The Virginia gazette (Williamsburg, Va.), 1773-12-30 00:00:00

VIRGINIA
GAZETTE.
Open to ALL PARTIES,
but influenced by NONE.
To Mrs. R I N D.
MADAM,
SOME few months past I observed with infinite satisfaction that the visitors of the college had resolved to appropriate part of the money in the funds of that seminary to the enlargement of the building, and, I suppose, to the general extension of their plan of education. Such a proceeding would undoubtedly reflect honour on their wise determinations, and would prove of the greatest advantage to this infant country; for it is a lamentable truth that this colony, though settled longer than any other, has been eclipsed by many in the cultivation of those arts and sciences which are most immediately necessary to the well-being of society. I can attribute this misfortune to no other cause than the disadvantages our young gentlemen labour under in the pursuit of their studies. Our seminary, though graced with professors who would do honour to any university, through inattention of the governors to some peculiar disadvantages, seems to have been hitherto imperfectly calculated to answer the purposes of its foundation. But the plan which has lately been adopted bids us hope for the removal of those inconveniencies which are at present insurmountable obstacles to the advancement of literature.
If I have not been misinformed, there are at present near eighty young gentlemen who lodge and board in the college. The want of room renders it necessary for three or four to live in the same apartment. The disparity of age, and diversity of disposition, frequently render this a most painful situation to the gentleman who is more advanced in his studies, and who wishes to prosecute them with more earnestness than his companions. Subject to a thousand intrusions and impertinent interruptions from them, he is incapable of paying that attention which abstract studies require. In vain does he attempt to recollect his scattered thoughts, and regain the thread of reasoning which has been broken. His ideas refuse to flow in their former channel, and he is obliged to give over his researches for the present, or begin them anew; still liable to the like interruption the moment he returns to his studies.
A sense of these inconveniencies, I presume, has determined the visitors of the college to erect an edifice large enough to accommodate any number of gentlemen that are disposed to prosecute their studies to the greatest advantage in any science or profession; but as I am at a distance from the capital, I have not heard whether it be their intention to extend the field of science with the walls of the college. In the seminaries of our sister colonies professorships in medicine have been established with great success; yet the revenues of those colleges are infinitely inferior to ours.
Should we follow their example, might we not expect to rival them, since there are gentlemen of the first abilities in physics to be met with amongst us? Under proper regulations, might we not hope that, in time, a British education will be unnecessary, since every advantage we search for abroad might with ease be procured at home?
There is yet another object of the greatest importance to this country, which I shall beg leave to mention, and which merits the attention not only of the governors of the college, but even of the general legislative body of this colony; that is, the establishment of a professorship in the law.
By virtue of my office, I am under the necessity of attending the county court where I reside: I had not long acted in the capacity of a judge before I discovered great confusion, want of argument, of reasoning, and, I conceived, of law, too, in the pleadings of some of our lawyers. Their proceedings were sometimes exceedingly perplexed, and I could even observe them at a stand in some points, which, when properly attended to, were sufficiently clear. At first I apprehended it might have been the peculiar fate of my own county to be unassisted by able lawyers; but since I find we are not altogether singular in that respect, I have been led to reflect on the cause of this inconvenience, and the means of removing it hereafter.
When a young gentleman has resolved to study the law, he applies to some attorney for his advice, assists him in copying a few declarations, reads the first book of Coke upon Lyttleton, and the Virginia laws, and then applies for a licence, and begins to practise a profession, the grounds and first principles of which he is perhaps utterly unacquainted with.
He is involved in difficulties at his first setting out, which he is unable to remove by referring to authors, and, in one continued scene of error, plods on to the last, nor gives himself the least trouble to investigate the reason of what he reads. Far be it from me to alledge this generally, but daily observation shews that there is but too much truth in the representation.
By establishing a professorship in the law many of those gentlemen, who are obliged to struggle with the greatest difficulties through want of proper books and proper instructions, would repair to a place where they might enjoy the most ample means of pursuing their studies with success, where the road to truth, instead of an inexorable wilderness, would be opened to them, and where they might unravel the mysteries, and reconcile the seeming absurdities, of the profession they were studying under the auspices of an able professor.
Were I worthy of proposing any thing to the consideration of a legislative body, long revered for the wisdom of their laws and regulations, I should recommend the encouragement of such a plan of education. If the candidates for the bar were obliged to go through a regular course of lectures on the civil and municipal laws at the college, and to attend the General Court when sitting, where they might imbibe proper ideas of the practice of the law, at the same time that they received the greatest instruction from the learned arguments and judicious determinations there, I am persuaded our gentlemen of the bar would appear to much greater advantage than at present; and in a couple of years, with such assistance, I conceive that they would be much better qualified for their business than in double that time without it.
The plan that I would propose, therefore, is, that when the additional building to the college is erected, that a professor of law be appointed, who shall read a regular and compleat course of lectures on the law once in a year, and that no persons but those who have attended the lectures of such professor for two years, and have attended the General Court whilst sitting, during that period, shall be admitted to practise as counsel, or as attorneys, in any of the county courts in this colony, except such persons who had been admitted to practise in other places, and upon examination should be found qualified for it.
I would also propose, that after attending the lectures of such professor, and the General Court whilst sitting, for four years, all candidates for the profession of the law, who, upon examination should be found qualified to practise, shall be admitted to practise in the General Court of this colony, and at the county courts at the same time. By this means the study of the law, as a science, would be infinitely encouraged, and we might expect to see the practice of it on the most respectable footing, in this country.
I am aware that objections may be raised to what I have proposed; but should it serve as a hint for those who are better versed in these matters to improve upon, every end will be answered which was proposed by, Madam, your most humble servant,
A COUNTRY JUSTICE.
L O N D O N, September 30.
THE Duke of Cumberland, we are told, means to visit most of the courts in Europe, in consequence of which he will stay abroad two years.
