; there are on it good and necessary houses of all kinds, with good orchards, &c. For terms apply to
JOHN BUTLER.
Wanted immediately,
FIVE or six journeymen JOINERS, who may have 12 or 18 months work by applying to F. JARAM in Williamsburg, or to THOMAS JARAM, at Shirley Hundred. (2)
Forty shillings reward,
TO any person who has found, and will restore, a silk pocket book with three paper bills, two of five pounds each, and one of ten shillings. The book was lost between the mouth of Quantico and Dumfries, on the 30th of last May. The five pound bills were enclosed in a letter, directed to Capt. Carr; one number 635, emitted the 24th of May MDCLX, the other number 109, emitted the 7th of April MDCLXII.
(4) CUTHBERT BULLITT.
NORFOLK, June 6, 1775.
THE subscriber, late of Warwick county, finding that it is out of his power to pay all he owes, would willingly make over every thing in his power to his creditors, to be divided amongst them in proportion to their respective sums; and for that purpose, he requests that they will meet at Mr. Stephen Tankard's, in Norfolk, on Wednesday the 28th instant, at 10 o'clock before noon, to appoint such trustees as they shall think proper.
(2) SAMUEL LONG.
TEN POUNDS REWARD.
RUN away from the subscriber in Dunmore county, in May last, a negro fellow named SAM, 5 feet 5 or 6 inches high, has a broad face, and is a well looking fellow. As to his clothing, I cannot be certain, he having carried several things with him. He also took with him an old bay horse very gray about the head, an iron pot, a narrow axe, a handsaw, and an old smooth bore gun. About three years ago he purchased his freedom of his old master, Mr. Francis Slaughter, and continued in that state till this spring, when it was discovered he was attempting to inveigle away a number of negroes to the new or Indian country (where he had been most of the last summer) upon which the neighbours insisted on his being reduced to slavery again, and I purchased him. I imagine he will endeavour to pass as a freeman, he having a discharge from his old master, as well as one from Lord Dunmore, having served in the expedition against the Indians last fall. Whoever delivers said slave to me shall have the reward that is offered.
|| GABRIEL JONES.
GLOUCESTER, June 19, 1775.
ALL persons who have any demands against the estate of Dr. Thomas Clayton, late of this county, deceased, are desired to send in their accounts, properly proved; and those indebted to the said estate are requested to make immediate payment, or give bond for their respective balances.
THOMAS WHITING, executor.
To be SOLD for ready money, to the highest bidders, on Friday the 20th instant (June) at the plantation whereon the said Samuel Long lately lived, in Warwick county, known by the name of Smith's point, near Newport News,
A VARIETY of household furniture, consisting of silver table spoons, silver tea spoons, a silver soup spoon, two silver salts, one mahogany table, and sundry prints, &c. The same day and place will be sold the said Samuel Long's right to cut the timber on a tract of land in Warwick county which he purchased of James Rascoe, together with a quantity of white oak rough hhd. and pipe staves, and about 70 oak hewed stocks, already cut down, and lying on said land. The time of payment to be made known at the sale.
(2) SAMUEL KERR & co. NORFOLK, June 12, 1775.
WESTMORELAND, June 1, 1775.
AS I intend for Scotland very soon, I must beg the favour of all persons who have dealings with me, and now owe balances, to come and have settlements of them before I leave the country; likewise those who have claims against me to bring them in, that they may be paid off. Mr. John Middleton will be properly empowered, in my absence, to transact my business, and to whom I have now given up the charge of the store.---I will sell for ready money, or short credit, a sloop that carries 60 hhds. of tobacco; she is two years old, her upper works of mulberry, and every way well fitted. Likewise a schooner that carries 1250 bushels; she is new, goes well, and is in every respect well found.
|| HUGH HAMILTON.
THREE POUNDS REWARD,
FOR apprehending JAMES CLERK, a runaway servant, about 27 years of age, near six feet high, well made, short black hair, full faced, pock-fretted, and speaks the Yorkshire intermixed with the brogue. Since he left me he drove a waggon for Mr Davis in Louisa, worked as labourer for Mr. Brown in King William, and as gardener for Mr. Price in Hanover county, which place he left the 19th of April, and said he intended to work at ditching in Spotsylvania. He owns he lived with me, but says he came in free, goes by his own name, seems a quiet well behaved fellow, and pretends to be master of almost every kind of employment. I suspect he works in or near Fredericksburg, and should take it kind of any Gentleman, who he may have worked for since the above date, to inform me which way he intended. || ROGER NORTH.
STAUNTON, Augusta county.
RUN away last Saturday, from Williamsburg, two English-indentured servants the property of the subscriber. One is named JOHN FLEMING, about 27 years of age, thin visaged, and of a fallow complexion; had on when he went off a brown holland short coat and jacket, and wears trousers. He is by trade a painter, drawer, and silversmith. The other GEORGE WASSILL, about 17 years of age, strong made, and much pitted with the smallpox; he wears a blue jacket and trousers; and is by trade a shoemaker. Whoever will secure the aforesaid servants shall receive, on their being secured in any publick jail, or delivered to me at Norfolk, a reward of 30s. for each, besides what the law allows.
GAVIN HAMILTON.

WILLIAMSBURG, June 1, 1775.
DURING my absence, from this colony, Mr. William Maitland will transact the business of burfar to the college of William & Mary, as also my own business, under the direction of John Blair, Thomas Everard, and John Tazewell, Esqrs. who have been pleased to accept of a power of attorney from me for that purpose.
ROBERT MILLER.
WILLIAMSBURG, June 13, 1775.
I INTEND for England soon. WILLIAM AGAR.
I INTEND to leave the colony as soon as possible. All persons who have any demands against me are desired to make them known immediately; those who are indebted, I hope, will not fail to discharge their accounts this meeting. I have for sale, a mulatto fellow about 18 years old, used to a house, garden, and taking care of horses; sundry pieces of exceeding good mahogany and walnut furniture; two full-blooded mares, about 15 hands high, with their foals (one year old) by Partner, remarkably large and fine. The above may be seen, and the terms known, by applying to me in Williamsburg.
