The Virginia gazette (Williamsburg, Va.), 1774-10-13 00:00:00

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The singular and diverting BEHAVIOUR of doctor MARRIOT, his majesty's advocate general, who was examined concerning the RELIGION and LAWS of QUEBEC, by Mr. BURKE, colonel BARRE, and other members, and found means, from his incomparable wit and subtlety, to defeat the purposes for which he was brought to the bar of parliament, on the 3d of June, 1774; with the EXAMINATION of baron MESSES and Mr. HEX, the present chief justice of that province.
MR. MACKWORTH. R. chairman, I desire to know of the gentleman at the bar what would be the best establishment of laws for the province of Quebec, in his opinion? Doctor MARRIOT. It is difficult to say, upon any subject, in this world, what is best for any man, or set of men, in speculation; that which succeeds best in public and private life is best, and therefore I cannot tell what will be best for the Canadians.
Q. Does he think that the Canadians would chuse the system of English law or the French?
A. I do not know a single Canadian. I never was in Canada. Q. Does the gentleman think that the commerce of this country, and the province, would be hurt by a revival of the French laws in cases of property?
A. I cannot tell. Q. Does he know any thing of the state of Canada?
A. What I know is from such papers as have been laid before me by order of the king in council, and by information from other persons. Captain PHIPPS. I desire to ask if he understands the French law?
A. I find it very difficult to understand any law. Q. Does he know the power of the French king under the constitution of the French laws?
A. I do not well understand the constitution of France. I never was in France. It is a very hard thing for a foreigner to obtain an adequate idea of the constitution of another country. The constitution of one's own requires a great deal of close application and study; I wish I understood it better, and that many other people would study it more, and understand it better than I fear they do. Q. Does he understand the constitution of Ireland?
A. No. I never was in Ireland. MR. DEMPSTER. Does he think it expedient to give the province of Quebec any part of the French constitution?
A. The question is upon the word expedient. Q. I mean, will it be wise and prudent?
A. By the words expedient, wise, and prudent, I understand the question to mean, whether it will be politically wise and prudent: Expediency is ministerial language; it is a word of state; state expediency; it means that high policy, that great arcanum, the sublime of government, extended almost beyond the reach of human wisdom. Few men can pry into this sort of knowledge; fewer men can comprehend it; I am sure I do not.
Q. The gentleman, by the nature of his office, and greatly informed as he is from his connections with government, and his own reading, must know much concerning the actual state of the province of Quebec. I desire he will answer what sort of government he would give to it? A. The giving laws to mankind is the perfection of all knowledge, human and divine. It is not the work of days, of months, of years, but of ages. For me to answer that gentleman's question, what sort of government I would give to the province, I must be the vainest of men.
Q. From such papers and informations as have been laid before the gentleman for his consideration, I desire to know in general what is his idea of a civil establishment for the province of Quebec, the properest to be given it by the legislature of this country?
A. It depends upon a most extensive knowledge, infinite, indeed, of the relations of men and things, times and circumstances, the positions of both countries, the manners and genius of the people, the wants of the province, the views of the mother country, the conduct of the neighbouring colonies, the state of the nation vis a vis, or respecting them and the designs of the rest of Europe. These relations change every moment; this vast political prospect is forever doubtful and floating; it contains too many objects for my short vision and poor comprehension. My answer, therefore, to the question "what is the properest establishment for the province of Quebec, to be given by the legislature of this country," is, I cannot tell.
MR. WILLIAM BURKE. There is an absurdity in this answer. The gentleman spoke of an infinite knowledge of men and things, times and circumstances, and yet says he cannot tell.
HOUSE. Read the minutes. [The clerk read the minutes as Mr. Burke had represented them.] ADVOCATE GENERAL. They were not my words. It depends upon a most extensive knowledge, &c. &c. that is, the question depends. The words it depends were left out. Repeats as above.
A MEMBER. A clear mistake in Mr. Burke, an iricism; it was a blunder of his own making. MR. FULLER. I would ask the gentleman at the bar if he has ever read any thing of the laws of France? I believe he has read a great deal.
A. I have read a little of the French law. Q. Does he understand it?
A. Not the title of it, nor its forms very well. Q. What does he mean by the title of it?
A. There is in every civilized country, in which a system of civil laws is established, a language, as there are in every art and science words and phrases peculiar to them, only understood by the persons who practise those arts and sciences; I correct myself: Not always understood perfectly even by them, for they frequently dispute about the force and meaning. The law therefore calls these arts crafts and mysteries. The French have a serious word for the title of law; they call it jargon; we ludicrously use it jargon. It is a cant word.
Q. Did he ever see any system of the French law in Canada?
A. I have read a collection of French laws, which contains, by way of abstract, the laws and usages of that province founded on the laws of the prevote of Paris; and it also contains several ordinances of police, and arrests of the French king.
Q. Does he understand them?
A. Some part of them; the law language is difficult.
Q. Is there not in that collection something concerning the jus retractus.
A. I suppose the gentleman who puts the question means the retrait lignager. It is the right which a lord of a fief or a manor, and first original possessor of a grant from the crown, has to receive some indemnification from those persons who are called the arrier tenants, who hold under him. There is such a title as retrait lignager.
Q. If the French civil laws were revived, or suffered to remain in Canada, would it not be a discouragement to the old British subjects to go and trade there, and make purchases of lands?
A. If old British subjects were to go thither, the French civil law remaining in force, or being revived, they would go thither at their option, and of their own free will, as they go now to Jersey or Guernsey, where the French laws prevail. Or, for another instance, if you please: If any person, on speculation, thought of going to buy an estate in Scotland, if he found that he did not like the Scotch law and inhabitants, he
might do a better thing, keep his money in his pocket, and stay at home; a thing much wanted in this country.
MR. DEMPSTER. On what terms do you think, in the state of things in Canada, an English merchant going to settle there would hold any lands which he should purchase?
A. On the same terms as the Canadian held them who conveys the lands. Or if the new settler takes them by grant from the crown, he will then take them on the same terms as any other grantee would do; voluntary on the part of the purchaser or grantee; he may take the lands, or he may leave them.
MR. DEMPSTER. He has given no opinion upon the subject of Canada.
A. I have. Q. In what capacity, and to whom?
A. As his majesty's advocate general, to his majesty in council, I drew up a plan of a code of laws.
Q. Will the gentleman be pleased to give the house some account of the plan?
A. I had the honour of his majesty's commands in council, together with my brethren in office, the attorney and solicitor general, to consider a great number of papers referred, and to call for such persons as could give me information upon the subject, and to prepare a plan of civil and criminal law for that province; it was referred separately to each of us three, as being the law officers of the crown. I drew up the plan accordingly.
Q. What was the plan?
A. I drew up my plan in the following method: After stating the principles of legislation, and representing what appeared to me to have been the late condition, and now to be, and likely to be hereafter, the state of the colony, I formed my plan under four heads; the courts of judicature, the common law of the province, the revenue, and the religion.
Q. To whom did he deliver that plan?
A. To his majesty in council.
Q. As doubtless it was very extensive in point of knowledge and information, the house would be glad to know the contents?
A. I stand here as his majesty's servant. My colleagues next to me in office, who have given their opinions as well as myself to his majesty, are within the bar. When an advocate or counsellor gives his opinion, it is the property of his client. His majesty is in possession of my opinion. If this house does me the high honour of being desirous to know my sentiments, such as they are (and they are very free ones) the house will then address his majesty to lay my opinion before the house. If the house will not agree to that address, my sentiments must remain deposited with his majesty, in his great wisdom, where they now remain deposited.
Q. When somebody moved to have all the papers laid before the house, the motion was over-ruled, on the ground that we might have complete information at the bar. I fear we shall not have it where we with it, and were bidden to expect it. What is the sum and conclusion of that opinion?
A. In a question so extensive, and which involved every possible consideration of policy, and very little of law, I drew up my opinion with all that modesty and diffidence which became me. The danger of positive-ness in speculative opinions is too obvious to every man of a right mind. The more I viewed the subject on every side, the more difficulties occurred to me. I weighed all facts and reasonings in a true balance, without bias to any man or any party, but found it hard, after the whole result of my enquiries, to fix decisively what the system of law ought to be for a people so remote from home, of whose manners and wants we know so little. My method of proceeding was, I collected all facts as represented to me, and as far as other persons, who well knew the colony by having been in it, were agreed in the reports made to the king's government. I then brought all the facts and probable reasonings together in one general point of view, for the assistance of my two colleagues in office, that they might form an earlier decision on their part. I drew indeed my own conclusions, but they were not positive, but open to better reasonings. I therefore, through the whole, adopted the title and manner of that which Cicero calls the deliberativum genus dicendi; I submitted every thing to his majesty's wisdom in council, aided by opinions and arguments of much higher authority than any which I could offer.
Q. Can the gentleman recollect any parts of the opinion which he gave?
A. I answered before, that doubtless if this house will address his majesty, they will have the whole of it before you: I have no objection, I am sure, for my part; but my memory will not serve me to repeat so extensive a work.
Q. Does it agree in substance, or part, with the bill now depending before the house?
A. I know nothing of such a bill officially. A printed paper, with a title of a bill relative to the government of Quebec, was put into my hands only two days ago, by a friend, accidentally. Not having the honour to be a member of this house, I cannot, according to the rules of it, take notice of any thing proposed within its walls. If the house were pleased to refer the bill to me, I should desire to take it home, to read it with great care and deliberation. And if I were within the bar, as I am now without, I would give my opinion upon the bill, in my place, as freely, and with as much courage, as any man upon this ground.
Q. The gentleman owns that he has had much information: I wish he would tell us what?
A. The fame as the house has already heard just now, and from some of the same persons.
MR. CASWELL. If we cannot have the whole of his opinion, will he give us some of the very learned quotations in his book?
