The Virginia gazette (Williamsburg [Va.]), 1775-04-15 00:00:00

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To Messrs. DIXON & HUNTER.
ROCKY RIDGE, April 3, 1775.
GENTLEMEN, Give the following short Essay a place in your paper, and oblige A. B. & C.
ONE of the most delicate things in nature is female character. He who endeavours to render the virtue of a woman suspicious, and he who betrays it, are equally criminal. Innocence is no security, and what would pass for the clearest vindication of the other sex is utterly insufficient to wipe off the stain of detraction that scandal may have thrown, or to remove the suspicions that imprudence may have awakened. If a few of more humane
and charitable sentiments should feel all the resentments that arise in a generous breast; if they should attempt to vindicate the unhappy sufferer, you will immediately perceive a malignity blind to conviction, and that seems secretly to delight in the wrecks of female virtue: Every trifle is magnified, every circumstance and appearance is misinterpreted, and, after all that is said, you observe hints, whispers, broken sentences, and expressive looks and gestures; and, which is frequently more provoking, an inveterate silence that effectually convinces one that every justification is vain; and yet, which appears astonishing, it will be generally found that every species of scandal thrown out against females hath originated from females themselves, that they are most imbruted against one another, and most backward to make, what ought to be esteemed, reasonable allowances for the weakness of human nature — I say not of the sex, for I know no weakness peculiar to them that are not properly their ornament. They are such as render them amiably feminine. But still females ought to feel for one another. If they are reprehensible it is here: If an innocent unexperienced girl, a stranger to dissimulation, and the fascinating arts of the other sex, in the unguarded moment of unlimited confidence and fond credulity, is basely betrayed, the Lord have mercy on her! The bowels of female compassion are shut up against her; she is treated with the most cruel insults, and pointed out as a monster of iniquity. From what cause doth this severity arise? Do females imagine, that, by such flaming appearances of indignation and resentment, they render their own virtue less suspicious? From whatever cause it may arise, I would have all females to know, that there is a wide difference between approving and condemning with reproach, with bitterness, with unrelenting fury; that that resentment against vice which truly arises from a sense of virtue is always consistent with the feelings of humanity; that when they storm and rage, and call by names, except in cases of prostitution, they mistake altogether their own aim, and leave impressions, on minds susceptible of any feelings, very different from what they intend to produce.
Would they but allow themselves to consider what agonies, what convulsions of mind, a poor unfortunate young creature, ungenerously deceived, and brutally abandoned, must feel on the discovery of her shame; to what melancholy, — to what heart-rending reflections, — to what bodily distress, — to what ignominy, — to what want she is exposed, — she who, after all, may be possessed of the noblest sentiments of virtue, and the most worthy dispositions of the human soul, — they would drop the sympathetic tear, more expressive of a good heart than ten thousand exclamations, or the bitterest reproaches against vice; and, as far as decency would permit, pour the lenient balm into the tender wound. But if there is a man on the face of the earth (and such I know there is) that dares to drop one imputation unfriendly to female merit, — that dares to utter a reflection injurious to the character of the lowest of the sex, — that dares to invent, retail, or propagate, a scandal that envy may have raised, or malevolence may have supported, — he is a scoundrel of the blackest die; he hath sunk below the dignity of his own sex, and is the most contemptible of all wretches.
ON GOOD-BREEDING: From Lord Chesterfield to his Son.
LETTER CLXVIII.
London, Nov. 3, O. S. 1749.
DEAR BOY, FROM the time that you have had life, it has been the principal and favourite object of mine to make you as perfect as the imperfections of human nature will allow. In this view I have grudged no pains nor expense in your education; convinced that education, more than nature, is the cause of that great difference which we see in the characters of men. While you were a child I endeavoured to form your heart habitually to virtue and honour, before your understanding was capable of shewing you their beauty and utility. Those principles, which you then got, like your grammar rules, only by rote, are now, I am persuaded, fixed and confirmed by reason; and, indeed, they are so plain and clear, that they require but a very moderate degree of understanding, either to comprehend or practise them. Lord Shaftesbury says, very prettily, that he would be virtuous for his own sake, though no-body were to know it; as he would be clean for his own sake, though no-body were to see him. I have therefore, since you have had the use of your reason, never written to you upon those subjects: They speak best for themselves; and I should now just as soon think of warning you gravely not to fall into the dirt or the fire, as into dishonour or vice. This view of mine I consider as fully attained. My next object was found and useful learning. My own care first, Mr. Harte's afterwards, and of late (I will own it to your praise) your own application, have more than answered my expectations in that particular, and I have reason to believe will answer even my wishes. All that remains for me, then, to wish, to recommend, to inculcate, to order, and to insist
upon, is good-breeding; without which all your other qualifications will be lame, unadorned, and, to a certain degree, unavailing. And here, I fear, and have too much reason to believe, that you are greatly deficient. The remainder of this letter, therefore, shall be (and it will not be the last by a great many) upon that subject.
A friend of yours and mine has very justly defined good-breeding to be, the result of much good-sense, some good-nature, and a little self-denial for the sake of others, and with a view to obtain the same indulgence from them. Taking this for granted (as I think it cannot be disputed) it is astonishing to me, that any body who has good-sense and good-nature (and I believe you have both) can essentially fail in good-breeding. As to the modes of it, indeed, they vary according to persons, and places, and circumstances, and are only to be acquired by observation and experience; but the substance of it is every where and eternally the same. Good manners are, to particular societies, what good morals are to society in general, their cement, and their security. And, as laws are enacted to enforce good morals, or at least to prevent the ill effects of bad ones, so there are certain rules of civility, universally implied and received, to enforce good manners, and punish bad ones. And indeed there seems to me to be less difference, both between the crimes and between the punishments, than at first one would imagine. The immoral man, who invades another man's property, is justly hanged for it; and the ill-bred man, who, by his ill manners, invades and disturbs the quiet and comforts of private life, is by common consent as justly banished society. Mutual complaisances, attentions, and sacrifices of little conveniences, are as natural an implied compact between civilized people, as protection and obedience are between Kings and subjects: Whoever, in either case, violates that compact, justly forfeits all advantages arising from it. For my own part, I really think, that, next to the consciousness of doing a good action, that of doing a civil one is the most pleasing: And the epithet which I should covet the most, next to that of Aristides, would be that of well-bred. Thus much for good-breeding in general. I will now consider some of the various modes and degrees of it.
Very few, scarcely any, are wanting in the respect which they shew to those whom they acknowledge to be infinitely their superiors; such as Crowned Heads, Princes, and public persons of distinguished and eminent posts. It is the manner of shewing that respect which is different. The man of fashion, and of the world, expresses it in its fullest extent; but naturally, easily, and without concern: Whereas a man, who is not used to keep company, expresses it awkwardly; one sees that he is not used to it, and that it costs him a great deal: But I never saw the worst-bred man living guilty of lolling, whistling, scratching his head, and such like indecencies, in company that he respected. In such companies, therefore, the only point to be attended to is to shew that respect, which every body means to shew, in an easy, unembarrassed, and graceful manner. This is what observation and experience must teach you.
In mixed companies, whoever is admitted to take part of them, is, for the time at least, supposed to be upon a footing of equality with the rest; and, consequently, as there is no one principal object of awe and respect, people are apt to take a greater latitude in their behaviour, and to be less upon their guard; and so they may, provided it be within certain bounds, which are upon no occasion to be transgressed. But, upon these occasions, though no one is entitled to distinguished marks of respect, every one claims, and very justly, every mark of civility and good-breeding. Ease is allowed, but carelessness and negligence are strictly forbidden. If a man accosts you, and talks to you ever so dully or frivolously, it is worse than rudeness, it is brutality, to shew him, by a manifest inattention to what he says, that you think him a fool or a blockhead, and not worth hearing. It is much more so with regard to women; who, of whatever rank they are, are entitled, in consideration of their sex, not only to an attentive, but an officious good-breeding from men. Their little wants, likings, dislikes, preferences, antipathies, fancies, whims, and even impertinencies, must be officiously attended to, flattered, and, if possible, guessed at, and anticipated, by a well-bred man. You must never usurp to yourself those conveniences and agréments which are of common right; such as the best places, the best dishes, &c. but, on the contrary, always decline them yourself, and offer them to others; who, in their turns, will offer them to you; so that upon the whole, you will, in your turn, enjoy your share of your common right. It would be endless for me to enumerate all the particular instances, in which a well-bred man shews his good-breeding in good company; and it would be injurious to you to suppose, that your own good sense will not point them out to you; and then your own good nature will recommend, and your self-interest enforce the practice.
