The Virginia gazette (Williamsburg, Va.), 1775-05-19 00:00:00

VIRGINIA
GAZETTE.
ALWAYS FOR LIBERTY,
AND THE PUBLICK GOOD.
ALEXANDER PURDIE, PRINTER.
HAGUE, March 17. THE utmost expedition is made use of, both at Amsterdam and Rotterdam, to fit out the ships that are to be sent against the Barbary states by the latter end of May, or the beginning of June. They consist of eight men of war, whereof the Admiralty of the Maese is to fit out two of 20 guns each, and 150 men; that of Amsterdam, one man of war of 40 guns and 270 men, one of 36 guns and 220 men, and one of 20 guns and 150 men; West Friesland and North Holland, one man of war of 36 guns and 230 men; Zealand, one of 20 guns and 150 men; and Friesland, one of 50 guns and 300 men. The squadron, it is said, is to join a Spanish fleet of eight men of war, and the ships of the republic already at sea, in order to correct the insolence of the Moroccan corsairs.
MELILLE, Feb. 12. We thought yesterday morning that the Moors were going to make a general assault on this place, and the signals from fort Victory confirmed us in that opinion; but the orders given for the disposition of the fleet, and other manoeuvres on our side, according to all appearance, totally disconcerted their project, for their whole army immediately returned into the camp. However, before they retired, they made several general discharges, as well of their artillery as musketry, which we returned with great success. One of our zebes, in particular, greatly annoyed a platoon of Moors, in whose train were many camels. There is no doubt that we killed a considerable number of the enemy in this affair.
There are just arrived from Carthagena 15 pieces of cannon, with their carriages, and a quantity of ammunition, the greatest part of which is destined for the squadron we have here.
MALAGA, Feb. 19. The Moors have laid siege to Penon de Velez. They opened their trenches on the 12th of this month, and from that time to the 17th threw into the place 131 bombs; which had killed one galley slave, and wounded two others.
Porto Ferrajo, Feb. 5. The following accident happened in one of the churches of this place last Tuesday. The roofs of two vaults before an altar fell in while divine service was performing there, and in falling brought down another altar not far off. The church being full of people, numbers fell into the vaults. Notwithstanding the confusion such an accident must necessarily occasion, all possible efforts were immediately made use of to release those unfortunate persons who were in a manner buried in ruins. Many of the stones were so large that engines were necessary to lift them, and others were obliged to be broken before they could be taken away. They were, however, at last all happily released, and none have lost their lives; but three women, and a child which was in its mother's arms, who, having their legs and thighs broke, their recovery is despaired of. This accident proves how very wrong it is to bury in churches.
Moscow, Feb. 9. The whole Russian army (except the garrisons of Bender and Choczim) has evacuated the Turkish do-
minions, and is actually in Poland, and this court expects to hear, by the first courier, of the exchange of the ratifications, and the delivery up of Kinburn, in consequence of which their troops will quit the two above-mentioned places. It is imagined that Marshal Romanzow will arrive here about the latter end of March.
LONDON, March 18. THERE are now in the new jail, in the borough, above 90 felons, all of whom are to take their trials at the ensuing assizes at Kingston.
The princess Carolina Augusta Maria, youngest daughter of the Duke of Gloucester, died under the inoculation for the smallpox. The eldest princess, who was inoculated at the same time, is likely to do well.
Thursday evening Major Maguire was attacked on Finchley common by a single highwayman, who demanded his money; which the Major refused, and the servant immediately rode up and secured the highwayman.
Thursday, as soon as the private business of the House of Lords was finished, Lord Dartmouth rose, and moved that the bill for restraining the commerce of the four New England provinces, and for prohibiting their fishing on the banks of Newfoundland, under certain conditions and limitations, be committed.
This produced a very long and interesting debate, which continued till 9 o'clock; when the question being put on the commitment, the numbers were declared by the Lord Keeper: Contents present 86, proxies 18; in all, 104. Non-contents present 24, proxies 5; in all, 29. The principal speakers in favour of the bill were, the Duke of Grafton, and the Lords Carlisle, Dudley, Sandwich, Dartmouth, Suffolk, and Pomfret; against it, the Duke of Manchester, and the Lords Rockingham, Camden, Shelburne, Radnor, and Abingdon.
Thursday the Speaker of the House of Commons took the chair at half after 2 o'clock. As soon as the current business of the day was finished, the House went into a committee on the petitions of the merchants, &c. concerned in the American commerce. Mr. Glover appeared as agent for the petitioners, and, after examining five witnesses to the general state of the trade from the city of London, summed up the evidence, and in a speech, which took up an hour and three quarters, pointed out clearly, and very pathetically lamented, the many very alarming, dangerous, fatal, and mischievous consequences which must inevitably ensue, should Great Britain persevere in prosecuting coercive measures against America. He was heard with remarkable attention.
Lord North moved, that the bill for restraining the commerce of the southern provinces of North America, which stood for Thursday, might be put off till next day, which was agreed to.