It is said that his Excellency William Tryon, governor of New York, will be created a knight of the Bath, in the room of the late Sir William Beauchamp Proctor.
They write from Rome, that the plate found in the different colleges and churches belonging to the Jesuits is valued at one million of scudis, and has been all confiscated. It has also been discovered that the Jesuits had lodged in the bank of Venice, three years since, immense sums of money, for which they had 60,000 scudis per annum, which is now stopped.
They write from Paris, that one Doctor D—— was last month broke upon the wheel there for the murder of a priest. The doctor was 74 years of age, it is said, and had 12 wives living.
October 2. A noble lord has lately had a scheme presented him by which the public are to be released of two thirds of the national debt in about 19 years, provided we are at peace, and that without any additional tax on the people.
A private letter from Rome says that his holiness, notwithstanding the extreme rigour with which he proceeds against the Jesuits, is disposed to render
them service of a spiritual kind; for which purpose he has drawn up a manual of devotions peculiarly adapted to their present situation. In the confessional part of one of them are these remarkable words: We acknowledge, with confusion of face, that though we derive the name of our lately suppressed order from Jesus, yet too many of us have acted as if the Devil himself had been the author of our principles.
They write from Amsterdam, that a person in a capital way in the banking business at Antwerp, has lately disappeared with 700,000 ducats private property.
October 5. A letter from Lisbon, dated September 8, says, "By a vessel just arrived in the Tagus, from Magadore, a Portuguese settlement on the coast of Africa, we have advice, that the St. Antonio, a Portuguese man of war, had been ran away with, and the captain and crew murdered in the following manner: She had been on a cruise, and being foul, put into a small cove on the slave coast to careen. The crew were on shore during the careen, and were overpowered and killed by the natives, who launched the vessel, and were seen in much distress, by a small English ship that put in soon after at Magadore."
An extract of a letter from the Orkneys says that the weather there having for some time been very rough, has retarded the intercourse between the islands, and done great damage.
As the several articles of life are at present rated, it appears, by a nice calculation, that every country gentleman who has an income of 1000l. per annum, pays no less than 350l. of it in taxes and excise.
Monday afternoon a duel was fought in a field near Hoxton, occasioned by a political dispute, between a clerk belonging to a public office and a liverymen, who had polled for Mr. Wilkes, wherein the former was run through the body, and now lies at the point of death.
October 7. The 66th regiment of foot, commanded by Lord Adam Gordon, is just returned from Jamaica, where it has been stationed 9 years, and is ordered to Berwick upon Tweed. The above regiment has been three times recruited since it left England; and, including officers and private men, there are only 15 out of 550 that have lived to return to their native shore.
A poor illiterate shepherd in Devonshire has inoculated upwards of five hundred people since May last, all of whom have had the small pox, and recovered.
The Jane, Moran, from Jamaica for London, a missing ship, is safe arrived at Dover; 30 per cent. was refused on her on Tuesday night.
The lords of the admiralty have ordered a monthly return to be made of all the stores expended in his Majesty's dockyard.
October 9. Like the people of England, who are starving in the midst of plenty, the Empress of Russia is in the greatest distress for men and money in the midst of conquest: With this difference only, our scarcity will every day be less and less known, while her's will every day be growing more and more distressing.
A certain composer of music, in the service of the King of Prussia, died lately at Potsdam. His Majesty expressed very great sorrow for his death, and buried him most magnificently: People were at a loss to assign a reason for the friendship which this King pretended to have for the musician, when the world knows his Majesty is an utter stranger to sensibility. However, the true cause is easily accounted for; the King pretends to be a great composer of music himself; the musician was modest, and always confessed his inferiority, and celebrated the compositions of his royal master. The truth is, the King is but a second rate scratcher of notes, and his principal composer was inferior to him; we never envy those whom we excel. What a blessed people must the subjects of this Monarch be, who can boast that they have a prince, who is the greatest warrior, philosopher, poet, legislator, musician, and robber, in all his dominions!
October 12. It is positively determined on, that no ships of war shall in future be built in merchants yards, as in the course of last war the exigencies were so great that contract ships were built at double the expense, of green timber, which soon after rotted. In consequence of this laudable resolution, a sufficient number of shipwrights will be consequently employed, and our navy always kept upon a respectable footing.
October 13. A gentleman returned from the interior parts of North America, beyond the Ohio, informs

us of a nation of Jews being discovered among the Indians, who call themselves the tribe of Naphthali. Their religious worship and their tenets correspond with those in Europe; but their situation so remote, and their not being engaged in traffic, like their brethren on this side the Atlantic, are circumstances our correspondent cannot account for.
October 14. The officer who escorted the Abbey Terray, when he was carried from Paris, desired him not to be melancholy, since he might very soon be recalled. "Friend, says he, when one's conscience is easy, we need no consolation. Besides, when justice is banished, those who remain have most reason to be troubled."
On Tuesday the serjeant who was ordered to be shot, but afterwards reprieved, for enlisting men and sending them into the French service, received two hundred and fifty lashes on the parade in St. James's Park. He was so extremely weak after receiving the punishment, that he was obliged to be supported by two soldiers to the hospital. He is to receive the same number again as soon as his strength will permit, and afterwards be drummed from the regiment.
We are informed that the Right Honourable Lady Frances Meadows, only sister of the late Duke of Kingston, will become Countess of Kingston and Baroness of Pierpoint, in her own right. She has five sons and four daughters now living by Philip Meadows, Esquire, the eldest of whom, the Honourable Evelyn Meadows, Esquire, after the death of his mother, will be entitled to that antient earldom and barony.
The ministry are determined to play off their old trick, if possible, in negating Mr. Wilkes his seat for Middlesex next election. They have already applied to the present Locum Tenens , Col. Luttrell, for his further assistance, but he has absolutely refused, telling them, "that as he was lucky enough in the first instance to have the populace mistake his hat for his head , he will never try them in the second, lest they should mistake his head for his hat ."
