The Virginia gazette (Williamsburg, Va.), 1773-01-07 00:00:00

VIRGINIA
GAZETTE.
Open to ALL PARTIES,
but influenced by NONE.
ADVICE TO A SISTER.
Dear MARIA,
THE last thing I shall recommend to your consideration is to reflect frequently on that inevitable consequence of our birth, DEATH. However gloomy the idea of a corporeal dissolution may be, the certainty of its some time happening to us all, and the uncertainty of the awful period, ought to make an impression on the mind not to be effaced by amusements, or destroyed by time; but which should remain, amidst the round of our pleasures, recreations, and employments, as a memento of our mortality, and an incitement to a course of life preparatory to that important change; a change which throws off all worldly distinction, discloses the secrets of the heart, and exhibits the soul naked and undisguised with all its vices and imperfections. The regal tyrant then loses all his terror, and finds himself but on a level with the slave he lately trampled under foot. He views with torment the exaltation of virtue, and the happiness that waits on worthy actions; for he is "weighed in the balance, and is found wanting." This annihilation of all human grandeur and importance is the more dreaded in proportion to our greater attachment to sublunary things, and negligence of those which relate to the momentous concerns of futurity. Hence the man of fortune and power looks upon death in the most shocking light; as a circumstance that will deprive him of every thing he holds estimable, and plunge him into a state of uncertainty, where all the consequence he plumes himself on is at an end, and where, it is probable, the most wretched of his dependents shall soar above him in celestial glory. The profligate too, who shuns no scene of debauchery, lewdness, and dissipation; who mocks at every divine institution, violates every human law, oppresses innocence, and triumphs over virtue; the wretch, thus abandoned, conceives a much more horrible idea of a final dissolution: The thought crouds all the horrors of his guilt upon his mind, and makes him anticipate the Hell he so much dreads. But these reflections, in either, seldom arise but on a sick bed. Then the approach of death, and the terrors of a future state, stand full in view, with every aggravated circumstance that conscious guilt can suggest. This fear of death is an infallible sign that all is not well within wherever it is discovered; for it is an observation I have often made, that the man who lives up to the principles of his religion; without hypocrisy, and makes conscience the unerring rule of all his actions, considers death only as a relief to humanity, which, when mortality is worn to the utmost, and becomes a burthen to itself, consigns the lifeless load in peace to its kindred earth, discencumbers the still vigorous and immortal principle from the infirmities of a shattered body, and opens for it a passage to the blissful mansions of eternal felicity, where no cares nor disquiétudes find a habitation, and where envy and discontent can have no being.
That we should have so little thought concerning a state which is so superlatively interesting to us all would appear astonishing to a person unacquainted with the world. We see our friends and acquaintance drop off on each side of us; but it is the common course of nature, and we take no further notice of it. We see a person fall down in an apoplectic fit, and expire, but are not alarmed at it. We hear of our neighbour who went to bed well, and was found dead in the morning. But what of that? It was not us. Indeed, if an intimate friend die by any of these means, we are shocked for a little time; but, like an impression made in water, it soon wears off. The truth is, we are too apt to consider death, in a cursory manner, as a thing common to others, but which we may possibly escape; or, at least, think on it as at a great distance, and therefore not requisite to be thought deeply about, just at that time when we have a thousand more agreeable things in our mind. But should we imperceptibly pursue the reflection, and consider ourselves as on the bed of death, with weeping friends around us; view ourselves stretched out a lifeless corps, and think on the soul fled from its mortal habitation, to appear before the Author of its being, we should shudder at the prospect, feel all the force of corruptible nature rush in upon us, and know that we must die. This is a truth that we must all, sooner or later, experience; but this never appears so forcibly as in sickness. It is
then we clearly see the folly of all human pleasures; the pomp of wealth, the grandeur of Nobility, the force of wit, and all the charms of beauty, are lost upon us, and rather excite disgustful than solacing ideas. Then too the inattention of the world appears most conspicuous. Except a particular friend or relation, you find no one concerns himself about you, farther than a ceremonious enquiry after your health. Whilst you are in all the pangs of violent disease, you shall hear the servants in the house merrily going about their several occupations, and every one as attentive to his business as before. You shall hear of your acquaintance paying and receiving visits, and carelessly enjoying life as usual. You will then see the glaring impropriety of such conduct, and say within yourself, "Surely these people never think of dying! Did they but feel what I do, at this moment, or even but reflect on it, they could not but think their lives mispent, and prepare for the change I now feel approach with hasty strides!"
These sentiments are, perhaps, better expressed in the moral essays of Messieurs de Port Royal, an extract from which I shall here introduce, translated by the celebrated Mrs. Rowe.
"Beyond the address which men have never to think of death, but as at a very great distance, nor to view it but in some other person, without putting themselves one moment in the place of the dying, they have yet a farther art to delude themselves, by forming such a general and confused idea as conceals from them all that is most terrible in death. They conceive little else of this state, but as a privation of sense, and a separation from the commerce of life; so that when they say a man is dead, they only mean that they see him no more, and that he shares no longer in the affairs of the world. In a word, their idea of death is only formed on what men cease to do in dying, and not on what they begin to do and feel, though it be that which constitutes its most dreadful circumstance."
"This might be illustrated by the image of a dying man. We are much affected at the groans of human nature, just at its last period of existence; at the pangs the body feels in the struggles between life and death; but more particularly if he is our friend, in the reflection that the dying person is one for whom we have an affection, now paying the great debt of nature, and leaving us, his dear friends, forever. These sentiments, however generous and humane, do not sufficiently come home to us. We ought to look upon the dying man as one just launching into eternity, as one whose soul is now quitting its terrane abode; and will in a moment fly before its omnipotent Creator, to give an account of its actions in this world. The body now felt its last pang, the limbs gave their last struggle, the voice sent forth its last groan, the breath made its last passage through the lips, and the eyes rolled ghastly round, and looked their last. Now let the sympathetic spectator shudder; for he whose eyes beheld us but this moment now sees the glories of Heaven, and the miseries of the wicked; hoping, from the mercies of the Almighty, in whose awful presence he now stands, and trembling for the immorality of his conduct. Some few days since he was, like us, in health and vigour; a few days more may bring us to the dread tribunal before which he now implores forgiveness of his offences. Let us reflect on this, and live today as if tomorrow were our last."
