The Virginia gazette (Williamsburg, Va.), 1774-11-10 00:00:00

VIRGINIA
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WILLIAMSBURG: PRINTED BY FOR THE BENEFIT OF
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EXTRACTS from the VOTES and PROCEEDINGS of the AMERICAN CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, held at PHILADELPHIA on the 5th of September 1774.
FRIDAY, October 14, 1774.
THE CONGRESS CAME INTO THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS.
WHEREAS since the close of the last war, the British parliament, claiming a power of right to bind the people of America, by statute in all cases whatsoever, hath in some acts expressly imposed taxes on them, and in others under various pretences, but in fact for the purpose of raising a revenue, hath imposed rates and duties payable in these colonies, established a board of commissioners with unconstitutional powers, and extended the jurisdiction of courts of admiralty, not only for collecting the said duties, but for the trial of causes merely arising within the body of a county.
And whereas, in consequence of other statutes, judges, who before held only estates at will in their offices, have been made dependent on the crown alone for their salaries, and standing armies kept in time of peace; and it has lately been resolved in parliament, that by force of a statute, made in the 35th year of the reign of king Henry the eighth, colonists may be transported to England, and tried there upon accusations for treasons and misprisions, or concealments of treasons committed in the colonies; and by a late statute, such trials have been directed in cases therein mentioned.
And whereas in the last session of parliament three statutes were made; one entitled "an act to discontinue in such manner, and for such time, as are therein mentioned, the landing and discharging, lading or shipping of goods, wares, and merchandise, at the town and within the harbour of Boston, in the province of Massachusetts Bay, in North America;" another entitled "an act for the better regulating the government of the province of the Massachusetts Bay, in New England;" and another entitled "an act for the impartial administration of justice in the cases of persons questioned for any act done by them in the execution of the law, or for the suppression of riots and tumults, in the province of the Massachusetts Bay, in New England." And another statute was then made "for making more effectual provision for the government of the province of Quebec, &c." All which statutes are impolitic, unjust, and cruel, as well as unconstitutional, and most dangerous and destructive of American rights.
And whereas assemblies have been frequently dissolved, contrary to the rights of the people, when they attempted to deliberate on grievances, and their dutiful, humble, loyal, and reasonable petitions to the crown or redress have been repeatedly treated with contempt by the city's ministers of state.
The good people of the several colonies, viz. New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, duly constituted, and appointed, deputies to a general congress, in the city of Philadelphia, in order to obtain such establishment, as that their religion, laws, and liberties, may not be subverted; whereupon the deputies so appointed, being now assembled in a full and free representation of these colonies, taking into their most serious consideration the best means of attaining the ends aforesaid, do, in the first place, as Englishmen, their ancestors, in like cases have usually done, for asserting and vindicating their rights and liberties, DECLARE,
That the inhabitants of the English colonies in North America, by the immutable laws of nature, the principles of the English constitution, and the several charters or compacts, have the following RIGHTS.
Resolved, nemine contradicente, 1. That they are entitled to life, liberty, and property; and they have never ceded to any foreign power whatever a right to dispose of either without their consent.
Resolved, nemine contradicente, 2. That our ancestors, who first settled these colonies, were, at the time of their emigration from the mother country, entitled to all the rights, liberties, and immunities of, free and natural born subjects, within the realm of England.
Resolved, nemine contradicente, 3. That by such emigration they by no means forfeited, surrendered, or lost any of those rights, but that they were, and their descendants now are, entitled to the exercise and enjoyment of all such of them as their local and other circumstances enable them to exercise and enjoy.
Resolved, 4. That the foundation of English liberty, and of all free government, is a right in the people to participate in their legislative council; and as the English colonies are not represented, and from their local and other circumstances cannot properly be represented in the British parliament, they are entitled to a free and exclusive power of legislation in their several provincial legislatures, where their right of representation can alone be preserved, in all cases of taxation and internal polity, subject only to the negative of their sovereign, in such manner as has been heretofore used, and accustomed; but from the necessity of the case, and a regard to the mutual interests of both countries, we heartily consent to the operation of such acts of the British parliament as are bona fide restrained to the regulation of our external commerce, for the purpose of securing the commercial advantages of the whole empire to the mother country, and the commercial benefits of its respective members, excluding every idea of taxation, internal or external, for raising a revenue on the subjects in America without their consent.
Resolved, nemine contradicente, 5. That the respective colonies are entitled to the common law of England, and more especially to the great and inestimable privilege of being tried by their peers of the vicinage, according to the course of that law.
Resolved, 6. That they are entitled to the benefit of such of the English statutes as existed at the time of their colonization, and which they have, by experience, respectively found to be applicable to their local and other circumstances.
Resolved, nemine contradicente, 7. That these his majesty's colonies are likewise entitled to all the immunities and privileges granted and secured to them by royal charters, or secured by their several codes of provincial laws.
Resolved, nemine contradicente, 8. That they have a right peaceably to assemble, consider of their grievances, and petition the king, and that all prosecutions, prohibitory proclamations, and commitments for the same, are illegal.
Resolved, nemine contradicente, 9. That the keeping a standing army in these colonies, in times of peace, without the consent of the legislature of that colony in which such army is kept, is against law.
Resolved, nemine contradicente, 10. It is indispensably necessary to good government, and rendered essential by the English constitution, that the constituent branches of the legislature be independent of each other; that the exercise of legislative power in several colonies, by a count-appointed, during pleasure, by the crown, is unconstitutional, dangerous, and destructive, to the freedom of American legislation.
All and each of which the aforesaid deputies, in behalf of themselves, and their constituents, do claim, demand, and insist on, as their indisputable rights and liberties, which cannot be legally taken from them, al-
tered, or abridged, by any power whatever, without their own consent, by their representatives in the several provincial legislatures.
In the course of our enquiry we find many infringements and violations of the foregoing rights, which, from an ardent desire that harmony and mutual intercourse of affection and interest may be restored, we pass over, for the present, and proceed to state such acts and measures as have been adopted since the last war, which demonstrate a system formed to enslave America.
Resolved, nemine contradicente, that the following acts of parliament are infringements and violations of the rights of the colonists, and that the repeal of them is essentially necessary, in order to restore harmony between Great Britain and the American colonies, viz.
The several acts of 4 Geo. III. chap. 15. and chap. 34. 5 Geo. III. chap. 25. 6 Geo. III. chap. 52. 7 Geo. III. chap. 41. and chap. 46. 8 Geo. III. chap. 22. which impose duties for the purpose of raising a revenue in America, extend the powers of the admiralty courts beyond their ancient limits, deprive the American subject of trial by jury, authorize the judges certificate to indemnify the prosecutor from damages, that he might otherwise be liable to, requiring oppressive security from a claimant of ships and goods seized, before he shall be allowed to defend his property, and are subversive of American rights.
Also 12 Geo. III. chap. 24. entitled "an act for the better securing his majesty's dockyards, magazines, ships, ammunition and stores," which declares a new offence in America, and deprives the American subject of a constitutional trial by jury of the vicinage, by authorizing the trial of any person charged with the committing any offence described in the said act out of the realm, to be indicted and tried for the same in any shire or county within the realm.
Also the three acts, passed in the last session of parliament, for stopping the port, and blocking up the harbour of Boston, for altering the charter and government of Massachusetts Bay, and that which is entitled "an act for the better administration of justice, &c."
Also the act, passed in the same session, for establishing the Roman catholic religion in the province of Quebec, abolishing the equitable system of English laws, and erecting a tyranny there, to the great danger, from its total dissimilarity, of religion, law, and government, to the neighbouring British colonies, by the assistance of whose blood and treasure the said country was conquered from France.
Also the act, passed in the same session, for the better providing suitable quarters for officers and soldiers in his majesty's service in North America.
Also that the keeping a standing army in several of these colonies, in time of peace, without the consent of the legislature of that colony in which such army is kept, is against law.
the late acts of parliament, and in the same shall be attempted to be carried into execution by force, in such case, all America ought to support them in their opposition.
Resolved, that it is the opinion of this body, that the removal of the people of Boston into the country would be not only extremely difficult in the execution, but so important in its consequences, as to require the utmost consideration before it is adopted. But in case the provincial meeting of that colony shall judge it absolutely necessary, it is the opinion of this congress, that all America ought to contribute towards recompensing them for the injury they may thereby sustain, and it will be recommended accordingly.
Resolved, that this congress do recommend to the colony of the Massachusetts Bay to suspend for a time the administration of justice where it cannot be procured in a legal and peaceable manner, under the rules of the charter, and the laws founded thereon, until the effect of our application for a repeal of the acts, by which their charter rights are infringed, is known.
Resolved unanimously, that every person or persons whomsoever who shall take, accept, or act under any commission or authority, in any wise derived from the act passed in the last session of parliament, changing the form of government, and violating the charter of the province or the Massachusetts Bay, ought to be held in detestation and abhorrence by all good men, and considered as the wicked tools of that despotism which is preparing to destroy those rights which God, nature, and compact, have given to America.
Resolved unanimously, that the people of Boston and the Massachusetts Bay be availed full to conduct themselves peaceably towards his excellency general Gage, and his majesty's troops now stationed in the town of Boston, as far as can possibly consist with their immediate safety and the security of the town, avoiding and discountenancing every violation of his majesty's property, or any insult to his troops, and that they peaceably and firmly persevere in the line in which they are now conducting themselves on the defensive.
