The Virginia gazette (Williamsburg [Va.]), 1775-06-24 00:00:00

VIRGINIA
GAZETTE.
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FOREIGN and DOMESTICK.
IN CIVITATE LIBERA LINGUAM MENTEMQUE
LIBERAS ESSE DEBERE. — Suet. in Tib. S. 23.
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MADRID, March 28.
An officer arrived here yesterday, from Melilla, with the news that the King of Morocco had raised the siege of that place with precipitation; and that, before he retired, he had sent one of his principal officers to M. Sherlock, the commandant, to demand a truce, saying, he intended to write to his Catholic Majesty, to demand a peace of him. M. Sherlock sent him word, that it was not in his power to grant his request without an order from his Court. In consequence of that answer, the King of Morocco decamped with his whole army, and has taken, it is said, the route of Mequinez and Tangier.
April 2. Accounts are this day received, that the Emperor of Morocco has declared war against the Dey of Algiers, for not assisting him (as the declaration sets forth) by attacking Oran according to promise.
CADIZ, March 11. They are fitting out here, with the greatest activity, an armament which is to consist of several vessels of the line, frigates, and merchant ships, destined for the transport of all sorts of military stores, and even of a body of troops, among which there will be cavalry.
CARTHAGENA, March 11. Several vessels are careening in our arsenal, and two others are talked of being fitted out immediately, for the protection of our garrisons in Africa. [As the Moorish Prince has withdrawn all his troops from before Melilla, and sued for peace, can Africa be the object of these preparations?]
WARSAW, April 2. The commerce between Russia and Poland is absolutely free. That between Austria and Poland is loaded with a duty of 4 per cent.
HANOVER, April 3. It is said that the reigning Duke of Mecklenbourg Strelitz is going to resign the government to his brother Prince Charles, who will go to settle at Strelitz with his court and household.
LONDON, April 24.
THIS week instructions of an important nature will be sent to the commanders of his Majesty's squadrons in the West Indies.
Orders are given for a survey of the navy in the different ports of this kingdom, and for an immediate completion of such repairs in any of the ships as may be wanting.
General Irwin is talked of to succeed to the chief command in a neighbouring kingdom.
The advisers of the several unconstitutional bills are said to appear much alarmed, since the last advices from America, and seem extremely anxious to dive into the disposition of the people.
Bills of discovery are preparing against several of the nobility and gentry in Ireland, on suspicion of their being Papists. The informers, it is said, have two very strong evidences against them; one is, their neglect of divine worship; the other, the practice of gaming on Sundays.
Extract of a letter from DOVER, March 31.
On Tuesday last a detachment of the 14th regiment of foot, consisting of about 100 men, embarked on board a transport in this harbour for Boston, and the next morning sailed for that place.
There is said to be some extraordinary news in town respecting the Court of Denmark, which has given great uneasiness, but is endeavoured to be kept secret.
It is said the opening of the budget is delayed till another packet is received from North America, as it is intended to have no lottery this year if the proper supplies can be raised without.
Extract of a letter from MODBURY March 24.
This week was interred in the parish Church of Thurlstone, a woman who had been married about four years. After the two first years were expired she thought herself with child, and when the nine months were elapsed, and not having any labour pains, but excruciating pains in her bowels, she sent for a surgeon and midwife, who, after the use of medicine and long attendance, declared that the woman was not with child. The poor creature, in consequence, became the laughter and ridicule of her friends and neighbours. However, after a twelvemonth's suffering, the bones of the child began to work out at her navel; upon which the Faculty were again applied to, who told her, that they could do nothing for her without she would permit them to open her; which she refused, and chose to die without being more tortured.
It is reported, that on the landing of the General Officers, who have sailed for America, a proclamation will be published throughout the provinces, inviting the Americans to deliver up their arms by a certain stipulated day; and that such of the colonists as are afterwards proved to carry arms shall be deemed rebels, and be punished accordingly. Quere. If the Americans are such ardent boltroons as Lord Sandwich would make us believe, what necessity is there to deprive them of arms they have not the courage to make use of?
A very singular assertion hath been lately attributed to Sir Jeffrey Amherst: He hath been made to say, "that with 5000 regular troops he would undertake the subduction of the whole American continent." It is scarcely to be credited that such a wild assertion could fall from the lips of a discerning officer! If 5000 troops are sufficient to combat the combined forces of the colonies, it is a pity General Gage, who has more than that number under his command, should not by this time have restored the peace of a single province.
An old and experienced officer, who served under Sir Peter Warren at the taking of Cape Breton in 1745, authorizes us to declare, that he hath frequently heard Sir Peter characterize the Americans in a very different style from that adopted by Lord Sandwich. Sir Peter Warren hath extolled the Americans for possessing qualities the very opposite to that of cowardice.
The late Captain Montague, better known by the name of MAD Montague, was he living, could bear feeling testimony to the personal bravery of some Americans; for the Captain more than once took in good part the favours bestowed with some degree of spirit on his patient shoulders. Was not this same Captain Montague brother to the Earl of Sandwich?
That excellent Scotchman (Fletcher, of Salton) declared, that there is no crime under Heaven more enormous, more treacherous, and more destructive to the very nature of our government, than that of bribing of Parliaments. What would this staunch old patriot have said if he had seen some hundreds of placemen sitting in the British senate, and voting 600,000l. to make good deficiencies in the civil list, exhausted by bribery and corruption?
It is said the Americans have hoisted their STANDARD of LIBERTY at Salem, and that great numbers of men in arms are daily flocking to it. What renders the above account more probable, is, that the Gentleman who furnished us with this intelligence has seen a letter from an officer in the American militia, who says, they only waited to hear the effect of their continental petition and remonstrance; and that, if their prayer was not granted, they were determined to stand forth and defend their liberty, or lose their lives.
The rebellion of the peasants at Prague, in Bohemia, is not yet quelled. Great outrages are daily committed, and the grievances which the rebels insist on having redressed are said to be these: 1. A total abolition of feudal services. 2. An exemption from paying contributions for two years. 3. Not to be prohibited for the payment of their ancient debts. 4. Permission to enjoy their possessions without molestation. The last advices from Prague relate, that the troops are in actual motion, but it is hoped that the submission of the peasants will supersede the necessity of their coming to action.
A letter from Rome says, that the French, by the Pope's permission, are now employed in cutting timber for ship-building in the territories of his Holiness.
By a private letter from Paris, we hear, that a dispute of a very personal and serious nature has happened between the French King and the Count d'Artois. Many speculations are formed relative to the occasion of it, but the real cause is as yet a profound secret.
The French, we are assured, are fitting out an additional number of fishing vessels, to supply the Spanish and Portuguese markets with that species of fish formerly brought thither by the people of New England, the vessels sent out from Great Britain being totally unacquainted with that trade.
About a fortnight ago a most barbarous murder was committed at Guernsey: Two young men having been drinking at a public house in the country, and having some words, they both withdrew into an adjoining lane to fight, when one of them pulled out a long knife, and taking his antagonist at unawares, struck at him with the hilt, which entered his back; he instantly repeated it again, and stuck it into his throat; the inhuman monster not contented therewith, made a third stroke, which pierced his heart, when he fell down dead. The murderer immediately absconded, and eluded the most diligent search for two days, but at last was discovered by his breath rising from a furze bush, in which he was so completely hid that no part of him could be seen.
April 25. It is whispered that a considerable party in the Privy Council are entirely against the measures now pursuing against the Americans.
It is reported, that orders will soon be issued for all the colony agents to attend the plantation office on special affairs.
Loading the people with a new expence, which must form a new tax necessary, is thought improper at this time, by many Gentlemen in the House of Commons who usually vote with the Ministry; therefore, it is thought the intention to take Somerset House from the Crown will be laid aside.
Genuine extract of a private letter from an officer who served under General Wolfe, at the capture of Quebec, but from the unconstitutional proceedings of Government in that part of the world, has declared himself in favour of American liberty and property. Brought by the Crawford, lately arrived from New York.
Unanimity reigns throughout the continent of America, and as soon as the resolutions of the General Congress are known, our provincial forces, in defence of liberty and property, will amount to 90,000 men, fit to take the field, all determined to lose their lives in defence of their country's freedom. We reckon at least 10,000 Germans, who have been trained in the Austrian and Prussian services, and we are not in want of officers of the same nation, who have settled in these parts, with their wives and families: These will all certainly engage in the common cause.
"I suppose, on your side of the water, your select Tory Ministers rejoice at the disunion of the Assembly of this province from the resolutions of the General Congress. Poor imbecile creatures, whose perspective glasses will not extend beyond St. Stephen's Chapel, or the environs of Westminster! We judge this disaffection one of the best political manoeuvres which could have happened for the common cause; to give you an idea of this truth, the toast of the day is, "that New York may be exempted in your restraining bills of commerce," because by them only we shall be furnished with necessaries and intelligence to repel force by force. Your Ministers may imagine that we shall be terrified at the bombast number of troops which are to be sent over. If their heads were equal to those of our militia drummers, they would have recollected the difficulties, dangers, and expences which must impede their operations and marches through such an extent of country, animated with the love of freedom, and provoked by injuries: They should likewise have considered the annihilation of all your staple manufactures, as England, by their infamous conduct, has now no other mart in Europe. However, be in no concern about us; take care of not exposing yourselves to foreign invasion by looking after us; we on this side the water can
see a third rebellion projected by the Tories against the House of Brunswick, better supported than the two former. You may exhaust all the remaining resources and contingencies to annihilate your freedom, but America will not. The Tory line of measures is designed to distress the Prince on the Throne, who by the Tories is devoted to ruin; consequently, for our own preservation, a stronger resolve will be agreed on in the next General Congress for liberty, and if matters run much higher, we shall declare for general independence. If the troops at Boston should be sent off in detached parties, the success of the provincials will be infallible."
Recent advices from Madrid bring accounts of hostile preparations throughout the principal parts of the Spanish dominions. At Cadiz, Carthagena, Barcelona, Ferrol, and Malaga, embargoes are laid on all vessels outward bound; fleets are fitting out, but their destination is kept a profound secret.
Extract of a letter from MADRID, March 28.
His Catholic Majesty, accompanied by the rest of the Royal Family, propose setting out next Monday for Aranjuez. We have the most recent advices from Cadiz, Carthagena, Barcelona, and Malaga, all importing that a prodigious naval armament is preparing to be ready by the 15th of April, for a secret expedition."
The Emperor of Morocco has drawn off his forces from Melilla, after a siege of three months and seven days. Previous to raising the siege he made one general assault, but his forces were repulsed with considerable loss. The number of bombs thrown into this place amount to 8500.
The Emperor of Morocco has given orders to get all the armed ships throughout his dominions ready to sail the first week in May.
They write from Bohemia that the insurrection of the peasants is likely to be quelled.
