The Virginia gazette (Williamsburg, Va.), 1773-03-25 00:00:00

VIRGINIA
GAZETTE.
Open to ALL PARTIES,
but influenced by NONE.
LANEVILLE, February 8, 1773.
THE sheriffs who have been so long in arrear to his Majesty's revenue of quitrents are once more called upon, in this public manner, to settle their accounts with the Auditor, and pay their respective balances into the Receiver's office by the 25th of April next. My instructions on this head are positive and peremptory, and I shall be obliged, in consequence of them, strictly to enforce the law against every sheriff who fails in his duty, and neglects to make due payment.
RICHARD CORBIN, D. R. G.
ODE for the festival of St. JOHN EVANGELIST, in South Carolina, 5772. By the Most Worshipful the Honourable Sir EGERTON LEIGH, BARONET, GRAND MASTER, &c. &c. &c. Set to music by brother PETER VALTON.
RECITATIVE.
BEHOLD the social band appears, Imparting joy, dispelling fears, And wak'd by duty, and by choice, Command the sons of FREEDOM to rejoice.
SONG.
Boast not, mortals, human skill, If the sculptur'd dome you raise, Works of art, by fancy's will, Lead us oft through folly's maze. What if Phidias' chissel guide, What if Titian's pencil grace, Marble flatters but our pride, Bane of all the human race!
RECITATIVE.
'Tis from the watchful culture of the mind, A well directed soul, a sense refin'd, That heav'nly virtues spring to grace the man; This be our noble conflict, and our plan!
A I R.
Let the di'mond's lustre blaze, Call its water bright and clear, But confers the greater praise Rests on pity's tender tear. May the social virtues bind, Tune each sympathetic heart, Raise the feeble, lead the blind, Wipe the tear that swells to part.
RECITATIVE.
Ye blessed MINISTERS above, Who guard the good with purest love, Propitious hear the notes of praise, Whilst Britain's sons their voices raise.
A I R.
Blessings await this western land, Blessings o'erflow with lib'ral hand, Commerce uprears our infant state, And golden currents make us great: Fair science lifts her head, and cries "I come to make you good and wise." These be the glories of each day, Marking our Monarch's gentle sway.
RECITATIVE.
OUR SOCIAL BAND, by love and honour join'd, Unite their zeal, as friends to human kind; The mystic sense is out, the sign does move, Behold the SIGN! peace, harmony, and love.
D U E T O.
Let the day be ever prais'd When the ROYAL CRAFT was rais'd, Let the social VIRTUES shine, Doing good is sure divine.
C H O R U S.
Give the heroes all their due, Twine their brows with laurels too; But shall we no laurels find For our love to human kind? Let the social VIRTUES shine, Doing good is sure divine.
L O N D O N, December 5.
MONSIEUR the Abbe d'Expilly, assisted in his researches by commissaries dispersed in the generalities of France, hath just published a curious account of the present state of population in France, distinguished in different classes, by which it appears that there are now in that kingdom, under twenty years of age, 4,747,516 men and boys, and 4,796,735 women and girls; between twenty and fifty, 4,243,516 males, and 4,648,050 females; between fifty and sixty five, 1,097,306 males, and 1,318,344 females; between sixty five and eighty, 413,240 males, and
588,585 females; upwards of eighty, 61,053 males, and 100,012 females. Total, males 10,562,631; females 11,451,726; making, in all, 22,014,357 persons. As France contains 30,000 square leagues, of 25 to the degree, its present population is at the rate of about 734 persons to each square league.
The following is the inscription upon the monument of Mrs. PRITCHARD, which was put up last Wednesday, at the east end of Westminster Abbey, next to Shakespear, and opposite Handel's monument: "This tablet is here placed by a voluntary subscription of those who admired and esteemed her. She retired from the stage, of which she had long been the ornament, in the month of April, 1768, and died at Bath in the month of August following, in the 57th year of her age."
Her comic vein had ev'ry charm to please, 'Twas nature's dictates, breath'd with nature's ease. E'en when her powers sustain'd the tragic load, Full, clear, and just, th' harmonious accents flow'd; And the big passions of her feeling heart Burst freely forth, and sham'd the mimic art. Oft, on the scene, with colours not her own, She painted vice, and taught us what to shun; One virtuous track her real life pursu'd, That nobler part was uniformly good. Each duty there to such perfection wrought, That, if the precepts fail'd, the example taught.
At Lancaster assizes was tried, before Judge Willes, a cause for defamation, wherein Miss Dawton was plaintiff, and Miss Kennedy defendant, when the jury found a verdict for the plaintiff with 600l damages, and costs of suit.
Died at her house upon Twickenham Common, in Middlesex, that most celebrated actress Mrs. CATHERINE CLIVE: She was the daughter of Mr. Raftor, an attorney at law in London, and married early in life to George Clive, Esq; brother to the late Judge of that name.
Little harmony is this year expected between the Sheriffs; one is devoted to Townsend, the other to Wilkes, and fire and water are scarcely more opposite elements.
Edmund Burke, Esquire, is in so much esteem with the leaders of the ministerial party, that he may at this time name his own terms. We are assured there is a tide in human affairs, which, taken on its flux, leads on to happiness.
A bill is likely to pass to secure foreigners in lending money on West India estates.
It is said that the government of Jamaica will soon be disposed of in favour of Mr. Hervey.
Dec. 21. Thursday last came on in the court of chancery a final hearing of the lead mine cause, between Lord Pomfret and Mr. Smith, of Gray's Inn, when the court ordered his Lordship's suit to be dismissed with costs. During the five years the above cause was in litigation, there were three several appeals to the House of Lords. The two first were actually heard, and the third withdrawn only a few days ago; besides which there have also been two trials at law, one of them at bar, each of which lasted two whole days, and the whole costs of each party are said to amount to little less than 10,000l.
