The Virginia gazette (Williamsburg, Va.), 1773-06-17 00:00:00

VIRGINIA
GAZETTE.
Open to ALL PARTIES,
but influenced by NONE.
By the BETSEY, Captain EMMs, arrived in James river, in six weeks from BRISTOL, we have the following advices:
STOCKHOLM, March 26.
THE warlike preparations continue, without intermission, in all the towns and ports of this kingdom; the regiments are compleated, and furnished with every thing necessary to enter the field; the sea officers and sailors have orders to be in readiness to embark at the shortest warning; every body admires the indefatigable pains and judgment of the King, who, in these times of dearth, has been able, in 10 short a time, to put his forces on so respectable a footing, that nothing is to be feared for the security of the kingdom.
Paris, April 5. The rumours of a war are now renewed with more force than ever, and have greatly influenced our public funds, which have fallen considerably within these few days. An approaching rupture between the courts of Stockholm and Petersburg is still talked of, and it is said we are to send 12 or 15,000 men to the assistance of the former, in whose favour a certain Crown in Germany will also declare itself, whilst another power of the same empire is to enter Swedish Pomerania. These reports are founded on letters written by persons worthy of credit; and what adds thereto is, the arrival of a courier from Vienna with dispatches, which have occasioned a Council to be held.
April 7. Lord Stormont's conferences with our Ministers have not proved so favourable as they expected. He has convinced them, by clear and eloquent answers, that the King his master intends to keep the neutrality, and thanks them for their obliging offers. By all accounts, this Lord has proved himself as good a politician as themselves, if not better; in consequence of which he is held in great esteem and consideration in France.
It is reported that the court of Spain is to lend us 100 millions, by way of mortgage on the general farms, and to receive 10 millions every year till reimbursed.
April 9. Our letters from Warsaw of the 22d of March contain the following interesting accounts:
"Every thing here is in the most embarrassing and uncertain situation. The same harmony doth not prevail between the united powers. The arrival of a certain General at Warsaw has given umbrage to one of the three powers, which is using its utmost efforts to prevent the diets being held, and is desirous that the general diet should not take place. It is even affirmed that this power has declared to the King of Poland, by his ambassador, that he is sensibly affected with the troubles of Poland; that the happiness of that kingdom was always his principal aim, though perhaps he had been mistaken in some measures he had used for that purpose; that, nevertheless, he was disposed to do every thing in his power to repair the misfortunes of that kingdom; that, in short, his advice to the Polish Ministry was not to assemble the diet, if they had in view to put a stop to the calamities of the republic."
Ottanto (Italy) March 19. By accounts from Smyrna, Cara Osman Oglou, from whom the Porte has taken the government of that city, being summoned to Constantinople, has refused to go, and, having heard that orders had been issued out to put him to death, he intends to declare himself an open enemy to the Porte, and act against it accordingly. His prudent and valiant behaviour has gained him the friendship of the Aga's and Bacha's of Natolia and Turcomania, who are all ready to declare him their Chief; by which means he is enabled to bring 60,000 men into the field, and if he should join himself to Aly Bey and Chiek Daher, the next accounts from Natolia may be of great importance.
Rome, March 27. All those who practise physic and surgery here have had notice given them to deliver, in the space of fifteen days, to the Signor Clementi, Notary to the Cardinal Vicar and secretary to the college of physicians, the authorities whereby they exercise their profession; after which a list is to be printed of the names of such as shall be approved of, and fixed up in all the apothecaries shops, that they may not admit of or prepare recipes signed by any other than those included in the catalogue.
Leghorn, March 28. We have just received the disagreeable intelligence from Cadiz that the Register ship was lost on her way to Old Spain from the Havannah. She had on board 500,000 piasters, and 10,000 ounces of gold, for his most Catholic Majesty's account, and about twice as much on account of several merchants. We have not yet been able to learn by what accident this misfortune happened.
There is an uncommon motion amongst the Spanish troops. An army, consisting of 24,000 infantry, and 28 squadrons of horse, is assembled at Va-
lencia; which army, we are informed, is ordered to enter Italy.
The Imperial part of Italy is daily reinforcing with fresh troops, from whence it appears that the House of Austria expects an attack from some quarter.
Hamburg, April 10. The King of Prussia has ordered 900 baggage waggons, with 6 horses each, to be furnished by his subjects in one month's time.
LONDON, April 15. WE are assured that the Prussian ambassador waited on Lord North to know if the many reports in the several newspapers, relative to his matter, had any foundation in them; to which his Lordship answered, "I was just coming to your Excellency upon the same errand."
It is somewhat strange that two kingdoms should be at the eve of a war, and their Kings and Ministers know nothing of the matter.
The Speaker of the House of Commons has sent the Sheriff of Middlesex the following letter: From the House of Commons, 7th of April, 1773.
"SIR, "I am commanded by the House of Commons to acquaint you that you are immediately, upon the receipt of this, to summon the representatives of your county, and boroughs within the same, to attend their service in Parliament on Monday the 20th of this instant (April) the House of Commons intending to proceed with the utmost severity against such of their members as shall then neglect to attend the service of the House; and you are to give me an account of the receipt of this, and what you have done therein, upon pain of incurring the displeasure of the said House."
I am, Sir, your humble servant, FLETCHER NORTON. The Sheriff, in pursuance thereof, on Tuesday summoned the several representatives for London, Middlesex, and Westminster, and sent the following letter to the Speaker:
"SIR, "In consequence of your direction to us, in the name of the House of Commons, we have given the proper notice to
"Sir Robert Ladbrooke, Knight, the Right Honourable Thomas Harley, and Barlow Trecothick, Esquire, representatives of London.
"John Wilkes, Esquire, and John Glynn, Esquire, Knights of the shire for the county of Middlesex.
"And to Earl Piercy, and Sir Robert Bernard, Baronet, representatives of Westminster.
"We have the honour to be, Sir, your most obedient humble servants,
RICHARD OLIVER, } Sheriffs. WATKIN LEWES, }
It is reported, at the west end of the town, that on the 26th instant much altercation will happen in a certain assembly, on account of the Sheriffs having summoned Mr. Wilkes, as member for Middlesex, instead of Colonel Lutterell.
Many wages are laid at several coffeehouses in the city respecting Mr. Wilkes's compliance with the Sheriffs summons to attend the House on the above day, whether he will go to the House or not.
The contractors with government for making gunpowder have received orders for delivering 12000 tons of that commodity as follows; 2000 at Sheerness, 4000 at Chatham, and 6000 at Portsmouth magazine.
It is said that the coach tax, which is encreasing every quarter, produceth upwards of 80,000l. per annum.
We hear it is in agitation to bring in a bill this session for taxing all dogs of sport kept within the kingdom of Great Britain, whether hounds, pointers, spaniels, setters, or terriers, &c. and a bill is now drawing up accordingly; the tax is 10l. on every pack of hounds, indiscriminately respecting the number, and 2l. on every single dog.
It is said that more ships have been sent out on the Senegal trade this year than in any other since Great Britain became possessed of that place.
Advices from Warsaw mention that two persons of great distinction have lately been seized there by a party of Russian horse, and carried off.
By letters from Madrid we learn that the Prince of Austria is declared Captain General of the Spanish armies.
They write from Vienna that the Turkish ambassador, after having some months past tried in vain to renew the truce between the Emperor and the Porte, had returned home to Constantinople the 27th of March.
Private letters from Paris say that the King of France lies very ill, and that his physicians are of opinion his life is in great danger, as it is imagined that he is in a consumption, brought on him by a violent cold he got by walking in the gardens at Fontainebleau the latter end of last summer.
Advices are received from Constantinople that no less a sum than two millions sterling had been offered by the Porte to prevent a certain northern power from engaging itself in the war between the Turks and Russians.
A person arrived from Brest says that advice is received there from the coast of Guinea that a French slaving ship having been surprized by an insurrection of the Negroes, who murdered most part of the crew, the mate, finding no possibility to escape the like fate, had set fire to the powder room, and blew the vessel up, with upwards of 200 slaves on board.