Resolved, that the seizing, or attempting to seize, any person in America, in order to transport such person beyond the sea, for trial of offences committed within the body of a county in America, being against law, will justify and ought to meet with resistance and reprisal.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22.
Resolved, as the opinion of the congress, that it will be necessary that a congress should be held on the 10th day of May next, unless the redress of grievances, which we have desired, be obtained before that time; and we recommend that the same be held at the city of Philadelphia, and that all the colonies in North America choose deputies as soon as possible, to attend such congress.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25.
Resolved, that the congress, in their own names, and in behalf of all those whom they represent, do present their most grateful acknowledgments to those truly noble, honourable, and patriotic advocates, of civil and religious liberty, who have to generously and powerfully, though unsuccessfully, espoused and defended the cause of America, both in and out of parliament.
A copy of the letter to general Gage was brought into congress, and agreeable to order, signed by the president, and is as follows:
SIR, PHILADELPHIA, October 10, 1774. THE inhabitants of the town of Boston have informed us, the representatives of his majesty's faithful subjects in all the colonies, from Nova Scotia to Georgia, that the fortifications erecting within that town, the frequent invasions of private property, and the repeated insults they receive from the soldiery, have given them great reason to suspect a plan is formed very destructive to them, and tending to overthrow the liberties of America.
Your excellency cannot be a stranger to the sentiments of America with respect to the late acts of parliament, under the execution of which those unhappy people are oppressed; the approbation universally expressed of their conduct, and the determined resolution of the colonies, for the preservation of their common rights, to unite in their opposition to those acts: In consequence of these sentiments they have appointed us, the guardians of their rights and liberties, and we are under the deepest concern that whilst we are pursuing every dutiful and peaceable measure to procure a
cordial and effectual reconciliation between Great Britain and the colonies, your excellency should proceed in such a manner as will not only preserve the peace of the town, but also the appearance, and which even those oppressive acts do not warrant.
We intreat your excellency to consider what a tendency this conduct must have to irritate and force a people, however well disposed to peaceable measures, into hostilities, which may prevent the endeavours of this congress to restore a good understanding with a parent state, and may involve us in the horrors of a civil war.
In order therefore to quiet the minds, and remove the reasonable jealousies of the people, that they may not be driven to a state of desperation, being fully persuaded of their pacific disposition towards the king's troops, could they be assured of their own safety, we hope, Sir, you will discontinue the fortifications in and about Boston, prevent any further invasions of private property, restrain the irregularities of the soldiers, and give orders that the communications between the town and country may be open, unobstructed, and free.
Signed by order and in behalf of the general congress, PEYTON RANDOLPH.
A LETTER to the INHABITANTS of the province of QUEBEC.
Friends and fellow subjects, WE, the delegates of the colonies of New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island, and Providence plantations, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, the counties of Newcastle, Kent, and Sussex, on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, deputed by the inhabitants of the said colonies to represent them in a general congress at Philadelphia, in the province of Pennsylvania, to consult together concerning the best methods to obtain redress of our afflicted grievances, having accordingly assembled, and taken into our most serious consideration the state of public affairs on this continent, have thought proper to address your province, as a member therein deeply interested.
When the fortune of war, after a gallant and glorious resistance, had incorporated you with the body of Eng-
would become our hearty friends, and that the Divine Being would bless to you the dispensations of his overruling providence, by securing to you, and your latest posterity, the inestimable advantages of a free English constitution of government, which it is the privilege of all English subjects to enjoy. These hopes were countenanced by the king's proclamation, issued in the year 1763, plighting the public faith for your full enjoyment of those advantages.
Little did we imagine that any succeeding ministers would so audaciously and cruelly abuse the royal authority, as to withhold from you the fruition of the irrevocable rights to which you were thus justly entitled; but, since we have lived to see the unexpected time when ministers of this flagitious temper have dared to violate the most sacred compacts and obligations, and as you, educated under another form of government, have artfully been kept from discovering the unpeakable worth of that form you are now undoubtedly entitled to, we esteem it our duty, for the weighty reasons herein after mentioned, to explain to you some of its most important branches.
"In every human society (says the celebrated marquis Beccaria) there is an effort continually tending to concur on one part the height of power and happiness, and to reduce the other to the extreme of weakness and misery. The intent of good laws is to oppose this effort, and to diffuse their influence universally and equally."
Rulers, stimulated by this pernicious "effort," and subjects, animated by the just "intent of opposing good laws against it," have occasioned that vast variety of events that fill the histories of so many nations. All these histories demonstrate the truth of this simple position, that to live by the will of one man, or set of men, is the production of misery to all men.
On the solid foundation of this principle, Englishmen reared up the fabric of their constitution, with such a strength as for ages to defy time, tyranny, treachery, internal and foreign wars; and as an illustrious author* of your nation, hereafter mentioned, observes, "they gave the people of their colonies the form of their own government, and this government carrying prosperity along with it, they have grown great nations in the forests they were sent to inhabit."
In this form the first grand right is, that of the people having a share in their own government, by their representatives, chosen by themselves, and, in consequence, of being ruled by laws which they themselves approve, not by edicts of men over whom they have no controul. This is a bulwark surrounding and defending their property, which by their honest cares and labours they have acquired; so that no portions of it can legally be taken from them but with their own full and free consent, when they, in their judgment, deem it just and necessary to give them for public services, and precisely direct the
* Montesquieu.

easiest, cheapest, and most equal methods, in which they shall be collected.
The influence of this right extends still farther: If money is wanted by rulers who have in any manner oppressed the people, they may retain it until their grievances are redressed; and thus peaceably procure relief, without trusting to despised petitions, or disturbing the public tranquility.
The next great right is, that of trial by jury. This provides that neither life, liberty, nor property, can be taken from the possessor until twelve of his unexceptionable countrymen and peers, of his vicinity, who from that neighbourhood may reasonably be supposed to be acquainted with his character, and the characters of the witnesses, upon a fair trial, and full enquiry, face to face, in open court, before as many of the people as chuse to attend, shall pass their sentence, upon oath, against him; a sentence that cannot injure him without injuring their own reputation, and probably their interest also, as the question may turn on points that in some degree concern the general welfare; and if it does not, their verdict may form a precedent, that, on a similar trial of their own, may militate against themselves.
Another right relates merely to the liberty of the person. If a subject is seized and imprisoned, though by order of government, he may, by virtue of this right, immediately obtain a writ termed a habeas corpus, from a judge, whose duty it is to grant it, and thereupon procure a legal restraint to be quickly inquired into and redressed.
A fourth right is, that of holding lands by the tenure of easy rents, and not by rigorous and oppressive services, frequently forcing the possessors from their families and their business, to perform what ought to be done, in all well regulated states, by men hired for the purpose.
The last right we shall mention regards the freedom of the press. The importance of this consists, besides the advancement of truth, science, morality, and arts in general, in its diffusion of liberal sentiments on the administration of government, its ready communication of thoughts between subjects, and its consequential promotion of union among them, whereby oppressive officers are shamed or intimidated into more honourable and just modes of conducting affairs.
These are the invaluable rights that form a considerable part of our mild system of government; that, sending its equitable energy through all ranks and classes of men, defends the poor from the rich, the weak from the powerful, the industrious from the rapacious, the peaceable from the violent, the tenants from the lords, and all from their superiors.
These are the rights, without which a people cannot be free and happy, and under the protecting and encouraging influence of which these colonies have hitherto so amazingly flourished and encreased. These are the rights a profligate ministry are now striving, by force of arms, to ravish from us, and which we are, with one mind, resolved never to resign but with our lives.
These are the rights you are entitled to, and ought at this moment in perfection to exercise. And what is offered to you, by the late act of parliament, in their place? Liberty of conscience in your religion! No. God gave it to you.
The temporal powers with which you have been and are connected, firmly stipulated for your enjoyment of it. If laws, divine and human, could secure it against the despotic caprices of wicked men, it was secured before. Are the French laws in civil cases restored? It seems so. But observe the cautious kindness of the ministers, who pretend to be your benefactors: The words of the statute are, that those "laws shall be the rule, until they shall be varied or altered by any ordinances of the governor and council." Is the "certainty and lenity of the criminal law of England, and its benefits and advantages," commenced in the said statute, and said to "have been sensibly felt by you," secured to you and your descendants? No. They too are subjected to arbitrary "alterations" by the governor and council; and a power is expressly reserved of appointing "such courts of criminal, civil and ecclesiastical jurisdiction, as shall be thought proper." Such is the precarious tenure of mere will, by which you hold your lives and religion. The crown and its ministers are empowered, as far as they could be by parliament, to establish even the inquisition itself among you. Have you an assembly composed of worthy men, elected by yourselves, and in whom you can confide, to make laws for you, to watch over your welfare, and to direct in what quantity, and in what manner, your money shall be taken from you? No. The power of making laws for you is lodged in the governor and council, all of them dependent upon and removable at the pleasure of a minister. Besides, another late statute, made without your consent, has subjected you to the impositions of excise, the horror of all free states; thus wresting your property from you by the most odious of taxes, and laying open, to insolent tax gatherers, houses, the scenes of domestic peace and comfort, and called the castles of English subjects in the books of their law. And in the very act for altering your government, and intended to flatter you, you are not authorised to "assess, levy, or apply any rates and taxes, but for the inferior purposes of making roads, and erecting and repairing public buildings, or for other local conveniences, within your respective towns and districts." Why this degrading distinction? Ought not the property honestly acquired by Canadians to be held as sacred as that of Englishmen? Have not Canadians sense enough to attend to any other public affairs than gathering stones from one place and piling them up in another? Unhappy people! With such a superlative contempt of your understanding and spirit has an insolent ministry presumed to think of you, our respectable fellow subjects, according to the information we have received, as firmly to persuade themselves that your gratitude, for the injuries and insults they have recently offered to you, will engage you to take up arms, and render yourselves the ridicule and detestation of the world, by becoming tools, in their hands, to assist them in taking that freedom from us which they have treacherously denied to you; the unavoidable consequence of which attempt, if successful, would be the extinction of all hopes of you or your posterity being ever
restored to freedom, for idiocy itself cannot believe that when their drudgery is performed they will treat you with less cruelty than they have us, who are of the same blood with themselves.