This day his Majesty went to the House of Peers, and gave the Royal assent to the following bills, viz. the bill for continuing the duties on malt, mum, cyder, and perry, for the year 1773; the bill for allowing the free importation of rice into this kingdom from any of his Majesty's colonies in America, for a limited time, and for encouraging the making of starch from rice; the bill to restrain the East India company, for a limited time, from making any appointment of commissioners for superintending and regulating the company's affairs at their presidencies in the East Indies; and to such other bills as were ready.
The Parliament will adjourn on Wednesday, for the holidays, till Tuesday the 19th of January next.
By the report from the secret committee it appears that a certain great company have now in their warehouses no less than 16,000,000 pounds of tea, a quantity more than sufficient to answer the sale of the three succeeding years. It likewise appears that the value of the company's estates in the city of London, that is, the India House, and the different warehouses, as estimated by a surveyor, expressly employed for the purpose, amount to about 214,000l. It is now beyond question that the whole amount of the company's neat stock, after paying all their debts, will fall short half a million, unless government should
agree to give them a compensation for their territorial revenues, or reimburse them for the vast sums laid out on the fortifications in Bengal. Should the former be the case, the proprietors will not divide twenty per cent, even on the original stock, which would not amount to twelve per cent. according to the current price.
On Saturday the long depending cause between the colony of Connecticut and the Mohegan Indians, for settling the limits or boundaries, which has been in a course of litigation upwards of thirty years, was determined in favour of the colony, by the Lords of his Majesty's Privy Council, at the Cockpit, Whitehall.
The following numbers drew the highest prizes in the state lottery, the last and present month. Number 343, a prize of 20,000l. the property of Mr. Cowan, an Irish young Gentleman of the Temple, who intends to employ part of it in the settlement which is establishing on the Mississippi. No. 24,001, a prize of 10,000l. the property of Messrs. Robert and John Murray, merchants, in Philpot Lane. Number 1400, and No. 1821, prizes of 10,000l. each. No. 46,741; 35,578; 3343, prizes of 5000l. each.
A commissioner of a public office came lately out of the country to attend his duty, when the person in waiting told him it was a holiday: "What holiday?" "All souls, your Honour." "D——n all souls; drive home, John." The other followed with "I beg your Honour's pardon, it is All Saints;" "D——n all saints; drive home, I say."
A certain Nobleman, we are told, has made diamonds plentiful in this kingdom by the following mode of proceeding: Having imported an immense quantity (his own private property) whenever it is not quite convenient to discharge a debt, or reward a friend, in specie, they are taken into his closet, and presented with a rough diamond, of proportionable value to their demands or expectations.
The following melancholy affair happened on Wednesday last at Bury St. Edmund's, in Suffolk: Joseph Beedle and his brother, both woolcombers, going home to breakfast, found that their father, mother, and sister, were not come down stairs, but heard an alarming noise in their chamber, such as might be supposed to come from persons in great pain; on which they went up, and found their mother a lifeless corps, their father breathing his last, and their sister almost past hopes of recovery. This unhappy circumstance is supposed to have been occasioned by a charcoal fire which was lighted in a close room, on account of the woman's not being well, the fumes of which, it is imagined, had such an effect that the poor people were suffocated.
Mr. Donaldson, the Scotch bookseller, has appealed to the House of Lords, and insists that he has as good a right to print THOMPSON'S SEASONS as the owners, who paid 50l. for the copy.
We hear that an expensive suit is instituted, and many motions have been made in chancery respecting the estates and effects of the late Mr. Beckford, so that the several legatees are likely to be large sufferers. What a pity it is that the fortune of a Gentleman who has deserved so highly of his country should become a prey to the dangerous craft, the interested views, and unfeeling avarice, of greedy and rapacious lawyers.
Since last sessions 35 appeals have been entered before the House of Peers, 16 of which are from Scotland, 9 from Ireland, and 6 from the High Court of Chancery.
After the several bills were read, reported, and committed, the House went into a committee of supply (Sir Charles Whitworth in the chair) when Lord Barrington presented an estimate of the expence, and the number of land forces to be employed, for the service of the year 1773. By this estimate, it appeared that there was at this time a force serving at St. Vincents, one of the ceded islands, consisting of above four regiments of foot. The motives for sending so great a force to that island, and the season of the year it was sent there, produced a debate which lasted from about three to five o'clock. The management of the army in general, and that part of it particularly destined to serve in sickly and unfavourable climates, was very strongly arraigned by the country party: They urged, in the most pointed terms, the absurdity and folly of sending troops to that climate, in the sickly season, when almost certain death must be the consequence; they condemned the measure of commencing a war with the natives, as unjust as it

was destructive; that it was by no means clear that we had the least pretensions to those lands for which we introduce all the horrors of war to possess ourselves of; and if we had, we might probably gain our ends without war and bloodshed, at infinitely a less expence, and much more conformably to the lenient spirit of our laws and government, as well as to the honour of our national reputation; that if the planters and purchasers of lands in the island of St. Vincents deserved our care and protection, so did the wretched inhabitants, and the troops that were sent to subdue them; and that when five companies of foot, weak in health and number, had been able for a series of years to protect the property of the planters, and preserve the public tranquility, there was great reason to suspect that nothing but signal injustice and oppression could have made it necessary to send a force there little short of ten times their number, and almost twenty times their strength. It was contended, on the other side, that the principal points now agitated were not properly before the committee; that if they should come to be properly and regularly discussed, every reasonable satisfaction and information desired should be had; that no new expence was incurred; but, on the contrary, the total was less by five thousand pounds this year than the last; that the army in general, and in particular, was on as good and respectable a footing as it had been at any former period in times of peace; that numbers of persons of opulence had trusted their all in purchases of lands in these islands, upon the certain expectation of public protection; that protection and allegiance were reciprocal, and could never be said properly to exist but together; that the most pressing solicitations and strongest representations had been made by the Governor and Council, shewing the absolute necessity there was of sending a speedy and effectual succour on the occasion, now under consideration; and finally, that the present estimator had nothing at all to do with the measure in a political light; that he only acted ministerially, and was therefore not at all answerable for any one consequence it might be productive of. Lord North gave a turn to the debate very early, by pledging himself, that the house should be fully informed of the motives which induced administration to act as they did. The principal speakers on the part of opposition, were Mr. T. Townshend, Mr. Alderman Trecothick, Mr. R. Whitworth, Col. Barre, and Lord George Germain; on the other side, Lord Barrington, Lord North, and Mr. Welbore Ellis.