Letters just received from Vienna inform us, that Sir Robert Murray Keith was preparing to set out on his return to England.
Sir Joseph Yorke, the English, and the Marquis de Noailles, the French, Ambassadors, at the Hague, have each had frequent conferences of late with the deputies of the States General at the Hague.
A squadron is fitting out at Brest, and ordered to be got ready with all possible expedition; their destination is as yet a secret.
The armaments still going on in Carthagena and Ferrol hath alarmed the Court; a second memorial is sent to demand the reasons of such an equipment; and if a satisfactory answer is not given, it is said we shall adopt vigorous measures. Is this the reign of vigour?
They write from Leghorn, that upwards of 200 European ship carpenters, chiefly French, English, and Dutch, are now in the service of the Grand Seignior, and employed in building Turkish men of war upon a model hitherto unknown in the dominions of the Porte.
By a Gentleman of veracity we are assured the Ministry have received advice, that seven men of war, four frigates, and two bomb ketches, are now ready to sail from Carthagena, but their destination is unknown.
There is nothing left for the welfare of this country, but the virtue and fortitude of America. If the colonists stand firm to their arms, they will save the freedom of England and America; but if they are allured by bribes and promises, and seduced to accept of the proposals of the Court, the liberties of the two nations are destroyed.
Extract of a letter from DOVER, April 21.
On Sunday afternoon Admiral Greig, with six Russian men of war, arrived in Dover road, and the same evening weighed anchor and sailed for the Downs, where they were watered and supplied with refreshments; the order of quarantine was taken off on Wednesday, since which time there has been an amazing trade at Deal, as the people are very full of money: This morning at day-light all the ships got under sail, but as the wind is since changed to the eastward, it is supposed they will be all forced back again. The cleanliness on board will be a clear proof how much it preserves the lives of the sailors, as the Admiral declared, that during eight months not a single man died out of 3000, the complement of his squadron."
Saturday night the clerks in Lord North's private office continued doing business till near 11 o'clock, whence it is imagined some extraordinary measures are on the carpet.
Yesterday a commission passed the great seal, constituting and appointing Robert Duff, Esq; Rear Admiral of the Blue Squadron, Governor and Commander in Chief in and over the island of Newfoundland, and all the coast of Labrador, from the entrance of Hudson's Straights to the river St. John, and the island of Anticosti, with the islands of Madelaine, in the gulph of St. Laurence, and of all forts and garrisons erected and established in the said islands.
Yesterday the statue of her Majesty was set up in Queen square, Ormand street, which has been done at the sole expence of Oliver Beckett, Esq; under which is the following inscription: Virtutis decor et tutamen. — "The ornament and guardian of virtue."
The following is an authentic copy of part of a letter from Salem, dated February 24, 1775.
"We have at last fixed our standard here, under which all the persons who have joined the American army have been sworn in the most solemn manner imaginable. We are now above 3000 strong, all completely accoutred, and in readiness for any thing that may offer, and disposed into companies in true military order. Two hundred tents are going to be pitched at Charles Passage, where another body of nearly the same strength will encamp in a short time. The ensuing summer will certainly determine our fate and that of Great Britain, as far as it concerns America. General Gage is very solicitous to cultivate a correspondence with our officers, but they are too cautious of him; nothing, therefore, but common civilities pass, and that as seldom as possible."

God bless you, I cannot write more; time here is too precious to lose a moment in idle compliments. Adieu.
The pamphlet on the prevailing abilities in the army, which has been much admired as a spirited and elegant composition, is written by the Hon. Thomas Erskine, youngest brother of the Earl of Buchan, an officer in a regiment at Gibraltar, where he now is.
Some persons who went drunk to a funeral on Friday quarrelled with the grave digger, because he did not fill up the grave to their liking; and one of them stripped off his black cloak to fight in the churchyard.
April 26. The Portugal trade which seven years ago used to produce a million annually in favour of Great Britain, did not the last year amount to more than 98,740 l 18 s. 4 d.
Translation of a letter from Madrid. "Our Consejo de Estado is much convulsed with an Tremblement Politique : Couriers are continually passing between our Court and Versailles; for we have now authentic intelligence, that the English finesse of a quarrel with her American colonies is merely formed to conceal a Coup de Main upon the Spanish provinces in America. We have now undoubted information that the English Armada in America, which is there invincible, actually consists of 24 battalions of English grenadiers, 24 battalions of American infantry, 24 battalions of Canadians, 6000 Indian light infantry, 3 battalions of artillery, 3 battalions of marine, assembled at Boston and New York, where transports are ready, and will sail from the convoy of 14 ships of the line for the Spanish settlements. After the attack, we are informed, the two Courts of Bourbon are to be amused with the agremens of manifestos, of memorials, of pieces justificatives to the powers of Europe. That self-defence, after the violent, arbitrary conduct of Spain, during profound peace, respecting the settlements of Great Britain upon Falkland's islands, demand such caution and prudence from the Court of London."
Anecdote of Lord Chief Justice Hale. —When he was only a pleader at the bar, he pleaded with such force of argument, for the Lord Craven, that the then Attorney General threatened him for appearing against Government; to whom he answered, he was pleading in defence of those laws which they declared they would maintain and preserve, and he was doing his duty for his client; so that he was not to be daunted with threatenings.
A severe engagement happened on Monday last, near St. Antile, in Cornwall, between a party of smugglers and some of the King's officers who attempted to stop them; in which the latter got beat and wounded, without either securing them or their goods.
Extract of a letter from Chatham, April 21. Yesterday morning arrived at the dockyard here, the Lords Denbigh, Wentworth, &c. and were received by Commissioner Proby, and other officers. Their Lordships immediately walked round the yard, and took a view of the ships building and repairing in it; after which they went afloat, and inspected most of the capital ships in this ordinary. They went on board the Ramillies , a guard ship of 74 guns; Commodore McKenzie, Commander, saluted them with thirteen guns, on their getting on board, and the same in coming ashore. Their Lordships visited the yard again this day.
It is asserted at the west end of the town, that two distinguished noblemen will shortly set out for Versailles and Madrid, in order to learn, if possible, whether those Courts have really at this time any hostile intentions towards Great Britain.
Two fleets of observation are talked of to be sent to the West Indies and Mediterranean.
Lord Sandwich and several other Lords of the Admiralty, we are informed, will in the course of next month make a general survey of the royal navy and all the dockyards.
Late on Monday night advice was received, that a very powerful squadron had lately sailed from the ports of Spain for the East Indies.
Messengers are continually passing and repassing from this kingdom to Ireland; but the business has not yet transpired.
Letters from Genoa, speak pretty confidently of the hostile dispositions of the House of Bourbon, an application to that republic being lately made by the Courts of Versailles and Madrid, for leave to recruit their navies with 2000 Genoese sailors. The same accounts add, that orders have been lately received by the French naval agent in that city, from Monsieur Bompard, the intendant of the marine at Toulon, to purchase two frigates of war of 24 guns each.
Private advices from the Hague positively assure us, that four Dutch vessels sailed from the Texel the first week in April, laden with arms, powder, and military stores. The cargoes were entered outwards for the coast of Africa, but there is not a person who knew of the assortment, particularly in the article of powder, that is not perfectly convinced that they are intended for the British American colonies.
Amongst a variety of others, there were two very singular Masks at the Masquerade at the Opera House, on Monday night, viz. A Lady in a very large pair of breeches that reached from her feet to the top of her head, where the waistband was fastened, and crowned with a prodigious bunch of Ostrich feathers; and a Gentleman in a petticoat that covered his whole figure, with a ducal coronet ornamented with jewels on his head. This petticoat and breeches afforded much diversion to the company throughout the whole of the evening's entertainment.
To-morrow evening will be debated at the Crown tavern, Bow Lane, the following questions, viz. "Is not the principle or always speaking the truth incompatible with that of strictly keeping a secret?" "Is it true that love (properly so called) is a passion that can be conceived at first sight?"
April 27. Yesterday morning a coach, in which were two Ladies, was overturned in Bishopsgate street by one of the hind wheels breaking; two well dressed men went to their assistance and helped them out; but when the parties were gone the Ladies found each had lost their watches, which, and the fright, were the only damage they sustained.
It has been observed by some curious persons, that the sun at this time both rises and sets several minutes beyond its usual time, which may perhaps account for the phenomenon which is to happen the 23d of next month, when it is the general opinion of the learned there will be no night.
Tuesday evening the corpse of Lady Stukeley, aunt to Admiral Byng, was buried in great funeral pomp at St. Bartholomew's the Great. Sir George Pocock attended the ceremony.
A famous political writer in the reign of King George I. has the following remark: "Whosoever is a sovereign of slaves governs either dangerous traitors or worthless cowards." This observation (says a correspondent) is well worthy the consideration of crowned heads.—The man whose soul is abject enough to submit to slavery proves himself a coward by such submission; and cowards, of all others, are the characters best calculated for the acts of treachery. Of such let Princes beware.
En Mot. —Our modern Aristophanes being the other day at a Nobleman's table, his Lordship gave a proof of a most magnificent taste, as well as great liberality, by producing some glasses of tokay: "there Mr. F——, taste that wine; it is the best you ever drank in your life; it was very old when I first had it, and I have kept it several years." His Lordship then reached Mr. F—— a glass no bigger than a thimble-full of this precious liquor: "Very old, my Lord," says the genius, "eying the quantity, "why, this wine is very dwarfish!" "How do you mean dwarfish?" "Why, my Lord, it is very little of its age ."
Two ships from North America; it is said, are arrived in Holland with rice; and one ship from North America, with tobacco, it is said, is arrived at Bourdeaux.
The Americans have appointed a general fast to be observed throughout the colonies, to implore success to their arms.
The plan of military preparations projected against the Americans is said to be this: General Gage is to continue chief in command; the head quarters are to be at Boston, detached parties of 2000 men each, commanded respectively by the Generals Clinton, Howe, and Burgoyne, are to be sent to South Carolina, Virginia, and such of the provinces as are deemed the most refractory.
On the 12th instant his Majesty went to the House of Peers, and gave the Royal assent to the bill for restraining the trade and commerce of the colonies of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and South Carolina, to any part of Great Britain, Ireland, and the West Indies; also the bill to punish mutiny and desertion in the American colonies.
The Parliament, it is said, will meet in October next, to fix the sums to be paid by the respective provinces, into the hands of the Paymaster General of the troops, whose residence is to be at New York. The amount at present asked is said to be only the annual expenses extraordinary which this nation has been put to in protecting the American conquests in the late war. There is another fund, they say, to be established for paying the interest of a large sum to be raised to build forts in certain places. The interest for this new fund is to be seven and a half per cent. payable at New York half yearly, to an agent, who is to be empowered to draw upon the Treasury here, in case the extra sums for the government of America, over and above the money to be raised there, should amount to so much. This new mode of funding upon American credit, it is thought, will meet with the approbation of most of the landed interest here.