A correspondent says that an act of parliament passed in the reign of King Henry the Eighth (unrepealed) in which reign there was an act of grace on the birth of the Queen's tenth child, and as her present Majesty is now pregnant, it is hoped the same precedent will be followed.
A certain young nobleman won last week at Newmarket upwards of six thousand pounds in backing the Duke of Cumberland's filly, which won the grand sweepstakes.
Capt. Phipps, in return for his frozen expedition, is to have the appointing of Capt. Luttridge to the rank of post; his first lieutenant to be master and commander; and a midshipman a lieutenant. Quere, is not this one of Lord Sandwich's bird traps for the patriotic speaker?—Take care, Phipps, you have a glorious character, and it may be lost!
Mr. Wilkes's design of putting the tame Bull into the chair of the city instead of himself begins now to be seen through: Bull is to have the name of mayor, Wilkes the power; so that this arch patriot will have an opportunity of exercising his excellent abilities with greater security than if he were really mayor, and his easy, believing friend, must be answerable for the consequences. O brave Wilkes! O poor Bull!
Many people have taken upon them to censure Mr. Wilkes for not scratching for himself, without ever considering, that as Mr. Bull scratched for him, it would have been the highest mark of an ungenerous mind, to have so partially adhered to his own interest; by this means Mr. Wilkes has convinced us of the nobleness of his mind, and the disinterestedness of his spirit.
Why Mr. Sawbridge scratched for Mr. Wilkes has puzzled some; and why so many ministerial aldermen were absent. It was the intention of the court that Mr. Wilkes should be lord mayor this year, but it is Mr. Wilkes's design to be lord mayor upon the year of the general election.
Letters from Paris, dated the 1st instant, advise that there is a very current report there that the exiled magistrates of the antient parliament have received propositions to re-enter on their former offices; but time must discover whether there is any truth in the report.
It is reported that it was lately determined in council to order the crown engineers to transmit home fresh surveys of the several British colonies, and to make draughts thereof, of the dockyards and new works, for the inspection of government, as also an account of the stores, and the computed number of the white inhabitants in each province.
As a further improvement to the decorations and paintings that are to ornament St. Paul's cathedral, the dean and chapter have come to a resolution to preserve the names of several illustrious personages; such as Tillotson, Usher, Swift, Pope, Addison, &c. who have been omitted in Westminster Abbey, by dedicating monuments to their memory. It is not as yet finally fixed which of these they will begin with; but it is generally thought the celebrated Mr. Pope will be the first on the list.
Extract of a letter from Turin, dated September 18.
"As the Marchioness de Breme was hearing mass a few days ago in the church of St. Philip, a young man, very genteely dressed, who had placed himself between that lady and her servants, suddenly pulled out a knife and cut the lady's throat; then throwing away the knife, he drew his sword, ran out of the church, and flew for shelter to St. Francois de Paule.
The congregation, in amazement, assembled about the lady, and a surgeon was procured as soon as possible, who pronounced the wound not mortal, but if the knife had gone the twelfth part of an inch farther there would have been no remedy. The assassin was taken from the church, and conveyed to prison; and it is said (as indeed is very natural to conclude) that he is out of his senses."
By letters from Venice we learn that the Emperor has taken great offence at the refuge allowed to the Jesuits by the King of Prussia.
It is said that Lord Clive is resolved to supplant General Burgoyne in his borough in Lancashire, and is already beginning hostilities even for that purpose. On an oval tablet on the front of the sarcophagus of General WOLFE's monument, in Westminster Abbey, just opened, is the following inscription:
"To the memory of JAMES WOLFE, Esquire, Major General and Commander in Chief of the British land forces, on an expedition against Quebec; who surmounting by ability and valour all obstacles of art and nature, was slain in the moment of victory, at the head of his conquering troops, on the 13th of September, 1759; the King and the parliament of Great Britain dedicate this monument."
Bristol, October 16. The vessels (inserted in our last to have failed) by the change of wind, were obliged to return to Kingston road; upwards of 40 sail now remain there waiting for a favourable gale; some of which have been detained more than two months.
Dublin, September 28. One Beaghan, a butcher, was stopped near Clondalkin by a highwayman, who demanded his money, which the other delivered immediately, and then told the robber he had a few half pence in his coat pocket, that might be of service to him; but instead of the coppers, took out a pistol and shot the highwayman dead.
From the LONDON CHRONICLE of October 7, 1773. Mr. LOVEL's letter to the LIVERY, relative to the conduct of Mr. WILKES, with respect to him.
GENTLEMEN, THE following was inserted in this day's Public Advertiser :
To Messieurs SAWBRIDGE and OLIVER. "YOU are aldermen, and, I hope, gentlemen. Justify your conduct to this city. Your committee for this election have with your approbation appointed Mr. Michael Lovel chairman. It is scarcely possible to imagine a greater insult to the metropolis of the British empire than two candidates for the chief magistracy having a chairman of their committee signing all their printed letters to the livery, who is known to have been, not a year ago, without the least effort in vindication of his honour, at noon day, caned in this city, in one of its most frequented streets in Cheapside, by Charles Crawford, Esquire. I have heard, from the best authority, that this fact was authenticated to you both some months ago. I do not traffic in scandal. My name is left with the printer, who has orders to communicate it to either of you aldermen, or to Mr. Lovel.
Oct. 4, 1773. A Liveryman of London. In consequence of the above, I went, in company with Mr. James Pearson, of Cheapside, to Mr. Woodfall, the printer, who informed me that Mr. Wilkes was the author of it.