There is a third sort of good-breeding, in which people are the most apt to fail, from a very mistaken notion that they cannot fail at all. I mean, with regard to one's most familiar friends and acquaintances, or those who really are our inferiors; and there, undoubtedly, a greater degree of ease is not only allowed, but proper, and contributes much to the comforts of a private social life. But that ease and freedom have their bounds too, which must by no means be violated. A certain degree of negligence and carelessness becomes injurious and insulting, from the real or supposed inferiority of the persons; and that delightful liberty of conversation among a few friends is soon destroyed, as liberty often has been, by being carried to licentiousness. But example explains things best, and I will put a pretty strong case. Suppose you and me alone together; I believe you will allow that I have as good a right to unlimited freedom in your company, as either you or I can possibly have in any other; and I am apt to believe too, that you would indulge me in that freedom? I assure you, I should not think so; and I take myself to be as much tied down by a certain degree of good manners to you, as by other degrees of them to other people. Were I to shew you, by
a manifest inattention to what you said to me, that I was thinking of something else the whole time; were I to yawn extremely, snore, or break wind, in your company; I should think that I behaved myself to you like a beast, and should not expect that you would care to frequent me. No. The most familiar and intimate habits, connections, and friendships, require a degree of good-breeding, both to preserve and cement them. If ever a man and his wife, or a man and his mistress, who pass nights as well as days together, absolutely lay aside all good-breeding, their intimacy will soon degenerate into a coarse familiarity, infallibly productive of contempt or disgust. The best of us have our bad sides; and it is as imprudent as it is ill-bred, to exhibit them. I shall certainly not use ceremony with you; it would be misplaced between us; but I shall certainly observe that degree of good-breeding with you, which is, in the first place, decent, and which, I am sure, is absolutely necessary to make us like one another's company long.
I will say no more, now, upon this important subject of good-breeding; upon which I have already dwelt too long, it may be, for one letter; and upon which I shall frequently refresh your memory hereafter: But I will conclude with these axioms.
That the deepest learning, without good-breeding, is unwelcome and tiresome pedantry, and of use no where but in a man's own closet: And consequently of little or no use at all.
That a man, who is not perfectly well-bred, is unfit for good company, and unwelcome in it; will consequently dislike it soon, afterwards renounce it; and be reduced to solitude, or, what is worse, low and bad company.
That a man, who is not well-bred, is full as unfit for business as for company.
Make then, my dear child, I conjure you, good-breeding the great object of your thoughts and actions, at least half the day. Observe carefully the behaviour and manners of those who are distinguished by their good-breeding; imitate, nay, endeavour to excel, that you may at least reach them; and be convinced that good-breeding is, to all worldly qualifications, what charity is to all Christian virtues. Observe how it adorns merit, and how often it covers the want of it. May you wear it to adorn, and not to cover you! — Adieu.
COMMITTEE CHAMBER (Norfolk) March 21, 1775.
TO THE PUBLIC.
WE, the committee for Norfolk borough, find ourselves under the disagreeable necessity of publishing to the world the conduct of Capt. Sampson, master of the snow Elizabeth, from Bristol. It is not in one instance alone that he has discovered his opposition to the measures adopted for the security of our rights and liberties, nor can he on any account justify his repeated prevarications. It is not our business to take notice of his passionate and disrespectful behaviour towards this committee, nor his indiscreet conduct out of doors. We shall confine ourselves to the relation of the following facts: On the thirteenth of February he informed the committee of his arrival with a quantity of salt, that his snow wanted repairs, and as he should find it necessary to heave her down here, he demanded the consent of this committee to store the salt till the snow could be refitted. The committee, after careful inquiries (some of his answers to which we since find to be false) did at length consent, upon condition the salt should be taken on board again as soon as possible, which Captain Sampson promised to do. Thus matters rested till the eighth of March, when this committee were surprised with information that he had given bond at the customhouse, and was taking in lumber, without the salt. He was sent for, and, after discovering a great degree of heat, at length made repeated promises to take the salt on board as soon as possible, and that he would begin the next day. More than a week, however, has elapsed, and he has as yet complied with no part of his promise, nor taken any of the salt on board, but has actually made application for protection to the ship of war, now in this harbour, under whose stern the snow lies, where it appears he intends to load with grain. We, the committee, do therefore unanimously declare Capt. Sampson a violator of the association, and an enemy to American liberty; and we trust the merchants, planters, and skippers of vessels, in this colony will make him feel their righteous indignation by breaking off all kind of dealing with him, and that they will in no wise be aiding or assisting in procuring a cargo for a man, who, from the whole tenor of his late conduct, has openly set the good people of this country at defiance, and contributed his utmost endeavours to destroy their most essential interests.
  MATTHEW PHRIPP,  JOHN BOUSH.    JAMES TAYLOR,  ROBERT TAYLOR,    JOHN HUTCHINGS,  THOMAS CLATBORNE.    JOHN LAWRENCE,  SAMUEL INGLIS.    THOMAS RITSON,   
Extract from the minutes. WILLIAM DAVIES, Sec'ty, N. B. The other members of the committee were out of town at the time of signing.
Messrs. DIXON & HUNTER, Please to insert the following in your gazette, at the request of the Committee of ORANGE, and you will further oblige, Your most humble servant,
FRANCIS TAYLOR, Clerk.
MARCH 27, 1775. THE committee of Orange county being informed that the Rev. Mr. John Wingate had in his possession several pamphlets, containing very obnoxious reflections on the Continental Congress and their proceedings, and calculated to impede on the unwary; and being desirous to manifest their contempt and resentment of such writings, and their authors, assembled on Saturday the 25th of March, 1775, at the courthouse of the said county. The committee were the rather induced to meet for this purpose, as it had also been reported that there were a considerable number

of these performances in the country, introduced amongst us, in all probability, to promote the infamous ends for which they were written; that they were to be sold, indiscriminately, at Purdie's office in Williamsburg, and that the unfavourable impressions had been made on some people's minds by the confident assertions of falsehoods and invidious misrepresentations of facts contained in them. The intentions of the committee were made known to Mr. Wingate, and a delivery of the pamphlets requested in the most respectful manner, without the least suspicion that Mr. Wingate had procured them with a design to make an ill use of them, or that he would hesitate a moment as to a compliance; but, to their great surprise, he absolutely refused, urging that they belonged to Mr. Henry Mitchell of Fredericksburg, and he could do nothing without his express permission. The committee then proceeded to expostulate with him on the subject, and to insist upon him, that as he regarded his association engagements, the favour of the committee, or the good of the public, he would not deny so reasonable a request: They told him they would engage to make ample satisfaction to Mr. Mitchell for any damage he might sustain, and that there could not be the least reason to fear that Mr. Mitchell would be displeased, who was well known to be an affociator, and acknowledged by himself to be a hearty friend to the cause which these pamphlets were intended to disparage and counteract; and that, if Mr. Mitchell was not this hearty friend we hoped him to be, it must be an additional argument for the committee to pass their request, and for him to comply with it. Mr. Wingate still persisted in his refusal to deliver them up, but added that he would let the committee have a sight of them, if they would promise to return them unhurt. This could by no means be agreed to, as they were justly apprehensive that it would be their duty to dispose of the pamphlets in a manner inconsistent with such a promise. At length the committee, finding there was no prospect of working on Mr. Wingate by arguments or entreaties, peremptorily demanded the pamphlets, with a determination not to be defeated in their intentions. In consequence of which they were produced to the committee, who deferred the full examination, and final disposal of them, till the Monday following.
On Monday the 27th instant they again met at the same place, according to adjournment; and, after a sufficient inquiry into the contents of five pamphlets under the following titles, viz. 1st, "The Congress Caroused, &c." by A. W. Farmer; 2d, "A View of the Controversy between Great Britain and her Colonies," by the same; 3d, "Free Thoughts on the Proceedings of the Continental Congress, &c." by a Farmer; 4th, "Short Advice to the Counties of New York," by a Country Gentleman; 5th, "An Alarm to the Legislature of the Province of New York, &c." most of them printed by Rivington of New York:
Resolved, that, as a collection of the most audacious insults on that august body (the Grand Continental Congress) and their proceedings, and also on the several colonies from which they were deputed, particularly New England and Virginia, of the most slavish doctrines of provincial government, the most impudent falsehoods and malicious artifices to excite divisions among the friends of America, they deserved to be publicly burnt, as a testimony of the committee's detestation and abhorrence of the writers and their principles: Which sentence was speedily executed in the presence of the Independent Company, and other respectable inhabitants of the said county, all of whom joined in expressing a noble indignation against such execrable publications, and their ardent wishes for an opportunity of inflicting on the authors, publishers, and their abettors, the punishment due to their insufferable arrogance, and atrocious crimes.
