The Virginia gazette (Williamsburg [Va.]), 1775-06-10 00:00:00

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Abstract from the most material parts of the speeches, &c. delivered in the HOUSE OF LORDS on THURSDAY the 16th of MARCH, on a motion for committing an engrossed bill from the Commons, for restraining the commerce of the four NEW ENGLAND provinces to GREAT BRITAIN, IRELAND, and the BRITISH islands in the WEST INDIES, and to prohibit the said colonies and provinces from fishing on the Banks of NEWFOUNDLAND, under certain restrictions and limitations.
[CONTINUED FROM OUR LAST.]
ORD Camden then commanded the attention of the House by observing, that it was far from according with the feelings of his nature to be ever a dissenter when the measures respecting America were the subjects of discussion; he was sure it was not the way to promotion; and, if the cry industriously propagated throughout the nation was to be taken for the voice of the people, neither was popularity on the side he espoused. Thus, having nothing to expect from fame or ambition, not being actuated by the one, nor aspiring after the other, he could offer no apology for persisting in a line of conduct so different from that pursued by a vast majority of the House, unless bearing testimony against measures which, as an honest man, he could not approve, would apologize for his discordancy.
There had been an evidence examined in support of the bill, a Mr. Litter, of Poole. To what did the total of this Pooleman's evidence amount? Simply to this: "That if the British Newfoundland fishery was extended, and an entire restraints was laid on that of New England, he (the Poole-man) and many others, would gain more money." Was there any thing singular in this? Were not monopolies of every kind highly beneficial to the individuals concerned in them? But when the commerce of Great Britain is at stake, was it fitting that the evidence of an interested trader should bias the determinations of men capable of considering so vast an object with all its several intricacies and relations? Whenever an object of such amplitude should come under the serious deliberation of that House, it would surely require more capacious intellects, more enlarged views, and a greater expansion of thought, than the man of Poole was endowed with, to render proper justice to the subject. With respect to the bill before the House it had been called by some "a bill of restraint," by others "a bill of coercion," by a third party, "a bill of punishment," by a fourth, "a bill of mercy;" for the learned Lord confessed he had imbibed it from one of Mr. Locke's libels , and he was too much of a Revolutionist to part with a principle, the raison of which gave permanency to the present family's title to the Crown. This was the old Whig principle , of which the learned Lord declared himself a strenuous assertor; for to say that no violation of charters, no infraction of civil compacts, no erasure of rights would justify resistance, was to give up the cause of the revolution; and, if resistance in any case was justifiable, had not the Americans reason to complain of a gross violation of charters, of having their liberties torn up by the roots? The noble Lord therefore insisted, that war was declared by the act; but before we commenced hostilities, would it not be proper to consider whether the war we engaged in was just , was practicable , or was necessary ? For if it was neither expedient, practicable, or justifiable, to plunge with precipitation into such a war was absolute madness, and would end in total ruin.
The injustice of the war the learned Lord deduced from the original cause of quarrel. An outrage had been committed in a particular town; satisfaction for the damage sustained was never demanded. If a demand of satisfaction had been regularly made, it would have been complied with. Here was an instance where a whole people have been punished for the outrage of a few; the innocent for the guilty, without hearing them in their defence, or listening to any compensation they might propose for the injuries, the rashness, a frantic multitude had committed. The impracticability of succeeding in the war, was, in the learned Lord's opinion, deducible, from the situation of this country compared with that of the colonies. Was a continent of fifteen hundred miles extent, and inhabited by three millions of people, was this to be subdued by a small army? The only hope of conquering America was in a fleet, and at sea; the learned Lord confessed he thought the colonies vulnerable; but admitting the maritime traffic of the Americans to be stopped, they had resources within themselves, and as it, foreseeing our intentions, and providing against danger, they had already betaken themselves to agriculture; they had banished all superfluities of table and dress, and if they continued united, the very means England had taken to subdue their virtue would make it flourish; they were destitute of the luxuries which we of this enlightened, this refined, this profligate, this debauched nation so much delighted in; but this was a want of an imaginary kind: Should therefore the Americans continue firmly united, in the noble Lord's opinion, the conquest of their continent was wholly impracticable. Was there any appearance of disunion at present? The Ministry promised themselves great things from New York , but the learned Lord did not believe that Administration had one single American friend throughout the continent. Even those on whom the Ministry relied in New York , had voted a petition to the Throne, a memorial to the Lords, and a remonstrance to the Commons. Did this breathe a spirit of entire subjection of absolute concurrence? As to Marlfield , where an association had been formed
in favour of Government, the learned Lord at first imagined it to be a town of considerable note, but he found it a most contemptible place, and the associators chiefly composed of Mr. Hutchinson's justices . But the very acts which had passed would, in the learned Lord's opinion, defeat their own purposes, by uniting the separate provinces more firmly than ever they were united before these hostile measures were pursued. England had united the colonies, and divided herself. Previous to passing the late acts, New York, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland, would have suffered the greatest inconvenience sooner than they would have shaken hands with Massachusetts Bay. The wise policy of our fathers had respect to this inbred aversion; conscious that so many provinces, if once united, would soon be independent, a division of interests was studied as the principal means of ensuring subjection. Hence the various tenures by royal grants and by charters. Such was the policy of our ancestors; and even now, Administration were driven to confess the impracticability of subjugating the colonies, if united, by taking such industrious pains to divide them. For what was New York, North Carolina, and other places, excluded from experiencing the deplorable effects of the jamine bill? Was it not to scatter the seeds of division amongst those whom hostile threats had failed to intimidate? But, in the opinion of the learned Lord, even exclusive favour would not effect disunion; there was naturally that connection, that, like entangled links, one could not be broken without the whole chain suffering by the confusion. The Parliamentary right of taxation, as insisted on by Great Britain, levelled a blow at all the colonies, and wrested from every man on the continent the right to dispose of his own property. Whilst, therefore, this right was asserted, it would be productive of disobedience, because to recognize such a right, was to acknowledge the properties of Americans at the disposal of a Parliament wherein they were not represented.
[To be continued.]
PHILADELPHIA, May 24.
COPY of a LETTER to his Excellency General GAGE, from the Hon. JONATHAN TRUMBULL, Esq; Governor of the colony of CONNECTICUT, in behalf of the General Assembly of said colony, dated HARTFORD, April 28, 1775.
SIR, THE alarming situation of public affairs in this country, and the late unfortunate transactions in the province of the Massachusetts Bay, have induced the General Assembly of this colony, now sitting in this place, to appoint a committee of their body to wait upon your Excellency, and to desire me, in their name, to write to you relative to these very interesting matters. The inhabitants of this colony are intimately connected with the people of your province, and esteem themselves bound by the strongest ties of friendship, as well as of common interest, to regard with attention whatever concerns them. You will not therefore be surprised that your first arrival at Boston, with a body of his Majesty's troops, for the declared purpose of carrying into execution certain acts of Parliament, which, in their apprehension, were unconstitutional and oppressive, should have given the good people of this colony a very just and general alarm; your subsequent proceedings in fortifying the town of Boston, and other military preparations, greatly increased their apprehensions for the safety of their friends and brethren; they could not be unconcerned spectators of their sufferings in that which they esteemed the common cause of this country; but the late hostile and secret inroads of some of the troops under your command, into the heart of the country, and the violences they have committed, have driven them almost into a state of desperation. They feel now not only for their friends, but for themselves, and their dearest interests and connections. We will not to exaggerate, we are not sure of every part of our information; but, by the best intelligence that we have yet been able to obtain, the late transaction was a most unprovoked attack upon the lives and property of his Majesty's subjects; and it is represented to us, that such outrages have been committed as would disgrace even barbarians, and much more Britons so highly famed for humanity as well as bravery. It is feared therefore that we are devoted to destruction, and that you have it in command and intention to ravage and desolate the country. If this is not the case, permit us to ask, why have these outrages been committed? Why is the town of Boston now shut up? And to what end are all the hostile preparations that are daily making, and why do we continually hear of fresh destinations of troops for this country? The people of this colony, you may rely upon it, abhor the idea of taking arms against the troops of their Sovereign, and dread nothing so much as the horrors of civil war; but at the same time we beg leave to assure your Excellency, that as they apprehend themselves justified by the principle of self defence, so they are most firmly resolved to defend their rights and privileges to the last extremity; nor will they be restrained from giving aid to their brethren, if any unjustifiable attack is made upon them. Be so good, therefore, as to explain yourself upon this most important subject, as far as is consistent with your duty to our common Sovereign. Is there no way to prevent this unhappy dispute from coming to extremities? Is there no alternative but absolute submission, or the desolations of war? By that humanity which constitutes so amiable a part of your character, for the honour of our Sovereign, and by the glory of the British empire, we intreat you to prevent it, if it be possible. Surely it is to be hoped that the temperate wisdom of the empire might, even yet, find expedients to restore peace, that so all parts of the empire may enjoy their particular rights, honours, and immunities! Certainly this is an event most devoutly to be wished for; and will it not be consistent with your duty to suspend the operations of war on your part, and enable us on ours to quiet the minds of the people, at least, till the result of some further deliberations may be known? The importance of the occasion
will, we doubt not, sufficiently apologize for the earnestness with which we address you, and any seeming impropriety which may attend it, as well as induce you to give us the most explicit and favourable answer in your power.