This is not the first time, by a thousand, that I have been abused in the public papers by this most abandoned impostor, who has the impudence to say he does not traffic in scandal. Hitherto, indeed (fearing, I suppose, lest my integrity and character should be doubted) he had kindly confined himself to the subject of my having been formerly a clerk to my own relations in the same house wherein I am now a partner. At length, he has discovered something else meritorious in me. The story of Mr. Crawford is very short and simple. It is well known to be usual amongst the West India merchants to have the children of their correspondents consigned to their care. Mr. Charles Crawford was one of those under our care. When some of these young West Indians first advance towards manhood, they are frequently less discreet and more expensive than those born in colder climates. Mr. Crawford is a young West Indian, whose father we offended by our indulgence to the son, whilst the son was offended for our following his father's directions, who neither would, nor indeed could, afford to gratify his son's desires. This young gentleman is now at Cambridge, and it is true that he was so angry with me, last summer, that he did offer in the street to strike me, and I bore his imprudent anger very patiently, as I dare say any other merchant would have done, for the same reason. Is this a matter that would affect the honour of any gentleman in England?
What would Mr. Wilkes have the merchants do in these cases, for they happen often? Would he have them draw their swords on these lads, because they are not contented with what their parents allow them? Does he think that the proper office of a guardian, or that the adding of esquire to a boy's name, will make his beard grow? Mr. Wilkes is an excellent pattern, no doubt, for our youth, but he is not yet, I hope, likely to be copied by merchants and guardians. I do not, however, wonder that Mr. Wilkes justifies the young man's anger, for he has a similar cause of anger against me himself. The truth is, gentlemen, I stopped my hand, and would not let Mr. Wilkes plunder me of more money. But Mr.
Wilkes is wiser than to try the experiment of caning me for it; he knows it is safer to slander in the newspapers.
I think, gentlemen, you must have observed that though Mr. Wilkes is so lavish in his censure, he never once acknowledges his obligations. Of this you have numberless and daily instances. For my own part, I own my errors. I mistook this mercenary impostor for a public man; and though an absolute stranger to him, pitying his distress, I went to the King's Bench prison the day after he was committed thither, and gave into his own hand a benefaction of twenty pounds; and I assure you, gentlemen, he received it with great thankfulness, without enquiring whether I had even been a clerk, or had ever been caned. He has since that, at different times, had between two and three hundred pounds of my money; and, upon being informed that Sir George Savile had declared he could not move any thing in the house of commons in Mr. Wilkes's favour, till the money was paid of which he had defrauded the Foundling Hospital, I own I was foolish enough to go with Mr. Trevanion on the 9th of November 1768, and pay to Mr. White, the late treasurer, three hundred pounds on that account, and give security jointly with Mr. Trevanion for whatever sum of that fraud still remained due. This sum, of which he robbed the hospital, as we afterwards found, amounted to near one thousand pounds, which was afterwards paid by me and others at the London Tavern.
What think you, gentlemen, of the modesty, honesty, honour, and gratitude, of this candidate for the mayoralty? May I not very fairly turn his own letter upon himself? and say to Mr. Wilkes,
SIR, You are an alderman; I cannot say a gentleman. Justify your conduct to this city. You, a guardian of the hospital for exposed and deserted young children, defrauded those helpless orphans of one thousand pounds. It is scarcely possible to imagine a greater insult to the metropolis of the British empire, than a candidate for the chief magistracy, who is known to have robbed the Foundling Hospital without the least effort in vindication of his honour. I do not traffic in scandal. My name is subscribed to this account, and I am ready to communicate to any gentleman the receipt for the payment of the money. MICHAEL LOVEL.
BOSTON, November 29. Yesterday morning arrived here the ship Dartmouth, Capt. Hall, in 8 weeks from London, with 114 chests of the long expected and much talked of TEA. Capt. Hall first came to an anchor near the cattle, and this morning came up and anchored off the long wharf.
NEW YORK, December 9. Extract of a letter from Charlestown, South Carolina, dated November 20, 1773. "The tea affair makes a great noise here, but nothing is yet done; it will be prevented landing, without doubt."
We hear that his Excellency Governor Hutchinson has retired to Milton; and the gentlemen appointed by the honourable the East India company to be agents for vending their tea at Boston, remain still at Castle William.
PHILADELPHIA, December 13. The gentlemen nominated to make enquiries concerning the rise of tea, and the committee appointed by the inhabitants of this city on the 4th instant, now beg leave to lay before the public what has appeared to be a true state of facts, respecting the encreased price of tea. Upon the strictest search and enquiry among the principal importers and dealers in that commodity, it is found that there is but a small quantity of tea in the city, by the best computation, not more than 25 chests, which chiefly lay in the hands of the retailers and shopkeepers, who being apprized of the scarcity of that commodity, engrossed it, and not advertising to the dangerous tendency of advancing the price at this time, inconsiderately fell into that mistake; but in justice to those shopkeepers and retailers, the committee inform the public that upon representing to them the pernicious consequences of such a procedure at this time, and the great dissatisfaction it has occasioned among their fellow citizens, they readily and unanimously complied with the advice and request of the said committee, not to ask more than 6s. or at most 6s. 6d. per pound, for what tea they have to sell, and to retail it in small quantities only, so as to accommodate every one as much as possible, and prevent its being farther engrossed at an advanced price. As the above enquiry has been directed and made by the committee, in order to give satisfaction to their fellow citizens, and particularly the tradesmen and mechanics, who may be supposed to be most affected by the high price of this article, it is hoped that, laying aside all prejudice and suspicion (if any have been entertained) they will cheerfully and unanimously concur in the noble opposition now formed against the introduction of tea in this province, while subject to a tax, imposed by the British parliament. And as there may be some persons who have not come within the notice of this enquiry, and others, who forgetting the duty they owe their country, may attempt to enhance the price of tea beyond what has been agreed to by such as have been called upon: This committee do most earnestly

request that if any importer of tea shall ask such a price for it as not to allow a reasonable profit to the retailer at the price of 6s. or 6s. 6d. per pound, that notice thereof may be given to the committee at the coffeehouse. And if any shopkeeper or retailer of tea shall demand more than 6s. 6d. per pound, and at the like rate for any lesser quantity, the committee do also beg that the like notice may be given, in order that the names of such persons may be communicated to the public, and such farther steps be taken as may be necessary for the safety and essential interests of our country.