LONDON, January 24.
THE 35th, 49th, and 63d, are the three regiments of foot that are ordered to embark, without delay, for Boston.
Jan. 26. The following is, we hear, an exact list of the reinforcement intended for Boston: Three regiments of foot, one of dragoons, seven companies of marines, a large train of artillery, and two frigates.
Orders are sent down to Portsmouth for the Falkland sloop of war to hold herself in readiness to sail for Boston, with express to General Gage.
It is said that a detachment of the Royal Artillery will soon be draughted for Boston.
It was yesterday reported, that General Gage was recalled (not being violent enough) and that General M c Kay was to succeed him, and that two other general officers were to be sent also.
Major General Howe is one of the general officers who is talked of to take upon him a command in North America.
The 15th regiment of light dragoons, commanded by Major General Preston, is ordered to embark for Boston, at Corke, before the latter end of February, but not Elliot's light horse, as mentioned in some other papers.
Yesterday there was a numerous meeting of the merchants, traders, and others, concerned in the American commerce, at the King's Arms tavern, Cornhill, agreeable to a public summons from the chairman. About twelve o'clock, Mr. Lane took the chair, when the business was opened by Mr. Baker in a very able manner, setting forth that the petition of the merchants, traders, &c. had been presented to the House of Commons on Monday last, when, after a long debate, the same was referred to a committee of the whole House, but not to the committee which the consideration of the American papers had been referred on Thursday last; that as the House had appointed a separate committee to consider of the merchants petition, hearing of their evidence before that committee was nugatory, unnecessary, and precluded them from these advantages which they hoped to receive from a proper consideration of their petition.
Mr. Serjeant enlarged thereon, and informed the company, that, after due deliberation, he thought it expedient to propose a motion for leave to withdraw a petition, which he conceived was the most consistent way for the merchants, &c. to show their sense of the reception of the petition.
To this resolution many strong objections were made; in particular, that this measure, as it were in the beginning of the engagement, be retreating from the service, and thereby give the Ministry that advantage which they so much wished for, and be the instrument of discouraging other manufacturing towns from sending up petitions to Parliament. The objections were fairly and deliberately debated, when a motion was made that the previous question be put, when a very great majority appeared in favour of it.
Mr. Alderman Kirkman then proposed that the committee should withdraw and preface a petition to the House of Commons, praying that they would not enter any resolutions on the American papers laid before them, until the merchants be heard in support of their petition presented on Monday last. A motion was made, and seconded, that a petition be immediately drawn and signed, and presented this day, which was unanimously agreed to. The committee then brought in a petition, which, being three times read, was unanimously approved of, and directed to be signed immediately, and presented to the House of Commons this day at one o'clock.
Of all the American papers given into the House of Commons, by Lord North, none appeared so obnoxious to government as that styled A league and covenant ; and it is said the crown lawyers have given it as their opinion, that all the Bostonians who signed it have committed an overt act of high treason.
Private letters from Holland mention, that there had been shipped from thence to America a vast quantity of fire-arms and ammunition; and that the exporters take in return the produce of that country, and carry on a considerable trade to all parts of America.
Extract of a letter from CHATHAM, Jan. 23.
"Orders are received at the commissioner's Office, in this dockyard, for the following sloops to be fitted with the greatest expedition for sea: Martin of 14 guns, Zephyr of 10 guns, and the Savage of 8 guns; the former is to be fitted at this port, and the two latter at Sheerness. It is said they are to go to America."
Extract of a letter from CHATHAM, Jan. 25.
"A detachment of marines, consisting of one Captain, three Lieutenants, and sixty private men, are ordered to march from this division to Portsmouth, in order to embark for America."
Extract of a letter from GOSPORT, Jan. 24.
"Since my last an order has been received to get ready 250 marines for embarkation. As they have not a sufficient number in barracks, they are under the necessity of draughting them from the guardships."
"Mr. Russel, one of the pay clerks here, is appointed a purser of the Otter sloop of war, and Mr. Lucas purser of the Merlin sloop, which sloops are ordered for commission immediately."
"It is said here, that an order is received to fit out for sea, with all expedition, ten ships of the line."
Jan. 28. It is this morning confidently asserted, at the coffee-houses about Change, that Government have declared their intentions to lay an embargo on all ships trading to America, except such as would have conveniency for carrying of soldiers.
On Monday last 2000 lbs. weight of gunpowder was shipped, for the use of the troops in America.
Two general military officers, we are informed, are ordered to attend at the next Cabinet Council, who, it is said, are to embark on board the ships of war now fitting out for America; and it is added, that immediately on their arrival General Gage will return to England.
HOUSE OF COMMONS, January 23.
This day the Speaker of the House of Commons took the chair at two o'clock, and, after five or six members had been sworn, and some other trifling business, Mr. Alderman Hayley informed the House that he had a petition to present from the merchants, traders, and other persons in the city of London. He stated its contents shortly, and being desired from the chair to bring it up, he presented it, moved that the same might be referred to the committee appointed to take into consideration the papers presented by Lord North, by his Majesty's command, on Thursday last.
The ground of the petition is, that every article almost of British and Irish manufacture is exported, to a very considerable amount, to America; that we import a vast deal of various raw materials from that country, which, being worked up here, are again exported in great quantities; that, by the course of this trade, it is directly and collaterally connected with our trade to the West-Indies; that the benefits derived from this commercial intercourse is not barely confined to a communication between Great Britain, the West Indies, and America, but that the different commodities imported from America add considerably to our commerce with the East Country, Germany, Holland, France, Spain, Portugal, and the different Italian states. It states the returns in bullion, &c. from those different countries, and the various advantages arising therefrom, particularly how this circuitous intercourse increases our seamen and shipping, and gives employment to our various manufactures. It next proceeds to show the very great advantages we derived from our commerce with America till the year 1765, the period that the effects of the stamp act were first felt in this country. It then alters to the apparent benefits derived from the repeal of that law; and so, taking notice of the act of 1767, for laying duties on tea, paper, painters colours, and glass, shews that the trade and commerce of this country flourished or declined just as the mother country persisted or relaxed in her resolutions for laying duties for the purpose of raising a revenue in that country. The petition likewise states, that the Americans were indebted to the merchants of Great Britain to the amount of two millions; and concluded by praying, that they might be heard by themselves, or agents, before the said committee.
Sir William Meredith arose, and proposed an amendment, viz. "that the word the be left out, and a inserted in its stead," and that the latter part of the motion be erased; which would leave it in the following, that the petition might be referred to a committee. Sir William's opinion was, that the petition could not be referred to Thursday's committee, as that was appointed to take into consideration the American papers only. Besides, said Sir William, the hearing the merchants would greatly retard the business which was meant to be done for a reconciliation between the mother country and America.
Mr. E. Burke arose, and, in reply to Sir William, proceeded to shew how materially the trade and commerce with America ought to be considered before any decisive steps were taken, and declared himself totally ignorant that the committee appointed for Thursday were to take into consideration the papers only which lay on the table. He insisted, that every information possible would add to the despatch, and not to the delay, of a reconciliation; that as the noble Lord (North) had denied them the opinion of persons on the spot, the committee could not receive more material information than from the merchants trading thither, who were greatly interested in the colonies welfare; that if there was not time sufficient to settle the American business, was not there the noble Lord in fault in adjourning a month, to eat mince pies, and drink Christmas ale, when so material a question was depending?
Sir William Meredith replied to some of his questions, and said he was sorry to think the merchants would be obliged to expose the danger their trade and credit was in, and begged leave to remind the House of the ruinous state an eminent merchant (Mr. Reeves) brought himself to, by exposing the situation of his trade at the bar of that House.
Mr. Burke answered him, by observing, that it was a considerable distance of time between Mr. Reeves's examination and that of his failure; and that the circumstances of delivering the state of their trade was quite different, the one by desire, the other not.
Sir Gilbert Elliot next arose, and supported the idea thrown out by Sir William Meredith.
Mr. T. Townshend spoke very ably in defence of the petition, and was for its being referred to Thursday's committee.
Lord Clare was for not submitting to the Americans in the least degree, and ridiculed the opinion of those who said we have a right to tax America, yet should not.
