The Virginia gazette (Williamsburg, Va.), 1773-05-13 00:00:00

VIRGINIA
GAZETTE.
Open to ALL PARTIES,
but influenced by NONE.
The TRAVELLER.
NUMBER II.
MOUNT DEKEA.
To MERIWETHER SMITH, Esquire.
Hæret lateri lethalis arundo.
VIR.
BEING honoured with the notice of so respectable a personage, as yourself, I must own I find myself unwilling to add the crime of ingratitude to the black catalogue of vices which, according to you, perfect the character of a certain young traveller, who, under the specious pretence of lashing the vices of a country, has been daring enough publicly to arraign the high and puissant court of Essex of illegal, and consequently unjust proceedings. It might perhaps be necessary to adopt your own peculiar dialect, the better to discharge the multiplicity of obligations you have conferred upon me by your late very polite publication; but I am loth to imitate you in any thing, and I will not return you railing for railing. In truth, you have left no room for a rival in that art.
I must confess when I communicated to the public my imperfect strictures on the late determination of a court that flourishes under the benign influence of Mr. Smith's administration, though I expected some learned defence of the conduct of the Judges, decorated with all the vengeful malevolence of detected and exposed ignorance, yet I did not conceive so unfavourable an opinion of any who grace the Honourable Board of Essex as to suppose them capable of adding fallhood and prevarication to ignorance and injustice. A young unexperienced traveller, I was really a stranger to so remarkable a depravity of the human heart; and I am still inclined to think more charitably of you, and to consider some passages in your letter, rather as the effusions of a hot impetuous zeal, that had transported you beyond the bounds of reason, than the productions of cool and sober reflection. On the first hypothesis, you have to plead the inevitable frailties of humanity; on the other, the powers of expression are set at defiance, to define the enormity of the crime. But be it as it may, your defence really does honour to your cause. Pity it is that truth could not so far have subdued your vanity as to convince you entirely of the justness of your observation, that no defence was necessary. You might not then have stamped a mark on Essex court, which, I fear, will remain indelible to the latest periods of time. As represented by you, it will serve as a proper criterion to judge of the unjustness and illegality of future public proceedings; and when in after times the excess of either of these crimes requires more than the superlative degree, posterity will say, by way of conciseness, that it even equals Essex court.
Had I wished for a confirmation of what I asserted in my letter to his Lordship, there could not have any circumstance fallen out more apropos to my purpose than your address. From it I will deduce my arguments in favour of the allegations I advanced against the two Judges; from it I will paint the noble determination of Essex court in still more glaring colours; and from his own sentiments I will endeavour to form some conjecture of the good or ill disposition of Mr. Smith's heart. As by an analogical process of reasoning we mount on the chain of probability, from cause to effect, et sic vice versa, thus in the common affairs of life the actions of every rational being are the natural consequences of his sentiments. Laying these down as my principles, I shall proceed impartially to consider the truly patriotic sentiments that glow forth from every line of your inimitable composition. I will carefully analyze the state of matters, as delivered by you, and even from thence support the charge of corruption (since you are fond of the term) against the two Judges.
In the genuine language of despotism, you utter forth your address to his Lordship, with a grievous complaint that those laws which are the pillars of society are never in more danger of being totally subverted than when a petty Justice of the Peace, however erroneous, and however prejudicial his error may be to the property of the subject, through a licentious use of liberty, is suffered publicly to be told that he is in the wrong. The consequences of such an high insult to authority you represent in the horrid colours of anarchy and confusion. How unhappy a circumstance it is that Heaven did not bless you with an earlier period of existence! With such sentiments as these, had you lived in the time of the glorious Sylla, what an admirable Minister of State would you have made! How wonderfully adapted to suppress the free spirit of the licentious Romans! The faggot and the torch would incessantly have been applied to bring the presumptuous man to a sense of his duty, who would dare even to think that Smith was to blame! As to your common place observations, with which you have figured away so furiously in your second
paragraph, I readily concur with you that they are just; I believe you will find few dissenting from you in those particulars. So far from controverting such principles, they were the very precepts I wished to inculcate; and let me hope, Sir, your all penetrating eye hath not discovered aught repugnant to such sentiments in that unhappy traveller's letter, which has called down the thunder of Essex with such vehemence on his head. But whether your late determination bespeaks the man of integrity and abilities, or whether the impeachment of your conduct, on a recent occasion, be unwarrantable, the impartial public will be best able to determine. But as it is an affair of so intricate a nature as not to admit of an immediate decision, the Traveller begs leave to recommend Mr. Smith's favourite maxim, that it is better to err on the side of mercy, and he entertains sanguine hopes, too, that it will at least suspend its judgment for a moment, and not drag him to condign punishment, without a thorough hearing of the cause; for it is better that ten guilty Justices should be exposed than one innocent man be punished. Your innocent little insinuation of the affront offered to the Supreme Magistrate is truly pitiful and ridiculous. We will judge of the tree by the fruits thereof; and permit me to retort your own observation upon you, that it is a sure sign of a bad heart to shew an inclination to construe things towards defamation that, in fact, have not the least tendency that way. You, and every person else, who has the smallest acquaintance with the constitution of this country must or ought to know that, according to the present mode of qualifying subordinate Magistrates, the Governor is by no means amenable for their conduct. They are recommended to him by the courts of the counties in which they reside, as men of property, honesty, abilities, and good demeanor. It is impossible that he should have an acquaintance with every individual in his government, and he is necessitated to take them, on the best recommendation he can get. Would you make it a part of his Lordship's duty to be continually traversing over the whole colony to superintend the conduct of every trifling Justice of the Peace? You surely merit the thanks of the country for assigning so noble an office to be performed by the representative of his Majesty. Where now are fled your idle chimeras, the offsprings of a distempered imagination, of the Supreme Magistrate's being exposed to the injurious suspicions of the people! Believe me, Sir, such childish finesse are unworthy a man of sense; and I am really afraid your apparent too great tenderness for the character of the Supreme Magistrate is of no great service to your own. I have ever deemed it of the greatest moment to the community to have Magistrates of abilities and integrity, nor did I ever entertain a doubt but that these are objects which the Supreme Magistrate hath ever had under contemplation; and it is, in my opinion, a duty incumbent on every friend to the liberty of his country to point out, without timidity or reserve, the wretch who, under sanction of public office, dares to make unwarrantable invasions on the rights and privileges of his fellow subjects. Indeed, considering matters in a political light, it is hard to determine whether ignorance or injustice is most culpable in a public officer. When either is the case the subject is doomed to groan under the heavy burdens of tyranny and oppression; and whenever authentic representations of such hardships, on the side of the people, are made to the Supreme Magistrate, he will not fail to take proper steps in the matter, remembering that "Salus populi suprema lex est." It was under such persuasions as these that the Traveller was bold enough to address his Lordship on an affair that he deemed of the utmost importance to society. Sed amicus patriæ, quam suæ gloriæ, he did not expect to derive from thence either flattery or applause. The one marks the fawning courtier, the other ever distinguishes the giddy mob. Nor did he pant for the wreath of popular admiration; the philosopher and patriot despise them all. The philanthrope, who combats the vices and prejudices of mankind, will ever incur the odium of bad men. The viper that is trodden upon will bite. Calumny will be part of his reward, but let him not desist. In the reflections of his own breast, and the integrity of his intentions, he will ever find a sufficient asylum against the attacks of slander and detraction.