Yesterday a melancholy accident happened at Mr. Peck's, mercer, at Rotherhithe. His chimney taking fire, he discharged a gun up it, which burst and tore his hand off; and his son, a child about 5 years old, being present, one of the splinters entered his head and killed him on the spot.
A Gentleman remarking to Foote the other day, how much the Scotch had lost their interest in the late election of directors, that there was not one in the whole direction, "I am glad of it (says the wit) for one scabby sheep spoils the whole flock."
We are informed a bird of a very extraordinary nature has been brought to Europe on board the Nottingham East Indiaman. It is called the Hurell by the natives of the Coromandel coast, walks upright, and is taller than a middle sized man; the wings extended measure about 15 feet; its colour is a mixture of black and white. Though a bird of prey, and constantly doing great mischief to the Indians, by carrying off their lambs, poultry, &c. they never destroy it, as they, according to their superstitious notions, hold it in a sacred light, imagining that the spirits of the deceased Bramins, by means of the transmigration of souls, inhabit them.
Extract of a letter from Exeter, April 12.
"On Saturday last a melancholy affair happened in this city: Miss Nichols, sister to Mr. Reynolds, attorney of this place, was on Saturday morning last found dead in her bedchamber, with her throat cut. On an inquisition taken before the coroner, it appeared that on the night preceding this affair she appeared rather melancholy, yet took her leave as usual of her niece, who lay with her. Her cries awaked Mr. Reynolds about five in the morning, who came to her room, but finding the door locked, and the child still crying, he broke open the door, and found his sister lying on the floor, with only her shoes off, and dead. It appeared she cut her throat with a small penknife, and at the same time held a chamberpot in her hand to receive the blood, as it contained a great deal. The jury brought in their verdict lunacy."
Extract of a letter from Petersburg, April 7.
"All the ships belonging to the Russian navy, now at Riga and Revel, are fitting out with the utmost dispatch, and all preparations are now openly making for a renewal of the war with the Turks, who are also making the best preparations in their power for a continuance of it. The Turkish fleet in the Black Sea is infinitely superior to the Russian, and a very sharp contest for the dominion of that sea is expected. A messenger is just set off for Bucharest, and we hear carries a particular command for M. Obreskow to break up the congress, and return immediately."
The call of the House for the 26th is the general topic of conversation. Some affirm that Lord North insists upon it only to convince the Lower Assembly that they are reprehensible for inattention to their parliamentary duty; others attribute it to the present continental connections, his Lordship wishing to have the concurrence of Parliament to the triple alliance; but to the reality of this alliance very little credit is to be given; for a writer, who seems to have more sense and better information than his neighbours, assures us "That it is well known there is not the least movement on the continent that indicates hostilities; and had there been such, I see no reason (says he) why the people should suppose that we shall interfere at all. The designs of this or that power upon Hanover, had they been as true as they are absolutely false, would not carry a battallion of soldiers from this country. The [Germanic] body, of which that electorate is a part, will never suffer it to be dismembered from it, under the certainty that its fate would, in that case, be a prelude only to the fate of the rest. There is not even the bare possibility of new disturbances at all in any part of Europe; and, adds he, as for the story of an alliance between us and the House of Bourbon, the very idea of it is too ridiculous to enter into the head of any man of common sense and information."
It is said that Mr. Wilkes will certainly go to the House of Commons on Monday the 20th instant to demand his seat.
It is reported that the answer of the Sheriffs of London to the Speaker of the House of Commons has thrown the Ministry into a great perplexity. The Premier has already consulted Lord Mansfield and Fletcher Norton on the subject. The dilemma of

administration is this: If the House takes notice of the Sheriffs summoning John Wilkes, Esquire, instead of Colonel Luttrell, it will be again reviving and agitating the old disagreeable question, and raising a fresh ferment in the nation; and if the House does not take notice of the Sheriffs conduct, it will be a matter of triumph to the patriots; in that it will be tacitly acknowledging that John Wilkes, Esquire, is the representative of Middlesex, notwithstanding any former declaration to the contrary.
If the doorkeepers of a certain House should refuse to admit Mr. Wilkes on the 26th instant, Mr. Edmund Burke, it is said, declares that he will move the House, not only to dismiss them from their employment, but also to commit them to Newgate, for daring to offer so gross an insult to a member of that House.
Yesterday a bet of a thousand guineas was laid at a coffeehouse, near St. James's, that the Duke of Grafton will be appointed First Lord of the Admiralty before Christmas next.
A complaint is preparing to be laid before an august assembly, by the officers and soldiers concerned in the taking of Pondicherry, and other forts in the East Indies, last war, relative to a great quantity of warlike stores, as cannon, ammunition, &c. which the captors, on embarking for the expedition against Manila, entrusted in the hands of the servants of a great trading company. The property, it is asserted, was valued at 365,000l. but the trustees pretended to have sold it for 30,000l. which sum they offered to the King's troops, who refused to accept it.
A correspondent informs us that, in the late conferences with Count M—— and our Ministry, the former, amongst a number of other arguments to break off the triple alliance , urged his master's being a blood relation of his Majesty. Upon which Lord Sandwich wittily remarked, "That must certainly be a mistake; for that his master proved himself rather a bloody relation the war before last."
A report is prevalent that the Prince of Brunswick is soon expected here on some affairs of great moment.
It is said that, in consequence of our new alliance with France, the duties on French wines will be so much lessened as to render them as cheap as Port wine.
Letters from Stockholm say that the Swedish fleet, now fit to put to sea, amounts to 27 sail of the line, besides frigates, &c.
Some advices of great importance are said to have been received this week from the Leeward Islands.
Four sail of the line, and one frigate, have received orders to sail forthwith for the West Indies.
We hear that, since the declaration of Parliament, that it was not in their power to lessen the exorbitant price of provisions, or to give any relief to the distresses of the necessitous poor, the Premier is much more apprehensive of danger from mobs than from any other quarter whatsoever.
It is computed that the late war with the Caribs on the island of St. Vincent has cost this kingdom three hundred thousand pounds sterling, besides the loss of twelve hundred lives.
A Great Personage has ordered an allowance out of her privy purse, of 600l. a year, to a certain capital finger, who is to sing at her concerts, and at no other place.
Yesterday five guineas were given for a pint of green peas in Covent Garden market.
There are in Newgate now 47 for capital offences, and 105 for single felony and petit larcenies, which is reckoned the greatest number of prisoners that has been to be tried for some years.
ANECDOTE of Miss LINLEY.
On the first treaty of marriage between Miss Linley and Mr. Sheridan (which was finally concluded last Tuesday) the father of the young Lady insisted, as a preliminary, that the 3000l. obtained of Sir T. Long, for his non-performance of a contract of marriage, should be previously given up to him, which Mr. Sheridan readily consented to. A few days, however, before the marriage day, the father, finding young Sheridan attached to his daughter on no other principles than those of affection, waited on him, and told him he had another condition of a pecuniary nature to settle with him before the marriage. Sheridan told him nothing of that nature should ever obstruct his happiness. "Why, then, says the father, the condition I have to make to you is, to take this 3000l. as the properest person I know upon earth to receive it."
April 20. Tomorrow the House of Commons will meet for the further dispatch of business.
Last night a messenger was sent off from St. James's with dispatches for the Hague, and for the court of Berlin.
The King of Prussia has issued orders for the immediate raising of six regiments of infantry, consisting of 15 battalions, in his new acquired dominions in Poland.
We hear that the garrisons in the isles of Guernsey, Jersey, Alderney, &c. are ordered to be considerably augmented.
A large train of artillery is now preparing to be shipped off for the island of Jamaica.
Letters from the south of France mention the most flattering appearances of a very plentiful vintage.
It is certain since the distillery in Sweden has been prohibited the use of grain, it is proved that potatoes from an acre of land has furnished more spirits than from an acre of barley.
