The Virginia gazette (Williamsburg [Va.]), 1776-03-16 00:00:00

VIRGINIA
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LETTERS written by the late Right Hon. PHILIP DORMER STANHOPE, Earl of Chesterfield, to his Son Philip Stanhope, Esq; late Envoy Extraordinary to the Court of Dresden.
LETTER XXII.
TUNBRIDGE, July 15, 1739.
THANK you for your concern about my health; which I would have given you an account of sooner, but that writing does not agree with these waters. I am better since I have been here; and shall therefore stay a month longer. Signor Zamboni compliments me, through you, much more than I deserve; but pray do you take care to deserve what he says of you; and remember, that praise, when it is not deserved, is the severest satire and abuse; and the most effectual way of exposing people's vices and follies. This is a figure of speech, called Irony; which is saying directly the contrary of what you mean; but yet it is not a lie, because you plainly show, that you mean directly the contrary of what you say; so that you deceive nobody. For example: If one were to compliment a notorious knave, for his singular honesty and probity; and an eminent fool for his wit and parts, the irony is plain; and every body would discover the satire. Or, suppose that I were to commend you for your great attention to your book, and for your retaining and remembering what you have once learned; would not you plainly perceive the irony, and see that I laughed at you? Therefore, whenever you are commended for any thing, consider fairly, with yourself, whether you deserve it or not; and if you do not deserve it, remember that you are only abused and laughed at; and endeavour to deserve better for the future, and to prevent the irony.
LETTER XXIII.
JULY 24, 1739.
I WAS pleased with your asking me, the last time I saw you, why I had left off writing; for I looked upon it as a sign that you liked and minded my letters: If that be the case, you shall hear from me often enough; and my letters may be of use, if you will give attention to them; otherwise it is only giving myself trouble to no purpose; for it signifies nothing to read a thing once, if one does not mind and remember it. It is a sure sign of a little mind, to be doing one thing, and at the same time to be either thinking of another, or not thinking at all. One should always think of what one is about: When one is learning, one should not think of play; and when one is at play, one should not think of one's learning. Besides that, if you do not mind your book while you are at it, it will be a double trouble to you, for you must learn it all over again. One of the most important points of life is decency; which is to do what is proper, and where it is proper; for many things are proper at one time, and in one place, that are extremely improper in another: For example, it is very proper and decent, that you should play some part of the day; but you must feel that it would be very improper and indecent, if you were to fly your kite, or play at nine-pins, while you are with Mr. Maittaire. It is very proper and decent to dance well; but then you must dance only at balls, and places of entertainment: For you would be reckoned a fool, if you were to dance at church, or at a funeral. I hope, by these examples, you understand the meaning of the word decency; which in French is Bienstance ; in Latin, Decorum ; and in Greek, Εὐσχημοσύνη . Cicero says of it, Sic hoc Decorum quod elucet in vita, movet approbationem eorum quibuscum vivitur, ordine et constantia, et moderatione dictorum omnium atque factorum : By which you see how necessary decency is, to gain the approbation of mankind. And, as I am sure you desire to gain Mr. Maittaire's approbation, without which you will never have mine, I dare say you will mind and give attention to whatever he says to you, and behave yourself seriously and decently, while you are with him; afterwards play, run, and jump, as much as ever you please.
LETTER XXIV.
I WAS very glad when Mr. Maittaire told me, that you had more attention now, than you used to have; for it is the only way to reap any benefit by what you learn. Without attention, it is impossible to remember, and without remembering it is but time and labour lost to learn. I hope too, that your attention is not only employed upon words, but upon the sense and meaning of those words; that is, that when you read, or get any thing by heart, you observe the thoughts and reflections of the author, as well as his words. This attention will furnish you with materials, when you come to compose and invent upon any subject yourself: For example, when you read of anger, envy, hatred, love, pity, or any of the passions, observe what the author says of them, and what good or ill effects he ascribes to them. Observe too, the great difference between prose and verse, in treating the same subjects. In verse, the figures are stronger and bolder, and the diction or expression loftier or higher, than in prose; nay, the words in verse are seldom put in the same order as in prose. Verse is full of metaphors, similes, and epithets. Epithets (by the way) are adjectives, which mark some particular quality of the thing or person to which they are added; as for example, Pius Aeneas , the pious Aeneas; Pius is the epithet; Fama Mendax , Fame that lies; Mendax is the epithet: Podas-oxys Achaïus , Achilles swift of foot; Podas-oxys is the epithet. This the same in all languages; for instance; they say in French, L'envie pâle et blême, l'amour aveugle ; in English, pale, livid envy, blind love: These adjectives are the epithets. Envy is always represented by the Poets, as pale, meagre, and pinning away at other people's happiness. Ovid says of envy, Vixque tenet lacrymas, quæ nil lacrymabile cernit .
Which means, that envy can scarce help crying, when she sees nothing to cry at; that is, the cries when she sees others happy. Envy is certainly one of the meanest and most tormenting of all passions, since there is hardly any body that has not something for an envious man to envy: So that he can never be happy, while he sees any body else so. Adieu.
L O N D O N.
HOUSE OF LORDS, SATURDAY, November 11.
THE Lords were yesterday assembled for the purposes of examining Governor Penn, and of discussing a motion which the Duke of Richmond proposed to ground on such information as that Gentleman should afford the House.
Previous to the calling of Mr. Penn to the bar, the Duke of Richmond announced the mode he had adopted preparatory to the Governor's examination. His Grace confessed, "that he had apprized Mr. Penn of the questions which would be propounded to him, but the noble Duke disclaimed having entered into any sort of conversation with the Governor, lest such conversation should be malevolently construed into a design of anticipating the answers Mr. Penn might think proper to return."
The Duke of Richmond having finished his preliminary remarks, Mr. Penn was called to the bar, and interrogated nearly to the following purport:
 Q. How long had he resided in America?  A. Four years; two of those years in the capacity of Governor of Pennsylvania.  Q. Was he acquainted with any of the members of the Continental Congress?  A. He was personally acquainted with all the members of that Congress.  Q. In what estimation was the Congress held?  A. In the highest veneration imaginable, by all ranks and orders of men.  Q. Was an implicit obedience paid to the resolutions of that Congress throughout all the provinces?  A. He believed this to be the case.  Q. How many men had been raised throughout the province of Pennsylvania?  A. Twenty thousand effective men had voluntarily enrolled themselves to enter into actual service if necessity required.  Q. Of what rank, quality, and condition, were these persons?  A. Men of the most respectable characters in the province.  Q. Were not a considerable number of them entirely destitute of property?  A. It was presumed, that, subtracted from so large a number as 20,000, there were some necessitous, but the major part were in flourishing situations.  Q. Besides those 20,000, who had voluntarily enrolled themselves to act as exigencies might require, what other forces had the provincials of Pennsylvania raised?  A. Four thousand minute-men, whose duty was pointed out by their designation. They were to be ready for service at a minute's warning.  Q. Did the province of Pennsylvania grow corn sufficient for the supply of its inhabitants?  A. Much more than sufficient; there was a surplus for exportation, if required.  Q. Were they capable of making gunpowder in Pennsylvania?  A. They perfectly well understood the art, and had effected it.  Q. Could salt-petre be made in the province?  A. It could; mills, and other instruments for effecting such an undertaking, had been erected with success.  Q. Could cannon be cast in Pennsylvania?  A. The art of casting cannon had been carried to great perfection; they were amply furnished with iron for the purpose.  Q. Could small arms be made to any degree of perfection?  A. To as great a degree of perfection as could be imagined. The workmanship employed in finishing the small arms was universally admired for its excellence.  Q. Were the Americans expert in ship-building?  A. More so than the Europeans.  Q. To what extent of tonnage did the largest of their shipping amount?  A. A ship of about three hundred tons was the largest they were known to build.  Q. Circumstances as things at present were, did the witness think that the language of the Congress expressed the sense of the people of America in general?  A. As far as the question applied to Pennsylvania, he was sure this was the case; for the other provinces, he replied in the affirmative from information only.  Q. Did he suppose that the Congress contained Delegates fairly nominated by the choice of the people?  A. He had no doubt but that the Congress did contain Delegates chosen under this description.  Q. By what mode were the Delegates in Congress appointed?  A. By the votes of Assemblies in some places, by ballot in others.  Q. In what light had the petition, which the witness had presented to the King, been considered by the Americans?  A. The petition had been considered as an olive branch, and the witness had been complimented by his friends as the messenger of peace.  Q. On the supposition that the prayer of this petition should be rejected, what did the witness imagine would be the consequence?  A. That the Americans, who placed much reliance on the petition, would be driven to desperation by its non-success.  Q. Did the witness imagine, that sooner than yield to what were supposed to be the unjust claims of Great Britain, the Americans would take the desperate resolution of calling in the aid of foreign assistance?  A. The witness was apprehensive that this would be the case.  Q. What did the witness recollect of the Stamp Act?  A. That it caused great uneasiness throughout America. 