I am, with great esteem and respect, In behalf of the General Assembly, Sir, &c. Signed JONATHAN TRUMBULL.
His Excellency General GAGE's answer to the foregoing letter. S I R, Dated BOSTON, May 3, 1775.
I AM to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 28th of April last, in behalf of the General Assembly of your colony, relative to the alarming situation of public affairs in this country, and the late transactions in this province: That this situation is greatly alarming, and that these transactions are truly unfortunate, are truths to be regretted by every friend to America, and by every well-wisher for the peace, prosperity, and happiness of this province. The intimate connexion and strong ties of friendship between the inhabitants of your colony, and the deluded people of this province, cannot fail of inducing the former to interpose their good offices, to convince the latter of the impropriety of their past conduct, and to persuade them to return to their allegiance, and to seek redress of any supposed grievances, in those decent and constitutional methods, in which alone they can hope to be successful. That troops should be employed for the purpose of protecting the magistrates in the execution of their duty, when opposed with violence, is not a new thing in the English or any other government: That any acts of the British Parliament are unconstitutional or oppressive, I am not to suppose; if any such there are, in the apprehension of the people of this province, it had been happy for them if they had sought relief, only in the way which the constitution, their reason, and their interest pointed out. You cannot wonder at my fortifying the town of Boston, or making any other military preparations, when you are assured, that previous to my taking these steps, such was the open threats, and such the warlike preparations throughout this province, as rendered it my indispensable duty to take every precaution in my power, for the protection of his Majesty's troops under my command, against all hostile attempts. The intelligence you seem to have received, relative to the late excursion of a body of troops into the country, is altogether injurious, and contrary to the true state of facts; the troops disclaim, with indignation, the barbarous outrages of which they are accused, so contrary to their known humanity. I have taken the greatest pains to discover if any were committed, and have found examples of their tenderness both to the young and the old, but no vestige of cruelty or barbarity: It is very possible that in firing into houses, from whence they were fired upon, that old people, women, or children, may have suffered; but if any such thing has happened, it was in their defence, and undesigned. I have no command to ravage and desolate the country; and were it my intention, I have had pretence to begin it upon the sea-ports, which are at the mercy of the fleet. For your better information, I enclose you a narrative of that affair, taken from Gentlemen of indisputable honour and veracity, who were eye witnesses of all the transactions of that day. The leaders here have taken pains to prevent any account of this affair getting abroad, but such as they have thought proper to publish themselves; and to that end the post has been stopped, the mails broke open, and letters taken out; and by these means the most injurious and inflammatory accounts have been spread throughout the continent, which have served to deceive and inflame the minds of the people.
When the resolutions of the Provincial Congress breathed nothing but war, when those two great and essential prerogatives of the King, the levying of troops, and disposing of the public monies, were wrested from him; and when magazines were forming by an assembly of men, unknown to the constitution, for the declared purpose of levying war against the King, you must acknowledge it was my duty, as it was the dictate of humanity, to prevent, if possible, the calamities of civil war, by destroying such magazines. This, and this alone, I attempted. You ask, why is the town of Boston now shut up? I can only refer you, for an answer, to those bodies of armed men who now surround the town, and prevent all access to it. The hostile preparations you mention are such as the conduct of the people of this province has rendered it prudent to make, for the defence of those under my command. You assure me the people of your colony abhor the idea of taking arms against the troops of their Sovereign: I with the people of this province, for their own sakes, could make the same declaration. You inquire, is there no way to prevent this unhappy dispute from coming to extremities? Is there no alternative, but absolute submission, or the desolations of war? I answer, I hope there is: The King and Parliament seem to hold out terms of reconciliation, consistent with the honour and interest of Great Britain, and the rights and privileges of the colonies. They have mutually declared their readiness to attend to any real grievances of the colonies, and to afford them every just and reasonable indulgence, which shall, in a dutiful and constitutional manner, be laid before them; and his Majesty adds, it is his ardent wish that this disposition may have a happy effect on the temper and conduct of his subjects in America. I must add likewise the resolution of the 27th of February, on the grand dispute of taxation and revenue, leaving it to the colonies to tax themselves, under certain conditions: Here is surely a foundation for an accommodation, to people who with a reconciliation, rather than a destructive war, between countries so nearly connected by the ties of blood and interest. But I fear that the leaders of this province have been, and still are, intent only on shedding blood.
I am much obliged by your favourable sentiments of my personal character, and assure you, as it has been my constant with and endeavour hitherto, so I shall continue to exert my utmost efforts, to protect all his Majesty's liege subjects under my care, in their persons and property. You ask, whether it will not be

consistent with my duty to suspend the operations of war on my part? I have commenced no operations of war but defensive; such you cannot with me suspend, while I am surrounded by an armed country, who have already begun, and threaten farther to prosecute an offensive war, and are now violently depriving me, the King's troops, and many others of the King's subjects, under my immediate protection, of all the conveniences and necessaries of life, with which the country abounds. But it must quiet the minds of all reasonable people, when I assure you, that I have no disposition to injure or molest quiet and peaceable subjects; but, on the contrary, shall esteem it my greatest happiness to defend and protect them against every species of violence and oppression. I am, Sir, &c. THOMAS GAGE.
Extract of a letter from a Gentleman of character, to his friend in this city, dated Head Quarters at Cambridge, May 11, 1775.
"The troops here are employed in fortifying this camp, training the soldiery, preparing artillery, stores, &c. General Gage is fortifying every eminence in the town of Boston, and securing himself as well as he can against any attack from the country; their works are so large, and so many, and their people so few, especially as they allow themselves reduced by the affair of the 19th ult. near 1000 men, dead, wounded, prisoners, and otherwise disabled by surfeits, &c. &c. the remainder are so harassed by continual watchings, that they do not sleep more than one night in seven, and now are confined to salt provisions; by all which, no doubt, they will soon be reduced, by fatigue and sickness, to intolerable distress."
Extract of a letter from LONDON, March 13.
"I did myself the pleasure of writing you the 1st of this month, and then sent you a copy of such part of the Earl of Dunmore's letter to Lord Dartmouth as had been laid before both Houses of Parliament; since which time I have had an opportunity of knowing the SECRET part of his Lordship's letter, which was not laid before Parliament; and as it particularly marks his character as Governor of Virginia, in reference to the good people of that BRAVE colony, and will, I trust, be so instructive to the members of their House of Burgessies as never hereafter to confide in him, but to consider and treat him as their confirmed enemy, I beg that you will use the best and speediest manner to communicate it to them, as I pledge myself to you for the truth of the information.—After Lord Dunmore had given his un candid representation of Virginia, as transmitted to you, on the 1st of this month, he proceeded warmly to recommend to Lord Dartmouth, that some men of war should be stationed in Chesapeake Bay, to prevent the Virginians from carrying on any external trade, except with this country, and that all communication might be cut off between them and the northern colonies. He advised that some sloops or tenders should be placed in Chester and Sassafras rivers; and, as he observed, the Council, as well as the House of Burgessies, and almost every person of fortune and consideration in the colony (except the Attorney General) were as deeply engaged as the inferior planters in factious associations, and plans of resistance, great outrages and disorders would soon take place among them, for the want of a regular distribution of law. And therefore he strongly urged the King's Ministers, as a sure method to increase these disorders, and which in the end, he asserted, could not fail to produce petitions from the rich, praying the protection of this legislature; that his Majesty would, without delay, order himself, and all the other executive officers of Virginia, to withdraw from thence.—This I faithfully assure you is the SECRET counsel of Lord Dunmore. Can you therefore, my dear Sir, wonder that Administration do persevere in their ruinous and despotick system of American Politicks. Be you firm, however, in your wise resolutions of non-importation, non-exportation, and non-consumption, and to these add an immediate accomplishment in the art of war; and in the end you will establish the rights of America upon an immovable basis: But you must first make the luxurious proud people of this kingdom feel the want of your commerce and affection, before they will do you any de- of justice."