Your confined notions of the liberty of the press are truly congruous with your other incoherencies. The happy age in which men were allowed to think as they pleased, and freely to deliver their sentiments, is, in the opinion of the censorious Mr. Smith, the most licentious era of human memory. In our mixed mode of government the greatest politicians of every age have ever esteemed the free unlimited use of the press, as an essential bulwark to preserve the liberties of the subject secure, and ward off the oppressive attacks of arbitrary despotism. In Great Britain that privilege is more eminently enjoyed than
in any other country in the civilized world; and to that some celebrated writers on this subject have principally ascribed the superior share of liberty it possesses. Nor need the innocent be apprehensive of this liberty. Innocence will ever derive new lustre from unjust accusations; and I believe it will be universally granted that libelling is no where more severely punished than in those countries which are in subjection to the laws of England. It is only the guilty, whose weak consciences cannot withstand the all searching rays of truth, that esteem this communicative power of the press injurious. In libera civitate mentem, linguam que debere esse liberas, is a motto of Purdie and Dixon, so often present to the eyes of the public, that I am really somewhat amazed it has not made stronger impressions on the patriotic heart of Mr. Smith. But suffer me to say, Sir, I had a right to assert this much envied liberty; even on your own conditions, from reasoning, founded on the principles of just and impartial liberty. When the laws of the land are openly violated, and the violator of them suffered to go with impunity, by those persons who are entrusted with their support; when the penal laws were entirely disregarded, and by a partial indulgence to vice, it appeared almost as if it had received the sanction of public authority; when fact was corroborated by fact, and the laws, in their ordinary course, not put into execution against the offenders, I thought it would not be improper to appeal to the Supreme Magistrate, and to endeavour, if possible, to bring back the constitution to its first principles. I grant that, in a free state, that cannot be an offence which is not constituted by the laws; but what, would you mean to infer from thence that Boughan's rescue of his slave was not an offence by our laws? Or that felony is not punishable by them? I am truly apprehensive had a perfect stranger to our constitution been present at the determination of Essex court, on a late transaction, he would rather have been inclined to suppose that our laws were weak indeed, and did not affix punishments to crimes. With what propriety, then, may I return your exclamations, how unjust, how illegal, were the proceedings of that day! how injurious to the liberty of the subject! and how prejudicial to society! In justice to my anonymous character, I beg leave to inform the public that I have the highest reverence for the office of a Magistrate. I have ever considered an able, impartial and assiduous one, as the father and friend of his country, and I glory in reflecting that Virginia can boast of many such. Vain would be our determinations of right and wrong, without a power to compel the refractory members of society to be subservient to the laws. Were every person left to be the arbitrator and avenger of his own cause, from a collision of interests, universal distraction would prevail, and the dissolution of all order and society would be the inevitable consequence. "Reason, therefore, directs (says a masterly author on this head) that some person should be vested by common consent, not only with an authority to make laws, and by these to determine all claims, but with a power to enforce the observance of them, by punishing the disobedient, and that all private disputes and injuries should be submitted to their judgment. Laws speak the deliberate and impartial reason of the whole society, and uninterested Magistrates are likely to execute them with fairness. It is, therefore, every person's interest to give up his own judgment as to his property, and his right to self-defence, to the regulations of laws and Magistrates, since in this way the preservation of property, and the safety of every person, is best consulted." I, for my part, do most cheerfully subscribe to such tenets; a strict observance of the laws, and a proper regard paid to authority, has ever been esteemed by me as the distinguishing characteristics of a good subject. A respectable Magistrate ought to meet with the reverence he deserves. Their characters ought to be tenderly handled, and every allowance made for the infirmities of human nature. But when their determinations are inconsistent with law and justice; when ignorance, oppression, and injustice, mark their decisions, must we tamely bear the wrong, and not endeavour to right ourselves? This would be constituting our Magistrates infallible Judges, and embracing in politics what we have so often rejected in religious matters, the stale hackneyed doctrine of popish infallibility. But it is Mr. Smith's department to reconcile contradictions.
It is not enough that you have not said any thing either to justify or palliate the behaviour of that Magistrate who is accused of having rescued his criminal slave. It cannot be a doubt with you whether he was guilty or not, and it is disingenuous to put it on that footing. The writ was returned to the court, by the sheriff, a rescue, and that it was highly illegal, we have the learned Blackstone's testimony. "Rescue is the forcibly freeing another from an arrest, or imprisonment; and it is always the same

offence in the hanger so rescuing as it would have been in the party himself to have broken prison. A rescue, therefore, of one apprehended for felony is felony, for treason treason, and for misdemeanor misdemeanor also." And I submit it to Mr. Smith to determine whose duty it was to put the laws in execution against the offenders. The famous Cicero, from whom you culled your choice morsel, would have informed you, est proprium munus Magistratus, intelligere, se gerere personam civitatis, debereque ejus dignitatem, et decus sustinere, servare leges, jura describere ea fidei suae commissa meminisse.