Q. What did the witness recollect concerning the repeal of that act?
A. The anniversary of that memorable day is kept throughout America, by every testimony of public rejoicing, such as bonfires, illuminations, and other exhibitions of gladness.
Q. Would not the neglect with which the last petition was treated induce the Americans to resign all hopes of pacific negotiations?
A. In the opinion of the witness it would.
Q. When the witness presented the petition to the Secretary of State, was he asked any questions relative to the state of America?
A. Not a single question.
Cross examined by the Lords DENBIGH and SANDWICH.
Queries from Lord DENBIGH.
Q. As the witness had acted in the capacity of Governor, was he well acquainted with the charter of Pennsylvania?
A. He had read the charter, and was well acquainted with its contents.
Q. Did he know that there was a clause which specifically subjected the colony to taxation by the British legislature?
A. He was well apprized that there was such a clause.
Q. Were the people of Pennsylvania content with their charter?
A. Perfectly content.
Q. Then did they not acquiesce in the right of the British Parliament to enforce taxation?
A. They acquiesced in a declaration of the right so long as they experienced no inconvenience from the declaration.
Queries from Lord SANDWICH.
Q. Had the witness ever heard of an act entitled, "The Declaratory Act?"
A. He had heard of such an act.
Q. Did he ever peruse, and was he sufficiently acquainted with the contents of that act?
A. He never had perused it. It never had been much discussed whilst he resided in America.
Q. Did the witness apprehend that the Congress acquiesced in an act which maintained the authority of the British Parliament in all cases whatsoever?
Objected to, and the witness was desired to withdraw; but being called in again, the question was put, and he replied,
That except in the case of taxation, he apprehended, the Americans would have no objection to acknowledge the sovereignty of Great Britain.
Q. Had the witness any knowledge of certain resolutions passed by the county of Suffolk?
A. He had not attended to them.
Q. Had the witness any knowledge of an answer given by the Continental Congress to what had been commonly called Lord North's conciliatory motion?
A. The witness knew nothing of the proceedings of the Congress; they were generally transacted under the seal of secrecy.
Q. Was the witness personally acquainted with Mr. Harrison, a member of the Congress?
A. The witness knew him well.
Q. What character did he bear?
A. A very respectable one.
Q. Had the witness ever heard of any persons who had suffered persecutions, for declaring sentiments favourable to the supremacy of the British Parliament?
A. He had heard of such oppressions in other provinces, but never met with them during his residence in Pennsylvania.
Q. In the opinion of the witness, were the Americans now free?
A. They imagined themselves to be so.
Q. In case a formidable force should be sent to America, in support of Government, did the witness imagine there were many who would openly profess submission to the authority of Parliament?
A. The witness apprehended the few who would join on such an occasion would be too trivial a number to be of any consequence.
Mr. Penn was then ordered to withdraw, and the Duke of Richmond, after descanting with singular propriety on the necessity of immediate conciliation, proposed the last petition from the Continental Congress to the King as a basis for a plan of accommodation. His Grace of Richmond moved, "that the preceding paper furnished grounds of conciliation of the unhappy differences at present subsisting between Great Britain and America, and that some mode should be immediately adopted for the effectuating so desirable a purpose."
This produced a debate, supported on both sides with infinite ingenuity. The numbers were, for the motion 33, against it 26.
DEBATES in the IRISH HOUSE OF COMMONS, Nov. 25, 1775.
[Continued from our last.]
MR Gardiner considered the question in a twofold light; 1st, in regard to the relation which we stand to Great Britain and America; and secondly, in regard to ourselves: In respect to the first, the question is not whether America resisted first, or whether she was oppressed first; but at present it stands only, whether America should be for ever lost to Great Britain, or not? He heartily wished a reconciliation might take place; but that could only be effected by having a power to enforce it. Men whose very existence in their offices depend on war will never be sincere advocates for peace. The greater force sent to America; the less sanguinary will be the measure; and he was clearly of opinion, had there been as many troops in America last spring, as there will be the next, not a sword would now have been unsheathed. It is our duty, and our interest, to assist Great Britain, if we can; but we cannot spare so many men from the defence of this country; if they are not somewhere replaced. The disposition of the nations around us forbids us to leave Ireland defenceless. In his late tour he had opportunities of conversing with intelligent persons in several Courts of Europe; and, by what he could gather, he was assured that they looked upon the contest with America as a means of weakening us; and when our neighbours thought us

efficiently weakened, then they would not fail to attack us in our most defenceless part. The Spaniards had a greater force than ever they had since the time of the armada, commanded by an Irishman, who would omit no opportunity to invade that country, against which he was embittered, by being banished from it. If these troops went away without being replaced, we should be defenceless. By the most accurate account, there were but 3500 real fighting men in Ireland; and if a fourth part of them were sent abroad, he would ask the Right Hon. Gentleman (Sir John Blaquiere) or he would ask the commander in chief (if he was in the House) whether either would undertake the defence of this kingdom with the remainder without any addition. He did not conceive there could be more danger from foreign troops than from natives; they were unacquainted with our language, and unconnected with our people, and therefore the less liable to desertion. He also thought the saving from this measure was of great importance; nevertheless, before he could give his assent to the resolution, he must be assured of two things; one, that the men sent abroad will certainly be replaced; the other, that the savings of the 4000 men's pay will not remain a surplus in the treasury, exposed to the grasp of a Minister, but be deducted from the total of the supplies in the present money bill. [N. B. Mr. Gardiner voted against the question.]
Mr. Carleton spoke a long time to prove there could be no danger of a precedent making against us; and he enlarged on the evil consequences that would ensue from imitating Great Britain, by refusing this request.
Mr. Warden Flood espoused the measure, as it was not any augmentation, but the lessening of the national expence.
Mr. George Ogle said he was not to be intimidated by any threats of ill consequences arising from a refusal. He was averse to send men, with swords in their hands, to cut the throats of their American brethren. That the ample supplies given by this exhausted and struggling country were sufficient testimonies of our loyalty; and it was highly improper to send men to punish in others what they would do in the same case. This measure was doubtless determined on the very first day of the session; and that was the cause why the compact of keeping 12000 men here was so strictly observed. The foreign troops cannot be called our own troops, if we do not pay them; they will fight for those only who do. A land tax will probably be attempted here, and if it does not succeed (as certainly it cannot) then it will be laid on by the British Parliament, and the foreign troops will be left here to enforce obedience. Whilst Parliament here will do all that is absurd, we shall, no doubt, have a Parliament, just as the Romans had a Senate in the time of the Emperors, but only to give a sanction to the Emperor's dictates. He was, he said, alarmed by the manner in which the two resolutions were treated by Administration. The first was the measure of Government, and as such was supported; the last was the measure of Parliament, and as such was slighted by Administration; just as if they said, "grant us the 4000 more, and then take care for your own defence as you please." If men must be sent to America, send their mercenaries, not the brave sons of Ireland. Gentlemen have said, Ministers must have power to enforce conciliation; but we know few Ministers, who have power to force, will attend to the voice of justice; they will act as Brennus the Gaul did with the vanquished Romans: He weighed the tribute money he had exacted from them, and threw his sword into the opposite scale. But if these men must go, why must we have foreign troops for our defence? Why not raise the militia? They are our natural, our constitutional defence, and the raising them is practicable.