HENRY MORSE.
STRAYED or STOLEN from the subscriber, the 11th of April last, from Sir Peyton Skipwith's, in Mecklenburg county, on Roanoke river, a likely yellow-bay HORSE, about five or six years old, four feet seven or eight inches high, with a hanging mane and switch tail, a small star in his forehead, some white spots on his back, paces slow, and branded on the near shoulder and buttock E G. A reward of 5 l. will be paid to the person who shall convict the thief, and deliver the horse to me, and 40 s. if strayed; the money to be paid by the subscriber, living at Sir Peyton Skipwith's.
2|| CALEB HONSTON.
OSBORNE'S, June 6, 1775.
STRAYED from the subscriber, about the 20th of February, a dark bay HORSE, 4 feet 7 inches high, 6 years old, his mane cut on the near side, and his tail bobbed, but both had near grown out; he was lame in the shoulder, his flanks of a lighter colour than his body, had a thick thigh, trotted hard and fast, with remarkable good courage, and was branded on the near shoulder I. He was bred on Broad river, in North Carolina, where he will probably go if not taken up; but I have reason to believe he was stopped by Thomas Frith, of Chesterfield county, and by him swapped away with one Crowder, of Dinwiddie county. Whoever takes up the said horse, and will bring him home, shall have 30 s. but if they can make it appear he was traded, as I suspect, I will give 3 l. reward.
(2) PETERFIELD TRENT.
COMMITTED to Surry county jail, a negro man named Lemon, who confesses himself a runaway, and that he belongs to Mary Evans of Dinwiddie county. The owner is desired to take him away, and pay charges to
2|| THOMAS WALL, jailer.
COMMITTED to Cumberland jail, a middle sized negro man, seems to have been in the country about five years, says his name is Phill, and that his master lives in Prince William county, at the Red House, and is named John Tyler. The owner is desired to take him away, and pay charges.
LITTLEBERRY MOSBY.
To be sold at Portsmouth, on Monday the 3d of July, to the highest bidder,
A LOT in that town, situated between those of Capt. Goodrich and Mrs. Butler, on which is a smith's shop. It is much higher ground than either of them, and has very deep water at the lower end of the lot. Any person inclinable to purchase will be shown the same, by applying to the subscriber.----- For sale likewise, at private bargain, a fine BRIGANTINE on the stocks, built of the best white oak, of the following dimensions, viz. 54 feet keel, 21 feet beam, 10 feet hold, and 4 feet between decks. She will carry about 7000 bushels, and may be launched a few month's hence. For terms, apply to me at Gosport.
2|| A. SPROWLE.
AUGUSTA, June 1, 1775.
I INTEND for Britain immediately. THOMAS ANTRAM.
PRINCE GEORGE, May 22, 1775.
ALL persons who have demands against the estate of Anthony Colin Peniston, deceased, are desired to bring in their accounts, properly proved, that they may be discharged. Those indebted are requested to make immediate payment, to THOMAS PENISTON, adm.
To be SOLD, and entered on at Christmas next,
A PLANTATION or tract of LAND, containing 110 acres, more or less, lying in the county of Elizabeth City, on the east side of the entrance of Hampton river, and commonly known by the name of Fort Fields. The situation is healthy and agreeable, and the land exceeding good. There is on this land a good dwelling-house, and all necessary outhouses, and it is well situated for carrying on the West India trade, or the baker's business, and houses built on this land would always rent to advantage. Those who are inclined to purchase may know the terms by applying to Mr. John Gary, in the county of Elizabeth City, or to the subscriber in Henrico.
MILES SELDEN.
TAKEN up in Brunswick, a dark bay HORSE about 4 feet 1 inch high, about 10 years old, some white on his left hind foot, a scar on his near buttock, had on a bell with the collar sewed in two places, and branded on the off shoulder L, and on the near shoulder DS. Posted, and appraised to 5 l. There came to my plantation, in December 1773, a black BULL about 18 months old, with a white face, belly, and hind legs, had a bob tail, and not marked. Posted, and appraised to 25 s.
THOMAS BRACEY.
FOR SALE,
A TRACT of LAND, containing 3000 acres, whereon is a plantation which has employed, for some years past, twelve or fourteen slaves; this tract lies in the upper end of King William county. Also a tract lying in the lower end of the said county, containing 1100 acres, and pleasantly situated on Pamunkey river; a brick dwelling-house, with necessary offices, a fishing shore, and a lively fertility of soil, recommend the latter tract to any Gentleman who may be about to settle in life. Possession will be delivered on the 25th of December next, to the purchaser, or purchasers, who will have liberty of sowing fall grain. Mr. Benjamin Grymes, jun. of Orange, will make known particulars to any person who may be inclined to purchase the whole, or any part of the said tracts. Credit till the first of January 1777 will be allowed, by
JUDITH ROBINSON. (tf.) LUCY ROBINSON. BENJAMIN GRYMES, jun.
AS the copartnership of Inglis & Long will expire on the 31st instant (May) those indebted to them, whose accounts are due, are requested to make payment at the ensuing meeting of the merchants; and all persons who have any demands against them are requested to bring them in, and they will be paid.
(6) INGLIS & LONG. NORFOLK, May 16, 1775.
*** The business will be carried on after the 31st instant, on account, and in the name of, SAMUEL INGLIS.
RUN away from the subscriber, in Gloucester county, on the 14th of this instant (May) a negro man named NED, about 19 or 20 years of age, five feet two or three inches high, rather of a tawny complexion, has some ringworm on his face, and some white hairs in his head; his clothing was an old brown coat, and a yellow striped cotton waistcoat. I bought him last March at the sale of Mr. John Shermer, in James City county, for Mann Page, junior, Esquire. He was brought from one of his quarters in King William county, and I have reason to believe that he will go to those parts, or to his mother, who lives with Mr. Thomas Booth, in Richmond town. Any person who will take up the said slave, and secure him so that I get him again, shall be paid 40 s. by Mann Page, junior, Esquire, to whom the negro belongs.