What would your countryman, the immortal Montequieu, have said to such a plan of domination as has been framed for you? Hear his words, with an intenseness of thought suited to the importance of the subject: "In a free state, every man, who is supposed a free agent, ought to be concerned in his own government, therefore the legislative should reside in the whole body of the people, or their representatives." "The political liberty of the subject is a tranquillity of mind, arising from the opinion each person has of his safety. In order to have this liberty, it is requisite the government be so constituted that one man need not be afraid of another. When the power of making laws, and the power of executing them, are united in the same person, or in the same body of magistrates, there can be no liberty; because apprehensions may arise, lest the same monarch or senate should enact tyrannical laws, to execute them in a tyrannical manner."
"The power of judging should be exercised by persons taken from the body of the people, at certain times of the year, and pursuant to a form and manner prescribed by law. There can be no liberty if the power of judging be not separated from the legislative and executive powers."
"Military men belong to a profession which may be useful, but which is odious." "The enjoyment of liberty, and even of happiness and preservation, consists in every man's being allowed to speak his thoughts, and lay open his sentiments."
Apply these decisive maxims, sanctified by the authority of a name which all Europe reveres, to your own state. You have a governor, it may be urged, vested with the executive powers, or the powers of administration. In him, and in your council, is lodged the power of making laws. You have judges, who are to decide every cause affecting your lives, liberty, or property. Here is, indeed, an appearance of the several powers being separated and distributed into different hands, for checks one upon another, the only effectual mode ever invented by the wit of men to promote their freedom and prosperity. But, scorning to be illuded by a tinseled outside, and exerting the natural sagacity of Frenchmen, examine the specious device, and you will find it, to use an expression of holy writ, "a whited sepulchre," for burying your lives, liberty, and property.
Your judges, and your legislative council, as it is called, are dependent on your governor, and he is dependent on the servant of the crown in Great Britain. The legislative, executive, and judging powers, are all moved by the nods of a minister. Privileges and immunities last no longer than his smiles. When he frowns, their feeble forms dissolve. Such a treacherous ingenuity has been exerted, in drawing up the code lately offered you, that every sentence beginning with a benevolent pretension concludes with a destructive power; and the substance of the whole, divested of its smooth words, is, that the crown and its ministers shall be as absolute throughout your extended province as the despots of Asia or Africa. What can protect your property from taxing edicts, and the rapacity of avaricious and cruel masters; your persons from taxes, de-taxes, gaols, dungeons, and oppressive services; your lives and general liberty from arbitrary and unfeeling rulers? We defy you, casting your view upon every side, to discover a single circumstance promising from any quarter the faintest hope of liberty to you or your posterity, but from an entire adoption into the union of these colonies.
What advice would the truly great man before mentioned, that advocate of freedom and humanity, give you, was he now living, and knew that we, your numerous and powerful neighbours, animated by a just love of our invaded rights, and united by the indissoluble bands of affection and interest, called upon you, by every obligation of regard for yourselves and your children, as we now do, to join us in our righteous contest, to make common cause with us therein, and take a noble chance for emerging from a humiliating subjection under governors, intendants, and military tyrants, into the firm rank and condition of English freemen, whose custom it is, derived from their ancestors, to make those tremble who dare to think of making them miserable?
Would not this be the purport of his address? "Seize the opportunity presented to you by Providence itself. You have been conquered into liberty, if you act as you ought. This work is not of man. You are a small people, compared to those who, with open arms, invite you into a fellowship. A moment's reflection should convince you which will be most for your interest and happiness, to have all the rest of North America your unalterable friends, or your inveterate enemies. The injuries of Boston have roused and associated every colony, from Nova Scotia to Georgia. Your province is the only link wanting to complete the bright and strong chain of union. Nature has joined your country to theirs. Do you join your political interests; for their own sakes, they never will desert or betray you. Be assured that the happiness of a people inevitably depends on their liberty, and their spirit to assert it. The value and extent of the advantages tendered to you are immense. Heaven grant you may not discover them to be blessings after they have bid you an eternal adieu."
We are too well acquainted with the liberality of sentiment distinguishing your nation to imagine that difference of religion will prejudice you against a hearty amity with us. You know that the transcendent nature of freedom elevates those, who unite in her cause, above all such low-minded infirmities. The Swiss Cantons furnish a memorable proof of this truth. The union is composed of Roman catholic and protestant states, living in the utmost concord and peace with one another, and thereby enabled, ever since they bravely vindicated their freedom, to defy and defeat every tyrant that has invaded them.
Should there be any among you, as there generally are in all societies, who prefer the favours of ministers, and their own private interests, to the welfare of their country, the temper of such selfish persons will render them incredibly active in opposing all public spirited measures,
from an expectation of being well rewarded for their fordid industry, by their superiors; but we doubt not you will be upon your guard against such men, and no sacrifice the liberty and happiness of the whole Canadian people, and their posterity, to gratify the avarice and ambition of individuals.
We do not ask you, by this address, to commence acts of hostility against the government of our common sovereign; we only desire you to consult your own glory and welfare, and not to suffer yourselves to be inveigled or intimidated by infamous ministers so far as to become the instruments of their cruelty and despotism, but to unite with us in a social compact, formed on the generous principles of equal liberty, and cemented by such an exchange of beneficial and endearing offices as to render it perpetual. In order to complete this highly desirable union, we submit it to your consideration whether it may not be expedient for you to meet together in your several towns and districts, and elect deputies, who, afterwards meeting in a provincial congress, may chuse delegates to represent your province in the continental congress to be held at Philadelphia on the tenth day of May, 1775.
In this present congress, beginning on the fifth of the last month, and continued to this day, it has been, with universal pleasure, and an unanimous vote, resolved, that we should regard the violation of your rights, by the act for altering the government of your province, as a violation of our rights, that you should be invited to accede to the consideration, which has no other object than the perfect security of the natural and civil rights of all the constituent members, according to their respective circumstances, and the preservation of a happy and lasting connection with Great Britain, on the salutary and constitutional principles herein before mentioned. For effecting these purposes, we have addressed an humble and loyal petition to his majesty, praying relief of our grievances; and have associated to stop all importations from Great Britain and Ireland after the first day of December, and all exportations to those kingdoms and the West Indies after the tenth day of next September, unless the said grievances are redressed.
That Almighty God may incline your minds to approve our equitable and necessary measures, to add yourselves to us, to put your fate, whenever you suffer injuries which you are determined to oppose, not on the small influence of your single province, but on the consolidated powers of North America, and may grant to our joint exertions an event as happy as our cause is just, is the fervent prayer of us, your sincere and affectionate friends and fellow subjects.
By order of the congress, October 26, 1774. HENRY MIDDLETON, President.
WILLIAM SBURG, CULPEPER, November 8, 1774.
Mr. PINKNEY,
I RECEIVED yesterday, from my brother, by an express from the banks of the Ohio, at the mouth of Kanawha, an account of a battle between our troops and the Indians, which I have enclosed, to be inserted in your Gazette, with a list of the killed and wounded. My brother, likewise, writes me of our governor being still on his march to the Indian towns, and as the account is certain, he may not be expected for some time. His excellency was not in the engagement, being about 75 miles up the Ohio, on the Indians side. An express arrived from him the evening after the battle, with orders for their troops to meet him at some distance from the town, to which the express came off he had no account of the battle.
I am, Sir, your obedient servant, FRANCIS T. SLAUGHTER.
A return of the killed and wounded at the battle, fought at the mouth of the Great Kanawha, on Monday the 10th of October, 1774.
   FIELD OFFICERS, killed     Colonel Charles Lewis, colonel John Field, 2   CAPTAINS,   John Murray, Robert McClenachan, Samuel Wilson, James Ward, 4   SUBALTHERNS,   Lieutenant H. Allen, ensign Bracken, ensign Cundiff, 3   SERJEANTS, SPIES, and PRIVATES,   Total 14   FIELD OFFICERS,   Colonel William Fleming, 1   CAPTAINS,   John Dickenson, Thomas Blufford, John Skidmore, 3   SUBALTHERNS,   Lieutenant Goldman, lieutenant Robinson, lieutenant Laird, lieutenant Vance, 4   SCOUTS, SERJEANTS, and PRIVATES,   Total 79   Total wounded, 87   Total killed and wounded, 140  
From the CAMP, on POINT PLEASANT, at the mouth of the Great Kanawha, October 12, 1774.