As a court of Oyer and Terminer, it is certain you had not a right to punish him; nor were you of importance enough, in your ordinary judicial capacity, to have done it. I am truly sorry, Sir, to find a person entrusted with the support of the laws so entirely ignorant of their contents. The laws of Virginia, respecting the jurisdiction of the county courts, run thus: "That the Justices of every county court, or any four of them (one being of the quorum) shall and may take cognizance of, and are hereby declared to, have power, authority, and jurisdiction, to hear and determine all causes whatsoever at common law, or in chancery, within their respective counties, except such criminal causes where the judgment upon conviction shall be for the loss of life and member." And that Boughan's rescue was a crime of that hue, in the eye of the law, I have before proved from Mr. Blackstone. So that it appears that though you had not a power, in any capacity, to punish Boughan for the offence, yet, as an examining court, you might and ought to have searched into the merits of the cause, and taken proper methods to have brought the offender to his just punishment. But after your upright judgment, respecting the unhappy felonious slaves, you divested the court of all authority to take any farther notice of the offence; for the above cited excellent commentator observes that "the principal must be attainted before the rescuer can be punished." And this, by the bye, may serve as a sufficient apology for the upright and impartial three, the mention of whose laudable and justly complimented determinations appears to be so galling to you. I am an utter stranger to them; but, from the proceedings of that day, their characters are with me, too, respectable. And I dare assert no ingenuous or candid person will see either the futility or partiality in the Traveller's observation (which you boast of having clearly pointed out) when they reflect that your's and your learned comrade's previous determinations had entirely deprived them of the power to do the justice we might otherwise have expected from them. You are much mistaken in your opinion if you ever thought that the Traveller supposed you a man of importance, or had any influence on the opinions or conduct of Essex court; I confess to you I have too high an opinion of the integrity and abilities of the upright and impartial three of the five Judges, who are said to do nine parts of ten of the business of that court, to suppose that you have any influence on their conduct or opinions. How fondly do we believe what we wish to be true; and, considering you have written in defence of the court, I dare believe the other seven Gentlemen of the Worshipful Board of Essex were truly thankful for the compliment you have passed yourself, at their expence. But you next complain that you are charged by this traveller not only of being the author of the irregular, nay, unjust proceedings of that day, but of all others incident to the court: The first charge stands in force against you, the latter, I fear, is a charge of your own conscience; I am sure it is no where to be found in the Traveller's letter.
The discussion of the remaining part of your pompous address I shall defer to some future opportunity; when this traveller, though only a transient person, will endeavour to shew that he has gotten sufficient information of the proceedings in Essex court to conclude that they are too commonly irregular and unjust, at least respecting criminal matters, which he cannot help considering as objects of no small importance to the well being of a state. If in the narrative, which he intends to make a principal part of his next letter, any merit should be taken from the compliment paid the upright and impartial three Judges, the Traveller will be heartily sorry for it. The epithets upright and impartial, so offensive to Mr. Smith, were really due to them for their determination on a former occasion.
For the present, adieu!—In a few weeks more you may expect another letter of thanks from
THE TRAVELLER.
L O N D O N, March 13.
THERE are upwards of 120 convicts now in Newgate under sentence of transportation, many of whom have been in that loathsome place for near a twelvemonth. Surely there ought to be a method pointed out to relieve these unhappy wretches from so long a confinement after receiving sentence; and especially at this time, when the gaol distemper renders Newgate almost as fatal to their lives as Tyburn.
This morning the coroner's inquest sat on the body of Peter Ferrall who died yesterday, after having been confined four years in a state of insanity in the cells of Newgate, for the murder of a man in Rosemary lane, but never tried. They brought in their verdict lunacy .
Matrimony can hardly be declining, since 70 couples are usually asked every Sunday at Shoreditch, where lately happened the following odd intermarriage, of a man and his grand daughter, with an old woman and her grand son.
Thursday two Gentlemen, being out a shooting near Greenwich, and springing a covey of partridges, through eagerness to fire while they were, as it is
supposed, too near each other, one shot the other through the head and killed him on the spot: The person who was shot was Mr. Pye, surgeon, at Rotherhithe.
Last Monday was tried, in the court of common pleas, Westminster Hall, before Lord Chief Justice de Grey, an action brought by the first mate of a ship, against his Captain, for confining him to his cabin, because he went ashore without asking leave, and not treating him with proper respect; he laid his damage at 3000l. and after examining several witnesses, the jury brought in a verdict for the plaintiff of 500l.
A few days ago a young attorney in the Temple, was called into the court about business, which having completed, was making preparations to return to town again. It happened that the wife of a friend of the Gentleman, whose business this young limb of the law had been transacting, was about coming to London; it was judged a good opportunity for her to come with him, as being a person that would take care of her. He agreed to take the Lady under his protection, and has done his duty so well, that her husband has never heard of them since. The young lawyer, it seems, has never been at his chambers since they first set off for the country; which is a great mortification to a number of creditors, who are daily haunting his staircase, &c.
A great number of COUNTERFEIT GUINEAS of the present reign are now circulating about town; they are rather paler than the true ones, and are not so sharp as those struck with the right die.
Wednesday night a man was detected setting fire to an empty house in Mile End road, by throwing shavings and combustibles down the cellar window, which he was just going to light as he was discovered.
In the course of last sessions no less than five divorce bills were brought into the House of Peers; all of which received the royal assent: But this session nothing of the kind has happened; from which it is inferred that the Ladies are become more chaste and virtuous than for some time past.
Upwards of forty more coiners have been discovered in the suburbs of this city, but they have all absconded, some for France, and others for Holland. Several engines were found, and a number of COUNTERFEIT MOIDORES, 6s. 9d. pieces, and four and six pences.
On Sunday morning was married, at last, to the surprize of the whole neighbourhood, a Gentleman of Westminster, to Mrs. Mary——, a maiden Lady of the same place. It is very remarkable that this couple have been no less than three times to church before, upon a similar errand, and always returned batchelor and virgin. The last disappointment arose from a bickering about the day for receiving company, which lasted till the carriage stopped at the church porch, by which time they became so mutually discontented, that deeming themselves all unfit for so cordial a ceremony as the matrimonial one, they agreed to postpone the matter, till they could acquire a more halcyon disposition. It is presumed they succeeded in this, as they were finished at the time abovementioned, at St. Mary Axe, at the particular instance of the Lady, whose partiality for her own name induced her to preface a favourable omen from the presidency of the female saint.
Tuesday was found dead in his apartments in a court near Chancery Lane, Fleet Street, the very singular Gentleman, the Rev. Mr. Alexander Taylor, a dissenting minister, aged about sixty one years, who by a frugality bordering on misery had reduced himself to a skeleton; it is remarkable of him that for twenty years past he was never seen out in the day time, but only at night, although there was found in the room 27 new shirts, and other decent cloaths, yet the shirt he died in, with another he daily wore, were the most filthy rags imaginable; there was likewise found seven guineas in gold, besides a library in print and manuscript, esteemed worth twenty pounds.
The countenance given by the Ministry to the Birmingham and Sheffield Assay Office bill, is supposed to arise from motives of gratitude, for the service those towns have done the nation, in furnishing it with silver coin from their own mints.