Orders are sent to the commissioners of the different dockyards, for several men of war now in ordinary, to be got ready with all despatch for commission.
The wharfs and quays about the customhouse are loaded with all kinds of merchandise marked ARMY, which are going into the transports to Boston. One house in the Boston trade ships 20,000 l. in this manner, and is said to be done on a very advantageous footing, as the price of the European goods are much advanced in America.
It is said a ship sailed from Stetin last month, loaded with small arms, gunpowder, ball, and accoutrements, 30 field-pieces of a light construction, and eight general officers, who have served long in Germany. The arms and ammunition are actually paid for by an American agent at Berlin, who went thither from Paris, but what the footing is upon which the officers go is only conjectured; they are Lutherans, and certainly do not go upon mere hope of preferment. This must be a scheme of the Prussian monarch's for disconcerting the Court of London, with whom he is upon the worst terms.
The following is said to be a copy of a letter wrote by the Lord Chamberlain of his Majesty's Household, to the Lord Mayor:
"My Lord, "I am ordered to acquaint your Lordship, as chief magistrate of the city of London, that his Majesty will not receive on the throne any address, remonstrance, or petition, from the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, &c. but in their corporate capacity."
Your Lordship's most humble servant, H——D." Though General Gage is said to be blamed by some, for what they are pleased to style inactivity, the more generous part of mankind must admire and applaud his conduct, which proves him the circumpect commander and good christian; for humanity in a soldier is his greatest honour, and is inseparable from genuine courage.
Extract of a letter from Portsmouth, April 11. "This morning sailed from Spithead his Majesty's ship Pomona , for America, with some of the officers on board, who are to join the army under the command of General Gage."
Extract of a letter from the Hague, April 7. "The English Ambassador, in a conference which he had last Tuesday with the States General, expressed to their High Mightinesses how much the King his master was pleased with the attention they had paid to his memorial relative to sending military stores to America; and it is said, that in consequence thereof, his Excellency has sent orders to the English ships that were in the Texel watching the motions of our ships, to quit that port immediately, and return to England."
A great quantity of ammunition is ordered to be shipped from hence, and from Ireland, for Boston immediately.
Extract of a letter from Paris, April 8. "Some Letters from Italy, which arrived yesterday, mention the death of the Pope, after an illness of three days, which some attribute to poison, but this wants confirmation."
As the Lord Mayor was going the other day out of the House of Commons, Lord North stopped him, and said, "Well my Lord Mayor, what did you yesterday at Guildhall?" Nothing my Lord, said he, but agree upon an address to his Majesty, to desire that he would be graciously pleased to remove your Lordship from his presence and councils for ever."
A few days since was married, a soldier in a marching regiment in the west of England, to a young Lady with a fortune of 5000 l. per annum.
A bill is preparing to be laid before the two Houses, to enable his Majesty to appoint the Council in the several American colonies, where the right of choosing is at present vested in the Assembly.
It is asserted as a fact in the city, that letters from Spain give an account, that it is no longer a secret, that the Court of Madrid have ordered a very considerable fleet to the West Indies, in order to attack the western islands as soon as our troops are engaged with the Bostonians; at which time the letters say, there is no doubt but they will become masters of some of them.
BRISTOL, March 11. About 8 months ago one Cray, prisoner in Newgate for a robbery, and who was addicted to swearing, was struck dumb whilst he was uttering the most bitter imprecations. On Sunday the 12th of February last, while he was washing himself in the pavement, a violent thunder storm came on, and so much surprised him, that he fell down quite senseless. In this melancholy situation he continued some time, and at length his senses, and also his speech, were restored to him again.
EDINBURGH, April 4. It has been long regretted by the friends of liberty, that, contrary to the spirit of the British constitution, which ought to send freedom through every corner of the British dominions, there should still remain in Scotland a system of the most abject slavery, with regard to colliers, salters, &c. It has been long in contemplation to remedy this evil, and a bill is now brought into the House of Commons for that purpose, of which the following are the heads:
"Whereas many colliers, coal-bearers, and salters, in Scotland, are in a state of slavery or bondage, bound to the collieries and salt-works, where they work for life, and are sold with the mines: Be it enacted, that,
1. No person shall be bound to work in them in any way different from common labourers. 2. It shall be lawful for the owners and lessees of collieries and salt-works to take apprentices for the legal term in Scotland. 3. All persons under a given age, now employed in them, to be free after a given day. 4. Others of a given age not to be free till they have instructed an apprentice."
April 21. On Monday sailed for Clyde, the Lilly , Cochran , for New York, with upwards of 200 passengers and emigrants. The Renfrew , Somerville , and Donald , Ramsay , also sailed for Virginia, both in ballast.
PROVIDENCE, June 3. LAST week the company of the train of artillery, lately raised here, all well accoutred, with four excellent field pieces, marched to join the American army near Boston; they made a
very military appearance, and are, without exception, as complete a Body of men as any in the King's dominions.
The other companies raised here and in the adjacent towns, as also several from the south countries, all able bodied men, and well armed, have marched to the American camp.
Several companies of the Connecticut forces have also passed through this town, to join their brethren.
Twelve pieces of battering cannon, 18 and 24 pounders, with a quantity of ordnance stores, were sent from hence to the American camp a few days since.
HARTFORD, June 5.
Extract of a letter from Portsmouth to the Provincial Congress, Massachusetts, and from them forwarded to the committees of correspondence in Connecticut.
Gentlemen, Portsmouth, May 29. "We had two provision vessels seized at the mouth of our harbour last night, by the Scarborough, and upon application made Capt. Barclay for their release, find he has positive orders from the Admiral to take possession of all vessels laden with provisions, salt, and molasses, and send them to Boston; and says further, those orders are circular through the continent."
By order of the committee. B. WENTWORTH, Chairman."
NEW YORK, June 8.
A GENTLEMAN from Boston informs, that on Sunday last at Providence, he saw an express from Cambridge, who brought advice, that the Scarborough man of war of 20, and a sloop of 14 guns, had been taken at Portsmouth, by the provincials, assisted by the impressed men on board, without the loss of a man.
On Tuesday last the several companies of the royal regiment of Ireland, marched from the upper barracks, and embarked on board his Majesty's ship Asia , of 64 guns, commanded by George Vandepuit, Esq. The rest of the regiment are at Fort Charles, and Boston.
We are informed, that his Excellency William Tryon, Esq; proposed to embark on board the May packet, in order to resume the government of this province.
Last week the 4th regiment of troops, raised by the colony of Connecticut, under the command of Col. Hinman, marched for their station at Ticonderoga.
By a vessel from Dublin in 7 weeks, we are informed, that 22 transports had sailed from Cork, with three regiments of infantry, and one of cavalry, for Boston.
Extract of a letter from the camp at Cambridge, dated May 18, 1775.
"We hear from Halifax, that the people have at last shewn they have spirit. It seems the agents for procuring forage for the expected regiment of dragoons had taken, without the consent of the owner, and were shipping for Boston, a great quantity of hay; on which the people set fire to, and wholly destroyed it, and when that work was finished, they attempted the like by the King's magazines, which they several times fired, but they were extinguished by the people from the ships of war lying there, who made a brisk fire on the people, and prevented them from effecting their design. The fugitives from Boston are gone for Halifax, but the people say, no d——d Tories shall be allowed to breathe in their air, so that these d——ds cannot find a resting place there, which was the only place on the continent that they even dared to hope they might stay in."
PHILADELPHIA, June 12.
A circumstantial account of the late battle at Chelsea, Hog Island, &c.
ON Saturday last, a party of the American army at Cambridge, to the number of between 2 and 300 men, had orders to drive off the live stock from Hog and Noddle's islands, which lie near Chelsea and Winneimett, on the N. E. side of Boston harbour. From Chelsea to Hog Island, at low water, it is but about knee high, and from that to Noddle's Island about the same. The stock on the former belonged to Mr. Oliver Wendell, at Boston, and Mr. Jonathan Jackson, at Newburyport; that on Noddle's Island was owned by Mr. Williams, of Boston, who hires the island.
About 11 o'clock, A. M. between 20 and 30 men went from Chelsea to Hog Island, and from thence to Noddle's Island, to drive off the stock which was there, but were interrupted by a schooner and a sloop, despatched from the fleet in Boston harbour, and 40 marines, who had been stationed on the island to protect the live stock. However, they sent off 2 fine English stallions, 2 colts, and 3 cows; killed 15 horses, 2 colts, and 3 cows, burnt a large barn full of salt hay, and an old farm house: By this time they were fired on from the schooner and sloop, and a large number of marines in boats, sent from the several men of war; upon which they retreated to a ditch on the marsh, and kept themselves undiscovered, till they had an opportunity to fire on the marines, when they shot down two dead, and wounded two more, one of whom died soon after. They then retreated to Hog Island, where they were joined by the remainder of their party from Chelsea, and drove off all the stock thereon, viz. between 3 and 400 sheep and lambs, some cows, horses, &c.
During this, there were firings between the provincials and the schooner, sloop, boats, and marines on the other island. Having cleared Hog Island, the provincials drew up on Chelsea Neck, and sent for a reinforcement of 300 men, and two pieces of cannon (4 pounders) which arrived about 9 o'clock in the evening; soon after which General Putnam went down and hailed the schooner, and told the people, that if they would submit, they should have good quarters, which the schooner returned with two cannon shot; this was immediately answered with two cannon from the provincials: Upon this a very heavy fire ensued from both sides, which lasted till 11 o'clock at night, when the fire from the schooner ceased, the fire from the shore being so hot that the people were obliged to quit her, and take to the boats, a great number of which had been sent from the ships to their assistance, and also a large reinforcement of marines sent to Noddle's Island, with two twelve pounders.
The schooner being thus left, drove ashore, where about break of day, the provincials carried some hay under her stern, and set her on fire, the sloop keeping up a small fire upon them; at which time a heavy cannonading was begun, at Noddle's Island hill, with the 12 pounders upon the provincials; also General Putnam kept a heavy fire upon the sloop, which disabled her much, and killed many of her men, so that she was obliged to be tow'd off by the boats, when the firing ceased, excepting a few that which were exchanged between the party at Chelsea, and the marines on Noddle's Island.
Thus ended this long action, without the loss of one provincial, and only four wounded by the bursting of his own gun, another only lost his little finger. The loss of the enemy amounted to 30 killed and 50 wounded. The provincials took out of the schooner 4 double fortified 4 pounders, twelve swivels, chief of her rigging and sails, many clothes, some money, &c. which the sailors and marines left behind, they having quitted in great haste.
Last Wednesday the ship Prosperity , Captain McCullough, arrived here in six weeks from Belfast, with 400 passengers, all well.