Extract of a letter from Boston, dated November 25.
"I have been often in company with the most active and popular men, and sometimes with a few of the unpopular men. I am confident that I am not mistaken concerning the determination of the people of Boston. Think of it as you please, they are absolutely determined to draw blood, if it is necessary. It is strange, though some of their merchants have imported a good deal of tea, since the non-importation, the people should now rise up like one man, to oppose the India company's emulsion; but the facts are, of the whole quantity of tea imported here, last year for instance (for I have an opportunity of examining the particulars) three fourths by Messrs. Hutchinson, Clark, and Lloyd, all violent tories. The quantity imported is also exaggerated in Draper's paper, and the number of importers trebled and more. Thus Mr. Clark and son imported in six different vessels, whence they are set down for six different importers; but the great clue, by which you may solve the present zeal of the Bostonians, is the happy circumstance of their fellow colonists being embarked in the same cause. They say that providence has interfered, to lend this occasion of uniting the colonies, and if they have hitherto been tardy, they are now resolved to wipe off the score. There is but one regiment here, and that in the castle. There are three or four ships of war in the harbour, and the admiral has for some days given out that he is determined not to interfere in the matter, as it is purely a mercantile affair, nor do the people care whether he does or not, for they know he might as well hang himself, as burn the town. Four or five committees come in every day to consult with the leading men of the town, and concert the necessary measures. There were 13 or 1400 names some days ago to a paper in this town, obligating themselves to destroy the tea, or be destroyed in the attempt, in case it should come on shore. The whole town and neighbourhood are arming themselves. The tea commissioners never lodge in town. Yesterday they offered to surrender their commissions, and suffer the tea to be stored under the care of the town, till they should hear from home; but that offer is rejected with contempt. They are expressly told that unless they send the tea back to London, they must look to the safety of their own lives."
Extract of a letter from Boston, dated November 29.
"Hall and Bruce arrived on Saturday evening, with each an hundred and odd chests of the detested tea; what will be done with it I cannot say; but I tremble for the consequences, should the consignees not consent to re-ship it. They have softened down so far as to offer it to the care of the council or the town, till such time as they hear from their friends in England; but I am persuaded, from the present disposition of the people, that no alternative will do, than to have it immediately sent back to London. The bells are now ringing for a general muster; a third tea vessel is arrived in Nantasket road, 5 miles from Boston."
We hear from the West Indies that the lands taken from the Charibs at St. Vincent are to be divided among the officers who served in that expedition, and that General Monckton is to have 10,000 acres to his share, and a captain, lieutenant, &c. 100 acres each; by which righteous division the justice of the British administration is made to stare every one in the face so glaringly that even a blind man cannot help seeing it.
A number of towns in the Massachusetts Bay have lately held town meetings, and nobly resolved to assist the town of Boston in any measures to prevent the importation of that bane to America, that poison to health, the East India company's tea; and last week the post met numbers of men marching from the country towns into Boston, to join in the same glorious cause.
WILLIAMSBURG, December 30.
The Dunmore, Maxwell, from Madeira, is arrived in James river.
Last Monday being the anniversary of St. John the Evangelist, the antient and honourable fraternity of FREE AND ACCEPTED MASON s celebrated it in the following manner: About ten in the forenoon they repaired to the Lodge in this city, from whence, after staying some time, they proceeded to church, each brother walking in his proper rank, agreeable to his advancement in the royal art, where the Reverend Mr. Andrews, one of the brethren, favoured them, and a considerable number of the respectable inhabitants of this city, with a most excellent sermon, adapted to all ranks of people, and to every society. After the service was ended, they returned to the Lodge, in the same order, where they dined, and in the evening gave a very elegant ball to the ladies.
Died, the 28th ult. Mrs. ANNE MAYO, relict of Colonel William Mayo, in the 73d year of her age; she was a lady of exemplary piety and charity. And this day died, in the 38th year of his age, after a painful and lingering illness, Mr. JOHN CAMP; a Gentleman esteemed by all who knew him.
Lamentable Power! my ardent prayers receive, And health and joy to all my readers give: May future years be happier than the past, And each NEW YEAR still happier than the last; With blessings crown the land where freedom reigns, Her vintage blest, let plenty deck her plains. These favours may VIRGINIA'S SONS enjoy, And no dread faction e'er their peace destroy.
I shall ever feel a very sensible concern at being obliged to enter into altercation of any nature whatsoever; but the severe reprimand I received in Messieurs Purdie & Dixon's last paper, from AN ATTENTIVE OBSERVER, makes it absolutely necessary to say something in my own vindication. The motto of this paper has hitherto been, and ever shall be, strictly attended to; but, as the OBSERVER very justly remarks, "that the press should not be made a vehicle for the conveyance of slander," so neither can it be justifiable to publish, indiscriminately, every piece that may be offered. The one which I am accused of suppressing contains a detail of facts of a very interesting nature, which relate to individuals only. The affair is certainly cognizable in a court of law, where it must be more fully determined in the injured party's favour than by any publication in a newspaper; besides, as I am in some measure amenable to the public for what appears in my Gazette, I cannot think myself authorized to publish an anonymous piece, which, notwithstanding its me it, points at private characters, and will probably give a mortal stab to the peace of some respectable persons, who are nearly, and perhaps very tenderly connected, with the aggressor and the aggrieved. When the author gives up his name, it shall, however repugnant to my inclination, have a place in this paper, as the principles upon which I set out will then, I flatter myself, plead my excuse with every party. In the mean time, I am thankful for the friendly hint the ATTENTIVE OBSERVER has given me, and will endeavour to profit by it; though I am not conscious of having deviated from that spirit of freedom which I shall always think it my duty to maintain.