The same authority I have above quoted, speaking of the unavoidable propensities the soul has to the things of this world, notwithstanding its reliance on divine aid, continues thus:
"This necessity of human consolations is not peculiar to vicious men; in some degree the virtuous want their relief. There are few persons so perfect but they have still some remaining tie to the world. Fatigued by a long attention to spiritual objects, they are forced, in divers instances, to abandon themselves, and fly for satisfaction to their friends, their children, their estates, to a field of their own planting, or an edifice of their own raising."
"This is the condition of man in this life, which may help us to comprehend what death is, with the effect it produces. We ought to look on it as the rupture of all that unites us to the creatures; a general separation from the objects of sense; the cancelling all human ties, and every pleasure the soul found in them, with a total privation of what it loved and enjoyed on earth. When a man dies he loses not only what he calls his wealth, but the firmament, the
sun, the stars, the air, the earth, and all the rest of nature: he loses his body, and all those sensations that gave him pleasure; he loses his relations, his friends, and all mankind; he loses all relief, all support, and, in short, all the objects of his senses and passions."
"Indeed, if the soul, in some degree united to these, finds itself also united to God by a holy love, though the privation of the creature causes some emotion, yet it sinks not into despair; for this divine principle sustains it, and, growing more active, confirms its hopes of being shortly united to, and overwhelmed in, that abyss of pleasure, which alone can satisfy all its capacity of loving."
"But who is able to conceive the state of the miserable soul, when it comes by death to be rent from all the objects of its inclinations, from all that sustained it during life, and finds nothing in itself on which to lean? Its propensities to love, and enjoy what it loved, become, beyond comparison, more lively and ardent, while all the soul was fond of escapes and flies before her with an everlasting flight, without leaving the least hope of fruition; she loses all, finds nothing, all sinks under her, all vanishes and disappears forever."
"It is not possible, in this world, to comprehend a state so perfectly miserable; all one can say, to give some idea of it, is this: It is a terrible fall of the soul, by a sudden removal of all its supports; it is an horrible famine, by a privation of its nourishment; it is an infinite void, by the annihilation of all that filled it; it is an extreme poverty, by the entire loss of that which was its wealth; it is a ghastly solitude, by the separation it finds itself in from all union and society; it is a dreadful desolation, by the want of all consolation; it is a cruel rupture, which violently rends the soul from every object of its love."
To remove, therefore, or at least to extenuate, the horrors of death, we should familiarize ourselves to it by frequent reflection, which will soon wean us from the vices and follies of life; and attach the soul to those objects in which she alone is interested, and which the body can have no commerce with. The body has but a short existence; the soul must have eternal being. The pains and pleasures of the first continue, as it were, but for a moment; those of the latter endure to all eternity. Let us then learn to look with less affection upon things which we are certain can be but of momentary duration, and pursue those which are the immediate interest of the soul, and which last forever. Let the body relinquish the pleasure that clashes with the welfare of the soul; nor let its short pains and sufferings warp her from the great purpose of everlasting happiness; but let us say, with Cato,
"The soul, secur'd in its existence, smiles At the drawn dagger, and defies its point. The stars shall fade away, the sun himself Grow dim with age, and nature sink in years; But thou shalt flourish in immortal youth, Unhurt amidst the war of elements, The wrecks of matter, and the crush of worlds."
FRATER.
L O N D O N, October 10:
The following singular WILL has been proved in the Deanery court of York:
THIS is my last will, I insist on it still, So sneer on, and welcome, And ev'n laugh your fill. I William Hickington, Poet, of Pocklington, Do give and bequeath, As free as I breathe, To thee Mary Jaram, The Queen of my Haram; My cash and my cattle, With every chattel, To have and to hold, Come heat, or come cold, Sans hindrance or strife (Tho' thou'rt not my wife) As witness my hand, Just here as I stand, This twelfth of July, In the year seventy. Signed in the presence of
WILLIAM HICKINGTON.

TREASURY OFFICE, December 16, 1772.
I CANNOT sufficiently express my Astonishment that so little Punctuality was observed by many Collectors of the Duties and Taxes, as well as others indebted to the Treasury, in the Payments they ought to have made at the last General Court, and the late Meeting of the Merchants. I know it has been insinuated by some that I am inclined to be over rigorous; but let all such consider how very essential it is to the Honour of this great Country that the Credit of its public Treasury should be effectually maintained; and let them inform me how I am to answer the Demands of the public Creditors, and be prepared to exchange the Treasury Notes, unless the Duties and Taxes, imposed for these Purposes, are regularly collected and paid.
When I had the Honour of being first appointed to this Office, it is very well known how Matters stood: Many Collectors, largely indebted, were dead, and I found many innocent Securities unhappily involved in the greatest Difficulties. Under these Circumstances I judged it most advisable to reduce Things to Order by Degrees, having Regard to the ultimate Security of the Public. By pursuing this Method I am convinced much has been saved; and I flatter myself it will be found that very few, if any Debts, will be lost which were not desperate before I had any Thing to do with them.
But Indulgencies of every Kind must now be at an End; and my Duty compels me to acquaint all concerned that I shall hold myself indispensably obliged, without Respect of Persons, to put the Laws into the strictest Execution against all such as continue in Arrear after the 25th of January next, when another general Meeting of the Merchants is expected; and that I shall, in future, after the End of every General Court, think it necessary to publish an exact List of every Defaulters. I desire the several Clerks to send me the proper Lists and Copies of the Collectors Bonds, given from Time to Time, that I may be prepared to enforce a Performance of the Conditions of them. I must also request the several HIGH SHERIFFS to make up their Accounts for their whole Counties at once; and, to avoid the Confusion that may be introduced into the Office by the Remissness of many Under Sheriffs, as well as other Collectors, I declare, once for all, that I will receive no partial Payments.
