The Virginia gazette (Williamsburg [Va.]), 1775-10-21 00:00:00

VIRGINIA
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From LLOYD'S EVENING POST, July 21.
WHATEVER sentiments some men may have concerning the efficacy of the sword, how necessary soever it may seem to some politicians for the security of the government of the state, for my own part, I can never think it a proper method, either to establish religion or dominion in any part of the world. Bayonets are but poor inducements to excite love, and I am sure would sooner procure hatred than esteem.
Private families are petty kingdoms, and, from the economy of them, we may in some measure discover by what arts and contrivances the greater are to be managed. The prejudicial effects of severity how often have we seen in those smaller societies! How often has it driven the persons who have laboured under it to the greatest extremities! Neither is it less fatal in public Administrations than it is in private families. When cruelty reigns in the breasts of sovereign Princes, to what disorders and confusions are kingdoms and empires frequently exposed. All histories, both ancient and modern, abound in very pregnant instances of this nature. Cruel tyranny, and hard oppression, the fear of slavery, and its black retinue, will make a Quaker resist, assume the arm of the flesh, and fight against his own principles to do himself justice.
Oppression undoubtedly is the parent of hatred in the minds of the generality of those who suffer, and hatred is most certainly the mother of rebellion. Princes who delight in blood are seldom permitted to be their own executioners; persons enough are always ready to do them that friendly office: Where hatred is in the heart, virulence is quickly in the mouth, and instruments of death in the hand.
Donatives are more prevalent over generous souls by far than extortions. Countenance and favour can work more than frowns; and pardon, joined with indulgence, can quell more Hydras than any man can easily imagine. Hence we cannot but conclude those counsellors, in all ages and countries whatsoever, to have been no friends to their Princes, who have advised them either to promulgate laws like Draco's, written in blood, or to put them into execution after they had received their promulgation.
The tempers of men are as different as those of children; some of which will be corrected by emollients, when the severest astringents can hardly amend the other. It is not to be disputed but that severity sometimes has its effects, and now and then brings about a reformation; but surely, in the case of our Transatlantic brethren, severity is not the method to reclaim; like the flock from whence they are derived, they may easily be led, but hardly any force will be able to compel them. I cannot help, therefore, being of opinion that the present method taken to reclaim the Americans, and bring them to obedience, is no ways likely to produce the desired effect. A trifling concession on our side would produce a very great one on their's; but perhaps the dignity of the mother country will not stoop to so great a condescension, as they will please to term it.
Examples are more prevalent than precepts; I shall therefore conclude with an old story, and leave your readers to make the application.
Francis Marcio, an eminent statesman of Genoa, having been sent Ambassador from that republic to the Duke of Milan, when he could neither procure audience of leave from the Prince, nor prevail with him to ratify his promises made to the Genoese, taking a fit opportunity, presented a handful of the herb basil to the Duke. The Duke, somewhat surprised, asked what that meant: "Sir (replied the Ambassador) this herb is of a nature, that if you handle it gently, without squeezing, it will emit a pleasant and grateful scent; but, if you squeeze and gripe it, it will become productive of scorpions in a little time."
AN ENGLISHMAN.
PARIS, July 14.
SOME accounts from Rouen mention, that the disturbances about the corn are by no means at an end. A person was arrested at Mantes who had 25 circular letters found upon him which were summonses for a nightly rendezvous to go among the corn in the country, and spoil it in the ear; but the patrols of troops which were sent thither, frustrated the intended villainous scheme. A permission has likewise been granted to the honest citizens and farmers, to fire at any persons whose conduct may raise any suspicions. In the interim three persons have been arrested at Andelvis, and sent to the Bastille; one is an officer in the superior council of Rouen; the other is the director of the post; and the third is not much known. Mr. B—, fiscal of Beaumont, was arrested there, and sent to the Bastille.
July 26. No sooner were the insurrections quelled which were occasioned by the high price of corn, than a new species of villainy broke out. In many places the corn has been cut down through mere malice before it was ripe, and several letters have been dispersed, threatening to set fire to the corn as it stands, unless the price is reduced to one third of what it is at present. Guards are sent into many parishes to prevent the consequences of these threats.
The Assembly of the clergy has voted a free gift to the King of 20,000,000 livres; and a loan of the like sum is negotiating for his Majesty.
The French nobility at Paris are no less jealous of the Scotch, than the English are at London. The command of the military
order of St. Louis, which became vacant by the death of the Chevalier de la Valliere, is just conferred upon Lord Drummond Melford, heretofore Colonel of the regiment of Royal Scots.
CONSTANTINOPLE, June 6. The write from Bassora, that a Persian army is before that place, but without having as yet committed any hostility.
MENTZ, July 9. Letters from Bohemia mention, that tranquillity is far from being restored there. We are even assured that the peasants of thirteen villages have absolutely refused to work for their Lords, and have pulled up and destroyed the corn in the ear. The same discontentment has broke out in Moravia, where the peasants have refused to work at the Corvees, which is the more detrimental to the proprietors of those lands, as the corn only wanted the hands of those peasants to reap it, with every prospect of an abundant harvest.
LONDON, July 22.
WE are informed, that a resolution is actually taking for building forts on all the great rivers in North America to command their navigation, and to keep the inhabitants in awe. The whole mode of government in the colonies is to be also changed; the General Courts being henceforth to meet only on domestic regulations, without the power of taxing their constituents, but only to recommend the best mode of taxation to Parliament, who are to enforce with an act the regulation so recommended by the General Courts.
Extract of a letter from PARIS, July 12.
"The Spaniards now publicly say, that to subdue the Algerines only, they should not want so great an armament, but as the English have at present so numerous an army in America, it is necessary for Spain to be on her guard."
"The squadron fitted out at Brest, under command of Admiral Bougainville, has at last received orders to join the Spanish fleet, and the Duke de Chartres set out from Versailles on the 6th instant in order to embark on board the said squadron for Spain, where he is to have an important charge in the army."
"The Parliament have ordered two most dangerous libels, Catechisme du Citoyen , and l'Ami des Loix , to be burned. These two pamphlets set forth, that, as the prerogative of the French King should be limited by the assemblies of the people only, of which they are deprived, it would therefore be a most exalted virtue in every French subject to take up arms against the King in defence of their rights and liberty."
At a meeting of the Livery of London, in Common Hall assembled, on Saturday the 24th of June, 1775:
Resolved, That the thanks of the Lord Mayor, Aldermen and Livery in Common Hall assembled, be given to the Right Honourable the Earl of Effingham, for having, consistent with the principles of a true Englishman, refused to draw that sword against the lives and liberties of his fellow subjects in America, which has hitherto been employed to the honour of his country.
Lord Effingham's letter to Mr. Rix.
SIR,
"I take the first opportunity of acknowledging the receipt of your letter of the 27th ult. enclosing a resolution of the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Livery of London in Common Hall assembled."
"I beg leave by your means to express to that respectable body how deeply I am penetrated with a sense of the honour done me by their having approved of my conduct."
"The independence and love of liberty, which have always so remarkably distinguished the city of London, are the cause that their approbation must be esteemed by every real friend to our happy constitution as the noblest compensation he can receive for any sacrifice he makes to the observance of its principles."
"I am, with great truth and regard,
Sir, your most obedient humble servant,
The Holmes, July 2, 1775.
EFFINGHAM."
"William Rix, Esq;
There is at present such an universal stagnation of trade, that there are no less than 200 merchantmen in the river, bound to different ports, which cannot obtain freight.
July 25. It was reported upon Change yesterday, that a large Dutch ship from Amsterdam, loaded with arms and ammunition, and another from Rotterdam with the like cargo, both bound to St. Eustatia, are taken within five leagues of the above place, by an English man of war, who was cruising there, in order to intercept any vessels with arms, &c. as it is by that means the Americans are supplied.
It is again repeated with great confidence in the neighbourhood of St. James's, that General Gage has positively insisted on his recall from Boston, and, upon any farther refusal, is resolved to demand his dismissal from the army.
It is now confidently asserted, that Lord North insists upon his Majesty's permission to resign, but offers to give every substantial assistance in his power, as much as if he had still continued in office.
Extract of a letter from AMSTERDAM, July 20.