A. So many compliments would naturally draw a positive answer from any person capable of feeling the flattery and giving an answer; but I do not know what the honourable gentleman thinks of me. It is not a little memory or a little time will serve to repeat all the quotations of civil and common law, and all the French and Latin extracts which I have used. I have used a great many in dressing out my own thoughts. Quotations are commonly among authors but the mere ornaments, the fringe, and trappings of a book. They only shew that the man who uses them has read a great deal; but they do not prove how much he has thought, and whether well or ill; and they shew he has thought like other people, who have thought and wrote before him. If I could possibly recollect and repeat this amass of the opinions and informations of other men, I must be very tedious, and appear very pedantic to the house. I question much whether a walking library would be tolerable in these walls. I cannot remember the quotations.
MR. WILLIAM BURKE. Will the gentleman tell us how long he was composing his plan? (It must require great labour and study) and how many pages it contained?
A. About three hundred pages closely written.
Q. What was the time it took up to compose it?
A. I cannot exactly tell.
Q. Was it several months?
A. Ten or twelve months, at different intervals, to compose it. But if I am to speak to all the time that I was thinking upon the subject, the
time was near two years. I took it up, laid it into my desk; took it up, and laid it into my desk again, that it might ripen in my mind. I saw my difficulties of coming to a decision increased. I dreaded being hasty or positive, and I thought no trouble too much on such a public subject, which appeared too much for the life of any man, and most certainly for any one man's understanding.
Q. I desire to know, Mr. chairman, what was the name of the thing which he took up and laid down so often, and which he delivered in at last to his majesty?
A. I think, Mr. chairman, I remember the face of that gentleman who asks me the question "what is that thing which I took up and laid down so often, and delivered in to his majesty?" I answer, when that gentleman was himself in office, he very well knew what sort of things are the opinions of crown lawyers.
MR. WILLIAM BURKE. Mr. chairman, the witness at the bar has behaved without any respect to the house. It was enough for the house to be insulted elsewhere. We are in an abject state; I say so, and others think so. We are very ill used; the upper house has used us ill; they shut us out, not for fear we should hear what they did, but for fear we should see that they did nothing; they frame the bill there, delay it by keeping it in their hands, and then send it down to us, and then we are to hurry through it without sufficient information, and nobody will own it. The doors are shut upon us; nobody will give us information. I said the gentleman at the bar said he had a knowledge of men and things, and yet he said he could not tell. I am not guilty of any blunders, any iricism; the clerk mistook as well as I. The gentleman says he does not know the constitution of France; he does not know the constitution of Ireland; he never was in Canada; the king is his client; he will not tell you what advice he has given the king; we have a right to be informed by him; the minister told us we should be so; and now truly the witness will not give us an answer to any thing what his real opinion is. By the rules of this house no witness at the bar is to answer any thing personally touching a member; it is a disrespect to the house. The questions are to be put to the chair by a member, and the chair, which represents the house, is to put the questions to a witness. He is to return answers to the chair, that is, to the house. If an improper question is put, the house may over-rule it. I always behave like a gentleman; I know the gentleman at the bar, though I am not intimate with him. He has taken fire at my expression; I did not mean to affront him. He would not tell us what it was he had delivered; he himself therefore forced me to call it that thing which he delivered; I had no other way to express it. I am ready every where to demand or give satisfaction where there is an affront offered or received. I desire the gentleman may withdraw, and to know the sense of the house, whether I put an improper question or the gentleman made an iricism. [Doctor MARRIOT was ordered to withdraw.]
MR. FULLER. It is certainly very irregular for a witness at the bar to answer any thing relating to a member, personally, who puts the question. It was always in my opinion wrong, considering that gentleman's situation, to call him to be examined; but we were refused the perusal of his opinion, and the papers. The attorney and solicitor general here refused to tell us what were their opinions which were given in by them. I often have observed much debate and confusion occasioned in the house, when a witness of wit and abilities is examined. It should be remembered by both the persons, by the one who puts the question, and by the other who gives the answer, that the question is put by the house, and the answer is returned to the house. An attention to this would preserve reciprocal decorum.
Captain PHIPPS. I must observe to the committee that this examination is getting into a train which appears to me to be very improper. Sir, when men of great parts and abilities, and much wit, come to this bar, I cannot help condemning that kind of applause which is given them for exertions of that wit, though very unseasonable. I may have been guilty of joining in this encouragement to a witness, but am sure the committee sees, by this time, that if we proceed thus, the witness will have been called to the bar to very little purpose. Besides, sir, there is a conduct in witnesses that is not at all consistent with the dignity of this house. I therefore hope, sir, that the witnesses, as well as any others that may come to this bar hereafter, would recollect, that although the house owes much to the situation of a witness, yet does the witness owe something to the dignity of the house.
LORD NORTH. I rise to answer the gentleman who was so warm. He is angry that the gentleman will not tell you what his opinion was. He made a complete answer to this question; he said it was a deliberate opinion, that he made no decision. I do admit, that the answer of a witness, by the rules of this house, should not be any thing personal to the member questioning, however impertinent, rude, or absurd, the question may appear to him. The rank and station of the gentleman at the bar ought to be considered. The word thing is understood generally as a word of contempt. Nothing contemptible comes from the gentleman at the bar; such a word might naturally strike him; and his not being a member of this house, so as to know the rules of it, excuses him for his shewing his spirit on the occasion, when he thought himself affronted. He is under the protection of the house, and no improper question ought to be asked. In that case, he may demand the protection of the house, and so may every person who is examined at this bar.
MR. EDMUND BURKE. I rise to apologize for the gentleman next me. I am perfectly sure he did not mean to affront the gentleman at the bar. I know the gentleman there extremely well, his great abilities, learning, and character; he has distinguished himself by his writings and behaviour, and nobody here, or any where else, can treat him with contempt; but we should have been very glad to have his information. I am sensible that he is in a very trying situation. His information is with-held. It is a distress upon him, and an insult upon us to refer us to him, when it was known before hand that it was not likely that he should think himself at liberty to give us his opinion nisi vocet, after what he has written was refused us by others. It was, however, very natural for us to call for him. We had no other hope of obtaining any information of great authority. All the world knows that the king's advocate general, the attorney and solicitor general, from the nature of their very high offices, have the power of obtaining every sort of information. All is open to them in every department of government. They can enter behind the veil. The sanctum sanctorum of state must be frequently and confidentially submitted to their view; but the curtain is drawn upon us, and the door is shut. How, then, are we to get information? I ask, shall we have it from the other crown lawyers? The answer is, they stand upon their own ground, and take and narrow it when and where they please, as members within the bar; and the gentleman who proceeds in office, but who stands without the bar, necessarily suffers from a variety of torturing questions put to him on speculative points, which it must put any man under difficulties to answer, especially one in his station. I never should have concurred in the motion to examine him, if the former motion for the address for papers in general had not been over-ruled.
Doctor MARRIOT called in again.
CHAIRMAN. Sir, you are to address yourself to the chair.
Captain PHIPPS. Under what denomination are the papers which were delivered in by the advocate general to the king?
A. A report.

Mr. MACKWORTH. I wish the gentleman would give us a short account of the substance of that report, as concise as he pleases to make it? A. I thought I had before given an account of the contents, and of the plan. It is impossible to give a short account of a long affair. Q. In that report does he approve of juries? Does he like them? What does he think of them? A. I should chuse to be tried by them. But I think of juries as I do of every thing else in this world: Every thing is imperfect. I have often considered the different modes of trial in different countries; the civil law courts, the courts of common law, and chancery; their modes are all defective in discovering truth. Juries are like most other men and things; they have their excellent qualities, and they have their bad ones. Q. Does he think it will be a hardship upon the Canadians not to have juries? Not to have their lives and properties tried by a jury out of their own neighbourhood? Would it be their happiness or unhappiness? A. If I were a Canadian I could tell what would make me happy. I were to go to Canada I could tell the same. As an Englishman, I say, that juries are a mode of trial which I like; they are very favourable to the property of the subject and the natural liberties of mankind. Mr. DOWDESWELL. Does the doctor think that the present bill is calculated to give as much freedom to Canada as is expedient to give? A. Expedient to give them! I answered before to that question; it involves a thousand others. Mr. CHARLES JENKINSON. Does he think that the Canadians will not suffer greatly if the habeas corpus law is not introduced among them? A. I desire the question may be repeated; the merit of the habeas corpus law is a great constitutional question.
Question repeated.