Last Saturday morning the ship Minerva , Capt. Forrest, arrived from Newry, which she left the 25th of April. By this vessel we learn, the troops were not failed from Cork, and that it was expected part of them would be sent to Gibraltar, to reinforce that important garrison, the English Ambassador at Madrid not having

received a satisfactory answer, when he interrogated the Spanish Court about their very extraordinary military preparations, both by sea and land. They have now in Cadiz 29 ships of war (16 of which are of the line) and 18 sail of transports, and no merchant vessel will be suffered to sail before the departure of the fleet, which was fixed for the 25th of April. So considerable an armament is certainly not designed to go against the Emperor of Morocco.
We learn that there were 200 of the regulars killed and wounded in the late engagement at Noddle Island, and only 3 of the provincials wounded.
By advices from Lisbon we understand the fleet is intended against the Moors, and that 40,000 troops will be embarked on board the transports.
By vessels arrived at New York from St. Eustatia and St. Kitt's we learn, that they had received an account of the Lexington engagement, and that it had occasioned the greatest confusion and distress, through the most anxious apprehensions for the consequences to the islands.
The following anecdote, we are assured, is authentic. It was communicated by a Gentleman from the neighbourhood of Boston.
An American soldier who had received a wound in his breast, in pursuing General Gage's troops on the 19th of April, supported his body against a tree. A brother soldier came up to him and offered him his assistance. "I am beyond your assistance (said the wounded man) PURSUE THE ENEMY;" with these words on his lips, he fell back and died.
A Gentleman who travelled lately through Connecticut informs us, that he met with an old Gentlewoman, who told him that she had fitted out and sent five sons and eleven grandsons to Boston, when the head of the engagement between the provincials and regulars. The Gentlewoman asked her, if she did not shed a tear at parting with them? "No (said she) I never parted with them with more pleasure." But suppose (said the Gentleman) they had all been killed? "I had rather (said the noble matron) this had been the case, than that ONE of them had come back a coward."
On Colonel HANCOCK's being asked to review the three battalions of the PHILADELPHIA militia.
WHILE FREEDOM's daughters all their aid afford, And deck the warrior with the gorgeous sword; DO THOU, great HANCOCK, all their ranks inspire, With PATRIOT virtues, and the HEROES fire. Form'd by thy blest example— they shall claim, The FAIR one's fondness, and the conqueror's fame.
WILLIAMSBURG, June 24.
By every post from the northward we receive advices of smart skirmishes happening between the ministerial troops and provincials of New England, in all of which the latter have been victorious; and in the last, which was at Noddle's Island, they did not lose a man. The provincial troops are in great hopes General Gage will march out all his forces; if he does, they are determined to give him a warm reception.
A ship loaded with wheat, &c. supposed to be from this colony, and bound to Europe, was lately taken near Nantucket, by the Falcon sloop of war, and sent to Boston. A ship called the Peggy, Captain William Baron, out 28 days from Baltimore, bound to Corke, is also in custody of the men of war at Newport, Rhode Island.
We are assured that Mr. Eftave, at the vineyard near this city, has collected thirty bushels of cocoon from the silk worms which he raised this year; it is computed they will produce at least one hundred pounds of silk fit to manufacture. Notwithstanding the loss he sustained by the hail, &c. he has a prospect of making three or four hogheads of wine in the fall.
Last Thursday a joint address of the Hon. the Council and House of Burgess was transmitted to the Governor, on board the Fowey man of war, of which the following is a copy. It is said his Excellency intends to take up his residence at Portsmouth, and that Lady Dunmore, and the rest of his Lordship's family, will sail tomorrow for England.
To his Excellency the Right Hon. JOHN EARL of DUNMORE, his Majesty's Lieutenant, Governor General, and Commander in Chief of the Colony and Dominion of VIRGINIA, and Vice Admiral of the same:
The joint ADDRESS of the COUNCIL and HOUSE of BURGESSES.
MY LORD. WE his Majesty's dutiful and loyal subjects, the Council and House of Burgess of Virginia, have received your Lordship's answer to our joint address, by which we represented to your Excellency how very insecure we thought the public arms in the palace since your Lordship's removal from thence, and requested that your Lordship would be pleased to order them to be stored in the public magazine, judging this a repository of much greater security.
You are pleased to tell us, that experience hath shown the insecurity of the magazine, and that as the palace hath hitherto been respected, you thought it improper to give any other orders that the arms belonging to the King, which have for so many years been lodged, may still remain in the palace, and that they may, on no account, be touched without your express permission. Though these arms, my Lord, may be considered, in some sort, as belonging to his Majesty, as the supreme head of this government, and that they are properly under your Lordship's direction; yet we humbly conceive that they were originally provided, and have been preserved for the use of the country in cases of emergency.
We would not wish to interfere with your Lordship's authority, of this disposition we presume our former address afforded the strongest testimony; but the reflection that these arms are so much exposed that they may easily be made the most improper and destructive use of, is, to us, extremely alarming.
The palace, my Lord, hath indeed been hitherto much respected, but not so much out of regard to the building as the residence of his Majesty's representative. Had your Lordship thought fit to remain there, we should have had no apprehensions of danger; but, considering these arms at present exposed to your servants, and every rude invader, the security formerly derived from your Lordship's presence cannot now be relied on.
In your Lordship's answer to an address of the House of Burgess, you are pleased to say, that experience has demonstrated to you that the city of Williamsburg is an improper place for the residence of our Governor, and give it as a reason for not returning the powder, according to your own voluntary promise, made to the House, that you could not attend to its preservation, nor depend on its security, if returned to the magazine. We should suppose, my Lord, that your Excellency's attention to the arms would be equally necessary for their security, as you know the palace standing on the edge of the city, and we should, for this reason, imagine it more likely to be rifled than the magazine in the midst of it; besides, should it be thought necessary, a proper guard might be kept at the magazine, which we did not think so decent to propose for your Lordship's palace. Our apprehensions, my Lord, have been not a little increased by considering the several depredations taken by order of the House of Burgess; we decline commenting upon them, but submit to the world from whence the unhappy disturbances in this colony took their rise. We must, my Lord, once more entreat your Excellency to order the arms to be removed to the public magazine.
We cannot, my Lord, decline representing to you, that the important business of this Assembly hath been much impeded by your Excellency's removal from the palace. This step hath deprived
us of the necessary and free access to your Lordship, which we conceive the constitution entitles us to. There are several bills of the last importance to this country now ready to be presented to your Excellency for your assent.
We have hitherto, my Lord, in hopes of preserving that harmony which we with ever to subsist between all the branches of our legislature, submitted to the great inconvenience of sending our members twelve miles to wait on your Excellency on board one of his Majesty's ships of war, to present our several addresses; but we think it would be highly improper, and too great a departure from the constitutional and accustomed mode of transacting the business of the Assembly, to meet your Excellency at any other place than the Capitol, to present such bills as have there been agreed to by the Council and House of Burgess. We must therefore beseech your Excellency to return to us; and as the advanced season of the year requires our presence in our several counties, we hope your Lordship will be pleased to favour us with your speedy and ultimate answer, that we may certainly know what to depend upon.
HIS EXCELLENCY's Answer. I HAVE already declared my intentions in regard to the arms at the palace, and I conceive the Council and House of Burgess are interfering in a matter which does not belong to them. I should be glad to be informed who they design by the terms rude invaders which they have made use of.
The disorders in Williamsburg, and other parts of the country, drove me to the necessity of changing my place of residence, and if any inconvenience has arisen to the Assembly on that account I am not chargeable with it, but they have not been deprived of any necessary nor free access to me. The constitution vests me with an undoubted power to call the Assembly for the business of, to any place in, the colony, exigency may require.
Not having been made acquainted with the whole proceedings of the Assembly, I know of no bills of importance, which, if I were inclined to risk my person again among the people, the Assembly have to present to me, nor whether they be such as I could assent to.
WHEREAS I purchased of Buckner Russell, of the County of Halifax, a Tract of Land lying in said County, which was measured to me for 188 3/4 Acres, for the Consideration of 751. 8s. current Money of Virginia, for the Payment of which Sum I, together with my Brother T. Carter, entered into Bonds payable to the said Buckner Russell some Time in May 1775 and May 1776; and whereas, since the said Purchase was made, and a Deed given and recorded, &c. the said Buckner Russell's Father hath made an Entry for Part of the aforesaid Purchase, as surplus or vacant Land, and I have reasons to believe that the Father and Son have juggled together to pocket my Money, and still possess the Land: I therefore forewarn all Persons from taking Assignments of the said Bonds, as I am determined not to pay them until the said Russell shall make me a secure Right and Title to the above-mentioned Land and Premises. WILLIAM CARTER.
For CHARTER to any Part of GREAT BRITAIN, or the WEST INDIES,
The BRIGANTINE HERO, JAMES MAXWELL Master,
Burthen 7500 Bushels of Grain, two Years old, a prime Sailer, and is now ready to take her Cargo on Board. For Terms apply to MARSDEN, MAXWELL, & Co.
WHO HAVE FOR SALE, WEST INDIA RUM, SUGAR, MOLASSES, CANE SPIRITS And MADEIRA WINE.
RUN away, on the 18th of April last, from the Subscriber, on Grassy Creek, in Granville County, North Carolina, a likely Virginia born Negro Man named BEN, about 28 Years of Age, and carried with him sundry Clothes, among which were a Jacket and Breeches of Country Cloth, double wove, of Cotton and Wool. As he is well acquainted in Nansemond County, Virginia, it is probable he may be gone there, or to Essex County, where he has a father and mother. Whoever will apprehend the said Negro, and bring him to me at the aforesaid Place, shall have 51. Reward if taken 100 Miles from Home, and in Proportion for a larger or smaller distance. SAMUEL SMITH.
STRAYED, or STOLEN, from the Subscriber, in Essex County, a small ROAN HORSE about 13 1/2 Hands high, 6 Years old, trots and paces, has a Switch Tail, and lately had a Fistula, which is not quite well. Whoever delivers the said Horse to me, or gives me such Intelligence of him as will enable me to get him again, shall have 20s. Reward. JOHN WHITLOCK.
ON Monday the 3d of July will be exposed to Sale (if fair, otherwise next fair Day) at Lamb's Creek, in King George County, a large Quantity of genteel Plate, and all Kinds of elegant Household Furniture, belonging to the Estate of Col. John Champe, deceased. Twelve Months Credit will be allowed the Purchasers, on giving Bond and approved security to (211) WILLIAM CHAMPE, Executor. If the Bonds are not paid, to carry Interest from the Date.
FOR SALE, Under a Power of Attorney from John Boisseau to the Subscribers.