We are assured, from good authority, that our most excellent Queen often sheds tears in interceding with a great personage in behalf of the devoted town of Boston, and province of Massachusetts Bay.—GOD BLESS HER!
A correspondent has favoured us with the following etymology of the word Yankee : When the New England colonies were first settled, the inhabitants were obliged to fight their way against many nations of Indians. They found but little difficulty in subduing them all, except one tribe who were known by the name of the YANKOOS , which signifies invincible . After the waste of much blood and treasure, the Yankos were at last subdued by the New Englandmen. The remains of this nation (agreeable to the Indian custom) transferred their name to their conquerors. For a while they were called Yankos ; but, from a corruption common to names in all languages, they got, through time, the name of Yankees ; a name which we hope will soon be equal to that of a Roman, or an ancient Englishman .
IN CONGRESS, May 17, 1775.
Resolved unanimously , that all exportations to Quebec, Nova Scotia, the Island of St. John's, Newfoundland, Georgia, except the parish of St. John's, and to East and West Florida, immediately cease; and that no provisions of any kind, or other necessaries, be furnished to the British fisheries on the American coasts, until it be otherwise determined by the Congress.
A true copy from the minutes.
CHARLES THOMSON, Sec'y.
LONDON, April 3.
PROPER vessels are now stationed off all the Dutch ports, with express orders to watch the motions of all ships which sail from thence, to search such as are suspected, and not to leave them till they arrive at the ultimate place of destination.
There has been the greatest quantities of corn brought into the river, within these ten days, that has been known for many years, and not a single sack of it has been carried to market.
They write from Philadelphia, that a duel has lately been fought there with pistols by two merchants, relative to the present disputes, when one received a wound in his breast, of which he expired soon after, leaving a wife and seven children.
George and Alexander Irving, merchants of Boston, in New England are appointed agent victuallers to the ships of war now on that station.
Orders are given for the draughts that have been made from the pensioners of Chelsea hospital to be in readiness to march, on the first notice, on garrison duty.
April 6. Last week an auctioneer, amongst other lots, had the map of America to sell, which, when put up, he entertained the company, for a considerable time, by his witticisms and commendations; at last he said, "Ladies and Gentlemen, only consider that at this time it is indeed very valuable, therefore you cannot bid too high for it." Upon being asked, why it was more valuable at this time than any other, he answered, "because there are English colonies in it now, and by and by there will be none."
CAMBRIDGE, May 12.
WE hear that a certain respectable Assembly hath declared General Gage to be an inveterate enemy to this country; that his writs (lately issued) for calling a General Assembly, are to be disregarded; and that no obedience ought to be paid to him as Governor of this colony.
A Spanish ship of about 150 tuns, bound from the Havanna to Cadiz, having lost her rudder, and all her masts, was met with great distress, on the Grand Bank, by two Marblehead fishing schooners, who took up her men, together with a quantity of snuff, tobacco, &c. and 23,000 dollars in cash; all of which
where brought safe to Marblehead on Saturday last, but soon after taken possession of by the Lively man of war.
NEWPORT (Rhode Island) May 15. Mr. John Brown, merchant, whom we mentioned in our last to have been illegally seized and sent to Admiral Graves at Boston, by order of Captain Wallace of the ship Rose , on this station for the protection of trade, was there honourably discharged, and his flour, which was unjustly taken from him, ordered to be paid for, with damages, &c. for the detention of the two packets.
It is said the Governor of Canada has wrote General Gage, he can get officers there to act against New England, but no privates, the people in general declaring they will not fight against these colonies.
NEW YORK, May 22.
FRIDAY night last Capt. Reynolds arrived here from Portsmouth, in New Hampshire: Last Monday, off Cape Anne, he was boarded by Capt. Greaves, in a tender, who had come out of Boston the day before, and informed him that three transports arrived there the 6th instant, from England, with troops, and that many more were hourly expected; that several vessels were then in sight, which he imagined was part of the fleet, and several guns had been heard in the offing.
By a Gentleman who arrived here last Saturday, from Cambridge, we learn that the troops in the provincial camp at Boston consists of about 7000 men, but that they were daily increasing from New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, were in high spirits, and abounded with provisions.
Saturday afternoon the brig Charming Peggy , Captain John Lawrence, arrived here from Falmouth, in 6 weeks; by him we hear, that all the acts depending in Parliament, relative to American affairs, had received the royal assent; and that the packet for this port was to sail the day after him.
May 29. An Ensign belonging to one of the regiments in Canada, despatched from Governor Carleton, to General Gage, was taken Prisoner at one of the forts. His despatches contained a return of the regulars in Canada, which amounted to no more than 700, including those that garrisoned the forts of Crown Point and Ticonderoga.
To the Hon. CADWALLADER COLDEN, Esq; Lieutenant Governor, and Commander in Chief of his Majesty's colony of New York, and the territories thereon depending in America, &c. &c. The humble Address of the general committee of association for the city and county of New York.
May it please your Honour,
IT frequently happens, under every form of government, that the measures of Administration excite the just jealousies of the people, and the same measures pursued divest them of all confidence in those in whose hands the ordinary executive powers are lodged. In such a state of things it is natural for the people to cast their eyes upon those of their fellow sufferers, on whose abilities and integrity they can rely, and to ask their advice and direction for the preservation of all that is dear and valuable to them.
That such is the frame and temper of our inhabitants you have had the fullest opportunity to know, in the course of that residence with which you have lately honoured us.
This city and county, as well as the rest of the colony, have exercised the greatest patience in waiting, though in vain, for a redress of the many unconstitutional and oppressive burthens under which this whole continent has groaned for several years past. To their inexpressible grief they have found, that the most dutiful applications for redress have not only been rejected, but have been answered by reiterated violations of their rights.
You cannot therefore wonder, Sir, that at this most important crisis, when their all is at stake, and when, under the authority of Administration, the sword has been drawn, though unsuccessfully, against their brethren of Massachusetts, for asserting those invaluable rights which are the common inheritance of Britons and Americans, that the city and county of New York have proceeded to associate in the common cause, and to the election of a Committee and Delegates in Congress, to represent them in their claims, and to direct their councils and conduct for the preservation of those inestimable privileges to which the great Creator, the order of their being, as rational creatures, and our happy constitution, has given them an undoubted title.
To this important end they have unanimously invested us their committee, with a trust which we are determined with the best of our abilities, and most faithfully, to discharge; and in the execution of which, we think it our indispensable duty to declare,
That our constituents, while they cheerfully yield that the legislative of the parent state may make provisions in their nature merely calculated to regulate the trade of the empire, yet they claim, as their indefeasible birthright, a total exemption from all taxes, internal and external, by authority of Parliament, and from every aid to the Crown, but on royal requisitions to their representatives in Assembly, constitutionally convened, and freely deliberating and determining upon every such requisition.
That they never can, nor will, submit to the establishment of unconstitutional Admiralty jurisdictions; but will ever regard them as engines that may be employed for the most tyrannical purposes.
That they are determined never to part with their precious and lately invaded right of trial by peers of their vicinage, in any case whatsoever.
That they look with the utmost dread on every expedient by authority of Parliament, or otherwise, that may tend to secure from condign punishment offenders against the most essential rights of human nature, by removing them for their trial to places distant from the scene of perpetration, at the discretion of a Governor or Commander in Chief.
That they esteem, and therefore will by every lawful means oppose, the late oppressive restraints upon commerce as subversive in their nature of the liberties of America.
That they regard the hostile blockade of the port of Boston, the attack upon the venerable charter rights of Massachusetts, the extension of the bounds of Quebec, the establishment of Popery, and arbitrary form of government in that province, and the exclusive privileges virtually given to it in the Indian trade, as so many steps of an ill-judging Administration, that most immensly endanger the liberty and prosperity of the whole empire.