It is said that a great Magistrate, who lately hopped into a certain chair, is so out of humour with that word that he has ordered his brewer to put no hops in his beer. It is also reported he will have no ball at Easter for fear it should be called a hop . Nay, so highly enraged is he with this poor harmless monosyllable, that the parish clerk had like to have been committed by the brutal tyrant for singing out of a stave in Sternhold , "Why hop ye so ye hills?" He has ordered Hopkins to be erased from his psalm book.
We are assured from Cork in Ireland that a woman was lately delivered there of a child without either legs, arms, or eyes.
CHARLESTOWN (South Carolina) January 4.
Letters from London inform us that the new government, about to be established to the westward, is bounded as follows, viz. the line begins on the south side of the river Ohio, opposite to the mouth of Scioto, thence southerly through the pass in the Ouifito mountains to the south side of the said mountains, thence along the side of the said mountains north eastward to the fork of the Great Kanhawha, made by the junction of Green Briar and New River, thence along the said Green Briar river, on the eastward side of the same, unto the head or termination of the north eastern branch thereof, thence easterly to the Alleghany mountains, thence along the said mountains to Lord Fairfax's line, thence along the same to the spring head of the north branch of the river Potowmack, thence along the western boundary line of the province of Maryland to the southern boundary line of the province of Pennsylvania, thence along the said boundary line of Pennsylvania to the end thereof, thence along the western boundary line of the said province until the same shall strike the Ohio, thence down the said river to the place of beginning. This immense tract of country, equal to some kingdoms, is granted to Thomas Walpole, Benjamin Franklin, John Sargent, and Samuel Wharton, in behalf of themselves, and their associates, and is part of the lands purchased of the Indians at Fort Stanwix in 1768. The grantees offered to repay government all that the said lands cost, with a quitrent of two shillings sterling for every hundred acres of cultivatable land contained in said grant to them, after the expiration of twenty years from the date of the said grant, and to take the whole expence of the civil government on themselves.
ST. GEORGE (in GRENADA) January 16.
By the list taken last year, by the officers of the revenue in Martinico, there were found to be in that island, 11,168 whites, old and young, of both sexes; 2939 free negroes, mulattos, mulattoes, &c. &c. 72,928 slaves, whereof 46,400 paid taxes, and 370 were runaways; 209 sugar plantations; 105 watermills; 173 cattlemills; 18 windmills, and 12,291
quarres of land planted with canes; 1957 plantations in coffee, cocoa, cotton, cassada, &c. 3878 horses and mares; 11,595 horned cattle; 14,312 sheep, goats, and hogs; 219 asses, and 4334 mules. On comparing the above list with that of 1771, there appears to be an increase in that colony of 1161 souls.
One hundred and twenty nine vessels arrived last year in Martinico from France, and two from the coast of Guinea, whose cargoes consisted of no more than 118 slaves; and 716 soldiers, sailors, and poor people, died in the hospitals of St. Pierre and Fort Royal.
According to the lists taken in St. Lucie, last year, there were found to be 2450 white inhabitants, old and young, of both sexes; 800 free mulattoes, &c. 12,317 slaves, 8000 whereof paid taxes; 38 sugar plantations; 17 watermills; 18 cattlemills; 3 windmills, and 1006 quarres of land in canes; 550 plantations in coffee, cocoa, cotton, cassada, &c. 946 horses and mules; 70 asses; 2500 horned cattle, and 9000 sheep and goats.
B O S T O N, February 25.
From Saturday evening last, till Monday, we had the severest cold weather that has been known for many years past, especially Monday morning, when, it is said, the thermometer was 4\frac{1}{2}^{\circ} below 0, which is 4\frac{1}{2}^{\circ} below the freezing point. In this cold season there were several alarms of fire breaking out, in divers parts of the town; all which were happily extinguished, before any considerable damage was done, excepting one, which broke out about two o'clock on Sunday morning, in a joiner's shop, belonging to Mr. Benjamin Sumner, junior, at the bottom of Cole lane, near the mill pond, which, before the inhabitants could be collected, was all on fire, and very speedily communicated to his dwellinghouse (occupied by Mr. Coolidge, taylor) and to the house of Mr. Sumner, senior, near adjoining, as also to a large double house, belonging to John Fillis, Esquire, of Halifax, in which Mr. Sumner, junior, lived; these were all destroyed by the raging flames, together with several workshops, barns, and other buildings. The people were extremely active, notwithstanding the uncommon severity of the weather, which was so cold, that the water thrown from the engines upon those buildings, that were in the most danger, instantly congealed into ice, on the tops and sides of the houses. The wind, at that time being westerly, carried the flakes of fire over the lower part of Hanover street, Union street and Ann street, to the water side, which obliged many people to retire to their own dwellings, that were in the course of the flakes, to prevent their taking fire, and it was with the greatest difficulty many houses were preserved. But through Divine Providence the rage of this devouring element was stayed, and no lives were lost. Several people had their hands and feet frozen.
On the night of the 5th of December last the dwellinghouse of Mr. Michael Law, at Putney, was entirely consumed by fire, by which fatal accident Mr. Law not only lost his estate, but (what is infinitely more distressing) four promising children, viz. a son of 16, a daughter of 14, a son of 10, and another son of 5 years old.
We are told two or three persons were found frozen to death the beginning of this week, and that many people in the country had their ears and cheeks frostbitten going to public worship.
N E W Y O R K, February 25.
The weather having been on the 21st and 22d inst. remarkably cold, the following observations may be acceptable to our readers; there never was known before in this place, so great a quantity of frozen wine, strong beer, &c.