"A letter from Marceilles, dated July 6, brings advice, that a ship is arrived there which sailed from Algiers the 27th of June, which had on board the wives and children of the French, English, Dutch, and Swedish Consuls. The commander of this vessel declared, that the day before his departure there appeared before that port a Spanish ship of war and a frigate, which continued at a small distance; that the Dey had received several expresses from different parts to inform him of the grand Spanish armament, and was accordingly making the greatest efforts, to defend himself. The Dey had an army of 140,000 men, with 3000 pieces of cannon mounted; but that he could not muster
more than eight cannoniers to manage this formidable armament, and that the troops in general were very indifferent disciplined." The letter concludes, "that there were great disagreements in the city; that the Dey's life was thought to be in danger; and on the whole every person was in the utmost consternation."
July 27. Recruits are now raising in different parts of England, for completing the different regiments to their full complement of men.
It is said three additional Colonels of marines, three additional Lieutenants, and six Majors, will be soon made, and that that body of men are to be augmented to their full establishment with all expedition.
Yesterday an order was sent for preparing a large quantity of powder, balls, bombs, and shells, for the use of his Majesty's garrison at Boston.
The same day some despatches were sent to the commissioners at Portsmouth and Plymouth yards, for several more men of war to be fitted out for immediate service.
The Cerberus man of war, which is arrived at Portsmouth from Boston, brought near 3000 letters, which were yesterday delivered out at the general post office.
We are informed that the Parliament will meet early in November for the despatch of business.
The Earl of Dartmouth, and the Lords Barrington and North, had the honour of a private conference with his Majesty yesterday, before they laid their business before him.
The accounts brought over from Georgia are to be laid before his Majesty in Council to-morrow.
Advice is received in town of an engagement between the Spanish fleet and the Emperor of Morocco's, reinforced by other Barbary States, wherein several of the Spanish men of war were sunk, amongst which was the Spanish Admiral's ship. It said the Moors obtained a complete victory, and that with a savage brutality peculiar to those infidels, they massacred numbers of the Spaniards in cool blood.
Among Captain Cook's discoveries, it is said, he has found an island in the South Seas. It is 160 miles long, and 146 broad. The climate delightful, and the soil of the most luxuriant fertility. Sugar canes, cocoa trees, cinnamon, and nutmegs, among the spontaneous growth. The natives are not numerous, and of a mild and civilized disposition; from the Captain's account of it, it is thought the most eligible place for establishing a settlement, of any yet discovered.
Yesterday some despatches were sent to the Commissioners of Portsmouth and Plymouth yards, for several more men of war to be fitted out for immediate service.
A correspondent says, that nothing can be more melancholy, than to read that General Howe is directing the slaughter of those very people who erected a monument to his brother, in Westminster Abbey.
Many people have wondered that the American feuds have not effected the stocks; they will not be surprised any longer when they are told, that it hath cost Government 1000l. a day the last six weeks to keep them on a par.
The Cerberus man of war, Capt. Chadds, is ordered to be docked and got ready to carry over some despatches to General Gage.
Notwithstanding all the pains taken by the hirelings of Government to blacken the Americans, it does not appear even from the partial account in the gazette of the action of the 17th of June, that they were either cruel, unskilful, or cowardly. They fought it out bravely to the last, carried of their dead, nay, buried them in spite of their enemies utmost efforts. They have killed and disabled above a thousand of the King's troops, who have gained a dear bought victory by their own confession. For what have they done? By the help of their artillery, and the assistance of the men of war, they have been enabled to dislodge the provincials from a post, which in all probability they have regained by this time. The enemies of Administration cannot with them a greater misfortune than such another victory.
The Lords of the bedchamber, and other great leaders of the nation, are still of opinion, and assert as roundly as ever, that the Americans will not fight. Lord Bute entertains a few doubts on this head; his son in law, Lord Percy, a great many. Time will show whether our countrymen, as is said of the English bull dog, lose their courage by the change of the climate.
Yesterday at the West End of the town an immediate change of Administration was much talked of; but whether the Bedford party is to be only strengthened by the Shelburnites, or an entire new arrangement is to take place, is not said.
Extract of a letter from CHATHAM, July 26.
"His Majesty's ship Centurion, of 50 guns, Roebuck, of 44 guns, and Liverpool of 28 guns, now commissioned for America, are ordered to be sheathed as soon as possible."
July 28. Major Pitcairn of the marines, who was killed in the late action in America, has left seven children. Four balls were lodged in his body, and he was taken off the field upon his son's shoulders.
The Americans load their rifle-barrel guns with a ball slit in four quarters, which, when fired out of those guns, breaks into four pieces, and generally does great execution.
The provincials fight in regiments, which are faced with blue, green, and orange colour. General Putnam's regiments are faced with orange colour, and in his hat he wears an orange coloured feather and cockade.
July 29. The account of the late action between the Americans and the troops of General Gage, is one of the most evasive and unsatisfactory that was ever yet obtruded on the public, even through the channel of a ministerial paper; and yet it is every way worthy of the victory which it effects to describe. The General

sent out "something above 2000 men," of whom something above half (i. e. 1053) are either killed or wounded. The General, however, takes care not to mention how many hours were employed in the prosecution of this hopeful business, but nevertheless pretends to tell us that great numbers of the enemy were destroyed; and seems to have employed his soldiers in digging up such as were buried in holes, that he might have the power to ascertain the value of his conquest. With all the vanity of a military man he praises the conduct of the officers under his command; but prudently omits to say whether any such advantage has been gained, as may make up for the loss of "one Lieutenant Colonel, two Majors, seven Captains, nine Lieutenants, fifteen Serjeants, one Drummer, one hundred and ninety one rank and file, KILLED, and three Majors, twenty seven Captains, thirty two Lieutenants, eight Ensigns, forty Serjeants, twelve Drummers and seven hundred and six rank and file wounded," and unfit for service.
In short, if every time the General sends out his brace of thousands, the one half of them should either drop, or be rendered useless, we shall soon see an end to the war in America, but yet it cannot be expected to terminate in our own favour.
The Ministry received this account several days before it was announced, but were either unwilling or unable to cook it up for the public, till after their despatches had been sent away. The printer may rely on this assurance from one whose private letters will always reach him unexamined and uncastrated by the spies of Government. General Gage is but too well convinced that such another victory would oblige him to re-embark his troops and sail immediately for England, without attempting any farther reduction of the Americans.
The Captain who brought these despatches from Boston, was commanded to declare he had great news of the defeat of the Americans, though he had assured many people in the towns through which he passed on his way to London, that he was afraid the accounts he brought would throw the whole nation into disorder, and direct its vengeance on the advisers of hostile measures in America.
The ministerial hirelings are now running about from printer to printer, to apprise them of their danger, if they continue to controvert or ridicule the accounts given in the London gazettes. This is all done too under the pretence of kindness, but is in reality the dermier resort of a set of men frighted out of their wits by the victory which they have gained in America. It is well known that the people in general are at the expence of the armament, and therefore they will not only persist in their right to be acquainted with its success, but will likewise proceed to expose and laugh at all such mutilated letters from General Gage, as from time to time may be laid before them by authority from the Privy Council.
The friends of the Ministry pretend to be in high spirits on account of General Howe's victory, as they call it, but Lord Dartmouth begs leave to differ from them in opinion.
When the news of the Roman legions being slaughtered by the Germans, reached the ears of the Emperor Augustus, he shed tears, and appeared for a considerable time like a frantic man. What must our gracious Sovereign feel when told of the bloody slaughter in America of Englishmen by Englishmen? How must he detest those who advised such pernicious counsels? And with what contempt must he look upon those wretches who assured him that the Americans were all cowards, and would run away from the light of a soldier?
By several letters in town from Boston, which were brought by the Cerberus man of war, but did not come to hand till yesterday, we learn, that it was impossible for one quarter of the officers, &c. who were wounded in the engagement of the 17th last, to survive.
Within these few days several large pieces of cannon have been placed on Tower Wharf, which it is imagined are to be shipped off for America by some of the first ships that sail.
Extract of a letter from PORTSMOUTH, July 28. "We hear that orders are come down for all the marines at this port to hold themselves in readiness to embark for America on the shortest notice."
We are assured that the two grand advisers, with their whole train of dependents, sustained by the Bloomsbury gang, are determined to play deep , to stake all upon one throw: Neck or nothing is the word. The Lords North and Dartmouth are only to remain till proper persons are pitched upon to succeed them.
July 31. A private letter from Boston says. "No words can describe the dreadful scene of misery of that unhappy town. The shrieks of the women, the cries of the children, the dying groans of the wounded, and the want of provisions, would extort a tear from even the eye of Nero."
The government contractors have received orders to furnish winter camp clothing and utensils for 10,000 men, which are to be shipped off immediately.