Yesterday morning early a woman of the town (supposed to have perished through want, as she appeared greatly emaciated) was found dead under one of the alcoves on Westminster bridge.
It is said that two eminent houses in the city have, within these few days, shipped off goods and merchandise to the West Indies, and other parts of America, to the amount of 90,000l. sterling.
There is now living together, in Lambeth Marsh, two women whose ages put together make 199. And what is remarkable one is 101, and is mother to Mr. Fewcett, grocer, in Whitechapel; the other, whose age is 98, is mother to the wife of Mr. Fewcett, and the old couple both enjoy a good state of health and memory, and live together.
There is now living at Nora, in Sweden, a woman surrounded with more family catastrophes than any we recollect to have heard of. Her father was found dead in a street at Stockholm; her mother unfortunately stabbed herself with a knife with which she was at work; she had three husbands, the first of which was executed for having murdered her brother; her second husband was killed unfortunately soon after marriage; and the last, to whom she was married 20 years, was also killed. Her youngest son was drowned; and her eldest son, on account of some criminal behaviour, obliged to fly his country. She had four daughters, who caused her much sorrow: So that this woman has been unfortunate from her birth to this period, when a child, parent, and wife, and is now, in her old age, reduced to a state of want. This account, we are assured, is strictly true.
A few days since a young clergyman, who was
quite out of employment, went to a Nobleman to offer his service as domestic chaplain; but there being no vacancy for him, he desired to officiate as pollilion, and his services were accepted.
It is said a Gentleman of great mercantile knowledge has prepared a plan, which is intended to be laid before the Parliament for the better and more lucrative commercial union of Great Britain and her American colonies.
A fowling piece is now making, by a gunsmith in this city, for a Great Personage, of a new construction, which it is thought will be, when finished, one of the most curious pieces of workmanship ever executed, and is to cost 200 guineas.
It is said the number of attorneys, and their necessary qualifications, will shortly become the consideration of an august assembly, to prevent a growing race of pettifloggers, and to authorize Gentlemen only of some property and abilities in the practice of that profession.
How incredible soever it may appear, yet it is said that Count Kelly having a few nights since had a proposal made to him for purchasing his horse Eclipse, mentioned the following as the terms; 20,000l. down, an annuity of 500l. a year, well secured during his life, and three brood mares.
This day came on before Lord Mansfield a cause Popham against Hansert, a young officer, for crim. con. with the plaintiff's wife, when, after a full hearing, a verdict was found for the plaintiff, with 200l. damages, and costs of suit.
Thursday a Gentleman's servant lost seven pounds by tossing up in St. James's park; and in order to retrieve the same, went home for 5l. more, with which he had the same good luck; so that in less than three hours time he lost every shilling he had been saving for two years.
Thursday night a large camel was led through the city, the novelty of which drew a considerable number of spectators; and on Holborn Hill two Gentlemen gratified their curiosity at the expence of their watches.
A few days since Mrs. Dobbins, a widow Gentlewoman, in Queen Street, Westminster, after drinking a few dishes of tea, was seized with a giddiness, sickness of the stomach, and cold sweats, which obliged her to send for a physician of her acquaintance, who soon found the cause of her disorder to proceed from the tea, which appeared impregnated with divers particles prejudicial to health. The tea was bought of a Jew, who pretended it was smuggled, and sold for something less than 5s. per pound.
The following is a copy of a letter from one of the distressed Captains, addressed to the committee appointed to solicit an augmentation in their pay, which was read in a great assembly on Tuesday, when their petition was presented.
"Gentlemen, notwithstanding I sincerely wish an addition to our pay, yet I am sorry to inform you it is not in my power to subscribe. I have been long indisposed, and the continual reflecting on the embarrassment of my affairs feeds my disorder. I have a wife and eight children to support; I had sixteen; but I have had a sweep, and I may call it a providential sweep of half; and yet I find a great difficulty to support the remainder."
Yesterday a brutal hackney coachman drove over a young woman in Little Newport Street, and she was carried without hopes of recovery to St. George's hospital. The solicitous care of the people about the young woman gave the brute an opportunity to escape.
Tuesday last Justice Sherwood weighed the bread at the bakers shops, in the neighbourhood of Wapping, and found a great quantity shamefully deficient in weight; and yesterday he summoned them, and fined some in five shillings, and others in half a crown an ounce; which fines and bread were distributed among a great number of distressed families in those parts.
Yesterday a Gentleman in Leicester Fields reproving his black servant for some improper behaviour, the fellow suddenly struck him so violent a blow on the temple, that his artery being opened, the Gentleman bled almost to death before assistance was given him by a neighbouring surgeon.
The following affair has made some noise in Paris: The Baroness de Bagge, who had been married upwards of 20 years to the Baron of that name, a Courlander by birth, but had been parted from him for some years past, and having abjured the Lutheran faith, had retired to a convent, lately instituted a suit against her husband, in order to annul their marriage, under the pretext of its not having been celebrated in the necessary forms. The Baron published a memorial in reply, wherein he set forth that, being a foreigner and a Protestant, he espoused a Protestant woman, whose father, though a Counsellor of the court of Hesse Cassel, was also a citizen of Geneva; that their marriage was celebrated in the presence of the Ambassadors of Poland and the States General, then residing at the court of France, according to the forms always used in the chapel of the Ambassador from the united provinces; and thence inferred that the Baroness had no shadow of right to dispute the validity of their marriage; and further that this cause came under the jurisdiction of the Council of State alone, and could not be judged by any of the inferior tribunals.
This famous cause was heard before the judges, for the last time, on Monday the 25th of January: Several ambassadors, and a great number of persons of all ranks, were present on the occasion. Mons. de Verges, the Attorney General, resumed his pleadings on this extraordinary affair, which he investigated with the utmost accuracy. He threw new lights on the subject; and after an exordium, which did equal

honour to foreign nations and his own, he entered into the discussion of the essential point of the question with great force and energy. He demonstrated that the Baronefs de Bagge was an alien, (a fact which she had endeavoured to disprove, in order to obtain a verdict in her favour) that as such she was entitled to the privilege of being married in the Dutch Ambassador's chapel, and that being, both by her religion and birth, exempted from all submission to the laws of France, both ecclesiastical and civil, she was not justified in demanding the reversal of a marriage, which she had contracted with her own free will, and upon the faith of her vows. He said that it was very plain that this Lady's father's design had always been to subject her to the laws and religion of Geneva, which he was entitled to do, by the privileges granted to the Genevefe by Henry the 4th, and that she had submitted without any repugnance, as her father died in 1762, and she did not make any attempt to prove her marriage illegal till 1771. Lastly, he set forth how necessary it was for the Judges to reject all applications for such reversals, which were always hurtful to the rights of mankind and the public honour; and concluded with moving the court, "that the demand made by the Baronefs de Bagge be rejected." His conclusions were supported by such powerful reasons that every one present imagined the Judges would coincide in his opinion; nevertheless they required some time to deliberate on the verdict they should pass. They remained upwards of an hour and a half, in a room adjoining to the Great Chamber, and being returned to their seats, the first president pronounced the following sentence; "The court orders that the parties shall settle the matter between themselves, and produce their agreement in writing within the space of 8 days." This decision appeared very extraordinary, but it was perceived how difficult it would be for the Parliament to pass a final determination on this question. And as the affair now stands the Baron has gained his cause. The Baronefs brought her husband a fortune of upwards of 100,000 livres per annum.