(tf.) JAMES JONES.
RUN away from the subscriber, at West Point, in King William county, the 21st of last December, a very likely Virginia born negro man, named MIKE, about 22 years old, six feet high, and stutters much; had on, when he went away, a suit of negro cotton, but may probably change his clothes. I forewarn all masters of vessels from carrying him out of the colony. Whoever brings the said negro to me shall have 3 l. reward, besides what the law allows, and if taken out of the colony 10 l. (tf.) JOHN WEST.
For SALE at Tappahannock,
AN exceeding likely young negro man, who is a very good house servant, understands taking care of horses, and is a tolerable good cook. If the purchaser is not perfectly satisfied with him after a month's trial, he may return him if in health.
(tf.) ARCHIBALD M'CALL.
To be SOLD in Amherst county, FOUR THOUSAND acres of exceeding good tobacco LAND, being part of a large tract formerly advertised, together with a very valuable gristmill, upon Buffalo river. This land is equal to any that has yet been sold of the tract. The time of payment will be made agreeable to purchasers. Mr. Gabriel Penn, who lives near the land, is authorised to bargain for it, and will show it to any persons inclinable to purchase.
(tf.) CARTER BRAXTON.
For SALE,
A TRACT of LAND in Caroline county, near Newmarket, containing about 3000 acres of well timbered land, having thereon two plantations, in good repair, with proper and convenient edifices for farming, or making tobacco. For terms apply to the subscriber.
(tf.) JOHN BAYLOR.
For SALE,
A TRACT of LAND in Caroline county, contiguous to Mattaponi, containing about 2000 acres of well timbered land, the property of Mr. Robert Baylor. The terms may be known by applying to Mr. Nathaniel Burwell in King William, Mr. John Armistead in Caroline, or Mr. John Baylor, Executors. (tf)
ARTICLES of Intelligence, Essays, Advertisements, &c. are thankfully received for this Paper, the Price of which is 12 s. 6 d. per Annum, Advertisements inserted as usual. PRINTING WORK done with Care and Expedition, and on reasonable Terms.

LONDON, April 18.
WHEN his Majesty goes to the House of Peers to act in his supreme capacity, as one of the branches of the legislature, such is the love of his subjects that his best friends think it necessary to surround his royal carriage with Sir John Fielding's men, lest he should be smothered with the caresses, or deafened with the acclamations, of admiring and applauding multitudes.
A letter from Bridgnorth, in Shropshire, dated April the 8th, says, that a few days ago a collier discovered in a coal-mine, 75 yards below the surface, the ruins of a water-mill, and the skeleton of a man without a head; likewise the relicks of some animals, but in such an imperfect state that they could not even so much as conjecture their original figures. The learned there account for these things by imputing them to an earthquake, which happened about two centuries ago.
A great personage, who has given the lead in all the virtues, as well as the deficiencies of her sex, has expressed her disapprobation so entirely of the unnatural manner of the present feathered head-dress of the Ladies, that she has more than once wished not to see any of them in the circle.
The following is supposed to be a pretty exact account of the number of persons confined for debt, felony, and lesser crimes, in the several prisons and houses of correction in the kingdom of England: For debt, 2500; for felony, 1450; for lesser crimes, 800. Total, 4750.
The rage for high feathers in their heads is so great amongst the females of Ton , that on the night of Mrs. Abingdon's benefit, some Ladies, who sat in the front of the side-boxes, wore them so high, that the roof of the box was rather too low for them. Surely, if this fashion becomes general, women may, with more propriety, be called the feathered race, than the female sex.
Yesterday morning a fine young lion was landed at the Tower, from Senegal. This lion was taken in the woods by a private soldier belonging to the settlement, who found him entangled in a snare. Two of the natives, who had laid the snare, rushing on the soldier, he killed them both in his own defence, and then brought away his carnivorous captive. His Majesty, as a reward for his bravery, has not only ordered his discharge, but a pension of 50l. per annum during his life.
April 18. So greatly have administration increased their power of late, by an enormous number of defendants, that above 700,000l. per annum goes to the several officers concerned in collecting the various taxes.
It is confidently asserted, that a tax will be laid, at the request of a great personage, on masquerade tickets.
It is said that his Majesty will review in person, in the month of June, all the dockyards of this kingdom; and it is added, that some regulations will be made in favour of superannuated workmen, which will render his Majesty's service additionally eligible.
The Dutch transports are now victualling at Port Passage, in Ireland, for St. Eustatia, in the West Indies.
Richard Bottle, who died last Saturday se'nnight, at Lenham, left 146 half crowns, 175 shillings, nine silver spoons, three gold rings, a pair of silver tongs, two 10l. bank notes, and one 70l. note: yet so miserable was this poor wretch, that it is said he died for want of the necessaries of life! His effects come to a poor labouring man, who is heir at law.
The paragraph in the papers asserting that a band of watermen attended his Majesty's coach to the House of Peers on Thursday last, who were hired for the express purpose of hallooing and applauding, appears to be without foundation. [ London Packet .] The above contradiction is an absolute falsehood, advanced by some despicable tool of administration. Several watermen were hired on Thursday last, and each paid 2s. 6d. for no other purpose than to halloo and applaud his Majesty to and from the House of Peers. The names of several of the watermen, who were paid for the above honourable purposes shall be given in a future paper, if the above despicable tool should again attempt "to lend a lye to the confidence of truth."
A certain married Wiltshire justice, who, on a late committee, gave evidence of the immorality of several of his neighbours, was very unfortunately seen last Saturday evening, at a tavern in the Strand, regaling with a nymph whose figure and dress bespoke his Worship not over-nice in his amours.