That they view with inexpressible horror the bloody standard erected in the eastern parts of the confederated colonies; and feel, as in their own bodies, every stroke which their brave compatriots have received from the hand of their fellow subjects, cruelly and unnaturally armed against them, by mistaken ministerial severity.
In short, that they are determined to equip themselves for maintaining with successful bravery and resolution the unquestionable rights of Englishmen.
Permit us at the same time, Sir, to assure you, in their behalf, that though they are arming with great diligence and industry, it is not with design to oppose, but to strengthen Government in the due exercise of constitutional authority. It is to be in a state of readiness to repel every lawless attack by our superiors, and to prevent the anarchy and confusion to which ministerial misconduct has evidently paved the way. It is to defend the liberties of the subject, and to enable your Honour, and those in office under you, to administer the just government of this colony.
Your Honour cannot but see the sudden transition of the inhabitants of this capital, from a state of tumult, occasioned by hostilities committed against their brethren, to tranquillity and good order, as the consequence of our appointment. It is our ardent wish, Sir, that the same tranquillity and good order may be permanent. We look forward, therefore, with deep concern, at the expected arrival of troops from Great Britain: An event that will probably be attended with innumerable mischiefs. Their presence will doubtless revive the resentment of our inhabitants, as the repeated avowed design of subjugating the colonies by military force.
Mutual jealousies may break out into reciprocal violence. Thousands will in that case be poured in upon us from our other colonies, and the neighbouring colonies, who we are all well assured have resolved to prevent this city from being reduced to the present situation of Boston. Thus, instead of being a secure garrison town and place of arms, as is vainly suspected by some, the streets of New York may be deluged with blood. Such a destructive evil, we are well assured, your Honour will do every thing in your power to avert. Permit us then, Sir, to beseech you to apply to General Gage for orders, that such troops as may arrive from Great Britain or Ireland, do not land or encamp in this city and county; and in case of their arrival before your Honour shall receive the General's answer, solicit their commanding officer to the same purpose.
Give us leave, Sir, to conclude, by assuring you, that we are determined to improve that confidence with which the people have honoured us, in strengthening the hand of the civil magistrate in every lawful measure, calculated to promote the peace and just rule of this metropolis, and consistent with that jealous attention, which, above all things, we are bound to pay to the violated rights of America. We are, S I R,
With the greatest respect,
Your Honour's
Most obedient humble Servants,
(Ordered unanimously by the committee)
HENRY REMSEN, Deputy Chairman.
NEW YORK, May 11, 1775.
WILLIAMSBURG, June 10.
To his Excellency the Right Hon. JOHN EARL of DUNMORE, his Majesty's Lieutenant and Governor General of the Colony and Dominion of Virginia, and Vice Admiral of the same:
The humble ADDRESS of the COUNCIL.
MY LORD,
WE his Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Council of Virginia, now met in General Assembly, beg leave to present our humble thanks to your Excellency, for your speech at the opening of this session, and for giving us an opportunity to take the present alarming state of this colony into our consideration, and provide remedies against the increasing evils therein. Your doing this so seasonably, and as soon as you were properly apprized of what you thought would lay a firm foundation for our proceeding with success in so desirable a work, we cannot but regard as a proof of your attachment to the welfare of this dominion.
As this country hath, for many years past, made ample provision for the civil government thereof, we have only to declare our willingness to concur with the other branch of the legislature in such proportion, and in such means, as they shall be willing to contribute towards the public burthens of the state.
The peace and good order of every country depending on the regular administration of justice, we are desirous that the courts should be forthwith opened, that the laws may again have their due course; as such a step will be instrumental in removing mischiefs of the greatest magnitude and most destructive tendency.
To which his Excellency was pleased to return the following ANSWER:
GENTLEMEN,
YOUR willingness to concur in measures, which, if adopted, will entirely compose the destructive differences between this country and Great Britain, and restore the order and tranquillity of the colony, cannot but give his Majesty the most sensible pleasure; as the opportunity of communicating to him such a proof of the duty and loyalty of this branch of the legislature of Virginia affords me the greatest satisfaction.
In the night of Saturday the 3d instant some young men got into the public magazine in this city, intending to furnish themselves with arms, but were presently after surprised by the report of a gun, which was so artfully placed (said to be contrived by L-d D-----) that upon touching a string which was in their way, it went off, and wounded three persons, but not mortally; one of them is terribly hurt by several small balls that entered his arm and shoulder; another, by the loss of two fingers of his right hand, rendered incapable of following his profession for subsistence; the other wounded very slightly. There were two guns prepared for this horrid purpose, one of which was brought out next morning, and found to be double charged. On Monday a committee was appointed of the Hon. House of Burgessies to examine the state of the magazine, who have placed a guard over it till measures shall be concerted for its better security.
A MESSAGE from the GOVERNOR.
Mr. Speaker, and Gentlemen of the House of Burgessies,
THE removing, by my order, fifteen half barrels of the King's powder, received from the Rippon man of war, from the public magazine, has, I find, given great uneasiness to the people: I was influenced in this by the best motives; and as I have once ventured, and if occasion offered, should again venture my life in the service of this country, I had hopes the most favourable construction would have been put upon my conduct. The magazine was represented to me as a very insecure depository, and, from experience, I find it so; all the arms which have been kept there being now taken away; arms not purchased at the expence of this colony, but sent here by his Majesty, from his office of ordnance, of which they bear the mark: But, in confidence that you are now met to remove every grievance, and by your wisdom to establish the public tranquillity on a sure and firm foundation; I do promise you, that as soon as I see the magazine in a proper state for securing the powder, and other public stores, I will replace it, and at all times be ready, most willingly, to do every thing my poor abilities are capable of for the benefit of this colony, in which I have lived, till of late, in the the greatest happiness. DUNMORE.
In consequence of the above message, the Hon. House of Burgessies came to the following resolution:
TUESDAY, June 7, 15th Geo. III. 1775.
RESOLVED, that an address be presented to his Excellency the Governor, to express to his Lordship our thanks for his kind and tender services in behalf of this colony, and for restoring the public tranquillity on a sure and firm foundation; to assure his Lordship that we have the highest sense of his services on the late Indian expedition, and sincerely lament that any event should suspend the happiness which his Lordship hath enjoyed among us; that, wishing a restoration of peace and harmony, we had directed an inquiry into the cause of the late great uneasiness given to the people, which we shall proceed on with that attention recommended by his Lordship, and add, on our parts, remedies the best our abilities can suggest.
Last Thursday morning, about two o'clock, our Governor and his family decamped from the Palace, and are now on board the Fowey man of war at York town. His Excellency left the following message to be delivered to the Assembly.
Mr. Speaker, and Gentlemen of the House of Burgessies,
BEING now fully persuaded that my person, and those of my family likewise, are in constant danger of falling sacrifices to the blind and unmeasurable fury which has so unaccountably seized upon the minds and understanding of great numbers of the people, and apprehending that at length some among them may work themselves up to that pitch of daringness and atrociousness as to fall upon me in the defenceless state in which they know I am in the city of Williamsburg, and perpetrate acts that would plunge this country into the most horrid calamities, and render the breach with the mother country irreparable; I have thought it prudent for myself, and serviceable for the country, that I remove to a place of safety, conformable to which I have fixed my residence, for the present, on board his Majesty's ship the Fowey, lying at York.

It is not my intention to give the least interruption to the sitting of the Assembly, but I hope they will proceed in the great business which they have before them, with diligence and effect. I shall take care to make the access to me easy and free, that the necessary communication between me and the House may be attended with the least inconvenience possible; and I thought it would be more agreeable to the House to send to me, from time to time, some of their members, as occasion shall require, than be put all to the trouble of moving to be nearer me.
I hope the House will see my proceedings on this occasion as they were really meant; and I beg them to be assured that I shall now be as ready to attend to all the duties of my office as I was before, and that I am perfectly disposed to contribute all in my power, if opportunity be given me, to restore that harmony, the interruption of which is likely to cost so dear to the repose, as well as to the comforts of every individual. DUNMORE.
To his Excellency the Right Hon. JOHN EARL OF DUNMORE , his Majesty's Lieutenant and Governor General and Commander in Chief of the Colony and Dominion of Virginia.
The joint ADDRESS of the COUNCIL and the HOUSE OF BURGESSES.