A. The idea of the suffering is the idea of the sufferer, and not of a third person; I cannot answer for the feelings of the Canadians. Q. Cannot the gentleman conceive the pain of another person? A. No person has a true impression of the degree of pain or pleasure of another being; there is no common medium to convey the sensations. Words will not do it: No person can tell what a man of probity and reflection, who will be a judge of facts, error, and to do his public duty in an arduous question, will suffer upon the rack of opinion. No man in this place exactly knows his own, in my particular and relative situation, by being so long at this bar, and called upon to answer every sort of question that can be imagined about all possible and probable things, from such a variety of persons. Witnesses, by all the laws I know in the world, are called every where only to speak to facts; to opinions, no where; except in one court of religion, in the world. Q. The gentleman then has, I find, some sort of idea of another man's suffering, although not an adequate and perfect one. Cannot he tell the house, supposing that I were to give the gentleman who sits below me a slap in the face, what he would suffer? [The member who put the question being a very slightly made man, and the gentleman who sat beneath him a very stout man, and the latter turning round quick to look at him, it occasioned a loud laugh.] I mean, what would a person struck suffer when there are visible signs of a violent blow? Suppose the blood gushed out of the nose? A. The noses of some people bleed without pain. That gentleman might have a blow on the nose, and he might feel it. I might not. I mean, he would feel it if he were sober; if he were drunk, he might not. He might take it all in good part; and as for blood, I swear it was all good claret. A MEMBER. Repeat the answer. A. If he were inebriated, he might not feel. Mr. chairman, I hope my answers are not improper. I desire to be serious. I am in earnest. The answer, I take it, by the law of all evidence, ought to be of the same colour with the question, and pointed to it. CHAIRMAN. Right, certainly. Colonel BARRE. I would not desire to distress the gentleman at the bar. He is certainly under personal difficulties in his situation of office, and not being a member. But I see he bears his examination with much patience and good humour. We were all going to be very dull, and he has enlivened us. He has been asked above a hundred questions, and has parried them all; not one decisive answer. I did not expect he would have kept his ground so stoutly against numbers. I will now beg leave to try him. I undertake, sir, to ask him one very easy question, which I think he may and will answer. What does he think is the king of Prussia's religion? A. I have read some of his works, if the writings I mean are really his; although some people have doubted the title: "Ouvres du Philosophe de Sans Souci." His religion may be judged from them. Q. I desire to know, sir, what he judges the king of Prussia's religion to be? A. From them? I believe his majesty has no (formal) religion. Q. If the province of Canada were to be ceded to his Prussian majesty, what religion would he introduce into it? Q. What is a soldier's religion? A. If I were a soldier, sir, I would answer the words, "my honour." Q. What is a lawyer's religion? A. His honour too; not to give up his client. But I suppose the gentleman knows there are two orders of men in this country, the civilians, and the common lawyers. I am no common lawyer. The religion of which? Q. Of both. A. The common lawyers must answer for themselves. I can readily answer for the civilians: They are ecclesiastical lawyers, and subscribe; they are of the religion of this country by law established. Q. I see, sir, there is no hitting the gentleman at the bar. But I have read an opinion of some weight in a book, here in my hand. It is so laid down, that I think the gentleman cannot escape answering to it. With the leave of the house, I will read it. [Reads page 225.] "In order to judge politically of the expediency of suffering the Romish religion to remain an established religion of the state in any part of your majesty's dominions, the Romish religion, I mean its doctrines, not its ceremonies, ought to be perfectly understood. The opinion of the royal author of the Memoires de Brandenbourg seems to be conclusive on this head to every foreign power, that the protestant religion is best both for the prince and the people; because there is in it no middle power to interfere and stand before the prince against the people, nor before the people against the prince." The house now sees why I put the other question. Q. Did the gentleman ever read the Memoires de Brandenbourg? Is that that which I have read the king of Prussia's opinion? Is that opinion in the Memoires de Brandenbourg? A. I have read a book with that title: But whether that book was his writing, or whether, being his book, that was his opinion (for many people write books who are not of opinion with their own book) I do not know. There is something very like that opinion in the book. Q. The book, sir, in which that opinion is recommended and adopted, ends with the name of the gentleman at the bar. He has subscribed to that opinion. A. [Bowing with great respect round to the house, and laying his hand on his bosom] I now subscribe to that opinion most seriously, and most sincerely. The advocate general was ordered to withdraw. It was remarked, that neither governor Johnstone, or Mr. Dunning, as was expected, made any attack upon the king's advocate general. The house went into a debate, in the course of which Mr. Charles Fox, and Mr. T. Townshend, agreed with Mr. Edmund Burke, that it was wrong to have examined the king's advocate general, and to force him to give an opinion to the house; and laid the blame on lord North, and those persons who opposed the motion for the papers.
The EXAMINATION of Mr. MESSERES, late attorney general of QUEBEC, and new baron of the EXCHEQUER.
THE two most material points upon which he was questioned were, the civil law and the assembly. The following were the principal questions and replies.
SOLICITOR GENERAL. What form of government have the Canadians expressed themselves most desirous of?
Mr. MESSERES. They have no clear notions of government, having never been used to any such speculations. They will be content with any you give them.
Mr. MACKWORTH. Have they expressed any dissatisfaction at the trial by jury in criminal matters?
Mr. MESSERES. They like it very well.
Mr. T. TOWNSEND. Do you know that they have any objection to the same trial in civil cases?
Mr. MESSERES. Certainly they have, but they principally consist in the expense and trouble of that attendance. Were they allowed a compensation, I should apprehend they would be well satisfied in all cases, and I think to small a sum as five shillings a man would do for that purpose.
SOLICITOR GENERAL. Does Mr. Messeres think that they would be pleased with the abolition of their old customs by the introduction of our civil law?
Mr. MESSERES. A total abolition of their customs relative to descents, dower, and the transfer of land, would be highly offensive to them.
Mr. MACKWORTH. Would they have any objection to the law of habeas corpus?
Mr. MESSERES. It is impossible that any people should object to that law.
Mr. T. TOWNSEND. Did not the Canadians think themselves promised by the proclamation the benefit of an assembly? And do they not now desire to have it?
Mr. MESSERES. As to an assembly, they have a very confused idea of what it is; the generality of the people have no desire to have it, for they know not what it is; but there are a few among them who have considered the matter, and they would prefer an assembly.
Mr. MACKWORTH. Does Mr. Messeres think that the provisions of this bill for the government of Canada are the freest that could with propriety be granted?
Mr. MESSERES. Certainly not; I have sufficiently explained to the world how I think there might have been a judicious mixture of law for the free government of that province.
EXAMINATION of Mr. HEY, the present chief justice of QUEBEC.
Mr. MACKWORTH. Does Mr. Hey think that the Canadians are well satisfied with the trial by jury in criminal matters?
Mr. HEY. They are well satisfied with it.
Mr. MACKWORTH. Would they not be also satisfied with the same trial in civil matters?
Mr. HEY. Under certain regulations they might: For instance, if the unanimity required in England was dispensed with, and a majority of two thirds of a jury of thirteen or fifteen was sufficient, and if they were allowed some compensation for the expense and trouble of attendance; also, if the trial by that mode was optional in the parties; under these regulations I apprehend they would be very well satisfied with that mode of trial in civil as well as criminal cases. Half the year in Canada all business is stopped by the climate, which makes them much the busier the other half, and at that season they consequently find the attendance as jurymen a burthen.
Mr. T. TOWNSEND. Would they wish for and approve the other parts of the English law in civil matters?
Mr. HEY. They are very little acquainted with the English law, and from their ignorance of it, were all very much against its establishment, being tenacious of their ancient law and customs, and would esteem a total change a great injury to them.
Mr. BAKER. Would they esteem the habeas corpus act an injury?
Mr. HEY. I cannot imagine that any people would be so stupid as not to esteem it a benefit?
Mr. T. TOWNSEND. Would not the Canadians think an assembly also a great benefit?
Mr. HEY. Very far from it; they are too ignorant a people to understand the value of a free government; they are exceedingly obedient; would obey the king's command let it be what it may; if he ordered an assembly to meet, they would go, but they would not know what to do when they came there; the fact is, they are not capable of that government; they do not expect it; it is contrary to all their ideas, to all their prejudices, to all their maxims; their idea of a house of assembly is that of a house of riot and confusion, which meets only to impede public business, and to distress the crown; all which is a system extremely contrary to the ideas and principles of the Canadians.
Mr. T. TOWNSEND. Did Mr. Hey ever hear of a plan or representation of what government would probably be successful in Canada?
Mr. HEY. There was a commission from his majesty to governor Carleton, the attorney general, and myself, to draw up a report of that government which would be most proper for Canada. In that deliberation I had the misfortune to differ in opinion from governor Carleton; my ideas were, that the laws of Canada might be blended with those of England, so as to form a system perfectly adapted to the wants of the Canadians, and also to the principles of the policy of this country. I would have left the Canadians all their laws that in any degree concerned the transfer, possession, settlement, or mortgage of landed property. I would have secured them their religious toleration and security; but I proposed to give them the criminal law of England, and the civil law as far as it concerned the rights of moveable property, the modes of trial, &c. This was a mixture which I imagined would answer the purposes that were wanting.
Mr. MACKWORTH. Is Mr. Hey acquainted with the laws of Canada, by which, in matters of property, he must conduct himself, in case this bill passes?
Mr. HEY. Not as a system; only in the cases which have come before me from the court of common pleas.
Mr. BAKER. If this bill passes, will there be any legal remedy for a man's being arbitrarily imprisoned?
Mr. HEY. That must depend very much on the constitution which his majesty may be pleased to give to his court of justice, which he is enabled to erect by this bill. But if, as a chief justice, I knew of a man's imprisonment, I should be much induced, if I found no law for the purpose, to make one, to have the prisoner brought before me, that the cause of his commitment might be known.
Mr. MESSERES. A total abolition of their customs relative to descents, dower, and the transfer of land, would be highly offensive to them.
Mr. MACKWORTH. Would they have any objection to the law of habeas corpus?
Mr. MESSERES. It is impossible that any people should object to that law.
Mr. T. TOWNSEND. Did not the Canadians think themselves promised by the proclamation the benefit of an assembly? And do they not now desire to have it?
Mr. MESSERES. As to an assembly, they have a very confused idea of what it is; the generality of the people have no desire to have it, for they know not what it is; but there are a few among them who have considered the matter, and they would prefer an assembly.
Mr. MACKWORTH. Does Mr. Messeres think that the provisions of this bill for the government of Canada are the freest that could with propriety be granted?
Mr. MESSERES. Certainly not; I have sufficiently explained to the world how I think there might have been a judicious mixture of law for the free government of that province.
EXAMINATION of Mr. HEY, the present chief justice of QUEBEC.
Mr. MACKWORTH. Does Mr. Hey think that the Canadians are well satisfied with the trial by jury in criminal matters?
Mr. HEY. They are well satisfied with it.
Mr. MACKWORTH. Would they not be also satisfied with the same trial in civil matters?