Finding that such Part of the Fund as was expected to arise from Ordinary Licences is likely to be diminished, and it having been represented to me that this is owing to many Ordinary Keepers failing to renew their Licences regularly, I must beg it as a Favour of the Gentlemen Deputy Attorneys to give some Attention to this Business, and I will, on Demand, pay all Fees that may arise in such Prosecutions as they may think necessary to engage in, where they cannot be had of the Delinquents.
RO. C. NICHOLAS, TREASURER.
L O N D O N, November 4.
YESTERDAY Mr. Alderman Townsend, Lord Mayor elect, accompanied by Mr. Alderman Stephenfon (the only Alderman who attended) and the two Sheriffs, waited on the Lord Chancellor, at his house in Great Russell street, Bloomsbury. The town clerk, in a short speech, introduced Mr. Townsend to his Lordship, who in a few words signified the Royal approbation at the choice the citizens had made; after which the usual compliments passed, and the whole concluded with a regale of cakes and wine.
Yesterday the Lord Mayor elect sent for the city marshals, and acquainted them that he should expect a strict and regular attention to the duties of their office with respect to the markets of this city, the abuses whereof have been very prejudicial of late years to the community; and also ordered them to clothe their men in the colour of his Lordship's livery, according to their original instructions from the court of Common Council, and that those men do diligently patrol the streets of this city, and apprehend all vagrants, beggars, and other disorderly persons who prey on the humane, benevolent, and industrious inhabitants, and that each of them should be passed to their respective parishes, where the law has made a provision for their support, hoping it will be a means of reducing the poor's rate in the city, which hath encreased much of late, and become a great burthen to the sober, diligent, working part of mankind, which are the bulk, strength, and support, of national welfare. His Lordship likewise gave very particular instructions to the meal weighers, and declared if regular returns were not made to him of the various prices of corn he would provide proper persons, at his own cost and charges, to inspect the same, and punish every defaulter as far as the law empowers him.
We are assured that her Majesty is now happily advanced in the sixth month of her pregnancy, and continues in a perfect state of health.
Extract of a letter from Edinburgh, October 30.
Yesterday arrived here from Iceland, and other places in the north seas, where they had been on a voyage for discoveries, the ingenious Mr. Banks, Dr. Solander, and Dr. Lind.
We hear that a great disagreement now subsists between the Lord Chancellor and Lord Mansfield. Extract of a letter from Newport, Monmouthshire, October 30.
We have had the greatest flood this week ever known in this country, which has done incredible damage. Most of the bridges are washed away, particularly those at Cardiff, Baffoleg, and Ebbo, and three or four more higher up that river; Carleon bridge is likewise thrown down. The wife of a tinman of Carleon, who it is supposed was passing the bridge when it fell, luckily caught hold of a beam, upon which she floated down through the bridge at this town, and was taken up three miles below the place by a small boat. As soon as she was put on shore she got a horse and rode home, and was the first to acquaint her husband of the accident; she is big with child. Great numbers of cattle, sheep, and horses, and some with saddles on, have come through our bridge, and the body of a poor woman has been taken up at our wharf.
P. S. Every minute we hear fresh accounts of losses, and many people drowned.
The following pasquinade was yesterday written on a shop window on Snow Hill:
The four D O G S.
Wilkes is a sad dog, Townsend is a mad dog, Halifax is a mean dog, and Shakespeare is a drunken dog.
A correspondent says, Mr. Townsend, Mr. Sawbridge, Mr. Oliver, Sir Robert Bernard, Mr. Glynn, Mr. Bellas, Mr. Horne, &c. all absolute strangers to Mr. Wilkes and to each other, espoused his cause when he was an outlaw, loaded with thirty thousand pounds of debt, and without a friend or acquaintance in the world that would countenance or assist him. Under every discouragement, attacked with all sorts of ridicule and abuse, they spare no expence, they decline no fatigue, they shrink from no danger, they leave no person unsolicited, no honest measure untried. By their assistance chiefly, and at their cost, his outlawry is set aside, his debts are discharged, his fine paid, the expences of his imprisonment are borne, he is four times elected for Middlesex, he is made an Alderman of London, and an annuity of near one thousand a year for life is provided for him. Mr. Wilkes grows intoxicated with success, procured by their means; he thinks the whole wealth and power of the kingdom are in his own hands; he forbids and thwarts every public measure that has not him for their object; he appropriates to himself five thousand pounds in one year; he opposes a subscription to Bingley, though to his honest sufferings and patient enduring of a two years imprisonment we owe our triumph over attachments; he protests against a gratuity to the printers, though to their courage we are indebted for the freedom of the press; he attempts to impede upon his benefactors a false list of debts; he endeavours to make an adherence to himself the only touchstone of public spirit, and would sell the favour of the people as corruptly as Ministers do the graces of their Prince; and because these men refuse to be subservient to his sordid views, and to sink the public cause in the private interest of Mr. Wilkes, he who owes all to them, his release from prison, his daily bread whilst in it, and his present public situation, has yet the effrontery to tell the public (who know these notorious facts) he has the effrontery to tell the public that these men are "a brood of serpents whom Wilkes ignorantly nourished with a generous warmth in his bosom."
Nov. 6. By letters from Toulon we learn that a man of war of 50 guns, and 550 men, belonging to that place, was lost on the coast of Brittany on the 4th of last month, and but 304 of the people saved.
A most curious present has been sent to a great Lady, which consists of the top of a dressing table, and boxes and ornaments for the same, made of kennel coal, and rimmed with silver. This curious production was sent from Lancashire.
We are credibly informed that Mr. Alderman Plomer has subscribed 1000l. to the Bill of Rights society.
Nov. 7. Tomorrow the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, Sheriffs, &c. will meet at Guildhall, when the Lord Mayor elect will be sworn in; afterwards the two Lord Mayors will return in the state coach to the Mansion House, where the Aldermen, Sheriffs, &c. will be entertained at the joint expence of the two Lord Mayors.