Thursday morning a cat lying before the fire, in the compting house of an eminent merchant in the city, all on a sudden got up, and ran about the compting house, in the most surprizing manner, being seized with the highest degree of madness; and, on opening the door, went down stairs into the kitchen, where she bit, and scratched the cook maid in a terrible manner. However, the furious creature was at last destroyed, without doing further mischief. The poor woman went yesterday in the afternoon to be dipped in the salt waters.
Thursday evening a child about seven months old, the son of Mr. Capland, a shagreen case maker in Bermondsey Street, Southwark, was taken away from the door, and has not yet been heard of. What is remarkable, this is the second child he has lost in that manner within this month.
Last week one Charles Hurst was detected in a shop in this town putting off COUNTERFEIT SHILLINGS, and carried before the Mayor. On his re-examination he made a full discovery, from which it appeared that his brother, Lightfoot Hurst, who came with him from Birmingham, and one John Bacon, of Sunderland, mariner, was jointly concerned with him and his brother in counterfeiting shillings at a house at the Spring Gardens at this place, and that the brother fled guineas there, which Bacon procured for him. Upon this a message was sent to a Justice of the county of Durham, to get Bacon apprehended, but both him and Lightfoot Hurst made their escape. Their wives are both in custody, and under examination in the county of Durham. What sum of this money they had passed is uncertain; but to the amount of 50l. was found in their lodging above mentioned, with a number of tools fit for the purpose, and it is supposed they have taken with them near 50l. more; the prisoner brought with him to this town upwards of 10l. part of which he had concealed in a field near Gatehead churchyard. It appears that their money is made of copper, plated over with silver, and that the silver on each piece is not worth three halfpence. It is artfully coined to resemble old shillings, whose impression on the head side has been partly worn down, and is of three sorts, King William, King Charles, and Queen Anne; the other side has no visible impression; it is thin on the edge, not indented, and light.
WILLIAMSBURG, May 13.
The following inscriptions are engraved on the pedestal for Lord BOTETOURT's STATUE coming to Virginia:
On the right side. Deeply impressed with the warmest sense of gratitude for his Excellency the Right Honourable Lord BOTETOURT's prudent and wise administration, and that the remembrance of those many public and social virtues, which so eminently adorned his illustrious character, might be transmitted to posterity, the GENERAL ASSEMBLY of VIRGINIA, on the 20th day of July, anno dom. 1771, resolved with one united voice to erect this statue to his Lordship's memory. Let wisdom and justice preside in any country, the people will rejoice and must be happy.
On the left side. America, behold your friend! who, leaving his native country, declined those additional honours which were there in store for him, that he might heal your wounds, and restore tranquillity and happiness to this extensive continent. With what zeal and anxiety he pursued these glorious objects, Virginia thus bears her grateful testimony.
Captain Rose, of the ship York, lately arrived from Bristol, informs, that on the 23d of April last, in latitude 36, 24, longitude 68, west, he spoke the Schooner Crosby, Thomas Morgan master, from
James river, bound for Bermuda, who had been in great distress, having, on the 19th, 20th, and 21st of the same month, met with a violent gale of wind, in which he had his hatches stove in, and his boat and every other article on his decks entirely washed away; but that the people were all hearty, and the vessel pretty well recruited, when he left her.
The Hanbury, Esten, from London, and the Tom, Clark, from Liverpool, are arrived in York river.
The Peggy, Coldclough, from Virginia to Dublin, was lost the 24th ult. near Londonderry.
WILLIAMSBURG, May 13, 1773. PURSUANT to the decree of James City county court, the subscriber intends to sell, to the highest bidder, at the courthouse of the said county, on the second Monday in next month, a very valuable Negro man named NERO, late the property of Josiah Chowning, deceased; and the next day he intends also to sell, to the highest bidder, in conformity to the same decree, the land whereon the said Josiah lived, but subject to Mrs. Chowning's dower, unless before the day of sale she should agree to join in the conveyance for the purpose of relinquishing the same; of which, should it happen, notice will be given at the sale, which will be on the premises. A year's credit will be allowed to each purchaser, on giving bond, with good security, to JOHN BLAIR.
ARCHIBALD DIDDEP, TAILOR, WILLIAMSBURG,
TAKES this method of informing the public that he has removed from his former habitation to a house contiguous to Doctor Paltour's, where he carries on his business in all its different branches. He returns his most grateful acknowledgments to all those who have hitherto been pleased to favour him with their custom, and hopes for a continuance of it, as they may rely upon their work being executed with the greatest care and punctuality, and on the most reasonable terms.
*** He also makes LADIES RIDING HABITS in the neatest and most genteel manner.
For LONDON, The ship PLANTER, THOMAS LILLY, master, Burthen about seven hundred HOGSHEADS, WILL take in TOBACCO, on liberty of consignment, for 250 hogheads, the quantity of 450 being for the house of Messrs. Dunlap and Wilson of London. Notes or orders may be lodged with Gavin Hamilton and company at Norfolk, or with Thomas Lilly, on board the said ship, at the Honourable Col. Corbin's, or at his house in York town.
I AM desired to give notice to those Gentlemen who are indebted to the Dismal Swamp company for shingles, that if they do not discharge their accounts by the 25th of July next they will be put into the hands of an attorney, without farther application. JOHN WASHINGTON.
THE Gentlemen who have subscribed for the purpose of opening the navigation from Westham to the navigable water below the falls are desired to meet at Richmond on Monday the 14th day of June next, when it is proposed to enquire what sum is subscribed, and to take some steps to forward that useful work.