CLEMENTINA RIND.
WILLIAMSBURG, December 23, 1773. IN pursuance of an act of the General Assembly, we this day repaired to the public treasury, and having examined the Treasurer's accounts of the different receipts and payments since the last settlement, and compared them with their proper vouchers, find they are fairly and justly stated. The balance of the public account now in the Treasurer's hands we find to be £.8308 2 11 3. Of the old treasury notes, we have burnt and destroyed £.8652 3 3. Of those issued in 1769, the sum of £.1500; and of those issued in 1771, the sum of £.4536. The Treasurer produced to us the several balances still due to the public, and they remain in his hands, to be accounted for at a future day.
LEWIS BURWELL, JOHN RANDOLPH, JOHN BLAIR, BEN: WALLER.
AS I intend to leave this colony some time in January next, it is earnestly requested that those who may have any demands against my father's estate will produce their accounts to the commissioners appointed by the court of Orange to settle them, on or before the 15th of January next. No claims whatever can be attended to after that time.
JAMES MARSHALL.
To be SOLD, at Charles City courthouse, on Wednesday the 5th day of January next, SEVERAL likely Virginia NEGROES, belonging to the estate of Richard Ridlehurst, deceased. The purchasers will have three months credit, on giving bond and security to
The EXECUTORS.
TAKEN up, in Orange, on Swift Run, a small bay mare, with a small bell on, has a small star in her forehead, is docked, and branded on the near flounder, and an underkeel in the right ear; she trots and gallops. Possed, and appraised to 6l.
JEREMIAH HANE.
WILLIAMSBURG, December 16, 1773. AS the partnership of Allan and Turner is now dissolved by the decease of the former, all persons indebted to them are requested to pay off their respective accounts between this and the April court, as the surviving partner has then several large sums to make up. Those who have any demands against them will be paid by applying to the subscriber. The business will be carried on to the usual extent, and GOODS sold at the same low prices as formerly.
JOHN TURNER.
TO BE SOLD, ABOUT fourteen thousand acres of exceeding good LAND in the county of Pittsylvania. For terms apply to Mr. Hugh Rose, of Amherst, who will treat with any person inclined to purchase, and be empowered to make a legal title.
THOMAS LOMAX.
TAKEN up, in New Kent, a black roan horse, about 12 years old, branded on the near shoulder and buttock C, and has a nick in each ear. Possed, and appraised to 8l.
CHARLES WORD
JUST arrived, the Success's Increase, Capt. Curtis, with about eighty choice, healthy SERVANTS, among whom are many tradesmen, namely, shoemakers, weavers, carpenters, black and white smiths, tailors, a sailmaker, a tanner, a glazier and painter, a bricklayer, a brassfounder, a turner, an upholsterer, hairdressers, surgeons and apothecaries, schoolmasters, and bookbinders, with many farmers, labourers, &c. &c. The sale will commence at Leeds Town on Monday the 3d of January, and continue till all are sold. A reasonable credit will be allowed, on giving bond, with approved security, to
JAMES MILLS and company.
** TOBACCO will be taken in payment for the above.
To be SOLD on Monday the 3d of January, at my store in Blandford,
ALL the GOODS remaining on hand in the said store, amounting to about 900l. sterling, which will be put up in small lots to suit the purchasers. Three months credit will be allowed, on giving bond and good security. Tobacco, wheat, or corn, will be taken in payment of the bonds when due, at the cash market price. The debtors to the store are once more desired to settle and discharge their balances, as I cannot grant farther indulgence.
JOHN BLAND.
WILLIAMSBURG, December 9, 1773. THE bonds due to the estate of George Christopher White, late of Amelia county, deceased, being all assigned over to us, and most of them having been due a considerable time, it is expected that speedy payment will be made, to prevent the disagreeable necessity of bringing suits.
BALFOUR AND BARRAUD.
IN pursuance of a decree of the county court of Elizabeth City, will be sold, at John Casey's, on Saltford's creek, in the said county, on Tuesday the 11th of January, the tract of LAND whereon the said Casey now lives, containing 62 acres, more or less, on which is a good dwellinghouse, and some convenient outhouses, lying about five miles from Hampton, and convenient for fishing, fowling, &c. Likewise 2 Negro men, 12 head of cattle, 2 oxen, 1 cart and wheels, 20 head of sheep, 2 horses and 1 mare, to satisfy a mortgage made by the said Casey to William Wetwood, deceased. Twelve months credit will be allowed the purchasers, on giving bond, with approved security, to the executors of the said Wetwood; the bonds to carry interest from the day of sale.
2
The SHERIFF.
WILLIAMSBURG, December 20, 1773. ON the first day of January next will be SOLD, to the highest bidder, at public auction, at the plantation of Doctor James Blair, deceased, in the forks of Hanover county, one moiety of the said James's personal estate at that place, consisting of cattle, hogs, plantation utensils, &c. &c. At the same time and place will be rented, to the highest bidder, all my dower in the said Mr. Blair's lands and slaves; among the slaves there are six workers. Also, on Tuesday the fourth of January next, will be sold, at public auction, at the plantation of the said James Blair, at Chickahominy, in New Kent, one moiety of all the said James's personal estate at that place, consisting of cattle, hogs, plantation utensils, &c. &c. And at the same time and place will be rented, to the best bidder, all my dower in the said Mr. Blair's lands and slaves; among the slaves there are five workers.