MY LORD, WE his Majesty's dutiful and loyal subjects, the Council, and the Burgesses of Virginia, assure your Excellency, that it is with the greatest concern we find your Lordship, by your messages to them, that your Lordship entertains any suspicions of the personal security of yourself or family, as we can, by no means, suppose any of his Majesty's subjects in this colony would meditate a crime so horrid and atrocious, as your Lordship seems to apprehend. We are fearful, the step your Lordship hath taken, in removing from the seat of government, may conduce to a continuance of that great uneasiness, which hath of late so unhappily prevailed in this country. We cannot but express our concern, that your Lordship did not think proper to communicate the ground of your uneasiness to us; as, from our zeal and attachment to the preservation of order and good government, we should have judged it our indispensable duty to have endeavoured to remove every cause of disquietude. In proof of the great respect we shall ever pay to the representative of our most gracious Sovereign, and to remove, to the utmost of our power, your Lordship's apprehensions; we assure your Lordship, that we will cheerfully concur in any measure, that may be proposed, proper for the security of yourself and family. It is with much anxiety, we consider the very disagreeable situation of your Lordship's most amiable Lady and family, and should think ourselves happy in being able to restore their perfect tranquility, by removing all their fears.
We cannot, my Lord, but approve your intention, of not giving the least interruption to the important affairs on which we are now assembled; and it is with much pleasure we receive your Lordship's assurance of your disposition, to establish that harmony, so essential to the repose and comfort of every individual; but we must beg leave to observe to your Lordship, how impracticable it will be to carry on the business of this session, with any tolerable degree of propriety, or with that despatch the advanced season of the year requires, whilst your Lordship is so far removed from us, and so inconveniently situated. We therefore earnestly entreat your Lordship, that you will be pleased to return with your Lady and family to the Palace, which we are persuaded will give the greatest satisfaction, and be the most likely means of quieting the minds of the people.
A deputation from the General Assembly, consisting of two of the members of his Majesty's Hon. Council, and four of the Hon. House of Burgesses, presented the foregoing address to his Excellency on board the Fowey, and we hear an answer is to be sent up this day.
A vessel from Marblehead brings an account of a dreadful fire that happened the 10th ult. at Boston, which consumed 30 stores and sheds, with 50 barrels of flour, a donation. The damage sustained is said to amount to 40,000. Instead of ringing of bells, as usual, the soldiers beat to arms, by which the people were in great confusion, not being used to such signals in time of fire.
His Majesty's sloop of war the Cerberus is arrived at Boston, with the Generals Howe, Clinton, and Burgoyne; as are also ten transports with 700 marines, and 20 horses, from England.
Extra of a letter from GLASGOW, of a late date. The Molly, Capt. Mitchelson, of Whitehaven, belonging to Chambers and company, has taken a large cargo on board, and cleared out for Quebec. The cargo consists of goods only fit for the Virginia market, viz. 800 pieces of cotton, large quantities of nails, hose, Irish linen, and faddlery. It is believed these goods are intended to be smuggled on the coast of Virginia; but it is the interest of the fair trader to prevent such practices. You will act as you think proper. There is a ship called the Catherine, Capt. Thomas Patoun, arrived at Dunkirk, with from 160 to 200 hogheads of tobacco, said to be from Virginia; we shall be glad to know where she loaded, and from whence cleared. Such practices would ruin our trade.
The Hon. John Hancock, Esq; a Delegate from Boston, is appointed President of the Congress, in the room of the Hon. Peyton Randolph, Esquire.
The Otter sloop of war, Capt. Morris, is arrived in Hampton road.
THE committee of Lancaster county, on the 25th day of May, 1775, taking into consideration his Excellency Lord Dunmore's address to the Council, and their recommendation and proclamation issued in consequence thereof, hold they are necessarily bound to justify themselves and their constituents from such cruel imputations and assertions, and that such proclamation must tend to excite a belief of an intention to change the government, or raise convulsions in the state.
That the behaviour of some of the people in this colony, alluded to, originated in a full assurance of the determined bloody plan to enslave the colonies, manifested in various instances and ungracious encroachments, and more particularly and immediately in his Excellency's clandestine removal of the powder from the public magazine of the colony.
That his Excellency's ill-founded and injurious charge, to criminate the body of people in this colony, is hostile, and cannot be justified; therefore, he has forfeited the confidence of the inhabitants of this country.
That those members of his Majesty's Council who recommended and assisted in such proclamation, and also since gave their advice to the good people of this country, prefaced with cruel and indecent allegations, manifestly implying seditious and rebellious actions, tending to raise bitter dissensions and animosities, acted without prudence, policy, moderation, or generosity; and we are most sensibly aggrieved, that those whose duty and high department should warm them to every mode of reconciliation, should not only countenance, but themselves become incendiaries to fix, by their publication, a stigma by such an unmerited strictures on their brethren and fellow sufferers.
That our application for redress of grievances, so justly founded, so often and vainly repeated, our long sufferance and forbearance under such unfeeling-measures, unrelenting measures, and our ardent wishes and endeavours for a reconciliation, by the restoration of our just rights and privileges as we enjoyed them in the year 1763, evinces our attachment to our once happy constitution, and our allegiance to our gracious Sovereign.
We, in order to exculpate ourselves and our constituents from such heinous imputations, and to convince the world of our upright intentions, pledge ourselves to support the constitution, and his Majesty King George III. in all his just rights and prerogatives, with our lives and fortunes.
Published by order of the committee.
TO THE PUBLIC.
THE inhabitants of the borough of Norfolk, in town meeting assembled, being informed that Capt. Collins of the Magdalen armed Schooner, is endeavouring to dispose of a sloop seized by him, lately belonging to John Bowdoin, Esq; of the Eastern Shore; and being also further informed, that the said Collins has made application to some persons for the purchase of a pilot boat, probably with an intention to convert her into a tender, to distress the trade of this or some other colony: The inhabitants of this borough are therefore determined to give no encouragement to him or any such men, nor purchase any of their prizes from them, nor in the least contribute to their emolument by bidding for the plunder of our countrymen; nor will we sell any pilot boat or other vessel to them for their hostile purposes, nor in any respect have any kind of dealings with them. And the inhabitants of this borough, assembled as aforesaid, do further resolve, to have no dealing with any person, that in spite of the ties of duty and attachment to his country, shall counteract these our resolutions, by granting any assistance for the destruction of our rights and properties, or of any other of the good people of the confederated colonies: And we invite all persons to accede to this resolution. Test. WILLIAM DAVIES , Sec'y. MAY 25, 1775.
NORFOLK, Committee Chamber, June 3, 1775. Present, Mr. Chairman, and 20 members.
THE committee being informed that the ship Molly, Captain Mitchelson, has lately arrived from Great Britain, laden with a large quantity of goods for Messrs. Eilbeck, Rofs, and company, and the circumstances of the importation appearing very suspicious, and inducing this committee to believe there was an intention thereby to counteract the association:
Resolved, therefore, that agreeably to the association, the said ship ought, on or before Tuesday morning next, to return directly back with the said goods, and that a copy of the invoice ought to be delivered to the sub-committee, which this committee shall appoint; and that a certificate, properly authenticated, that the said goods have been actually reloaded in Great Britain, ought also to be produced to this committee by the said Eilbeck, Rofs, and company, as soon as the said certificate can be produced, and transmitted to their hands.
Ordered, that the above resolution be published. WILLIAM DAVIES , Sec'y. Committee Chamber, June 4, 1775. Present Mr. Chairman, and 22 members.
UPON motion, resolved, that it be published at the same time with the resolution of yesterday, that Mr. Rofs and Mr. Eilbeck did this day wait on this committee, and produced their invoice of goods shipped on board the Molly; and that it did not appear to this committee that the said goods were shipped by order of the said Rofs or Eilbeck, but on their account by Mr. Chambers of Whitehaven.
By order of the committee. WILLIAM DAVIES , Sec'y.
AT a meeting of a committee for the county of Caroline, on the 13th day of April, 1775. The committee having been heretofore informed that Rodham Kenner had been guilty of a breach of the association, it was then directed he should be summoned to appear at the next committee, which he accordingly did; and on examination of Alexander Parker and Daniel Barkdale, touching the information, the committee came to the following resolution:
Resolved, that the said Rodham Kenner hath violated the association by gaming in his own house.
Ordered, that the Clerk transmit a copy of this resolution to Messrs. Dixon and Hunter, and request them to publish it. (A copy) SAMUEL HAWES , jun. Clk.