Mr. Charles Fox arose, and spoke extremely spirited in favour of the Americans, and repeatedly called to know who was the man that advised the late acts; for it was he that created the disturbances, it was he that placed General Gage and his troops in the ridiculous situation in which they were, and it was he that ought to answer to his country for the mischief and expenses that might ensue in consequence thereof.
Lord J. Cavendish was for the petition being heard with the papers, and condemned Lord North for bringing in estimates at the beginning of the session, before he knew that expense which would be necessary; that it was a deceit in the country Gentlemen, who retired into the country satisfied with the estimates at first, and who never imagined there would be any further sum required; that his Lordship was pressed, and ought to have laid before the House the papers before the holidays, as he was desired.
Lord North, in reply, said: His reason for not laying the papers before them was on account of what he called an illegal and reprehensible meeting not being finished; and that he was informed a petition would be sent them from the Throne, which would reconcile all matters in an amicable manner.
Sir George M c Cartney was severe against the petition, though, as Sir George said, he wished to be thought a friend to so respectable a body as the petitioners. Petitions, he said, were generally framed and brought about by some interested persons, who had artifice enough to seduce others to sign them.
Mr. Innes, a merchant of the city, made a short speech, declaring that many of the merchants who had signed the petition expected nothing by it; that he could even mention their names; that all he knew about North America was, that no money was to be got, the Americans being resolved not to pay their debts; but, thank God, he had very little concerns with them.
A division followed, when Sir William Meredith's amendment was carried; for it 197s against it 18. Mr. Burke now, in a very severe speech, which he pointed chiefly at Lord North, condemned their behaviour in this business, declaring that they had, for decency's sake, admitted the petition, yet by the vote had determined that it should never be heard. He said he had a petition in his hand from the principal merchants in Bristol trading to America, yet, as he found there were two committees now, the one for hearing evidence, the other for burying petitions, he plainly saw his petition would share the fate of the other, and be buried in oblivion, though not in sure and certain hope of a joyous resurrection; that his worthy colleague, Mr. Cruger, had likewise a petition of the merchants of Bristol to present, but it would go to the silent committee, and the three, he imagined, would be left to sleep together. He concluded with asking leave to present his petition, which being granted, he made the same motion, as Alderman Hayley, for its being referred to Thursday's committee, when Lord North arose and objected to it, as it did not desire to be heard; he observed, it could not be of any information.
Mr. Burke again replied to his Lordship, saying, the noble Lord had objected to one because it desired to be heard, the other because it did not desire to be heard.
Lord North arose, and endeavoured to exculpate himself from the charge of being accessory to the present disputes: He observed, concerning the tea duty, that he had taken off the exportation duty of 9d. per pound, by which he alleviated the India company, and suffered the Americans to drink tea cheaper by 9d. per pound than usual; yet to shew their restless and rebellious spirit, they had suffered it to be landed when they paid 1s. per pound, and destroyed it when they paid only 3d. per pound.
Mr. Charles Fox likewise was again very severe on his Lordship, which closed the debate; and on the same question being put, whether the petition should be referred to Thursday's committee, it likewise passed in the negative, 192 to 61.
Jan. 24. The petition was presented by the merchants of Glasgow, which occasioned a short conversation; and the question being put, the House divided, Ayes, for sending it to the committee appointed to take into consideration the petition from London and Bristol on Friday next, 68; Noes, 26.
Mr. Cruger desired to present a petition from the merchants of Bristol, similar to that presented on Monday by Mr. Burke, which was granted; but on the question, whether it should be referred to the committee appointed to sit on Thursday on the American papers, it was carried in the negative, by a great majority.
Jan. 25. The Speaker took the chair, about half past two o'clock.
After a little private business, the Serjeant, attended by a messenger carrying the mace, visited the different coffee houses, &c. in search of members, that the balloting for a committee to try the Westminster election might come on. About a quarter past three he returned, the doors were immediately locked, and the balloting began.
As soon as the 51 names were known, and the counsel withdrawn to strike off 36, Mr. Edward Bacon arose, and begged leave to present a petition from the merchants of Norwich; which being agreed to, the same was read, setting forth "the dangerous situation to which the trade was reduced by the non-importation agreement, and praying that the House would, in their wisdom, do such things for the restoring harmony as appeared most proper."
A little conversation ensued between Mr. Burke and Mr. Bacon, as to the condition of the persons who signed the petition. Mr. Burke desired to know if they were traders to North America; Mr. Bacon replied, not that he knew of.
On the motion for its being referred to this day's committee, it passed in the negative, 85 to 11.
Another petition was presented from Dudley to the same purpose. The House were going to divide; but Mr. Burke said, he would not trouble the noble Lord (North) and his train, to walk out every five minutes, in funeral pomp, to enter petitions.
On the same question of referring it being put, it was likewise carried in the negative, without a division.
Mr. Skipwith next desired to present a petition from the inhabitants, manufacturers, &c. of Birmingham; which being received and read, set forth, "that they (the petitioners) desired the laws against America might be put in force, so as to bring the Americans to a speedy sense of their duty, and that Great Britain would exert her authority."
Lord North was for referring this petition to the same committee as the North American merchants petition is referred; but Mr. Burke objected, saying, this was not a petition concerning commerce, it was a war-like blood-thirsty petition, and desired to hear the names of the persons who had signed it read, which was complied with. This petition, however, was referred to the same committee as the other petitions.
Sir George Saville arose, and acquainted the House, that his not understanding any business except the balloting was meant to come on that day, he left the House immediately, as it was over; but on going home, a petition of Dr. Franklin, Mr. Lee, and Mr. Bolland, the three Gentlemen who had the direction of the petition from the North American Congress to the King, was put into his hand. He stated the contents, which were, "that the petitioners could explain and throw great light on the petition presented from the Congress to the King, which, by his Majesty's command, had been referred to that Hon. House, and therefore praying to be heard on the same."
A conversation now ensued concerning a point of order, whether a petition could be received concerning a petition which lay before the House, but of which they could have no possible knowledge. This conversation lasted some time, in which Lord North, Mr. Rigby, the Solicitor General, Lord Frederick Campbell, and Mr. Gascoigne, were against the receiving it, complaining of the thinness of the House, and the lateness of the hour; but it was very ably contended, that it could be received by Sir George Saville, Mr. Burke, and Mr. T. Townshend, who all shewed the difference there was between receiving a petition and complying with its prayer.
A motion was drawn up by Mr. Burke, in order for the point to be discussed; but as the House was so thin, there being but forty members, with the Speaker, it was withdrawn, and the point was to be discussed next day, before the House went into a committee on the American papers.
The House broke up at half past six o'clock, and adjourned until this day.
The DEBATE in the HOUSE OF LORDS upon the motion for withdrawing the troops from Boston.
Lord Chatham first, by complaining of the great delay there was on the side of Administration respecting American business; that the papers had been detained above six weeks, and now were brought with an empty parade, the contents of which he dared to say, every noble Lord in the House, as well as many other persons out of it, had been previously acquainted with. His Lordship next adverted to the present miserable state of America, which he described in strong, descriptive, forcible, pathetic terms; and observed, that there was not, perhaps, in the annals of any free country, an instance where the legislature could expect to extort obedience and duty by such coercive measures; that sending armed troops was not the way to make good subjects, nor even the way to produce that severity and thralldom Administration so much sought after; for that three millions of people, the descendants of our forefathers, who were forced out of this their native

land by the narrow views of bigotted councils, were not likely so soon to give up their most valuable rights, and undoubted privileges; nay, what do I talk of three millions of people (says his Lordship) many more: Ireland is with them to a man; and as for every Whig in this country, the rights of America are so connected with his own that his hand and heart must co-operate with their measures. His Lordship then took a large and extensive view of the rights of taxation and legislation, in which it would be doing great injustice to his oratory, judgment, and observation, to attempt following him.
He concluded, by asserting that what he said he had before often asserted, "that the property of a British subject was of that sacred and unalienable nature that nothing under Heaven could touch it, without the consent of the proprietor." In this critical situation of affairs, then (says his Lordship) it is my duty, aged and infirm as I am, to crawl to this House, and give my opinion and best advice; and having thus far got on the threshold of American business, I will knock at the doors of Administration for the admission of justice and sound policy, till I have obtained them. I have therefore, my Lords, brought a paper in my hand, beseeching his Majesty that he would be graciously pleased to withdraw the troops from Boston, as the first step of a reconciliation between these unhappy ill-treated people and the mother country; for, even upon the extravagant idea of the people of America deferring the chastisement they have received at the hands of Parliament, is it not better, is it not sounder policy, and does it not become a free nation more, to have this effected by the influence of a civil power (that constant palladium of Englishmen's rights) than dragooning them by main force, which, admitting it for a time effectual, must afterwards produce rancour, animosity, and revenge.