The superb ornaments furnished yesterday by Mr. Cox to adorn the Lord Mayor's table consisted of rich vases of flowers in jewellery, pairs of elephants, and other animals, supporting temples, and richly caparisoned, besides two cabinets in massy gold of exquisite workmanship, and are no part of the collection from the museum in Spring Gardens, as mentioned by mistake in an evening paper. The intention of Mr. Cox was a testimony of his gratitude to the Right Hon. the Lord Mayor, and Court of Aldermen, for granting him the use of Guildhall for the drawing his lottery.
Sunday afternoon, as a Lady was driving a high pheton near the King of Bohemia's Head, Turnham Green, with her two children, maid, and lap-dog, attended by a servant behind on horseback, the horses, without any other carriage being near them, turned out of the road, which the Lady not attending to in time, they were overturned in a very dirty part of the road, and the whole family almost smothered with mud. The Lady and maid were much hurt, and one of the children, about three years old, was thrown upon the bank by the maid, by which its cheek was cut, but its life in all probability saved. Some of the inhabitants, and the company from the tavern, took every means for the relief of the distressed mother; and she soon had news that the surgeon had pronounced the childrens bones to be whole, and to complete her happiness after the fright, Chloe, the lap-dog, was brought safe to her arms.
Yesterday morning, at 3 o'clock, the transports, near 100 in number, were taken from Newgate, and put on board a lighter at Blackfriars, which conveyed them to the vessel that is to carry them abroad.
Yesterday (as usual, during the recess of the Parliament) there was no levee at St. James's, and their Majesties stay at Kew for the holidays.
Sunday night a messenger arrived at Lord Suffolk's office from Sir Joseph York, at the Hague; his despatches were sent to his Majesty at Kew.
Lord North's and Lord Rochford's levees, which were appointed for Thursday next, as also the Boards of Admiralty, Trade and Plantation, and Treasury, are all adjourned over this week.
One resolution come to, relative to the manning of the navy upon any future emergency, without pressing, is to ad-
vance the wages of the seamen above those employed by the merchants. Upon this simple thing it seems a very grand and useful scheme will be founded, which will make his Majesty's service sought after, rather than shunned.
From whispers about the Treasury, there is reason to suppose that a certain great company will be surprised soon after the meeting of the House; thus by diverting opposition from one thing to another, it is pretty evident that the premier will be so much an over-match for them, as to carry every point within his wishes.
The late proclamation of the States General, in favour of the British minister, says a correspondent from Amsterdam, has caused such murmurings and discontents among the people that it is daily expected to be called in.
One day last week a full length figure of Innocent III. in plaster of Paris, was brought for exhibition to a certain house not 100 miles from Pallmall.
His Majesty has given orders for his house at Bayswater, adjoining to Kensington gardens, to be pulled down.
If we may judge from the number of carriages met on the road on Sunday and yesterday morning, Newmarket will have a very full meeting; and it is said, that more than 100 horses are entered to run at this meeting, more than at any former.
Saturday evening a French Gentleman having made an assignation to meet a Lady of easy virtue, who lodged at a certain glasier's in the liberty of Westminster, at a particular hour the enamorado went, and knocking at the door, was asked by the glasier's wife who he was. The Frenchman answered, "It is I, my dear;" on which she came down in her shift in the dark, supposing him to be her husband, and let him in. The Frenchman following after, through mistake, got into bed; where, after some considerable time, his speech betraying him, the good woman got up, and procuring a constable, the poor Frenchman was conducted to the watch-house, and left to cool in a place less agreeable than the delicious hot-bed he had been so unpolitely hurried from.
April 24. Some people (says a correspondent) are weak enough to think that Englishmen will not fight against Englishmen, and that our army, when in America, will not attack Bostonians or Philadelphians; but it is well known, that soldiers may be led to the most extreme violence, and contrary to their own sentiments, if there is a prospect of a plentiful spoil.
It is imagined that Lord North's plan, for extending the British and Irish fisheries, is meant as much to the exclusion of the Dutch on our coast as to the Americans on the banks of Newfoundland.
The French, we are assured, are fitting out an additional number of fishing vessels, to supply the Spanish and Portuguese markets, with that species of fish formerly brought thither by the people of New England, the vessels sent out from Great Britain being totally unacquainted with that trade.
That excellent Scotchman, Fletcher of Salton, declared, that there is no crime under heaven more enormous, more treacherous, and more destructive to the very nature of our government, that that of bribing of Parliaments. What would this staunch old patriot have said if he had seen some hundreds of placemen sitting in the British senate, and voting 600,000l. to make good deficiencies in the civil list, exhausted by bribery and corruption!
the new soldiers be sent to quell the rebellious Americans

WILLIAMSBURG, June 23. THE Honourable the GENERAL CONGRESS have recommended that Thursday the 20th of July be observed by the inhabitants of all the English colonies on this continent as a day of publick HUMILIATION, FASTING, and PRAYER, on account of the present critical, alarming, and calamitous state of affairs; and to implore the merciful interposition of ALMIGHTY GOD for our deliverance, and a happy reconciliation with the parent state, on terms constitutional and honourable to both.
They have likewise addressed the inhabitants of Canada, on the common danger which threatens the rights and liberties of all America; show the propriety of taking possession of the fort and military stores at Ticonderoga and Crown Point, and the armed vessels on the lake, a step which was dictated by the great law of self-preservation, they being intended to annoy the colonies, and to cut off that friendly intercourse and communication which has hitherto subsisted between them; and recommend to them to unite in the defence of our common liberty, there being yet reason to believe, that, should we join in imploring the attention of our sovereign to the unmerited and unparallelled oppressions of his American subjects, he will at length be undeceived, and forbid a licentious ministry to riot in the ruins of the rights of mankind.