"FOR the satisfaction of the public, in this letter they have a true state of the battle fought at this place on the 10th instant; On Monday morning, about half an hour before sunrise, two of captain Russell's company discovered a large party of Indians about a mile from camp, one of which men was shot down by the Indians, the other made his escape, and brought in the intelligence; in two or three minutes after, one of captain Shelby's came in, and confirmed the account. Colonel Charles Lewis being informed thereof, immediately ordered out colonel Charles Lewis to take the command of 150 of the Augusta troops, and with him went captain Dickenson, captain Harrison, captain Wilson, captain John Lewis, of Augusta, and captain Lockridge, which made the first division; colonel Fleming was also ordered to take the command of 150 more of the Botetourt, Bedford, and Fincastle troops, viz. captain Thomas Buford from Bedford, captain Love of Botetourt, captain Shelby, and captain Russell, of Fincastle, which made the second division. Colonel Charles Lewis's division marched to the right, some distance from the Ohio, and colonel Fleming, with his division, on the bank of the Ohio, to the left. Colonel Charles Lewis's division had not marched quite half a mile from camp, when, about sunrise, an attack was made on the front of his division, in a most vigorous manner, by the united tribes of Indians, Shawanese, Delawares, Mingoes, Tawaw, and of several other nations, in number not less than 800, and by many thought to be 1000. In this heavy attack colonel Charles Lewis received a wound, which in a few hours caused his death, and several of his men fell on the spot; in fact, the Augusta division was forced to give way to the heavy fire of the enemy. In about a second of a minute after the attack on colonel Lewis's division the enemy engaged the front of colonel Fleming's division on the Ohio, and in a short time the colonel received two balls through his left arm, and one through his breast; and after animating the officers and soldiers in a most calm manner to the pursuit of victory, retired to the camp. The loss from the field was sensibly felt by the officers in particular; but the Augusta troops being shortly reinforced from the camp by colonel Field, with his company, together with captain McDowell, captain Matthews, and captain Stewart, from Augusta, captain John Lewis, captain Paul, captain Arbuckle, and captain McClenachan, from Botetourt, the enemy, no longer able to maintain their ground, was forced to give way till they were in a line with the troops; colonel Fleming being left in action on the bank of the Ohio. In this precipitate retreat colonel Field was killed. During this time, which was till after 12 o'clock, the action continued extremely hot. The close under-wood, many steep banks, and logs, greatly favoured their retreat, and the bravest of their men made the best use of them, whilst others were throwing their dead into the Ohio, and carrying off their wounded. After 12, the action in a

small degree abated; but continued, except at short intervals, sharp enough till after one o'clock. Their long retreat gave them a most advantageous spot of ground; from whence it appeared to the officers to be difficult to dislodge them, that it was thought most advisable to stand, as the line was then formed, which was about a mile and a quarter in length, and had sustained till then a constant and equal weight of the action, from wing to wing. It was till about half an hour of sun-set they continued firing on us, scattering shots, which we returned to their disadvantage. At length, night coming on, they found a safe retreat. They had not the satisfaction of carrying off any of our men's scalps, save one or two braggarts, whom they killed before the engagement. Many of their dead were scalped, rather than we should have them; but our troops scalped upwards of twenty of their men, that were first killed. It is beyond doubt their loss in number far exceeds ours, which is considerable."
To the honourable PEYTON RANDOLPH, esquire, moderator, and the other delegates of the people of Virginia, assembled at the Capitol in Williamsburg, on Wednesday the 9th of November, 1774. The ADDRESS of the MERCHANTS, TRADERS, and others, at a general meeting in Williamsburg.
GENTLEMEN, YOUR generous and voluntary interposition, at a time when we were under apprehensions that some measures would be adopted, derogatory to the importance of the cause we with to support with propriety, and contrary to the intention of the general congress, and by your wisdom, and prudence, pointing out such methods of proceeding as have removed our fears, and given universal satisfaction, demands our grateful acknowledgments.
Truly sensible of the necessity of preserving peace and harmony, not only between the different colonies, but also among all ranks and societies in each colony, and to show our readiness to concur in such prudent measures as are most likely to procure redress of our grievances, we now present the association, voluntarily and generally signed; and as we, on our parts, resolve to adhere strictly thereto, we hope to be favoured with your advice and assistance on every future emergency.
To which was returned the following answer. GENTLEMEN, IT gives us great satisfaction to find that our conduct has received the approbation of your respectable body, and you may be assured we shall on all occasions endeavour to move on the firm principles of justice and the constitution. The delegates are very sensible of the great advantage this country will receive from your union with them, and they consider it as very meritorious, that you, disregarding the influence of your commercial interest, have generously concurred with them in the great struggle for liberty. Such unanimity, we trust, will convince an inimical administration of the imprudence of their measures, and produce effects so salutary as to make us reflect with pleasure on the part we have taken in support of American freedom.
Extract of a letter from London, dated September 2. "I hope the Americans every where will be firm, unanimous, and steady, in support of their injured and violated rights and liberties. The sword is drawn here; therefore you should throw away the scabbard. Depend on your own internal strength and resources, and not on petitions, or remonstrances; for they are only used to make kites for the great and little babes at Kew and Buckingham House. Read attentively the history of James the 2d's reign, and then you will have a perfect idea of the present political system here."
FRIDAY, November 11. The following is an authentic copy of a letter received by the honourable PEYTON RANDOLPH, esquire, this afternoon. To PEYTON RANDOLPH, Esquire. BOSTON, October 20, 1774.
SIR, REPRESENTATIVES should be made with candour, and matters stated exactly as they stand. People would be led to believe, from your letter to me of the 20th instant, that works were raised against the town of Boston, private property invaded, the soldiers suffered to insult the inhabitants, and the communication between the town and country shut up, and molested.
Nothing can be further from the true situation of this place than the above state. There is not a single gun pointed against the town, no man's property has been seized or hurt, except the king's, by the people's destroying straw, bricks, &c. brought for his service. No troops have given less cause for complaint; and greater care was never taken to prevent it, and such care and attention was never more necessary from the insults and provocations daily given to both officers and soldiers. The communication between the town and country has been always free and unmolested, and is so still.
Two works of earth have been raised at some distance from the town, wide off the road, and guns put in them. The remains of old works, going out of the town, have been strengthened, and guns placed there likewise. People will think differently, whether the hostile preparations throughout the country, and the menaces of blood and slaughter, made this necessary; but I am to do my duty.
It gives me pleasure that you are endeavouring at a cordial reconciliation with the mother country, which, from what has transpired, I have despaired of. Nobody wishes better success to such measures than myself. I have endeavoured to be a mediator, if I could establish a foundation to work upon, and have strongly urged it to people here to pay for the tea, and send a proper memorial to the king, which would be a good beginning on their side, and give their friends the opportunity they seek to move in their support.
I do not believe that menaces and unfriendly proceedings will have the effect which too many conceive. The spirit of the British nation was high when I left England, and such measures will not abate it. But I should hope that decency and moderation here, would create the same disposition at home, and I ardently wish that the common enemies to both countries may see, to their disappointment, that these disputes between the mother country and the colonies have terminated like the quarrels of lovers, and increased the affection they ought to bear to each other.
I am, Sir, Your most obedient, Humble servant, THOMAS GAGE.
MR. PINKNEY, A CUSTOMER. B E kind enough to insert the following, and you will much oblige your very humble servant, Part of a dialogue between a vestryman and the priest of Stratton M-j-r parish in King and Queen (the priest then unmasked) and supposed to have happened the morning before the vestry held in October last.
V. Come hither, parson, tell us why You do so often whine and cry? Why the cushion you so thump, And then at us do look so plump? P. Why first you'll say I whine and cry, In hopes in you the same to spy; And this I cannot well deny: But if in this I should mistake, I thump, and give you to partake Of rattling chains, and smoky hell, And this I call my magic spell. Great things by this surely are done; I may say so, your hearts are won. V. Really parson, is this the case, That we are cheated, and you so base? Good natured, weak, 'tis true, we are, Pity us, pray, now in your care. Cheated and base, O did I say? Forgive me, Sir, forgive me, pray; As you will have so will I say; Let us part; the vestry's to day.
* Leave granted the parson to be absent 18 months, and paid besides. † At this vestry the parson got an order made for repairing his glebe. A vestryman was wanting; none chose, for reason given, that a certain gentleman was expected to reside in the county soon. Judge, judge, the set! Favourably, if possible.
Just published, and to be SOLD, by the printer hereof, THE VIRGINIA ALMANACK, For the year of our Lord 1775.
WILLIAMSBURG, November 12, 1774. For SALE, MY DWELLINGHOUSE &c. in York town. For terms apply to me, in this city. J. H. NORTON.
WILLIAMSBURG, November 9, 1774. BEING informed that several gentlemen who have been pleased to favour my salt scheme by subscribing to the encouragement of it, decline paying their money till they can receive a proper assurance that the salt I make shall not be engrossed by merchants, or others, who may intend to retail to the subscribers of this colony at an advanced price, that I may give the fullest testimony of my inclinations to make the scheme as extensively useful as possible, I do hereby oblige myself to conform to any measures or regulations, that may be adopted to secure a preference and preemption to them of what salt may be made at the intended works. Several gentlemen of credit have proposed a partnership with me, in order to prosecute a plan with greater success, and to a large extent; but not being able to advance any proportion of a common stock, my admission into partnership cannot be expected on such terms as would enable me to maintain my family, and draw a moderate profit to myself. If the subscribers should approve of my entering into a partnership, and applying their contributions as my part of the stock, I am persuaded it would be the likeliest means of expediting and carrying on the business with greater advantage to the community. However in this, as in every other measure, I shall cheerfully acquiesce in their determination. JAMES TAIT.