His Lordship then handed up his motion, which was read. In answer to Lord Chatham, Lord Suffolk greatly condemned the conduct of the Americans; said that Government had tried every gentle method in their power, but to no effect; that things were at last come to that crisis, that either the mother country must assert her authority, or resign it; that himself, as one of his Majesty's Ministers, advised coercive measures, and he would abide by such advice, at all hazards.
Lord Lyttleton supported Lord Suffolk, and rested the principle of his argument on the infallibility of acts of Parliament, which any power that resisted against, he said, should be compelled to submit to.
Lord Shelburne spoke in defence of the Americans, said he stood totally unconnected with men and measures, but that the noble Earl's motion carried with it such a conciliating mode that he heartily adopted it.
Lord Camden went into an examination of the original rights of a free people, which he defined with accuracy, temper, and precision. He observed, in an inference from these premises, that arbitrary power may as well be judged in a collective body as a single person, but wherever it was exerted, it was unlawful, and may be resisted; that this was no novel doctrine, but as old as the constitution, and may be found in all the law books, from Selden down to a Gentleman (meaning Judge Blackstone) whose commentaries had been so justly and universally received in the world; that therefore acts of the state were not infallible doctrines, but were, and ought to be, in particular cases, subject to the right of freedom and the public at large, who had the original right vested in them of delegating their power and authority.
Lord Townsend quoted several acts of Parliament, to shew how the Americans had trampled upon legislative authority. He said, he therefore should be for reducing them to obedience by those methods adopted by Government, and which appeared to be the best. He next went into a short detail of the Irish commerce, and observed, that if the act of navigation was to be suspended, as the Americans wanted, he thought it would be in favour of the Irish merchants, particularly those of Cork, whose local situation, and respectful behaviour, entitled them to a preference.
The Duke of Richmond took a large view of the question; and, on the whole, concluded with coinciding with the opinion of Lord Chatham for withdrawing the troops before Boston, as the only way to open a plan of reconciliation. He next answered the assertions thrown out by some of the Lords in office, that the Americans would not be content with being excluded internal taxation, but wanted a repeal of the navigation act, by going to the table, and referring to the petition of the Congress, which he read in his place, and by which it appeared that they asked no such matter. He concluded, by drawing a comparison between the timid behaviour of Administration at the surrender of Falkland's Islands, and their swaggering conduct now used to their own children.
The Marquis of Rockingham lamented, the unhappy situation of the town of Boston, and asked what good sending the soldiery had already produced? That they had been there for some time, incapable of using their arms, or bringing about the purposes of government. From this experience of your ill concerted measures (continues his Lordship) you ought to be taught wisdom and prudent legislation; and the only way to recover stability to your councils, and open a door to reconciliation, will be by withdrawing the soldiery from the town of Boston.
Lords Gower, Rochford, and Weymouth, avowed the settled intentions of Government of compelling the Americans to the immediate obedience of the legislature of the mother country.
BOSTON, March 20.
Last Thursday the following Remonstrance was presented to his Excellency General Gage.
May it please your Excellency, WE, the Selectmen of the town of Billerica, beg leave to remonstrate to your Excellency; that on the 8th of this instant (March) one Thomas Dition, an inhabitant of the said town of Billerica, was tarred and feathered, and very much abused, by a party of his Majesty's 47th regiment, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Nesbit. As guardians for said town, and from a regard to the liberties and properties of its inhabitants, we cannot but resent this procedure. Your Excellency must be sensible that this act is an high infringement on that personal security which every Englishman is entitled to, and without which his boasted constitution is but a name.
It is sufficiently unhappy for us, that we find troops quartered among us for the purpose of enforcing obedience to acts of Parliament of Great Britain, in the highest sense iniquitous, cruel, and unjust. It is still more unhappy, if these troops, instead of preserving the character which British troops once had, should pour in additional insult, and be guilty of the most brutal outrages. We hope your Excellency will take some proper steps for accommodating this affair; for we assure you, we cannot, consistent with our duty, pass this matter over. We have been told, by your Excellency, that you never meant to disturb the intercourse between the town and the country. Confiding in this, we have passed and repassed in our usual manner. We therefore hope your Excellency will make it evident, by your conduct, that you are determined the intercourse shall be preserved, and we be not buoyed up with promises, which, in the end, we unhappily find not to be depended upon. Lieutenant Colonel Nesbit is an officer under your Excellency's command: Of you, therefore, we demand satisfaction for the insult committed by him. We think it is in your power. We beg your Excellency that the breach, now too wide between Great Britain and this province, may not, by such brutality of his Majesty's troops, still be increased. We assure you, Sir, it always has been, and still is, our sentiment and prayer, that harmony may be restored, and that we may not be drove to the last distress of nations.
But, may it please your Excellency, we must tell you, WE ARE DETERMINED, if the innocent inhabitants of our country towns (for we must think this man innocent in this affair) must be interrupted by soldiers in their lawful intercourse with the town of
Boston, and treated with the most brutish ferocity, we shall hereafter use a different style from that of petition and complaint.
If the grand bulwarks of our constitution are thus violently torn away, and the powers of earth prove unfriendly to the cause of virtue, liberty, and humanity, we are still happy. We can appeal to him, who judgeth righteously; and to him, we cheerfully leave the event."
WILLIAMSBURG, April 15.
Extract of a letter from GLASGOW, Jan. 4. AMERICAN affairs seem to wear a very gloomy aspect. The Ministry are resolved to enforce the late acts: A fleet, it is said, will be sent to block up all your ports; five regiments are ordered to be got ready to sail from Ireland, and three regiments of guards from Britain."
Extract of another letter from GLASGOW, Jan. 31. Great preparations are making by the Ministry to reduce the Americans to obedience: All meetings are to be deemed high treason, and it is said some of the Bostonians are to be brought here in irons. Thirty ships of war are ordered out to guard your coasts, block up your ports, and prevent all exports or imports except to or from Great Britain and her islands."
From a private letter, just received by a Gentleman, there is too much reason to suspect that orders have been sent to a port in Britain for a quantity of goods to be shipped to Georgia, on account of some of the inhabitants of New York.
Captain Lusk, of the ship Speirs, arrived from Glasgow, in latitude 29, longitude 63, spoke the brig Venus, — Currie, from Philadelphia, five days out, all well.
Deaths. Mr. JAMES BALFOUR, of Hampton. Col. BERNARD MOORE, of King William.
The freeholders of YORK county are desired to meet at the courthouse, on TUESDAY the 25th instant, to elect Delegates to represent them the ensuing year.
ADVERTISEMENTS.
WILLIAMSBURG, April 15, 1775.
THE Subscribers having this Day entered into Partnership, beg Leave to acquaint the Public in general, and their Friends and Neighbours in particular, that they intend practising Physic and Surgery to their fullest Extent; and that they intend also, as soon as the Situation of the Times will admit, to keep full and complete Assortments of Drugs and Medicines, which they will endeavour to procure of the very best in Quality, and will take Care to have them fresh by making several Importations in the Year. It is proposed that John M. Galt shall pay his particular Attention to Surgery, to whom our Friends are desired to apply on all such occasions, but will be advised and assisted by W. Pasteur in all difficult Cases. They both desire to make their most grateful Acknowledgments to their Friends and Customers for the many Favours and Civilities they have received, and hope, by this Union, they will be enabled to carry on their Business to the entire Satisfaction of their Friends; as, on their Part, the strictest Assiduity and Attention shall be observed. PASTEUR & GALT.
NORFOLK, April 3, 1775.
JOURNEYMEN WEAVERS, who are acquainted with any of the following Branches, viz. weaving of Cotton Velvets, Thicksets, Jeans, Fustians, Dimities, Counterpanes, Damask, Diaper, Gauze, Woollens, or Linens, will meet with good Encouragement by applying to the Subscriber. — A good Linen Weaver may soon weave any of the above, and shall have the Pieces prepared and mounted for them, by GARDINER FLEMING.
N. B. I shall be obliged to any Smith or Cutler that would furnish me with a Plough, and three different Sets of Wires, for making Cotton Velvets.
I have Moisetto Curtains, and sundry other Kinds of Cloth, for Sale, and will give a good Price for well spun Cotton, Flax, or Wool, in Payment, preferable to Cash, such as will run from six to fifteen Yards to the Pound.