Extract of a letter, of a late date, from a Gentleman of rank in London, to his friend in Virginia.
"Our Parliament carries every thing with a high hand against America, but it is nevertheless very evident that administration wishes for an accommodation, if it could be decently brought about, without lessening the honour and dignity of the British supremacy; and Lord North has lately thrown out a bait for that purpose, but most people here think it is too thinly covered for the Americans to swallow it: Though, by the last advices from New York, that province seems disposed to break through the resolutions of the Congress, and to submit to the British government; which, if true, will break the great chain of the continental association, and then, as his Lordship has already observed in the House of Commons, if one link is broken, it is natural to suppose that the rest will fall to the ground. And it is believed, he builds all his hopes upon it. What the event may be, God only knows; but any thing is to be wished for rather than a civil war, which might, in its consequences, involve the whole British empire in ruin and destruction."
Extract of another letter from London.
"One Thomas Pitman, who was a convict, and transported in the year of Samuel Turner Esquire's mayoralty, has presumed to draw several bills, at different times, from different parts of the continent, on that Gentleman, to the amount of 5 or 600l. by which he has greatly imposed on many innocent people, and we fear has obtained credit by making use of Mr. Turner's name. We think it therefore not amiss to apprise you of it, lest he should come into your province, and we wish it was universally known that he is a cheat, and has no property any where that we know of. His last bills were from New York."
Extract of a letter from one of the Virginia delegates, to his friend (now in this city) dated June 14, 1775.
"Col. WASHINGTON has been pressed to take the supreme command of the American troops encamped at Roxbury, and I believe will accept the appointment, though with much reluctance, he being deeply impressed with the importance of that honourable trust, and dissident of his own (superiour) abilities."
+9 can't conceive how, or by whom, this money is to be emitted, or your what fund
"We have determined to keep 10,000 men in Massachusetts Bay, and 5000 in different parts of New York government, at the expense of the continent; and probably a large sum of money will be emitted, in order to carry on the war, preparations for which go rapidly on in this place."
"It seems likely that some of the newly arrived Generals were intended for the southern colonies, but no troops can be spared from Boston. The Provincials talk much of storming that town, and it is expected by many."
"The Congress will sit long. Adjusting the expenses of each colony for the common cause, and settling proper funds for the army, are subjects fruitful of debate, and of the utmost consequence."
Extract of a letter from another of the Virginia delegates, dated June 13.
"Notwithstanding the many accounts of the sailing of the troops from Ireland, a vessel is just arrived here from Newry, in five weeks, the Captain of which says, that none had sailed; and that, just as he was coming away, orders were said to have come to them to hold themselves in readiness to embark for Gibraltar."
"Col. Skene (owner of the schooner taken on Lake Champlain, whose son was also taken there, and is now prisoner in Connecticut) is just arrived from London, with a commission to be Governor of Ticonderoga and Crown Point, but, private letters say, is charged with a power from administration to influence the members of the Congress, by arguments drawn on the Treasury, over which he has unlimited power; but as we have no occasion for his services at the forts, and do not intend to deal in his reasonings, he remains a prisoner upon his parole, to keep within eight miles of the city, between the two rivers, and not to correspond with any person on political subjects."
"As to the two engagements at the islands near Boston, we are told, but not with a degree of confirmation, that the last, on Noddle's island, was a very serious business, near 1500 being engaged on each side, and that the regulars had 200 killed and wounded, the loss on the side of the provincials being merely trifling."
"I think we may finish in a fortnight, but can only guess, without forming any precise judgment about it."
BENJAMIN HARRISON, jun. Esq; of Berkeley, is chosen one of the delegates for Charles City county, in convention, in case of the absence of his father, Col. Benjamin Harrison, now at the General Congress.
SATURDAY, June 24. The Governor having been yesterday morning made acquainted with the several bills and resolves that were ready for his assent, his Excellency signified his sentiments thereupon by the following message, which arrived at the Capitol about 2 o'clock.
Mr. Speaker, and Gentlemen of the House of Burgesses,
THE bill for appointing commissioners to settle the accounts of the militia lately drawn out into actual service, and for making provision to pay the same, inasmuch as it imposes duties upon slaves imported, I cannot assent to; which, by the royal disallowance of an act of Assembly for that purpose, passed in the 10th year of his present Majesty's reign, you must have been sensible of: And as the bill has no suspending clause, though I made it my business to intimate, by several of your members, to the House, that, without such a clause, I could not pass an act for emitting paper money, the miscarriage of a bill I had very much at heart cannot be attributed to me; and if still those objections can be removed, I should be happy to concur in an act for the rewarding of the brave people who are the
particular object of it, without delay. If not, all I can do is to transmit the bill to his Majesty, and to desire leave to assent to it; though, in regard of the duty upon slaves, I should not, I think, obtain it. I see no objections to any other of your bills or resolves, and I am therefore ready to give my assent to them, whenever the House desires.
If you have any other bills ready, I must desire they may be sent to me in like manner, that the whole may be passed together; and I must beg that your clerk may be ordered to lay before me a copy of the journals of the House, before the time fixed for passing the bills.
The House, after taking the said message into their consideration, appointed a committee to draw up an address to the Governor in answer thereto; which after being prepared, read, and agreed to, was ordered to be presented to his Excellency this morning, on board the Fowey, by the Attorney General and Col. Andrew Lewis, and is as follows:
The Address of the House of Burgesses.