Captain Jephson observed, we have no reason to be so tender of the Americans, who have treated us ill; they had resolved in their Congress to receive no commodities from, nor have any commerce with Ireland; and this declaration not only set us at defiance, but fully proves they do not think us so infatuated as to take their part.
Sir James Cotter asked whether the foreign troops, when they came here, were to be amenable to our laws, or their own; and repeated the instance of the Hanoverian soldier at Maidstone.
Mr. Attorney General answered, that all troops, foreigners as well as natives, were responsible to the laws of this country as soon as they set foot therein.
Mr. James Carter replied, he was glad to find they were, yet he thought the measure very exceptionable; but if they did come, it would be better to pay them ourselves than not, especially as the expence was already provided for in the establishment.
Mr. Langrishe replied to the objections of sundry Gentlemen, and observed that the saving on the military establishment was not the only advantage that would be derived from the foreign troops, but all their pay would be expended in this country, to the great advantage thereof.
Mr. Barry Barry was of opinion that the men might be spared without their being replaced with foreign troops.
Mr. Redmond Morres observed, however we might be able to spare these men, yet it would be very improper to do so; and if the foreign troops did come, he hoped they would rather be quartered in the country than in Dublin, where the people would not be so contented with them.
Mr. Mason urged, that by the address of the House to his Majesty it had expressed its sense that America was in rebellion. He observed, that agreeing to the first resolution did not bind them to agree to the second, though he was of opinion it was proper to agree to both.
[To be continued.]
PARIS, November 29.
ACCORDING to the most recent advices from Malaga, they are again making great preparations there for fitting out, with all diligence, ships of war, destined, it is said, for the Brazils, where, for some time past, differences have arisen between the Portuguese and Spaniards.
CADIZ, Nov. 14. Orders arrived here last week for the Fleet to be in readiness to depart for Vera-Cruz, by the 26th of April next.
HAGUE, December 5. The Scotch brigade, in service of this republic, has been applied for by the Court of Great Britain, to be taken into British pay. The terms upon which this is to take place are not yet settled, but it is said they have stipulated not to be sent to America, and to have leave to recruit in Scotland, which they have not had for some years past. It is likewise said that they are to continue three years in British pay. The officers and under officers are Scotch, the privates mostly Germans. Each regiment consists of 1000 men, being in all 3000.
LONDON, November 11.
YESTERDAY five petitions for stopping the proceedings against the Americans were presented to his Majesty at St. James's.
An order has lately been sent to the tower to prepare a considerable quantity of 32, 24, 18, 12, 9, and 6 pounder cartridges.
Nov. 13. A number of flat bottomed boats are now building at Portsmouth and Plymouth dockyards, to be put on board the men of war destined for America early in the spring.
Lord Howe is to go first commissioner, in the new, idle, ridiculous commission that is to be made out, to treat with America. His Lordship is not to be, nor to act as the commander of any force, but in a civil capacity only.
Yesterday Lord Viscount Mahon, and Sir Watkin Lewes, presented to his Majesty at St. James's, the following petition, signed by 500 of the principal Gentlemen, merchants, freemen, and inhabitants of the city of Worcester.
To the KING's Most Excellent MAJESTY.
The humble address and petition of the Gentlemen, merchants, freemen, and inhabitants of the city of Worcester.
May it please your Majesty,
AT a time when part of your Majesty's subjects, and a few of our fellow citizens, are approaching your royal presence, with addresses, which are supposed to convey to your Majesty the genuine sentiments of the people of Great Britain: Will your Majesty permit your dutiful and loyal subjects of one, not the most inconsiderable cities in your Majesty's dominions, with unfeigned assurances of attachment to your royal person, and the illustrious House of Hanover, thus publicly to bear testimony against them, as we hold ourselves bound by every tie of duty to your Majesty, to ourselves, and to our country!
We think ourselves more particularly called upon, lest the same delusive arts of misrepresentation should be practised here, with the same success as in America, which has involved that country in a civil war; nor are we without apprehensions that should the same unfortunate measures be pursued, when this kingdom is drained of its forces, some powers in Europe, our natural enemies, may avail themselves of the opportunity, and transfer the seat of war into this country.
We desire likewise to represent to your Majesty, the melancholy decline of our trade and manufactures (owing in a great measure, as we apprehend, to the unhappy disputes with America) and the gloomy situation of our artificers and their families.
We should be far from wishing to wound your royal ear with the lamentations of distress, but truth obliges us to approach your throne, and humbly to beseech your Majesty to adopt such measures as in your royal wisdom shall seem most expedient, for putting a stop to the further effusion of blood, for reconciling Great Britain and her colonies, and for establishing, on a permanent foundation, the peace, commerce, and prosperity of all your Majesty's dominions.
Dissenting men already say the COMMISSION SCHEME WILL NOT SUCCEED. America will not treat with those men, nor with any persons (however otherwise respectable) from those men, who advised the late barbarous, bloody measures against her.
Yesterday arrived in the Downs the Prince George, Moore, from Boston. She sailed with the Pallas transport, and has brought home sick and wounded soldiers.
Nov. 14. It is said that choice hath been made of Lord Howe and Mr. Barrington (who upon this occasion is to be made an Admiral) to settle the conciliatory plan with the American Congress; or upon refusal to enforce the measures of the State.
Letters from Padua, of the 31st of October, mention, that the Duke of Gloucester is perfectly recovered from his late illness.
The country Gentlemen who have, to such a degree of affection, supported the Ministry in their American measures, as to declare, some of them, that they were ready to pay a 4s. land-tax, rather than not conquer the Americans, and make them PAY for the war. Never, surely, were men more mistaken! The absurdity of this idea is too gross to deceive any but children and pensioners. To conquer a country, and support the conquest in the style of taxing it with the bayonet, is to have troops and garrisons in every part: In a word, to govern it by a standing army. This is a plan that will never do with America. Supposing you were to conquer it by the help of 4s. in the pound for three years to come, you must certainly continue the 4s. tax to keep it; for, as to making the war pay for itself, it is an idea that has proved purely chimerical for some centuries past. But further, we know with how much regret Lord North parted with 4s. in the pound a few years ago, in time of profound peace; we may, therefore, be very sure that he will not again be brought to part with it, while an army, whether for peace or war, is kept up in America. So that these wise acres, the landed interest, as they falsely call themselves, this pensioned interest, have entailed upon the real landed interest a tax of 4s. in the pound, probably forever; for which our posterity will have reason to curse the memory of such odious transactions. With declining states, taxation always keeps pace with the inability of bearing it.
It is hoped, that now Lord Dartmouth is Privy Seal he will not think it so requisite in the House of Lords to rise and preach his auditors a sleep upon every question concerning America, as has been the case ever since he was made Secretary of State.
There will soon be fresh defections from the ministerial party. By the late changes it is to be noted, that the Minister has not gained a single vote since Lord George Germaine and Lord Lyttleton were with them before.
Nov. 22. The 33rd regiment of foot, of which Lord Cornwallis is Colonel, is ordered for America, instead of the 53rd. Lord Cornwallis is to command the expedition to South Carolina and Virginia.
No less a sum than 700,000l. is appointed for secret service money for the year 1776. [Take care of bribery.]