Orders are to be given for a guard to be ready on Monday, to march on a minute's notice in case of any disturbance.
Yesterday, at the Cabinet Council held at St. James's, Sir Jeffery Amherst was sworn in one of his Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Council, and took his seat at the Board.
It is reported that the regulation of the prices of provision, &c. will be the first business at the approaching session of Parliament.
The following account is given of the seizure of the papers and person of the Prince de Conti, which has made a great noise at Paris. The Prince de Conti having been suspected by the court to have favoured several seditious papers lately published against the Ministry, and to have caused them to be privately
printed at a press he had erected in the verge of the temple where he holds his court at Paris, the Chancellor Maupeau obtained a letter de cachet, which he caused to be issued October the 13th. In consequence of this arrest, the palace of the Prince was environed at midnight by the Mousquetaries, and other guards. The first secured the manuscripts and printed papers; these were instantly deposited in the hands of Monsieur de Sartine, the Lieutenant of the Police. The Abbe Quillet (the supposed author of the different publications) together with the printers, were then seized and conducted to the Bastille. During the confusion one of the Prince's postilions found means to escape, and made the best of his way to L'Isle d'Adma, a country seat belonging to the Prince de Conti (where he then was) and acquainted him what was transacting at his palace. The Prince, greatly astonished at the intelligence, immediately set off for Paris; but he found his person no more sacred than his house, his papers, or his secrets. The Minister Maupeau secured the Prince also; and the great and noble assertor and protector of the liberties of his country has been immured like a common felon. What will be the consequence of this atrocious stretch of power in the Chancellor time only can disclose; but the populace is so exasperated that some dreadful effects are to be expected. The other Princes of the blood were so alarmed at this daring attack of the Minister on so respectable a part of their body, that they went from their palaces in Paris to the country with the utmost precipitation, in the opinion of many in a manner very unworthy their high births and stations.
Thursday night last the famous Buckhorse, so well known for upwards of 40 years last past to the Nobility and Gentry at Newmarket, and other public places of resort, fell down dead in Covent Garden, where he was attending, as usual, with his link, to call coaches for the people coming out of the playhouse. This famous hero of the bruising stage, in his youth, used to divert the company before the champion mounted, with boxing any one who chose to attack him, in order to pass away the time. He was so very hardy that he could bear a great deal of drubbing, and often beat a much bigger and stronger boxer than himself. At last he had one of his eyes totally beat out, and of late years the poor wretch was greatly reduced, so as to carry small twigs and walking sticks about for a livelihood, notwithstanding he was formerly so great a favourite with the late Lord Windsor that he had him to sit for his picture in miniature, which he had set round with diamonds, and gave it to a noble Earl of his acquaintance.
Nov. 9. It is reported that a frigate is arrived at Portsmouth, express from the Mediterranean, with an account that one of his Majesty's ships, attempting to go into the harbour of Carthagena, was fired upon from the fort; and that the Captain of the English ship resolutely returned the fire, but was soon overpowered, and obliged to strike.
It is said that orders have been given for twelve ships of the line to be got ready to sail from Spithead, at an hour's warning.
Yesterday, about 2 o'clock, the Right Honourable James Townsend, Esquire, Lord Mayor elect, was sworn in as Lord Mayor at Guildhall for the year ensuing. After that ceremony, and the sword bearer, mace bearer, &c. had surrendered the same to the present Mayor, who delivered them to the Lord Mayor elect, he returned them to the respective Gentlemen. The old Lord Mayor then came forward, and addressed himself to the Livery to the following effect: "That on the expiration of his high and important office he was happy in the conscious reflection that he had employed his whole time with the greatest integrity in promoting the interest of his fellow citizens, and studying the happiness of this great metropolis; and his Lordship concluded by observing how worthy a Gentleman was to succeed him."
Monday forenoon, at half past 11 o'clock, the new Lord Mayor, and the old Lord Mayor, Aldermen Stephenfon, Crosby, Sawbridge, Bull, Plomer, the two Sheriffs, the Common Serjeant, the two City Council, and other city officers, went from Guildhall, the mercers and merchant tailors companies marching before them, with music playing, and colours flying, to Queenhithe, where they took water to go up to Westminster. There was the greatest concourse of people ever seen upon the like occasion, who hissed and groaned the old Lord Mayor all the way. After the new Lord Mayor had embarked on board the city barge the state coach came back to the Mansion House to carry the Lady Mayorefs to Guildhall, as did Mr. Sheriff Lewes's carriage for his Lady, who was with the Lady Mayorefs at the Mansion House.
Letters in town from Spain assert, for a fact, that the Spanish admiralty have lately made a demand of one third of the 22,000 registered seamen from the different maritime provinces of that kingdom.
It is confidently reported, at the west end of the town, that the Spaniards have now three powerful fleets at sea, one at the Havannah, and two more ready to act as occasion requires.
It is reported that an account had been lately received from Galam, on the coast of Africa, that money was never known so scarce, nor slaves so dear,

as at present, most of the storehouses being full of goods, as they cannot be sold but to disadvantage.
It is reported that the colony agents intend to make application to Parliament for leave to establish mints for the coining silver currency in America.
They write from Cork that for many years there has not been known a greater demand for the exportation of all sorts of Irish provisions, particularly butter, several thousand barrels of which are now shipping for Holland and Hamburg.
It is reported that the court of Lisbon hath lately made some extraordinary concessions in favour of the British commerce, the particulars of which have not yet transpired.
Yesterday came on, before the Lord Chancellor at Lincoln's Inn Hall, a petition, signed by a number of the creditors of Mr. Fordyce, late a bankrupt, complaining of the allowances, or gifts, made by several other creditors, without the consent of the petitioners, to Mr. James, Mr. Neal, and Mr. Down, late partners with Mr. Fordyce, and praying that the same might be set aside; and likewise praying that the present assignees might be discharged, or another added to those already appointed. After hearing counsel fully on all sides, his Lordship observed, that as to the first part of the prayer he could not set aside an act which in itself was illegal and void, and entirely against the statute; that as to the other part prayed by the petition, they were at liberty to proceed to the choice of another assignee if they thought proper, but he was of opinion that they could not do better than keep those Gentlemen of integrity and abilities already appointed. The above mentioned petition was signed by near 60 persons, creditors to the amount of 27,000l.