C. BLAIR.
** I have also a handy cook fellow to hire.
To be SOLD, on Tuesday the 4th of January next, if fair, otherwise next fair day, at Samuel Watson's plantation, in Amherst county, about five miles from Penn's ordinary,
EIGHTY choice SLAVES, consisting of men, women, and children, most of whom are Virginia born, a large quantity of CORN and FODDER, sixty or seventy head of CATTLE, some PLOW HORSES, MARES and COLTS, and many PLANTATION UTENSILS. Credit will be allowed until the first day of April, 1775; but if payment is not made then the bonds to carry five per cent. interest from the day of sale. Bond and approved security to be given to Messrs. William Cabell, James Allen, John Hawkins, and William Womack, who are empowered to conduct the sale. Six per cent. interest will be allowed for ready money, and also for some merchants notes, after they have accepted orders drawn on them. At the same time and place will be rented, if not before sold, several valuable PLANTATIONS, in fine order for cropping, sufficient to work 30 hands, with all necessary houses. Some of the SLAVES will be sold for ready money.
6
CARTER BRAXTON.
THURSDAY, December 4, 1766. ORDERED, 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 Titheables in their Counties, containing the Names of such Titheables; 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. GEORGE WYTHE, C. H. B.

THE subscribers have, at the stores kept by them respectively, at Falmouth and Boyd's Hole, for Mr. John Bland, of London, about 4000 l. worth of EUROPEAN GOODS; which they will sell very cheap for ready money, or short credit, or will barter them for tobacco, corn, wheat, rum, &c. The debtors to those stores are hereby required to make immediate payment, as we are forbid to grant farther indulgence to any of them.
DAVID BRIGGS, ANDREW GRANT.
At a GENERAL COURT, held at the CAPITOL
November 6, 1773.
James Campbell, Archibald Campbell, James Parker, William Atchison, Thomas Newton, executors, &c. of Robert Tucker, deceased, and John Hunter, plaintiffs, against Thomas Willison, Alexander M'Swain, and Archibald Ritchie, defendants,
THE defendants Willison and M'Swain being beyond sea, on the motion of the plaintiffs by their counsel, it is ordered, that the other defendant, who hath effects of the said Willison and M'Swain in his hands, as is suggested, do not pay, convey away, or secrete such effects, until the further order or decree of this court concerning the same; that the said defendants, Willison and M'Swain, do appear here on the first day of the next court, to answer the plaintiffs bill, and that a copy of this order be, within 15 days, inserted in the Virginia Gazette for two months successively, and published on some Lord's day, immediately after divine service, in the church of the parish of St. Anne, in the county of Essex, and be also posted up at the front door of the Capitol, in the city of Williamsburg. BEN: WALLER.
For SALE,
A TRACT of LAND in Goochland, containing, by an old survey, 510 acres, lying on the waters of Geneto and Beavardam, the soil very good, and its situation convenient, it being within twenty two miles of Richmond, and within half a mile of a merchant mill, where a ready market may be had for wheat, which this land produces as fine as any in the colony, and is on the river road from Richmond to Augulta; ready money may thereby be always had for corn, fodder, &c. There are about 70 acres cleared, and in good order for cropping; likewise houses suitable for an overseer and Negroes, and a small orchard. There are also a few acres of meadow land, which might be improved at a small expence. Twelve months credit will be allowed for one half the purchase money, and two years for the other half, if required. Apply to the subscriber, at Fourmile creek, JOHN PLEASANTS.
For SALE,
SEVERAL valuable tracts of LAND, adjoining each other, or 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 good natured, 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.
THERE is now remaining in JOHN BOLING's warehouses the following TOBACCO, which has been inspected upwards of three years.
  No. gross tare nett   753 1462 121 1341 Richard Whitton's note.   1245 1077 150 927 Bartholomew Zachary's note.   h508 1185 114 1071 Robert Mann's note.   925 1095 149 946 Rich. Booker's note to J. T.   1110 1164 116 1048 Thomas Hudson's note.   1414 1240 125 1115 Willes Well's note.   1404 1130 130 1000 Charles Cooke's note.   1405 1230 140 1090 Charles Cooke's note. 
WARWICK, December 11, 1773. WHEREAS inspectors notes for the following list of tobacco were stolen from the subscriber last Monday night, in Williamsburg, the public is hereby forewarned from purchasing any of the said notes; duplicates being granted, and sworn certificates lodged, with the several inspectors. Of the last inspection at Cedar Point warehouse, No. 1713; at Davis's, 1416; at Bolingbroke, 2602; at Boyd's, 2149. Of the present inspection, at Cedar Point, 227, 228, 229, 249, 250, 251; at John Bolling's, 147, 148, 296, 356, 529; at Bolingbroke, 171, 292, 734; at Blandford, 102, 106; at Robert Bolling's, 268, 269; at Boyd's, 493; at Davis's, 380, 381; and at Shockoe's, A. L. 1, Ayres Layne. JOHN LEITCH.
VIRGINIA, &c. At a GENERAL COURT, held at the Capitol October 23, 1773.
William Goosley, plaintiff, against Mess. Perkins, Buchanan, and Brown, of London, merchants, Thomas Adams, Sampson Matthews, and George Matthews, Patrick Coutts, Amos and James Ladd, William Acrill, Ryland Randolph, Major Wilcox and company, Thomas Stewart, James Watt, Meriwether Smith, William Smith, Carter Braxton, Corbin Griffin, Samuel Griffin, and William Griffin, defendants,
THE defendants Perkins, Buchanan, and Brown, being beyond sea, on the motion of the plaintiff by his counsel, it is ordered that the other defendants, who have effects of the said Perkins, Buchanan, and Brown, in their hands, as is suggested, do not pay, convey away, or secrete, such effects, until the further order or decree of this court concerning the same; that the said defendants, Perkins, Buchanan, and Brown, do appear here on the first day of the next court, to answer the plaintiff's bill, and that a copy of this order be, within fifteen days, inserted in the Virginia gazette, for two months successively, and published on some Lord's day, immediately after divine service, in the church of the parish of Henrico, in the county of Henrico, and be also posted up at the front door of the Capitol, in the city of Williamsburg. BEN: WALLER.