The imports and exports at the custom-house the last month fell short as follows. Imports 7000l. exports 19,270l.
A letter from Dublin says, "By letters from Sligo we have the melancholy account of several ships wrecked upon the north coast of this kingdom, and among the number a transport, which contained three companies of the 45th regiment bound to America."
Extract of a letter from CHATHAM, Nov. 18.
"The following ships are now fitting out at this port, with all possible despatch for America, viz. Jersey 60 guns, Iris 50, Brune 32, Blond 32, Repulse 32, Flora 32, Emerald 32, Milford 28, and Carysfort 28."
The seven regiments said to be sailed from Ireland, are, it is said, gone with seven men of war to Virginia, to resent the treatment on Lord Dunmore. They are to burn every place within shot of the ships on the coast.
November 23. Letters just received in town from Spain advise, that the most amazing warlike preparations are now carrying on in that country; at Madrid orders are given to press 15,000 men, and half the King's household troops have received orders to be in readiness to march on the shortest notice.
Nov. 25. The principal outlines of the plan adopted for the spring campaign in America, are the following: The army is to be increased to 20,000 effective men. Detachments from this army are to be sent to New York, Virginia, and some of the other provinces. The forces being thus distributed, a general attack will ensue, and whilst attempts are made to harass the provincials by land, the ships of war will be actively employed in scouring the American seas and cutting off all means of succour.
Six new regiments of foot, we are informed, are going to be raised with all possible despatch.
The new plan of the American war in spring, is to burn every thing on the coast, to withdraw the army, and interrupt all vessels that trade thereto.
Letters of marque are now said to be making out at the Admiralty office, ready to sign as soon as ever the new American bill takes place.
A bill is preparing, and will be hurried through both Houses, for condemning the vessels of all nations which are found trading with America. Many have been already taken, but it is not determined that they shall be for the use of the captors, or the state; the latter it is expected will secure the emoluments, under the idea of reimbursing Government for their amazing expence.
Nov. 30. A Hamburg merchant has received advice from his correspondent, that two agents are employed at Hamburgh and Bremen, to take up transports there to bring over 5000 Germans to Great Britain, whom General Scheiter has been raising for some time past, by order of his Britannick Majesty, Sovereign of the grand American empire.
A 90 gun ship is ordered to be fitted up with all speed, in the most commodious manner, for the reception of the commissioners, who soon after Christmas are to embark for America, to settle the terms for a reconciliation between them and England.
The Charming Sally, Rowe, from Dunkirk for Minorca, with Hanoverian troops, is put into Plymouth.
The following is the conclusion of Mr. Wilkes's speech in the House of Commons, Monday, when Mr. Oliver made his motion: "Whoever did advise the measures lately pursued, which 'lost half of our empire, I consider as a criminal of so deep a dye, that his head would be a just sacrifice to the honour of England and the peace of America. The word impeachment I hope will strike terror to the ear and heart of a wicked and arbitrary Minister, and the noblest and most important prerogative of this free people, secured to us by our great deliverer, King William, in the act for the further limitation of the Crown, and better securing the rights and liberties of the subject, will soon have its full effect, that no pardon under the great seal of England be pleadable to an impeachment by the Commons in Parliament."
Dec. 1. On the second reading of Lord North's bill for prohibiting all trade and intercourse with the colonies in rebellion, the following clause was objected to by the Gentlemen in opposition: "That all ships and vessels, of or belonging to the inhabitants of the said colonies (wherever the same shall be found) together with their cargoes, apparel, and furniture, and all other ships whatever, with their cargoes, apparel, and furniture, which shall be found trading in any port or place of the said colonies; or going to trade, or coming from trading in any such port or places, shall become [a blank for confiscated] to his Majesty, as if the same were the ships and effects of open enemies, and shall be so adjudged, deemed, and taken in all Courts of Admiralty, and in all other Courts whatever." This they considered as a cruel declaration of war against the Americans, which will frustrate all plans of reconciliation.
It was likewise urged, that the sending commissioners to treat, if this bill is to pass into a law, would be an idle and expensive measure; that the bill was of a piece with all those other oppressive and irritating acts which had roused the colonies to resistance; we first forbade their intercourse with any other nation, and were now about to put the finishing stroke to their accumulated injuries, by cutting off their intercourse even with ourselves; that this would stimulate them to publish that code of laws which we were certain they had prepared; that, exasperated beyond all degree of forbearance, they would immediately declare themselves a free and independent people, and throw open their ports to all nations, by which we might, in all probability, be involved in the difficulties of a foreign war, at that critical moment when we were most torn with civil broils, and domestic distraction. Administration remarked the inconsistency of the arguments advanced on the other side of the House: When an army was to be voted, an army would be certainly effectual! it would be much more expedient to withdraw our troops, and carry on a naval war only! And now that bill was brought in to give greater effect to our naval operations, they were as warm against that measure as they had been against the army! That, in short, they seem to have but one object in view, that of impeding every measure of Administration, right or wrong. Whatever force this argument might have, it was supported by one still more effectual, a majority of near four to one; for, on the division, there were for the bill 207, against it 57.
It is, confidently reported that General Gage advises an immediate reconciliation by all means, and that General Burgoyne seconds this opinion.
The following is the account which General Gage has laid before the Ministry of the force which the several colonies can not only raise, but maintain in the field well armed: New England 37,000, New York 23,000, Pennsylvania and the Jerseys 16,000, Virginia and Maryland 23,000, Carolinas 5,000; total 82,000. This, it is very well known here, is not the whole of their force; but, if the account is a true one, what can 25,000 men do against them?
The Russians are making great preparations for commencing a war with the Swedes, as soon as the season will permit them to act. Nine thousand five hundred men are sent from Petersburg to Archangel, to bring the ships round from that port as soon as the frosts break up. The shipwrights are employed at Cronstadt repairing the fleet at that port. At Petersburg they are employed in the repair of the Russian gallies, which are all kept under cover, and may be worked upon all the winter. They are likewise employed at Revel in resisting the fleet at that department, and providing stores of all kinds necessary for a vigorous campaign in the spring.
A letter from Portsmouth, Nov. 30, says, "Just came into harbour, the Falkland, from Fial; a prizetaken by Capt. Banks, on his voyage to Boston."
Dec. 5. The petition from Southwark was signed by 750 independent electors of that borough. The address, presented by Mr. Thrall, recommending a continuance of the civil war in America, was signed by 252 persons only, several of whom are not electors of that borough, and many in a state of dependence.
It is reported that Lord Shelburne is to go Lord Lieutenant to Ireland, at the end of the present session of Parliament.
The Polly, Ayre, the King George Carey, the Marquis of Rockingham, Boyman, the Saville, Brown, the Navy Transport, Wilson, the Emanuel, Spencer, the Earl of Oxford, Twyman, the Golden Rule, Thompson, the Nancy, Jerrell, the Union, Wallace, the Myrtle, Burton, and Admiral Sheldon, Mather (all transports) bound for America, are waiting in the Downs for a favourable wind.
Extract of a letter from Gosport, Nov. 30.
"The 52nd and 56th regiments are coming here in order to embark for Ireland; their baggage is already come. An advertisement has been stuck up here, and at Portsmouth, for entering mates and midshipmen to serve on board men of war. Likewise masters are much wanted to serve in the same."
Dec. 7. This day the Speaker of the House of Commons was not seated till half an hour after three o'clock. As soon as some trifling business was finished, Mr. Alderman Oliver rose, and in his place presented to the House a petition from the merchants, planters, and others concerned in the trade and commerce of the West India islands, setting forth the very great detriment and distress the present bill before the House, for prohibiting all trade intercourse with America during the present rebellion, would bring on the said islands, and praying such relief as to the House may seem meet, or that the same may not pass into a law. It enumerates, among other things, the great quantities of bread, flour, rice, Indian corn, live flocks, and other provisions; also lumber, and various other articles, absolutely necessary and requisite for the sustenance, and for carrying on the trade of the sugar islands.