TWO valuable Tracts of LAND in Dinwiddie; one on White Oak Creek, containing 414 Acres, the Quality of which is exceeding good for Tobacco and Wheat, lies in good Order for working 4 or 5 Hands, with sufficient Houses for securing the Crop, and within 20 Miles of Petersburg. The other is within 12 Miles of Petersburg, on Gravelly Run, well calculated for Tobacco, Wheat, and Corn, containing upwards of 1000 Acres, with several valuable Plantations thereon, with fine Orchards, which may be sold altogether, or in Parcels, as may best suit the Purchasers. On this last mentioned Tract is a valuable Grist Mill just built. The White Oak Tract will be exposed to Sale at the Plantation thereon, the 4th of September next, if fair, otherwise next fair Day; and the Gravelly Run Land at the Mill aforesaid, on the 5th Day following. Part ready Money will be expected at the Day of Sale, or upon the Acknowledgment of the Land for each Tract. Payments of the Residue will be agreed upon at the Day of Sale. WILLIAM WATKINS. JAMES BOISSEAU.
TAKEN up by the Subscriber in Orange County a BLACK Horse about 4 Feet 4 or 5 Inches high, about 11 Years old, has some Saddle Spots, branded on both Buttocks thus 61, had a bell with a leather Collar on. Pasted and appraised to 61. THOMAS STAP.
JUNE 23, 1775. RUN away from York Town, last Sunday Morning, an indentured Servant Man named JOHN O'BRIAN, alias JAMES BRENON, about 5 Feet 6 Inches high, by Trade a Tailor, and a very good Workman, was hired in Dublin, has a remarkable long Head, short dark Hair, is slender made about the Arms and Body, can write very well, and I imagine will forge a Pals, but do not think he will go by either of his Names. He had on a brown mixed Coat, Nankkeen Breeches, and a striped Waistcoat. Whoever will take him up, and deliver him to me, or secure him so that I get him again, shall have 51. Reward. WILLIAM DAVIS.
ON Friday the 11th of July, will be sold to the highest Bidder, at Hanover Town, to be entered on at Christmas next, the HOUSE and LOT there belonging to the Estate of Robert Paterfon, deceased, and now occupied by Mr. Thomas Arthubnot. Twelve Months Credit will be allowed for one Half, and eighteen Months for the other, the Purchaser giving Bond, with Security, to carry Interest from the Date if not punctually paid. A good Title will be made by ROBERT DONALD, Administrator.
TO BE SOLD For ready Money, at public auction, at Hanover Court House, on Thursday the 6th of July next, being Court Day.
A TRACT of LAND lying in the County of Hanover, about four Miles from Hanover Town, on the Road leading from the said Town, to Richmond Town, containing by Estimation one hundred and forty Acres, more or less, with convenient Buildings thereon, lately in the Possession of Parke Smith, and sold pursuant to a Deed of Trust from the said Smith made to the Subscriber, to satisfy a Debt due to Adams & Parke. June 6, 1775. GEORGE PARKE.
WESTMORELAND, June 1, 1775. I INTEND for Scotland very soon, and must therefore beg the Favour of all Persons who have had Dealings with me, and owe Balances, to come and have Settlements of them before I leave the Colony; likewise those who have Claims against me are desired to bring them in, that they may be paid off. Mr. John Middleton will be properly empowered in my Absence to transact my Business, and to whom I have now given up the Charge of the Store. I will sell for ready Money, or short Credit, a SLOOP that carries 60 Hogheads of Tobacco, two Years old, her upper Works of Mulberry, and every Way well fitted. Likewise a SCHOONER that carries 1250 Bushels; she is new, goes well, and is in every Respect well found. HUGH HAMILTON.
NORFOLK, June 16, 1775. FOR CHARTER, A NEW BRIGANTINE, now on the Stocks, Burthen about 300 Hogheads of Tobacco, or 9000 Bushels of Grain, can be Grain, can be ready to receive a Cargo in five Weeks. Any Person wanting such a Vessel will please to deliver their Terms to Mr. John Peden, who will be at Williamsburg until the 20th of this Month, or send them to the Subscriber, at Norfolk, who intends leaving the Colony in July, and to return in a few Months. JAMES ARCHDEACON.
SMITHFIELD, June 12, 1775. THE Copartnership of James Ronaldson and Company having expired in November last, all Persons indebted to them are desired to pay their respective Balances to Mr. Patrick Ronaldson, and those that have Claims are requested to make them known. The Subscriber intends to leave the Colony in a short Time. JAMES RONALDSON.
WILLIAMSBURG, June 14, 1775. LOST by the Subscriber, a few Nights ago, an old POCKET BOOK, containing a few Notes of Hand, with sundry other Papers; also a Bond of 6001. Currency, and another of 1501. Sterling, both bearing Date the 22d of July 1774. The Bonds will be satisfied to-morrow; therefore it will answer no Purpose for any Person to take an Assignment of them. Whoever will bring the said Pocket Book to me, or to Mrs. Grizel Hay of this City, shall be handsomely rewarded. ROBERT CAMPBELL.
NANSEMOND, June 12, 1775. I intend to leave the Colony immediately. 2|| JOHN M'INDOE.
TO BE SOLD For ready Money, to the highest Bidder, on FRIDAY the 30th Instant (JUNE) at the Plantation where Mr. SAMUEL LONG lately lived, in WARWICK County, known by the Name of SMITH'S POINT, near Newport News.
A VARIETY of Household Furniture, consisting of Silver Table Spoons and Teaspoons, a Silver Soup Spoon, two Silver Salts, one Mahogany Table, and sundry Prints, &c. Also a SINGLE CHAIR with Harness, two Carts, a Carrylog, a Timber Carriage, ten valuable Draught Oxen, a House Frame, and some Plank. — On the same Day and place, will be sold, the said Samuel Long's Right to cut the Timber on a Tract of Land in Warwick County, which he purchased of James Ralston, together with a Quantity of white Oak rough Staves, and about 70 white Oak hewed Sticks, already cut down, and lying on said Land. The Time of Payment to be made known at the Sale. SAMUEL KERR, & Co. PORTSMOUTH, June 12, 1775.
ALBEMARLE, May 18, 1775. ALL Persons indebted to the Estate of John Hudson, late of this County, are hereby requested to make immediate Payment, that I may be enabled to discharge the Debts due by the same; and all those who have Demands against the said Estate are desired to make them known by the 1st of October next, as I purpose closing the Estate's Accounts by that Time. JOHN SCOTT, Executor.
To be RENTED, for one or more Years. A VALUABLE FARM on James River, near the Mouth of Beaverdam, in Goochland County, 26 Miles from Richmond, sufficient to employ ten Hands and six Horses to great Advantage. This Place is well known, and deservedly esteemed, both for Richness of Soil and useful Improvements in the Farming Way, consisting of proper Enclosures, Dwelling-Houses, Granaries, Stable, and Treading-Floor, together with a large Apple Orchard of late Fruit. My present Dwelling-House, Garden, Stable, Store, and other Outbuildings, Peach and Cherry Orchards, with a good Still, being off the Farm, will be let as a Tavern, for which Purpose they are conveniently situated, and well calculated. For Terms apply to the Subscriber, on the Premises. THOMAS PLEASANTS.
TAKEN up, in Hanover, a LIGHT GRAY HORSE, about 8 or 9 Years old, branded on the near Buttock W, with a Blotch over it, is about 4 Feet 8 or 9 Inches high. Pasted, and appraised to TWELVE POUNDS. WILLIAM WADDY.

POETS CORNER.
TIT for TAT. A Tale.
SAYS ALLEN to his wife, before we part, I have some serious matter much at heart: When I was young I was prodigious wild, I fell in love, and got a maid with child; The babe is handsome, though she's rather brown; Do take her home, and rear her as your own! I with indeed you'd her example be; I'm sure you'll love her, for she's much like me! 'Tis well my dear, and you confers in time, I'm glad to find by you—that it's no crime: I had a boy before I married you, Therefore together let us wed the two.
NORFOLK, June 6, 1775.
THE Subscriber (late of Warwick County) finding that it is out of his Power to pay all he owes, would willingly make over every thing in his Power to his Creditors, to be divided among them in Proportion to their respective Sums; and for that Purpose he requests that they will meet at Mr. Stephen Tankard's in Norfolk, on Wednesday the 28th Instant, at 10 o'Clock, to appoint such Trustees as they shall think proper. SAMUEL LONG.
ALEXANDRIA, June 5, 1775.
EIGHT POUNDS REWARD.
RUN away from the Subscriber, two indentured Servants named ROBERT SHAW and ANDREW INGLES, both Natives of Scotland, and Bakers by Trade. Each of them had on a Bearskin Jacket lined with Plaid, Osnabrug Trousers, old Shoes, and Half worn Calfskin Hats. Their Bundles consist, as it is supposed, of two Match Coat Blankets, two Pair of Leather Breeches, two Osnabrug Shirts, two Check Shirts, and two red Jackets. Shaw is about 5 Feet 10 Inches high, has a swarthy Complexion, dark short frized Hair, a long Scar on his right Arm, appears bold, and talks much. Ingles is about 5 Feet 5 Inches high, has short straight Hair, swarthy and long featured, has a Scar over his right Eye, his right Leg is sore, he is fond of Liquor, and talks more in his Country Dialect than Shaw. THOMAS WALSON, a Convict, about 27 Years of Age, a Barber by Trade, about 5 Feet 6 Inches high, has a Laddish down Look, brown straight Hair, a little knock-kneed, and a leering Look; had on, and took with him, two white Linen Shirts, an old Drab coloured Cloth Coat, one red and one striped Holland Jacket, one Pair of new Drilling Breeches, one Pair of old Buff coloured Stocking Breeches, one Pair of white and one Pair of white and blue spotted Stockings, a new Felt Hat bound with black Feathering, has a black Silk Handkerchief, and some other Things which cannot be described. WILLIAM LEE, by Trade a Cooper, about 5 Feet 9 Inches high, marked with the Smallpox, has a remarkable large Nose, speaks thick, and is impudent; he took with him a yellow Bull-Dog, with cropped Ears, one Side of his Face white, has a Glass Eye, and white Breast and Neck, is very fond of going into the Water, and answers to the Name of Turk. The said Lee had a Variety of Clothes, which cannot well be described. Whoever takes up, and secures the said Servants, shall have the above Reward, or 40s. for each, paid by
JAMES KIRK. ROBERT ADAM. GEORGE PURVIS.
JUNE 15, 1775.
RUN away, last Saturday, from Williamsburg, two indentured English Servants, the Property of the Subscriber, viz. JOHN FLEMING, about 27 Years of Age, thin visaged, has a sallow Complexion, and had on, when he went off, a brown Holland short Coat and Jacket, and wears Trousers; he is by Trade a Painter, Drawer, and Silversmith. GEORGE WASSELL, about 17 Years of Age, by Trade a Shoemaker, frisked, and much pitted with the Smallpox; he wears a blue Jacket and Trousers. Whoever secures the said Servants in any public Gaol, or delivers them to me at Norfolk, shall have 30s. Reward for each, besides what the Law allows. GAVIN HAMILTON.