It is whispered, that if any Hanoverian regiments are ordered to America; the King of Prussia will certainly march an army of Prussians into Hanover.
August 1. On Saturday some despatches were brought to Lord Dartmouth's office, from Sir James Wright, Governor of Georgia.
The same night despatches were brought to the same office from General Gage at Boston, which were early yesterday morning sent to his Majesty at Kew.
Extract of a letter from PORTSMOUTH, July 28. "A small ship came to Spithead last night. When the custom-house boat was going on board, the Captain of the ship told them he would fire on them if they did not keep off. A boat then went off from the Admiral's ship, but they would not let the officer go on board. The Captain and one Gentleman came on shore, and went in a postchaise and four for London."
This morning a fresh draught of men was made on the parade from the 3d regiment of foot, to embark immediately to reinforce General Gage's army in America.
Yesterday Lady Dunmore and her five children arrived in town from Virginia.
Extract of a letter from CHATHAM, July 31. "The chief topic in this town for several days past has been concerning the death of the unfortunate Major Pitcairn, who died of his wounds in the late engagement in America. He was late Major of his Majesty's division of marines at this place. He was a Gentleman of a universal good character, and beloved by his officers and men, and much esteemed by all ranks of people here for his affability and genteel address. He was a tender husband, and an affectionate father. On the news being brought to his Lady last Thursday evening, she immediately dropped down, and for several hours it was thought she was dead; she has not spoke since, and her life is not expected; their mutual happiness was beyond conception. The unfortunate Lady's character is no ways deficient to that of the Major."
Advice is just received, that on the arrival of the Sisters, Capt. O'Neal, of Bristol, from Dominica, a chest, containing upwards of 2000 l. in Portugal gold, being attempted to be landed, fell overboard, and was lost in ten fathom water. The money was the property of some merchants at Bristol, but was insured.
Upwards of sixty sail of ships, from the West Indies and other parts, have arrived in the river since last Saturday.
The free Indians in South America will gladly join in a league offensive and defensive with the colonies against the Spanish government.
August 2. A morning paper says, we are well assured from good authority, that an entry was yesterday made at the custom-house of 2000 coffins, intended to be shipped for Boston.
A squadron of men of war, with transports, are ordered to be fitted out immediately, on board of which eight regiments are to be embarked, with a proportionate train of artillery.
Letters from Quebec, by the Elliot, Capt. Squires, arrived at Milford, give an account, that all is in confusion there; that the Governor is greatly disappointed in his intention of raising a body of militia, to go to the assistance of General Gage; for they declared they were willing to defend their own territories, but would never be aiding and assisting Government to carry into execution their oppressive and arbitrary laws against America.
Monday orders were given for five more regiments to be got ready with all expedition, in order to embark for Boston.
Monday night an express was sent off to Ireland, with orders to hold themselves in readiness against the transports arrive there, who are to carry them over to Boston.
Monday several more ships were taken up in the transport service, to carry provisions, &c. to the troops at Boston.
Yesterday morning four ships that are taken up in the transport service came out of dock, and are ordered to drop down to Deptford, to take on board stores, &c. for the above place.
Orders are given for 400 horses to be sent over, with their provender, to Boston, for the use of the King's troops, and to sail with all expedition.
On Monday an order was sent to the navy office to get read immediately, to put to sea, ten sail of the line; their destination is unknown, but supposed for the American service.
Monday four houses of rendezvous were opened at Rotherhithe for the purpose of enlisting seamen to man the ships now fitting out for America.
Extract of a letter from PORTSMOUTH, July 30.
"Capt. Simmons has taken the command of the Cerberus frigate, in the room of Capt. Chadd, and yesterday 11 Lieutenant Hart, and 2d Lieutenant Bishop, a Serjeant, Corporal, Drum, and thirty five private men of the marines, embarked on board the same ship, in lieu of a like number left at Boston, by Capt. Chadd; and this morning an express arrived at the Admiralty with orders to take two more marine officers on board, to do duty at Boston, one of which, whose turn it is for sea duty, is said not to exceed twelve years of age, and notwithstanding all the solicitations of his friends is obliged to go; and as the frigate is only to be caulked, she is expected to return with despatches for General Gage in a few days."
Orders are given for the Serjeants and Corporals, as well as private men, belonging to the militia, not to be absent out of the county to which they belong in future, without a furlough of leave for that purpose.
This morning forty recruits were sent off from the Savoy, accompanied by a Serjeant's guard, to Portsmouth, where they are to be shipped for America.
This morning two houses of rendezvous were opened in St. Catherine's, and a bounty offered to seamen that would enlist there, to go on board the ships that are ordered for Boston.
Some are of opinion that the five regiments, viz. the 17th, 27th, 28th, 45th, and 55th, the officers of which are ordered immediately to join their regiments in Ireland, are not intended for Boston, but part for South Carolina, and the other for some intermediate port between that and Boston, in order to keep the provincials from sending any assistance to the last-mentioned place.
It is remarkable, there were not so many British officers killed and wounded in the battle of Minden (though the greatest loss of the allied army was amongst the English) as there were at the late battle near Boston, between the King's troops and the provincials, as will appear by the following comparison:
Battle of MINDEN. Battle near BOSTON. KILLED. KILLED. 3 Capt. } 11 Officers 1 L. Col. } 19 Officers 7 Lieut. } killed. 2 Majors. } killed. 1 Ensign. } 7 Capt. } 9 Lieut. } 11 Serjeants, 15 Serjeants, 1 Drummer, 1 Drummer, 269 Rank and File, 191 Rank and File, 292 Total killed. 226 Total killed. WOUNDED. WOUNDED. 3 L. Col. } 66 Officers 3 Majors. } 70 Officers 23 Capt. } wound- 27 Capt. } wound- 28 Lieut. } ed. 32 Lieut. } ed. 12 Ensigns, } 8 Ensigns, } 41 Serjeants, 40 Serjeants, 11 Drummers, 12 Drummers, 919 Rank and File, 706 Rank and File, 1037 Total wounded, 828 Total wounded, 292 Total killed. 226 Total killed. 1329 Tot. kil. & wounded 1054 Tot. kil. & wounded
ST. JAMES'S, August 1. It is his Majesty's pleasure, that all officers belonging to his Majesty's 17th, 27th, 28th, 45th, and 55th regiments of foot, now serving in Ireland, do immediately repair to their respective corps in that kingdom, except such as may be employed in Ireland on the recruiting service.
ROCHFORD. The King has been pleased to appoint Mariot Arbuthnot, Esq; to be one of the commissioners in quality of a principal officer of his Majesty's navy for the naval affairs in America, to reside in Halifax, in Nova Scotia.
NEWBERN, (No. Carolina) Sept. 22.
THIS week will ever be remembered as the most remarkable epocha in the annals of this country, for the discovery of the grand repository and dark depositum of Governor Martin's infernal magazine, which, with cool deliberation, he intended to deal out in missile weapons of death to the good people of this province. In the palace garden, and under a fine bed of cabbages, was discovered and dug up, a barrel containing about three bushels of gunpowder; in the palace cellar was also dug up two quarter casks of the same commodity, the casks quite new, and marked R. B. In the palace garden was also dug up about 1000 weight of musket balls, lately cast, about 500 weight of iron swivel balls, a large quantity of small shot, lead, iron worms for the cannon, with swabs, rammers, artillery boxes, matches, and the whole apparatus for his park of artillery, which he would have certainly mounted at the palace, had not the appearance of the people of the town of Newbern, on his attempting to move the palace guns, driven him from the trenches before he had made them quite tenable. It is said his Excellency, the night before he took his precipitate flight from the palace, buried these engines of death, as they might remain in places of safety, till he, or his creatures, might have an opportunity to use them. The palace cannon, it is said, were spiked up after his Excellency left the palace, by a person who no doubt will be obliged to answer for his conduct. As it is improbable the Governor could procure these deadly weapons without assistance, the committee of this town and county are using their utmost diligence to discover the authors of so black a treachery.
PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 27.
Extract of a letter from NEWPORT (Rhode Island) September 18. TWEEDY's brig arrived here last evening from Boston; the Captain says he left it last Monday; all things tolerably quiet; no talk of any attack on our army; that the Captain of the Nautilus was broke for quitting his station in your river, and
letting the soldiers clothing pass by him; he plead that he was threatened by your gallies; that he did not think it safe to stay there alone, but all did not avail; he is succeeded by Captain Greave, nephew to the Admiral. Perhaps you may have a larger ship, or more than one; they do not seem to like your gallies. There are no more troops come as yet, and they confess we are too strong for them."