The mercury in Farenheit's thermometer, placed in an open window, in King's college, on Sunday,
  At 8 A. M. was at  2  degrees.    — 10 A. M. —  4  —    — 12 — — —  0  —    — 2 P. M. — — —  1  below (0)    — 10 P. M. — — —  4  below (0)    from 12 to 5 on Mond. morn.  6  below (0)    Which was 38 degrees below the freezing point, which is at 32 degrees above (0)
By which it appears that the weather was colder by 2 degrees than the remarkable 1st of January 1764, which was reckoned the coldest then in the memory of the oldest men here.
A glass of Maderia froze to the center in 3 minutes. Monday at 8 A. M. — 2 degrees above (0) — 10 A. M. — 4 —
March 1. Last week his Excellency our Governor ordered 100 cords of fire wood to be distributed amongst the poor of this city, the greatest part of which the indigent have already received from his bountiful hand.
Our harbour was so full of ice last Thursday that many of the inhabitants of this city walked over the east river to Long Island, and back again, and by the falling of a little rain on Thursday night scarce any ice was to be seen the next morning.
On Sunday evening, the 24th of January, a man, who calls himself Isaac Way, says he was born in Pennsylvania, and brought up in Philadelphia, appeared to be between 30 and 40 years of age, came to the house of one Nathan Burrill, junior, at Norwalk, in Connecticut, and to appearance seemed to be much disordered in body and mind; he was put
to bed, and a physician procured, but about midnight appeared to be much worse, at which time he got up, put on his cloaths, and went out; some of the family was immediately dispatched in search of him with a candle and lanthorn, but could not find him until the next morning about 7 o'clock, when he was about three miles distance. Having taken him, and got him into a house, he appeared to be jealous of a conspiracy against him, and getting a penknife in his hand, made a pass at one of the company, whom he wounded considerably, but the knife hitting the breast bone just at the pit of the stomach, prevented its penetrating so as to give a mortal wound. He was thereupon, by order of authority, committed to Fairfield county gaol, in Connecticut, where he soon turned quite delirious, and being suspicious of being murdered, he embraced the first opportunity, and cut his own throat with a safe knife, but having speedy assistance from a surgeon, it was sewed up, and prevented from proving mortal. He was dressed in a suit of white or light coloured cloth cloaths, had a pair of silk, and a pair of white cotton stockings with him, wore his own light brown straight short hair, thin visaged, of a light complexion, slim bodied, and about 5 feet 9 or 10 inches high: He appeared to have been bred a Gentleman; has left in Mr. Burrill's custody a large black and white pied horse, about 15 hands high, not shod, a natural pacer. Some persons have understood that he belongs to Maryland, and came from New Haven. He had some money, and four or five shirts with him. He remains in Fairfield gaol, quite distracted.
P H I L A D E L P H I A, March 10.
On Friday last the General Assembly of this province adjourned to the 20th of September next. During their sitting the following law, among many others, was passed, viz:
An act for emitting the sum of ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY THOUSAND POUNDS in bills of credit on loan, and providing a fund for the payment of public debts.
Extract of a letter from St. George's, in Grenada, January 25.
"The Charibbean war in St. Vincents, which you, no doubt, have heard of, is not yet terminated, nor is there a likelihood of its being brought to a speedy period; owing to the difficulties our troops have had to surmount, from the ruggedness of the country and the unwholesomeness of the climate, as well as from the masterly defence of the enemy, who have wisely profited of all the advantages of their situation. This war, which will make a very pitiful figure in the annals of the British history, and is carried on by about seven regiments of veterans, besides all the militia of the island, has already cost us 120 men, killed, drowned and wounded, besides those who have died in the hospitals, where there are now upwards of 500 sick."
W I L L I A M S B U R G, March 25.
On Sunday last died, in the 14th year of her age, Miss BETSEY BASSETT, eldest daughter of Col. Burwell Bassett, a very amiable and promising young Lady.
"What though short thy date? Virtue, not rolling suns, the mind matures; That life is long which answers life's great end. The time that bears no fruit deserves no name; The man of wisdom is the man of years. In hoary youth Methusalem may die; O how misdated on their flatt'ring tombs!"
The remittances from every part of America are so inadequate to the supplies sent that very fatal consequences are hourly expected to happen in the city of London.
The Red Ribband, vacant by the death of Lord Carysfort, is said to be intended for Governor Tryon, of New York, for his diligence and assiduity in dispersing the Regulators in North Carolina, when he was Governor of that province.
ZACHARIAH HOOD, Esquire, of Maryland, formerly STAMPMASTER for that province, is now appointed Comptroller of his Majesty's Customs for the port of Philadelphia.
MR. R I N D,
THE Christian Layman, in your last Gazette, has given a faithful relation of what passed between himself and me, on the subject of printing his letters; but I know he has drawn an unjust conclusion therefrom, in charging me with a crime upon bare surmise, even after I had given him my reasons for not complying with my promise. I acknowledge to be well acquainted with the Christian Layman's handwriting, but he knows very well that I have mistaken it before, in many instances; and, in the one now referred to, I was so much puzzled as to be obliged to ask assistance, in making out his copy, from a Gentleman who happened to be in the office the day I was preparing the Christian Layman's fourth letter for the press, who, although of much superior abilities to me, was as much at a loss to resolve my difficulties as I was myself. Very near a column of his letter was set up in the types, before I gave the compositor notice to desist; which conduct, added to my having executed the bulk of the work before, carries but little face of my refusing to publish the Christian Layman's two last letters, which

had been comprehended at first in one, but for the printer's convenience divided into two numbers, as the public has seen them in your Gazette.
I did not get his letter till November 12th, when I acknowledged the receipt of it in our Gazette of that date; intimating, that from the number of advertisements then in the paper (which I knew was likely to continue till the end of the merchants meeting in January) that its publication might be deferred some considerable time,—I believe I said till the long cold winter nights, which would be a very proper season for religious and philosophical enquiries. My views were innocent in that remark, and I did not think to give the Christian Layman offence thereby.