NEW KENT, June 17, 1775.
RUN away from the Subscriber the 8th of this Instant (June) a likely Negro Man named JONATHAN, about 21 Years old, of a yellowish Complexion, straight made, about 5 Feet 6 or 7 Inches high, with a bold Countenance, and hath an impediment in his Speech. He carried with him three different Suits of Clothes, so that I cannot describe his Dress. He was seen in York Town last Monday, intending to make his Escape out of the Colony. As he is artful, I do not doubt but he has procured a forged Pass. Whoever apprehends said Negro, and delivers him to me in New Kent, within two Miles of the Brick House Ferry, on York River, shall have 5l. Reward, and if taken out of the Colony 10l. paid by JAMES TYRIE.
HENRICO, May 30, 1775.
RUN away, in February last, a likely well shaped black young Negro Fellow named EDOM, about 12 Years of Age, has a Scar on one of his Elbows, occasioned by a Burn when a Child, one of his little Fingers is much bent in, has a pleasant Countenance, and is very artful and active. As I purchased him of Col. Philip Johnson some Years ago, he may probably be in that Neighbourhood. I will give 40s. to any Person that will bring him to me, about three Miles above Richmond Town. FORTUNATUS SYDNOR.
OSBORNE'S, June 6, 1775.
STRAYED from the Subscriber, about the 20th of February last, a dark bay HORSE, 4 Feet 7 Inches high, 6 Years old, branded on the near Shoulder I, his Mane cut on the near Side, and his Tail bobbed, both of which had nearly grown out; he was lame in the Shoulder, his Flanks are of a lighter Colour than his Body, had a thick Thigh, trots hard and fast, and had remarkable good Courage. He was bred on Broad River, North Carolina, where he will probably go, if not taken up; but I have Reason to believe he was stopped by Thomas Frith of Chesterfield, and by him exchanged to one Crowder of Dinwiddie. Whoever takes up the said Horse, and brings him home, shall have 30s. Reward; but if they can make it appear that he was bartered, as I suspect, I will give 3l. PETERFIELD TRENT.
HANOVER, June 15, 1775.
STOLEN, or STRAYED, from this Place, the 6th Instant, a LIGHT GRAY HORSE, 7 Years old, about 14 1/2 Hands high, not branded, with a hanging Mane and Switch Tail, paces and canters remarkably well, and is a very pleasant Riding Horse. Whoever brings the said Horse to me shall receive 20s. Reward, and 5l. on Conviction of the Thief. THOMAS EVANS.
THE Subscriber intends to leave this Colony immediately, and to return in a few Months. It is requested of all those indebted to me, that they make immediate Payment to Mr. George Wright of Amelia, who is properly authorised to receive and grant Discharges. PATRICK FORSYTH.
SMITHFIELD, June 14, 1775.
I INTEND leaving the Colony for a few Months: The Business carried on here for Messrs. Andrew Sym and Company, of Glasgow, Merchants, will, in my Absence, be under the Direction of Messrs. John Stirling and Patrick Ronaldson, who are properly authorised to transact the same. JOHN SYM.
LEEDS TOWN, June 2, 1775.
I intend for Great Britain immediately. JOHN SHARPLES.
RUN away from the Subscriber, in King and Queen, the 8th of October 1774, a Negro Woman named HANNAH, of the Middle Stature, remarkably black, has been hurt in one Side (I think the right) which makes her limp as she walks; had on, when she went away, a Negro Cotton Jacket, and a Virginia Cloth Petticoat, striped with black Yarn. Whoever secures her so that I may get her again (if in this Colony) shall have 40s. Reward, and if out thereof 5l. JOHN CARDWELL.
AS I was informed, at the late Convention held at Richmond, that a very large Number of Sheep were wanted by the Inhabitants of the middle and western Counties of this Colony; on my Return to Norfolk, I made Inquiry what Number could be purchased in Norfolk and Princess Anne Counties, and Parts adjacent; and, from the best Information I have been able to get, I am convinced that several Hundreds may be purchased in those Parts, if Application be made before the 20th Day of July, as the Persons who have Sheep for Sale choose to dispose of what they have to spare by that Time. The Butchers who supply Norfolk Market have informed me, that if applied to, they shall be ready to assist Purchasers in making their Purchase; and they certainly know of whom the best, as well as the greatest Number of Sheep, are to be bought. JAMES HOLT.
For LIVERPOOL, (To sail in a Month)
THE Ship BRILLIANT, WILLIAM PRIESTMAN Master; can take in 200 Hogsheads of Tobacco on Freight, with Liberty of Consignment. For Terms apply to JOHN LAURENCE, Esq. Co. Who have also FOR CHARTER, a SHIP of 400 Hogsheads, and a BRIG of 8000 Bushels Burthen. NORFOLK, June 6, 1775.
THE Volunteer Company of Dinwiddie County would willingly engage with an expert ADJUTANT to instruct them in military Discipline.
THE Subscriber being very desirous of getting out of Debt, without any Dependence on his ungrateful Debtors, proposes to sell the pleasant and healthy Seat of HUNTINGTOUR, near Appomattox River, in the lower End of Buckingham, with 1500 or 2000 Acres of good Land, which produces fine Tobacco, Hemp, Wheat, &c. The Houses are new, and the best I have seen in the county; a larger and better Garden I believe is not in the Colony, and on this Land are several Hundred Fruit Trees of the best Kind, many of which were brought by water to Richmond Town above 80 Miles. On this Tract of Land is a large Proportion of exceeding fine Meadow Land, with a Fifth Pond within three Hundred Yards of the Dwelling-House, stored with various Kinds of fine Fish, sufficient for the Use of a Family the Year round. In this Neighbourhood is Plenty of excellent Venison. The Air is so pure that I never knew an Instance of any Person having the Ague and Fever at Huntingtour. I have travelled through the most Parts of Virginia, and I have not seen any Part that I would so willingly reside in as this Neighbourhood. If I sell this Place, I shall live on the Part of this Tract of Land which has been advertised for some Time past. I make no Doubt but Appomattox River will be soon cleared, and then Wheat will be carried as far as Col. Banister's Mill, near Petersburg, for 4d. or 5d. per Bushel. I made at this Place 100 Gallons of rich Wine in 1772, and last Year (if it had not been for the Frost) I could have made 5 or 600 Gallons, which Quantity I expect to make this Year. HUNTINGTOUR would be a pleasant and safe Place for a Gentleman of Fortune to retreat to in the Horrors of a civil War, or in the sickly Months of many Parts of the Lowlands. "What is Honour, Grandeur, and Wealth? All fleeting, Nothing's without Health!" I hope any Gentlemen inclined to purchase will visit the Premises this Summer. I will also sell, very cheap (that is, for about Half the Value) the Tract of rich LAND I have advertised in Albemarle for some Time past. ANTHONY WINSTON.
COMMITTED to Buckingham Gaol, on the 15th of May last, a Negro Man about 5 Feet 6 Inches high, with a remarkable large Scar on the Back of his right Hand, Scars on each Side of his Face, and had on a Virginia Linen Shirt and Trousers. He cannot, or will not, tell his Master's Name. JOHN COX, Gaoler.
STRAYED, or STOLEN, about two Months ago, a large BLACK BITCH, very big with Puppies. Whoever brings her to the Post Office in Williamsburg shall have TWO DOLLARS Reward.
A DECENT young Woman wishes to live with a good Family, not very distant from the Neighbourhood of Petersburg. She would cheerfully discharge the common Duty of a Housekeeper, without any other Reward than her Board, and such Gratuity as may be graciously bestowed. For her Character, and other Information, inquire of Mr. William Bradley, or Mr. William Timberlake, of Petersburg.
NORTHUMBERLAND, May 25, 1775.
THE SUBSCRIBER intends to leave the Colony immediately. THOMAS FORSYTH.
DUMFRIES, May 30, 1775.
STRAYED from my Plantation, near Dumfries, on Friday the 12th Instant, a BRIGHT BAY MARE near 14 Hands high, with a long Bob Tail and very thick Mane, paces naturally, and gallops very awkwardly, marked, to the best of my Remembrance, with a W on the left Shoulder, shod before, had a Neck Yoke on when she strayed away, and was seen about ten Days ago, near Bull Run Church, in Fauquier County. Whoever will bring her to me in Dumfries shall have 50s. Reward. GEORGE GRAHAM.
COMMITTED to the Gaol of Elizabeth City County, a Negro Man named BEN, of a yellow Complexion, pitted with the Smallpox, about 22 Years old, 5 Feet 7 1/2 Inches high, and has on an Osnabrug Shirt, and white Negro Cotton Jacket and Breeches. He says he belongs to James Prato, of the Island of Bermudas. The Owner is desired to prove his Property, pay Charges, and take him away. JOHN M'LEACHLEN, Gaoler.
WANTED IMMEDIATELY, TWO GOOD JOURNEYMEN SHOEMAKERS Who will meet with good Encouragement by applying to WILLIAMSBURG, THOMAS SKINNER. June 2, 1775.
TO BE SOLD, To the highest Bidder, on the Premises, on TUESDAY the 1st of AUGUST next.
ALL that valuable Tract of LAND late the Property of Matthew Branch, deceased, lying on James River, in the County of Chesterfield, containing about 500 Acres. One Half the Purchase Money to be paid on the Delivery of the Land, and the other Half twelve Months after. A good Title will be made by RIDLEY BRANCH, and MATTHEW BRANCH. WARWICK, May 29, 1775.
SOUTHAMPTON County, April 19, 1775.
STRAYED, or STOLEN, from the Subscriber, on the 16th of December last, a BAY HORSE about 14 Hands high, with a Star in his Forehead, and a Snip on his Nose; his right Eye is out, paces naturally, branded on the near Buttock O, but not plain, and had a Bell on. Whoever contrives the said Horse to me, or gives me such Intelligence of him as will enable me to get him again, shall receive a Reward of 20s. ALEXANDER MURRAY.
TAKEN up, in Amelia, a BAY MARE and COLT, the latter about a Year old this Spring, with a Blaze in her Face, and four white Feet; the Mare appears to be old, has a Star in her Forehead, some Saddle Spots on her Back, and branded on the near Buttock P, with some other letter before it which cannot be made out. Posted, and appraised to 9l. JOHN ATKERSON.
TAKEN up, in Cumberland, a DARK BAY MARE about 10 Years old, 4 Feet 4 Inches high, branded on the near Shoulder and Buttock A, and on the off Shoulder PW. Posted, and appraised to 8l. WILLIAM SMITH.
TAKEN up, in Stafford, a BLACK COW with a white Belly, marked with a Crop and two Slits in her right Ear, and a Swallowfork in the left Ear, about 6 Years old; also a BLACK BULL, with a white Belly, his right Ear marked with a Crop and Underkeel, and his left with a Crop, supposed to be two Years old. Posted and appraised, the Cow to 45s. and the Bull to 15s. JOHN MOUNTJOY.