Extract of a letter from NEWBERN, in NORTH CAROLINA, dated September 9, 1775.
"We had a violent hurricane the 2d instant, which has done a vast deal of damage here, at the Bar, and at Matamuskeet, near 150 lives being lost at the Bar, and 13 in one neighbourhood at Matamuskeet."
"Our Convention will rise next week. They have agreed to raise 1000 men, to be stationed as follows: 200 at Newbern, 200 at Edenton, 200 at Salisbury, and 400 at Cape Fear. Mr. James Moor and Mr. Robert Howe, of Cape Fear, are appointed Colonels. Thomas Clark, of Hillsborough, and John Patton, of Pamlico, Majors. Dr. White, of Cape Fear, Adjutant."
"There has been a conference held with the Chiefs of the regulators. They have some scruples about the oath administered to them by Governor Tryon; but some of them have signed a test or association, and are now signing, and apprehend no danger from them."
Extract of a letter from the camp at CAMBRIDGE, Sept. 18.
"We have an account from Boston, that they are demolishing the south end of the town, in order to build a fortification from river to river; but we have given over all expectation of their coming out; on the other hand, from several deserters who have come in, we are informed, that they are preparing to build barracks on the Charlestown side, and waiting for reinforcements."
October 9. By an express from Ticonderoga, which arrived here on Friday last, we are informed, that General Montgomery, on the 18th of September, marched with 500 of the forces under his command round St. John's, and had a slight skirmish with a party of regulars, who, after a few shot, retired before him, and that he then sat himself down before St. John's.
There are flying reports that 2000 Canadians had joined General Montgomery, that he had got possession of Montreal, Chamblee and Le Prere, that he had found there a great deal of provision, and taken 14 prisoners, and that they had not 19 days provision in Fort St. John's.
Extract of a letter from a sea Captain in Boston, to his wife in this city, dated September 26.
"I should be glad if you would move into the country, as there are four sail of men of war going to your port, as I am informed, and have got on board materials for destroying the town. There are no signs here of matters being made up."
Extract of a letter from General SCHUYLER, to the Provincial Congress at NEW YORK, dated at TICONDEROGA September 29, 1775.
"I am still confined with the remains of an inveterate disorder. I have this moment received a line from General Montgomery; he holds St. John's besieged. The Canadians are friendly to us, and join us in great numbers. We have taken 15 prisoners, 7 of which are soldiers, and the rest unfriendly Canadians and Scotchmen in the service of the Ministry."
By Capt. Reed, arrived here from London, we have papers to the 8th of August, which gives an account, that a large train of artillery, and 2000 soldiers are embarking for New York, in order to retake Ticonderoga, &c. and that 10,000 Hanoverians are destined for America; that the Parliament would meet sooner than was expected; that the Roman Catholics of Ireland were to be allowed to take up arms in defence of that kingdom; that it was the opinion of the friends of Government, that it was high time the Americans should be subdued.
Tuesday last arrived at New York in 8 weeks from Liverpool, the brig Havannah, Capt. Hamilton, by whom we have English papers to the 7th of August, which, together with letters and other advices by the same vessel give us the following intelligence, viz. That a number of transports had failed for Embden, and several more at Spithead and other ports, were getting ready with all possible expedition for the same place, in order to take in 10,000 Hanoverians, who with several more regiments from England and Ireland, and a regiment of Highlanders from Scotland, under General Murray, were destined to reinforce General Gage's army at Boston; though some supposed that part of the said forces were intended for other parts of America, as we are well informed that the Ministry had it in contemplation to send one or more regiments to Charlestown, in South Carolina, 4000 to Alexandria, in Virginia, some to New York, and other places; but as it is not probable they will send to so many places sufficient numbers to give any probability of success to their designs, it seems most likely that the greatest part of these forces are going to Boston, and that if it is intended that any other place shall be visited, the whole of the remainder are to go there. A strong squadron of men of war are getting ready to convoy these troops to the place of their destination in America. They may be expected in the course of this month, and every exposed place ought to be fully prepared for their reception.
WILLIAMSBURG, October 21.
SOME time last week Lord Dunmore was alarmed with information that 19 pieces of cannon were fitted up, and would be soon placed on the wharves, &c. in Norfolk, to annoy the ships of war, and that a number of men were daily expected from Williamsburg, who were to fire them from behind hogheads filled with sand. Yesterday last night, in consequence of the above intelligence, his Lordship sent ashore a party of soldiers, under command of two officers, who marched through Norfolk to the place where the cannon were, destroyed 17 of them, and carried off two for their own use, without molestation. The above cannon we are confident were never intended for such a purpose; on the contrary, they belonged to sundry private Gentlemen, who had them removed there for safety.
Two companies of regulars are just arrived, viz. Capt. John Fleming's from Henrico, and Capt. Robert Ballard's from Mecklenburg.
We hear from Norfolk, that Capt. Matthews, of the Norfolk minute-men, Mr. William Robinson, and Mr. John Hancock, have been taken prisoners by Lord Dunmore, but for what we cannot learn.
A large sloop from St. Eustatia, mounting 16 six pounders and a number of swivels, is said to be gone up the bay with a large quantity of gunpowder. Mr. Goodrich of Portsmouth, whose vessel Lord Dunmore suspects of having brought in a supply of that article lately, is confined in irons on board a man of war.
A body of about 600 men in the minute service (mostly riflemen) from one of the upper districts, are within a short distance of this city, and hourly expected.
Extract of a letter from PHILADELPHIA, October 3. "No political change in our affairs has yet happened that we know of; we expect every day to hear of some important stroke in Canada, as General Montgomery is entering through lake Champlain with 4000 men, whilst Colonel Arnold with 1100 penetrates by another quarter (Kenébec river) with a view to possess himself of Quebec. All things are quiet as yet at Boston, the enemy remaining early under the insulting activity of General Lee, who possessed himself of Plowed hill, within cannon shot of their fortification on Bunker's hill, with the loss of three men only."
ARTICLES of well authenticated INTELLIGENCE, are thankfully received for this paper, by THE PRINTERS.

AT a committee held for Gloucester county, at the court-house of the said county, on the 13th day of September 1775. Present WARNER LEWIS, Esq; Chairman, and 32 members.
Agreeable to the ordinance of the Convention, the following Gentlemen were nominated officers in the militia, for the county of Gloucester.
Warner Lewis, Esq; County Lieutenant; Sir John Peyton, Baronet, Colonel; Thomas Whiting, Gent. Lieutenant Colonel; Thomas Boswell, Gent. Major.
CAPTAINS. Gibson Cluverius. John Camp. Richard Matthews. George Booth. Jasper Clayton. John Hubbard. James Hubbard. John Whiting. John Billings, jun. Benjamin Shackelford. John Willis. Robert Matthews. William Buckner. John Dixon, jun. Richard Billings, and William Smith.
LIEUTENANTS. Samuel Cary. Richard Hall. John Foster. James Baytop. Thomas Buckner. George Green. William Scars. James Bentley. Edward Matthews. John Billings, jun. Dudley Cary. Hugh Hayes. Churchill Armitage. Philip Tabb. John Foster, jun. and Robert Gayle.
ENSIGNS. Henry Stevens. William Daws. William Haywood. Thomas Baytop. John Fox. James Laughlin. William Bentley. Christopher Garland. Peter Bernard. John Hayes. Samuel Eddins. Thomas Tabb. Richard Davis. Josiah Foster. George Hummer, and John, and John Gale.
Messrs. Dixon & Hunter are desired to publish the above in their gazette.
JASPER CLAYTON, clerk.
To Messrs. DIXON & HUNTER.
GENTLEMEN, PETERSBURG, October 2, 1775.
IT is with the utmost reluctance, that I am induced to trouble you on the present occasion. I have often admired the propriety and impartiality displayed in the conduct of your paper; I am sensible it may, at this critical time, be more usefully employed, than in relating private transactions, in which the public has no concern: Although what I now send you is of that nature, I most earnestly entreat you will indulge me with a publication of it, as my reputation is nearly concerned, in having the following particulars fairly related.