The Christian Layman, soon after this, sent for his letter, and (as I said before) to make it more convenient to the printer, divided it into two numbers, supposing the letter, as it stood before, rather too long for one newspaper. The two letters I got soon after, and I was determined to print them as soon as I conveniently could; an opportunity, no great while after, presented itself, the northern post arriving without a mail, and there being no advices from Europe. The steps I then took towards their publication I have already related.
Conscious of the pains I had taken, and having set forth to the Christian Layman the true reasons for his letters not appearing, when I, by his own desire, returned them to him, I cannot say but I was a good deal chagrined at seeing, in the Christian Layman's card to his Orthodox opponent, that he had taxed me with violating a promise which I knew I had never broken; that he had received unmerited treatment from me, and for that reason had withdrawn his favours. Had the Christian Layman not been so hasty in his resentment, could he, for once, have condescended to reprove me as a friend (which I thought I had some pretensions to, considering his former regard, and the readiness, he will acknowledge, I have ever shown to oblige him) I should not have been drawn into the rash and unwise step of sending the card that gave him so much disgust, and which has exposed me to the galling attacks of so formidable an enemy, one so much my superior in every instance.
Had it occurred to the Christian Layman, however, that in attempting to wound me so deeply in the public esteem, he might, at the same time, be giving a deadly stab to the welfare of a numerous young family (who, he will readily join with me, merit some compassion, and demand all my care) his anger must have relented, and his tender and humane heart, I am sure, would have shuddered at the thoughts of so great cruelty. He would have considered, that Humanum est errare ; an adage applicable to all ranks of people, from the mighty down to those in humbler stations. I will not yet, therefore, despair of a reconciliation, revenge being no part of my character, and I flatter myself does not compose any part of the Christian Layman's; nay that on some future occasion he will put it in my power to oblige him, and not entirely throw off his old and once regarded printer.
Since I have had the conduct of a newspaper, I have ever exerted my poor abilities, in its compilation, for the public entertainment; and although I cannot pretend to so great a knowledge in my business as many others, yet I am very happy in thinking I have served great part of my readers to their liking, which many of them have been kind enough to signify. That will still encourage me to go on in my endeavours for their amusement; and I do not despair, as long as I am blessed with health, and America enjoys the liberty of the press, but I shall find a comfortable livelihood, for myself and family, in a country where I have hitherto received so much encouragement and civility, and which is entitled to my utmost regard and gratitude.
As to literary merit, I cannot recollect that I ever pretended, especially to the Christian Layman, my having any pretensions to that distinguishing qualification. What I have the happiness to be possessed of, however, I believe quite sufficient for a man of my business. I would rather that I had more solid judgment than ask for any greater share of learning.
No matters of a private nature, nor sickness itself, have ever prevented me from attending to my business, and I hope never will. My customers and correspondents I always treated, to the best of my judgment, with gratitude and civility; they know best whether I have erred in any of those particulars. Should it be otherwise than I could wish, in a single instance, I will humbly ask pardon, and promise to reform my conduct.
It never was my intention that Mr. Dixon should be involved in any disputes of mine, as a printer. The printing business has been wholly directed by me since our entering into partnership, and he has never once attempted to invade that province of mine. When I make a false step, therefore, the weight will fall on my own shoulders. Mr. Dixon is a very worthy man; he needs no panegyrist. He acts with civility and good breeding upon every occasion, and has always been complaisant to me. Mr. Dixon will do me the justice to say that I have never been wanting in civility to him, or to any person who has ever favoured us with his custom, in any branch of our business. I
am now to acknowledge my gratitude to the Christian Layman for having been graciously pleased, as matters stand between us, to allow that I have any merit; and that is, being a good mechanical printer. I do not suspect him of flattery upon this occasion; let that be as it will; I shall strive, as long as I live, to gain more and more knowledge of my business; a duty I owe to my numerous benefactors. A humble artist may be an useful member of society. With my readers, I am vain enough to imagine that I shall be considered in that light.
I wish the Christian Layman a long life, many happy days, and that he may never know what it is to have an enemy. I am, brother Rind, your friend, and obedient humble servant,
A. PURDIE.
L O N D O N, December 26.
The Countess of Huntingdon has engaged about forty Gentlemen and Ladies to subscribe a sum of money, to the amount of 5000l. for the purpose of importing a quantity of wheat, which they propose to sell to the poor at prime cost, themselves defraying the charges of freightage, &c.
It is a melancholy truth that above 6000 of the Spitalfield weavers are at this time out of employ; the workhouses and hospitals are filled with them.
As an instance of the present exorbitant price of meat, a butcher in the neighbourhood of Smithfield this morning demanded one shilling per pound for a rump of beef.
Nothing ever did more honour to humanity than the subscription now opened by Lady Huntingdon and her friends, for importing a considerable quantity of wheat for the use of the poor.
The most sudden and close fog came on yesterday that ever was known in the memory of man. The air, from exceeding temperate, instantly changed to the most nipping and severe. Considerable mischief has been done by coaches running foul of each other, &c. the drivers not being able to distinguish any object at a yard distance. Much damage has likewise been received amongst the craft on the Thames. The fog had an uncommon infectious smell; and those who are prudent, sprinkle some white wine vinegar on their handkerchiefs, and apply it to their nostrils as they pass through the contagious medium.
Last night the fog was so extremely thick that some of the Bath coaches were overturned on this side Hounslow.
During the above fog a milch ass, near the Adelphi Buildings, ran her head into a sedan chair, in which was a Lady, who was much hurt by the broken glass.
Sir P—— Bl——ke, before he left Ireland, for the West Indies, lost, in drawing of straws only, 22,000l. in one afternoon.
The Lords North and Mansfield have each declared that they know of no political reason why the King should not be reconciled to his brothers. On the contrary they think that as the child the Duchess of Gloucester is pregnant with an undoubted heir to the Crown, it is for the King's and the nation's honour that it should not be born under any disgraceful circumstances, but that the Duke and Duchess should be immediately provided for, and respected according to their rank.