This day a great patriot sent a most spirited letter to the speaker of a great assembly, complaining of the violation of the rights of election, and assigning very powerful reasons for his non-attendance on Monday next.
It is now said, with some degree of certainty, that the Parliament will be prorogued the latter end of next month.
We hear the lottery for the present year is calculated to raise 600,000l. There are to be 60,000 tickets, and there are not to be three blanks to a prize.
We are assured that no person or persons have any bad apprehensions about Mr. Wilkes making his appearance in the House of Commons, but himself and those who sit him upon this piece of folly. The patriot was sunk up to the neck and shoulders in obscurity, and this alarm is given to prevent his linking over head and ears.
Mr. Wilkes will certainly not appear in the lobby of the House of Commons upon the 26th, as it will not answer any purpose but to raise a mob and a disturbance. Mr. Wilkes will properly address the House, and give such reasons for his conduct as will disconcert the Commons, and raise him in the estimation of the people, as a real patriot of his country.
Matters are said to be now in a right train for accommodating the disagreements between the courts of Berlin and London, in a manner equally advantageous and satisfactory to both parties.
An arrest is published at Paris, by which all locksmiths, and persons working in iron, are forbidden to make any utensil whatever serving for the coinage of money, or of which the use is not known to them; unless they have obtained a legal permission, on pain of being punished with death, as accomplices in coining.
It is amazing what a prospect of plenty is everywhere visible in the several counties, the effects of the late salutary showers. Provisions are beginning to decrease in price; hay is reduced from 5l. to 3l. a load, and oats from 1l. 5s. to 15s. a quarter. This favourable interposition of Providence has saved our Parliament a part of that disgrace which was falling heavily upon them, for not reducing the prices of provisions, by leaving them little or nothing to do in it.
A few days since an apothecary in Southwark was served with a Judge's warrant for administering certain drugs to a female patient, in order to procure abortion.
We hear from Derby that last week one William Bradley, of Molton, sold his wife at Wirksworth market, for two guineas and a silver watch, to George Ward of the same place, and delivered her in a halter at the market cross, paying a sixpence for toll. The above couple had been married eighteen years.
Monday se'nnight, about twelve o'clock, a fray happened between Alexander English, of the county of Tipperary, in Ireland, Esquire, and Samuel Powell, late of Cork, grocer, when unfortunately the latter received a thrust with a sword, of which he immediately died. Mr. English was secured and lodged in the city gaol on Tuesday morning, and at noon the coroner's inquest sat on the body of the deceased, and brought in their verdict "that Mr. Powell died of the wound he received from Mr. English." On Tuesday evening Mr. English was admitted to bail.
On Tuesday a considerable farmer in the county of Norfolk was committed to the castle, being charged with the stealing of seven sheep.
Last night, during the confusion at Covent Garden theatre, the Lady of Noble Leiscett, Esquire, lost her shoes, in which were a pair of stone buckles worth 60l.
Extract of a letter from Toulon, March 27.
"There are now fitting out at this place five ships from 10 to 50 guns, three frigates, two of 30, and one of 36, two sloops of war, and several transports from 150 to 600 tons burthen. This fleet, we are informed, is to take on board six regiments of foot, and is designed for the French settlements in the East Indies, the troops are to be put in garrisons, the transports are to remain as trading ships in the country, and the ships of war are to form a fleet for the protection of trade. It is expected they will sail the latter end of next month."
Extract of a letter from Amsterdam, April 13.
"Clifford's creditors have held a meeting, when 15 per cent. down and 10 per cent. in six months, was offered, and a few have signed. His house is sold for 97,000 florins."
"It is reported this day that the States have resolved on an augmentation of 12,000 men, which, if really true, is very extraordinary."
The father of the Maid of Bath has given young Sheridan 1000l. with his daughter, and settled another on her children, if any should be born. This sort of liberality may be called profuseness; but when it is considered that within these few years, Miss Linley has gained her father near ten thousand pounds , it will not probably be termed extravagant generosity .
Much conjecture is hazarded on the subject of the Sheriffs reply to the Speaker's imperious mandate; the cause was as uncommon as the effect. The Speaker's letter breathed a dictatorial, arrogant air; the Sheriffs answer a firm, manly spirit of freedom. The matter must necessarily terminate in smoke or blaze. The House will seriously take it up, or they will not in any shape notice it. If the first, the ember of patriotism rekindles: If the latter, the House confirms the idea of their meriting silent contempt.
We hear from a correspondent in Ireland that a bill will positively be brought in, at the next meeting of the Irish Parliament, to prevent the further emigration of the inhabitants of that kingdom into foreign parts. The North of Ireland will be soon destitute of people, it is feared, if some means is not speedily made use of to hinder them from going away; within these three years more than nine hundred families have embarked from thence for America. It is a great pity these staunch and industrious protestants are not encouraged by government to stay in their
own country, which is by far the most flourishing province in Ireland, and, in case of need, the only people the Crown can confide in, or receive any assistance from. Not long since they could raise thirty thousand effective men upon an emergency, with hearts, as well as hands, for the service of their country.
Thursday night one of his Majesty's messengers arrived at the secretary's office, with dispatches from Madrid, which are said to bring an account that the King of Spain had signed a treaty of alliance between France and England. And the same night another messenger arrived from Holland, with advice that the Dutch refused entering into the said treaty, being determined to stand neuter.
Extract of a letter from the Hague, March 19. "Mr. Bankes, celebrated for his voyage to the South Seas, together with the Honourable Charles Greville, second son to the Earl of Warwick, are arrived at Rotterdam, and have assisted at an assembly of the Batavian society, who have conferred on them the title of correspondents. The former of them proposing to undertake a voyage towards the Arctic Pole, to make discoveries, has already waited on the most considerable merchants and navigators, to desire them to communicate to him such discoveries and observations as have been made by them as far as the 84th degree north latitude; and has promised, in return, to communicate to them all such discoveries as shall be made by him in the course of his enterprize."
It is again reported, at the west end of the town, that the Queen of Denmark is really expected in London about the middle of the ensuing summer, but that her Majesty will only come upon a visit for a few months.
We hear that above a thousand letters have lately arrived from the East Indies, some of which bring news not very agreeable.
April 20. The alliance between Great Britain, France, and Spain, is now confirmed to be in great forwardness. The principal ostensible object it provides for is no more, we hear, than a reciprocal guarantee of certain dominions belonging to the respective contracting powers, which is, in fact, a tacit avowal of an alliance, as a counterbalance against the formidable and alarming combination of the three northern powers.
It has been asserted in several of the papers that the town of Dantzic had surrendered to the King of Prussia; but we can assure the public that this assertion is totally void of foundation. With equal truth we can assure the public that the King has not permitted, much less advised, to make a separate agreement with the King of Prussia; and the Magistracy of Dantzic neither have, nor ever will, consider their interests as separate from those of Poland in general. These assertions probably originated in the cabinet of Potsdam, from whence other agents are dispersed into Poland, to persuade people that all their misfortunes are owing to the obstinate refusal of the King of Poland on this very article. By the former assertions the court of Berlin hopes to take off the attention of the maritime powers to the fate of Dantzic; by the latter, to induce the Poles to force the King to sign a treaty, that is to deprive him of commerce, revenues, and honour.
In consequence of continuing the bounty granted by government for shipping employed in the Greenland fishery, twenty six ships have been fitted out this season, and sailed for the north of London only, the consumption of oil being of late greatly encreased in and about this metropolis.
By a letter received on Saturday from a Gentleman at St. Peterburgh, we are informed of the death of General Romanzow, and that her Imperial Majesty has appointed General Rinlinger to command the army in his room; with a pension of 32,000 roubles per annum.
Letters from French Compte inform us that the town of Rosiere in that province has been entirely consumed by fire.
It is strongly reported that the Reverend Doctor Wilson has cancelled a will in which he had left a popular Alderman 25,000l. and has since bequeathed his whole fortune to his relations. It is added that the Doctor is going to a rural retreat near Bath, with a design of spending the remainder of his days.