On the 24th of June last one of the companies of Dinwiddie volunteers met at this place, for the purpose of electing their officers: Mr. Joseph Jones was a candidate for the commission of Captain; he declared himself to that purpose, and observed that many injudicious aspersions had lately been thrown on his character; notwithstanding which, he hoped he was as true a friend to his country as any man, even as Mr. Thomas Ruffin whom, it seems, he blamed for spreading such reports. Mr. Ruffin, in reply, confessed he had laid many things to his disadvantage, well knowing he deserved it; and added, that he believed a Gentleman in company had heard him declare it as his opinion, that Britain was in the right to insist on her present claim of American taxation. Mr. Jones, upon hearing this, demanded, that if any present had heard him express himself to that purpose, he should stand forth and declare it. I stepped out, saying, I had heard it; he insisted it must be a mistake: I offered to refer it to proof; to which he at first assented, but immediately exclaimed aloud, my assertion was false. For this intolence I struck him; he repeated the offence, and I repeated the blow. I must do him the justice to confess, that though he had a sword at his side, and was before a company he hoped soon to command, he bore all with a laudable degree of resignation and patience, not making any resistance. Soon afterwards I applied to Col. Theodorick Bland of Prince George, and Mr. Richard Yarborough of Dinwiddie, who kindly granted me their written testimonies in support of my assertion. The latter is willing to depose, that on the 24th of June, 1774, in a large company (of which I made one) he heard Mr. Jones publicly and repeatedly declare, that, in his opinion, the British Parliament had a right to impose the taxes, now in dispute, on America. Col. Bland, besides his testimony to the same effect, declares that Mr. Jones compared our situation, with respect to Britain, to that of a slave under his master; and that, in case of disobedience, we were entitled to the same treatment. I immediately wrote to Mr. Jones, acquainting him with the purport of these Gentlemen's testimonies, and requesting that he would undecieve the company before which he had impeached my veracity, by acknowledging the truth. I afterwards applied to him in private, shewed him the papers, and repeated the same request. He absolutely refused compliance. Upon which I told him, that the only means left, of freeing my character from blame, was by making public the true state of the case in some of our prints; he said I might use my pleasure, and, after some trifling altercation, we parted. I was then determined to do myself justice in the manner I had threatened; but, by the advice of some Gentlemen, for whose opinions I have the highest value, was induced to lay aside the design. They represented, that most of my particular friends knew the true state of the case, and for this reason a publication of it might not be of much service to me, but must do him the greatest injury. I was easily persuaded, as I did not with any prejudice to Mr. Jones, but only to undecieve those who might think hardly of me, by having heard of my being publicly charged with a falsehood. The matter might have remained in this situation forever, if I had not been lately surprised, by hearing it was reported, and insisted on by some as a truth, that I had confessed myself in the wrong in my treatment of Mr. Jones, and had made him acknowledgments to that purpose. I suspected he must be concerned either in the invention or circulation of the report, and wrote to him to know if my suspicions were well founded. He did not answer my letter: This affords a strong presumption of his guilt; if he was innocent, it was easy to have laid so. I have since heard, that I refused to answer a challenge from him! It is probable this comes from the same quarter with the other story. I thought it foolish to attempt tracing these calumnies to their origin, and resolved on a publication of the facts, as the shortest and fullest answer to them. I cannot but observe, that if ever Mr. Jones heard either of these positive falsehoods (and he must certainly have heard them) and made no endeavours to check and suppress them, he is little less blamable than if he had invented them. I shall make no reflections on his behaviour, opinions, understanding, candour, or spirit; these speak for themselves. I cannot avoid doing him justice in one particular, that though he seems formerly to have considered his country (and consequently himself) as in a state of slavery, he is now one of the most loud and fiery patriots in it; and, when his prowess is exerted against a common enemy, who can doubt but he will shew himself faithful, just, valiant, and true!
I am, Gentlemen, With the greatest respect, Your very humble servant, ISAAC HALL.
Whereas the alarming situation of the country at this time is such that Gentlemen of property and distinction have thought it necessary to remove their families for safety: In tender consideration whereof, I do hereby declare that I think it the indispensable duty of every frontier county to be aiding and assisting all those who are exposed to imminent danger; I therefore, as a private individual, being blessed with a considerable quantity of land, do freely offer, for the relief of such distressed families, 10,000 acres of land in the counties of Bedford and Pittsylvania, which will settle fifty families, on paying only the quitrents of such land until times shall be changed.
NEW LONDON, Bedford county. WILLIAM MEAD.
Died,---JOHN BOWDOIN, Esq; a Representative for Northhampton.
The proceedings of the committee of Prince George came to hand too late for this paper, but will have a place in our next.
AS SALTPETRE is an Article much wanted in America, the COMMITTEE OF SAFETY earnestly recommend it to the Planters of Tobacco in this Colony to cut down and preserve all their Tobacco Suckers, and also to preserve the Trash Stalks and Sweepings of their Tobacco-Houses, which are found to be exceedingly useful in the production of that necessary Article. By Order of the Committee. JOHN PENDLETON, Jun. Ck.
As the Circumstances of the present Times make it prudent to guard against the conveyance of Intelligence to the Enemies of America, by Means of certain evil disposed Persons, who may travel through the Country for that Purpose, the Committee of Safety do therefore earnestly recommend it to all magistrates, and other Officers, civil and military, the Members of the several Committees, and all others within this Colony, to be vigilant in examining all Strangers and suspected Persons whom they may find passing; and to stop such as do not give a proper Account of their Journey and Employment. By Order of the Committee. JOHN PENDLETON, Jun. Ck.
In Committee, at HANOVER TOWN, the 21st of September, 1775. Resolved, THAT it is the opinion of this committee, that the commissary or contractor appointed in each district should provide for the battalion thereof, under the said appointment, the several articles necessary for their encampment and discipline described by an ordinance of Convention, as follows, to wit, tents of the same kind as directed for the regulars, kettles, canteens, drums, fifes, and a stand of colours with the following motto on one side, VIRGINIA FOR CONSTITUTIONAL LIBERTY. And on the other side the name of the district. (Copy) JOHN PENDLETON, Junior, Clerk to the Committee of Safety.
THE committee of Safety earnestly recommend it to the committees of the several counties to lose no time in collecting and forwarding the public arms, according to the order of Convention; and also to elect their militia officers where it is not done, and forward their certificates to this committee, that commissions may be made out, and the militia embodied as soon as possible. By order of the committee, JOHN PENDLETON, Junior, Ck.
PORTER HILL, October 10, 1775. IF any Gentleman wants to move his Family up the Country, he may be accommodated directly with a genteel two Story new House, just finished, with an entire Suit of new Offices, a Barn, Stable, Chairhouse, &c. with about 100 Acres of clear Lands, and Plenty of Woodland. The Terms shall be easy, and may be known by applying to WILLIAM HARRISON. N. B. The Place is situated about 7 Miles from Petersburg.
CHESTERFIELD, October 15, 1775. A CERTAIN John Green, by Trade a House Carpenter and Joiner, was entrusted with two BLACK HORSES, one of them mine, the other Major Peterfield Trent's, to bring them from Mr. William Hardyman's in Charles City, up here, last Saturday the 7th Instant. One of the Horses is a pretty large Black, with a hanging Mane and Switch Tail, I believe not branded, about 7 Years old, paces remarkably well and easy; had on him a hunting Saddle with a blue Cloth, bound round with white Cloth, in imitation of Lace. The other, belonging to Major Trent, was a low well set black Horse, with a hanging Mane and Switch Tail, his Brand (if any) I do not know, trots and gallops, and when out of Hand very hard to catch; he had on a Saddle with a Leather Slip or Cover over it, made to fit close to the Seat, and appeared as if the only Cover of the Saddle. I believe the Saddle itself had a Buckskin Seat, but am not positive. The said John Green is a middle sized Man, with his own Hair, and wears a light blue Cloth Coat, stutters so very remarkably, that none who once hears him attempt to speak but must immediately take Notice of him, as it is with the greatest Difficulty and apparent Pain that he can utter a single Word. I am told this John Green married a Woman in Williamsburg about 8 or 10 Months ago, of the Name of Hildrop, and may be gone first that Way. I hope every One will contribute to have such a Villain apprehended, and will give all the Intelligence and Assistance in their Power for that Purpose. It is requested he may be secured in some Gaol, to answer for his Villainy. In doing which they will very much oblige their very humble Servant, WILLIAM BLACK.
FOR SALE, A TRACT of LAND on the north Side of Roanoke River, containing about 1500 Acres, about one Half low Grounds, and the high Land of the best Quality. There is a good Dwelling-House on this Tract, and Land cleared sufficient to work 15 Hands. Also a TRACT of LAND near the above, whereon the Subscriber now resides, containing about 800 Acres, with a very good Dwelling-House and all convenient Outhouses, and a GRIST-MILL, the annual Toll of which is about 250 Barrels of Corn, and 1000 Bushels of Wheat. It is needless to be more particular, as no One would choose to purchase without seeing the Premises, which will be shown to any Person by the Subscriber, or in his Absence by his Overseer. Also for Sale the STOCKS of HORSES, CATTLE, & HOGS, and PLANTATION UTENSILS, with the Crop of Corn on the first Tract. For Terms apply to the Subscriber. North Carolina, Northampton County, September 29, 1775. ALLEN JONES.