FOR SALE, A TRACT of LAND in Lunenburg, on Great Nottaway river, containing 400 acres, 100 of which are good low grounds, and part of the high land very fine. There is on this land a plantation sufficient to work six hands, and is about 50 miles from Petersburg. Any person inclinable to purchase may be shewn the land by applying to the overseer, who lives thereon, and know the terms by applying to me, near Cumberland courthouse. JOHN BARNES.
STRAYED from King George courthouse, the 4th of March last, a black mare, about 15 hands high, with a switch tail and hanging mane, trots and gallops, paces slow, and clumsily made, about 12 years old, not branded, as remembered; she was bred in the upper end of Stafford by one Mr. Balls, and is supposed will make that way. Whoever will deliver the said mare to Thomas Jett, Esquire, merchant at Leed's town, shall receive TWO PISTOLES, or if to the subscriber, in Gloucester county, THREE POUNDS. JOSEPH SEAWELL.
STRAYED, or stolen, from Col. Thomas Randolph's mill, in Goochland, the 29th of September last, a bright bay horse, about 4 feet 6 inches high, both his hind feet and one fore foot white, a star, or rather a blaze, in his forehead, several large saddle spots on his back, a hanging mane and switch tail, his off fore footlock rather larger than the other, occasioned by a cut under it, and about 4 or 5 years old, paces slow, and gallops well, docked, but not branded. Whoever will give me intelligence to that I may get him again shall have THREE POUNDS. WILLIAM MELBY, jun.
TAKEN up, in Henrico, a red brindled steer, appears to be 3 years old, marked with a crop and underkeel in the left ear, and a crop in the right. Likewise a dark brindled heifer, about 3 years old, marked with a crop in the right ear, and a half crop or overkeel in the left. Posted, and appraised, the steer to 2l. 10s. and the heifer to 1l. 15s. FORTUNATUS SYDNOR.
AN ACCOMPLISHED, SOBER, DILIGENT, JOURNEYMAN BARBER, WILL MEET WITH ENCOURAGEMENT BY APPLYING TO THE PRINTER HEREOF.
TAKEN up, in Spottsylvania, a dark bay horse, about 4 feet 4 inches high, with a small star in his forehead, and paces, but has no perceivable brand, Posted, and appraised to 9l.
CHARLES SMITH.
NAVAL OFFICE, HAMPTON, May 13, 1773. THIS is to acquaint the public that, in future, at the office here, the duties on TONNAGE and IMPOST will be exacted in sterling money, and no other mode of discharging them be admitted. WILSON MILES CARY, Naval Officer.
HANOVER, May 6, 1773. THE debtors of Mr. John Bland of London, merchant, will be pleased to take notice that by their having delayed to discharge their balances, and long withheld many thousands from that Gentleman, he was lately reduced to the sad necessity of conveying all his estate, debts, and effects, to trustees, for the benefit of his creditors, and that I am fully empowered by the trustees to act for them, and collect the debts, and settle the affairs of Mr. Bland in this colony.
I shall be happy if I can conduct this extensive business to the satisfaction of all parties, without the trouble or expence of suits at law; but the urgent demands of Mr. Bland's creditors, and the unhappy situation of himself, and of a numerous, worthy family, who are involved in his difficulties, and now tasting the bitterness of his distress, will not admit of indulgence or delay, and I therefore hope the debtors will provide for the immediate discharge of their debts, and come to settle their respective accounts with me, without farther application; for it will not be convenient or possible for me to wait on them at their respective homes.
The debts contracted at the stores kept for Mr. Bland by his son Mr. John Bland, junior, at Blandford, by Mr. Andrew Grant at Boyd's Hole, and by Mr. David Briggs at Falmouth, will be settled and collected by them Gentlemen, severally, with whom they were contracted; and the debtors are hereby required to pay their balances to them persons without delay, they having instructions to enforce payments, and to close their respective concerns immediately. The goods now on hand in the stores are to be sold as soon as an account is taken of them, and if persons inclined to purchase will be pleased to apply to the above Gentlemen, at their respective stores, they may see the goods, and know the terms of sale, as they are severally empowered to sell them.
Mr. John Bland, junior, being very worthy of confidence, and greatly interested in these affairs, has full power to act in them, on all occasions, in my absence, as he thinks right, and payments made to him, in discharge of the sterling or current debts, will be allowed by PETER LYONS.
N. B. I shall be obliged to the persons that have demands against Mr. John Bland, of London, to let me know the nature and amount of their claims, before they put his estate to the expence of attachments, or suits in chancery, as I shall be willing to pay, out of his effects, any debt that I can be justified in discharging. P. L.
PURSUANT to an act of the General Assembly, passed the 15th of March, 1773, appointing commissioners to sell the damaged tobacco in the public warehouse at Aquia, in Stafford county, we the subscribers do hereby give notice that we shall attend at the said warehouse on Thursday the 20th of this instant (May) and there offer for sale, to the highest bidder, twenty three HOGSHEADS of TOBACCO. Credit will be allowed till the 25th of December next, on giving bond and sufficient security; the bonds to be payable to Robert Carter Nicholas, Esquire, Treasurer of this colony, or to the Treasurer for the time being.
THOMAS LUDWELL LEE, JOHN ALEXANDER, BAILEY WASHINGTON, WILLIAM BRENT.
THE trustees appointed to treat with persons for clearing MATTAPONY RIVER, above Todd's Bridge, will meet, for that purpose, at Aylett's warehouse, on Wednesday the 17th of May. Those who incline to undertake that work are desired to view the river before that day, that they may be the better able to judge of the reward, as the strictest punctuality will be expected.
KING HEROD,
A bay horse near sixteen hands high, his fire Col. Baylor's famous horse Fearnought, his dam Mr. Braxton's English mare Kitty Fisher, stands at Mr. Wormeley's, at Rosehill, and will cover mares the present spring at TWENTY SHILLINGS a leap, or FOUR POUNDS the season; the money must be sent with the mares. There are good pastures, but should any of them stray from the ground I will not be answerable for them.
RALPH WORMELEY, jun.
FALMOUTH, April 23, 1773. THE subscribers, having met with many disappointments and much trouble in collecting the inspection money for tobacco shipped from Falmouth and Dixon's warehouses, hereby give notice that they are determined, in future, not to ship any tobacco, unless the money is sent with the notes.
WILLIAM NEWTON, } Falmouth. THOMAS HORD, } JOHN POLLARD, } Dixon's. THOMAS SHARPE, }

TEN POUNDS REWARD.