Mr. HEY. Under certain regulations they might: For instance, if the unanimity required in England was dispensed with, and a majority of two thirds of a jury of thirteen or fifteen was sufficient, and if they were allowed some compensation for the expense and trouble of attendance; also, if the trial by that mode was optional in the parties; under these regulations I apprehend they would be very well satisfied with that mode of trial in civil as well as criminal cases. Half the year in Canada all business is stopped by the climate, which makes them much the busier the other half, and at that season they consequently find the attendance as jurymen a burthen.
Mr. T. TOWNSEND. Would they wish for and approve the other parts of the English law in civil matters?
Mr. HEY. They are very little acquainted with the English law, and from their ignorance of it, were all very much against its establishment, being tenacious of their ancient law and customs, and would esteem a total change a great injury to them.
Mr. BAKER. Would they esteem the habeas corpus act an injury?
Mr. HEY. I cannot imagine that any people would be so stupid as not to esteem it a benefit?
Mr. T. TOWNSEND. Would not the Canadians think an assembly also a great benefit?
Mr. HEY. Very far from it; they are too ignorant a people to understand the value of a free government; they are exceedingly obedient; would obey the king's command let it be what it may; if he ordered an assembly to meet, they would go, but they would not know what to do when they came there; the fact is, they are not capable of that government; they do not expect it; it is contrary to all their ideas, to all their prejudices, to all their maxims; their idea of a house of assembly is that of a house of riot and confusion, which meets only to impede public business, and to distress the crown; all which is a system extremely contrary to the ideas and principles of the Canadians.
Mr. T. TOWNSEND. Did Mr. Hey ever hear of a plan or representation of what government would probably be successful in Canada?
Mr. HEY. There was a commission from his majesty to governor Carleton, the attorney general, and myself, to draw up a report of that government which would be most proper for Canada. In that deliberation I had the misfortune to differ in opinion from governor Carleton; my ideas were, that the laws of Canada might be blended with those of England, so as to form a system perfectly adapted to the wants of the Canadians, and also to the principles of the policy of this country. I would have left the Canadians all their laws that in any degree concerned the transfer, possession, settlement, or mortgage of landed property. I would have secured them their religious toleration and security; but I proposed to give them the criminal law of England, and the civil law as far as it concerned the rights of moveable property, the modes of trial, &c. This was a mixture which I imagined would answer the purposes that were wanting.
Mr. MACKWORTH. Is Mr. Hey acquainted with the laws of Canada, by which, in matters of property, he must conduct himself, in case this bill passes?
Mr. HEY. Not as a system; only in the cases which have come before me from the court of common pleas.
Mr. BAKER. If this bill passes, will there be any legal remedy for a man's being arbitrarily imprisoned?
Mr. HEY. That must depend very much on the constitution which his majesty may be pleased to give to his court of justice, which he is enabled to erect by this bill. But if, as a chief justice, I knew of a man's imprisonment, I should be much induced, if I found no law for the purpose, to make one, to have the prisoner brought before me, that the cause of his commitment might be known.
CONSTANTINOPLE, July 4.
THE 22d of last month we had a dreadful fire here, which lasted 11 hours, and consumed 1000 houses, shops, &c. Misery encreases daily in this capital.
NAPLES, July 19. The 10th of this month was published at Palermo a general pardon, which the king has granted to the inhabitants of that city concerned in the insurrection in September last. Tranquility is thus perfectly established in Sicily, and the inhabitants overflow with gratitude for his majesty's goodness towards them.
PARIS, July 11. Count de Marbeuf has demanded of this court a reinforcement of 12,000 men, in order to enable him to subjugate the malcontents of Corsica, who every day revolt more and more.
PARIS, August 5. A dreadful accident, occasioned by paint, happened here on Tuesday night, this week. A milliner, her husband, child, and servant, were suffocated by the smell of a room which had been just painted, and in which they had the imprudence to sleep, in the street called St. Honore.
VIENNA, August 3. This day, at noon, a courier arrived here with the news of peace between Russia and the porte having been concluded on the 17th of July, at the head quarters at Buyack Canarochi, and signed, on the part of their respective sovereigns, by marshal count Romanzow, and Achmed Effendi, chiaga to the grand vizier.
PARIS, August 8. At a council of dispatches wherein the king assisted, a few days ago, report was made of an affair concerning a merchant who sued for a writ of demurrer in his favour against his creditors. The king said to the master of requests, "You know my mind on this subject." To which the other replied, "Permit me, sire, to represent to your majesty, that the case of the merchant in question is much more favourable than that of many others. He owes a good deal it is true; but he supplied your grandfather, and there is due to him upwards of 800,000 livres, which if he could receive, would serve to discharge his debts." The king felt the justice of this representation, and the petition was granted. His majesty has since wrote to the comptroller general to pay the merchant without delay.
DANTZIC, July 28. The return of M. Benoit, the Prussian agent, and count Galowchin, the minister from the empress of Russia, to reconsult with the magistrates on the claims of his Prussian majesty, has been attended with the good effect of opening the communications with this city, which were stopped up by the Prussian troops, who are now withdrawn from the city and suburbs to their camp at Oliva. The Prussian officers at the receipt of customs (except the comptroller in the chamber of accounts) are removed, and every other appearance is now favourable to this city.
THEY write from Petersburg that her imperial majesty has lately signed an order to recal eleven noblemen from their banishment in Siberia, two of whom are upwards of fourscore years of age, and had resided there ever since 1746.
The king of France, as a proof of his intention to preserve the best understanding with our court, has lately given orders for all the subjects of Great Britain, who are imprisoned in any part of his dominions (except for debt) to be immediately discharged; and these orders are sent to all his majesty's most christian governors in the West Indies, America, and Asia, which are strictly to be complied with.
A very important article of intelligence is just arrived in the last packet from the Hague, that the States General have renewed the antient treaty of Oliva with the king and republic of Poland.
The resources of the porte, notwithstanding all its difficulties, are great. Her politics and money have given her such extensive influence, that till we can see the former outreached, and the latter exhausted, we must not be too sanguine, though we see her reduced to some distresses. Till this happens, or Russia lowers her demands, there is not the least probability of any pacification taking place. Besides, none of their respective neighbours seem as yet inclined heartily to forward such a measure.
Lord Lyttleton and lord Chatham, it is said, have received letters from each other since the breaking up of parliament; and it is further said, that much speculation will be occasioned by their eloquence next winter.
The premier, it is said, already has occasion to think that the many friendly professions of young Louis were never made with any other view but to lull Great Britain into a state of lethargy and inattention to its own rights; for, it is whispered, that almost positive lately arrived, that that prince has, ever since the death of his grandfather, given his ear wholly to the Spaniards, which is by no means a favourable omen for Old England.
The ministerial party, since the publication of the popish Canada bill, hector, domineer, and bounce strangely, about the fairness, equity, and plausibility, of the said act, as it now appears. This does not in the least exculpate the original framers and promoters of the said bill in its first form, from their deserved infamy. The bill, as at present, has undergone such numerous alterations, that it can hardly be called the same; so no thanks to the authors. In short, the act, dress it how you will, even now, is something like the Frenchman's olio, which, though cooked with all his variety of art, proved at best but a stinking dish.
It is currently said that the prince of Orange has now 22,000 troops in the field, and that he is about to perform some very extraordinary manœuvre that will astonish all Europe.
The Spaniards, it is said, have been for some time past employed in stirring up the Algerines to commence hostilities against the English, and have agreed to give them every assistance. This, they think, will provoke England to declare war against Spain; by which means the crafty Spaniards think they shall not incur the imputation of breaking the late articles of peace, and the world believe, if they can, that England has broken faith with them.
It is certain, says a Parisian correspondent, that a understanding now subsists between the kings of England and France; but adds, that he will not take upon himself to say so much about their ministers.
A correspondent says the popish brat, the Canada bill, which puzzled so many politicians to account how or by what means it was brought into the house, has been discovered to have been introduced thither in a warming pan.
August 13. Her royal highness the dutchess of Cumberland is reported to be pregnant.
This day ————— Needham, esquire, nephew of the earl of Chatham, was chosen, without opposition, a baron for the port of Winchelsea in the room of the late earl of Thomond.
It is said that sir George Howard will very soon be appointed governor to one of the principal colonies in North America.
An express was sent off three weeks ago to Canada, to arm the militia of that country with all convenient speed. The reason of this order may be easily guessed; to have a body of forces in readiness to assist the operations of general Gage in reducing the malcontents of the provinces.
Yesterday arrived a mail from New York, which brings a long detail of the proceedings of a numerous meeting of the inhabitants of that city, in which they have taken the resolution of sending deputies to a general congress of the colonies to be held at Philadelphia, to agree to a non-importation from Great Britain until the act for blocking up the port of Boston be repealed.
The Portugal gold, that used to circulate in this country, is now transferred to our colonies; and the trade for coin, which used to supply England with the coin of that country, is now wholly carried on by the Americans. It is said they have exported, within these two years, wheat, flour, &c. from three provinces only, to the amount of half a million of money, and that many of the merchants of that country are so rich as to have thousands in the hands of their European correspondents. The speculators in hops are wonderfully chagrined, as that article is fallen cent. per cent. within these two months, owing to the uncommon plentiful prospect added to the quantity now in hand. It is said the excise of that article will be treble this year what it was the last.
On Thursday last a young man fell into the Thames, remained under water a quarter of an hour, and in about 40 minutes was perfectly recovered by Mr. Hodgson, surgeon at Wapping, one of the medical assistants to the society established for the recovery of drowned persons.
Yesterday a young man shot himself through the head at his lodgings near Piccadilly, and instantly expired. In his apartment were found four pistols, three of which were loaded, and five watches, &c. and from various circumstances it is imagined he was a highwayman.
* Our readers will observe that this, translated, is "the philosopher who cares for nobody."

August, 1774 arrived in Salem, from Philadelphia, has brought the following advices:
BOSTON, September 26.