AT a committee held for the county of Caroline, on Friday the 19th of May, 1775, the committee having taken into their most serious consideration his Excellency Lord Dunmore's Letter, dated the 24th of December last, to Lord Dartmouth, his Majesty's Secretary of State for the American department; also his Lordship's proclamation, and a letter wrote by a certain Capt. Montague, to the Hon. Thomas Nelson, Esq; (which were severally published in the Gazettes) think it their indispensable duty to remonstrate against the illiberal aspersions which are most injuriously thrown out against our constituents, as part of the community; and also to declare our abhorrence of the brutal disposition that dictated the menaces contained in the said Montague's letter: Therefore, resolved,
1st. That his Lordship's letter, if founded on the information of others, fully evinces to us their unfriendly and inimical disposition towards this country, and his wishes to perpetuate the unhappy dispute between Great Britain and America, which we so fervently and ardently desire to terminate on constitutional principles. We cannot forbear adverting to that part of his Lordship's letter, where he asserts, that armed companies in some counties are formed and sworn to enforce the orders of the committee, directly in open defiance of the legal prerogative of the Crown: Such proceedings as these, we are apprehensive, never had existence, or we should have had as early intelligence of them as his Lordship.
2d. That that part of his Lordship's proclamation wherein he charges some persons with being disaffected to his Majesty's government, and endeavouring to effect a change in it, under the appearance of defending their liberties, contains an accusation totally groundless, and cannot be meetly applied to the people of this colony, who ever were, and in future wish to be, distinguished for their loyalty to our most gracious Sovereign, whom we sincerely pray may ever enjoy his reign in peace, happiness, and glory. We think ourselves extremely ill treated by his Lordship, while we are aiming to preserve that liberty and freedom which the God of nature originally gave, and our ancestors have handed down to us, to be charged with disaffection to his Majesty's government. On a review of his Lordship's conduct, we cannot avoid suspecting his design in removing the gunpowder (more especially in the night) was rather to deprive this colony of it, than to be used for suppressing any insurrection.
3d. That Capt. Montague's threat of firing upon the defenceless town of York bespeaks such a base, and diabolical disposition, that he ought to be contemned and despised by all men of spirit and humanity: We therefore recommend it to our constituents, not to shew the said Montague any mark of civility or respect whatsoever. SAMUEL HAWES , jun. Clk.
THURSDAY the 8th of June was by Mistake advertised in the Papers of the two last Weeks, as the Day appointed for a Meeting of the Governors of the College, instead of Thursday the 15th. By Order of the Rector. M. DAVENPORT , C. V.
MANCHESTER, June 1, 1775.
I intend to leave the Colony immediately. (1||) FREDERICK M C FARLANE.
WEST POINT, June 8, 1775.
THE Subscriber intends to leave this Colony in a short Time, and desires all Persons who have any Demands against him to apply to Mr. William Fraser in King William, who is properly empowered to settle all Matters concerning him. (1||) GEORGE BARCLAY.
AS I was informed, at the late Convention held at Richmond, that a very large Number of Sheep were wanted by the Inhabitants of the middle and western Counties of this Colony; on my Return to Norfolk, I made Inquiry what Number could be purchased in Norfolk and Princess Anne Counties, and Parts adjacent; and, from the best Information I have been able to get, I am convinced that several Hundreds may be purchased in those Parts, if Application be made before the 20th Day of July, as the Persons who have Sheep for Sale choose to dispose of what they have to spare by that Time.
The Butchers who supply Norfolk Market have informed me, that if applied to, they shall be ready to assist Purchasers in making their Purchase; and they certainly know of whom the best, as well as the greatest Number of Sheep, are to be bought. JAMES HOLT.
For LIVERPOOL, (To sail in a Month) THE Ship BRILLIANT, WILLIAM PRIESTMAN Master; can take in 200 Hogheads of Tobacco on Freight, with Liberty of Consignment. For Terms apply to JOHN LAURENCE , & Co. Who have also FOR CHARTER, a SHIP of 400 Hogheads, and a BRIG of 8000 Bushels Burthen. NORFOLK, June 6, 1775.
THE Volunteer Company of Dinwiddie County would willingly engage with an expert ADJUTANT to instruct them in military Discipline.
THE Subscriber being very desirous of getting out of Debt, without any Dependence on his ungrateful Debtors, proposes to sell the pleasant and healthy Seat of HUNTINGTOUR, near Appomattox River, in the lower End of Buckingham, with 1500 or 2000 Acres of good Land, which produces fine Tobacco, Hemp, Wheat, &c. The Houses are new, and the best I have seen in the county; a larger and better Garden I believe is not in the Colony, and on this Land are several Hundred Fruit Trees of the best Kind, many of which were brought by water to Richmond Town above 80 Miles. On this Tract of Land is a large Proportion of exceeding fine Meadow Land, with a Fish Pond within three Hundred Yards of the Dwelling-House, stored with various Kinds of fine Fish, sufficient for the Use of a Family the Year round. In this Neighbourhood is Plenty of excellent Venison. The Air is so pure that I never knew an Instance of any Person having the Ague and Fever at Huntingtour. I have travelled through the most Parts of Virginia, and I have not seen any Part that I would so willingly reside in as this Neighbourhood. If I sell this Place, I shall live on the Part of this Tract of Land which has been advertised for some Time past. I make no Doubt but Appomattox River will be soon cleared, and then Wheat will be carried as far as Col. Banister's Mill, near Petersburg, for 4d. or 5d. per Bushel. I made at this Place 100 Gallons of rich Wine in 1772, and last Year (if it had not been for the Frost) I could have made 5 or 600 Gallons, which Quantity I expect to make this Year. HUNTINGTOUR would be a pleasant and safe Place for a Gentleman of Fortune to retreat to in the Horrors of a civil War, or in the sickly Months of many Parts of the Lowlands. "What is Honour, Grandeur, and Wealth? All fleeting Nothings without Health!" I hope any Gentlemen inclined to purchase will visit the Premises this Summer. — I will also sell, very cheap (that is, for about Half the Value) the Tract of rich LAND I have advertised in Albemarle for some Time past. ANTHONY WINSTON.
A DECENT young Woman wishes to live with a good Family, not very distant from the Neighbourhood of Petersburg. She would cheerfully discharge the common Duty of a Housekeeper, without any other Reward than her Board, and such Gratuity as may be graciously bestowed. For her Character, and other Information, inquire of Mr. William Bradley, or Mr. William Timberlake, of Petersburg.
NORTHUMBERLAND, May 25, 1775. The SUBSCRIBER intends to leave the Colony immediately. THOMAS FORSYTH.
RUN away from the Subscriber, in Farnham Parish, Richmond County, the 12th of May last, a Convict Servant named WILLIAM WELLS, imported this Spring in the Justitia, Capt. Kidd, about 6 Feet high, very thin, a little pitted with the Smallpox, of a brown Complexion, his Nose somewhat red, and has short dark brown Hair. He had on, when he went away, a gray Bath Coating Coat and Waistcoat (the Waistcoat, I am informed, he has changed for a short red one since he ran away) a Check Shirt, a Pair of Osnaburg long Breeches, patched on both Thighs, a Pair of old single Channel Pumps tied with Strings, a small Hat, the Crown of which is sewed in with brown Thread, and cocked two Ways; he carried with him a Pair of light coloured coarse Cloth Breeches, patched on the Knees. He is very saucy, and fond of Liquor. I am informed he was seen the 18th of May at Hobbs's Hole, and wanted to engage as a Sailor on Board some of the Ships there; but failing of employment, he quitted that place with two Sailors, who stole a Pettiauger with a Design of going to Norfolk. Whoever conveys him to me, shall have 5l. Reward. FRANCIS CHRISTIAN. All Captains or Masters of Vessels are forewarned carrying him out of the Colony, at their Peril. (2||)
COMMITTED to Buckingham Gaol, on the 15th of May last, a Negro Man about 5 Feet 6 Inches high, with a remarkable large Scar on the Back of his right Hand, Scars on each Side of his Face, and had on a Virginia Linen Shirt and Trousers. He cannot, or will not, tell his Master's Name. JOHN COX , Gaoler.
STRAYED, or STOLEN, about two Months ago, a large BLACK BITCH, very big with Puppies. Whoever brings her to the Post Office in Williamsburg shall have TWO DOLLARS Reward.