THE Committee of the County of York is desired to meet at the Courthouse of the said County on Friday the 10th of November next, at which Time the several Gentlemen appointed by the Committee to collect Money for any public Use are requested to produce their Accounts, that they may be finally settled before the Election of a new Committee. WILLIAM RUSSELL, Ck. Com.
PETERSBURG, October 15, 1775. THE Subscribers beg Leave to inform the Public, and particularly their Customers, that they have lately moved to the House fronting Bollingbroke Street, where they intend carrying on their Business to its usual Extent, in all its Branches, and in the genteel and newest Manner. They flatter themselves they shall be able to give entire Satisfaction, as no Care on their Part shall be wanting. ELIZABETH MATHIES. ELLIS WILLIAMS.
NORFOLK, October 12, 1775. THE Subscriber having been prevented from continuing his Business, by a most unjustifiable Stretch of arbitrary Power, begs Leave to inform the Public, that he has some Expectations of procuring a new Set of Materials, which, if he should be so fortunate as to succeed in, will enable him once more to apprise his Countrymen of the Danger they may be in from the Machinations and black Designs of their common Enemy. The particular Place where the Office will be erected is not yet fixed, but it will be to near Norfolk as to give him an Opportunity of receiving the earliest and most authentick Information of the Proceedings of the Gentlemen of the Army and Navy, and of sounding the Alarm whenever Danger approaches. As his Paper has hitherto been free and open to all Parties, he intends to observe the same Caution and Impartiality in his future Publications, and cannot but flatter himself that his Conduct has been such as will entitle him to the future Encouragement of his Subscribers and the Public. JOHN HUNTER HOLT.
TO BE SOLD at the Plantation where Mrs. Mary Brockman, deceased, lately lived, in the County of Orange, on the 15th of November next, for ready Money, all the personal Estate of Mr. Samuel Brockman, deceased, consisting of Horses, Hogs, Cattle, Sheep, Crops, Household Furniture, &c. by the Executors. SAMUEL & WILLIAM BROCKMAN.
TAKEN up, in Albemarle, a BAY HORSE about 4 Feet 6 or 7 Inches high, about 7 Years old, with a Switch Tail and hanging Mane, has some white Hairs in his Forehead, trots altogether, and branded on the near Buttock. Possed, and appraised to 10l. GEORGE DUNCAN.
TAKEN up, in King George, a DARK BAY MARE, 13 1/2 Hands high, and branded on the near Buttock I G, has two small Stars in her Forehead. Possed, and appraised to 6l. 10s. WILLIAM BURGESS.
TAKEN up, in Albemarle, a BRIGHT BAY HORSE about 4 Feet 6 Inches high, 8 or 9 Years old, dark about the Legs, Mane, &c. he has a hanging Mane and Switch Tail, no Brand perceivable, shod before, and paces well and fast. Possed, and appraised to 15l. ROBERT WRIGHT.
TAKEN up, in Prince Edward, two BLACK STEERS, 3 Years old last Spring, marked with a Crop, Slit, and Underkeel in the right Ear, and a Crop, two Slits, and an Underkeel in the left; they have both white Faces, and white under their Bellies, some White near their Withers, and on the Ends of their Tails. Possed, and appraised to 3l. 10s. BENJAMIN HASKINS.
TAKEN up, in Prince Edward, a RED BRINDLE STEER, 3 Years old last Spring, marked with a Crop and Underkeel in the left Ear, and an Underkeel and Hole in the right, the Hole supposed to be torn out. Possed, and appraised to 3s. JOHN SMITH.
TAKEN up, in Augusta, two BLACK MARES, one of which is 6 Years old, about 13 Hands high, trots, branded on the near Shoulder I, and on the near Buttock W; appraised to 5l. 10s. The other is 10 Years old, not branded, trots, and appraised to 6l. 10s. (11) JOHN MILLER.
TAKEN up, in Amelia, a BLACK HORSE, 14 Hands high, about 9 Years old, with a Star in his Forehead, has been worked, and is branded on each Buttock F. Possed, and appraised to 10l. (11) JOHN CHILDERS.
TAKEN up, in Hanover, a FROSTY BAY HORSE about 8 Years old, 4 Feet 7 or 8 Inches high, with a Blaze Face, his hind Legs white, and branded on the near Buttock L. Possed, and appraised to 20l. AUGUSTINE WOOLFOLK.
TAKEN up, in Amherst, a BLACK MARE, with some white Hairs intermixed, about 10 or 11 Years old, 4 Feet 4 or 5 Inches high, trots and paces, her Back is much scarified, has some small Saddle Spots, and branded on the near Shoulder and off Buttock, as near as can be described, thus J. Possed, and appraised to 7l. (11) HENRY BELL.
TAKEN up, in Dinwiddie, a SORREL MARE with a Blaze Face, a light coloured Mane and Tail, has had a Fistula, and has got a Pollevil. Also a DARK GRAY MARE, foaled last Spring, with a Star in her Forehead. Possed and appraised, the Mare to 40s. and the Foal to 4l. EDWARD WYATT.
ALEXANDRIA, September 29, 1775. WHEREAS a certain JOHN SCHAW, by an Advertisement inserted in the Norfolk Intelligencer of the 19th of July last, has pretended to inform the Public, that he was empowered to receive Payment of the Debts due the Concern of William Duncan and Company: The Subscriber, as then Manager and Partner, not having settled with his Partners, nor having given such Orders, virtually refuses such Power, and hereby desires the Debtors of said Concern to pay no Monies but with his Discharge. (11) WILLIAM DUNCAN.
TO BE SOLD, At the MEETING of the MERCHANTS in OCTOBER, ALL Mrs. Rathell's STOCK in TRADE, consisting of many different Articles. I request all who are indebted to the said Mrs. Rathell will be so kind, at this Meeting, as to pay off their Accounts to John Tazewell, Esq; of this City, or to the Subscriber, at Mrs. Rathell's Store, who are authorised to receive such Debts. M. BRODIE. At the same Time will be sold a large BOW WINDOW, with Bars and Shutters, some SHOW GLASSES, and GLASS CASES. [WILLIAMSBURG, October 14, 1775.]
Just Published, The VIRGINIA ALMANACK FOR THE YEAR OF OUR LORD ONE THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED AND SEVENTY SIX: CONTAINING THE Lunations, Conjunctions, Eclipses; the Sun and Moon's Rising and Setting; the Rising, Setting, and Southing of the Heavenly Bodies; true Places and Aspects of the Planets, Weather, &c. calculated according to Art, and referred to the Horizon of 38 Degrees N. L. and a Meridian of five Hours West from the City of London: Fitting VIRGINIA, MARYLAND, NORTH CAROLINA, &c. By the ingenious Mr. DAVID RITCHENHOUSE of Philadelphia.
WHEREIN ARE ALSO CONTAINED, A Table of Court Days---A List of the Council and House of Burgess of Virginia---List of Parishes, and the Ministers in them---The Governors and Visitors of William & Mary College---List of his Majesty's Land Forces, and of the Royal Navy, distinguishing the Regiments that are abroad, and the Ships on the American Station---Manner of collecting SALTPETRE, and making of GUNPOWDER, &c. &c.---With a Variety of other Matter, both instructive and entertaining.

POETS CORNER.
The MINUTE.
THROUGH all creation, whatsoe'er we call, By due distinction, either great or small, Obtains it's proper and specific name Just as comparison may fix it's claim. Hence various things their true importance lose, When seen in partial or contracted views; And truth in vain holds up her faithful glass, To shew each object in it's proper class, Whilt prejudice distorts the passing rays, And robs true merit of it's right to praise. In the wide sphere of time's extended race, The minute seems to hold a trifling place: Through drowsy sloth, sworn foe to watchful care, It loses the regard it ought to share; And unimprov'd the quick succession flies, Which heedless folly knows not how to prize.
Would ye, through life, in reason's balance weigh The short-liv'd minutes as they glide away, Reason would shew that fortune those befriends, Who're watchful to secure the gifts she sends; And strongly urge the danger of neglect, Where nought can rectify the past defect: For acts once done no wishes can recall, By their own worth we either stand or fall; Repenting folly comes, alas! too late To heal our sorrow, or avert our fate.