A PLAN and estimate for opening the navigation of Potomack river above the falls being approved of by many persons interested therein, the following gentlemen are appointed trustees by the subscriber to adjust and settle all matters relative thereto, viz. George Washington, George Mason, Thomas Mason, Bryan Fairfax, Daniel M'Carty, John Carlyle, John Dalton, William Ramsay, Robert Adam, William Elzeys, John Hough, Joseph Jaure, Isaac Thompson, Samuel Washington, Adam Stevens, Isaac Zane, Robert Rutherford, John Hite, Thomas Rutherford, Abraham Hite, Joseph Nevill, of Virginia, gentlemen; and Thomas Johnson, junior, Lancelot Jacobs, Daniel Carroll, David Ross, Robert Peter, John M'Naird, Thomas Richardson, Thomas Johns, William Deakins, Adam Stewart, Richard Thompson, John Hanson, Charles Beatty, William Beatty, John Cary, Jacob Young, James Marshall, Daniel and Samuel Hughes, Thomas Cresap, Jonathan Hagar, and John Stall, of Maryland, gentlemen, who are requested to meet at George Town, on Saturday the 28th of November, in order to elect and chuse a small and convenient number of the trustees, who shall be a committee to act for the whole.
This meeting is judged to be the more necessary, as the subscriber is now at work on the locks at the lower falls, on the Maryland side of the river, with what hands he has.
JOHN BALLENDINE. To be disposed of, by the subscriber, in Dumfries, A PERSON that understands ENGRAVING in all its different branches; such as raising and making impressions on gold, silver, copper, brass, &c. likewise making small cuts of all kinds, coats of arms, cyphers and figures on plate, in the neatest manner. He has near seven years to serve. ANDREW LEITCH.
TAKEN up, in Spotsylvania, a bay mare colt, 3 years old, 14 hands, 2 hand feet white, a star in her forehead, about 4 feet 6 inches high, and branded on the near buttock T G, as near as can be made out. Potted, and appraised to 8l. WILLIAM BARTLETT.
At a court held for Sussex county the 20th of October, 1774. TWO writings purporting the last will and testament of HARTWELL MARABLE, late of this county, deceased, being found among his other papers, of different contents and dates, the court doth appoint December court next to determine which of those writings doth contain the true last will and testament of the said Marable, and that all persons interested may then attend, it is ordered that the same be published in the Virginia gazette.
A. CLAIBORNE, C. S. C. WILLIAM FURBUSH, an apprentice of mine, proposed to me in July to buy his time, having about one year to serve. As he had been sickly, and imputed it to the unwholesomeness of this place, I told him, on giving bond, with security, he might have it. He asked leave (which I granted) to look for such security; but has failed to return, or given me the security requested. The said Furbush is about 5 feet 6 or 7 inches high, pale faced, has large teeth, which appears when speaking, is pretty well stocked with assurance, and wears his own light hair. There is nothing remarkable in his dress, except a striped Virginia cloth jacket; I do not recollect any other part of his clothing. Whoever brings the said William Furbush to me shall have FORTY SHILLINGS, if taken within forty miles of this place, and NINE PENCE for every mile over fifty. BENNETT WHITE.
To be RENTED, and entered on the 1st day of January next, THE lower FERRY on Chickahominy river, in Charles City, and known by the name of Lether's ferry, where Mr. Robert Lorton, deceased, lived several years. The houses are in good repair. The tract of land contains 320 acres, and hath an excellent range for cattle and hogs, and is a good place for fishing and fowling. Any person inclined to become a tenant may know the terms by applying to RENNAMIN DANCY.
THE subscriber having with great pains and study acquired a knowledge in the cure of the BLOODY FLUX, and having, out of regard to my fellow creatures, communicated to the public, by dispersing many receipts, directing the patient what means and method he is to use, takes this method of acquainting the public that he will attend any patient, under 25 miles, at 20s. each patient; but if more than one in a family to be attended, his price will be more moderate, and expects no pay unless his patient survives the disorder. He believes himself to be capable of administering means for preventing the taking the disorder in families where it may be raging, which he will do at the moderate price of 10s. each person, and will attend patients at greater distances at a moderate expence, and on the conditions as above mentioned. THOMAS JOHNSON.
T E N P O U N D S R E W A R D. RUN away from the subscriber's plantation on Bull Run, the 7th of September last, a convict servant man, who says his name is John Horne, but was convicted by the name of Pooling Horne, and imported into Potomack river, last month, in the ship Taylor. He is an Englishman, about 24 years of age, 5 feet 8 or 9 inches high, with short black hair, a smooth face, and a scar under his left eye. Had on, and took with him, an old blue sailor's jacket, very short, with small black buttons, fat thick on both sides, a black waistcoat, cord dyed breeches, light marled stockings, and old shoes; also new light grey jacket and breeches of coarse cloth, with white metal buttons, and two new ozanbrig shirts, with several other shirts, file handkerchiefs, and other things. He carried off a likely black blooded mare, about 14 hands high, with a star on her forehead, branded on the near shoulder H, and on the near buttock M. I will give the above reward for the servant and the mare, delivered to me in Colchester. ALEXANDER HENDERSON.
T E N P O U N D S R E W A R D. RUN away from the subscriber, living in Somerset county, Maryland, a certain Thomas Mallett, who being sent by me as commander of a sloop of about 1500 bushels burthen to Baltimore town, where, after having very much amiss, he absconded, either to Norfolk, York, or some other part of Virginia. The sloop is of oak, except the top, timbers, and beams, which are pine. The said Mallett is a very dark, pockfretten fellow, and remarkably smooth spoken. Whoever secures the said vessel and fellow, so that the owner may get them again, shall receive the above reward. JOSEPH DASHILL.
RUN away from the subscriber, near Prince Edward courthouse, about the 1st of October, a negro fellow named CÆSAR, formerly the property of Mr. David Copeland, of Cumberland county, of whom I purchased him. He is about 5 feet 8 or 9 inches high, and well made; had on, and carried with him, an upper jacket, made out of a blanket, and an under one, of negro cotton, without skirts, and pretty much wore, an ozanbrig shirt, and a pair of blue velvet breeches, more than half wore. He had no shoes or stockings when he went off. As he was born and raised in Cumberland county, where he must have formed some connections, it is probable he may have gone that course. Whoever brings the said slave to me, or secures him in any goal, and informs me thereof, so that I get him again, shall receive twenty shillings reward, besides what the law allows. ROBERT LAWSON.
FALMOUTH, October 25, 1774. I INTEND to leave the colony in a few weeks. GEORGE BUCHANAN. TAKEN up, in York county, 7 unmarked fows, on a common lot, two spotted, three grided, and one black. Potted, and appraised to 3l. 20s. JOHN CHISMAN, senior.
his majesty's lieutenant and governor general of the colony of Virginia, and vice admiral of the same: A P R O C L A M A T I O N. VIRGINIA, to wit.
WHEREAS the GENERAL ASSEMBLY stands prorogued to this day, but it is necessary they should be farther prorogued, I have therefore thought fit, by and with the consent and advice of his majesty's council, by this proclamation, in his majesty's name, to prorogue the said assembly to Thursday the tenth day of this month, at which time their attendance is required at the capitol, in the city of Williamsburg, for the dispatch of public business.
Given under my hand, and the seal of the colony, at Williamsburg aforesaid, this seventh day of November, in the fifteenth year of his majesty's reign. D U N M O R E.
By his excellency the right honourable JOHN earl of DUNMORE, his majesty's lieutenant and governor general of the colony and dominion of Virginia, and vice admiral of the same: A P R O C L A M A T I O N. VIRGINIA, to wit.
WHEREAS the GENERAL ASSEMBLY stands prorogued to this day, but it is necessary they should be farther prorogued; I have therefore thought fit, by and with the consent and advice of his majesty's council, by this proclamation, in his majesty's name, to prorogue the said assembly to the first Thursday in February next, at which time their attendance is required at the capitol, in the city of Williamsburg, for the dispatch of public business.
Given under my hand, and the seal of the colony, at Williamsburg aforesaid, this tenth day of November, in the fifteenth year of his majesty's reign. D U N M O R E.
To be SOLD, on Monday the 26th day of this instant (November) if fair, if not the next fair day, at Loudoun court-house,
THIRTY likely NEGROES, consisting of men and women, boys and girls, among whom is a lad that has worked seven years at the blacksmith's business, some house women, who can sew, wash, iron, and spin, two very good wood cutters, having been used to cut and cord wood for a furnace, also a good cart or waggon driver. Credit will be given until the first day of May next, the purchasers giving bond, with security, to bear interest from the date, if not punctually discharged. JOHN TURBERVILLE.
THERE was a hoghead of tobacco inspected at Rocky Ridge warehouse the 9th of August, 1769, for Francis Smith, and entered on our book, number 1370, 1170, 80, 1090, nett. If not claimed in time, it will be sold according to law. SCOTT and PANKEY, Inspectors.