On Monday a young Lady, ward to a Nobleman near Portman square, set off on a matrimonial expedition to Scotland, with a Mulatto Gentleman, possessed of a large estate in the island of Tobago. The Lady's fortune, left by a grandmother, to possess on the day of age, or marriage, is said to be near 40,000l.
The late Mr. Devereux Bowley, one of the people called Quakers, has left by will 6000l. to the London hospital; 6000l. to the Quakers charity school, Clerkenwell; 3000l. to St. Luke's hospital; 1000l. to St. Thomas's; and 500l. to each of the Quakers meetings in London; besides many small legacies.
It is very confidently and publicly reported in several coffeehouses at the west end of the town, that his Prussian Majesty was filing off a very large body of troops in appearance towards the confines of Hanover. Their destination is supposed to be against Osnaburgh; they are to be commanded, it is said, by the hereditary Prince of Brunswick; if so, one would think he would hardly commit hostilities against his brother's dominions, however chagrined he may be for his disappointment, viz. of being Generalissimo of the Hanoverian forces: Be it as it may, in fourteen days or three weeks at farthest, we may expect the mask will be taken off by all parties, and their designs no longer a mystery.
Though the Dutch have declared neutrality, certain it is, that they have rendered many secret services to the King of Prussia, and intend so to do.

April 22. Lord North did not come yesterday from St. James's to the House of Commons till near four o'clock. As soon as his Lordship arrived, the Speaker rose, and acquainted the House that he had received a letter from the Sheriffs of Middlesex signed "Richard Oliver and Watkin Lewes," in answer to a circular letter he had written to them by order of the House; that he had the purport of their answer in a note, which he had in his hand, which was, "that they had summoned John Wilkes and John Glynn, Esquires, as Knights of the shire for the county of Middlesex;" that he would read it, if the House pleased, but that he imagined there was no occasion for so doing, as it had been already very faithfully copied in all the newspapers. At the instant the Speaker had done, his Lordship called for the order of the day, and no person rising to speak on either side, no further notice was taken of the affair.
Orders were yesterday given for equipping, with all possible dispatch, sixteen ships of the line, and four frigates. They are to be commanded by three Admirals; Lord Howe is one. The approach of war is now so strongly confirmed from all quarters, that the creatures of the court can no longer deny it. France has been preparing these four months, and, till within these few days, has lulled us into a fatal security of neutrality. Can we be neuter, and behold their fleets riding in the Baltic and Mediterranean? The quay at Dunkirk is nearly finished; her coasts are filled with warlike stores and men. In a word, her object in the north is to support Sweden against Denmark and Russia; and in the Mediterranean, to support the Turks against Russia and the Emperor; and we have not only hitherto been the dupes of this accursed policy, but are, so long as France pleases, to continue in this dark and blundering situation, unless the flames of war alarm us to a just sense of our folly and danger. The plan laid down, and now pursuing by France, will inevitably draw every nation in Europe into the war; and we, from being the great umpire in such disputes, are sunk to the low state of tools to France, acting, by a second or third hand, under French councils. The King of Prussia's claims, on the mouth of the Vistula, will prove fatal to our Baltic trade; the state of Ireland will prove fatal to the linen manufacture; the state of the East India company, and of all public and private credit, in England, will prove fatal to our manufactures at home. The people will, and they do, daily, in great numbers, emigrate to America.
Kilkenny, April 7. What a divine blessing is wealth, when employed in acts of humanity, generosity and benevolence! This is exemplified by a noble disposition of heart in George Agar, of Ringwood, Esquire, who, on coming of age, in tender compassion to the distress of the times, forgave his tenants this year above a thousand pounds sterling.
Dublin; April 12. The number of ships, and their tonnage, that sailed with passengers from the North of Ireland for North America, in the two last years, amounted to 62 ships, and 17,350 tons. It may be supposed, on a moderate computation, that the number of passengers was equal to the tons. The greatest part of these emigrants paid their passage, which, at 3l. 10s. each, amounted to 60,725l. most of them people employed in the linen manufacture, or farmers, and of some property, which they turned into money, and carried with them: In evidence of this, it was computed that one ship, last year, had no less than 4000l. in specie on board.
WILLIAMSBURG, June 17.
On Monday evening last died, after a very tedious illness, Miss JUDITH STITH, of this city. Providence, which bestowed on her an handsome fortune, blessed her also with a heart capable of applying it to the noblest purposes, that of wiping away the tear of virtuous indigence, and alleviating the distresses of the wretched. Her relatives and acquaintances, while they rejoice at her escape from pain and sickness to the glorious regions of immortality, mourn the amiable, the sensible friend; and those who have been assisted by her benevolence must always pay the tribute of honest gratitude to her memory, which is rendered respectable from the many virtues she possessed.
On Saturday last the Reverend Mr. JOHN BRACKEN was chosen Rector of Bruton parish. The Bowman, Captain Taylor, from Glasgow, is arrived in James river in six weeks.
A large snow, — Hunter, master, bound from Virginia to Glasgow, was lost on the Mizzen Head in April last, and every person on board perished.
To ROBERT CARTER NICHOLAS, Esquire, TREASURER OF VIRGINIA.
SIR,
IF I underwent any pangs before I was delivered of my GIGANTIC OFFSPRING, it is certainly incumbent upon me to return you my most sincere thanks for the obliging manner in which you undertook the office of MIDWIFE: For I assure you that some of the most respectable inhabitants of this colony can testify that my last letter was written several months ago; and nothing but a regard to my own reputation at last induced me to commit it to the press.
Far be it from me to make the smallest attempt to restrain freedom of debate. This liberty is the grand object of my wishes. As long as I breathe I will maintain it; but shall always be ready "to make every reasonable allowance for unguarded expressions which may escape a Gentleman in the warmth of debate;" yet if such expressions have a tendency to destroy my reputation, I have a right to demand an
explanation. Had you, in the present case, contented yourself with acknowledging your error, the matter would have ended. But so far from performing this act of justice, or attempting to prove the truth of the charge you brought against me, or invalidating the arguments or authorities I produce in my vindication, because I will not tamely suffer you to injure me in the esteem of others, you accuse me of a breach of decorum. With what propriety let the public determine.
I am really obliged to you for the trouble you have given yourself in transcribing the obnoxious passage of my first letter. I thought the substance of it sufficient; you think it extremely indecent. Why, then, do you not show wherein the indecency of it consists? Take it as it stands, I subscribe to it as a Clergyman and a philosopher. In one part of your letter you say few would justify Mr. Locke's principles of toleration in every extreme, and afterwards proceed to point out one in which you dissent from him. But this, let me tell you, is the foundation upon which the whole building rests: For if the Civil Magistrate have a right to prohibit the preaching of * any speculative opinion , he has a right to prohibit the preaching of all speculative opinions . "The end of civil society (says Bishop Warburton) is no other than security to the TEMPORAL LIBERTY AND PROPERTY OF MAN." Again, "The great but spurious rival of this end, the SALVATION OF SOULS, belongs to the other division," RELIGION. And the only doctrines which he allows to come within the province of the Civil Magistrate are (take his own words) "the three fundamental principles of natural religion, THE BEING OF A GOD; HIS PROVIDENCE OVER HUMAN AFFAIRS; and the NATURAL ESSENTIAL DIFFERENCE OF MORAL GOOD AND EVIL; and these not as they promote our future, but our present happiness." Now wherein have I differed from his Lordship? He, as well as myself, considers the belief of christianity as no necessary qualification for a CIVIL TOLERATION; and the only question in debate is, whether my maintaining this principle does justly subject me to the imputation of setting the christian religion at nought? For once, Sir, lay aside railing, and let us canvass the affair of toleration with the coolness of the philosopher, and the liberality of the Gentleman.