Yesterday Lord Cornwallis took leave of his Majesty, he being in a few days to set out to embark for Virginia.
Dec. 8. We hear, that all seamen who are taken on board American vessels made prizes, are to be entered into his Majesty's service as part of the crew of the ship of war by which they are taken, instead of being made prisoners.

It is said that General Gage has been offered a Peerage, but that he has declined accepting it till he shall have rendered some further public service that may entitle him to such an honour.
Yesterday Col. Ackland took leave of his Majesty, and immediately set out for Portsmouth, to embark on board a transport ship which has his regiment on board, to sail with all expedition for America.
Orders are sent to the victualling office to get ready, by the latter end of January, such a quantity of beef and pork as will victual a considerable fleet for eight months; and this week they will begin to kill, several new hands being engaged for that purpose.
Dec. 9. On Thursday died, at his house in Spring Gardens, of the gout in his stomach, Admiral Sir Charles Saunders, Knight of the Bath, Member in the present Parliament for the borough of Heydon, in Yorkshire, Admiral of the Blue Squadron, Lieutenant-General of the marines, and elder brother of the Trinity House.
Saturday evening a meeting of the Great Officers of State was held at Lord Suffolk's office, as also some of the Crown Lawyers, to deliberate on a number of propositions which have been offered by a Noble Lord in an high office, as a ground-work of some conciliatory measures to be offered to the Americans.
Eight sail of the line and five thousand soldiers are to be employed in reducing the southern colonies, while the main fleet and army are to occupy Boston. This is the new disposition of the spring.
Brigadier General Pigot is to have the 38th regiment of foot, late Lord Blaney's, and Col. Grant is to succeed to the 55th.
This day the Arethusa man of war, with several transports, bound to America, returned to the Downs, the wind blowing hard against them.
A Gentleman who arrived yesterday from Ireland, says, that there are great murmurings amongst the soldiers, and desertions daily, on account of their being to be sent to America.
The Earl of Harcourt will be appointed Secretary of State for the northern department, in the room of the Earl of Suffolk, who retires on a pension.
The troops going to Virginia (which are to sail as soon as possible) are to be commanded by General Clinton from Boston.
Lord Chetton is going a volunteer in this expedition.
Lord Cornwallis, who goes out commander of the troops is to resign the command when at Williamsburg (if they ever arrive there) to General Clinton; and is there to act under that officer, or command a detachment, as the exigency of affairs may require.
Yesterday a motion was made in the House of Commons for the third reading of the American restraining bill, to which some opposition was made; but, as every argument, which reason or ingenuity could suggest for or against the measure, had been already advanced, the debate was as barren as it was short. At half after six the question being put, it was carried by 112 to 16, when the bill was passed, and ordered to be sent up to the Lords.
Yesterday Lord Chetton, son of the Earl of Waldegrave, took leave of the King, and embarked this day for America with Lord Cornwallis.
Dec. 14. His Majesty has appointed Sir George Macartney to be Governor of the Grenada islands, in the room of Lord William Leybourne, Esq; deceased.
Last night Stephen Sayre, Esq; appeared at the Old Bailey, and his counsel, Mr. Arthur Lee, moved the court to discharge the recognizance entered into before Lord Mansfield, on the 28th of October last, on his being brought before his Lordship on a writ of habeas corpus, on the commitment by Lord Rochford to the tower for "treasonable practices," and Mr. Baron Burland, who, with the Lord Mayor, presided at the Court, accordingly discharged the recognizance.
Mr. Sayre has given directions to his solicitor to commence actions against Lord Rochford, the Under Secretaries of State, and the King's messengers, that the personal liberty of every Englishman may again be asserted in his person, and the seizure of papers be condemned by an English jury.
DUBLIN, Dec. 2. Last Saturday the Sovereign, Capt. Flynn, from Whitehaven, arrived at Cove, to take in part of the troops for America.
WORCESTER, February 9.
An officer from Quebec informs us, that he saw Major Meggs (who came out on his parole to carry in the prisoners baggage) who told him that our men were all well treated; that the field-officers were lodged in the cathedral, and the soldiers in dwelling-houses in the city; that they were permitted to walk about and take the air, and a straw bed and three blankets allowed to every two men, and porter or wine given them once in a day; that our field officers were invited by turns to dine with General Carleton; that flour was very scarce in the city; but every thing, provision in particular, very plenty among our army on the outside, and our troops, though few in number, in high spirits. Our informant, on his journey hither, saw about eight hundred men on their way to Montreal. Captain Hubbard of this town is among the prisoners; he was wounded in the ankle, but likely to do well. There is not the least communication between our little army and the city, since Major Meggs went in.
PROVIDENCE, February 8.
SUNDAY morning last the ministerial fleet left the harbour of Newport, and steered for some time towards Block-Island, then stood in, and anchored under the east side of Point-Judith, where they landed, and took off a number of sheep, two cows, two or three oxen, and some hay. On Monday they came up the river as far as Gould-Island, and have since been cutting wood on Hope-Island.
NEW LONDON, Feb. 16.
By Captain Arthur, from Guadalupe, we learn that a French frigate had arrived at that island from France, with reports that the French had made a demand on the British Court of fifty millions of livres, as a restitution for vessels taken by the English before the declaration of last war. He also informs us that there are not so many English cruisers off the foreign ports in the West Indies as has been represented.
We are desired to inform the public, that Mr. David Palmer, of Groton, a few days ago, made a small quantity of powder as an experiment, which for strength is equal to the best heretofore imported, and with which he has killed several wild ducks, from twelve to fifteen rods distance.
By a vessel from the West Indies, we learn, that the effects of non-exportation from this continent begin to be severely felt in the islands, where the most ordinary beef sells from seven to eight pounds per barrel, ordinary flour at six pounds per barrel, currency, and but little to be had at any price. The islanders (not believing there would be a scarcity) have till lately, kept the produce of the colonies very low; but finding a scarcity likely to take place, the price suddenly rose. They are under terrible apprehensions from the negroes, whom they are obliged to pinch in their allowance.
HARTFORD, February 19.
SICKNESS in the family of the printers, at Cambridge, prevented the usual publication of the Essex Gazette, so that we are unable to give our readers a particular account of the heroic
deeds of a body of the ministerial gentry, last week at Dorchester. All we can say is, that a party of about five hundred landed on Dorchester Point, on Tuesday night, and drove off our whole garrison, which consisted of about forty men; set a number of houses on fire; took an old Gentleman who had long been an inhabitant of the place, with two small children, prisoners; and then made off with the utmost precipitation.
NEW YORK, February 22.
YESTERDAY forenoon, being the day on which the writs lately issued for electing representatives to serve in General Assembly for this province, were returnable, the Assembly was, by writs patent, prorogued to the fourteenth day of March next.
We are informed that the Continental Congress have ordered General Lee to take the command of the forces in Canada, and that General Schuyler is to succeed in the command in this city.
The Governor of Nova Scotia has issued a proclamation, publishing martial-law in that colony.
Extract of a letter from MONTREAL, Feb. 4.
"Quebec is encircled by a considerable body of forces under Brigadier General Arnold: They hope to avoid storming, and thereby prevent effusion of blood on both sides. The garrison consists of the seamen belonging to two frigates, and the merchants that winter at Quebec, two companies of wretched emigrants raised from the outskirts or suburbs, the dependents of Government, and a few citizens, whose exposed effects obliged their remaining to preserve. In the whole, we estimate from 12 to 1300 men capable to bear arms; a body not sufficient to do the daily duty of guards only. To this may be added the want of wood to that degree that by a defeat just escaped, without destroying the houses there remains not fuel for five days. These circumstances we flatter ourselves will engage General Carleton (out of humanity) to offer terms before the season becomes so advanced as to oblige the continental army to force their admittance."