NOTICE is hereby given, that there is now remaining in Waddy's warehouse, in New Kent county, one hoghead of tobacco, the marks, number, weight, and maker's name, as follows: Marks. No. Gross. Tare. Nett. Maker's Name. F W. 192 1192 89 1103 Francis Wilkinson, Henrico. A note out. FINCH and BACON.
RUN away from the subscriber, in Dumfries, on the 21st of October, three servant men, viz. JOSEPH FISHER, a convict and tailor, about 5 feet 6 or 7 inches high, dark visage, down look, and has a scar on his upper lip; had on a blue broadcloth coat and jacket, with metal buttons, white fustian breeches, and pinchbeck buckles. WILLIAM BOOTH, a convict and tailor, about 5 feet 5 or 6 inches high, has a wooden leg, which he endeavours to hide with trousers, is pitted with the smallpox, of a dark complexion, and has very black hair. He has sundry chaths with him. PATRICK CREAMER, an indentured servant and tailor, about 21 years of age, 5 feet 5 or 6 inches high, and had on a bearskin coat, jacket, and breeches. Whoever takes up the said runaways, and delivers them to me, in Dumfries, or secures them so that I get them again, shall receive EIGHTEEN DOLLARS reward. ANDREW LEITCH.
TAKEN up, near Great Gunney creek, in Cumberland, an iron grey mare colt, 4 feet, 2 inches high, neither docked or branded, has a white spot on her left buttock, and a blaze in her face; potted, and appraised to 2l. 10s. Also a sorrel mare colt, 4 feet high, neither docked or branded, her left hind foot white, and has a blaze in her face. Appraised to 2l. HARTWELL MACON.
TAKEN up, in Amelia, a bay mare, about 10 or 11 years old, between 4 feet 8 and 9 inches high, switch mane and tail, a star in her forehead, her near hind foot white, and a small part of her near fore foot, several saddle spots on her back, and no perceivable brand. Potted, and appraised to 11l. Apply to the subscriber in Prince George county. JOHN THWEAT.
TAKEN up, in Halifax, on Sandy Creek, a black mare, about 4 feet 6 inches high, branded on the near buttock O, and on the near shoulder 1, in which some white hairs are grown out, has a half crop in her right ear, a star in her forehead, some saddle spots, a short tail, and hanging mane, trots indifferently, and appears to be old. Appraised to 5l. THOMAS DIXON.
THE subscriber intending for England, would be glad to dispose of the house he now lives in, with the lot and other improvements thereon; the situation is in the most public part of the city, and the house well calculated for any business. To any person inclined to become a purchaser the payments will be made easy, on giving bond, and good security; or it will be sold on an annuity, as may best suit the parties. EDWARD CHARLTON.
THE subscribers being engaged in the erection of a WOOLLEN and WORSTED MANUFACTORY, have met with great encouragement, by our worthy representatives, in their late convention, which we esteem as the most certain prelude of success; and being encouraged by many of the most patriotic gentlemen of the country, have presumed to ask the assistance of such persons as may incline to promote so beneficial an undertaking. We have given security to repay in work all the money any gentleman may advance for our encouragement, in the following manner, viz. Half the price of our work to be received in cash, the other half, from time to time, is to be placed to the credit of our generous benefactors, till the whole is repaid; which will enable the subscribers to carry on their business with life and spirit; who have, at a great expence, sent to Great Britain for a number of the best workmen, among whom there is to be a stocking weaver, which branch of business will, if we meet with proper encouragement, be carefully attended to. As our works will be very convenient to the counties of King William, New Kent, and Henrico (being placed in the lower end of Hanover) we hope their inhabitants in particular will favour us with their custom. To the gentlemen who have subscribed we gratefully return our sincere and warmest thanks, and entreat them, and others, who may incline to promote our American manufactures, to favour us with their subscriptions as soon as possible, as we are under the necessity to advance considerable sums to complete the works, and procure the necessary utensils. SUBSCRIPTIONS are taken, and the monies received, by Mr. Bartholemew Dandridge of New Kent, Major John Hickman of King William, Mr. William Duval, attorney, of Henrico, and in Hanover, by the public's obliged, and very humble servants, ELISHA & ROBERT WHITE.
WE the subscribers will be responsible to the gentlemen who have or may subscribe for the encouragement of Elisha and Robert White's WOOLLEN MANUFACTORY, and do oblige ourselves that they shall comply with their engagements to the subscribers, or that they shall return the subscribers their money. Witness our hands, this 15th day of August, 1774. SAMUEL MEREDITH, BARRETT WHITE, JOHN STARK, RICHARD CHAPMAN.
YORK town, June 9, 1773. THE subscribers being very solicitous to comply with the will of their testator, the late Honourable William Nelson, desire that all persons who were indebted to him will endeavour to make as speedy payments as possible. Those who have accounts open on his books and who cannot immediately discharge the balances are desired to give their bonds. This request is the more necessary, as most of the legacies bequeathed by the testator are to be paid in sterling money, and he has directed that his younger sons fortunes shall be placed out at interest upon undoubted securities, so soon as it can be done. Those who have any demands are desired to make them immediately known. THOMAS NELSON, THOMAS NELSON, jun. HUGH NELSON, RO. C. NICHOLAS.

GENTEEL assortment of MILLINERY, LACES, DRESSES, SUITS, SILKS, JEWELLERY, and sundry other articles, all in the newest fashion. As I find it necessary to go for England in the spring, it is hoped those ladies and gentlemen who have favoured me with their orders, and have not discharged them, will be kind enough to make payment as early as possible, that I may be enabled to put my designs in execution; which will greatly add to the many obligations already conferred on their humble servant, JANE CHARLTON.
To be SOLD by the highest bidder, on Wednesday the 16th instant (November) at the plantation formerly in the possession of captain Thomas Holt, deceased, in the county of Dinwiddie. ALL the said Holt's ESTATE on the said plantation, consisting of three NEGROES, stock of CATTLE, HORSES, SHEEP, and HOGS, plantation UTENSILS, the crop of CORN, FODDER, &c. Also to be sold, on Wednesday the 23d of the same month, at the late dwellinghouse of the said captain Thomas Holt, in Surry, near Cabin Point, all his ESTATE in the said county, consisting of seven or eight NEGROES, among whom are a young fellow that is a good carter and waterman, and a cooper, HOUSEHOLD and KITCHEN FURNITURE, stock of CATTLE, HORSES, SHEEP, and HOGS, the plantation UTENSILS, the crop of CORN and FODDER, a small BOAT, a SEINE, &c. Those who purchase to the amount of 500. is to have credit till the 20th day of November, 1775, on giving bond and good security; and if their bonds are not discharged by the 21st of December following, they are to bear interest from their dates. HENRY COCKE, Administrator. Whoever has any demands against Thomas Holt, deceased, are desired to make known the same, before or at the days of sale; and those who are indebted to make payment as soon as possible.
PURSUANT to a hancery of Great Britain, the child of the late Hugh Harris, esquire, one of the masters of the inns of court, in Lincoln's Inn, London, before the 25th day of December, or in default thereof, they will be excluded the benefit of the said decree. [Three weeks]
For the information of all whom it may concern, I give this public notice, that JAMES McDANIEL (or M'DANIEL) labourer, EDWARD SWENEY, butcher, EDWARD LUTTON, shoemaker, and PATRICK RYAN, were, on the 17th of this present month, brought to the bar of the general court, then sitting, to take their trials for a supposed murder, by them committed in Pittsylvania county, where they were apprehended. Ryan was sworn as a witness, and the other three being convicted of manslaughter, were burnt in the hand.
It appearing to the court that they were accused of a certain felony in the province of North Carolina, they were remanded to gaol. They were transported to this country as convicts, and have been in possession of Mr. John Hook, merchant in Bedford, who sold or consigned them to Messieurs Chambers and Montgomery, merchants in Salisbury, North Carolina, whence they fled from justice.
McDaniel, or M'Daniel, is 20 years old, has short, brown, curled hair, a thin visage, blue eyes, is of a slender make, and about 5 feet 4 inches high. Sweeney is of M'Daniel's height, 32 years old, has short dark hair, blue eyes, a down-cast look, and is well made. Lutton is 25 years old, has dark short hair, blue eyes, is thin visaged, of a slender make, 5 feet 10 inches high, and is a very saucy, impertinent fellow. Ryan is 25 years old, has dark short hair, hazel eyes, is long visaged, has a full beard, and is 5 feet 4 inches high. They are all Irishmen. I shall be ready to deliver them to any person or persons who may make a proper application to PETER PELHAM, Williamsburg, Oct. 27, 1774. Keeper of the public gaol.
To be SOLD, at the Rocky Ridge, to the highest bidder, for ready money, on the 10th day of November, TWENTY FIVE VIRGINIA BORN S T A V E S. bidder, for ready money, or tobacco, on Monday at Louisa courthouse, being court day, on Cuffy's Creek, containing by estimation 100 acres, was purchased by William Temple of lands, deceased, and by him sold to Benjamin Overton, who is now offered for sale by virtue of a deed of trust from said Overton to OVERTON COSBY and company.
To be SOLD, pursuant to an act of assembly, on Monday the 5th of December next, being Prince William court day, at the courthouse, in the town of Dumfries. THE GLEBE LANDS of Dettingen parish, in the said county, adjoining Westwood, the seat of the reverend Mr. James Scott, the present incumbent, situate on Quantico Run, about 9 miles from Dumfries and Aquia. The soil is good for wheat or tobacco; and there may be got some meadow on the same. Six months credit will be given by the CHURCHWARDENS.