You reflect upon me for writing upon matters foreign to my profession; but you little consider that Robertson, Tucker, Hurd, Mason, Watson, Burn, and many other Gentlemen of distinguished abilities, must fall under the same censure. The duties of a man's profession ought to constitute his principal employment. But this is the first time I ever heard that it was unlawful for a Clergyman to devote his leisure hours to any liberal study, or to publish the result of his researches. However, the doctrine of toleration I ever shall consider as a principal part of my profession; and to illustrate, defend, and propagate it, I think myself under the strictest obligations.
You are mistaken in your opinion that Mr. Locke's case "of a number of christians going into a Pagan country, &c." is the foundation of his argument in favour of toleration: For this particular case is only an hypothetical argument to explain his general doctrine, which rests upon a much broader foundation, THE NATURAL AND UNALIENABLE RIGHTS OF HUMAN NATURE.
Whether the moral law were imperfect or not till the coming of Christ makes no part of our dispute. No candid reader can be unwilling to grant that by the obligations of morality I must mean that collection of moral precepts which has received the sanction of reason in her present improved state.
All you have said about charity schools, missions, &c. are nothing more than what are filed by logicians argumenta ad invidiam. They are calculated to make upon the populace ill impressions of a man who has as exalted an idea of the excellence of revelation as yourself, but never will have any weight with men of understanding: For I most heartily agree with you (and consistently with my own notion of toleration) "that it is the bounden duty of every Minister of Jesus, by every reasonable and persuasive method, to propagate his religion to the utmost limits of the earth."
I congratulate our country upon your holding the office of her Treasurer. Your diligence, your circumspection, your integrity, give you a just claim to her applause. I am only concerned that you should bring yourself into disputes about subjects to which it does not appear you have paid the minutest degree of attention. The consequence of such a conduct must ever be an involved diction, and confused argumentation.
I pass over your reflections upon me as an adventurer. When the spectre of heresy ceases to haunt you, I am convinced you will be the first to condemn them. In the mean time I will endeavour to merit the continuance of those marks of respect with which I have been favoured ever since my arrival into this colony, and to convince her inhabitants that my designs are as pure and disinterested as your own. I am, Sir, your most obedient servant, HOADLEIANUS.
* By any speculative opinion I mean such as do not contradict the being of a God, his providence, and the laws of morality.
† See alliance, 4th edit. page 30.
‡ Page 36.
TAKEN up, in Mecklenburg, a small brown cow, marked with a crop and hole in the left ear, and a swallowfork in the right. Posted, and appraised to 2l. THOMAS PINSON.
PURSUANT to a decree of the Honourable the General Court, at Fairfax courthouse, on the third Monday in July next, being court day, will be sold, to the highest bidder, for ready money, a tract of 190 acres of LAND, on the north run of Pohick, formerly the property of Richard Steerman, by him sold to Mr. Joseph Watson, who mortgaged it to Garret Meade, of the city of Philadelphia; who has obtained a decree for selling the same. The purchaser will have Mr. Meade's right under Mr. Watson, with a general warranty from Mr. Watson, conveyed at the sale by
The SHERIFF of FAIRFAX.
PURSUANT to a decree of the Honourable the General Court, at Frederick courthouse, on the first Tuesday in August next, being court day, will be sold, to the highest bidder, for ready money, the following tracts of LAND, to wit, 181 acres on the drains of Opekan, in Frederick county, formerly the property of Jonathan Lupton; also 200 acres, formerly Odle's, about 10 miles from Winchester; adjoining to the lands of Joseph Smith, Spur, and Robert Rutherford; also 400 acres, on both sides of Back creek, in said county, formerly Richard Neely's. These several tracts were mortgaged by Mr. Joseph Watson to Mr. Garret Meade, of the city of Philadelphia, who has obtained a decree for a sale. The purchaser will have Mr. Meade's right under Mr. Watson, with a general warranty from Mr. Watson, conveyed at the sale by
The SHERIFF of FREDERICK.
PURSUANT to a decree of the Honourable the General Court, at Dunmore courthouse, on the 4th Tuesday in July next, being court day, will be sold, to the highest bidder, for ready money, 250 acres of LAND, about two miles from Woodstock, adjoining the lands of Samuel Bailey, formerly the property of Capt. Burr Harrison; also a tenement in said town, now in good repair, in possession of a tenant at will, together with a ten acre lot thereto belonging, as a common. These lands were mortgaged by Mr. Joseph Watson to Mr. Garret Meade, of the city of Philadelphia, who has obtained a decree for a sale. The purchaser will have Mr. Meade's right under Mr. Watson, with a general warranty from Mr. Watson, conveyed at the sale by
The SHERIFF of DUNMORE.
PURSUANT to a decree of the Honourable the General Court, at Hampshire courthouse, on the second Tuesday in September next, being court day, will be sold, to the highest bidder, for ready money, the following tracts of LAND in that county, to wit, 800 acres on the north branch of Potomack, about 8 miles from Fort Cumberland; 400 acres on George Andis's mill run, adjoining Andis's land; both tracts being mortgaged by Mr. Joseph Watson to Mr. Garret Meade, of the city of Philadelphia, who has obtained a decree for a sale. The purchaser will have Mr. Meade's right under Mr. Watson, with a general warranty from Mr. Watson, conveyed at the sale by
The SHERIFF of HAMPSHIRE.
AMELIA, June 7, 1773.
WHEREAS we the subscribers executed a bond to Mr. Francis Peyton, of Loudoun county, for the sum of ten pounds two shillings and sixpence, this is to forewarn all persons from taking an assignment thereof, as it will not be paid.
ROBERT HUDSON. DAVID LUDBURY,
JOHN SCOTT having petitioned the Governor and Council for a grant of 295 acres of land in the county of Albemarle, on the north side of the Fluvanna river, on both sides of Milldam and Rocky creeks, in the same county, which land was surveyed on the 21st day of April, 1755, for one John Driver, and it appearing to the board that since that survey was made the said Driver departed this Life intestate, without leaving any heir or widow in this country, and without having returned his survey into the Secretary's Office, and paid the usual right money and patent fees, as the rules of government require; this is therefore to give notice that if no person appear to claim and prove him or herself intitled to the said Driver's survey before the end of December next, that the said Land will be then granted to the above named petitioner.
JOHN BLAIR, Cl. Con.
YORK TOWN, June 9th, 1773.
THE subscribers being very solicitous to comply with the will of their testator, the late Honourable William Nelson, desire that all persons, who were indebted to him, will endeavour to make as speedy payments as possible. Those who have accounts open on his books and who cannot immediately discharge the balances, are desired to give their bonds. This request is the more necessary as most of the legacies bequeathed by the testator are to be paid in sterling money, and he has directed his younger sons' fortunes shall be placed out at interest upon undoubted securities, so soon as it can be done. Those who have any demands are desired to make them immediately known.
THOMAS NELSON, THOMAS NELSON, jun. HUGH NELSON, RO. C. NICHOLAS.
FOUR MILE CREEK, June 10, 1773.
Just imported, and to be SOLD upon the lowest terms for short payments,
A QUANTITY of Lisbon WINE, RAISINS, ALMONDS, LEMONS, &c. Any orders will be thankfully received, and duly complied with, by ROBERT PLEASANTS, & Co.
WILLIAMSBURG, June 10, 1773.
I INTEND to leave this colony for a few months. JACOB BRUCE.

AMELIA, June 8, 1773.
I NTEND to leave the colony the 1st of July next. In my absence my business will be transacted by John Pride. EDWARD BOOKER.
GEORGE the Third, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, defender of the faith, &c. To the sheriff of Culpeper county, greeting: We command you that you summon John Jacob Schlosser to appear before our Justices of our General Court, at the Capitol, in Williamsburg, on the first day of the next court, to answer a bill in chancery, exhibited against him and Philip Jacob Irenon by James Christie, Herman Meyer, and Christian Meyer, of the city of London; and this he shall in no wise omit, under the penalty of 100l. and have then there this writ. Witness John Earl of Dunmore, our Lieutenant and Governor General, at Williamsburg, the sixth day of May, in the thirteenth year of our reign. BEN: WALLER.