TO BE SOLD
To the highest Bidder, at BLANDFORD, on MONDAY the first of MAY next, for ready Money, Tobacco, or Merchants Notes payable the ensuing Meeting,
TWENTY FIVE LIKELY NEGROES, Consisting of Men, Women, Boys, and Girls. CHARLES DUNCAN.
TO BE SOLD
By public Auction, for ready Money only, at GLOUCESTER Courthouse, on the 4th of MAY next, at one o'Clock, SEVERAL valuable HORSES and MARES, together with a MOHOGANY SCRUTOIRE and BOOK-CASE, the Property of
JONATHAN WATSON. N. B. The Land, Negroes, Stock, House, &c. may yet be purchased upon the Terms specified in a former Advertisement.
FIFTY very likely SLAVES, Some of them very valuable Tradesmen, will be sold at the Richmond Fair, for ready Money, by The SHERIFF of King William.
By Decree of the Court of Vice Admiralty, on TUESDAY the 18th of APRIL will be sold at BURWELL'S Ferry, for ready Money,
THE SLOOP BETSY, with her RIGGING, TACKLE, and APPAREL. — Also, the SLOOP LIBERTY, with her RIGGING, &c. sixteen Hlds. of RUM, a Bag of COFFEE, and a Box of CHOCOLATE. JAMES COCKE, Marshal.
WILLIAMSBURG, April 15, 1775.
THE Subscriber has on Hand a neat Assortment of GOLD and SILVER WORK, which he will sell cheap for ready Money. — He makes all Kinds of JEWELLERS WORK, particularly MOURNING RINGS, in the newest Fashions, and sets MINIATURE PICTURES in Gold and Silver. JAMES CRAIG.
N. B. All Kinds of CLOCKS and WATCHES cleaned and repaired.
TAKEN up, in Chesterfield, a DARK BAY MARE, with a Star in her Forehead, a Switch Tail, both hind Feet white, but no Brand. BENJAMIN WATKINS.
TAKEN up, in Botetourt, a BLACK HORSE about 4 Years old, 14 Hands high, with a small Star in his Forehead, is a natural Pacer, but has no visible Brand. THOMAS TURK.
TAKEN up, in Culpeper, three BARROWS, two white, and one spotted, each marked with two Crops, two Underkeels, a Hole in the left Ear, and a Slit in the right; they are supposed to be three Years old. Posted and appraised according to Law. HENRY FRY.
To be sold by Auction,
At the Meeting of the Merchants in May next, for Cash or short Credit, about 600l. Sterling Worth of
EUROPEAN GOODS.
THE Members of the Loyal Company, or their Representatives, are desired to meet at Hanover Courthouse, about Noon, on the 24th Day of April next; and, if any of the Parties cannot attend, they are desired to write to me, empowering those that do meet to act for them. Given under my Hand, the 29th Day of March, 1775. (21) THOMAS WALKER, Agent.
PETERSBURG, March 21, 1775.
NOTICE is hereby given, that the Partnership of Alexander Glasi Strachan and Co. of this Place, is dissolved. The Business will be continued in the same Place by the Subscriber, in Partnership with Dr. James Field ; where all Persons may be supplied with Medicines at a moderate Advance, for ready Money. (1) JAMES MCCARTY.
YORICK,
IN full Health and Vigour, covers this Season at the usual Price and Place. Country Produce will be received at the Market Price, if delivered before the Mares are taken away, of which good Care shall be taken, but no Endurance against Ectages. JOHN WHELDON.
MOUNT AIRY, March 28, 1775.
WILLIAM COSBY, WHEELWRIGHT,
WILLIAMSBURG,
BEGS Leave to inform his Friends and Customers, that as he has not been able to carry on his Business to his Satisfaction for almost twelve Months, owing to a tedious Spell of Sickness, but is now quite recovered, and would be glad to serve all who please to continue their Favours towards him. They may depend on their work being done in the best Manner, and on short Notice. Carriages of all Sorts repaired. He furnishes his Wheels and Carriages with Iron Work, and is determined every Thing for the future shall be done completely.
King Herod
WILL cover Mares the ensuing Season at 4l. each. The Gentlemen who send Mares will be expected to make Payment upon taking them away. Should any stray from the Pastures, and be lost, I will not be answerable for them. ROSEGILL, RALPH WORMELEY, Jun. April 1, 1775. (4)
AS I design to remove from this Colony as soon as I can settle my Affairs, I would sell the following Tracts of Land in Orange County, viz. — One Thousand two Hundred and forty five Acres lying on the main Road, 31 Miles above Fredericksburg, and 14 Miles below Orange Court, well known to be convenient for a Public House, and for which Purpose a good Set of new Houses has been lately built. Another Tract near the said Place, containing 406 Acres, with a small Plantation thereon, on which is a Quantity of Meadow Land to be reclaimed; both Places command a fine Range for Stock, inferior to none in the Colony. A third Tract of 340 Acres, within two Miles of Orange Courthouse, exceedingly valuable for Tobacco, Wheat, or Indian Corn. For Terms apply to the Subscriber, at the Place first mentioned. ROWLAND THOMAS.
To be rented, and entered on immediately,
THE
TAVERN at Leeds Town,
Now in the Possession of the Subscriber.
5
M. ROBINSON.
WILLIAMSBURG, April 1, 1775.
LADIES who are inclined to learn the GUITTAR may be instructed on that Instrument by a Lady lately arrived. — Inquire of the Printers hereof.
WILLIAMSBURG, April 1, 1775.
I INTEND to leave the Colony soon. ARCHIBALD WILLIAMSON.
ALL Persons indebted to Mr. Patrick Telfair, Merchant in Glasgow, are earnestly requested to make speedy Payment to Benjamin Waller, Esq; of this City, who is fully empowered to grant sufficient Discharges.
TO BE SOLD
To the highest Bidder, on THURSDAY the 20th Instant (APRIL) being Court Day,
A DEBT due from Mr. Liston Temple of King William County to Col. Bernard Moore, the Principal whereof amounts to 150l. which was contracted by Mr. Temple in August 1764, and although the Principal was not payable till August 1784, yet the Interest thereon is annually due and demandable. The Payment of this Money at the aforesaid limited Time is secured by a Deed of Mortgage indisputably good.
Also will be SOLD, at Fredericksburg May Fair, the Reverion of sundry valuable SLAVES, now in the Possession of Mrs. Anne Danse, who has her Life in them, among whom is a valuable House Wench, and five Fellows. The Reverion of these slaves was legally vested in Col. Moore, who has executed a Conveyance of the same to Mr. Loftin Newman, as a Security of a Debt due to him. The Purchaser may be assured that the Title is indisputable; though the Subscriber undertakes only to sell the Right which is conveyed to, and vested in, said Newman, under the said Conveyance. THOMAS ROSE.
THE BEAUTIFUL HIGH BRED CHESNUT HORSE
DAMON
WILL stand at my Plantation in Gloucester County, the ensuing Season, and cover Mares at 20s. a Leap, or 4l. the Season. He was got by FEARNOUGHT, out of a full bred Mare, and is 5 Feet 5 Inches high. The Mares will meet with good Pasturage gratis, but I will not be answerable for any that are lost. The Money to be paid before the Mares are taken away, or Corn at 10s. per Barrel. MANN PAGE.
JOHN LAMB,
HOUSE CARPENTER and JOINER, BEGS Leave to inform the Public that he carries on the said Business on his own Account, and that it shall be his constant Study in prosecuting the different Branches of the same to give Satisfaction to all who may please to employ him. WILLIAMSBURG, April 1, 1775.

POETS CORNER.
The CONTEMPLATIVE MAN.
LED by th' enchanting muse, I often rove Where flows yon murm'ring stream along the vale; Or seek at midnight hours the silent grove, While Philomela pours her plaintive tale.
Sometimes the syren leads my musing-way, Where yon rough precipice o'erlooks the flood; Then bids my raptur'd eye the scene survey, The rugged cliffs, wild wave, and tow'ring wood.
Lost to the world, I own her sacred power, And fly from public haunts and vulgar joys; Draw pleasure from the intellectual store, Unfound in scenes where flatt'ring folly cloy.
With mind serene I view great nature's stores, And trace almighty wisdom in each scene; Even to the fun it with the eagle soars, And blooms in flowers along the smiling green.
In my mind's eye I view the race of man, Following, with anxious haste, the train of care; Or short'ning with wild speed their little span, In Bacchus' revels, or in beauty's snare.
Like gaudy flow'rs, the produce of sweet May, A few short years they rear the lofty head; The mighty monarchs of a trifling day, Then crowd the silent mansions of the dead.