Extract of a letter from CAMBRIDGE, Feb. 15.
"Yesterday morning about four o'clock, the enemy landed 1000 men, with two field pieces, on Dorchester point, and burnt all the houses on that point, except three, which were saved by our people. A Captain and 70 men, who were on the point, retired to a height, between two causeways, which adjoins to Roxbury, and there defended themselves until they were reinforced by Col. Read, with 1000 men. The enemy, after setting the houses on fire retreated to the castle in boats. We lost two men, taken prisoners."
PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 27.
A LETTER from St. Eustatia, dated January 27, to a Gentleman in this city, says, "We have had some late arrivals from England, by which we learn that a bill for sending foreign troops to America had been thrown out by both Houses. That another for seizing American vessels, it was thought, would share the same fate. However there is one passed for indemnifying the Captains of the King's ships for what they have or may do. The papers say there are thirty six commissioners going to America to treat with each province separately for conciliatory measures; in the interim, every vessel that can swim is taken up to carry troops, ammunition, and provisions to America. General Gage was kept in the channel some time before the Ministry would let him land. It is no doubt that the French have eleven thousand men in Martinico and Guadalupe, and more expected. It is said they have an equal number at St. Domingo. The ships of war are very strict here yet; they have taken the ship that Captain _____ went in from Demerara to this place, with Dutch goods."
"Provisions are a drug at present; the ground provisions are now come in, which account for it. At St. Kitt's they have had flour from England, which is not very good; it stands about twenty five shillings per hundred landed there; also beans, bread, staves, &c. The latter, which we call shock staves, cost them here thirty pounds per thousand."
Extract of a letter from LONDON, dated December 9.
"You may depend on it, that Government do not intend to make their grand armament at Boston; they will only reinforce the army there, so as to enable them to maintain their ground, if the provincials do not carry the place this winter. The whole force is to be 26000 men, including those now in America, and three regiments of Scotch Dutch, who are to come over in the spring from Holland, and be sent to Scotland to recruit, and from thence go to America; no other foreign troops are to be had, nor would the Dutch have given them, but they were paid a most extravagant price for them. They are now about 2000, though nominally 3000, which number they are to be made. This whole force is to be divided in America, and sent to New York, Virginia, and South Carolina, so that there will be no very considerable army, though strong bodies of perhaps 4, 6, and 8000 men to those places, but the numbers are not ascertained, though they will be strong bodies. All commerce is prohibited with America, but commissioners are certainly going out, but their names are not yet mentioned. The Scotch faction prevails at court. The Bedford party are a good deal divided, some having joined the opposition. Lord Chatham will never again appear out; the minority is considerably strengthened: Lord Rockingham is the head of a formidable party, indeed almost all the minority are immediately attached to him. Their strength however is greatly inferior to the Ministry, and will be, except the rest of the Bedford's, which are the strongest part of that party, and the support of Ministry leave them, it is impossible to say what may happen."
The following are two paragraphs of Lord North's piratical act: Provided also, and it is hereby further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that nothing herein contained shall extend or be construed to extend to any ship or vessel, the property of any person or persons residing in the said colonies of New Hampshire, Massachusetts's Bay, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, the three lower counties on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, or Georgia, which before the passing of this act shall have failed from any port or place in Europe, where such ship or vessel might lawfully trade, or which before the passing of this act shall be actually laden, or loading, in any such port or place for Great Britain or Ireland, with such goods and merchandise as such ship or vessel might lawfully so transport, nor to any such ship or vessel as shall at the time of the passing of this act, remain in any port of Great Britain or Ireland, any thing herein contained to the contrary thereof, in anywise, notwithstanding."
That nothing in this act shall extend to any ship or cargo thereof, which hath been or may be cleared out from any port in Great Britain or Ireland, and shall be bound to any of the British sugar colonies, or which hath been or may be cleared out from the said British sugar colonies, and shall be bound to Great Britain or Ireland, in case it shall appear by the register of such ship or vessel that two thirds at least of such ship or vessel are the property of his Majesty's subjects residing in Great Britain or Ireland, or in some of the said British sugar colonies or plantations in the West Indies, and did belong to them before the first of December, 1775.
Extract of a letter from DUBLIN, November 10.
"The Ministry will scarcely be able to send out to America, 10,000 men additional, two thirds of these must be new levies. The two regiments which failed from Corke about the middle of last month for Quebec, were by hard weather forced into Milford, except those in one transport which is missing. There they stay
as it is too late to proceed. It is the general idea, that Canada must fall into the hands of the provincials, which is imputed to the disaffection of the Canadians. All sorts of grain, in Britain and here, are more plentiful than for many years past; insomuch that the West India islands will be supplied from these kingdoms. Five regiments are under orders to be at Corke by the first of December, to proceed in December to Virginia, we are pretty sure."
WILLIAMSBURG, March 16.
IT is reported that General Clinton is landed in North Carolina, and that the troops who lately dispersed the insurgents in that colony are on their march to meet him.
Several companies of troops have marched to this town since our last.
We have received sundry pieces and advertisements for publication, which shall be inserted next week.
Mess. DIXON & HUNTER.
AM informed a report is prevailing through the colony, that the Committee of Safety were the cause of Col. Henry's resigning the command of his battalion, which it is supposed hath received confirmation, from the address of the officers to that Gentleman, in which they speak of a glaring indignity having been offered him, if it was not wholly derived from that source. That the good people of the country may be truly informed in this matter, the following state of facts is submitted, without comment, to the impartial judgment of the public.
As soon as the last Convention had voted the raising seven new battalions of troops, besides augmenting the old ones, the Committee of Safety informed our Delegates to the Congress of that vote, desiring they would use their best endeavours to have the whole supported at continental expence; in answer to which a letter was received from the Delegates, dated the 30th of December, of which the following is an extract. "The resolutions of Congress for taking our six additional (they would not agree to take the other two) battalions into continental pay, and for permitting an exportation for supplying our countrymen with salt, are enclosed." It was supposed, from hence, an intention prevailed in Congress to pass by the two old battalion, and take six of the new ones into continental pay; which, as it was said those officers would take precedence of provincial ones of equal rank, was generally thought wrong, since it would degrade the officers of the two first battalions; and to avoid this the Convention came to a resolution, the 10th of January, of which the following is part: "Should the Congress adhere to their resolution of taking into continental pay no more than six battalions, let it be earnestly recommended to them to suffer our two present battalions (to be composed as before-mentioned) to stand first in the arrangement, since otherwise the officers first appointed by this Convention, most of whom have already gone through a laborious and painful service, will be degraded in their ranks; and there is too much reason to apprehend that great confusion will ensue." The worthy Gentleman (not a member of the Committee of Safety) who proposed this resolution, informed the Convention he had consulted some of the officers of the first regiment, who wished to have their rank preserved, though it was foreseen the pay would be reduced. The Committee of Safety, in a letter to the Delegates, dated the 25th of January, enclosing this resolution, thus write: "You have a list of the field-officers as they stand recommended, and we doubt not receiving their commissions in the like order, with blanks for the proper number of Captains and Subalterns. If, however, the resolution of Congress should be unalterably fixed, to allow us but six battalions, you will please to attend to it at part of the resolve, which recommends their being the first six, as a point of great consequence to our harmony, in which may be involved the good of the common cause."
The Committee of Safety afterwards received the commissions, wholly fitted up for the field-officers of six battalions, in the rank they stood, recommended by the Convention, beginning with Col. Henry, and ending with Col. Buckner of the sixth battalion, with directions to deliver them. Col. Henry was accordingly offered his commission, which he declined accepting, and retired without assigning any reasons.
As to the General officers, the Convention left them entirely to the choice of the Congress, without recommendation; nor did the Committee of Safety at all intermeddle in that choice.
A FRIEND TO TRUTH.
MARCH 16, 1776.
Advertisements.