GEORGE the Third, by the grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, defender of the faith, &c. To the sheriff of Culpeper county, greeting: We command you that you summon James Christie, Herman Meyer, and Christian Meyer, of the city of London, John Jacob Schlosser, and Robert Christie, of the province of Maryland, to appear before our Justices of our General Court, at the Capitol, in Williamsburg, on the first day of the next court, to answer a bill in chancery, exhibited against them and others by Thomas Conn; and this they shall in no wise omit, under the penalty of 100l. each; and have then there this writ. Witness John Earl of Dunmore, our Lieutenant and Governor General, at Williamsburg, the sixth day of May, in the thirteenth year of our reign. BEN: WALLER.
GEORGE the Third, by the grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, defender of the faith, &c. To the sheriff of Hampshire county, greeting: We command you that you summon Luke Collins to appear before our Justices of our General Court, at the Capitol, in Williamsburg, on the first day of the next court, to answer a bill in chancery, exhibited against him and the Right Honourable Thomas Lord Fairfax by Samuel Pritchard; and this he shall in no wise omit, under the penalty of 100l. and have then there this writ. Witness John Earl of Dunmore, our Lieutenant and Governor General, at Williamsburg, the sixth day of May, in the thirteenth year of our reign. BEN: WALLER.
TAKEN up, in Amelia, a white fleabitten mare, about 4 feet 4 or 5 inches high, with a switch tail and hanging mane, paces naturally, and branded on the near shoulder H. C. Potted, and appraised to 1l. 5s. ISHAM THOMPSON, junior.
WHEREAS the woman that I married some years ago, named MARTHA BURTON, has extravagantly run me in debt, without my knowledge thereof, I hereby acquaint the public that I will not pay any debts that she has contracted, and do hereby forewarn all persons from crediting her in future on my account. JOSEPH WARD.
WHEREAS the subscriber, now living in Berkeley county, purchased from David White a tract of land, for which he passed to said White four bonds, and the said White has removed out of the colony, without executing any conveyance for the said land, these are therefore to caution all persons from taking any assignment of the said bonds, as no part of them will be paid until the said White returns, and makes proper conveyance of the said land. WILLIAM WITHERS.
TEN POUNDS REWARD.  RUN away from the subscriber, in Augusta, on Walker's creek, a servant man named ARTHUR BUNN, about 30 years of age, 5 feet 8 inches high, and well set; had on an old hat, an old light blue coat and waistcoat, blue and white striped linen trousers, and old shoes. Whoever takes up the said fellow, if in this colony, shall have FIVE POUNDS, and if out of it the above reward of TEN POUNDS. ROBERT WALLACE.
COMMITTED to the gaol of Amelia, on the 25th of May, a middle sized Negro man slave, who says his name is PETER, but cannot, or will not, tell his master's name, is very black, has a large lamp on the left side of his head, and speaks bad English; has on an oznabrig shirt, Negro cotton waistcoat, breeches, and jumps, a pair of shoes, old watered hose, and a felt hat; his breeches are patched with linsey woolsey. Whoever claims the said slave is desired to apply to JOHN HOWSON.
TAKEN up, in Fairfax, a white heifer, about 4 years old, marked with a crop, slit, and underkeel in the right ear, and a slit in the left, with half the under part cut off, with four red spots on the right side of her neck, and one on the left, her ears, cheeks, and the root of her tail red. Potted, and appraised to 30s. WILLIAM TURNER.
STRAYED , or stolen, from Mr. John Page's, in Gloucester, a bright bay horse, upwards of 13 hands high, with a roach mane and short tail, a blaze in his face, a mealy nose, and a piece cut out of one ear. Whoever will deliver said horse to me in Williamsburg, or Mr. Vaughan in Gloucester town, shall receive TWENTY SHILLINGS. JOHN SORRELL.
ON Saturday the third day of July next will be LET , pursuant to an order of the vestry of Newport parish, the building of a brick church, at the place where Warricksqueak Bay church now stands, in Isle of Wight county, sixty six by forty feet. A plan of the same may be seen, and further particulars known by applying to ROBERT BURWELL, RICHARD HARDY, JOHN DAY.
TAKEN up, in York county, a brinded cow and calf, with a crop in the right ear, and a swallowfork in the left. DAVID BROOK.
TAKEN up, in Amelia, a sorrel horse, about 4 feet 7 inches high, branded on the near buttock with three dots, has three white feet, and some saddle spots, a large star in his forehead, a sup on his nose, and a grey mane and tail. Potted, and appraised to 12l. ROBERT MUNFORD, sen.
TAKEN up, in Essex, a sorrel horse, 4 feet 5 inches and a half high, about 4 years old, has a star in his forehead, is undocked, though some of the hairs appear to have been cut off under his tail, which are nearly grown out again, and has a hanging mane. Potted, and appraised to 6l. WILLIAM SMITH.
TAKEN up, near Newcastle, a bay mare, about 4 feet 5 inches high, has a small star in her forehead, but no perceivable brand. Potted, and appraised to 8l. ZACHARIAH FRANCES.
JUST IMPORTED from LONDON, in the VIRGINIA, Capt. ESTEN, and to be sold, at my shop in Williamsburg.
A FRESH ASSORTMENT OF Drugs and Medicines,
CHYMICAL and GALENICAL ; also fine sallad oil, pickles, spices, currans, prunes, figs, gold and silver leaf, ivory syringes, toothbrushes, and lancets; a great variety of patent medicines, as Doctor Norris's antimonial drops, Keyser's pills, James's fever powders, &c. &c. &c. WILLIAM PASTEUR.
** I am in want of an apprentice for six or seven years, who must have a tolerable education, and be well disposed. A premium will be expected. W. P.
On Monday the 19th of July next, being Fairfax court day, will be SOLD , if fair, if not, the next fair day, to the highest bidder, at Alexandria, in pursuance of a decree of the county court of Fairfax.
TWO third parts and the reversion of the other third (expectant upon a life) of a LOT of LAND , situate in the said town, whereof William Sewell, lately deceased, was seized. Nine months credit will be allowed, on giving bond, and approved security. HENRY GUNNELL, Sheriff.
To be LET , to the lowest bidder, at St Peter's church, in New Kent county, on Wednesday the 23d day of June, if fair, if not, the next fair day.
SOME considerable REPAIRS to be made to the CHURCH and STEEPLE . Bond and security will be required of the undertaker. About SIXTY POUNDS will be paid him in October next, and the balance in June 1774.
FOSTER WEBB, JOHN ARMISTEAD, WILLIAM CLAYTON, ROBERT BOWIS, WILLIAM MASSIE.
I NTEND to leave the colony shortly. GEORGE WILLIAM FAIRFAX.
I SHALL attend at Alexandria, on the court day in June next, to dispose of two tracts of LAND in that county, for ready money, or bills of exchange: One of which contains upwards of 1190 acres, lies on Four Mile Run, adjoining to Col. Carlyle's mill, about four miles from Alexandria; the soil is equal to any in that neighbourhood, and needs no recommendation, and, I am told, will admit of as constant a water mill as any on this side of the Ridge. The other tract contains 1159 acres, lies on the waters of Pohick, about five miles from Colchester, and the same distance from Pohick warehouse. I am informed it is common forest land, but for pine and oak timber it is said to equal any in the county. A good title will be made at the sale.—The foregoing makes it unnecessary to say I am not one of the happy few who are not in great want of cash: I must, therefore, earnestly request those indebted to me, either on my own, or father's estate account, to make payment in time, to prevent further sales of my estate, or expence to themselves. JAMES MERCER.
TO BE SOLD.  ABOUT fourteen thousand acres of exceeding good LAND in the county of Pittsylvania. For terms apply to Mr. Hugh Rose of Amherst, who will treat with any person inclined to purchase, and be empowered to make a legal title. THOMAS LOMAX.