For L O N D O N. THE ship Bland, Michael Danby, master, now lying at Norfolk, has two thirds of her cargo engaged, will take in tobacco, on liberty of consignment, at 5s. sterling per ton, has good accommodations for passengers, and will sail by the 15th of November. Notes, or orders, left with Mr. Thomas Gordon, merchant in Peterborough, Mr. George Lorimer, merchant in Urbanna, Mr. Gavin Hamilton, merchant in Norfolk, or the master on board, will be particularly attended to. October 23, 1774.
RUN away from on board a small Schooner, called the Kingfisher, just below Four Mile Creek, a tall, slim, thin visaged man, who goes by the name of William Griffin; had on a black yarn waistcoat, and a swinton one under it, a check shirt, and oznabrig trousers. He has very sore legs. Took out of my chest a pocket book, containing eight or ten pounds in cash, a silver stockbuckle, a brooch, and a note of hand from Godfrey Walker, at Richmond, for 21. 9s. 9d. Whoever will take up the said fellow, and bring him to me, in Warwick county, near the courthouse, or commit him to the great gaol, shall receive FIVE POUNDS. (3) PETER RIDLEY.
TAKEN up, in Louisa, a chestnut sorrel mare, about 4 feet, 6 inches and an half high, has a switch tail, and hanging mane, some saddle spots, branded on the near buttock I G, and is about 5 or 6 years old. Posted, and appraised to 12l. (1) THOMAS JOHNSON, Minor. TAKEN up, in Spotsylvania, a young bay horse, about 4 feet 4 inc he light, about three years old, and branded on the near buttock T T and appraised to 7l. (2) JOSEPH ALLEN.
IMPORTED, and to be sold by the subscriber, in Williamsburg, the following articles, viz. RISH linens, dark grounded fine Irish callicoos, white fustins, minonier, blond, and black lace, silk petticoats, fustins, stuff, and Didbury leather shoes, gauze, catgut, and ribbands, silk, cotton, and thread stockings, shell of all colours, net hoods, patent net ditto, and aprons, tambour sword knots, gilt and other writing paper, under, worsted, and thread stockings, a large assortment of ladies elegant caps, fine Irish garters, and wafers, black silk patterns, violet hair powder, powder puff, and hair pins, fine lawn and silk pocket handkerchiefs, wash balls, white and coloured trimmings for ladies sacks, freemason fishes and brooches, fustins cloaks, hats, and bonnets, Dresden worked ruffles, childrens stockings, shaving powder, fans, French beads, silk gloves and mits, childrens shoes and flays, flannel waistcoats, new rosettes, paste necklaces and earrings, ditto sprigs and pins, pearl, garnet, paste, and plain gold lockets, sets of paste buttons for ladies romachers and sleeve knots, foilstone, paste, silver, pinchebeck, and mourning buckles, paste and silver stock and knee buckles, gold and pebble sleeve buttons, coral and bells, silver teapoons, salt shovels, punch ladles, tea tongs, and thimbles, ladies riding hats and whips, toothpick cases, inside and outside tooth brushes, pruning, office, pen, and travelling knives, printing types, with double sets of letters and figures, seals and trinkets, watch chains, strings, and keys, diamond pencils, sword canes and rattans, violins, after skin memorandum books, with instruments, silk purses, cotton night caps and hair nets, with laces, dolls, and toys, and many other things too numerous to insert. The above GOODS to be sold on reasonable terms for ready money. C. RATHILL.
NORFOLK, April 21, 1774. NOTICE is hereby given, that a number of vessels will be wanted this summer to bring about 6000 tons of stone from Mr. Brooke's quarry, on Rappahannock, and land the same on Cape Henry, for the lighthouse. Any person inclined to engage in such work are desired to treat with Matthew Phripp, Paul Loyall, and Thomas Newton, junior, esquires. The directors of the lighthouse will also be glad to purchase one or two flat bottomed vessels from 80 to 120 tons burthen. BASSETT MOSELEY.
To be SOLD, to the highest bidder, at Belvoir, on Potowmack Hill, the late seat of the honourable George William Fairfax, esquire, on Monday the 5th day of December next. ALL the genteel FURNITURE of two rooms, and KITCHEN FURNITURE, eight or ten HORSES, all his stock of HOGS, and part of his CATTLE and SHEEP, together with the PLANTATION UTENSILS, three WAGGONS, and fifty BARRELS of FISH. Purchasers of more than five pounds will have credit till the 15th day of August next, on giving bond, with approved security, paying interest from the date, if the principal should not be discharged within forty days after it becomes due. At the same time and place will be rented to the highest bidder, a small PLANTATION, for one year, and two very fine FISHERIES, for a term of years; the MANSION HOUSE, OUT HOUSES, GARDEN, ORCHARDS, and PLANTATION, with a sufficient quantity of LAND to suit the tenant, will also be let for a term of years. Any person inclined may rent the dwellinghouse before the day of sale, and know the terms by applying to FRANCIS WILLIS, junior.
To be SOLD, for ready money, by the executors of Newton Keene, deceased, pursuant to his last will, by public auction, to the highest bidder, on Monday the 19th of November next, if fair, otherwise the next fair day, at the place called Newgate, in the county of Loudoun. A TRACT of valuable LAND, lying in the said county, adjoining to the said place called Newgate, and partly bounded by the Mountain road, containing about 1400 acres; about 100 acres whereof are under a lease for one or two lives, at a small yearly rent. There is only one small plantation, and but very little ground cleared thereon. It has a considerable quantity of ground upon it, fit for improving into meadow, and is extremely well watered and timbered. This land is very conveniently situated, being only 25 miles from Alexandria, 23 from Dumfries, and 18 from Culpeper, and has a merchant mill within less than a mile of it. Newgate is a very public place, and well situated for trade and public house keeping. Deeds will be executed on the day of sale. There will also be sold, by the said executors, for ready money, at public sale, on Monday the 9th of January next, if fair, otherwise the next fair day, at the late dwelling plantation of the said Newton Keene, in Northumberland county, TWENTY very likely VIRGINIA born N E G R O E S, BELONGING TO HIS ESTATE. RICHARD LEE, } Executors. DAVID BOYD, }
STRAYED, or stolen, from the subscriber, in Williamsburg, a small, unbroke, sorrel mare, 3 years old next spring, neither docked or branded; I believe she has a small star in her forehead. Whoever delivers her to me shall have TEN SHILLINGS reward; if stolen, upon conviction of the thief, FORTY SHILLINGS will be given. WILLIAM BLAND.
THE death of Mr. Hugh McMakin, late of Norfolk, renders it absolutely necessary that the business carried on by him there, by Mr. Matthew Anderson in King & Queen, and by Mr. Christopher Poyor at Gloucester courthouse, be discontinued. All persons, therefore, who are indebted for dealings with either of these gentlemen, on account of Messieurs John McDowell and company, of Glasgow, are earnestly requested to discharge their respective balances immediately. Those who have it not in their power to make payment will, it is expected, grant bond. Messieurs Anderson and Poyor will give constant attendance for that purpose, who are authorized to receive and grant discharges. The goods on hand at King & Queen and Gloucester courthouse, amounting to about 1500l. sterling, will be sold, and the time of payment made as easy to the purchaser as the hardness of the times will admit of. As most of these goods were imported last spring, they are fresh, look well, and are tolerably well assorted. There are a quantity of a cargo of goods, adapted for the present season, in Captain Danby's ship, the Bland, from London, to be sold at a very low price, for terms apply to Messieurs John Johnson and Archibald Gowan at Page's, Mr. Simon Fraser at Urbanna, Mr. Matthew Anderson in King & Queen, or to BENNETT BROWNE, Attorney in fact For Messieurs John McDowell and company.
WILLIAMSBURG, September 9, 1774. I BEG leave to inform the public, and particularly those gentlemen who were pleased to take my subscription papers to their respective counties, to raise a small sum of money for the encouragement of making salt, that after viewing many places on this and the other side of the bay, and on the sea coast of the Eastern Shore, I have now fixed on a convenient spot, on the coast, for erecting proper works; and as nothing more can be done on my part, without money, I must beg the favour of them to forward such sums, as they may be able to collect, to R. C. Nicholas, esquire, who is so kind as to take the trouble of receiving and paying the money out to me. Proper security shall be lodged in his hands for any sum that I may draw. The certainty of my being able to make salt as good as any whatever is hardly to be doubted, from the several experiments which I have made, and which are pretty fully certified by gentlemen of veracity, whose certificates will be lodged in the hands of Mr. Nicholas. The gentlemen will readily see the necessity I am under of requesting speedy assistance, when I inform them that I have for some time past devoted my whole attention to this business, and given over every pursuit from whence my family might have derived any advantage, and that, in order to put the works in as great forwardness as it was in my power, I have incurred a considerable expense, and been obliged to contract for some of the necessary materials. JAMES TAIT.
WILLIAMSBURG, October 13, 1774. AT the request of Mr. JAMES TAIT, I do hereby certify, that he has lodged in my hands his bond, with such securities as I am persuaded, will be approved, for his diligent and expeditious prosecution of his scheme of making SALT, and a faithful application and expenditure of all such sums of money as may be contributed for so desirable a purpose. He is extremely anxious to enter upon the work, and flatters himself that he will be enabled to do it very speedily from the assurances he received of being supported by a generous assistance from different counties. R. C. NICHOLAS.