D U B L I N, January 2.
We are sorry that we have occasion to inform the public that vast numbers of counterfeit GUINEAS, and other smaller gold coin, with brass HALF CROWNS and other base pieces, which are covered over with silver, are now very current in most parts of the kingdom. We are very credibly informed that this vile metal, in imitation of gold, is bought up by sharpers, and sold at 50 per cent. or under, which may be the ruin of many poor families.
Degenerate as the times may appear on a superficial view, yet we have persons remaining who do honour to the highest rank. The Lady of a Nobleman not long since deceased, knowing that her Lord had debauched a young Gentlewoman, of no mean family and education, and that at his death he had left her unprovided for, sent to the young woman, and desired to see her. The young Gentlewoman appeared before her with all the marks of contrition; the noble Lady soothed her as much as lay in her power, and said "if she would return to the paths of virtue she would amply provide for her, well knowing the case to be but too common seduction." The young Lady, with grateful tears, accepted the offer, and the Lady has settled 200l. per annum on her.
WHEREAS some notorious villain has reported, and endeavoured to make the public believe, that I have been privy to passing the PAPER MONEY of this colony, knowing the same to be bad, I do hereby offer a reward of TWENTY FIVE POUNDS to any person that will discover the author of such report. HENRY ANDERSON.
SEVENTEEN VIRGINIA BORN
SLAVES
Will be exposed to sale at Hanover courthouse, on Thursday the 1st of April. Credit will be allowed for five of them till the 25th of January, 1774; terms for the others will be agreed on at the sale. Bond, with approved security, will be required.
WANTED , on charter, for GLASGOW, a VESSEL of about 300 hogheads of tobacco burthen. For terms apply to Mr. John Lawrence and company, merchants in Norfolk, or the subscriber in Warwick. JOHN LEITCH.
THE subscriber having opened a TAVERN at Aquia, in Stafford county, in the house formerly kept by Mr. Yelverton Peyton, all Gentlemen travelling that road, who please to favour him with their custom, may rely upon receiving the best entertainment, and the greatest care taken of their horses. CHARLES TYLER.
WANTS employment a young man who understands book-keeping, and managing a store. For terms apply to the printer hereof.
RUN away from the subscriber, in Culpeper, in March 1772, a remarkable likely, well made Mulatto man named DICK, about 27 years old, and 5 feet 7 or 8 inches high; took with him several suits of clothes, among which was a blue cotton or hair shag jacket. It is probable he will pass as a free-man, having stole a pass from one Lazarus Anthony, signed by Thomas Nelson, King, and several other Gentlemen, whose names I do not recollect, by which he may impose on the public. Whoever will secure him in any gaol in this colony so that I get him again shall receive THREE POUNDS, and if out of the colony FIVE POUNDS, or if delivered to me at Wilderness, in Spotsylvania. WILLIAM JONES.
NORFOLK, March 18, 1773.
THE partnership of George Jackson, Matthew Jackson, and William Jaques, being dissolved, this is to request all persons who have any demands against the said partnership to make them known immediately; that they may be adjusted; and those indebted are desired to make speedy payment, or give their notes, to George Jackson only, that no disputes may hereafter arise. The subscriber again earnestly hopes those indebted; either by bond, or otherwise, will discharge their accounts as soon as possible, as some misfortunes of late really necessitate him to this request. GEORGE JACKSON.
NEWCASTLE, March 11, 1773.
THE subscriber intends for North Britain early in May next. ROBERT CAMPBELL.
RUN away from the subscriber, in Williamsburg, on Saturday the 13th instant (March) WILLIAM BOLTON and CHARLES WINFREE CHANDLER: Bolton is about 18 years of age, 5 feet 6 inches high, very clumsy, and has a sour countenance. Chandler is about the height of Bolton, 17 years of age, and has an agreeable countenance. Whoever conveys Chandler to me shall receive TWENTY SHILLINGS, and I hereby offer a reward of ONE HANDFUL of SHAVINGS to any person that will secure Bolton so that I may get him again. JAMES GARDNER.
N. B. They took with them a couple of two feet rules, which all persons are forewarned from purchasing, as also from harbouring or employing them. If Chandler will return of his own accord, I hereby promise not to give him the least correction.
THE executors of Col. George Lee think it necessary to inform the public, in order to prevent mistakes, that the tract of land lying on Cub Run, in the county of Loudoun, lately advertised in this paper for sale, by Philip Ludwell Grymes, Esq; has been possessed by their ward, Mr. Lancelot Lee, and his ancestors (under the proprietor's patent) for more than thirty years last past.
TAKEN up, in Amherst, two barrows, of a red colour, both marked with an underkeel in the right ear, and a crop and underkeel in the left. Posted, and appraised to 2l. 10s. CORNELIUS THOMAS.
TAKEN up, in Buckingham, a small bay mare, about 4 feet 5 inches high, 6 years old, branded on the near shoulder and buttock A G, has some faddle spots, and some white hair round her neck. Posted, and appraised to 5l. JOSEPH CABELL.
TAKEN up, in Frederick, a sorrel horse, about 6 years old, 13 hands high, branded on the near buttock M, has a star in his forehead, and paces. JAMES HAGAN.
TAKEN up, in Amherst, a sorrel horse, about 10 years old, 4 feet 8 inches high, branded on the near shoulder C, and on the near buttock P. Posted, and appraised to 10l. 10s. JAMES LAYNE.
TAKEN up, in Isle of Wight, a bright bay gelding, 14 hands and an inch high, his two hind feet white, has a hanging mane and twitch tail, some faddle spots near his shoulder, and a star in his forehead. Posted, and appraised to 10l. JOHN PARNELL.
TAKEN up, in Dinwiddie, a small bay horse, about 4 feet 3 inches high, with some white in his face, a hanging mane and twitch tail, but has no perceivable brand. LUDWELL WORSHAM.
TAKEN up, in Halifax, a fleabitten white horse, about 4 feet 5 inches high, 12 years old, trots naturally, branded on the near shoulder and buttock D. Posted, and appraised to 2l. J. HUBBARD.