COMMITTED to the gaol of Amelia county a Negro woman who says her name is SUKEY , but will not, or cannot, tell her master's name; she is a slim wench, and speaks very bad English, her shift is of rolls, and her out dress Virginia cloth. The owner is desired to apply to JOHN HOWSON, gaoler.
TAKEN up, in Henrico, a young red brinded cow, marked with a crop in the right ear, and a swallowfork and underkeel in the left. Potted, and appraised to 2l. 5s. JOHN MARKES.
TAKEN up three hogs, marked as follows: A sow with a crop and hole in each ear, two barrows with a crop and nick in the upper part of the right ear, and a slit in the left. WILLIAM NEW.
Choice MADEIRA WINE,
A FEW CASES of CLARET, BARBADOS RUM, BRANDY, RAISINS, AND MAHOGANY, SOLD BY PETERSON BOWDOIN, IN NORFOLK.
FOR SALE.  THE tenement at present occupied by Captain James Gunn, in that part of the town of Richmond called Shockoe, on the north side of the falls of James river, with a number of convenient houses upon it, well adapted for either a merchant, tavern-keeper, or private Gentleman, rented at forty pounds a year; also the public storehouse at the same place, rented at fifteen pounds a year; the two half acre lots, No. 450 and No. 670, in the same town; the valuable lot of one hundred acres of timbered land, near the same, known by the description of No. 799; also the two half acre lots, No. 116 and No. 267, in the town of Manchester or Rocky Ridge, on the south side of the falls of James river. For terms apply to Joshua Storrs of Richmond, or to the subscriber. THOMSON MASON.
FOR SALE.  THE plantation whereon the subscriber lives, in King and Queen, about a mile and a half from Todd's warehouse, containing 657 acres, in good order for cropping, with a large peach and apple orchard thereon beginning to bear, and a quantity of low grounds, which may be made good meadow with very little expence. The dwellinghouse, kitchen, and other outhouses, have been built between four and five years. Any person inclined to purchase may know the terms by applying to ROBINSON DAINGERFIELD.
VIRGINIA, &c. At a GENERAL COURT , held at the Capitol May 5, 1773.
John Upshaw, and John Reynolds, plaintiffs, against John Bland, late of London, merchant, John Bland, junior, and Messrs. Field and Call, defendants, in chancery.
THE defendant John Bland being beyond sea, and not having entered his appearance according to the rule of this court, on the motion of the plaintiffs, by their counsel, it is ordered, that the other defendants, who have effects of the said Bland in their hands, as is suggested, do not pay, convey away, or secrete, such effects, until the further order or decree of this court concerning the same; but that they deliver up such effects, or so much thereof as will be of value sufficient to satisfy the demand of the plaintiffs unto the said plaintiffs, upon their giving security to the clerk of this court for the return of such effects, in such manner, and to such persons, as the court shall hereafter adjudge. And it is further ordered, that the said defendant John Bland do appear here on the 1st day of next court, to answer the bill of the plaintiffs, and that a copy of this order be, within fifteen days, inserted in the Virginia Gazette, for two months successively, and published on some Lord's day, immediately after divine service, in the church of the parish of Martin's Brandon, in the county of Prince George, and be also posted up at the front door of the Capitol, in the city of Williamsburg. BEN: WALLER.
VIRGINIA, &c. At a GENERAL COURT , held at the Capitol May 5, 1773.
Arthur Edie, and James Laird, of London, merchants and partners, plaintiffs, against Robert Jardine, late of London, merchant, and George Mitchell, defendants, in chancery.
THE defendant Robert being beyond sea, and not having entered his appearance according to the rule of this court, on the motion of the plaintiffs, by their counsel, it is ordered, that the other defendant, who hath effects of the said Robert in his hands, as is suggested, do not pay, convey away, or secrete, such effects, until the further order or decree of this court concerning the same; but that he deliver up such effects, or so much thereof as will be of value sufficient to satisfy the demand of the plaintiffs unto the said plaintiffs, upon their giving security to the clerk of this court for the return of such effects, in such manner, and to such persons, as the court shall hereafter adjudge. And it is further ordered, that the said defendant Robert do appear here on the 1st day of the next court, to answer the bill of the plaintiffs, and that a copy of this order be, within fifteen days, inserted in the Virginia Gazette, for two months successively, and published on some Lord's day, immediately after divine service, in the church of the parish of St. George, in the county of Spottsylvania, and be also posted up at the front door of the Capitol, in the city of Williamsburg. BEN: WALLER.

S U P P L E M E N T TO THE V I R G I N I A G A Z E T T E. THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 1773.
CONSTANTINOPLE, March 2.
A COURIER has just arrived here express from Osman Effendi, and the rest of the Turkish Plenipotentiaries at Bucharest, with advices that the Russian Minister, M. Obreskow, had given them information that he expected to receive orders from the Empress, his mistress, to break up the congress without concluding a truce, and that in the mean time he found himself under a necessity of discontinuing the negotiations. On the receipt of these advices the divan was immediately assembled, and the English, Polish, and Dutch ambassadors, were ordered to attend. Their consultations are not publicly known; but as soon as the divan broke up another courier was dispatched with a strong guard of horse to Bucharest.
Bastia, in Corsica, March 15. The Supreme Council of this island have just issued an arrest, which forbids the masters of coffeehouses, eatinghouses, billiard-tables, &c. to suffer the playing at any game of hazard, under the penalty of a thousand livres, and of having their houses shut up for three months; and in case of a second offence, they incur a double penalty, and are to be corporally punished. The players are liable to the same penalties; and all notes, promises, obligations, acts, and contracts, on account of gaming, are annulled.
Hague, April 9. According to the letters from Vienna, the engineers which were sent by that court into Poland, to regulate and put in order the boundaries of the provinces in that kingdom which fell to the lot of the House of Austria, are returned, and have reported that the towns of Cracovia and Kamieniec are absolutely necessary to protect their territories; in consequence of which it is imagined those two places will soon be taken possession of by the Imperial troops.
The amount of the losses the Bishop of Cracow has suffered during the troubles in Poland, an account of which he intends to lay before the approaching diet, is, we hear, no less than twelve millions of Polish florins.
We learn from Amsterdam that proper persons are appointed, and are now actually employed in settling the affairs of the house of Mess. Clifford and son, who failed some time ago. It appears that the passive debts of that house amount to 4,200,000 florins, and the active debts to no more than a quarter of that sum, 1,050,000 florins. It is said that the creditors have been offered 25 per cent. for their debts, but that they have refused to accept it.
Altona, April 6. A tradesman at Copenhagen, who had a very large family, being unsuccessful in business, and reduced to the greatest straits, took the resolution to put an end to his existence, and had even gone so far as to fix an halter round his neck. A thought, however, struck him, that he would defer the fatal deed till he had tried his fortune in the lottery at Copenhagen; he accordingly with great difficulty procured the money to purchase a ticket, which luckily came up a prize that entitles him to 21,000 rix dollars, by which he will be enabled to clear himself in the world, carry on his business with success, and, as he says, leave him such in hand as will prevent his forming any desperate resolutions for the future.
Paris, April 9. They are arming at Toulon two vessels of the line, and eight frigates, the command of which are to be given to Count d'Estaing; he is to have under him M. de Chabert. This squadron is intended to protect the French navigation in the Archipelago.
L O N D O N, April 20.
E UROPE is threatened with a general conflagration this summer. Our court vainly hope they shall escape it. For this purpose an alliance with France is made. France means war, and by the very means our Ministers take to avoid it they will be precipitated into it. France intends to compel Russia to accept of the Ottoman terms of peace. She will this summer send a fleet into the Baltic to attack Russia, and our Minister at Versailles has declared "that we shall take no umbrage at it, nor send a fleet after it." The private correspondence of the infamous connection, subsisting at this moment between France and England, has been managed by Monsieur de M——t, the creature of Madam Barre, and the master of Duc d'Aiguillon. He was here some weeks ago, under the pretence of seeing a few places of diversion. He saw none of them, and he is coming again.