STRAYED, or STOLEN, from the Subscriber, in Fredericksburg, the 13th of January last, a SORREL HORSE about 13 Hands high, 5 or 6 Years old, with a hanging Mane and Smith's Tail, the former very thick, and lies on both Sides his Neck, has a Blaze in his Forehead, whitish hind Feet, and branded on the near shoulder E . Whoever brings the said Horse to me shall have 10s. Reward. ROBERT SCOTT.
DUMFRIES, May 30, 1775. STRAYED from my Plantation, near Dumfries, on Friday the 12th Instant, a BRIGHT BAY MARE near 14 Hands high, with a long Bob Tail and very thick Mane, paces naturally, and gallops very awkwardly, marked, to the best of my Remembrance, with a W on the left Shoulder, shod before, had a Neck Yoke on when she strayed away, and was seen about ten Days ago, near Bull Run Church, in Fauquier County. Whoever will bring her to me in Dumfries shall have 50s. Reward. GEORGE GRAHAM.

POETS CORNER.
On ENVY and DETRACTION.
IT must be own'd in vain we guard 'Gainst SLANDER's envious tongue, Tho' virtue is its own REWARD, Yet VIRTUE will be STUNG. Were you as PURE as spotless SNOW, As CLEAR as crystal ICE, Yet slander, virtue's native FOE, Would call this virtue VICE. Where virtue most conspicuous shows, There MALICE seems most bent, Thus where the sweetest BLOSSOM blows, There WASPS will most frequent. What fence can ward against the fiend? The means how dearly bought! The price for slander to your FRIEND, But MERIT set at NOUGHT. Let PATIENCE scorn their selfish views, For MALICE patience dreads, For sure the STORM that threatens yours, Must BURST upon their HEADS. Tho' DIRTY SCHEMES demand their care, REVENGE like them detest, For DIRT will harbour any where, But in an HONEST BREAST.
WANTED IMMEDIATELY,
TWO GOOD
JOURNEYMEN SHOEMAKERS
Who will meet with good Encouragement by applying to WILLIAMSBURG, } THOMAS SKINNER. June 2, 1775. }
COMMITTED to the Gaol of Elizabeth
City County, a Negro Man named BEN, of a yellow Complexion, pitted with the Smallpox, about 22 Years old, 5 Feet 7 or 8 Inches high, and has on an Osnaburg Shirt, and white Negro Cotton Jacket and Breeches. He says he belongs to James Prato, of the Island of Bermudas. The Owner is desired to prove his Property, pay Charges, and take him away. || JOHN M'LACHLEN, Gaoler.
WILLIAMSBURG, June 3, 1775.
DURING my Absence from this Co-
lony, Mr. William Maitland will transact the Business of Busfar to the College of William and Mary, as also my own Business, under the Direction of John Blair, Thomas Everard, and John Tazewell, Esquires, who have been pleased to accept of a Power of Attorney from me for that purpose. ROBERT MILLER.
JAMES GEDDY, Goldsmith,
Near the Church, Williamsburg,
HAS now on Hand an Assortment of JEWELLERY, which he would sell at an unusual low Price for ready Money. He has just procured, by the Bland, Capt. Danby, from London, a WATCH FINISHER, who will repair and clean REPEATING, HORIZONTAL, and PLAIN WATCHES, on reasonable Terms, and warrant them twelve Months, Accidents excepted. (2)
A CONVENIENT HOUSE is just built
at the College Landing, on the Creek that runs into James River, for storing any Kind of Goods; where are to be sold (on low Terms, for Cash) Salt, Tar, barrelled Pork, Hogs Lard, Bacon, good barrelled Shads and Herrings, Coal for Smiths and Grates, Pine Plank, Cypress Boards, Pails, Shingles, &c. — Flats to be hired at the same Place. Mr. James Jordan lives at the said Landing, will take in Lodgers, and keeps Carts to hire. CHARLES TALIAFERRO.
N. B. My Business is carried on as usual, by good Hands. I make for Sale light POST CHARIOTS, which will be sold as cheap as can be imported. The last of my Make, I am informed, turn out very well. — I have good Harness for Sale. 2
I INTEND to leave the Colony as soon
as possible. All Persons having any demands against me are desired to make them known immediately; and those who are indebted I hope will not fail to discharge their Accounts this Meeting. I have for Sale a Mulatto Fellow about 18 Years of Age, used to House and Garden Work, and taking Care of Horses; also sundry Pieces of exceeding good Mahogany and Walnut Furniture, two full blooded Mares, 15 Hands high, with their Foals, one Year old, by Partner, remarkably large and fine. The above may be seen, and the Terms known by applying to me in Williamsburg. HENRY MORSE.
TO BE SOLD,
To the highest Bidder, on the Premises, on TUESDAY the 1st of AUGUST next.
ALL that valuable Tract of LAND late
the Property of Matthew Branch, deceased, lying on James River, in the County of Chesterfield, containing about 500 Acres. One Half the Purchase Money to be paid on the Delivery of the Land, and the other Half twelve Months after. A good Title will be made by RIDLEY BRANCH, and MATTHEW BRANCH. WARWICK, May 29, 1775.
TO BE SOLD,
At HANOVER TOWN, on THURSDAY the 25th of this Instant (JUNE) at the Shop of the deceased Dr. JOHN WALKER,
A large Assortment of MEDICINES,
TOGETHER with an elegant and complete Set of SHOP FURNITURE, SURGEON's and MIDWIFERY INSTRUMENTS, and many valuable MEDICAL BOOKS. — An Inventory of the Whole may be seen at any Time before the Sale, in the Hands of THOMAS SIMPSON. Adm'r. HANOVER TOWN, June 1, 1775. (2)
WILLIAM & MARY COLLEGE, May 21, 1775.
I intend for ENGLAND soon.
JAMES MADISON.
WILLIAMSBURG, May 27, 1775.
THE VISITORS and GOVERNORS of William & Mary College are desired to meet on Thursday the 8th of June. By Order of the Rector. MATTHEW DAVENPORT. C. V.
SOUTHAMPTON County, April 19, 1775.
STRAYED, or STOLEN, from the
Subscriber, on the 16th of December last, a BAY HORSE about 14 Hands high, with a Star in his Forehead, and a Snip on his Nose; his right Eye is out, paces naturally, branded on the near Buttock O, but not plain, and had a Bell on. Whoever contrives the said Horse to me, or give me such Intelligence of him as will enable me to get him again, shall receive a Reward of 20s. ALEXANDER MURRAY.
TAKEN up, in Stafford, a BLACK COW with a white Belly, marked with a Crop and two Slits in her right Ear, and a Swallowfork in the left Ear, about 6 Years old; also a BLACK BULL, with a white Belly, his right Ear marked with a Crop and Underkeel, and his left with a Crop, supposed to be two Years old. Potted and appraised, the Cow to 45s. and the Bull to 15s. JOHN MOUNTJOY.
TAKEN up, in Buckingham, two MARES, viz. a DARK BAY about 4 Feet 5 Inches high, 5 or 6 Years old, trots and paces, her Mane hangs on the right Side, branded on the near Shoulder and Buttock, and on the near Jaw, O; the other is a SORREL, about 4 Feet 4 or 5 Inches high, 5 or 6 Years old, her Mane hangs on the right Side, has a Switch Tail, which is much whiter than her Mane, a small Blaze on her Face down to her Nose, and only trots. Potted and appraised, the former to 8l. and the latter to 10l. WILLIAM GILLIAM.
TAKEN up, in Buckingham, a BLACK MARE about 3 Years old, her Mane hangs on the near Side, has some white Hairs in her Face, Mane, and Tail, paces and trots, and has on a bell, which is cracked in several places, and is tied with a Leather String. Potted, and appraised to 15l. ISAAC AGEE.
TAKEN up, in Caroline, a brindled COW, marked with a Crop and Underkeel in the right Ear. Potted, and appraised to 50s. WILLIAM REDD.
TAKEN up, in Bedford, on the north Fork of Otter River, a SORREL MARE about 3 Years old, 4 Feet 8 Inches high, with a light Mane and Tail, and a large Blaze in her Face, branded on the off Buttock and near Shoulder M. Potted, and appraised to 10l. || JOHN JAMESON.
TAKEN up, in Bedford, a white and black COW, marked with an Underkeel in the left Ear, and a Half Crop in the right, appears to be pretty old. Potted, and appraised to 50s. || JOHN STIFF.