WILLIAMSBURG, March 10, 1773.  THE next meeting of the subscribers to the fund for the relief of widows and orphans of Clergymen is to be held on Saturday the first day of May next. Officers for the present year are the Reverend John Cumm, treasurer; the Reverend Samuel Klug, William Bland, William Willie, Henry Skyring, James Maury Fontaine, and Thomas Lundie, trustees; the Reverend William Harrison the morning preacher, and the Reverend Mr. Price the afternoon preacher. JACOB BRUCE, clerk.
NOTICE is hereby given to all those who have demands against the estate of George Livingstone, late of Gloucester county, deceased, to make such demand known to me before the first day of June next, as I shall by that time settle my administration of the said estate, and not look upon myself as being liable for any demand that may be made afterwards, whether by bond, judgment, or account. CORNELIUS LIVINGSTONE.
AMELIA, March 1, 1773.  WHEREAS last September Amelia court day I purchased a bay mare and sorrel colt of a horse jockey, who said he came from North Carolina, and gave my bond, or note of hand, with Abraham Green, junior, security, for thirty two pounds, payable in April next; and whereas I have been since informed that the said beasts were stolen, this is to forewarn all persons from taking an assignment of the said note of hand, as I will not answer it till I am satisfied that I have a good right to the said mare and colt. WILLIAM WILSON.
FREDERICKSBURG, March 3, 1773.  UPON the night of Saturday the 27th ult. the store kept by the subscriber, in the absence of his employer, George Mitchell, of Fredericksburg, merchant, was broke open, and robbed of a drawer containing cash, a bill of sale from George Mitchell to Col. Fielding Lewis, sundry other papers, tobacco notes, a safe with money, scales and weights, and a garnet necklace, set in gold like open roses, valued at about twenty guineas.
The TOBACCO , viz. On FREDERICKSBURG warehouse. When received. Dec. 21, 1773.     marks.  No.  gross.  tare.  nett.      E. C.  483  1204  133  1071    1773. Jan. 19. W. H.  1132  952  124  828    27. R. D.  1131  1374  127  1247     (R. D. remarked WD, with a crow's foot, and figure of 4, between. No. 2)     Feb. 9. R. D.  377  1096  153  944     155  1142  108  1034     800  1108  104  1004    24. W. A.  175  1286  110  1176     On ROYSTON's .     1773. Jan. 11. H. E.  1143  823  119  704    Feb. 12. R. Y.  1218  800  114  686     On DIXON's .     Jan. 27. I. A.  384  1160  120  1040     385  1130  124  1006    Feb. 24. N. M. B.  2  1343  187  1156     4  1190  100  1090     On MORTON's .     23. M.  148  1284  125  1156      1284  128  1156    WG.  142  1114  96  1018     On CONWAY's .     16. L. W.  355  1120  118  1002     On ROY's .     1772. July 22. L.  1158  1090  102  988     On QUANTICO .     March 10. I. C.  1912  1149  107  1042     On EAST YORK RIVER .     1773. Jan. 7. C. D.  1  1128  123  1005     2  1156  114  1042   
Upon making out a proper list of the tobacco on Fredericksburg, Royston's, and Dixon's, the notes have been got, lists of the tobacco on other warehouses have been sent, and the notes are expected in course, of which the public are requested to take notice, as well for the particular safety of individuals as for the detection of the villainous banditti, whose education being probably of a degree with their humanity, they may be ignorant enough to expose the above contents, where they cannot fail of being detected after this timely notice, to which the public are again entreated to pay due regard.—If any person, having a just suspicion tending to the discovery of the above robbery, or have got any of the above contents ignorantly, or otherwise, their discovering the same to the subscriber shall be duly acknowledged.
JOHN MUNRO, For GEORGE MITCHELL.
THE NOTED HORSE, OLD PARTNER,
stands at my plantation in Goochland, and will cover mares at FIVE POUNDS the season each mare. There is very good pasturage; but I will not be answerable for any mares that may be stolen, or strayed away. THOMAS M. RANDOLPH.
To be SOLD , on Monday the 29th of this instant (March) if fair, if not, the next fair day,  SEVERAL LOTS in the town of Colchester, in Fairfax county, which appear to be forfeited by not building thereon. THE TRUSTEES.
THE inspectors at Page's and Crutchfield's warehouses take this early opportunity of informing the public that no tobacco will be shipped by them from their respective warehouses unless the inspection money accompanies the notes or orders. Their frequent disappointments from shippers of tobacco oblige them to insert this advertisement in the gazette. TINSLEY & CLARKE, CLARKE & WINGFIELD.
N. B. Inspection 6s. 4d. per hoghead.
FREDERICKSBURG, March 3, 1773.  I NTEND to leave the colony immediately. ANDREW MILLER.
GEORGE the Third, by the grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, &c. To the sheriff of Albemarle county, greeting: We command you to summon Charles Thompson and Richard Bruce, executors of David Thompson, deceased, to appear before the Justices of our said county court, in chancery, at the courthouse of the said county, on the second Thursday in next month, to answer a bill in chancery exhibited against them by David Anderson. And have then there this writ. Witness John Nicholas, clerk of our said court, the eighteenth day of September, in the tenth year of our reign. TUCKER WOODSON, D. C.
NORFOLK, March 3, 1773.  OLD LISBON and low priced WHITE WINES, LOAF SUGAR, and a few WHEAT FANS , to be sold by HARMANSON & HARVEY.
RUN away from Eltham, on Sunday the 10th of January, a light Mulatto fellow named OTHO , about 5 feet 9 inches high, freckled in the face, has light grey eyes, and brown hair, which he wears tied behind, his skin under his clothes is very white, and had on, when he went away, a blue cloth waistcoat, and a coat of the same, with a red velvet cape. I expect he will endeavour to pass for a white man. All masters of vessels are forewarned from harbouring or carrying the said slave off at their peril. I will give FIVE POUNDS to any person who will deliver him to me, or secure him in any gaol, and give notice thereof. BURWELL BASSETT.