AT a meeting of the freeholders of this town, on Wednesday last, at Faneuil-hall, the following gentlemen were chosen to represent them in the general assembly, to be held on the 5th of next month, viz. The honourable Thomas Cushing, esquire, Mr. Samuel Adams, the honourable John Hancock, esquire, William Phillips, esquire; and on Friday the town made choice of doctor Joseph Warren, doctor Benjamin Church, and Mr. Nathaniel Appleton, to serve as delegates in the provincial congress, to be held at Concord, on the second Tuesday in October next, in addition to the four representatives of this town; and the following instructions for our representatives were voted, viz.
Gentlemen, As we have chosen you to represent us in the great and general court, to be held at Salem on Wednesday the 5th of October next ensuing, we do hereby instruct you, that in all your doings, as members of the house of representatives, you adhere firmly to the charter of this province, granted by their majesties William and queen Mary, and that you do no act which can possibly be construed into an acknowledgment of the validity of the act of the British parliament, for altering the government of the province of Massachusetts Bay; more especially that you acknowledge the honourable board of counsellors elected by the general court, at their session in last May, as the only rightful and constitutional council of this province; and we have reason to believe that a conscientious discharge of your duty will produce your dismission as an house of representatives. We do hereby empower and instruct you to join with the members who may be sent from this and the other towns in the province, and to meet with them at a time to be agreed on in a general provincial congress, to act upon such matters as may come before you, in such a manner as shall appear to you most conducive to the true interest of this town and province, and most likely to preserve the liberties of all America.
AT a meeting of the selectmen and committee of correspondence, September 24. OUR friends in the neighbouring towns, and the country in general, having expressed their wishes for the workmen in this town, by assisting the army in building barracks, should give occasion of undragging their friends who dwell in other towns, whether in this or the neighbouring colonies, particularly to our brethren of New York, who have nobly rejected the application of the barracks-master for mechanics and other assistants from that place; therefore, having debated this matter in compliance with the application of our friends in the country, it is the opinion of this joint committee, that should the mechanics or other inhabitants of this town assist the troops by furnishing them with artificers, labourers, or materials of any kind to build barracks or other places of accommodation for the troops, they will probably incur the displeasure of their brethren who may withhold their contributions for the relief of the town, and thus become enemies to the rights and liberties of America, by furnishing the troops with conveniences for their residence and accommodation in this town.
James Murray, esquire, is appointed inspector of imports and exports, and register of shipping in North America, in the room of Thomas Irving, preferred. Captain Wey, of the brig Polly, arrived at Cape Anne, last Saturday, from Toulon, on the coast of Barbary, in 47 days, informs that the Alarm frigate arrived from Smyrna at Gibraltar, a few days before he sailed, with advice that the Russians and Turks had a battle near the Danube, in which the latter were defeated with the loss of 60,000 men, which battle, it was thought, would settle the bloody war between those two contending powers.
George Hayley, esquire, brother-in-law to Mrs. Wilkes, and a noted New England merchant, is chosen one of the aldermen of the city of London for Cordwainers Ward, in the room of Henry Banks, deceased.
A correspondent informs us, that in travelling 300 miles in New England, he has not seen one person who gave the least countenance to the late tyrannical measures of parliament; but on the contrary, the people in every part of the country are prepared to meet the last efforts of tyranny, and are determined to spend all their treasure and their blood in defence of their rights.
NEWPORT (Rhode Island) September 26.
A REVEREND divine in Charlestown, South Carolina, has been lately dismissed from his congregation, for his audacity in standing up in his pulpit, and impudently saying that mechanics and country clowns had no right to dispute about politics, or what king, lords, and commons had done! All such divines should be taught to know that mechanics and country clowns (infamously so called) are the real and absolute masters of king, lords, commons, and priests; though (with the exception of the king) they too often find themselves servants to get upon their backs and ride them.
Chamberlain and Mitchell, from the Massachusetts, arrived at Newhaven the night before our departure, but it being soon known that they were some of the gang of addressers, they were obliged to put off early next morning.
Admiral Ringer, judge of the court of admiralty at Philadelphia, has been obliged to decamp from Connecticut, his native place, on account of his abominable principles.
Last Thursday being the anniversary of the king's coronation, the cannon at fort George were fired; upon which a gentleman observed, that instead of discharging our guns in token of joy, we ought to muffle our bells and toll a solemn peal, as there had been more unjust, cruel, and oppressive acts passed during the present, than in any preceding reign.
NEW YORK, September 29.
AT a meeting of the committee of mechanics of this city, at the house of Mr. David Philips, a letter to them was received from the mechanics of the town of Boston, which being read, it was resolved, unanimously, that the same be printed, and is as follows:
To the committee of mechanics of the city of New York. Boston, September 8, 1774. Gentlemen, GENERAL GAGE being determined to cut off the communication of this town with the country, by fortifying the pass between them by land, has applied to the tradesmen in this town, and found none base enough to engage in so villainous an enterprize; and, it is said, he intends to apply to New York for workmen to compleat his designs; our tradesmen, therefore, apprehending that your zeal for the common safety is not less to be depended upon than their own, requested us to give you the earliest intimation of the matter, that you might take your measures accordingly.
We cannot entertain a doubt but the tradesmen of New York will treat an application of this kind as it deserves. The subject is of the last importance; and for any one part of America to shew a readiness to comply with measures, destructive of any other part, will inevitably destroy that confidence so necessary to the common salvation.
We are, gentlemen, Your friends and fellow countrymen. By order of the committee. JOHN WARREN, Ch. Upon which it was unanimously resolved, that the thanks of this committee be returned to those worthy mechanics (of this city) who have declined to aid or assist in the erection of fortifications on Boston Neck, which, if completed, would probably be improved to spill blood of their fellow subjects in Massachusetts Bay, and cut off the communication with the country, whereby the latter might be enabled to inflict on that town all the distresses of famine, and reduce those brave and loyal people to terms, degrading to human nature, repugnant to christianity, and which perhaps might prove destructive of British American liberty.
Resolved likewise, that the thanks of this committee be returned to those merchants of this place for their truly worthy and patriotic conduct, who have virtuously refused to let their vessels to transport the army, and the horrid engines of war, for the detestable purpose of destroying his majesty's faithful subjects in the Massachusetts Bay, who are a people well known to have been constant in supporting, and firm in defending the protestant succession, as settled in the illustrious house of Hanover.
Signed by order, and in behalf of the committee of mechanics. ABEL HARDENBROOK, junior, ch.
Extract of a letter from London, dated July 30.
"It is the prevailing opinion here that the colonies mean nothing, as the arts of administration must eventually divide you. The large orders for goods, and the long delay of measures of resistance, give your best friends some apprehension that you will lose the only moment which you can ever have to save America from ignominious slavery; the idea of your growing stronger, and this country weaker, may be very true in fact, but not true in point of political strength; your enemies have been imprudent enough to alarm you now; they may grow wiser hereafter, spin the snare with more art, and forever enslave you, by imperceptible steps; you will find it the language of administration, their emissaries and subservient merchants, with whom you correspond, that if America will be quiet for the present, all will be right again. If you trust such promises you are utterly undone, and deserve the chains of tyrants. I should think myself entitled to drive you like Negroes or beafts of burden, if you act so weak, so contemptible a part. It is the characteristic of the present ministry to lie and betray; it is the very system of the cabinet; it is the rule by which my lord Bute has undone the first men in this country, and with them, this unfortunate kingdom. I have a thousand reasons to wish that your opposition may be an early one, as well as vigorous; the day of grace is now; it will be soon over."
Extract of a letter from London, dated August 1.
"Since my last I have procured the act of parliament mentioned there, which enacts that, "After July 1, 1774, persons shipping tools or utensils used in the cotton, wool, and silk manufactures, in order to export the same, to forfeit all such tools, &c. and 200l. officers are authorised to seize all such tools, &c. on board the vessels, which may be publicly sold; one moiety to his majesty, the other to the officer. Master of a ship permitting such tools or utensils to be exported, forfeits 200l. If the ship belongs to his majesty, the captain forfeits 200l. and his commission. Officer of the customs allowing an entry outward, of such prohibited utensils, to forfeit 200l. and his office." Since the passing of this act, I find there is no probability of passing an entry for any more wool cards, &c for America."
We have advice from Quebec, that both the English and French there were in general as much dissatisfied with the late Canada bill as any of his majesty's subjects.
WILLIAMSBURG.
L AST Monday being the first day of the general court, the judges accordingly attended. After proper deliberation, they determined not to proceed on the trial of any other than criminal causes.
Died lately, in Gloucester county, JOHN CLAYTON, esquire. In him an exalted genius, and a real regard for every thing that tended to the cultivation of the human mind, intimately centered. Eulogiums on the dead become insipid when heaped upon the worthless and unoffending; but when a character like his presents itself, no one should be silent in its praise.---A youth, who much admired the deceased, sent us the following verses, which he desires may be inserted.
Go, fair example of accomplished youth, Of grateful wisdom, and of courteous truth. Mature in virtue, not advanced in age, Clayton rejects this world's fantastic stage. Born to do good, and studious to excel, Whoever knew him, knows he acted well. In every scene his worth confest appear'd, Belov'd by good men, and by bad rever'd. Malice itself on him could cast no stain, And, if she strove to wound, she strove in vain. Heav'n saw such virtue unrewarded here, And strait transferr'd to an happier sphere. Accept, dear shade, these lines, to friendship due, And may I think, and act, and die, like you!
FRIDAY, October 14. This morning an express arrived in this city, from his excellency lord Dunmore, with intelligence relative to his lordship and the Indians. Far advanced as the week is, we think it our indispensable duty to communicate, at all times, any thing that may be important to the public, and have therefore given a supplement to this week's paper.
THURSDAY, December 4, 1766.