Extract of a letter from Chester, November 10.
"About nine o'clock on Thursday night last, the 5th instant, the inhabitants of this city were thrown into the utmost consternation by an instantaneous shock, supposed at first to have been occasioned by the violence of an earthquake, as the houses in every quarter of the town were shook to their foundations. Vast multitudes, overwhelmed with surprize, immediately rushed into the streets and lanes, not knowing where to fly for safety, fearful of consequences which the imagination depicted as big with every danger and distress. It was not long, however, before the real cause was known; and a scene of such complicated misery presented itself that can hardly be exceeded by any instance recorded in history. The preceding day a quantity of gunpowder, upwards of 800 pounds weight, had been deposited in a warehouse in Watergate street, under a building known by the name of Eaton's Room, in which one Williams, the master of a puppet show, had for some time past, exhibited his performances. The company which these idle amusements had drawn together, on the fatal evening, was very great (may such another evening never be known any where!) and in the midst of their merriment, the powder, by what accident is not known, took fire, and in a moment most of the unhappy people were buried under a prodigious heap of ruins; some were thrown into the neighbouring courts, scorched and confused, and a few, but very few, had the good fortune to escape with no other hurt than a slight burn, or a small scratch. The numbers that flocked from all parts to view the place where destruction had so suddenly fallen upon the heads of many of their fellow citizens stood amazed at the display of so much horror; but the groans and shrieks of the yet alive miserable sufferers soon awaked their humanity. Every hand then lent a willing assistance; vast heaps of stone and timber were immediately removed, and the bodies that had any remains of life in them, as fast as they were raised from the ruins, were either carefully conveyed to their friends in the different parts of the city, or to that noble, that truly beneficent establishment, the general infirmary, where the physicians and surgeons, uninfluenced by any other motive than the public good, have so largely contributed, by their knowledge and assiduity in their several departments, to promote the design of so excellent a charity, stood ready to afford every possible relief to the miserable objects that were presented to them. It is impossible to come to the knowledge of the exact number of those who shared in this shocking calamity; the account on which we can most depend is that the killed, and those since dead, amount to 23; and those that were much burnt, had contusions, or broken limbs, to 80, most of which are likely to recover. Williams himself, his wife, and three or four of the same family, are of the number of the dead. Several promising youths are a like lost to their parents and the community, but how many heads of families have fallen undistinguished we must leave to the prying eye and relieving hand of charity to find out; and we doubt not but her benign influence once exerted will quickly penetrate the most retired recesses of the wretched, and wipe away the tears of the mourning widow and the weeping orphan."
Extract of another letter from Chester of the same date.
"I have seen and talked with a black man who was in the room at the time of the accident, he is miserably burnt, as are all those that are saved. The account he gave me was, that he perceived a blue
fire under the floor, and in an instant the building blew up, and they were all in the air jumbled together. He says he recovered his senses when in the air, and is certain he must have ascended very high, as he was long in coming down, and that he fell upon some persons which prevented his being killed. There was a couple destroyed who had from their infancy entertained a mutual affection, and were designed by their parents, for each other: The young man was a very promising youth, but I hope they are now in an union from which they can never be severed; the parents of both are distracted. The young woman was an only daughter, and would have had an handsome fortune."
WILLIAMSBURG, January 7, 1773. On Saturday the 26th of December died, at Charlottesville, in the 32d year of his age, Doctor JAMES BLAIR , one of the physicians of this city. To an extensive knowledge of the various branches of literature he united the profoundest skill in his profession; to the most unlimited freedom of enquiry he joined a piety rational, manly, and sublime; and by his example demonstrated the possibility of supporting, at the same time, the character of the accurate philosopher, and the sincere christian. Of the natural rights of mankind, as well as the peculiar privileges of his native country, he was an able and intrepid defender. His sentiments concerning civil and religious liberty were clear, uniform, and consistent. An inflexible regard to justice manifested itself in every part of his conduct. But these awful virtues were tempered with the amiable ones of compassion, humanity, and universal benevolence. Long will his death be lamented, and his memory revered by the friends of learning, liberty, and virtue.
Cui pudor, et justitiae foror Incorrupta fides nudaque veritas, Quando ullum inuenient Parem?
The Peggy, Capt. Fisher, in seven weeks from Liverpool, is arrived in James river.
WILLIAMSBURG, January 5, 1773. Mr. Patrick Henry, junior, of Hanover, having been obliging enough to undertake to finish all such Causes of my Clients as remain undetermined in the General Court, I desire that they will be pleased to correspond with, and furnish him with proper Instructions.
As Mr. Henry is at a Distance from this Place, I will very gladly do any Thing in my Power towards expediting the Suits, forwarding Subpoenas, &c. between this Time and the succeeding General Court, when I shall deliver all Papers into his Hands, unless directed to the contrary. In most of the Suits still depending I have received a very inconsiderable Part of the Fees, and in many none at all; but if in any Case it should be thought that more has been paid me than my Services deserved, I shall be ready to refund it. RO. C. NICHOLAS.
THE short notice of my sale preventing the attendance of purchasers, I propose selling the same SLAVES at Fredericksburg on the 3d day of February , if fair, if not, the next fair day. Credit for one half till the 1st day of May , and for the other half till the 1st day of November next, the purchaser to get the engagement of some merchant to undertake for the payment at the time appointed. The few that attended the former sale can testify that they never saw so many young and likely slaves at one sale. As I sell forty three, and twenty more are now appointed to be sold on the same day, and as I shall have a dozen to hire out, it is supposed any person that wants may suit himself. Those who hire are to give bond and security for the payment of the same, and delivering up the slaves at the expiration of the year. JAMES MERCER.
ALL Persons indebted to the Printer hereof are earnestly desired to make Payment at the ensuing general Meeting of the Merchants.