RUN away from the subscriber, in Frederickburg, a servant man named TAOMAS OGLB, by trade a shoemaker, about 5 feet 6 inches high, of a pale complexion, speaks soft and low, says he is an Englishman, but by his make he appears to be an Irishman, his hair (if any on) is short, and of a brownish colour, has a scar in his face, or forehead, not larger than a straw, and, as well as I remember, about an inch long, he is very artful, and capable of imposing on most people; took with him a Virginia cloth coat of cotton, filled with red, a red jacket, leather breeches, and several other cloaths. He has a burn on his right leg, near his knee. The said fellow was formerly the property of Mr. Hugh Haffon, of Frederickburg. Whoever takes him up, if out of Spotsylvania county, shall receive a HALF JOE reward, on delivering him at my house; or if at a distance too far to convey him for that money, reasonable charges will be allowed. BENJAMIN JOHNSTON.
RUN away, about the middle of September, a negro fellow named JACK, about 35 years old, and about 5 feet 8 or 9 inches high, blind of one eye, and is clothed as negroes generally are. TEN SHILLINGS will be given to any person that will bring him to me, near Williamsburg. ANDREW ESTAVE.
NORFOLK, October 4, 1774. THE directors of the LIGHTHOUSE are desirous to engage immediately with some person to carry a quantity of stone from Cape Henry to the place whereon the lighthouse is to be fixed, about one mile and a half distance. BASSETT MOSELEY.
THERE is remaining in Byrd's warehouse, Henrico county, a hoghead of TOBACCO, marked M.W.G. No. 1, weighing 912 gross, 107 tare, 805 neat. The owner's name is not known. It was inspected July 1, in the year 1771, and will be sold according to law, if no owner claims it within the limited time. SAMUEL and ROBERT PRICE.
RUN away from the subscriber, lying on Byrd Creek, in Goochland county, on Saturday the 9th of July, SAMUEL GREGORY, alias NAILING, an apprentice, about 18 years of age, swarthy complexion, thin visage, grey eyes, a down, inoffensive look, shews his teeth much when he laughs, has short sandy coloured hair, round shouldered, and stoops in his walk; had on an oznabrig shirt and trowsers. I have been credibly informed he went to Louisa county, or some of the counties adjacent. I expect he will employ himself in the carpenter's business, as he has been in that branch for 3 years past. Whoever brings him to me shall have FIVE POUNDS. TURNER ANDERSON.
RUN away from the subscriber, about the 20th of April last, a mulatto fellow named PETER BROWN, a painter by trade, but can do carpenter's work; he is 35 or 40 years of age, of a dark complexion, 5 feet 8 or 9 inches high, slim made, has a thin visage, several of his upper foreteeth are out, is fond of singing, which he can do very well, and is a remarkable fine whistler. The said fellow has several suits of cloaths, therefore I cannot describe his dress. He was some years past tried for a robbery, but obtained the governor's pardon, on suffering year's imprisonment; after that he was sold to Mr. John Fox, of Coffer, with whom he lived one or two years; he then ran away, passed for a free man in the counties of King William, Caroline, a mover, where he was taken up and brought home. As he has a Mr. Benjamin Hubbard's, it is likely he may be lurking in that neighbourhood; and as he was raised in Peterburg, it is probable he may be about there. Whoever will take up the said runaway, and deliver him to me, at Osborne's, shall receive FORTY SHILLINGS reward. All persons are forbid harbouring or carrying him out of the colony. PETERFIELD TRENT.
PORT ROYAL, September 22, 1774. WHEREAS by an act of the honourable the general court, April the 13th in chancery, Edward Dixon and others, complainants, and the order of his majesty and his privy council, decreed and ordered, that the said Edward Dixon, and his children, be entitled to the value of the estates which they had in the will and codicil of Thomas Turner, the testator, in the said decree likewise mentioned, and that the said Edward Dixon, and Thomas Turner, if they shall think fit, sell so many of the slaves devised to them respectively, and the children of the said Edward, by the will of the said testator, as will raise money sufficient to pay and discharge their proportions of the said debts and costs, as by the said decree may particularly appear. And whereas the proportion of the said debts and costs, for which the said Edward and his children were money resolvable by the said decree, amount to about 3000l. current money, the said Edward Dixon proposes to offer for sale, to the highest bidder, for ready money only, about 100 entitled SLAVES, devised to him and his children as aforesaid; the sale to begin at his plantation, near Bur's Bridges, in Caroline county, on the 4th day of November next ensuing, and at his plantation, near the Mount church, in the said county; also at Port Royal on the 8th of the same month, and at his plantation at the Cobler Mountains, in Fauquier county, on the 18th day of the same month. The said sale is to be continued till as much money can be raised as will amount to the proportion aforesaid. If either of the days aforesaid should prove bad, the sales to be on the next succeeding fair days. A good title will be made to the purchasers, agreeable to the said decree, by EDWARD DIXON. N. B. As I am giving up trade, I request of all those, whose accounts are unsettled on my books, to come and settle them immediately, and pay the balances that are due, as no longer indulgence can be given.
PURSUANT to a decree of the honourable the general court, and by letter of attorney from colonel George Mercer, of Virginia, now in London, will be sold, at public auction, about 3500 acres of LAND, in the county of Loudoun, near West's ordinary, about 12 miles from Leesburg, 40 from Alexandria, and 35 from Dumfries, on Potowmack. This land is well known by the description of the Bull Run Mountains, and is very fertile. Also 600 acres on Shenandoah river, in the county of Frederick, opposite to Snicker's ordinary, and binding on the river about 7 miles. As this tract is part of a survey, one of the first in that part of the colony, its quality cannot be questioned; it is well watered, will admit of 2 mills on land streams, and others on the river. There are now in it 6 plantations, well improved for cropping, 110 slaves, and very large and choice flocks of horses (some of the draught), cattle, hogs, and sheep, which, together with the new growing (expected to be upwards of 1000) will be sold, on the premises, or at the option of the purchaser, on the day of the same month, and both tracts in one. Whoever may see them by applying to Mr. Francis, the Loudoun lands, and Mr. William Dawson, who resides on the Shenandoah tract. Among the slaves are 2 good blacksmiths, 2 carpenters, and an exceeding trusty and skillful waggoner. The aged black cattle and grown hogs will be fattened for slaughter. Purchasers above 25l. will be allowed credit for 12 months, on giving bond and security to the subscribers, who will be prepared to make conveyances. JOHN TAYLOR, GEORGE WASHINGTON.
NEW YORK, July 27, 1774. FIFTY POUNDS REWARD. WHEREAS on the 19th of June last past a certain JOSEPH THORP was entrusted with a considerable sum in half johannes, of nine penny weight, to be delivered by him at Quebec, and as he has not yet made his appearance there, with other suspicious circumstances, it is apprehended he is gone off with the money. He is a native of England, about 6 feet high, swarthy complexion, very dark, keen eyes, and pitted with the smallpox, of a slender make, stoops as he walks, talks rather slow, and has some small impediment in his speech. He lived some time in Boston, from whence he removed to Quebec, assuming the character of a merchant in both places; he was also once in trade in Newcastle, Virginia, and has a brother settled there. It is believed he went on board captain John F. Pruss, for Albany, and took with him a blue caftan, and a dark brown cloth suit of clothes. Whoever secures the said Joseph Thorp in any of his majesty's gaols on this continent shall be entitled to ten per cent. on the sum recovered, and the above reward of 50l. when convicted. Apply to Cusen and Soton of New York, Joseph Wharton, junior, of Philadelphia, Robert Christie of Baltimore, James Gibson and company of Virginia, John Bondfield of Quebec, Mercantile Bourne, or John Rowe, of Boston. It is requested of those who may have seen this Joseph Thorp since the 19th of June last past, or know any thing of the route he has taken, that they convey the most early intelligence thereof to any of the above persons, or to Greenwood, Risson, and Marsh, in Norfolk, or to Mr. Robert Pleasants and company, at Four Mile creek, Henrico county; the favour will be gratefully acknowledged. All matters of vessels are forewarned from taking him off the continent.
FOR SALE. NINE hundred and forty acres of valuable land, lying on both sides of Contrary River, in Louisa, with three plantations thereon, two of which has sufficient houses for overseers and negroes; the other is improved with all necessary buildings, and orchards of all kinds, fit for the reception of a gentleman, the houses being finished in the best manner. This tract is well timbered and watered, lies within 32 miles of Fredericksburg, and 43 of Page's warehouse; there are at least 400 acres of low grounds, of the best soil, 300 of which are now to cut. The three plantations are under good fences, and in good order to work 12 or 15 hands. Robert Fleming, John Massey, and John Lain, are now in possession of the plantations, who will show the land to any person inclined to purchase, and Major Thomas Johnson will agree with them for the price. The above tract is esteemed the most valuable in Louisa for growing corn, wheat, or tobacco, and situated in the best range for stock of any below the great mountains. (if 1*)
WANTED for the lighthouse directors eight second-hand ANCHORS, nearly a thousand weight each. Any person having such for sale are desired to make their terms known to the subscriber in Norfolk. t. f. BASSETT MOSELEY.