My Lord,
WE his Majesty's dutiful and loyal subjects, the Burgesses of Virginia, cannot sufficiently express our concern that your Lordship should be under any difficulty in giving your assent to the bill for appointing commissioners to settle the accounts of the militia lately drawn out into actual service, and for making provision to pay the same, which hath received the approbation of the other two branches of the legislature. We beg leave to remind your Excellency, that you particularly recommended those brave people, who are the objects of this bill, to our attention. Sensible of their important services, we seized, with much pleasure, the first opportunity afforded us of doing justice to their singular merit. Upon considering the most probable ways and means of effecting this desirable purpose, we soon found, from the extreme scarcity of cash in the country, that there was no possible method of doing it but by a speedy emission of paper money. This opinion has since been confirmed, by transactions during the present meeting of the merchants; which have evinced, that the scarcity is even greater than we at first supposed. We do not find, my Lord, any thing in this bill which contravenes any law, or royal instruction, which hath ever been communicated to us. A suspending clause we conceive would defeat the very purpose for which the bill was intended; as it would withhold that relief so immediately necessary to the comfort and support of many of our poor inhabitants, who are in the utmost distress for want of it.
In order to support the credit of our paper currency, we thought it incumbent on us to establish such funds as would effectually secure the redemption of it. In aid of others, we were of opinion that a duty of ten per cent. on slaves would be the least burthensome to the people. We do not know that such a duty was ever objected to by his Majesty; on the contrary, we understood that a duty not exceeding ten per cent. was perfectly agreeable to his royal will and pleasure. The five pounds per poll on slaves imported from the West Indies was intended to prevent the many tricks which had been practised in this country to avoid payment of all duties on such slaves, and amounts to no more than ten per cent. valuing them at the moderate average of fifty pounds current money.
We are pleased to find your Excellency approves the other bills and resolves submitted to your inspection. All others, which we propose to trouble your Lordship with, we have consented may under-

go the lie examination, and flatter ourselves that they will meet with the like approbation. We still hope, my Lord, that, upon reconsidering the matter, you will see sufficient reasons to alter your first opinion respecting the militia bill, which we have much at heart, considering it of the last importance.
We have before, in conjunction with his Majesty's Council, intimated to your Excellency how very necessary a recess is at this critical season, our harvests demanding our immediate presence at home. We must therefore entreat your Excellency to meet us at the Capitol; to-morrow, in order to give your assent to such bills and resolves as are ready to be presented. We hope your Lordship cannot still entertain any groundless fears that your person can be in the least danger. If it is possible that you remain under so strange an influence, we pledge our honours, and every thing sacred, for your security. Should your Lordship decline complying with this just request, we hope you will be pleased to grant your commission to the President of the Council to give your assent to such bills and resolves as you may approve, and we may present to him.
Since it hath been customary for our Governors to signify their pleasure as to adjournments, we wish not to take things out of their old channel. We therefore hope your Excellency will at the same time express your approbation that we adjourn ourselves to some convenient day in October next, when our convenience will best admit an absence from our homes, and the sickly season of the year will probably be over.
We do not wish to conceal from your Excellency one title contained in our journals; but a full and immediate transcript of them would require more time than we can possibly devote to the publick business at present. We must observe, that this demand of us is unusual; however, we have ordered all such of our proceedings as have been printed to be immediately transmitted to your Lordship.
The Governor's ANSWER.
Mr. Speaker, and Gentlemen of the House of Burgesses,
AS you have encumbered the bill for the payment of the officers and men, employed upon the Indian expedition, with an imposition which you knew I could not assent to, and omitted a form (in no wise tending to defeat the purpose of the bill) which you were told I could not dispense with, the blame of its not passing now into a law cannot lie upon me; but I must adhere to the reasons I yesterday signified to you on this head.
The well-grounded cause I had for believing my person not safe at Williamsburg has increased daily. I cannot therefore meet you at the Capitol, as you entreat; but, this day being too far spent, I shall be ready to receive the House on Monday, at 12 of the clock, at my present residence, for the purpose of giving my assent to such acts as I shall approve of.
Although the convenience of the members of the Assembly will always be a strong motive to determine me as to the time of your meeting or separating, yet it becomes necessary (from an expression in your address, that you wish not to take things out of their old channel, as if you had such power) to assert the right of the crown to adjourn, prorogue, dissolve, or assemble you, as it is thought fit, by the Governor of the colony. I do not mean, however, to oppose the request you make of being adjourned.
Two o'clock. Upon receipt of the above, the House, deeming its contents to be a breach of their privileges, immediately appointed a committee to draw up certain re-
solves, and it is expected they will adjourn immediately.
*** The above addresses, with the answers to them, should have followed those hereafter inserted; but we were obliged to arrange them in the manner they now appear, for the sake of expedition.
HOUSE of BURGESSES, SATURDAY, June 24.
CERTAIN information having been received of the great discontent of the Ohio Indians, by reason of the delay of the ratification of the late treaty of peace concluded upon by his Excellency the Governor, on the part of this colony, and the Corn Stalk, on the part of the said Indians, and that the inhabitants on our frontiers are under just apprehensions of a renewal of an Indian war; and no steps having been pursued by his Lordship for carrying on the said treaty, or delivering up the Indian hostages, agreeable to the terms of the said treaty:
Resolved , that the said treaty be immediately entered upon, and that George Washington, Thomas Walker, James Wood, Andrew Lewis, John Walker, and Adam Stephen, Esquires, or any three or more of them, be, and they are hereby constituted and appointed commissioners, on the part and behalf of this colony, to meet the chiefs or headmen of the said Ohio Indians, as soon as the same can be done, at such place as they shall find most proper, to ratify and confirm the said treaty on the part of this colony, and to demand and receive of the said Indians the ratifications and full performance of the said treaty on their parts; and that Robert Carter Nicholas, Esq; treasurer, or the treasurer for the time being, shall, and he is hereby directed and required, to pay all such expenses and charges, out of the publick money in his hands, as may be incurred on account of such treaty, provided the same do not exceed the sum of two thousand pounds, for which the said commissioners shall account to the next General Assembly.
*** The above resolve was agreed to by his Majesty's Council.
*** The candid publick will please to correct the following gross error which passed, through hurry and inattention, in a number of the supplements. It is in the last column of the last page, in the joint address of the Council and House of Burgesses to the Governor. The paragraph begins thus: "We cannot, my Lord, decline representing to you, that the important business of this Assembly hath been much impeded" [instead of impeded.]