TAKEN up, in Buckingham, two MARES, viz. a DARK BAY about 4 Feet 5 Inches high, 5 or 6 Years old, trots and paces, her Mane hangs on the right Side, branded on the near Shoulder and Buttock, and on the near Jaw, the other is a SORREL, about 4 Feet 4 or 5 Inches high, 5 or 6 Years old, her Mane hangs on the right Side, has a Switch Tail, which is much whiter than her Mane, a small Blaze on her Face down to her Nose, and only trots. Posted and appraised, the former to 8l. and the latter to 10l. WILLIAM GILLIAM.
TAKEN up, in Buckingham, a BLACK MARE about 3 Years old, her Mane hangs on the near Side, has some white Hairs in her Face, Mane, and Tail, paces and trots, and has on a bell, which is cracked in several places, and is tied with a Leather String. Posted, and appraised to 15l. ISAAC AGEE.
RUN away from the Subscriber, in New Kent, the 27th of April last, a Negro Fellow named MICHAEL, about 25 Years old, 5 Feet 7 Inches high, had on a Cotton Waistcoat, an Osnabrug Shirt, Leather Breeches, and a Pair of black Stockings. He walks remarkably straight, and has been in Williamsburg offering to hire himself. Whoever brings him to me shall have 40s. Reward, or 20s. if secured in any Gaol. SAMUEL APPERSON.
STRAYED from the Subscriber, in Blandford, on the 4th of March last, a dark bay Mare, 7 or 8 Years old, about 14 Hands high, with a hanging Mane and Switch Tail, cat-hamm'd, paces naturally, has some Saddle Spots on the near Side, and branded WK, or WR, on the near Shoulder and Buttock. Also a small sorrel FILLY went away with her, two Years old this Spring, had a Snip on the right Nostril, but neither docked nor branded. They were seen on Rowanty, and are imagined to have gone towards Walker's Mill, on Nottoway, or Hick's Ford, on Meherrin. Whoever will bring the said Mares to me shall be handsomely rewarded for their Trouble. DAVID BLACK.
TO BE RENTED, A large Dwelling-House In RICHMOND TOWN, 40 Feet by 20, with two rooms below and two above, a Garden newly pailed in, a Kitchen, and all other Outhouses necessary for a Family. The Situation is as pleasant as any in Town. The Terms may be known by applying to the Printers hereof, or to the Subscriber, in said Town. GABRIEL GALT.
TO BE SOLD, THREE Thousand Acres of well timbered LAND, near Newmarket, in Caroline County, whereon are two Plantations in good Repair, with proper and convenient Edifices for farming or making of Tobacco. For Terms apply to the Subscriber. JOHN BAYLOR.
TO BE SOLD, A TRACT of LAND in Caroline County, contiguous to Matapony, containing about 2000 Acres of well timbered Land, the Property of Mr. Robert Baylor. The Terms may be known by applying to Mr. Nathaniel Burwell of King William, Mr. John Armistead of Caroline, and Mr. John Baylor, Executors.
For SALE, and very CHEAP, THE Tract of LAND whereon I now live, in the lower End of Caroline County, that contains 470 Acres, and is known to be very good. The Improvements are, a new Dwelling-House 32 by 28 Feet, with three Dormants on a Side, two Fireplaces below, and one above, a good Cellar, the Kitchen 24 by 16 Feet, with all other Outhouses quite new, and the Plantation in fine Order for Cropping. Its Situation is equal to any Forest Place whatever. I will give Credit till next Christmas, when Possession may be had. LE ROY HIPKINS.

Supplement to Dixon & Hunter's VIRGINIA GAZETTE.
WILLIAMSBURG, June 17.
Yesterday the following address was presented to his Excellency the Governor on board the Fowey man of war.
To his Excellency the Right Hon. JOHN Earl of DUNMORE, his Majesty's Lieutenant and Governor General of the Colony and Dominion of VIRGINIA, and Vice Admiral of the same:
MY LORD,
WE his Majesty's dutiful and loyal subjects, the Burgesses of Virginia, now met in General Assembly, have taken into our consideration the joint address of the two Houses of Parliament, his Majesty's answer, and the resolution of the Commons, which your Lordship has been pleased to lay before us, wishing nothing so sincerely as the perpetual continuance of that brotherly love which we bear to our fellow subjects of Great Britain; and still continuing to hope and believe that they do not approve the measures which have so long oppressed their brethren in America, we were pleased to receive your Lordship's notification that a benevolent tender had at length been made to the British House of Commons towards bringing to a good end our unhappy disputes with the mother country. Next to the possession of liberty, my Lord, we should consider such a reconciliation as the greatest of all human blessings. With these dispositions we entered into consideration of that resolution: We examined it minutely; we viewed it in every point of light in which we were able to place it, and with pain and disappointment we must ultimately declare, it only changes the form of oppression, without lightening its burthen. We cannot, my Lord, close with the terms of that resolution, for these reasons:
Because the British Parliament has no right to intermeddle with the support of civil government in the colonies. For us, not for them, has Government been instituted here; agreeable to our ideas, provision has been made for such officers; and we cannot conceive that any other legislature has a right to prescribe either the number or pecuniary appointment of our officers. As a proof that the claim of Parliament to interfere in the necessary provisions for support of civil government, is novel, and of a late date, we take leave to refer to an act of our Assembly, passed so long since as the 32d year of the reign of King Charles II. entitled, "An act for raising a public revenue, and for the better support of the government of this his Majesty's colony of Virginia." This act was brought over by Lord Culpeper, then Governor, under the great seal of England, and was enacted in the name of "the King's Most Excellent Majesty, by and with the consent of the General Assembly."
Because, to render perpetual our exemption from an unjust taxation, we must saddle ourselves with a perpetual tax, adequate to the expectations, and subject to the disposal, of Parliament alone; whereas we have right to give our money, as the Parliament does theirs, without coercion, from time to time, as public exigencies may require. We conceive that we alone are the judges of the condition, circumstances, and situation of our people, as the Parliament are of theirs. It is not merely the mode of raising, but the freedom of granting our money, for which we contend; without these we possess no check on the royal prerogative; and what must be lamented by all dutiful and loyal subjects, we should be stripped of the only means, as well of recommending this country to the favours of our most gracious sovereign, as of strengthening those bands of amity with our fellow subjects, which we would wish to remain indissoluble.
Because, on our undertaking to grant money as is proposed, the Commons only resolve to forbear laying pecuniary taxes on us; still leaving unrepealed their several acts passed for the purposes of restraining the trade, and altering the form of government and religion of Quebec; enlarging the jurisdiction of the Courts of Admiralty; taking from us the right of trial by jury, and transporting us into other countries, to be tried for criminal offences. Standing armies too are still to be kept among us; and the other numerous grievances of which ourselves and sister colonies, separately, and by our representatives in General Congress, have so often complained, are still to continue without redress.
Because, at the very time of requiring from us grants of money, they are making disposition to invade us with large armaments by sea and land, which is a stile of asking gifts, not reconcileable to our freedom. They are also proceeding to a repetition of injury, by passing acts for restraining the commerce and fisheries of the provinces of New England, and for prohibiting the trade of the other colonies with all parts of the world, except the islands of Great Britain, Ireland, and the West Indies: This seems to bespeak no intention to discontinue the exercise of this usurped power over us in future.
Because, on our agreeing to contribute our proportion towards the common defence, they do not propose to lay open to us a free trade with all the world: Whereas, to us it appears just, that those who bear equally the burthens of Government, should equally participate of its benefits, either be contented with the monopoly of our trade, which brings greater loss to us and benefit to them, than the amount of our proportional contributions to the common defence; or, if the latter be preferred, relinquish the former, and do not propose, by holding both, to exact from us double contributions. Yet we would remind Government, that on former emergencies, when called upon, as a free people, however cramped by this monopoly, in our resources of wealth, we have liberally contributed to the common defence. Be assured then, that we shall be generous in future, as in past times, disdaining the shackles of proportion, when called to the free station in the general system of the empire.
Because, the proportion now made to us, involves the interest of all the other colonies. We are now represented in General Congress, by members approved by this House, where our former union it is hoped will be so strongly cemented that no partial applications can produce the slightest departure from the common cause. We consider ourselves as bound in honour, as well as in interest, to share one general fate with our sister colonies, and should hold ourselves base deserters of that union to which we have acceded, were we to agree on any measures distinct and apart from them.
There was indeed a plan of accommodation offered in Parliament, which though not entirely equal to the terms we had a right to ask, yet differed but in few points from what the General Congress had held out. Had Parliament been disposed sincerely, as we are, to bring about a reconciliation, reasonable men had hoped that by meeting us on this ground, something might have been done. Lord Chatham's bill on the one part, and the terms of the Congress on the other, would have formed a basis for negotiation, which a spirit of accommodation on both sides might perhaps have reconciled. It came recommended too, from one whose successful experience in the art of Government should have ensured to it some attention from those to whom it was tendered. He had shown to the world that Great Britain with her colonies united firmly under a just and honest government, formed a power which might bid defiance to the most potent enemies. With a change of Ministers, however, a total change of measures took place. The component parts of the empire have, from that moment, been falling asunder, and a total annihilation of its weight in the political scale of the world seems justly to be apprehended.
These, My Lord, are our sentiments on this important subject, which we offer only as an individual part of the whole empire. Final determination we leave to the General Congress now sitting, before whom we now shall lay the papers your Lordship has communicated to us. To their wisdom we commit the improvement of this important advance; if it can be wrought into any good, we are assured they do it. To them also we refer the discovery of that proper method of representing our well founded grievances which your Lordship assures us will meet with the attention and regard so justly due to them. For ourselves, we have exhausted every mode of application our invention could suggest as proper and promising. We have decently remonstrated with Parliament; they have added new injuries to the old; we have wearied our King with supplications; he has not deigned to answer us; we have appealed to the native honour and justice of the British nation; their efforts in our favour have been hitherto ineffectual. What then remains to be done? That we commit our injuries to the even-handed justice of that Being, who doth no wrong; earnestly beseeching him to illuminate the counsels, and prosper the endeavours of those to whom America hath confided her hopes; that through their wise direction, we may again see re-united the blessings of liberty and property, and the most permanent harmony with Great Britain.
His EXCELLENCY's Answer.
IT is with real concern I can discover nothing in your address that I think manifests the smallest inclination to, or will be productive of, a reconciliation with the mother country.
Extract of a Letter from LONDON, April 27.