R UN away from the subscribers, on the 1st of April last, two convict servant men, which came in the Justitia , Captain Gray, viz. THOMAS PRATT , 36 years of age, and 5 feet 3 or 4 inches high, is stout made, has blue eyes, a down look, and brown hair; had on a brown coat, an old hat, and other old clothes; he is by trade a millwright and pump-maker. WILLIAM POPJEE , by trade a hatter, slender make, has brown hair, and pockpitted; had on a blue waistcoat, sailor's cap, and other old clothes; by trade a hatter. Whoever secures the above servants in any gaol, so that we get them again, shall receive FIVE POUNDS , and if brought to us, in Staunton, the above reward.
SAMPSON & GEORGE MATTHEWS.
N. B. All masters of vessels are hereby forewarned from carrying either of the said convicts out of the colony.
On Saturday the 5th day of June next will be SOLD , at public sale, to the highest bidder, at the subscriber's house in Northampton county,
THE SAILS, RIGGING, ANCHORS, and CABLES , which I formerly advertised to have saved from a schooner I found overset in the bay.
WILLIAM MAJOR.
THE NOTED FOXHUNTER, AND WELL BREW HORSE.
C L I V E,
STANDS this season at my plantation in James City county, and will cover mares at TEN SHILLINGS a leap, or THIRTY SHILLINGS the season. He was got by ARISTOTLE , from a CRAWFORD MARE , is fifteen hands high, well made, and of a beautiful grey.
RICHARD EGGLESTONE.
** There is an extraordinary good pasture for the reception of mares, and great ATTENTION will be given to those that may be sent.
R UN away, from Brandon, a Negro man named DUBLIN , late the property of Mr. Moses Fontaine; he is about 5 feet 10 inches high, of a yellowish complexion, and has a defect in one of his hands. It is supposed he is in the upper end of Charles City or Henrico. THREE POUNDS will be given for apprehending and delivering him to
BEN: HARRISON.
GEORGE the Third, by the grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, &c. To the sheriff of Chesterfield county, greeting: We command you that you summon Aaron Haskins, Joseph Haskins, John Haskins, and Creed Haskins, to appear before our court of the said county, at the courthouse, on the 1st day in June next, to answer a bill in chancery, exhibited against them by Robert Haskins; and this they shall in no wise omit, under the penalty of 100l. and have then there this writ. Witness Benjamin Watkins, clerk of our said court, this 1st day of May, in the 12th year of our reign.
BENJAMIN WATKINS.
THERE was brought before me on the 14th instant (April) a man who called himself Matthew O'Bryan, upon suspicion of being the runaway servant advertised by Joseph Peirce of Westmoreland by the name of Matthew Tharp. Upon examination, he appeared exactly to answer the description; and as he could not give a satisfactory account of himself, I thought it my duty to commit him to the gaol of Halifax. His master is desired to come and claim him.
NATHANIEL TERRY.
F O R S A L E,
S everal valuable tracts of land, adjoining each other, on both sides of Chappawamick Run, in the counties of Stafford and Prince William, containing 2600 acres, being the seat whereon the subscriber formerly resided. These lands are situate four miles above Aquia warehouses, and four miles below the town of Dumfries, the soil of more than half of it exceeding good; there is on it as fine a mill seat as any in the colony, upon a large and never failing stream. There is a great appearance of iron ore, and a large quantity of white oak and pine timber, a tolerable commodious dwellinghouse, a great number of convenient outhouses, good orchards, and several tenements in order for cropping. There are also 200 acres of fine meadow ground, half of which was sowed in timothy last fall and this spring. A more particular description will be unnecessary, as it is presumed that any person inclinable to purchase will view the premises; and the subscriber earnestly entreats all such to form their ideas of the value of this estate from their own observations, and not from any accounts they may receive from others, as there are some persons, who are thought goodnatured, worthy men, amuse themselves with decrying the property of their neighbours, even at the expence of truth, and under the mask of friendship to the person injured. And the subscriber is more particular in this caution, as he hath formerly received several severe injuries of that kind from one in that neighbourhood. The above lands are under the incumbrance of two mortgages; the one for a considerable sum, made by the subscriber himself, the other for an inconsiderable sum, made by the person of whom he purchased one of the small tracts, which mortgages are to be first paid out of the money arising from the sale. For terms apply to
THOMSON MASON.
THE noted horse ARISTOTLE now stands at BRANDON , and will cover mares at TWENTY SHILLINGS the leap, or FOUR POUNDS the season; the money to be paid when the mares are taken away. Good pastureage gratis, and particular care shall be taken of the mares, but will not be liable for any that may be lost. WILLIAM HICKMAN.
R UN away from the subscriber, at Morattico, in Lancaster county, on the 4th instant (April) MOSES and CHARLES , two Virginia born Negroes. Moses is a lusty, likely, young fellow, about 5 feet 10 inches high, well proportioned, of a smooth countenance, and speaks pretty quick. Charles is a small fellow, about 50 years of age, a little grey, has a large mouth and thick lips, is a shoemaker, formerly belonged to the Jones's and the late William Mountague, of Middlesex, and had a wife at Col. Gawin Corbin's, which makes it probable they are lurking in that neighbourhood, or in the opposite one, on the Dragon , where Charles is also well acquainted. They were clothed in Welch cotton jackets, white Virginia cloth breeches, and osnabrig shirts. Whoever will convey them to me shall have FIVE POUNDS reward, or THREE POUNDS for either, or TWENTY SHILLINGS for each if secured in any gaol, and giving notice thereof besides what the law allows. All masters of vessels are forewarned from carrying them out of the colony, or transporting them from one river to another.
RAWLEIGH DOWNMAN.
PETER HARDY
BEGS leave to inform the public that he has opened shop in the BRICK HOUSE commonly called CUSTIS'S , near the HOSPITAL , WILLIAMSBURG , where he proposes to repair COACHES, LANDEAUS, CHARIOTS , and all other sorts of CARRIAGES , in the neatest manner; also PAINTING, GILDING, JAPANING , and CARVING , done with the greatest elegance. Said HARDY makes and sells all kinds of ELECTRICAL MACHINES , which are allowed by most of the Faculty to be very efficacious in relieving persons afflicted with the rheumatism, or any other pains whatsoever. Those who may apply for the above mentioned machine shall be directed in what manner it is to be used. He humbly hopes that those Gentlemen who are pleased to employ him will pay cash for the repairs, on the delivery of the same, as he is determined to work on the most reasonable terms, and will be truly thankful to all those who will entrust him with their commands, let them be ever so trifling; to merit which, the public may rely, shall be his constant care and study.
Choice MADEIRA WINE,
A FEW CASES OF CLARET, BARBADOS RUM, BRANDY, RAISINS, and MAHOGANY , SOLD BY PREESON BOWDOIN, IN NORFOLK.