To be SOLD, on Monday the 11th of this instant (January) pursuant to an order of King & Queen county court,
NINE Virginia born SLAVES , consisting of men, women, and children, for ready money. THE SHERIFF.
In pursuance of a decree of the county court of Spotsylvania will be SOLD, at Concord forge , in the said county, on Monday the 25th of this instant (January) if fair, if not, the first fair day.
THE TRACT of LAND whereon the said forge stands, containing 900 acres; also a tract of 600 acres, about six miles from the forge, whereon Thomas Poole formerly lived; both tracts have good houses on them. Likewise twelve likely Virginia born SLAVES , together with all the HORSES, HOGS, HOUSE and KITCHEN FURNITURE , belonging to the said Poole , to satisfy a debt to the Honourable John Tayloe , Esquire. Credit will be allowed for the slaves and flocks till the 25th of October next, the purchasers giving bond and security; the bonds to bear interest from the date if not punctually paid. The credit for the lands will be agreed on at the day of sale. ANTHONY THORNTON, jun.
RICHARD HUNT SINGLETON , having taken the BRICK HOUSE TAVERN on the Main Street, Williamsburg , lately occupied by Mr. Richard Davis , returns thanks to all his old customers, and begs a continuance of their favours, as also of those Gentlemen who frequented the above tavern, &c. as he is determined to keep the belt of LIQUORS , and endeavour, in every other respect, to give satisfaction.
*** Good STABLAGE and PASTURAGE for horses, &c.
To be SOLD, at Norfolk , on Tuesday the 12th of this instant (January) at vendue, for the benefit of the owners, or underwriters, for ready money.
THE HULL and MATERIALS of the brig John, Joseph Bradley , master, lately put into this port in distress, on her voyage from Jamaica to London . GEORGE KELLY, V. M.
To be SOLD, to the highest bidder, on the premises, on Wednesday the 27th instant (January) pursuant to a decree of James City court ,
THE HOUSES and LOTS near the Capitol, belonging to the estate of Christopher Ayresough , deceased. Three months credit will be allowed the purchaser, on giving bond, with approved security, to JOHN BROWN, Sheriff.
To be SOLD, on the 1st day of February next, if fair, if not, the next fair day, at the dwellinghouse of the late Mrs. McPherson , of Caroline county ,
THE tract of LAND whereon she lived, containing 252 acres, with a good dwellinghouse, and other outhouses; the whole in good repair, and fit for cropping. Also 27 exceeding valuable SLAVES , together with flocks of BLACK CATTLE, HORSES, and SHEEP , being the donation of the late Mr. Archibald McPherson , and now vested in the trustees of the town of Fredericksburg for charitable uses. The flocks, and part of the other estate, will be sold at short credit, to raise three hundred pounds to pay the debts of Mr. McPherson ; the remainder to be sold on the following terms: Purchasers of a hundred pounds to have credit for seven years, paying interest annually from the date, on giving landed security, at the charge of the purchaser; but if annual interest be unpaid for two months after it is due the principal to be called in. Purchasers under a hundred pounds to have credit for one year, bearing interest from the sale, on giving bond and security to
The TRUSTEES of FREDERICKSBURG .
NORFOLK, December 29, 1772. WHEREAS the subscriber, of this borough, hath for some time past carried on, in partnership with Roger Pearse , late of the said borough, the business of tallowchandlers and soapboilers, and in the course of their business have entrusted many persons for candles and soap, and the said Roger Pearse having lately absconded, and all his effects attached for the payment of his own private debts, so that the subscriber, as a partner, becomes liable for the payment of all the demands against the said partnership, for tallow and materials to carry on the business aforesaid; He therefore begs the favour of such persons as are indebted to them for their joint effects to make payment to him speedily, and to no other person; and he hopes that, when he informs them that he is sued for tallow which was bought to carry on that business, and is subject, as before mentioned, for the payment of all demands against the joint concern, they will not oblige him to the disagreeable necessity of putting their accounts into a lawyer's hands, which must be the consequence in case of any delay in discharging their respective balances.
MORTO BRYAN.
To be SOLD, at the house of Mr. Caleb Upsher , in Accomack county , for the benefit of the insurers, or owners, on Monday the 18th of this instant (January)
A QUANTITY of damaged GOODS ; they consist of various kinds of woollens, Irish linens, German oznabrigs, rolls, clocks, hats, cheese, and haberdashery, being part of the cargo of ship Phenix , John Lamont , master.
EDWARD KER.
*** Will also be sold, the 20th of a month, the HULL of the ship Phenix , with her MASTS and YARDS .
JOHN LAMONT.
RUN away from the subscriber, in King William , on the 23d instant (December) a yellow Negro fellow named ENEAS , very stout, and well made, has a few pits of the smallpox in his face, and is by trade a gardener. He had committed a robbery, and expected to suffer for it, which was the cause of his elopement. It is expected he carried with him a sorrel HORSE about 14 hands high, with a flaxen mane and tail, undocked, and I fear will endeavour immediately to get out of the colony. I will give a genteel reward to any person who will apprehend and deliver to me the said fellow and horse, and I do expressly forewarn all masters of vessels from carrying him out of the colony.
CARTER BRAXTON.

CORHAM, December 30, 1772.
AS the time of credit allowed at the sales of the estate of the deceased Capt. James R. Bradby expired the 25th of this instant, and as the creditors promise no longer indulgence, notice is hereby given to all persons indebted, on that or any other account, to make immediate payment, otherwise they must expect to be called upon in a more rigorous manner. The Gentlemen who purchased at the sales in the counties of Amelia and Cumberland are requested to discharge their bonds before or at the ensuing meeting of the merchants in January at Williamsburg, where I will attend for that purpose. The creditors, who have not already, are now desired to make known their claims, in order to a settlement.
WILLIAM HAY.
TAKEN up, in Charlotte, near Little Roanoke bridge, a small sorrel mare about two years old last spring, has a star in her forehead, but neither docked nor branded. Appraised to 4l.