FORTY DOLLARS REWARD.  RUN away from the subscriber, living in Westmoreland, the 12th of August last, an Irish convict servant man named MATTHEW THARP , by trade a gardener, about 5 feet 5 inches high, well made, much pitted with the smallpox, has short dark hair, but generally wears a dark wig over it clubbed; had on, and took with him, a pair of leather breeches, light coloured cloth coat, old striped jacket, several white and oznabrig shirts, one check ditto, an old brown holland coat, striped holland trowsers much stained, shoes and stockings of many sorts, a hat almost new, with a band and buckle. This fellow was convicted, last June Oyer court was a twelve-month, for horsestealing. Whoever will secure him in any of his Majesty's gaols, so that I get him, shall receive the above reward. I have been credibly informed that some time after the said Tharp eloped, he went down to Williamsburg, and applied to John Randolph, Esquire, for a pass, which he obtained. JOSEPH PEIRCE.
FREDERICKSBURG, February 24, 1773.  WHEREAS some of those indebted on the books here have not paid due regard to my advertisement of the 1st of December last, I give them this last notice that all and every account not paid off, or a good part of it, before the 20th of April, or our May fair at farthest, or settled by bond, or other specialty, before that time, will most certainly be put into the hands of a lawyer, without respect of persons. Unavoidable reasons will oblige me to this, which I shall probably, in time, acquaint them with. Those who are put to trouble and expence cannot now blame me for want of notice. I have sold part of the goods on hand, but so as not to distort the store, and have still a large assortment by me, which I will sell in wholesale or retail on the terms formerly advertised. Any person who will purchase the whole shall have them on terms which they themselves will say are very low and reasonable. GEORGE MITCHELL.
TAKEN up, in Prince George, a roan mare, about 4 feet 5 inches high, with a sprig tail and hanging mane. Posted, and appraised to 3l. SARAH EPPES.
TAKEN up, in Charlotte, a dark brindle cow, marked with a crop and slit in each ear, appears to be very old, and has some white by her bag. Posted, and appraised to 2l. 5s. WILLIAM FOSTER.
RUN away from the subscriber, in Goochland, near two years ago, a likely Negro man named JUBA , about 5 feet 9 or 10 inches high, between 25 and 30 years of age, by birth an African, squints much, and speaks bad English. He is supposed to be lurking about Mattov's warehouse, in the northern neck, where he formerly lived with Mr. Archibald Bryce, or Hobb's Hole in Essex. Whoever will deliver the said slave to me shall receive a reward of TWENTY POUNDS , or TEN POUNDS for committing him to any gaol within this colony, so that I get him again. JOHN BOLLING.
STOLEN , or strayed, from Berkeley mills, in Charles City, the 7th of January last, a grey mare, four feet four inches high, has a bushy mane and tail, branded on the near buttock I . Whoever conveys the said mare to Berkeley mills shall receive TWENTY SHILLINGS . CALEB BLAG.
THERE is now remaining in Totuskey warehouse one hoghead of tobacco, which has been inspected three years, John Smith, proprietor, marked with a crow's foot, with an S in the middle, and an O at the top, number 11, gross 1145, tare 95, nett 1050. THE INSPECTORS.
To be SOLD , to the highest bidder, by virtue of a deed from Mr. Benjamin Chapman to the subscriber, on Thursday the 1st of April, if fair, if not, the next fair day, at Hick's Ford, in Brunswick county,
ALL the estate of the said Benjamin Chapman, consisting of twenty likely NEGROES , many of which are very choice fellows; also about thirty good WORK HORSES , OXEN , STOCKS of CATTLE , SHEEP , HOGS , &c. Credit will be allowed till the 25th of December next for one half the purchase money, the other half to be ready money; all bonds to bear interest from the date, unless punctually discharged. The public may be assured that the sale will be on the day above mentioned. W. EDWARDS.
DOCTOR GRAHAM , oculist and aurist, at Philadelphia, thus publicly gives notice that he proposes to be at Williamsburg about the middle of April next, where those persons whose circumstances or situation have precluded them from the benefit of applying for assistance at Philadelphia may consult him in all disorders of the eye, and its appendages, and in every species of deafness, hardness of hearing, ulcerations, noise in the ears, &c. Those persons, likewise, who have been born deaf and dumb, or those who labour under any impediment in their speech, by applying personally, will probably be assisted.
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.
COMMITTED to the gaol of Accomack a runaway slave, about 21 years of age, 5 feet 4 inches high, very likely, and has a scar over his left eye, at his first commitment said he belonged to Mr. Otto Ball on James river, but now says he belongs to Mr. Morgan Sabb in Charlestown, South Carolina, and formerly was the property of Mr. Cornelius Dixwick of Maryland, and was sold by Capt. Benjamin Hammond to the said Sabb, and that his own name is ABNER ; had with him, when taken up, two oznabrig shirts, and one pair of trowsers. He says he has been from his master two or three years, and has followed the water ever since. The owner, on proving his property, and paying charges, may have him of ISAAC DUNTON, Sheriff.
RUN away from the subscriber, at Petersburg, about the middle of September last, a very likely Negro man named PHIL , about 20 years of age, of a yellowish complexion, about 5 feet 9 inches high, and proportionably made; he is a native of Africa, but speaks broken English, having been some years in the West Indies, and has lost two joints off two of his fingers on his right hand; had on an oznabrig shirt, an old Virginia cloth waistcoat, with a new Negro cotton jacket over it, and a pair of old check trowsers. As he has been used to the sea, he will probably endeavour to get on board some ship, and make his escape out of the colony; all masters of vessels are therefore forewarned from harbouring or carrying him off, at their peril. I will give THREE POUNDS reward to any person who will deliver said slave to me, or to Mr. Hugh McMeikin at Portsmouth, and FORTY SHILLINGS to secure him in any gaol, and give notice thereof. THOMAS GORDON.