Observe the Gambler, desperate in play, At once to others and himself a prey; Fearful to lose, yet confident to get, He risks his fortune on a single bet; His whole estate on one great stake depends, And one short minute the decision ends: He's mad or lost, as luck should chance to draw The highest number, or the longest straw. The minute, seen in other views, appears The truest measure of our joys and fears; For, as alternate passions link or rise, That lags most slow, or wing'd with rapture flies.
Tortur'd with pain, incapable of sleep, We count the lazy minutes as they creep; And keen impatience, ever on the wing, Till fate some long expected good shall bring, Watches the progress of the circling hand, And thinks it seems, not only seems, to stand. By different laws the fleeting minutes roll, When pleasure holds in bonds the captive soul: Attention, now no more with woes opprest, By wit diverted, or with love possess, No leisure finds with watchful eye to trace The slow-pac'd minute through it's ling'ring race; While sportive mirth, and joy succeeding joy, Fill the whole heart, and ev'ry thought employ.
TO BE SOLD,
At the next Meeting of the Merchants, in WILLIAMSBURG, by Virtue of a Deed of Trust made to the Subscribers, THE Estate of John Randolph, Esq; his Majesty's Attorney General, consisting of his late DWELLING-HOUSE within the said City, and of the LAND adjoining, of several very valuable FAMILY SERVANTS, and a Variety of FURNITURE. A Year's Credit will be allowed the Purchasers, they giving Bond, with good Security, to PEYTON RANDOLPH, JOHN BLAIR, JAMES COCKE.
AMELIA, October 7, 1775.
ALL Persons having Demands against the Estate of the late Mr. Hamlin Epes of Dinwiddie County, deceased, are requested to make them known immediately; and those indebted are desired to make speedy Payment, to FRANCIS EPES, Executor.
YORK TOWN, October 9, 1775.
WHEREAS I intend for Great Britain early in the ensuing Spring, I propose selling the DWELLING-HOUSE I now live in, either with or without Furniture, or on Annuity for Life, as may best suit a Purchaser. Two or three Years Credit will be allowed, giving Bond, with approved Security, bearing Interest from the Time the Bargain is concluded upon. (2) GEORGE RIDDELL.
WILLIAMSBURG, October 14, 1775.
TO BE SOLD, on Monday the 30th Instant, at the Dwelling-House of the late James Burwell, Esq; King's Creek, all the Estate of said Burwell at that Plantation, consisting of Stocks of Horses, Cattle, Hogs, Sheep, &c. all the Household and Kitchen Furniture, Plantation Utensils, and a Number of other Articles. Twelve Months Credit will be allowed, the Purchasers giving Bond, with approved Security, for all Sums exceeding five Pounds; and for all other Sums ready Money will be expected before the Goods are delivered. All Persons having any Demands against Mr. Burwell are desired to bring the same in to the Subscriber, who is empowered by York Court to settle the said Estate. (2) WILLIAM RUSSELL.
TO BE SOLD,
THE Plantation whereon I now live, lately occupied by Mr. William Goodall, deceased, on which is an exceeding fine Peach Orchard, a Dwelling-House, and all convenient Outhouses. My sole Reason for disposing of the above, is, that it is inconvenient to my Business. Any Person inclinable to become a Purchaser may know the Terms by applying to Mr. William Johnson, in James City.
JUST ARRIVED,
The Salispring, Capt. John Ogilvy, with about 120 HEALTHY SERVANTS,
CONSISTING of Men, Women, and Boys; among whom are many Tradesmen, viz. Carpenters and Joiners—Black and White-Smiths—Braziers and Copper-Smiths—Shoemakers—Weavers—Barbers—Schoolmasters—a Tailor—a Cabinet-Maker—a Wheelwright—a House Painter—a Callico Painter—a Dancingmaster—and several others. There are also FARMERS, and other COUNTRY LABOURERS. The Sale will commence on Wednesday the 18th of October, at Leeds Town, on Rapahannock River, and be continued there four Days. A reasonable Credit will be allowed, the Purchasers giving Bond, with approved Security, to (2) THOMAS HODGE.
WAS left at the Subscriber's, in Frederickburg, in 1773, a very large STILL-TUB and WORM, marked I H, N o 1. The Owner is desired to take it away, and pay all Charges || JACOB WHITLER.
An ACADEMY.
PRINCE EDWARD, Sept. 1, 1775.
BY the generous Exertions of several Gentlemen in this and some of the neighbouring Counties, very large Contributions have lately been made for erecting and supporting a public ACADEMY near the Courthouse in this County. Their Zeal for the Interests of Learning and Virtue has met with such Success, that they were enabled to let the Buildings in March last to several Undertakers, who are proceeding in their Work with the greatest Expedition. A very valuable Library of the best Writers, both ancient and modern, on most Parts of Science and polite Literature, is already procured; with Part of an Apparatus to facilitate the Studies of the Mathematicks and Natural Philosophy, which we expect in a short Time to render complete.—The Academy will certainly be opened on the 10th of next November: It is to be distinguished by the Name of HAMPDEN-SIDNEY, and will be subject to the Visitation of twelve Gentlemen of Character and Influence in their respective Counties; the immediate and acting Members being chiefly of the Church of England. The Number of Visitors and Trustees will probably be increased as soon as the Distractions of the Times shall so far cease as to enable its Patrons to enlarge its Foundations.—The Students will all board and study under the same Roof, provided for by a common Steward, except such as choose to take their Boarding in the Country. The Rates, at the utmost, will not exceed 10 l. Currency per Annum to the Steward, and 4 l. Tuition Money; 20 s. of this being always paid at Entrance.
The System of Education will resemble that which is adopted in the College of New Jersey; save, that a more particular Attention shall be paid to the Cultivation of the English Language than is usually done in Places of public Education. Three Masters and Professors are ready to enter in November, and as many more may be easily procured as the increased Number of Students may at any Time hereafter require. And our Prospects at present are so extremely flattering that it is probable we shall be obliged to procure two Professors more before the Expiration of the Year.
The Public may rest assured that the Whole shall be conducted on the most catholic Plan. Parents, of every Denomination, may be at full Liberty to require their Children to attend on any Mode of Worship which either Custom or Conscience has rendered most agreeable to them. For our Fidelity, in every Respect, we are cheerfully willing to pledge our Reputation to the Public; which may be the more relied on, because our whole Success depends upon their favourable Opinion. Our Character and Interest, therefore, being both at Stake, furnish a strong Security for our avoiding all Party Impressions; for our Care to form good men, and good Citizens, on the common and universal Principles of Morality, distinguished from the narrow Tenets which form the Complexion of any Sect; and for our Assiduity in the whole Circle of Education.
SAMUEL S. SMITH.
P. S. The principal Building of the Academy not being yet completed, those Gentlemen who desire their Children to enter immediately will be obliged to take Lodgings for them in the Neighbourhood, during the Winter Season; which may be done in Houses sufficiently convenient, on very reasonable Terms. 4
WANTED IMMEDIATELY, FOR THE ARMY,
CAMP KETTLES, either Tin or Brass, to hold about three Gallons; a large Quantity of DUCKING, or RUSSIA DRAB, for Tents; OSNABRUGS, for Hunting-Shirts; CHECKS, coarse white LINEN, or Country made LINEN, for under Shirts; also BLANKETS and coarse STOCKINGS. Any Person who has any of the above Articles for Sale will be pleased to inform me by Letter, per Post, directed to be lodged at the Post Office, Aylett's. CANTEENS are also much wanted, and it is requested of the respective Committees to make immediate Inquiry after those taken from the Magazine, and contrive them to the Head Quarters; not omitting those that are damaged, which may be repaired. I will also give ready Money for any Quantity of SALT PETRE, SULPHUR, or LEAD. WILLIAM AYLETT, Contractor.
SPADES, SHOVELS, and MATTOCKS, are also wanted. Those who have them will apply as above.
ESSEX COUNTY, Sept. 10, 1775.
RUN away from the Subscriber, about the Middle of July last, a Virginia born Negro Lad named NED, who is about 18 Years of age, and about 5 Feet high; one of his Hands has a large Scar, occasioned by its being burnt when he was a Child, by which Means some of his Fingers grow together. He has a flat Face and long Head, which is remarkably sharp on the Top. His Clothes were such as are common for Negroes, and he was seen going down the Country. Whoever will secure the said Negro, so that I get him again, shall have a Reward of 40 s. besides what the law allows. tf JAMES EDMONDSON.