There the frail body into dust decays, And all distinctions, honours, are no more; There merit rests, nor hears the voice of praise, Vice cannot there the tear repentant pour.
How then can man so idly careless seem, In folly's bower to dissipate his time? For vain, ah vain's the guilty atheist's dream, The soul immortal seeks another clime.
Then heavenly muse each earthly thought controul, Inspire this breath with wisdom, virtue's fire; Breathe love, good will, thro' all my longing soul, And raise my mind above each low desire.
Teach me to live, and teach me how to die: With thee and solitude I wish to spend My span of Life, in sweet obscurity; In peace serenely gliding to my end.
TO BE RENTED,
A large Dwelling-House In RICHMOND TOWN,
24 Feet by 26, - with two rooms below and two above, a Garden newly pailed in, a Kitchen, and all other Outhouses necessary for a Family. The Situation is as pleasant as any in Town. The Terms may be known by applying to the Printers hereof. (tf)
The Subscriber has for Sale,
A QUANTITY of RUSSIA DRILLINGS and SHEETINGS, a few Boxes of DUROYS and SAGATHIES fortified, with Trimmings, and a parcel of NARROW HOES, which he will dispose of at a moderate Advance, for ready Money, or short Credit. - Also West India and Northward RUM, MUSCOVADO SUGAR, MOLASSES, BAR IRON, COFFEE, and WHITE GINGER, on reasonable Terms. EMANUEL WALKER. PETERSBURG, March 28, 1775.
WHEREAS my Wife Nanny Rodelphus
has eloped from my Bed and Board, and hath behaved herself very unseemly and indecent, having endeavoured to ruin me by carrying off a Number of very valuable Household Goods, I hereby forewarn all Persons from trusting her on my Account, as I will pay no Debts of her contracting; and further, I forewarn all Persons from receiving or buying any of my Household Furniture from her. (||) GEORGE DAVEY.
WILLIAMSBURG, April 8, 1775.
AS I intend to leave the Colony as soon
as I can settle my Affairs, I must earnestly request all Persons indebted to me on my own Account, or in Partnership with Mr. William Maitland, to discharge their Balances by the ensuing Meeting of the Merchants. As there are probably some of those who may not have it in their Power to comply with this Request, it is expected they will give Bond for what they owe, which will in some Measure answer my Purpose, and enable me to support my Credit in future.
The Goods I have on Hand, amounting to upwards of £. 600 Sterling, I would gladly dispose of at a very low Advance, and allow twelve Months Credit, the Purchaser giving Bond, with approved Security. ROBERT MILLER.
MANCHESTER, March 25, 1775.
ABOUT seven or eight Years ago a Bond
from Jones and Hooper to Harrison, for thirty Pounds odd, was left with me to receive Payment. In 1769 I received the money, with the Interest then due, and some Time after advertised, in the Virginia Gazette, that the Gentleman who put this Bond into my Hands might apply and receive the Money, but no Application hitherto hath been made. The Bond was left with me at the Time Col. Harrison sold Negroes at this Place, but by whom I know not. JAMES LYLE.
TO BE SOLD
At BERMUDA HUNDRED, to the highest Bidders, on MONDAY the 17th Instant (APRIL) otherwise next fair Day,
ALL the Household and Kitchen Furniture belonging to the late John Hylton, deceased. Credit will be allowed till the 25th of April 1776 for all Sums above forty Shillings, the Purchasers giving Bond, with approved Security, to FRANCIS EPPES, } Executors. JOHN HYLTON. }
RUN away from the Subscriber, a Negro
Wench about 22 or 23 Years of Age, very black, about 6 Feet high, holds her Head pretty high when she speaks, and has a large Scar as long as One's Finger above her Breast. She has been seen with a Fellow named Will, who stole her from me in Nansemond County. This Fellow belongs to one Mr. Henry Godwin in said County, and was at that Time outlawed. She formerly belonged to Col. Bernard Moore of King William, where they have been seen together. Whoever delivers the said Wench to Mr. Miles Taylor, in Richmond Town, shall have 5l. Reward. WILLIAM ALLEGRE.
STOLEN out of my Stable, in the Night
of Monday the 13th of March, two MARES, one of them a Black, 14 Hands high, with a Star in her Forehead, and branded on the near Shoulder and Buttock \Omega ; the other is a bright Bay, not three Years old, 14 Hands high, with a black Mane and Tail, and branded on the near Buttock \Omega . Whoever brings the said Mares to my House, near Falmouth, in King George, shall have 30s. Reward for each, and 3l. on Conviction of the Thief. ANDREW DRUMOND.
RUN away, the 20th Instant (March)
a very black, large, young Negro Man named SELLOR. I bought him from the Rev. John Brander, in Bedford County, who purchased him from one Ransone, on North River, King's Creek Parish, Gloucester County, where probably the Slave may be. Whoever will deliver him to the Subscriber, at Drummon's Neck, in James City County, shall have 3l. Reward, and be allowed all Expenses in bringing him. (6) JOHN AYLETT.
Ten Pounds Reward.
RUN away from the Subscriber, near the upper Church, in Middlesex, last Saturday Night, a Convict Servant Lad named JOSEPH HIGGENSON, about 21 or 22 Years of Age, a Native of London, a Jobbing Blacksmith by Trade. He is small made, about 5 Feet high, of 5 Feet and an Inch, has straight dark Hair, not long enough to tie behind; he has no Beard, but a remarkable masculine Voice for one of his Size. He has been in the Country four Years last September, and was sold by Mr. Hodge to one Strother, from Strother to Roger Bell, from Bell to Reuben Daniel of Orange County, and from him to me. He served his Time to a Screwplate-Maker. I have, since I had him, taught him to do all Manner of Jobbing Smiths Work well. He pretends to understand Brails and Silver Work, but is no great Artist at it. He can neither read nor write; had on, and took with him, a Virginia Cotton Coat, Kersey wove, died of a pale Lead Colour, white Breeches the same of his Coat, a Pair of old English Leather Breeches, a Wilton Jacket mixed with Red, without Sleeves, a coarse blue Jump Jacket, a Pair of white Cotton Stockings, a Pair of pale blue Virginia Yarn Do. a Pair of coarse Sale Do. mixed with Red, a Pair of old Shoes, and a Pair of turned Pumps. Since he has been gone, I understand he bought a Pair of new black Grain Dogskin Shoes. I think he had a Pair of Silver Buckles, and a Stone Brooch, but am not certain, a fine Holland Shirt, a Muslin Neckcloth, one Osnaburg Shirt, and a fine small Hat almost new. I hear he was seen on his Way towards York. I will give 5l. Reward if taken in the Colony, and secured in any Gaol so that I get him again; if taken out of the Colony, and brought Home, I will give the above Reward. I forewarn all Persons from harbouring him, or employing him; and as I expect he will aim to get on Board some Vessel, all Masters of Vessels are cautioned, at their Peril, from taking him on Board, or carrying him out of the Country. SAMUEL DANIEL.
N. B. He has a remarkable down Look, and bends back in his Knees when he stands. As I had my House-robed the Night before he went away, and two new Cotton Shirts carried off, I suspect him to be the Thief. (4) MIDDLESEX County, March 20, 1775.
FREDERICKSBURG, March 15, 1775.
THE Subscriber having Business to settle
in Annapolis (Maryland) very shortly, gives this Notice to all his Customers, requesting them to take away their Work, and those indebted to him to come and settle their Accounts, which will greatly oblige their most humble Servant, JOHN LAMPE, WATCHMAKER.
The said Lampe has an Assortment of JEWELLERY to dispose of for ready Money.
TO BE SOLD
To the highest Bidder, for ready Cash, on TUESDAY the 18th of APRIL, on the Premises, and to be entered upon at CHRISTMAS,
TWO valuable Tracts of LAND in the
lower End of Orange County, viz. One whereon the Subscriber now lives, lying on Pleasant Run, joining the Lands of Edward Herndon and James Coleman, containing 250 Acres, with a Right of Dower of 300 Acres annexed to it. The Improvements are very good, an extraordinary good Dwelling-House 28 by 20, with a good Brick Chimney; a Kitchen 20 by 16, with a Brick Chimney; a new Barn 24 by 24, and a Shed along side; a Tobacco House 32 by 20, with a Shed likewise, and all other convenient Houses, too tedious to mention; besides a good Apple and Peach Orchard, and about 50 or 60 Acres of fresh Land cleared, and a great Deal of good Corn Land, open, and under a good Fence. - Also a Tract of 300 Acres joining the aforesaid, with about 70 or 80 Acres of cleared Land, no Part of which has been cleared longer than four Years, and lies in fine Order for Cropping, with a fine Piece of good low Ground of 15 or 20 Acres, cleared this Winter for a Meadow. It has on it a very good Tobacco House 40 by 20, and a very convenient Place for a Saw or Grist Mill, and a great Plenty of good Pine Timber. - A more particular Description will be unnecessary, as it is presumed that any Person inclined to purchase will view the Premises; or, if they choose it, may purchase at private Sale. FOR SALE likewise, on the same Day, for ready Money, 7 or 8 very likely young VIRGINIA BORN NEGROES. REUBEN DANIEL.