SAMUEL COMER.
TAKEN up, in Chesterfield, a brindled heifer, marked with two smooth crops and underkeel in each ear. Posted, and appraised to 1l. 15s.
ISAAC LINCH.
TAKEN up, in Lunenburg, on Meherrin river, a small sorrel mare, about 4 feet 2 inches high, with a white mane and tail, a small star in her forehead, about 4 or 5 years old, neither docked nor branded, and trots naturally. Posted, and appraised to 5l.
WILLIAM LOVE.
TAKEN up, in Chesterfield, on Falling creek, a large sorrel horse, about 4 feet 10 or 11 inches high, branded on the near shoulder and buttock H, has some saddle spots, a small blaze down his face, and a snip on his nose, a hanging mane and short tail, his left hind foot white, and appears to be young. Posted, and appraised to 12l.
JOHN BRUMMALL.
TAKEN up, in Prince George, a small sorrel horse about 4 or 5 years old, 4 feet 4 inches high, with a hanging mane and switch tail, has a blaze face, and trots and paces well. Posted, and appraised to 5l. 10s.
ISHAM EPPES.
TAKEN up, in Brunswick, a sorrel horse, paces naturally, has a blaze face, branded on the near buttock A, and on the off buttock I. Posted, and appraised to 9l.
DAVID ROPER.
COMMITTED to Prince George county gaol a Negro man who calls himself PHIL, appears to be about 30 years of age, 5 feet 3 inches high, has on an oznabrig shirt, crocus trowsers, and an old cotton jacket. He says he belongs to one Mr. Carrington in South Carolina. The owner is desired to apply for him.
HENRY BATTE.
KING & QUEEN, December 22, 1772.
I INTEND to leave the colony soon. Those who have any demands upon me are requested to be speedy in bringing them in.—I have for sale, vastly under the prime cost, a CHURCH ORGAN, which for sweetness of tone and elegance is inferior to none on the continent. The case is polished mahogany, the pipes gilt, and the imagery that adorns it striking. It is loud enough for any church in Virginia, and now stands in Stratton Major church, in King & Queen county. The lowest price is two hundred pounds currency; the payment of which will be made easy to the purchaser. Apply to John Tayloe Corbin, Esquire, or to WILLIAM DUNLAP.
*** To be rented for a twelvemonth, and may be entered on immediately, the GLEBE of the parish aforesaid.
RICHMOND, December 21, 1772.
I INTEND for England soon. JOHN ELAM, junior.
STOLEN out of my pasture, in Falmouth, the 22d of October last, a bay horse about 4 feet and a half high, branded on the near buttock IC P, with white hairs on his wethers, and trots and paces. Whoever will deliver the said horse to me, in the Great Fork in Culpeper, or give me notice so that I may get him again, shall receive THIRTY SHILLINGS.
JAMES POLLARD.
To be SOLD, at the late dwellinghouse of Col. John Fleming, deceased, in Cumberland county, on Thursday the 21st of January next, if fair, if not, the next fair day.
ABOUT fifty choice SLAVES, among which is a good blacksmith, and several other valuable tradesmen, a stock of horses, cattle, and sheep, a large quantity of corn and fodder, plantation utensils, and several other useful articles. Twelve months credit will be allowed the purchasers, on giving bond and security; the bonds to carry interest from the date if not discharged when due.
THE EXECUTORS.
*** There is an exceeding fine PLANTATION to be rented any time before the sale.
JAMES NICHOLS,
Lately from LONDON,
BEGS leave to inform the public that he has opened shop in Petersburg, and intends carrying on the WIGMAKING and HAIRDRESSING BUSINESS in all its branches. Those Gentlemen who please to favour him with their custom may depend on being duly attended.
*** A JOURNEYMAN BARBER, who understands his business, will meet with encouragement by applying to said Nichols.
To be SOLD, at public auction, on the premises, pursuant to the will of Mrs. Frances Arnott, deceased, on Wednesday the 20th of January,
THE PLANTATION and TRACT OF LAND whereon Mrs. Arnott lately lived, lying on Black Creek, in New Kent county, containing 400 acres, whereon is a very good dwellinghouse, and several convenient outhouses, the situation very agreeable, and convenient to church, court, and mill, the soil good for tobacco, wheat, and corn, and the plantation in very good order for cropping. Twelve months credit will be given for one half the purchase money, and eighteen months credit for the other half, the purchaser giving bond, with good security, to THE EXECUTORS.
RUN away from the subscriber, on Friday the 4th of this instant (December) two Virginia born slaves, one of which is a very likely fellow, about 21 years of age, has run away before, and passed by the name of JOHN SCOT, but his proper name is JOE; had on an old green sagathy coat, Virginia cloth waistcoat, oznabrig shirt, russia drill breeches, coarse ribbed stockings, and an old hat bound with white. The other is a low squat fellow, about 30 years old, named TONY, with his teeth out before; had on an old cotton jacket, oznabrig shirt, new cotton breeches, new felt hat, and a pair of new shoes. Whoever takes up the said Negroes, and brings them to me, or gives intelligence so that I may get them again, shall receive TWENTY SHILLINGS if taken in the colony, and THIRTY SHILLINGS if out thereof. RICHARD BROWDER.
STOLEN from the subscriber's plantation, in Essex county, on the 10th or 12th of November last, a likely bay mare, about 4 feet 6 or 7 inches high, very forward with foal, has a dark hanging mane and switch tail, white hind legs, a star in her forehead, and on the back of her neck, about six or seven inches from her ears, has a white streak, which was occasioned by the cut of a rope, and is branded on the near buttock R. Also a fitty coloured horse, 4 years old last spring, about 4 feet 6 or 7 inches high, with a dark hanging mane and sprig tail, cannot recollect that he is branded, but if he is it is RW on one of his buttocks. Whoever will deliver the said horse and mare to me shall receive FIVE POUNDS, or FIFTY SHILLINGS for either, and TWENTY POUNDS if he prosecutes the thief to conviction, if a white man.
ROBERT P. WARING.