There died last month in Switzerland two twin brothers, aged 81 years. They were born at 8 hours distance from each other, and died about the same time. They married on the same day; but what was most extraordinary, their way of thinking and acting was the same, and one never was afflicted with an illness that the other did not encounter a few hours after. One has left 8 children, and the other 43
children and grandchildren, all males.
They write from St. Maloes that such quantities of American corn have arrived there lately, that the Magistrates had put a stop to the importation, on account of its draining away all the specie, the cargoes being paid for in coin.
About three weeks ago eleven Gentlemen met at one of the inns at Salt Hill, upon turnpike business, where they dined; a few days after most of them were seized with a pain in their stomach and bowels, and five of the number are since dead, within a day or two of each other, viz. Walpole Eyre, Esquire, of East Burnham, Bucks, Capt. Needham, of Datchet, Henry Sherwood, Esquire, and Mr. Benwell, of Windsor, and the surveyor of the roads; the Honourable Murray O'Brien (one of the company) continues very ill. As they were all moderate drinkers, it is supposed the malady must be occasioned by some of the victuals being dressed in copper utensils not well tinned, which is known to be a slow poison to the bowels, &c.
The cause of the above melancholy affair is not certainly known, but is generally supposed to have been effected by the wine which they drank, as Capt. Salter, who drank nothing but punch, felt no bad effect, and Mr. Cheshire, who drank very little wine, is since perfectly recovered.
Extract of a letter from Dantzic, March 22.
"Our Magistrates have received advice that the Ministers of the two maritime powers at Petersburg have made very strenuous representations to that court to induce it to intercede with the King of Prussia in favour of this city, so that affairs respecting trade might be upon the old footing; but whether the court of Peterburgh thinks her intercession would not avail, or whatever motives she may have, she doth not chuse to interfere. We are, therefore, still in the same disagreeable and uncertain situation, in regard to our trade and navigation; and, to compleat our misfortunes, the Prussians are hard at work upon the new canal of Bromberg, which is to unite the Vistula and the Oder, and by which they are to carry on the trade between Poland and the dominions of his Prussian Majesty, whose troops, as they advance in Great Poland, it is said, will seize upon all the palatinate of Posen, Kalisch, &c."
The King of Prussia has issued orders for the immediate raising of six regiments of infantry, consisting of 15 battalions, in his new acquired dominions in Poland.
A letter from Paris, dated April 16, says, "As the Ministry had resolved that in order to exercise our marine there should be every year a squadron destined to make evolutions, therefore it is that a squadron is getting ready at Brest, similar to that which came out of that port last year. The Count d'Estaing is to set out soon to inspect, in person, the armament fitting out at Toulon, which, whilst it is manoeuvring in the Mediterranean, will be at hand to act as shall be thought necessary. It consists of two ships of 80 guns, four of 74, six of 64, and six large frigates. The Count de Rochemore, and M. de Broves, Commodore, are appointed to command under the Count d'Estaing."
Advice is said to be received that a Dutch man of war, of 60 guns, has foundered on the coast of Ireland, and every soul on board perished.
The snow ——, Cuming, from New York, for Belfast, is lost on the coast of Ireland, with 600 hogheads of flaxseed on board, and two of the crew are drowned. The last letters from the Hague bring advice of the death of the Sieur Scheward, formerly secretary to the embassy from Great Britain, who attended Lord Hindford to Russia in the memorable years 1743, 1744, and 1745, and after having obtained a suitable pension from his Britannic Majesty, went to the Hague in 1754, to spend the remainder of his life.
Extract of a letter from the Hague, April 13.
"According to our letters from Madrid, the Spaniards are very active in raising recruits, which they dispose of in the national regiments. In the foreign regiments in the service of Spain they admit of all the officers from the Confederates of Poland that offer themselves, and give them the same rank they held at home. This, and the great armaments that are making in all the seaports of Spain, are certain proofs that this court has some important design in view."
"The last advices from France import that Count d'Estaing is going to Toulon to take the command of 12 men of war of the line and 6 frigates, in order to drive the Russians, if possible, out of the Mediterranean. It is said that the above mentioned officer has already taken leave of the King, and that he is to have some regiments embarked on board his fleet."
"Our commercial fears are not dissipated; on the contrary, we have great forebodings for the expirations of the periods for the payments on the agreements for English flock. It is well known that this dangerous trade has been carried on at Amsterdam ever since
the English act of Parliament made in the year 1734, called Sir John Bernard's act. This act, by making void agreements for time in the English funds, left the dealers no other resource than that of transporting themselves to Amsterdam to carry on this species of gaming. The English have there their correspondents, who make their sales and bargains for the rescontres in the months of February, May, August, and November. Their payments (or differences in the value of flock) are to be made in the months following the respective rescontres, which are the periods that reveal the secret of their fortunes. It is certain that this paper fair (if we may be allowed that term) which is established at Amsterdam, is not profitable to the English, who add to the losses which they bring upon themselves by this kind of trade, the further loss of the sum paid to the agents at Amsterdam; nor is it profitable to such of the natives who act on their own accounts, as it involves in uncertainty in foreign gaming the more solid profit that would accrue to them by properly pursuing their national commerce."
They write from Dublin that a fishing company is established in that city, under the patronage of the first persons of the kingdom, who have subscribed large sums; and that great expectations are formed of its national utility.
A letter from Copenhagen asserts that the treaty lately negotiating between that Court and Russia, is signed, by which the empress cedes to his Danish Majesty all her territories in the dutchy of Holstein, on condition of his joining her against the Turks, and furnishing six men of war for that purpose.
They write from Constantinople that a smart action had happened near the Isthmus of the Crimea, between a large body of Russians and Tartars, in which the former were beat from the intrenchments which they had too precipitately attacked, and that with the loss of 1000 men, and three field pieces.
Letters from Madrid inform that the King never goes from his Palace without being attended by a very strong guard, several circumstances having appeared which give room to suspect that some bad design had been formed by the friends of the Jesuits, whose effects were lately seized by his Majesty's order.
Yesterday in the afternoon a messenger arrived at Lord Rochford's office, with some important dispatches from Lord Stormont, his Majesty's Ambassador at Paris; and last night another messenger was sent away with an answer to the said dispatches.
It is said the French Ambassador at Constantinople has been complimented by the Grand Signior with the gift of an amazing fine diamond, said to be worth 9000l.
Letters from Gibraltar say that a large fleet of Spanish and Portuguese men of war are cruising in the Mediterranean, in order to protect their trading ships from being taken by the Barbary corsairs. The letters further say that the Governor of Gibraltar has had all the fortifications examined and repaired, and some new batteries erected on the land side, so that there is no fear of being attacked on that part of the fort; and further that they have great plenty of every necessary article of life, which is brought there by ships from America, so that the garrison is very healthy, and has not been so well supplied for many years. The docks have been put into a good condition for careening ships, and there have been sent from England masts, sails, anchors, and other things, that they may be ready to supply such men of war as may want them, when stationed in that part of the world.
Four transports are arrived at Plymouth to take on board two regiments of foot, one for New-York, and the other for Quebec.
April 22. It may be depended on that Lord North is at present entirely uncertain about what part Great Britain will take in the affairs of Europe. He seems desirous of preserving peace, but many circumstances have lately occurred that render it doubtful whether he can do so if he preserves the honour of the nation at the same time.
Yesterday General Burgoyne brought up a select report relative to the duties, monopolies, &c. laid on and established upon salt, tobacco, and betelnut, in the several provinces depending on the presidency of Fort William in the East Indies.
The further consideration of East India affairs was yesterday put off by a motion from Lord North till Monday next.
Lord Barrington acquainted the House of Commons yesterday that he had a matter of great importance to lay before them in a few days.
Tuesday night a council was held at Lord Rochford's office, said to be on the subject of some advices received from a northern court, which did not break up till near 12 o'clock. All the great officers of state were present.
The English Ministry wish to remain neuter in the present quarrels through Europe; but they are pressed so closely on all sides that it will not be in their power.