Fifteen Dollars Reward.
RUN away from the Subscriber, near Piscataway, in Prince George County, Maryland, a likely Negro Fellow named VALENTINE, 22 Years of Age, about 5 Feet 10 Inches high, had on an Osnaburg Coat, an old Cotton Waistcoat without any Sleeves, old Wilton Breeches, Thread Stockings, and a Pair of Shoes, with plain Brails Buckles. He has a Wife in Virginia, belonging to Mr. George Noble, who was then at Doctor George Alexander's, in Fairfax County, Virginia, and the Fellow was seen there the same Night he went away, which was the 5th of November last. Whoever secures him so that his Master may get him again shall have TEN DOLLARS, and if brought Home, the above Reward. (||) JAMES HAWKINS.
Mr. Noble has lately removed near Winchester, where it is supposed the Fellow is gone.
HENRICO County, March 13, 1775.
RUN away from the Subscriber, on Sa-
turday the 14th of January last, PETER, a Virginia born Negro Man, about 33 Years of Age, of a middle Size, well made, and very active. His Clothing is such as common labouring Negroes generally wear, but very probably may change his Dress, as he has many other Clothes which were conveyed, some Time before he ran away, to a Plantation belonging to the Estate of Col. Bowler Cocke, deceased, near Cumberland Courthouse, by a Negro Woman whom he has had some Years as a Wife, and I expect he is either harboured in that Neighbourhood or in Lancaster or Northumberland, where he lived many Years ago. Whoever delivers him to me shall receive a Reward of 40s. besides what the Law allows; but if I would advise whoever takes him up to secure him well, otherwise he will make his Escape, as he is a very artful cunning Fellow. It is probable he may have procured himself a Pass, and endeavour to pass for a Freeman. I forewarn all Persons from harbouring him, or carrying him out of the Colony, at their Peril. (4) JOHN HALES.
STRAYED from the Subscriber, in
Blandford, on the 4th Instant (March) a dark bay Mare, 7 or 8 Years old, about 14 Hands high, with a hanging Mane and Switch Tail, cat-hamm'd, paces naturally, has some Saddle Spots on the near Side, and branded WK, or WR, on the near Shoulder and Buttock. Also a small filly FILLY went away with her, two Years old this Spring, had a Snip on the right Nostril, but neither docked nor branded. They were seen on Rowanty, and are imagined to have gone towards Walker's Mill, on Nottoway, or Hicks's Ford, on Meherrin. - Whoever will bring the said Mares to me shall be handsomely rewarded for their Trouble. DAVID BLACK.
OSCAR
STANDS at my House near Petersburg, and will cover Mares from this Time till the End of the Season, at a Pistole the single Leap, the Money to be paid down, and three Pistoles the Season, payable in October. He is a Horse of great Size and Activity, a fine Sorrel, and in high Order.
He was got by young Snip, his Dam by Lord Morton's Arabian, his Grandam by old Crab, his Great Grandam by the Bald Galloway, his Great Great Grandam by Darley's Arabian, out of Bay Bolton's Dam. JOHN BANISTER.
TO BE SOLD on the Premises, on TUESDAY the 11th of APRIL, to the highest Bidders,
THE exceeding fine PLANTATION and Tract of LAND situated on Pine Creek, near James River, in the County of Cumberland, belonging to the Subscriber, which contains 3214 1/2 Acres, and is so well known for its good Qualities, in the Production of Tobacco, Grain, &c. &c. as to need no Recommendation. The Inclinations of the Purchasers will be consulted in the Division of the Land into Lots, should that be required. There is a Mill on Pine Creek, and other necessary Buildings on the Premises. - The Terms of Payment will be made as easy as possible. PETER STONER.
WILLIAMSBURG, April 1, 1775.
THE Governors and Visitors of William and Mary College are desired to meet on Tuesday the 18th Instant.
By Order of the Rector. M. DAVENPORT, C. V.
TO BE SOLD,
THREE Thousand Acres of well timbered LAND, near Newmarket, in Caroline County, whereon are two Plantations in good Repair, with proper and convenient Edifices for farming or making of Tobacco. For Terms apply to the Subscriber. (tf) JOHN BAYLOR.
TO BE SOLD,
A TRACT of LAND in Caroline County, contiguous to Matatony, 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 of King William, Mr. John Armistead of Caroline, and Mr. John Baylor, Executors. (tf)
For SALE, and very CHEAP,
THE Tract of LAND whereon I now live, in the lower End of Caroline County, that contains 470 Acres, and is known to be very good. The Improvements are, a new Dwelling-House 32 by 28 Feet, with three Dormants on a Side, two Fireplaces below, and one above, a good Cellar, the Kitchen 24 by 16 Feet, with all other Outhouses quite new, and the Plantation in fine Order for Cropping. Its Situation is equal to any Forest Place whatever. I will give Credit till next Christmas, when Possession may be had. (tf) LE ROY HIPKINS.
RUN away from the Subscriber, in Caro-
line County, near Capt. James Upshaw's, on Tuesday the 3d Instant (January) a very likely Mulatto Fellow named LEMON, about 26 Years old, 5 Feet 10 or 11 Inches high, had on, and carried with him, a light coloured Wilton Coat, a Beaver Coating great Coat, and a Pair of red Plush Breeches, but may change his Clothes, and have many others with him. As he is an artful designing Fellow, and once before attempted his Escape, and got as far as Hobb's Hole, I suppose he will try to pass for a Freeman, having endeavoured to procure an Indenture. I forewarn all Masters of Vessels, &c. from carrying him out of the Colony. Whoever brings the said Fellow to me shall receive 3l. Reward, besides what the Law allows, and if taken out of the Colony, 10l. JOHN MARTIN.
TO BE SOLD, or RENTED,
(Preference will be given to the first)
A PLANTATION on Allen's Creek in Mecklenburg, within a Mile of Roanoke, consisting of about 120 Acres of Land, the Property of Messrs. Alexander Donald and Co. and whereon the Subscriber now lives. The Land of itself is valuable, exclusive of the Improvements, which are a good Dwelling-House, with other necessary Outhouses, and a large and convenient Storehouse, 32 by 44 Feet. There are about 20 Acres of the low Ground well set in Timothy and Clover, and notwithstanding this dry Summer, 15 Acres of it have yielded above 30,000 Weight of Hay, which, with about 300 Bushels of Oats in the Straw, some Indian Corn, 40 Head of Cattle, 50 Head of Sheep, and some Hogs, will be sold on reasonable Terms. The Purchaser may have Possession of the Premises as soon as he pleases, and long Credit (if required) will be allowed for the Land, on his giving Bond and Security. It is expected the Store will be continued, and of Course the Purchaser will have the Benefit of the Board of the Storekeepers, and besides the Situation of the Place (being on Taylor's Ferry Road) makes it well calculated for a Tavern. (tf) EBENEZER MACHARG.
PRINCE GEORGE, November 10, 1774.
RUN away from the Subscriber, a Mu-
latto Boy named SAM, about 16 or 17 Years old, of a very light Complexion, and will endeavour to pass for a free Boy, has gray Eyes, brown Hair, a smooth artful Tongue, is a great Villain, but a very good Barber. In the Month of June last he was put in York Jail, on Suspicion of having stolen some Money in Williamsburg. He made his Escape from thence and got to Norfolk, where he was put in Jail and sent to me by Water. The next Day (September 20th) he made his Escape from my Overseer, and has not since been heard of. He was born in Frederick Town, Maryland, has lived in Fredericksburg, Norfolk, and York Town, and is well acquainted with most Parts of Virginia. He was very meanly clad, having been so long in Jail, but it is probable will procure Clothes. I will give 40s. Reward to have him committed to any of his Majesty's Jails, if taken in the Colony of Virginia, and if out of the Colony 5l. All Captains of Ships, or Masters of Vessels, are hereby forewarned from carrying him out of the Country, or employing him. (tf) JOHN BLAND.