*** The almost daily and interesting advices received from the Northward, with those lately come from Britain, added to the weight and importance of the publick business, will, the printer hopes, apologise for his not attending, as yet, to the many valuable pieces he has lately been favoured with from his correspondents, as well as referring, for a few weeks, the publication of a number of county resolves, upon our late disturbances.
JUNE 23, 1775.
THE commissioners appointed to settle the accounts of the militia, and of those who furnished provisions, &c. for the late Indian expedition, have thought proper to alter the meeting of the several claimants, as follows: At Botetourt courthouse, on Friday the 11th of August; at Joseph Grey's, in Fincastle, on Monday the 21st of August; and at Bedford courthouse, on Monday the 4th of September.--- N. B. The accounts from Tyger's Bottom to be settled at Staunton.
*** WANTED IMMEDIATELY, an expert JOURNEYMAN COMPOSITOR, who will have good encouragement from the printer of this paper.
To his EXCELLENCY, &c.
The Address of the House of Burgesses.
My Lord,
WE his Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Burgesses of Virginia, return your Lordship our sincere thanks for your kind tender of services, expressed in your message to this House of the 6th instant, as also for your Lordship's assurance that you will do every thing in your power to restore the publick tranquillity, upon a sure and firm foundation. This House, my Lord, have the highest sense of the services you rendered to this country on the late Indian expedition; and, while they reflect on this part of your Lordship's conduct, sincerely lament that any event should disturb the happiness which your Lordship is pleased to say you have enjoyed among us. Wishing, most ardently, for a restoration of that harmony which subsisted between your Lordship and the people, we have directed an inquiry into the causes of the late disturbances and commotions, which have arisen in some parts of this colony; and we assure your Lordship, that we will proceed to investigate this matter with due attention, and apply, on our parts, remedies the best our abilities can suggest.
The Governor's ANSWER.
Gentlemen of the House of Burgesses,
THIS address, acknowledging the highest sense of the services I rendered to this country on the late Indian expedition, though late*, will still, I hope, do credit to the justice of the House of Burgesses.
* One cannot help remarking the injustice of this insinuation, for the journal of the House of Burgesses proves the resolution for the address (to which the foregoing was intended as an answer) passed the House, upon receipt of his Lordship's message respecting the powder, the day before he left this city; and the gazette, published the day he went away, must have informed his Lordship of this generous disposition of the House. So, if the address was really late, as his Lordship conceives, the reason must be found in his Lordship's going from the seat of government, on board an armed vessel.
To his EXCELLENCY, &c.
The Address of the House of Burgesses.
My Lord,
WE his Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Burgesses of Virginia, beg leave to inform your Lordship, that the publick magazine is now repaired, and in fit condition for the reception of arms and ammunition.
We therefore request your Lordship will be pleased to order the powder, lately removed from thence, to be returned, agreeable to your Lordship's promise, contained in your written message to this House. We farther beg leave to inform your Lordship, that it appears to the House, from the report of their committee appointed to inspect the publick magazine, that there are no arms therein fit for service. At this critical time, my Lord, when your Excellency assures us of the great probability of an Indian invasion, at a time too when an insurrection of our slaves may be encouraged, merely from a notoriety of a total deficiency in our publick stores of arms and ammunition, it is a duty we owe to our country and ourselves to remind your Lordship, that the legislature of this colony have long since made ample provision for the purchase of arms and ammunition, and established a competent fund for that purpose, by granting to his Majesty one shilling and three pence sterling upon the tonnage of all vessels trading to this country. This fund, my Lord, has, for several years last past, exceeded three thousand pounds sterling per annum;

and our predecessors, in former Assemblies, trusting that government would always make a necessary and adequate provision in a matter so essential to the immediate and future preservation of this colony, have not interfered in this business. But, my Lord, this House, finding a total inattention in government to this important provision, although it must have appeared essential more than twelve months ago, and still observing that no means are pursued to supply a deficiency so alarming, now conceive it to be their duty, not only to represent this grievance to your Lordship, but also to request that you will be pleased to order that two thousand stand of arms, five tuns of powder, and twenty tuns of lead, at least, with a sufficient quantity of other military stores, be immediately provided for the defence of this colony, in case of any invasion or insurrection, and that the same be lodged in the publick magazine. In case the fund afore-mentioned shall prove deficient, this House assure your Lordship, that they will make such farther or other provision as may be necessary to enable your Lordship to comply with this request.
The Governor's ANSWER.
Gentlemen of the House of Burgesses,
AS the care, custody, and disposal, of publick stores of ammunition, belong alone to the King's representative, I cannot consent to return the powder, lately removed from the magazine, to Williamsburg; which, experience has demonstrated to me, is an improper place for the residence of the Governor. Therefore, as I could not attend to its preservation, I could not consequently depend upon its being in security there. The powder in question, besides, you have already been acquainted, belonged to one of his Majesty's ships. I am therefore, in a particular manner, accountable for it; but, as I have before declared, I shall be ready to apply it, if I find it wanted, for the protection of the colony.
The duty upon the tonnage of all vessels trading to this colony has been applied, as I conceive the act which imposes that duty authorises, towards the regular and necessary charges of government; which, without this fund, could not have been supported, and therefore requires it all. This colony has hitherto been preserved from invasion and insurrection by the care and attention of government, and you have a very late instance of its exertion, through the means of which the country has been rescued from the destruction it was threatened with; which, as it proves the contrary of an inattention to any matters essential to the preservation of this colony, so it exposes the injustice of your present attempt, if it does not induce you to forbear others, of bringing your legal and constitutional government, at this unhappy conjuncture, into discredit among the people.