"Lord Effingham's regiment, now in Ireland, was ordered to America, upon which his Lordship sent a letter of resignation to Lord Barrington, Secretary at War, declaring that he would never assist in carrying measures into execution against the Americans, which, from principle, he abhorred, and had opposed in his place in the House of Lords: Barrington declined laying the letter before the King, saying it should come through the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, as the regiment was there: Lord Effingham replied, he might do as he pleased with the letter, but that he would not go to America."
"Lord Effingham's courage and gallantry is as indisputable as any man's in the world."
"This may be depended on as a fact, though it has never appeared in the London papers."
"A spurious speech, said to be delivered by Gen. Burgoyne in the House of Commons, is printed by Administration and sent over to America to be distributed in order to deceive the Americans with respect to the principles and intentions of this wicked man. The best reply to this speech will be for all the American printers to publish one of Junius's letters where he gives the true character of Colonel (now General) Burgoyne."
On Wednesday Col. RICHARD BLAND arrived here from the General Congress, of which he is a member for this Colony; and we learn that they were sitting when that Gentleman came away.
Deaths. ] Mr. JOHN TURNER, merchant, and Mr. DANIEL BAXTER, of this City.
In the resolve of the House of Burgesses in answer to the Governor's message, published in our last gazette, there is an error: Instead of kind and tender services read tender of services, &c.
By the Elizabeth, Capt. Barron, from London, we have received papers to the 27th of April, from which we have extracted the following particulars.
LONDON, April 24.
IT is said, that Lord North, before the rising of Parliament, will bring in a bill for solemnly declaring all extra-provincial meetings among the colonies to be rebellion, and punishable accordingly.
April 26. About six o'clock yesterday morning an express arrived at Buckingham House, from General Gage, at Boston.

In the council held at Lord Gower's before the holidays, it was finally determined to reinforce General Gage yet further; to order him to leave 6000 men in Boston, and to march with 14,000 to Philadelphia; previously dispersing a proclamation, declaring all persons who presumed to meet in any extra-provincial congress, rebels.
Another account we have received, makes the plan to be for the General entirely to evacuate Boston, leaving that town to the fleet.
Extract of a letter from CORKE, April 13.
"We hear that two of the transports with the troops for America, getting under way this morning, ran foul of each other, when one of them had her bowsprit damaged; it is expected she will be repaired by to-morrow, and that the whole will sail."
The advices which Administration has received from America, and which they have not thought proper to communicate, is, in substance, that the militia of Massachusetts and Connecticut are actually embodied, have prepared magazines, and are assembled, to the number of twelve thousand effective men. Salem was the head quarters when these advices came away; but a considerable body were on their march to Boston. So that there is not a doubt, and the Ministers themselves expect it, that the next news will bring an account of an action.
The King has given to Governor Hutchinson, late Governor of Massachusetts Bay, and formerly a shop-keeper in Boston, a pension of two thousand pounds per annum; and to Sir Francis Bernard, also late Governor of the same Province, eight hundred pounds per annum pension.
Government propose in future that all Governors of Boston shall be the Commander in Chief in America, for the time being, by which means both the civil and military system will be under one and the same arbitrary sway.
The following act for "restraining the trade and commerce of the colonies of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and South Carolina, to Great Britain, Ireland, and the British islands in the West Indies," differs from that for restraining the trade and commerce of Massachusetts Bay only in the following particulars, viz. 1st, The first of July is the day fixed by the Massachusetts Bay act, after which no goods enumerated in the act 12 Charles II. are to be brought into any other British colony, or into Great Britain; and no other goods of the manufacture of the colonies mentioned, are to be transported to any other place, is by this act fixed to the 20th of the said month.—2d, The period for giving bond for landing goods, laden on board any vessel, either in Great Britain, or the British West India Islands, is fixed to July 20.—3d, No goods to be shipped from the counties of Newcastle, Kent, or Sussex on Delaware, in North America, or any other place than Great Britain or Ireland, or the British islands in the West Indies, till oath or affirmation be made that the said goods are the product of one of the said counties, and a certificate granted from the Collector or other proper officer of the customs for that purpose; on failure of complying herewith ship and goods to be forfeited.—All the clauses in the Massachusetts Bay act, relating to the whale and Newfoundland fisheries, are omitted in this.
Yesterday there was a levee at St. James's, at which were present the Duke of Montague, Marquis of Rockingham, Lords Rochford, Strafford, North, Exeter, Craven, Clare, Bulkley, Scarborough and son, Stormont, Hinchinbroke, Barrington, &c. Lord North did not stay, and Lord Barrington kept the King in conference till near 4 o'clock.
The House of Commons yesterday went into a committee of the whole House on his Majesty's message concerning the palaces of Somerset House and Buckingham House, when Lord North made the following motions, to which the committee agreed, and they were afterwards reported by Sir Charles Whitworth to the House, and resolved upon nemine contradicente:
That it is the opinion of this committee, that the House in which his Majesty now resides, lately called Buckingham House, and now the Queen's House, be vested in her Majesty in case she survives the King:
That after this determination the said House be vested in his Majesty, his heirs and successors, for ever:
That the Royal Palace of Somerset House, which by an act of the second year of his present Majesty was vested in the Queen, be vested in the King, his heirs, and successors, for the purpose of building certain public offices. When the House had agreed to these resolutions, the Chairman asked leave for the committee to sit again to-morrow.
Lord North introduced these motions by an explanatory speech, in which he stated the ruinous condition of Somerset House, and of many of the public offices; likewise the inconvenient situation of others; and he informed the committee that the expence would not be very heavy to the public, while it would be a great ornament to the town, to erect the following offices upon the site of Somerset House; the navy and pay office, the victualling office, the salt, stamp, tax, and ordnance offices; and still there would be room enough left for the Royal Academy. His Lordship observed, that when the committee sat again, he should be prepared with estimates of the expences of the proposed buildings; and also with an estimate of the sum proper to be granted to his Majesty as an indemnification for the original purchase of Buckingham House; and for the monies expended since, for enlarging and embellishing it, to render a royal residence. He concluded with observing, that it had been reported abroad, that the propositions concerning Buckingham House, were only a scheme to raise money to pay the debts of the civil list; but he assured Parliament that this business was totally independent and separate from an application which would be made this session of Parliament for a supply to pay the civil list debts, or such an augmentation of the annuity (800,000l. per annum) granted to the King, as should enable his Majesty to support the honour and dignity of the British Crown, for which
purpose his present income was inadequate. He said that he should never be ashamed of bringing such a proposition before Parliament, till he was convinced that he had done wrong in advising several of the expences which occasioned the Crown to be in debt, and which he would prove to the House were services of the nature of public services, though provided for out of the King's civil list money.
April 27. It is now beyond a doubt, that the Cabinet is in great confusion, owing to some very alarming Advices from North America, and almost every member of the efficient Council differs in opinion as to the further measures to be taken with respect to the insurgents, as the Americans are now called by some noble Lords; while others style them traitors and rebels. Lord North, at all events, is for keeping the Parliament sitting during the summer, being determined always to fight his antagonists both at home and abroad on parliamentary ground.
They write from St. Maloe's, that a much greater number of vessels are fitting out in that port, and other places on the coast, for the Newfoundland fishery, than were ever remembered.
To inspire the General Officers destined for America with infernal rage, they are to be conveyed thither by the door-keeper of Hell, Cerberus. The name of the sloop is an emblem to them what they are to do when landed; that as the said dog Cerberus, according to the fiction of the poets, tore in pieces and devoured every thing which came near him, so they are to butcher and destroy the rebels of America, sparing neither man, woman, nor child.
ON Monday the 3d of July will be exposed to Sale (if fair, otherwise next fair Day) at Lamb's Creek, in King George County, a large Quantity of genteel Plate, and all Kinds of elegant Household Furniture, belonging to the Estate of Col. John Champe, deceased. Twelve Months Credit will be allowed the Purchasers, on giving Bond and approved security to (2||) WILLIAM CHAMPE, Executor. If the Bonds are not paid, to carry Interest from the Date.
ALEXANDRIA, June 12, 17750
THE Subscribers would willingly learn any Number of Boys the MILITARY MUSICK of the FIFE and DRUM; and also supply any Persons with Musick for said Instruments. Gentlemen desirous of having Pupils instructed may depend on the greatest Attention being paid to them. Our Terms are half a Guinea Entrance, and a Guinea per Month for each Instrument. THOMAS STERLING. THOMAS HOOKINS.
FOR SALE,
Under a Power of Attorney from John Boisseau to the Subscribers.
TWO valuable Tracts of LAND in Dinwiddie; one on White Oak Creek, containing 414 Acres, the Quality of which is exceeding good for Tobacco and Wheat, lies in good Order for working 4 or 5 Hands, with sufficient Houses for securing the Crop, and within 20 Miles of Petersburg. The other is within 12 Miles of Petersburg, on Gravelly Run, well calculated for Tobacco, Wheat, and Corn, containing upwards of 1000 Acres, with several valuable Plantations thereon, with fine Orchards, which may be sold altogether, or in Parcels, as may best suit the Purchasers. On this last mentioned Tract is a valuable Grist Mill just built. The White Oak Tract will be exposed to Sale at the Plantation thereon, the 4th of September next, if fair, otherwise next fair Day; and the Gravelly Run Land at the Mill aforesaid, on the 5th Day following. Part ready Money will be expected at the Day of Sale, or upon the Acknowledgment of the Land for each Tract. Payments of the Residue will be agreed upon at the Day of Sale.
WILLIAM WATKINS. JAMES BOISSEAU.
TO BE SOLD
For ready Money, at public auction, at Hanover Court House, on Thursday the 6th of July next, being Court Day.
A TRACT of LAND lying in the County of Hanover, about four Miles from Hanover Town, on the Road leading from the said Town, to Richmond Town, containing by Estimation one hundred and forty Acres, more or less, with convenient Buildings thereon, lately in the Possession of Parke Smith, and sold pursuant to a Deed of Trust from the said Smith made to the Subscriber, to satisfy a Debt due to Adams & Parke. June 6, 1775. GEORGE PARKE.
YORK County, June 16, 1775.
STRAYED from the Subscriber, two HORSES, one of which is a bright Bay, 6 Years old, about 14 Hands and a Half high, with a hanging Mane and Switch Tail, and branded on the near Buttock R S. He was purchased in Hanover, and it is supposed will endeavour to return thither. The other is a Sorrel, 5 Years old, about 4 Feet 7 Inches high, with a white hanging Mane and Switch Tail, and branded on the near Buttock thus X. Whoever will deliver the said Horses at the Rev. Mr. Camm's in Williamsburg, or to me in the lower Part of York County, shall have a Reward adequate to his trouble.
SAMUEL SHEILD.
TAKEN up by the Subscriber in Orange County a BLACK Horse about 4 Feet 4 or 5 Inches high, about 11 Years old, has some Saddle Spots, branded on both Buttocks thus D, had a bell with a leather Collar on. Posted and appraised to 6l.
THOMAS STAP.