O RDERED, that the clerks of the several county courts in this colony do transmit to the clerk of this house, in the first part of every meeting of the GENERAL ASSEMBLY, a list of the tithables in their counties, containing the names of such tithables; and that they transmit also, at the same time, a list of the public charges of their respective counties;
Ordered, that the clerk of this house do cause the same to be published in the Virginia gazette,
BY THE HOUSE OF BURGESSES. G. WYTHE, C. H. B.
TO THE REVEREND THE CLERGY.
Gentlemen, YOU will be pleased to observe, that, according to the agreement entered into by those of you who honoured the late convention with their attendance, the 10th of next month falls out to be the day on which our body is to meet at the college. I am your loving brother, and humble servant, JOHN CAMM. COLLEGE, October 12, 1774.
JAMES GEDDY, GOLD SMITH,
NEAR THE CHURCH, WILLIAMSBURG. HAS just imported from London a genteel assortment of PLATE and JEWELLERY; he has likewise on hand all sorts of country made GOLD and SILVER WORK, which he will sell at lower rates than usual.---Old SILVER taken in exchange for new work, at 7s. per ounce, and GOLD at 5l. 5s.---He repairs his own work, that fails in a reasonable time, without any expence to the purchaser.
To be SOLD, to the highest bidder, for ready money, on Wednesday the 26th day of this month, at Lyddal Bacon's ordinary, in New Kent,
Three likely negro slaves,
flock of cattle and horses; also all his household and kitchen furniture. They are sold by virtue of an execution obtained, in New Kent court, by Messieurs John Eilbeck, David Roff, and company, against the estate of the said Bacon. JOSIAH HOLT, D. S.
WILLIAMSBURG, September 6, 1774.
I BEG leave to inform the public, and particularly those gentlemen who were pleased to take my subscription papers to their respective counties, to raise a small sum of money for the encouragement of making salt, that after viewing many places on this and the other side of the bay, and on the sea coast of the Eastern Shore, I have now fixed on a convenient spot, on the east, for erecting proper works; and as nothing more can be done on my part, without money, I must beg the favour of them to forward such sums, as they may be able to collect, to Rev. C. Nicholas, esquire, who is so kind as to take the trouble of receiving and paying the money out to me. Proper security shall be lodged in his hands for any sum that I may draw. The certainty of my being able to make salt is as good as any whatever is hardly to be doubted, from the several experiments which I have made, and which are pretty fully certified by gentlemen of veracity, whose certificates will be lodged in the hands of Mr. Nicholas. The gentlemen will readily see the necessity I am under of requesting speedy assistance, when I inform them that I have for some time past devoted my whole attention to this business, and given over every pursuit from whence my family might have derived any advantage, and that, in order to put the works in as great forwardness as it was in my power, I have incurred a considerable expence, and been obliged to contract for some of the necessary materials. JAMES TAIT.
WILLIAMSBURG, October 13, 1774.
AT the request of Mr. JAMES TAIT, I do hereby certify, that he has lodged in my hands his bond, with such securities as I am persuaded, will be approved, for his diligent and expeditious prosecution of his scheme of making SALT, and a faithful application and expenditure of all such sums of money as may be contributed for so desirable a purpose. He is extremely anxious to enter upon the work, and flatters himself that he will be enabled to do it very speedily from the assurances he received of being supported by a generous assistance from different counties. RO. C. NICHOLAS.
RUN away, about the middle of September, a negro fellow named JACK, about 35 years old, and about 5 feet 8 or 9 inches high, cloaned as negroes generally are. TEN SHILLINGS will be given to any person that will bring him to me, near Williamsburg. ANDREW ESTAVE.
STRAYED , or stolen, from the subscriber, in Williamsburg, a bay horse, about 15 hands high, and about 9 or 10 years old, cannot recollect that he is branded, one hind foot white, short switch tail, and hanging mane, a remarkable large belly, and a lump upon one of his sides; he is a little ewe-necked. A reward of TWENTY SHILLINGS will be given to him who brings the said horse to RICHARD BOOKER.
COMMITTED to the gaol of Prince George a negro man, who says he belongs to William Smith, of New Kent, calls himself SAM, and appears to be about 25 years of age; he has on an oznabrig shirt, and cotton waistcoat and breeches, and is about 5 feet 10 inches high. Whoever owns him is desired to apply for him, and pay charges. (2) HENRY BATTE.
TAKEN up, in Culpeper, near the Rugged Mountain, a grey horse, branded on the near buttock ---, about 4 feet 6 inches high, and 7 years old. Potted, and appraised to 7l. JAMES BARBOUR, junior.
TAKEN up, on the Horsepen creek, in Charlotte, a large bay horse, about 4 feet 9 inches high, 14 years old, branded with a poohook on the near buttock, has a star in his forehead, and is a natural pacer. Appraised to 2l. 5s. TEMPLE DAVIS.
TAKEN up, in Loudoun, a black horse, about 14 hands high, has a small star in his forehead, and a snip on his nose, branded on the near shoulder W, and on the near buttock R. Potted, and appraised to 12l. FRANCIS PEYTON.
PATRICK BEECH,  At the BRICK SHOP, opposite Mr. Turner's store, WILLIAMSBURG,
BEGS leave to inform the public that he makes and sells all sorts of GOLD, SILVER and JEWELLERY WORK, after the newest fashions, and at the lowest prices, for ready money only. Those who are pleased to favour him with their commands may depend upon having their work done in the neatest manner, and on the shortest notice; and their favours will be most gratefully acknowledged.---He gives the highest prices for old GOLD, SILVER, or LACE, either in cash, or exchange.---Commissions from the country will be carefully observed, and punctually answered.
To be SOLD, by public vendue, at Camden, the sale to begin on Monday the 7th of November next, being the time of the court there, to continue from day to day until the whole are sold.
ALL the valuable lands, stores, houses, mills, boats, waggons, horses, and stock of store goods, with about 100 as valuable negroes as any in this province, being chiefly coopers, millers, bakers, waggoners, jobbing carpenters, boatmen, and field slaves, belonging to the late partnership of Kershaw, Chesnut, and company, of Camden, which expired with the month of April last.
The town of Camden being regularly laid out into large and commodious lots for building upon, will be sold in separate lots to the highest bidder; every purchaser to make choice of a lot as it is knocked off, excepting such lots as are already improved. The healthy and advantageous situation of Camden for trade, with the promising prospect of its soon becoming the most considerable inland town in this part of America, are well known, and need not be enlarged upon.
Their lands, consisting of many thousand acres, lying chiefly upon the Wateree river and its branches, among which are many settled and well improved plantations, a great part whereof is rich river low ground as any in America, will be set up, in convenient tracts, from one hundred to one or two thousand acres, so as to accommodate purchasers of all ranks.
Their saw and grist mills, which no cost has been spared to make as compleat as any on the continent, will be set up with the necessary lands adjoining.
At the same time and place will be sold, their commodious and well situated stores at Granby, on the Congaree river, where their business is carried on under the firm of John Chesnut and company.
On Wednesday the 16th day of November next, and the following days, at the courthouse at Long Bluff, will be sold, that valuable plantation called Liberty Hill, and all their other lands at and near Cheraw Hill, on Pedee river, together with their stores, houses, mills, remaining stock of store goods, and about 50 valuable negroes, employed in carrying on their business at Chatbam, under the firm of Ely Kershaw and company.
The whole being to be sold in order to make a final settlement of the copartnership which lately subsisted between the subscribers. Twelve months credit will be given, if required, upon all sums above 100l. on paying interest from the day of sale, giving such security as shall be approved of by JOSEPH KERSHAW, JOHN CHESNUT, ELY KERSHAW, WILLIAM ANCRUM, AARON LOOCOCK.
*** Any person inclined to purchase any of their lands or lots at Camden, already built upon, may have them at private sale. A list of their lands, with plats annexed, as also a plan of the town of Camden, may be seen in the hands of any of the said late copartners.
All persons indebted to them at any of their stores above mentioned, or in Charlestown, are desired to take notice that their accounts, bonds, or notes, must be discharged in the course of the ensuing fall, as no longer indulgence can be given.
TWO good, sober, creditable, JOURNEYMEN CABINET-MAKERS, will meet with good encouragement by applying to the subscriber, in Williamsburg. RICHARD BOOKER.
FOR SALE.
TWO thousand ACRES of exceeding fine LAND for tobacco, wheat, or Indian corn, lying on both sides of Bull Run, in Loudoun and Prince William, about 300 acres of which are rich low ground and meadow land. It lies within four miles of two merchant mills, and about ten miles of two other merchant mills in Loudoun; thirty miles from Culpester, Alexandria, and Dumfries. If any person or persons inclined to purchase the whole, or any part of the said lands, they may be shown them, and know the terms, by applying to captain Francis Peyton, in Loudoun county, who has full power to treat for the same, or to the subscriber. It is laid off in lots of two, three, and four hundred acres, with an equal quantity of low ground and meadow land to each lot. (1 m tf) ROBERT BURWELL.

To be SOLD, at Amherst courthouse, on Monday the 5th of December next, being court day,
FIFTEEN VIRGINIA BORN SLAVES.
TWELVE or eighteen months credit will be allowed, the purchaser giving bond, to carry interest from the date, with approved security. The interest will be remitted to those who pay the principal in 12 months from the day of sale. 3 DANIEL GAINES.
To be SOLD, at public auction, before the Raleigh door, in Williamsburg, on Friday the 29th instant (October) at 4 o'clock in the afternoon,
THAT valuable TRACT OF LAND, near the mouth of Archer's Hope creek, where Mrs. Tate lately lived. There are on it a commodious dwellinghouse, and convenient out houses; adjoining to the high land is a considerable quantity of very good marsh. Any person inclining to purchase may treat with Robert C. Nicholas, esquire, as to the payments, which will be made easy, upon bond, with approved security; and the land, &c. will be shewn by Mr. Everard's overseer, at the adjoining plantation. 3 SARAH TATE.