To be RENTED , for a TERM OF YEARS ,
THE MILLS at the falls of James river, in the town of Manchester, which consist of a double sawmill, a gristmill, with two pair of stones, for country work, which is worth about 400 barrels of corn the year, a merchantmill with four pair of best French burstones, and all conveniencies necessary for carrying on the manufacturing business in the best manner; likewise a good dwellinghouse with two rooms on a floor, and a cellar and large fireplace in it; as also a large store house, cooper's shop, stable, blacksmith's shop and tools, and a lot of two acres and a half enclosed about the works. The stream affords water enough for as many more mills, and the works are so situated that they are out of danger from freshes, having never received any damage but from the unparalleled one in May 1771. These works, being placed within a few yards of navigation, and in the most flourishing part of the country, where any quantity of wheat may be purchased, the business of manufacturing, as well as the West India trade, may be carried on to as great advantage as any where on the continent, and a ready market may be had for any quantity of plank, flooring, &c. The saw and gristmills are now finished, and the merchantmill will be finished by the 1st of September next. Any person inclinable to rent the said works may know the terms by applying to
JOHN MAYO.
To be SOLD , at public auction, on Monday the 14th of June next, if fair, if not, the next fair day, pursuant to a decree of the worshipful court of King William county, to satisfy a debt due from Thomas Adams to the estate of John Russell, deceased.
A VALUABLE tract of LAND containing 200 acres, about six miles above King William courthouse, whereon is a good new dwellinghouse, kitchen, and other convenient outhouses, garden, &c. This is the place commonly called the Burnt Ordinary , and where the sale will be. Also 200 acres, adjoining the aforesaid, and 50 acres, whereon the said Adams formerly lived, about four miles above the courthouse. The whole is good level grain land. Twelve months credit will be allowed, giving bond, with good security.
CARTER BRAXTON, JOHN QUARLES, ARCHIBALD GOVAN, WILLIAM AYLETT, JAMES Q. RUSSELL, } Trustees.
F O R S A L E,
THE tenement at present occupied by Captain James Gunn, in that part of the town of Richmond called Shockoes , on the north side of the falls of James river, with a number of convenient houses upon it, well adapted for either a merchant, tavern-keeper, or private Gentleman, rented at forty pounds a year; also the public storehouse at the same place, rented at fifteen pounds a year; the two half acre lots, No. 400 and No. 670, in the same town; the valuable lot of one hundred acres of timbered land, near the same, known by the description of No. 799; also the two half acre lots, No. 116 and No. 267, in the town of Manchester or Rocky Ridge, on the south side of the falls of James river. For terms apply to Joshua Storrs of Richmond, or to the subscriber.
THOMSON MASON.
Pursuant to the last will and testament of Mr. John Smith, of Hanover, deceased, will be SOLD , on the premises, some time next fall, and entered on at Christmas,
A VALUABLE tract of LAND lying in Henrico county, on the Brock Swamp , between four and five miles from Richmond, and two miles from the Meadow Bridges , known by the name of Picknoky , and containing about 200 acres, whereon is an extraordinary piece of dam work, nearly finished, which will effectually keep off the overflowings of the brook from upwards of 100 acres of exceeding rich, well timbered low grounds. Likewise a tract of about 2000 acres of very rich, well timbered land, lying in Goochland county, on James river, near the mouth of the Great Bird , and opposite to Elk Island , having on it a plantation in order for working sixteen hands, and the soil is very suitable for tobacco, wheat, and Indian corn. This land will be sold altogether, or in parcels, as may best suit the purchasers. Also the reversion of a tract of about 500 acres of very good tobacco and grain land, lying in Goochland county, on the branches of the Little Bird , contiguous to the lands of Mr. Samuel Gift, at whose death the purchaser will have possession. The lands in Goochland will be shewn by Mr. John Ware, near the premises. The days of sale, and time of payment, will be made known in a future advertisement. All persons indebted to the estate of Mr. John Smith, deceased, are desired to make immediate payment; and those who have any demands against the said estate are requested to make them known to
WILLIAM ANDERSON , Executor.
N. B. For the convenience of those who may have accounts to settle with me for transactions had with Mr. Smith, I shall attend at every Hanover court, and the two succeeding days in Hanover town.
W. A.
AS I intend for Britain in June, I propose selling, on Monday the 24th of May next, being Fredericksburg fair day, or privately, as may be agreed upon before, 400 acres of land upon the Fall Hill , and three miles from Fredericksburg , with 20 slaves, flocks of cattle, &c. Also above ten acres of meadow land adjoining the said town of Fredericksburg , and the ferry, and ferry lots, together with the store and warehouse thereon, for ready money, bills, or tobacco, as may suit the purchasers.
JAMES HUNTER, jun.
F O R S A L E,
THE plantation whereon the subscriber lives, in King and Queen , about a mile and a half from Todd's warehouse , containing 657 acres, in good order for cropping, with a large peach and apple orchard thereon beginning to bear, and a quantity of low grounds, which may be made good meadow with very little expence. The dwellinghouse, kitchen, and other outhouses, have been built between four and five years. Any person inclinable to purchase may know the terms by applying to
ROBINSON DAINGERFIELD.
R UN away from Eltham , on Sunday the 10th of January , a light Mulatto fellow named OTHO , about 5 feet 9 inches high, freckled in the face, has light grey eyes, and brown hair, which he wears tied behind, his skin under his clothes is very white, and had on, when he went away, a blue cloth waistcoat, and a coat of the same, with a red velvet cape. I expect he will endeavour to pass for a white man. All masters of vessels are forewarned from harbouring or carrying the said slave off at their peril. I will give FIVE POUNDS to any person who will deliver him to me, or secure him in any gaol, and give notice thereof.
BURWELL BASSETT.
FREDERICKSBURG, February 24, 1773.
WHEREAS some of those indebted on the books here have not paid due regard to my advertisement of the 1st of December last, I give them this last notice that all and every account not paid off, or a good part of it, before the 20th of April, or our May fair at farthest, or settled by bond, or other specialty, before that time, will most certainly be put into the hands of a lawyer, without respect of persons. Unavoidable reasons will oblige me to this, which I shall probably, in time, acquaint them with. Those who are put to trouble and expence cannot now blame me for want of notice. I have sold part of the goods on hand, but so as not to distort the store, and have still a large assortment by me, which I will sell in wholesale or retail on the terms formerly advertised. Any person who will purchase the whole shall have them on terms which they themselves will say are very low and reasonable.
GEORGE MITCHELL.