RUN away from the subscriber's plantation, near Piscataway, on the 20th of November, a Mulatto man slave named ISAAC, about 5 feet 4 inches high, well set, about 32 years of age, has a remarkable down look when examined, and has had part of one of his ears cut off; had on, and took with him, a cotton jacket, oznabrig shirt, black velvet under jacket. It is supposed he went away in company with a certain Samuel Flandingham and a white boy, who were observed to be sauntering about the neighbourhood the day he ran away. Whoever will apprehend the said slave, and deliver him to me, shall receive FORTY SHILLINGS if taken in the province, and FIVE POUNDS if out thereof. I will likewise give FORTY SHILLINGS for apprehending and bringing to justice the person who carried him away, if he is taken in the province, and if out of it FIVE POUNDS, provided he is convicted thereof.
MARYLAND, } BASIL SMITH, senior. Dec. 18, 1772.
RUN away from the subscriber, at Petersburg, about the middle of September last, a very likely Negro man named PHIL, about 20 years of age, of a yellowish complexion, about 5 feet 9 inches high, and proportionably made; he is a native of Africa, but speaks broken English, having been some years in the West Indies, and has lost two joints off two of his fingers on his right hand; had on an oznabrig shirt, an old Virginia cloth waistcoat, with a new Negro cotton jacket over it, and a pair of old check trousers. As he has been used to the sea, he will probably endeavour to get on board some ship, and make his escape out of the colony; all masters of vessels are therefore forewarned from harbouring or carrying him off, at their peril. I will give THREE POUNDS reward to any person who will deliver said slave to me, or to Mr. Hugh McMeikin at Portsmouth, and FORTY SHILLINGS to secure him in any gaol, and give notice thereof. THOMAS GORDON.
FIVE POUNDS REWARD.
RUN away from the schooner Occoquan, lying in Teocomico river, a convict servant named James McLane, about 5 feet 10 inches high, of a bold countenance, well made, and wears his own long dark brown hair; had on a blue coat and waistcoat, leather breeches, and a pair of trousers, made of duck, over them, a castor hat, old shoes, a pair of sale stockings, and one white and one check shirt. Whoever conveys the said servant to me shall have the above reward either from Mr. Thomas Lawson, or JOHN TAYLOE.
To be SOLD, at Charlottesville, on Thursday the 14th of January next (being Albemarle court day) if fair, otherwise the next fair day,
SIXTEEN likely Virginia born SLAVES, being part of the late Col. Richard Johnson's estate. They consist of MEN, WOMEN, BOYS, and GIRLS. Credit will be given till the 25th of October next, the purchasers giving bond, with approved security. Those bonds which may remain unpaid any time exceeding one month after they become due, to carry interest from the date.
THE EXECUTORS.
General Post Office, New York, Nov. 1, 1771. NOTICE is hereby given, that on account of the new regulation of the post from Canada, which is to arrive every Tuesday evening at this office, and the weekly post from the eastward and southward arriving every Wednesday, the mail going from hence by the packets will, for the future, be closed at twelve o'clock at night, on the first Wednesday in every month (being the same time it closes at the General Post Office in London for America) and a packet despatched therewith, the next day, for Falmouth.
By command of the Deputy Postmaster General. ALEXANDER COLDEN, Secretary.
FOR SALE,
ABOUT eleven hundred ACRES of LAND, lying in Orange county, thirty miles from Fredericksburg, on the road to the courthouse. For particulars enquire of Capt. Reubin Daniel, who is empowered to treat for the same. The land may be laid off in parcels, as best suit the purchasers. An indisputable title will be made, and twelve months credit allowed. GEORGE DANIEL.
WE the subscribers take this method of informing the public that a stage is now carried on between Philadelphia and Baltimore, by the way of Wilmington and Charles Town: The advantages that will attend this stage, we hope, will induce every person that wants a quick dispatch to Baltimore to favour us with their custom. As Wilmington is situated on Christiana, two miles from Delaware river, and Charles Town, on North East river, eight from the mouth of Elk river, we shall never be detained by contrary winds, which is frequently the case with other stages. Foudrey and Bush's stage leaves the Crooked Billet wharf, in Philadelphia, every Wednesday, and returns every Friday: Patrick Hamilton's stage waggon leaves Charles Town every Thursday, and returns every Friday from Wilmington; and his packet leaves Charles Town every Saturday, and returns every Wednesday. Passengers pay from Philadelphia to Wilmington two shillings; from Wilmington to Charles Town five shillings; from Charles Town to Baltimore four shillings. Goods are received in Philadelphia by Messieurs Edwards and Marris, Chestnut street wharf.
PATRICK HAMILTON, FOUDREY AND BUSH.
WARWICK, November 1, 1772.
THE subscriber has for sale about five thousand acres of LAND, lying in different parts of Pittsylvania county, and mostly upon Smith's river, the soil of which is well calculated either for making tobacco or hemp. The terms may be known by applying to John Rowland, who lives near the land, and will shew it to any person inclining to purchase. PATRICK HUNTER.
WARWICK, October 25, 1772.
AS the store formerly kept by Alexander Stewart at Rocky Ridge, for James and Robert Donald, and company, is now broke up, and the debts put into my hands to collect, all those indebted for dealings there are desired to pay off their accounts immediately, or settle their balances by bond; and those who have any demands against the store are desired to apply to me for payment.
PATRICK HUNTER.
Who has for sale a TRACT OF LAND lying on the forks of Roanoke, in Mecklenburg county, containing about 600 acres, on which is an exceeding good dwellinghouse, storehouse, and other necessary buildings, as also several valuable improvements. As the land lies within sixteen miles of the courthouse, and eighty from Petersburg, it would answer any person very well who intends keeping a back store.
WILLIAMSBURG: Printed by WILLIAM RIND, at the NEW PRINTING OFFICE, on the Main Street. All Persons may be supplied with this GAZETTE at 12/6 per Year. ADVERTISEMENTS of a moderate Length are inserted for 3/ the first Week, and 2/ each Time after; and long ones in Proportion.