A COMPANY of Gentlemen of North
Carolina having, for a large and valuable Consideration, purchased from the Chiefs of the Cherokee Indians, by and with the Consent of the whole Nation, a considerable Tract of their Lands, now called Transylvania, lying on the Rivers Ohio, Cumberland, and Louisa; and understanding that many People are desirous of becoming Adventurers in that Part of the World, and wish to know the Terms on which Lands in that Country may be had, they therefore hereby inform the Public, that any Person who will settle on and inhabit the same before the first Day of June 1776, shall have the Privilege of taking up and surveying for himself 500 Acres, and for each titable Person he may carry with him and settle there 250 Acres, on the Payment of 50 s. Sterling per Hundred, subject to an yearly Quitrent of 2 s. like Money, to commence in the Year 1780. Such Persons as are willing to become Purchasers may correspond and treat with Mr. William Johnston in Hillsborough, and Col. John Williams of Grawville, North Carolina, or Col. Richard Henderson at Boonborough, in Transylvania. This Country lies on the south Side of the Rivers Ohio and Louisa, in a temperate and healthy Climate. It is in general well watered with Springs and Rivulets, and has several Rivers, up which Vessels of considerable Burthen may come with Ease. In different Places of it are a Number of Salt Springs where the making of Salt has been tried with great Success, and where, with Certainty, any Quantity needed may be easily and conveniently made. Large Tracts of the Land lie on Lime-stone, and in several Places there is Abundance of Iron Ore. The Fertility of the Soil, and Goodness of the Range, almost surpass Belief; and it is at present well stored with Buffalo, Elk, Deer, Bear, Beaver, &c. and the Rivers abound with Fish of various Kinds. Vast Crowds of people are daily flocking to it, and many Gentlemen of the first Rank and Character have bargained for Lands in it; so that there is a great Appearance of a rapid Settlement, and that it will soon become a considerable Colony, and one of the most agreeable Countries in America. (6)
RUN away from the Subscriber, in Williamsburg, the 16th Instant (July) two Servant Men, viz. JOHN STAUNTON, an Englishman, very talkative, by Trade a Wheelwright, pitted with the Smallpox, about 5 Feet 7 or 8 Inches high, with short dark Hair; had on, when he went away, a brown Cloth Coat and Jacket, and striped and Check Trousers, —ANDREW M'GILL, a Scotchman, by Trade a Blacksmith, about 5 Feet 7 Inches high, wears short dark Hair, of a swarthy Complexion; had on a dark blue Cloth Coat and Jacket, Leather Breeches, and striped and Check Trousers. —I imagine they will endeavour to pass for Sailors, as from the ships of war. I have heard that they were seen going towards North Carolina, and will give 5 l. for each if secured in any Gaol. tf JOHN SHIPHARD.
TAPPAHANNOCK, Sept. 11, 1775.
THE Subscriber being fully empowered to transact the Business of, and collect the Debts due to, Mr. John M'Call, and Mr. Archibald M'Call, requests the Favour of all those indebted to them, as well as to M'Call and Shedden, to come and settle their Accounts as quickly as possible, and make what Payments they can. I shall expect that those who cannot conveniently pay, and have not already given Bonds for their respective Balances, will now do it. Those to whom the different Concerns are indebted will please to bring in their Accounts, that they may be adjusted and paid. Mr. Robert M'Call will settle and collect the Debts due to Mr. John M'Call, at his Store formerly kept at Todd's Warehouse, King and Queen County, till the 1st of January next; and Mr. William Mijell will collect the Debts due to Mr. Archibald M'Call, at his Store formerly kept in Richmond County.
I have about 150 l. Sterling Worth of EUROPEAN, and sundry WEST INDIA GOODS, on Hand, which I would sell by Wholesale on reasonable Terms. I shall retail none on Credit from this Day. WILLIAM SHEDDEN.
HUNTINGTOUR, Sept. 14, 1775.
THE Lands I have for some Time past advertised for Sale are not as yet sold. I will sell them at a very low Price, and allow a reasonable Time of Payment for Part of the Money. The Reason why I have not sold them was, that I would give no Credit. ANTHONY WINSTON.
YORK TOWN, September 19, 1775.
RUN away from Col. Philip Rootes, of King and Queen, a Negro Man named HARRY, who was some Years ago mortgaged to the Hon. William Nelson. It is with good Reason suspected that he is lurking about West Point, and that he is harboured by some of Col. Thomas Moore's Negroes. Whoever secures and delivers the said Negro, either to Col. Rootes or to one of us, shall receive 40 s. Reward. tf THE EXECUTORS.
DINWIDDIE, September 1, 1775.
FOR SALE, on very reasonable Terms, several Tracts of valuable PATENTED LAND, some of which have Plantations with considerable Improvements thereon; also several Surveys and Entries of LAND, all lying in the Counties of Halifax, Charlotte, and Bedford. Any Person inclinable to purchase may see the Land, and know the Terms, by applying to Mr. Joseph Medley in Halifax, or to Mr. Thomas Pawlett or William Harvey, Junior, of Charlotte. Good Titles will be made the Purchasers by Mr. Alexander Shaw of this County, who is properly authorised to act for me during my Absence from this Colony, for a few Months. (tf) NATHANIEL MANSON.
ALEXANDRIA, June 5, 1775.
EIGHT POUNDS REWARD.
RUN away from the Subscriber, two indentured Servants named ROBERT SHAW and ANDREW INGLES, both Natives of Scotland, and Bakers by Trade. Each of them had on a Bearskin Jacket lined with Plaid, Osnabrug Trousers, old Shoes, and Half worn Castor Hats. Their Bundles consist, as it is supposed, of two Match Coat Blankets, two Pair of Leather Breeches, two Osnabrug Shirts, two Check Shirts, and two red Jackets. Shaw is about 5 Feet 10 Inches high, has a swarthy Complexion, dark short frized Hair, a long Scar on his right Arm, appears bold, and talks much. Ingles is about 5 Feet 5 Inches high, has short straight Hair, swarthy and long featured, has a Scar over his right Eye, his right Leg is sore, he is fond of Liquor, and talks more in his Country Dialect than Shaw. THOMAS WALSON, a Convict, about 27 Years of Age, a Barber by Trade, about 5 Feet 6 Inches high, has a Laddish down Look, brown straight Hair, a little knock-kneed, and a leering Look; had on, and took with him, two white Linen Shirts, an old Drab coloured Cloth Coat, one red and one striped Holland Jacket, one Pair of new Drilling Breeches, one Pair of old Buff coloured Stocking Breeches, one Pair of white and one Pair of white and blue spotted Stockings, a new Felt Hat bound with black Ferreting, has a black Silk Handkerchief, and some other Things which cannot be described. WILLIAM LEE, by Trade a Cooper, about 5 Feet 9 Inches high, marked with the Smallpox, has a remarkable large Nose, speaks thick, and is impudent; he took with him a yellow Bull-Dog, with cropped Ears, one Side of his Face white, has a Glass Eye, and white Breast and Neck, is very fond of going into the Water, and answers to the Name of Turk. The said Lee had a Variety of Clothes, which cannot well be described. Whoever takes up, and secures the said Servants, shall have the above Reward, or 40 s. for each, paid by JAMES KIRK. ROBERT ADAM. GEORGE PURVIS. (tf—||3 s.)
TO BE SOLD,
THREE Thousand Acres of well timbered LAND, near Newmarket, in Caroline County, whereon are two Plantations in good Repair, with proper and convenient Edifices for farming or making of Tobacco. For Terms apply to the Subscriber. (tf) JOHN BAYLOR.
TO BE SOLD,
A TRACT of LAND in Caroline County, contiguous to Matapony, containing about 2000 Acres of well timbered Land, the Property of Mr. Robert Baylor. The Terms may be known by applying to Mr. Nathaniel Burwell of King William, Mr. John Armistead of Caroline, and Mr. John Baylor, Executors. (tf)
For SALE, and very CHEAP,
THE Tract of LAND whereon I now live, in the lower End of Caroline County, that contains 470 Acres, and is known to be very good. The Improvements are, a new Dwelling-House 32 by 28 Feet, with three Dormants on a Side, two Fireplaces below, and one above, a good Cellar, the Kitchen 24 by 16 Feet, with all other Outhouses quite new, and the Plantation in fine Order for Cropping. Its Situation is equal to any Forest-Place whatever. I will give Credit till next Christmas, when Possession may be had. (tf) LE ROY HIPKINS.