TWENTY fine SLAVES for Sale, at Hanover Courthouse, the 1st Thursday in April, for ready Money. (2*)
For the Island of ANTIGUA,
The Sloop PEGGY, JOHN ROBINSON MASTER.
SHE has good Accommodations for Passengers, and will be clear to sail by the first of April. For Passage apply to the Captain on Board, or the Subscriber, who intends to leave the Colony. (2||) JOSEPH WILLIAMSON.
The noted Horse
OLD PARTNER, As vigorous as ever he was,
WILL cover Mares this Season, at my House in Dinwiddie, about 16 Miles from Petersburg, on the main Road from thence to Halifax Town, at the low Prices (having considered the Scarcity of Money) of THREE POUNDS the Season, and TWENTY SHILLINGS the Leap; the Leap Money to be in Hand; if booked, THIRTY SHILLINGS. Those whom I know to be careful may have the Pregnancy of their Mares insured for SIX POUNDS. Excellent Pasturage, under very strong Fences, and Entertainment for Servants attending Mares, gratis. The utmost Attention will be paid the Mares; but I cannot be liable for Escapes and Theft. ROWANTY, March 1776. ROBERT SKIPWITH.
MANCHESTER, March 11, 1776.
I intend to leave the Colony immediately. JOHN CUNINGHAME.
ABOUT the 2d or 3d of this Instant (March) some Person at Suffolk gave a Negro Man in my Service, instead of a two Dollar bill, one of more Value. The Person who made this Mistake, by applying to me, and giving a satisfactory Account of the Affair, will have the Money restored, after paying Charges. If no Application is made in four Months, I shall return the Money to the Negro. JOHN HAWKINS.

POETS CORNER.
On the death of GENERAL MONTGOMERY.
WHEN haughty monarchs quit this chequer'd scene, When cruel tyrants fall a prey to death, Their actions may employ the venal pen, Their praise may sound upon the venal breath. But when the hero and the patriot fall, (Heroes and patriots must submit to fate) Then may the mournful verse their virtues tell And eulogy their fame may celebrate. Come, then, thou weeping mournful Goddess, come In baleful cypress and in yew array'd, Meet me, O meet me by the marble tomb, In which some hero, or some patriot's laid. Meet me beside the vault whose maw contains Some great preserver of his country's peace, Or where the pious RANDOLPH's dear remains Lie bound by death's insatiate cold embrace. And melancholy, sable queen, attend, Sadness and sorrow will support your train; Ye sheathed phantoms from your graves ascend And add an horror to the awful scene. 'Tis great MONTGOMERY demands the tear, The brave M'PHERSON's fate we'll also mourn, Both to their bleeding country's bosom dear, Both from their country, ah! forever torn. Could pray'rs or tears avert the dreadful blow, Could piercing sighs recall the once lost breath, Then would our briny torrents ceaseless flow, Until we'd draw them from the arms of death. But ah! they're gone, they are now past relief, Their fate we mourn in vain, in vain we weep, Our fears will not avail, our boundless grief Can ne'er awake them from their deadly sleep. Stretch'd on the hostile plain they breathless lay, Their mortal eyes are closed in endless night, But then, their souls are fled to endless day, Methinks I see them near the world of light. Wrapt up in ecstasy, I now behold The glorious gates of Heaven open wide, Millions of seraphs, cloth'd in robes of gold, Enclose the heroes in on every side. Chief of the band illustrious WARRAN's seen, Sweetness ineffable beams in his face, Piercing his eyes, though piercing, still serene, Awful his looks, yet, in each look a grace. A wreath of laurel does his brows surround, A crown of glory does adorn his head, And on his breast is seen the purple wound, Thro' which, from earth, his soul with horror fled. WARRAN is sent to greet his much loved friends, To him the lovely gentle task is given, Safe to conduct them where joy never ends, And bid them welcome to the bliss of Heaven.
C Y P H A X
STANDS at the Subscriber's Plantation in James City, and covers Mares at ten Shillings the Leap, twenty five Shillings the Season, and forty Shillings to ensure a Foal. He is just sitting eight Years old, a beautiful Bay, fifteen Hands and an Inch high. He was got by the noted old Horse JANUS, out of an imported Mare. Good Pasturage gratis, but I will not be answerable for any Mares that may get away or die. 5|| JOHN WALKER.
The beautiful high bred chestnut Horse
D A M O N,
FULL 5 Feet 5 Inches high, and well proportioned, now rising 8 Years old, and in the highest Perfection, stands at my Plantation in Gloucester County, and will cover Mares at 4l. the Season, or 30s. the Leap. The Gentlemen who send Mares to him must send the Money, or promissory Notes payable on Demand; otherwise they will not be received. I have very fine Pastures for the Mares, and will have great Care taken of them, but will not be liable for any that may stray away. NORTH RIVER, } 6 MANN PAGE, Junior. GLOUCESTER County. }
PORT ROYAL, March 10, 1776.
I intend to leave the Colony soon. || MACLAURIN GILLIES.
LOUISA, March 5, 1776.
We intend to leave the Colony. JAMES MARSHALL. JAMES M'CASKIE.
COMMITTED to Essex Gaol, a Negro Man who says his Name is JAMES, and that he belongs to Mr. James Watson of Louisa County. The Owner is desired to prove his Property, pay Charges, and take him away. || ALICE EMERSON, Gaoler.
RICHMOND Town, February 26, 1776.
THE Subscriber intends to leave the Colony soon, and will sell (or rent) the LOT No. 28 in the lower End of Richmond, fronting the main and cross Streets, with the following Improvements thereon, viz. a Dwelling-House 34 by 24, one Story high, a Brick Cellar of the same Size, with a Partition in the Middle, proper for a Cellar and Kitchen, which is floored with Brick, a Chimney with three Fireplaces, the upper Rooms fit for a Family to live in, and the lower in Order for a Cabinet-Maker's Shop, for which it has of late been used; also a Smokehouse, and a Garden in good Order, well paled in. I will likewise dispose of the Benches and Tools, which are sufficient to employ six Hands, a Quantity of Walnut Plank, Brass Furniture, Locks, Screws, and other suitable Articles for the above Business, &c. &c. 2|| JOHN CLARK.
All Persons who have had Dealings with me, being either Debtor or Creditor, are requested to have a Settlement.
HALIFAX COUNTY, February 25, 1776.
I intend to leave the Colony soon. (||) DONALD M'NICOLL,
RICHMOND Town, March 3, 1776.
I intend leaving the Colony, and to return soon. (2||) ALEX. B. STRACHAN.
TO BE SOLD,
At the late Dwelling-Place of GEORGE DUDLEY, deceased, in Gloucester County, on Wednesday the 20th Instant, if fair, otherwise next fair Day.
SUNDRY Household and Kitchen Furniture, Horses, Cattle, Hogs, and Sheep; also several likely NEGROES. Ready Money will be expected for all Sums under 20s. and for those above that Sum twelve Months Credit will be allowed, upon giving Bond and Security; which, if not punctually paid, must carry Interest from the Date. Those who have Demands against the Estate of said Dudley are desired to make them known, before, or on the Day of Sale, to MARCH 4, 1776. THE ADMINISTRATRIX.
At the same Time, and Place, will be SOLD, for ready Money, two valuable BLACKSMITHS. (2||)
HALIFAX COUNTY, February 15, 1776.
I intend to leave the Colony soon. (||) JOHN SMITH.
WHEREAS I some Time ago gave a Bond to Major Thomas Hard, of the County of King George, for the Sum of 40l. Currency, which Bond I was hurried into the Execution of; and being since well informed that the same was illegally taken, I therefore take this Method to forewarn all Persons from receiving an Assignment of the said Bond, as I will not pay it. 2|| ROWLEY SMITH.
CABIN POINT, March 7, 1776.
I intend to leave the Colony soon. (||) JAMES CURRIE.