As to your request, that I order a certain quantity of arms, powder, and other military stores, to be provided; when you have complied with the requisition submitted to your consideration, in consequence of the joint address of the Council and House of Burgesses, of offering to concur in any measure proper for my security, which requisition has been taken no notice of; and when the legal executive power of government is restored, and I may with certainty rely that arms, powder, and other military stores, will be employed no otherwise than as I shall direct, who, as his Majesty's representative, have the sole authority in the case, then I shall be happy, with the means you furnish me, to provide every thing, and I promise you no attention shall be neglected which may be requisite for securing the inhabitants of Virginia from invasion and insurrection.
To his Excellency the Right Honourable John Earl of DUNMORE, his Majesty's Lieutenant and Governor General of the Colony and Dominion of Virginia, and Vice-Admiral of the same:
The joint Address of the COUNCIL and HOUSE of BURGESSES.
My Lord,
WE his Majesty's dutiful and loyal subjects, the Council and Burgesses of Virginia, beg leave to represent to your Excellency, that as you have been pleased to leave the palace, we are very apprehensive the publick arms therein are too insecure, and very much exposed, and therefore hope your Lordship will be pleased to order them to be removed, during your Lordship's absence, to the publick magazine; which is now, in our opinion, a secure depository.
The Governor's ANSWER.
Gentlemen of the Council, and House of Burgesses,
EXPERIENCE having shewn the insecurity of the publick magazine, and the palace having hitherto been respected, I think it improper to give any other orders than that the arms belonging to the King, which have for so many years been lodged, may still remain, there; and that they may, on no account, be touched without my express permission.
To his Excellency the Right Honourable John Earl of DUNMORE, his Majesty's Lieutenant and Governor General of the Colony and Dominion of Virginia, and Vice-Admiral of the same:
The joint address of the COUNCIL and HOUSE of BURGESSES.
My Lord,
WE his Majesty's dutiful and loyal subjects, the Council and House of Burgesses of Virginia, have received your Lordship's answer to our joint address, by which we represented to your Excellency how very insecure we thought the publick arms in the palace, since your Lordship's removal from thence, and requested that your Lordship would be pleased to order them to be stored in the publick magazine, judging this a repository of much greater security.
You are pleased to tell us, that experience hath shewn the insecurity of the magazine, and that as the palace hath hitherto been respected, you thought it improper to give any other orders, than that the arms belonging to the King, which have for so many years been lodged, may still remain, in the palace; and that they may, on no account, be touched without your express permission. Though these arms, my Lord, may be considered, in some sort, as belonging to his Majesty, as the supreme head of this government, and that they are properly under your Lordship's direction, yet we humbly conceive that they were originally provided, and have been preserved, for the use of the country, in cases of emergency.
We would not wish to interfere with your Lordship's authority. Of this disposition we presume our former address afforded the strongest testimony; but the reflection that these arms are so much exposed, that they may easily be made the most improper and destructive use of, is to us extremely alarming.
The palace, my Lord, hath indeed been hitherto much respected, but not so much out of regard to the building, as the residence of his Majesty's representative. Had your Lordship thought fit to remain there, we should have had no apprehensions of danger; but, considering these arms at present exposed to your servants, and every rude invader, the security formerly derived from your Lordship's presence cannot now be relied on.
In your Lordship's answer to an address of the House of Burgesses, you are pleased
to say, that experience has demonstrated to you that the city of Williamsburg is an improper place for the residence of our Governor, and give it as a reason for not returning the powder, according to your own voluntary promise, made to the House, that you could not attend to its preservation, nor depend on its security, if returned to the magazine. We should suppose, my Lord, that your Excellency's attention to the arms would be equally necessary for their security, as you know the palace stands on the edge of the city; and we should, for this reason, imagine it more likely to be rifled than the magazine, in the midst of it. Besides, should it be thought necessary, a proper guard might be kept at the magazine, which we did not think so decent to propose for your Lordship's palace. Our apprehensions, my Lord, have been not a little increased by considering the several depositions taken by order of the House of Burgesses; decline commenting upon them, but submit to the world from whence the unhappy disturbances in this colony took their rise. We must, my Lord, once more entreat your Excellency to order the arms to be removed to the publick magazine.
We cannot, my Lord, decline representing to you, that the important business of this Assembly hath been much impeded by your Excellency's removal from the palace. This step hath deprived us of the necessary and free access to your Lordship, which we conceive the constitution entitles us to. There are several bills, of the last importance to this country, now ready to be presented to your Excellency for your assent.
We have hitherto, my Lord, in hopes of preserving that harmony which we will ever to subsist between all the branches of our legislature, submitted to the great inconvenience of sending our members twelve miles to wait on your Excellency, on board one of his Majesty's ships of war, to present our several addresses; but we think it would be highly improper, and too great a departure from the constitutional and accustomed mode of transacting the business of the Assembly, to meet your Excellency at any other place than the Capitol to present such bills as have there been agreed to by the Council and House of Burgesses. We must, therefore, beseech your Excellency to return to us; and, as the advanced season of the year requires our presence in our several counties, we hope your Lordship will be pleased to favour us with your speedy and ultimate answer, that we may certainly know what to depend upon.
The Governor's ANSWER.
Gentlemen of the Council, and House of Burgesses.
I HAVE already declared my intentions in regard of the arms at the palace, and I conceive the Council and House of Burgesses are interfering in a matter which does not belong to them. I should be glad to be informed who they design by the terms EDDY TADERS , which they have made use of.
The disorders in Williamsburg, and other parts of the country, drove me to the necessity of changing my place of residence; and if any inconvenience has arisen to the Assembly on that account, I am not chargeable with it: But they have not been deprived of any necessary nor free access to me. The constitution vests me with an undoubted power to call the Assembly for the business of, to any place in, the colony, exigency may require. Not having been made acquainted with the whole proceedings of the Assembly, I know of no bills of importance, which, if I were inclined to risk my person again among the people, the Assembly have to present to me, nor whether they be such as I could assent to.