TAKEN up, in Bedford, on the Waters of Meadow Creek, a middle sized BAY MARE, with about a five Shilling Bell on, branded on the near Shoulder S, trots naturally, and is about 4 Feet 3 or 4 Inches high. Potted, and appraised to 21. 5s. || WALTER DEWITT.
TAKEN up, in Bedford, on Fleming's Mountain, a BLACK HORSE about 4 Feet 7 Inches high, 6 Years old, branded on the near Shoulder and Buttock, and on the off Shoulder, O; he has a Mark, or Scar, on the near Buttock, under the Letter, and trots naturally. Potted, and appraised to 10l. || WILLIAM HUMPHREY.
TAKEN up, in Amherst, a SMALL BLACK MARE about 4 Years old, 4 Feet 2 Inches high, has a small Star in her Forehead, neither docked nor branded. Potted, and appraised to THREE POUNDS TEN SHILLINGS. JOSEPH EDWARDS.
TAKEN up, in James City, a BLACK HORSE about 4 Feet 6 Inches high, with a hanging Mane and Switch Tail. Potted, and appraised to 15l. HANNAH ROGERS.
TAKEN up, in King William, a GRAY HORSE, somewhat fleabitten about the Head and Neck, about 4 Feet 8 Inches high, with a hanging Mane and Switch Tail, paces slow, and appears to have been used to working with a Collar. He has no Brand perceivable, is thought to be 10 or 11 Years old, and came to my Plantation last November. JOHN WARREN.
RUN away from the Subscriber, in Nansemond, some Time in May 1774, a Virginia born Negro Fellow named WILL, about 35 Years old, about 5 Feet 10 Inches high, very black, stout, and well made, has several Scars, one across each Ear, and one on his Chin. He has been seen in King William County, with a Negro Woman of Mr. William Allegra's. I will give FIVE POUNDS to any Person who delivers the said Fellow to me in Nansemond, or TEN DOLLARS to have him secured in any of his Majesty's Gaols, so that I may get him again. He is outlawed; and as he is very artful, it is apprehended he may make his Escape from those who take him, if they are not particularly careful. || HENRY GODWIN.
RUN away from the Subscriber, in Gloucester County, on the 14th Instant (May) a Negro Man Slave named NED, about 19 or 20 Years of Age, 5 Feet 2 or 3 Inches high, rather of a tawny Complexion, has some Ringworms in his face, and some white Hairs on his Head; his Clothing was an old brown Coat, and a yellow striped Cotton Waistcoat. I bought him for Mann Page, Jun. Esq; in March last, at the Sale of Mr. John Shermer's Estate, in James City County; he was brought from one of his Quarters in King William, and I have reason to believe he will go to those Parts, or to his Mother, who lives with Mr. Thomas Booth, in Nansemond Town. Whoever secures the said Slave so that I get him again shall have 40s. Reward, to be paid by Mann Page, Jun. Esq; to whom he belongs. || JAMES JONES.
STRAYED, or STOLEN, from
Fredericksburg, on Saturday Evening the 30th of April last, a small BRIGHT BAY MARE about 13 1/2 Hands high, 6 Years old, trots and paces, has a Switch Tail, is a little marked on the Breast with a Collar, but not branded. She was bred near King William Courthouse, and very probably may be gone that Way. Whoever delivers the said Mare to me, in Dumfries, shall have FOUR DOLLARS Reward. 4 ADAM JORDAN.
TO BE SOLD,
A PLANTATION lying on both Sides of Staunton River, in Halifax and Charlotte Counties, about three Miles below Booker's Ferry, and in good Order for Cropping, at present in the Possession of William Black, who will show the Land; it contains 310 Acres, 70 of which are very fine low Grounds, and may be entered on at Christmas next. For Terms apply to the Subscriber. — And at Prince Edward Court, on the third Monday in July next, will be sold, by Virtue of a Deed of Trust from James M c Mahan, a PLANTATION in Prince Edward County, about 6 Miles from the Courthouse, on the Branches of Spring Creek, containing 400 Acres; it is in good Order for Cropping, and in Possession of James M c Mahan, who will show the Land. — Also, at Charlotte Courthouse, on the first Monday in August next, will be sold, by Virtue of a Deed of Trust, a PLANTATION containing 232 Acres, lying on Cubb Creek, in the said County of Charlotte. — The Terms of Payment for the above Tracts of Land will be made known at the Time of Sale, by THOMAS YUILLE.
For CHARTER to any Part of BRITAIN,
AN EXCEEDING GOOD
V E S S E L,
Burthen about 500 Hogheads.
FOR TERMS APPLY TO Greenwood, Ritson, & Marsh, NORFOLK, May 3, 1775. (tf)
F O R S A L E,
A NEW BRIGANTINE, now rigging, and may be soon got ready for Sea, Burthen 122 Tons. She is a handsome well calculated Vessel, built of excellent Materials, ornamented with a Figure Head and other carved Work. Credit will be allowed for one Half of the Money on giving proper Security. If not sold shortly, would accept of a Freight. Apply to Capt. Wills Cooper, Merchant, who will be at the Merchants Meeting, or to me in Suffolk. SAMUEL COHOON.
W A N T E D,
A PERSON who understands building a FULLING-MILL and FRIEZE-MILL. Any such Person coming well recommended will meet with good Encouragement by applying to the Subscriber, in Nansemond, near Chuckatuck. SAMUEL BRADLEY.
RUN away from the Subscriber, in New
Kent, the 27th of April last, a Negro Fellow named MICHAEL, about 25 Years old, 5 Feet 7 Inches high, had on a Cotton Waistcoat, an Osnaburg Shirt, Leather Breeches, and a Pair of black Stockings. He walks remarkably straight, and has been in Williamsburg offering to hire himself. Whoever brings him to me shall have 40s. Reward, or 20s. if secured in any Gaol. tf SAMUEL APPERSON.
STRAYED from the Subscriber, in
Blandford, on the 4th of March last, a dark bay Mare, 7 or 8 Years old, about 14 Hands high, with a hanging Mane and Switch Tail, cat-hamm'd, paces naturally, has some Saddle Spots on the near Side, and branded WK, or WR, on the near Shoulder and Buttock. Also a small sorrel FILLY went away with her, two Years old this Spring, had a Snip on the right Nostril, but neither docked nor branded. They were seen on Rowanty, and are imagined to have gone towards Walker's Mill, on Nottoway, or Hick's Ford, on Meherrin. — Whoever will bring the said Mares to me shall be handsomely rewarded for their Trouble. (tf) DAVID BLACK.
To be sold by Auction,
At the Meeting of the Merchants in May next, for Cash or short Credit, about 600l. Sterling Worth of
EUROPEAN GOODS.
TO BE SOLD
To the highest Bidder (or otherwise) on the Premises, on SATURDAY the 17th of JUNE next,
A VALUABLE Tract of LAND on James River, in the lower End of Amherst County, containing upwards of 1000 Acres of high and low Grounds, with a Shad Fishery; also a Quarry of Limestone and various coloured Marble, and Land cleared, with Houses, sufficient for 10 or 12 Hands to work thereon. — Also for Sale, on the Premises, on the Tuesday following, being the 20th of June, if fair (otherwise next fair Day) a well known valuable Tract of LAND in Goochland County, on James River, adjacent to the lower End of Elk Island, and adjoining the Land at Carter's Ferry (now Woodson's) about 45 Miles above Richmond Town and Spocko, with good Improvements, and Ground cleared sufficient to work about 10 Hands. The said Tract contains, of high and low Grounds, upwards of 700 Acres. Upon both these Tracts are beautiful Situations to live on, with good Water, Meadow Ground, &c. and are capable of great Improvements. It is thought no Person will venture to purchase either of the above Tracts without first viewing them; therefore it is needless to say any thing further in Recommendation of them. The Payments to be agreed on at the Days of Sale, and Bond, with good Security, will be required by the Trustees of JOHN HOWARD. A few undoubted Rights to Officers or Soldiers Lands would do, at a moderate Price, in Part of Payment; and the Lands may be entered on by Christmas next. 5
TO BE RENTED,
A large Dwelling-House In RICHMOND TOWN,
40 Feet by 20, with two rooms below and two above, a Garden newly pailed in, a Kitchen, and all other Outhouses necessary for a Family. The Situation is as pleasant as any in Town.
The Terms may be known by applying to the Printers hereof, or to the Subscriber, in said Town. (tf) GABRIEL GALT.
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 Mattaponi, 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 first 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.