PORT ROYAL, September 22, 1774.
WHEREAS by a decree of the honourable the general court, April the 13th, 1772, in a suit in chancery, Edward Dixon and others, complainants, against Thomas Turner and others, defendants, in consideration of the reports made and returned, and the order of his majesty and his privy council, it is, among other things, decreed and ordered, that the said Thomas Turner, and the said Edward Dixon, and his children, pay the balance of certain debts and costs, in the said decree mentioned and referred to, in proportion to the value of the estates which they took under the will and codicil of Thomas Turner, the testator, in the said decree likewise mentioned, and that the said Edward Dixon, and Thomas Turner, if they shall think fit, sell so many of the slaves devised to them respectively, and the children of the said Edward, by the will of the said testator, as will raise money sufficient to pay and discharge their proportions of the said debts and costs, as by the said decree may particularly appear. And whereas the proportion of the said debts and costs, for which the said Edward and his children were made responsible by the said decree, amount to about 3000. current money, the said Edward Dixon proposes to offer for sale, to the highest bidder, for ready money only, about 100 entailed SLAVES, devised to him and his children as aforesaid; the sale to begin at his plantation, near Burk's Bridge, in Caroline county, on the 4th day of November next ensuing, and at his plantation, near the Mount church, in the said county; also at Port Royal on the 8th of the same month, and at his plantation at the Cobler Mountains, in Fauquier county, on the 18th day of the same month. The said sale is to be continued till as much money can be raised as will amount to the proportion aforesaid. If either of the days aforesaid should prove bad, the sales to be on the next succeeding fair days. A good title will be made to the purchasers, agreeable to the said decree, by EDWARD DIXON.
N. B. As I am giving up trade, I request of all those, whose accounts are unsettled on my books, to come and settle them immediately, and pay the balances that are due, as no longer indulgence can be given.
NORFOLK, October 4, 1774.
THE directors of the LIGHTHOUSE are desirous to engage immediately with some person to carry a quantity of stone from Cape Henry to the place whereon the lighthouse is to be fixed, about one mile and a half distance.
BASSETT MOSELEY.
FOR LONDON, THE snow GALE, Henry Jefferson, master, has good accommodations for four cabin passengers, and will sail on or before the 20th of October. Any person inclining to take a passage in the above vessel may apply to the said captain, at Mr. Musenburgh's, about 3 miles above Newport News, near Norfolk, opposite where the ship loads.
WILLIAMSBURG, September 27, 1774.
I INTEND shortly to leave the colony. 3 AGATHA CURTIS.
To be SOLD, on Wednesday the 19th of October, ABOUT one thousand acres of exceeding good LAND for tobacco, wheat, and corn, in the lower end of Middlesex county, on Rappahannock river, which abounds with the finest fish and oysters, and is very convenient to church and mill. The land will be laid off in small parcels to suit the purchasers, one half of the money to be paid down, and the other half on the 10th day of April, 1775, for which bond, with security, will be required. The land will be shewn by Benjamin Herrin and Benjamin Hackney, or the subscriber. WILLIAM CHURCHILL. MIDDLESEX, September 17, 1774.
PURSUANT to a decree of the honourable the general court, and by letter of attorney from colonel George Mercer, of Virginia, now in London, will be sold, at public auction, about 3500 acres of LAND, in the county of Loudoun, near West's ordinary, about 12 miles from Leesburg, 40 from Alexandria, and 35 from Dumfries, on Potomack. This land is well known by the description of the Bull Run Mountains, and is very fertile. Also 6500 acres on Shenandoah river, in the county of Frederick, opposite to Snicker's ordinary, and binding on the river about 7 miles. As this tract is part of a survey, one of the first in that part of the colony, its quality cannot be questioned; it is well watered, will admit of 2 mills on land streams, and others on the river. There are now in it 6 plantations, well improved for cropping, 110 slaves, and very large and choice stocks of horses (some of the dry breed) black cattle, hogs, and sheep, which, together with the crops of corn and wheat now growing (expected to be upwards of 2000 barrels, and 5000 bushels) will be sold, on the premises, on the 24th of November next, or next fair day. The Loudoun lands will be sold at West's ordinary on the 21st day of the same month, and both tracts laid off in lots to suit every purchaser, who may see them by applying to Mr. Francis Peyton, living near the Loudoun lands, and Mr. William Dawson, who resides on the Shenandoah tract. Among the slaves are 2 good blacksmiths, 2 carpenters, and an exceeding trusty and skilful waggoner. The aged black cattle and grown hogs will be fattened for slaughter. Purchasers above 25l. will be allowed credit for 12 months, on giving bond and security to the subscribers, who will be prepared to make conveyances. JOHN TAYLOR, GEORGE WASHINGTON.
Pursuant to an act of assembly, will be SOLD, at Smithfield, on Thursday the third of November next,
EIGHTEEN hundred and sixty eight acres (the remaining part of a tract) of well timbered, level LAND, in Isle of Wight county, belonging to Mr. James Burwell. This land is laid off into 7 lots, and is within 11 miles of Smithfield, and 5 of a very fine merchant mill. Any person who has thoughts of purchasing, may know the terms by applying to Mr. James Burwell, in York county. LEWIS BURWELL, DUDLEY DIGGES, THOMAS NELSON, junior, NATHANIEL BURWELL.
FOR SALE, A TRACT of exceeding good LAND, containing about 430 acres, on which is a large, commodious dwellinghouse, with all convenient out houses, in good repair, situated on the south branch of Pamunkey river, adjoining the lands of colonel Thomas Nelson and colonel Syme. The terms may be known by applying to the last named gentleman, Mr. Clough at Rocky Hill, or to (3) DAVID HOOPS.
FOR CHARTER, THE ship LONSDALE, James Grayson, master, burthen about 430 hogheads, British built, 2 years old, a very good vessel, well fitted and found. For terms apply to Richard Squire Taylor, in King William county.
TAKEN up, in Loudoun, within 3 miles of Leesburg, a light roan horse, about 12 years old, 13 hands 3 inches high, branded on the near buttock W, his mane and tail almost black, and has a black spot, about the size of a musket bullet, near the pitch of each of his shoulders. Pofled, and appraised to 8l. (1) JOHN M'BRIDE.
TAKEN up, in Fauquier, a small bay horse, about 13 hands high, has a short tail, with a hanging mane, a star in his forehead, his right hind foot white, about 4 years old, branded on the near buttock J, trots naturally, and is shod before. Pofled, and appraised to 10l. (1) FRANCIS ATWELL.
THERE is remaining in Byrd's warehouse, Henrico county, a hoghead of TOBACCO, marked MWG, No. 1, weighing 412 gross, 107 tare, 305 neat. The owner's name is not known. It was inspected July 1, in the year 1775, and will be sold according to law, if no owner claims it within the limited time. 4 SAMUEL and ROBERT PRICE.
TAKEN up, in Goochland, a bay mare, about 10 years old, 4 feet 5 inches high, a large star in her forehead, and has a white streak leading towards her nose, two of her feet white, has some saddle spots, and branded on the near buttock 1 C. Pofled, and appraised to 8l. WILLIAM AKIN.
RUN away from the subscriber, lying on Byrd Creek, in Goochland county, on Saturday the 9th of July, SAMUEL GREGORY, alias NAILING, an apprentice, about 18 years of age, swarthy complexion, thin visage, grey eyes, a down, inoffensive look, shews his teeth much when he laughs, has short sandy coloured hair, round shouldered, and stoops in his walk; had on an osnabrig shirt and trousers. I have been credibly informed he went to Loudoun county, or some of the counties adjacent. I expect he will employ himself in the carpenter's business, as he has been in that branch for 3 years past. Whoever brings him to me shall have FIVE POUNDS. 5 TURNER ANDERSON.
RUN away from the subscriber, living in Nansemond county, near Suffolk town, a negro woman named MILLA, who has been absent ever since the year 1768; she has a scar upon the back part of each of her hands, near her little fingers, and another on the top of one of her feet, is about 4 feet 6 inches high, and about 20 years old. I am told she has been in Norfolk; and I am also informed that at the house of Mr. Thomas Hask, between Rappahannock and Potomack rivers, there is a wench that calls herself free Milla, who may probably be the same. TEN POUNDS will be given to the person who will bring her to JOHN HARRISON, junior.
RUN away from the subscriber, about the 20th of April last, a mulatto fellow named PETER BROWN, a painter by trade, but can do carpenter's work; he is 35 or 40 years of age, of a dark complexion, 5 feet 8 or 9 inches high, slim made, has a thin visage, several of his upper foreteeth are out, is fond of singing, which he can do very well, and is a remarkable fine whistler. The said fellow has several suits of cloaths, therefore I cannot describe his dress. He was some years past tried for a robbery, but obtained the governor's pardon, on suffering one year's imprisonment; after that he was sold to Mr. John Fox, of Gloucester, with whom he lived one or two years; he then ran away, and passed for a free man in the counties of King William, Caroline, and Hanover, where he was taken up and brought home. As he has a wife at Mr. Benjamin Hubbard's, it is likely he may be lurking in that neighbourhood; and as he was raised in Petersburg, it is probable he may be about there. Whoever will take up the said runaway, and deliver him to me, at Osborne's, shall receive FORTY SHILLINGS reward. All persons are forbid harbouring or carrying him out of the colony. PETERFIELD TRENT.
STRAYED from the subscriber, the roth of May last, a dark bay mare, about 4 feet 6 inches high, not branded, has a mealy nose, thick mane, and long switch tail, strong made, has good courage, paces, trots, and gallops. THIRTY SHILLINGS will be given to any person that will deliver her to the subscriber, in King & Queen, or to Mr. David Anderson, junior, merchant in Louisa, where she was bred. 3 MATTHEW ANDERSON, junior.