For SALE,
THE public STOREHOUSE in that part of the town of Richmond called Shockoes, 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 fame, 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.
To be SOLD and entered upon immediately, A TRACT of LAND containing 1300 acres, more or less, on Piaquetank river, in Gloucester county. It is needless to be particular about it as it is the same I advertised last year and then gave a full account of it, since then I sold it to John Attway Clarke, of Maryland, but as he refuses to take it, necessity obliges me once more to offer it to the public. Any person inclinable to purchase may know the terms by applying to me in Middlesex. I want part of the money at the meeting of the merchants, and for the remainder I will give reasonable credit. tf AUGUSTINE SMITH.
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.
RUN away from the subscribers, in Fredericksburg, on the 22d of November, two servant men; the one a barber, named John Cockle, an Englishman, about five feet seven inches high, had on a chocolate coloured coat and jacket, blue cloth breeches, and a small fashionable hat; he wore his own short brown hair curled, speaks thick, and stoops a little in the shoulders. The other is a tailor, named John Driver, calls himself an Englishman, but has the Irish accent, about 5 feet 5 or 6 inches high, with short bushy hair, had on a blue coat, red striped gingham jacket, and wilton breeches. Whoever takes up said servants, and delivers them to us, in Fredericksburg, shall have five pounds reward, or in proportion for either of them. JOHN ATKINSON, JAMES NEWTON.
CHESTERFIELD, November 19, 1773. WHEREAS the partnership of Wright, Fowler, and company, was dissolved the first of October last, it is requested of all persons indebted to the said concern immediately to discharge their balances, as the situation of the concern will admit of no indulgence. Those who are unable, are desired to settle, and grant bond, with security, if required. The GOODS on hand will be sold on Thursday the 16th of December next, altogether, or in parcels, as may best suit the purchasers. The credit will be agreed on at the day of sale. Bond, with security, will be required. WILLIAM FOWLER.
FOR SALE, AT OUR STORE IN NORFOLK, OZNABRIGS, faddlery, low priced hats, and checks in assorted packages, Cadiz salt, Barbados and Grenada rum, Barbados spirit, choice Lisbon wine in quarter casks, Madeira wine in pipes, hogheads, and quarter casks, of sterling, New York, and Virginia quality; also coffee, ginger, pimento, Muscovado sugar, logwood, earthen ware, and European made cordage.
GREENWOOD, RITSON, and MARSH. * * * Our brig BETSEY, Capt. Solomon Edey, will sail for Madeira in fourteen days, and return directly to Norfolk: Any of our friends, or those connected with the house of Mess. Lamar, Hill, Biffett, and company, will oblige us by their orders for wines by her. NORFOLK, November 20, 1773.
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 it are rich low ground and meadow land. It lies within 4 miles of two merchant mills, and about 10 miles of two other merchant mills in Loudoun, 30 miles from Colchester, Alexandria, and Dumfries. If any person or persons incline to purchase the whole, or any part of the said lands, they may be shewn them, and know the terms, by applying to Capt. Francis Peyton, in Loudoun county, who has full power to treat for the same, or to the subscriber. It may be laid off in lots of two, three, or four hundred acres (as may best suit the purchasers) with an equal quantity of low ground and meadow land to each lot. ROBERT BURWELL.
COMMITTED to the gaol of New Kent county the third of this instant (December) a runaway Negro man, who says his name is TOM, and that he belongs to Mrs. Dorothy Jones of Amelia county. The said Negro is about 5 feet 6 inches high, of a yellowish complexion, and much the appearance of an Indian, has lost one of his fore teeth, and has a large scar on his left arm, and also on his left ankle and foot, his hair is rather more of the Indian kind than that of a Negro; had on a Russia sheeting coat and breeches; a red cloth jacket much wore, and a white linen shirt. The owner is desired to prove her property, pay charges, and take him away. JOSIAH HOLT, D. S.
TAKEN up, in King George, a grey mare, paces naturally, branded on the near shoulder L, and on the near buttock W. Posted, and appraised to 4l. ROBERT MACKEE.
TAKEN up, in Bedford, a dark bay mare, about 12 hands and a half high, has a small bell on marked T. I. C. branded on the near shoulder with something like a woman's stirrup iron, and is about 9 years old. Posted, and appraised to 3l. ROBERT COWAN.
TAKEN up, in Charlotte, a middle sized black mare, about 15 years old, branded on each shoulder D, has one remarkable saddle spot, and is lately shod before. Posted, and appraised to 5l. 10s. DOUGLASS WATSON.
TAKEN up, in Orange, at the foot of the Great Mountain, a middle sized mouse coloured mare, about 4 feet 7 or 8 inches high, branded on the near buttock K, appears to be about 11 years old; has on a bell. Posted, and appraised to 10l. JOHN HARVEY.
TAKEN up, in Orange, a brindled pied cow and calf; the points of her horns are cut off; she is marked with a crop, half crop, and slit, in each ear. Posted, and appraised to 2l. 13s. WILLIAM PEACHER.
TAKEN up, in Augulta, a chestnut sorrel mare, 13 hands high, about 13 years old, with a small bell on, branded D S on the off shoulder, has a small star, and paces naturally. Posted, and appraised to 5l. 10s. JONATHAN WATTERS.
TAKEN up, in Spotsylvania, a red steer, 5 years old, marked with a crop and slit in each ear. Posted, and appraised to 3l. 10s. ABRAHAM ESTES, senior.
TAKEN up, in Prince Edward, a dark coloured mare, about 4 feet 6 or 7 inches high, branded on the near shoulder I, and on the near buttock R, paces well, has a hanging mane and switch tail, a blaze face, and has a bell on; she has been scalded for the fistula. Posted, and appraised to 6l. WILLIAM HANSFORD.