BLANDFORD, March 4, 1776.
I intend to leave the Colony soon. (||) JOHN HAMILTON.
BLANDFORD, March 4, 1776.
I intend to leave the Colony soon. (||) CHARLES GALBRAITH.
WARWICK, February 27, 1776.
I intend to leave the Colony soon, and to return in a few Months. || JOHN ROBERTSON.
WANTED,
At the STOCKING MANUFACTORY FREDERICKSBURG, EIGHT JOURNEYMEN STOCKING-MAKERS, To whom constant Employ and good Wages will be given, by ADAM ALLAN. I am also in want of a large Quantity of COARSE STOCKING THREAD, or which I will give a reasonable Price.
ECLIPSE
STANDS at my Stable in Cumberland County, and will cover Mares at 20s. the Leap, or 3l. the Season. Good Pasturage gratis, but I will not be liable for Escapes. Notes on Demand will be required where the Money is not paid when the Mares are taken away. 4|| JOHN HARRIS.
ECLIPSE is a beautiful Bay, well marked, and full 15 Hands 3 Inches high; he was bred by the late Col. John Baylor, and was got by his Horse FEARNOUGHT, upon an imported Mare which was got by SHAKESPEAR, one of the first Stud Horses in England.
GODOLPHIN,
A BEAUTIFUL bright Bay, high blooded, about 6 Years old, and in great Perfection, stands at Mr. John Baird's Plantation in Prince George County, near Blandford, to cover Mares the ensuing Season, at a Guinea the Leap ready Money, or 5l. by the Season payable in October 1777, but may be discharged by the Payment of 3l. in December next, or 4l. in May following. The Number of Mares put to Godolphin, since he has been allowed to cover, has gained him such Reputation, as well for the Certainty of his getting Colts, as for their Size and Beauty, that a further Description of him is needless. I have procured two fine large Pastures, under excellent Fences, and the greatest Care will be taken of the Mares; but I will run no Risk. 8|| THOMAS FEILD.
TAKEN up, in Charlotte, a SORREL MARE COLT about 2 Years old, 4 Feet 3 or 4 Inches high, and has a small white Streak down her Face. Potted, and appraised to 6l. || WILLIAM BROWN.
TAKEN up in Chesterfield, near Manchester, a GRAY MARE about 7 Years old, 4 Feet 6 or 7 Inches high, well made, has a very thick Mane, no perceivable Brand, her left fore Hoof is black, and the rest of her Hoofs white. Potted, and appraised to 12l. SAMUEL NIVINS.
TAKEN up, in Goochland, a ROAN MARE with a Bell on marked S M, some Saddle Spots, shod before, about 14 Hands high, and branded on the near Shoulder S D. Likewise a BLACK HORSE, with some Saddle Spots, a Star in his Forehead, shod all four, branded on the off Shoulder (S), and on the near Shoulder (S); also a Brand or Scar on the near Hip, about 10 or 11 Years old, about 13 Hands and a Half high, and a long Bob Tail. Potted, and appraised, each to 7l. || JOSEPH R. FARRAR.
AMELIA, February 23, 1776.
I intend to leave the Colony immediately. (2||) WILLIAM MUNRO.
HALIFAX COUNTY, February 24, 1776.
I intend to leave the Colony soon. (2||) JAMES STIVINS.
TAPPAHANNOCK, February 23, 1776.
I intend to leave the Colony immediately. (||) JOHN WHITLOCK.
HANOVER TOWN, March 1, 1776.
I intend to leave the Colony immediately. (||) THOMAS STEEL.
BLANDFORD, February 23, 1776.
I intend to leave the Colony soon, and to return in a few Months. (||) JOHN GREEN.
BRUNSWICK, February 15, 1776.
ALL Persons who have any Demands against the Estate of William Brown, deceased, late Inspector in Blandford, are desired to make them known to the Subscribers, who will attend there on Monday the 20th of April. Those who cannot conveniently attend at that Time may lodge their Claims with Mr. John Green, Merchant, New Bedford; and it is expected that those indebted to the said Estate will either make Payment, or settle their Accounts. WILLIAM BATTEY, Executors. BEVERLY BROWN.
BLANDFORD, February 24, 1776.
We intend to leave the Colony soon. (||) SAMUEL BROWN. JOHN SAMUEL.
BLANDFORD, February 24, 1776.
THE Subscriber being fully empowered by Messrs. Ramsay, Monteth, and Company, of Glasgow, to transact all their Business in this Colony, formerly under the Management of Mr. William Bogle, deceased, and since under Mr. William Robertson's Direction, earnestly entreat all those indebted to the said Concern to apply, and have their Accounts settled, and grant Bonds, or other Specialties, that no Disputes may hereafter arise. When the present unhappy Disputes are at an End, and Importation allowed, the Store will be well supplied with all Kinds of Goods, and the Business carried on to the usual Extent, by (||) THOMAS GORDON. I have some good MADEIRA WINE, in Quarter Casks and Pipes, for Sale.
PETERSBURG, February 28, 1776.
I intend for England immediately. JAMES THOMSON.
COMMITTED to Goochland Gaol, the 15th of January last, a Negro Man named PETER, about 30 Years of Age, 5 Feet 7 or 8 Inches high, says he belongs to Mrs. Fountains of Hanover. He is clothed in a Virginia Cloth Jacket, and the rest of his Dress as usual with labouring Negroes. The Owner is desired to prove his Property, pay Charges and take him away. WILLIAM GEORGE, Gaoler.
FOR SALE,
THREE Tracts of LAND, viz. One Tract containing 200 Acres, pleasantly situated on Pamunkey River, in New Kent County, whereon is a Dwelling-House with two Rooms above and two below, a Brick Cellar under it, a Kitchen with two Brick Fire-Places, and some other Houses. Also a Tract in the same County, about two miles from the former, containing 150 Acres, with some small Improvements on it. The other Tract lies on Dismal Creek, in the upper Part of James City County, contains 215 Acres, with a small Plantation, and a great Quantity of Timber. The Terms may be known by applying to the Subscriber, in New Kent. (4) B. DANDRIDGE.
ROCKINGHAM,
A FINE bay Horse, 16 Hands high, and well proportioned, will stand at Capt. William Denson's on Cypress Creek, in the lower End of Bute County, to cover Mares at 3l. the Season, or 30s. the Leap, Virginia Money. If Gentlemen will pay by the first of October, I will take 40s. the Season, and 20s. the Leap. Capt. Denson has good Pasturage for the Mares, and good Entertainment for Gentlemen gratis, and will use his utmost Endeavours to prevent any Mares getting away; but I will not be liable for any that may get away. JOHN WILLIS.
ROCKINGHAM was got by PARTNER, upon an imported Mare belonging to Colonel Thomas Nelson, called BLOSSOM. PARTNER was got by the old English Horse TRAVELLER, upon the imported running Mare SELIMA. BLOSSOM was got by old SLOE, a famous King's Plate Horse; her Dam was a Mare belonging to Lord Rockingham, that won the King's Plate of a Hundred Guineas for five Years old Mares at Hambleton, in Yorkshire, and was got by REGULUS, the Sire of FEARNOUGHT. (11)
TO BE SOLD,
THE PLANTATION where I now live, containing 320 Acres of Land, situated about three Miles above Petersburg, whereon is a large new Brick Dwelling-House 54 Feet by 32, with four Rooms and a flush Passage below Stairs, and five Rooms above, very commodiously contrived, and the Building well executed; a Brick Kitchen 32 Feet by 16, two Rooms below and two above Stairs, with all other necessary Offices in good Repair, and several Orchards of the best Kinds of Fruit Trees. This Seat being well known, I think a more accurate Description unnecessary. The Time of Payment will be made easy to the Purchaser, and the Terms known by applying to Mr. Thomas Ruffin, or ROBERT NEWSUM.