TAKEN up, in Southampton, a black horse, about 4 feet 4 inches high, near 12 years old, branded on the near buttock in the form of a heart, and has the fear of a fiftula. Pofled, and appraised to SIX POUNDS. LUCY TAYLOR.
TAKEN up, in Spotsylvania, a black steer, with two crops and an underkeel in the right ear, and a hole in the left. Pofled, and appraised to 1l. 15s. (1) MARY PENN.
FOR SALE, A TRACT OF LAND, containing upwards of 3000 acres, in the county of Richmond, upon Rappahannock river, opposite to the seat of Robert Beverley, esquire, extending more than 2 miles upon the river; the land is extremely well timbered, a great part of it lies well, and is equal to any in that part of the country. There are also, beside the quantity of dry land above mentioned, between 4 and 500 acres of valuable marsh, which may easily be reclaimed; a large water course running through the greatest part of the tract affords a considerable quantity of rich, valuable meadow land, and a good mill seat. There are also several delightful situations for a gentleman's seat, commanding extensive prospects up and down the river, where the greatest plenty of fish and fowl are to be had. A part of the tract is in possession of several tenants at will, some of whom pay from 20l to 25l. annual rent for 100 acres. It will be sold (and may be entered upon next Christmas) either together, or in parcels, by private bargain, at any time before the roth of October, or if not disposed of before that time (of which notice shall be published in this gazette) it will then be offered for public sale, upon the premises, on the 3d Monday in November. Twelve or 13 months credit will be allowed, upon giving bond, with good security; to bear interest from the 25th of December, if the purchase money is not paid agreeable to the contract. The terms will be made known to those who incline to purchase privately, and the lands shewn, if required, and an undoubted title made, by the subscriber, living in Westmoreland county. 10l. & 10 oct. WILLIAM BERNARD.
NEW YORK, July 27, 1774. FIFTY POUNDS REWARD.
WHEREAS on the 19th of June last past a certain JOSEPH THORP was entrusted with a considerable sum in half johannes, of nine penny weight, to be delivered by him at Quebec, and as he has not yet made his appearance there, with other suspicious circumstances, it is apprehended he is gone off with the money. He is a native of England, about 6 feet high, swarthy complexion, very dark, keen eyes, and pitted with the smallpox, of a slender make, stoops as he walks, talks rather slow, and has some small impediment in his speech. He lived some time in Boston, from whence he removed to Quebec, assuming the character of a merchant in both places; he was also once in trade in Newcastle, Virginia, and has a brother settled there. It is believed he went on board captain John F. Pruym, for Albany, and took with him a blue casimir, and a dark brown cloth suit of clothes. Whoever secures the said Joseph Thorp in any of his majesty's gaols on this continent shall be entitled to ten per cent. on the sum recovered, and the above reward of 50l. when convicted. Apply to Cuyson and Soton of New York, Joseph Wharton, junior, of Philadelphia, Robert Christie of Baltimore, James Gibson and company of Virginia, John Bondfield of Quebec, Metlatiab Tourne, or John Rowe, of Boston. It is requested of those who may have seen this Joseph Thorp since the 19th of June last past, or know any thing of the route he has taken, that they convey the most early intelligence thereof to any of the above persons, or Greenwood, Rison, and Maris, in Norfolk, or to Mr. Robert Pleasants and company, at Four Mile creek, Henrico county; the favour will be gratefully acknowledged. All masters of vessels are forewarned from taking him off the continent.
NORFOLK, April 21, 1774.
NOTICE is hereby given, that a number of vessels will be wanted this summer to bring about 6000 tons of stone from Mr. Brooke's quarry, on Rappahannock, and land the same on Cape Henry, for the lighthouse. Any person inclining to engage in such work are desired to treat with Matthew Phripp, Paul Loyall, and Thomas Newton, junior, esquires. The directors of the lighthouse will also be glad to purchase one or two flat bottomed vessels from 80 to 120 tons burthen. tf BASSETT MOSELEY.
FOR SALE, ABOUT twelve thousand acres of exceeding rich TOBACCO LAND, in Amherst county, whereon are several plantations and improvements sufficient to work forty or fifty hands. There is on this land for sale a very valuable GRIST MILL, lately built, with a stone dam and a pair of good COLOGNE MILL-STONES, which mill has for two years past got upwards of 100 barrels of toll corn, and is situated on a never failing stream. The land will be shewn by William Womack, who lives at one of the plantations, and the prices of the land made known by him. One or two years credit will be allowed, interest being paid for the second year, and also for the first, if the money is not paid agreeable to contract. The land is to be laid off and surveyed by Colonel William Cabell, at the expence of the purchaser. Deeds will be made, upon bond and approved security being given, either to Call, William Cabell, or the subscriber. Six per cent. discount will be allowed for ready money, or good merchants notes. If any person would chuse to exchange lands in the lower part of the country, on or near some navigable river, that are good, it is more than probable we should agree. CARTER BRAXTON.
FOR SALE,
NINE hundred and forty acres of valuable land, lying on both sides of Contrary River, in Louisa, with three plantations thereon, two of which has sufficient houses for overseers and negroes; the other is improved with all necessary buildings, and orchards of all kinds, fit for the reception of a gentleman, the houses being finished in the best manner. This tract is well timbered and watered, lies within 32 miles of Fredericksburg, and 43 of Page's warehouse; there are at least 400 acres of low grounds, of the best soil, 300 of which are now to cut. The three plantations are under good fences, and in good order to work 12 or 15 hands. Robert Fleming, John Massey, and John Lain, are now in possession of the plantations, who will shew the land to any person inclining to purchase, and Major Thomas Johnson will agree with them for the price. The above tract is esteemed the most valuable in Louisa for growing corn, wheat, or tobacco, and situated in the best range for stock of any below the great mountains. (tf 1*)
FOR SALE,
FIVE hundred acres of land, lying on Deep Creek, in Louisa, about 45 miles of Richmond town, and is exceeding good land, well watered by Deep Creek, and a large branch thereof, which runs through the middle of the land, and affords a large quantity of rich meadow ground. Any person inclining to purchase may see the land, and know the terms, by applying to the subscriber, living near it. tf 1* GEORGE MERIWETHER.
TO BE RENTED,
FROM YEAR TO YEAR, OR FOR A TERM OF YEARS,
BELOIR,
THE beautiful seat of the honourable George William Fairfax, esquire, lying upon Potomack river, in Fairfax county, about 14 miles below Alexandria. The mansion house is of brick, two story high, with four convenient rooms and a large passage upon the lower floor, five rooms and a passage on the second, and a servants hall and cellars below; convenient offices, stables, and coach house, adjoining, as also a large and well furnished garden, stored with great variety of valuable fruits, in good order. Appertaining to the tract on which these improvements are, and which contains near 2000 acres (surrounded, in a manner, by navigable water) are several valuable fisheries, and a good deal of cleared land in different parts, which may be let altogether, or separately, as shall be found most convenient. The terms may be known of Colonel Washington, who lives near the premises, or of me, in Berkeley county, tf FRANCIS WILLIS, junior.
FOR SALE, AND VERY CHEAP,
A PLANTATION in good order for cropping, none of the land having been cleared above six years, with all necessary houses, quite new, together with 1500 acres of exceeding rich land, the soil of which is so good that it will bring large tobacco for five or six years without dung. I have made on this plantation above three thousand pounds of tobacco per share. The place is very healthy, and has a fine range for stock. This land lies in the lower end of Buckingham county, near to Appomattox river, on each side of Great Ducker's and Mayo creeks. Tobacco has been carried above this land near to Petersburg by water, and last month, in the dry weather, two canoe loads of wheat were carried near to Petersburg, and the canoes brought back; they were loaded but a little below this land. I make no doubt but Appomattox river will be soon cleared, and then the expence of sending wheat, tobacco, &c. will be trifling. Any person inclining to purchase will see, by the produce of the land, that it is exceeding rich. I really do not know any better high land in the colony. This tract of land is well timbered, and has excellent water on it. I do not know a better place for a merchant mill than is on Ducker's creek. People are going much on raising wheat in these parts, and a good mill would be very advantageous to the owner. Also another tract of land of 826 acres, in Albemarle county, I believe about ten miles from the courthouse, joining Mr. James Harris and the quarters of Mr. John Winston. On this land is a small plantation, a good apple orchard, &c. The land is good, and my price so low, that I am convinced any person who viewed either of the above tracts of land would not hesitate to give the price I shall ask. Neither of these tracts are under any incumbrance whatsoever. A reasonable time of payment will be allowed. tf ANTHONY WINSTON.
FOR SALE,
A TRACT of land, on Charles river, York county, containing about 600 acres, part of which is marsh, that may be drained with very little expence. The situation of this place is very convenient for a family, as it lies upon a river that abounds with oysters and fine fish, particularly sheepheads; it is within 200 yards of a mill, and 2 miles of the church. My reason for selling it is, my having bought a tract of land more convenient to me. Whoever inclines to purchase may know the terms by applying to the subscriber, in York town. THOMAS NELSON, junior.
WANTED for the lighthouse directors eight second-hand ANCHORS, nearly a thousand weight each. Any person having such for sale are desired to make their terms known to the subscriber in Norfolk. t. f. BASSETT MOSELEY.
YORK town, June 9, 1773.
THE subscribers being very solicitous to comply with the will of their testator, the late Honourable William Nelson, desire that all persons who were indebted to him will endeavour to make as speedy payments as possible. Those who have accounts open on his books, and who cannot immediately discharge the balances, are desired to give their bonds. This request is the more necessary, as most of the legacies bequeathed by the testator are to be paid in sterling money, and he has directed that his younger sons fortunes shall be placed out at interest upon undoubted securities, so soon as it can be done. Those who have any demands are desired to make them immediately known. THOMAS NELSON, HUGH NELSON, THOMAS NELSON, jun. RO. C. NICHOLAS.