Yesterday, in the House of Commons, the bill for restraining the trade of Virginia, and the southern provinces of North America, was read a second time. Mr. Alderman Sawbridge said, that he approved of
this bill on one account; and one only, which was, that it was consistent; that it took away the charge of partiality from the ministers of this country, since they were now laying an equal measure of punishment upon all parts of their continental empire. He observed, however, that they were completely tying the hands of union and good fellowship between all the provinces, and uniting them in a common and most essential cause. He was seconded by Mr. Temple Luttrell, who condemned, in violent terms, the principle on which this bill was framed; said he had rather give a vote that it should, together with its worthy companion (the silvery bill) be burnt by the common hangman; he insisted, that it was in its tendency more dangerous than either Crisis , which he considered as obscure publications, that had attracted too publick and too solemn a mark of indignation. This bill he treated as high treason against the community at large, throughout the better part of the British monarchy, and lamented that it must eventually create all the calamities of a civil war. Neither side were inclined to agitate the question at large, so the minister put it to the vote; and the bill was committed for Monday next, without a division.
His Majesty, we hear, has given leave for the Royal vault to be opened in Westminster Abbey, for the interment of the Princess Carolina Augusta Maria, youngest daughter to the Duke of Gloucester.
There are now policies doing at Lloyd's coffee-house for very large sums, upon goods shipped in the Charming Nancy, Capt. Deverton, one of the transports for America.
March 22. A letter from Ireland mentions, that orders are arrived to stop the embarkation of Preston's dragoons for America; but the regiments of foot are preparing to embark.
Extract of a letter from Gosport, March 20.
"Since my last, all the transports have failed from Spithead for Bolton; but they are to stop at Ireland, and there to wait for fresh orders from England."
Extract of a letter from Hamburg, March 12.
"Since yesterday a universal report is current here, and which is confirmed by several publick papers of the empire, that a most outrageous insurrection happened at Constantinople on the 13th ult. The Greeks of that place became the first sacrifice to the enraged people, and some thousands of them lost their lives; the beautiful Grecian church has been entirely torn down. The working people of that edifice were barbarously killed, and cut to pieces; after which the mob insulted the Danish hotel, at which Col. Peterson, the Russian charge d'affaires, resided, killed his guards, and he himself had a very narrow escape, being obliged to retire on board a man of war. The mob next broke into the hotels of the Imperial internuncio, and the grand Bailiff of Venice, both of whom, with great difficulty, saved their lives. The janisaries, instead of acting against the mob, joined them. They were soon joined by the chiefs of the law, who surrounded the seraglio, and sent a

messenger to the Grand Sultan, with the important question, "whether he chose to be dethroned, or immediately declare the renunciation of the war with Russia;" to answer which they gave him three days, keeping the seraglio blocked up in the meantime. This important piece of intelligence (adds our correspondent) certainly requires farther confirmation, although letters from Italy also seem to give it out for authentick; and a letter from Venice mentions, that a courier arrived there from their bailiff at Constantinople with the same news. A letter from Leghorn also mentions, that, in consequence of that intelligence, Count Orlow, with all the Russian officers there, immediately went on board the Russian men of war, and sailed for the Archipelago.
"Letters from Vienna give the most melancholy accounts of the overflowing of the Danube. The water was so high, in the places situated on the banks of that river, that besides the people drowned near 2000 died of famine; as all the bakers ovens, mills, and flower, have been totally ruined, no bread could be baked for a fortnight.
"The overflowing of the Vistula has likewise proved very fatal, and particularly at Dantzick, where, on the night between the 24th and 25th ult. all the warehouses were under water, and about a million of dollars were lost in the article of pearl ashes, salt, and tobacco alone, besides other commodities, which have been greatly damaged; so that, it is greatly feared, this unhappy accident will be followed by great bankruptcies."
The Penn, Harvey, from Maryland, and the Polly, Thompson, from New York, two missing ships, are safe arrived at Lisbon, after being out in very bad weather.
We are informed that a treaty of marriage is on foot between Lord Stormont and Lady Harriet Stanhope, eldest daughter of the Earl of Harrington.
Thursday afternoon, about 3 o'clock, a fellow went to the Duke of Northumberland's, and inquired for one of the servants. Being directed where to find him, he went up stairs, and seeing one of the apartments open, he went in, and packed up some valuable things, to a very considerable amount, with which he was returning down stairs; but a maid servant meeting him, and suspecting something amiss, alarmed the other servants, and he was seized and carried before justice Fielding, who committed him to prison for farther examination. Had he happened to have gone into the clerk's apartment, which was not far off, he would have found his Grace's insignia as Knight of the Garter lying on a table.
Yesterday, as a Lady was going to see the young Princess lie in state, she lost her gold watch and purse, which contained twelve guineas and a five guinea piece.
Yesterday Lord Rowden, who arrived from Ireland a few days since, was presented to his Majesty at St. James's, being introduced by Lord Barrington, and kissed his Majesty's hand on his promotion in the Guards, and in a few days will set out to join his regiment at Boston.
Monday night a fishwoman of Earl Street, Southwark, having some words with her husband, struck him such a violent blow on the temple, with a quart pot, that he expired immediately. He has left five children behind him.
Yesterday morning an old Gentleman on the Charter-House foundation was found burnt to death. He is supposed to have fallen into a fit over night; his chin rested on the upper bar of the stove, and all the flesh was entirely burnt off his head. He appeared a most shocking spectacle.
Yesterday morning a foreigner of genteel appearance called a boat at Irongate, Tower Hill, to go to Greenwich; a little below Rotherhithe he suddenly jumped up, threw himself overboard, and sunk immediately. It is supposed that he had provided a sufficient weight in his pockets to sink him, as he went down so soon. He paid the waterman his fare as soon as he got
into the boat, saying he should go out of it in a hurry.
March 23. Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester will set out next week for the German Spa, accompanied by her Grace the Duchess of Northumberland.
Tuesday the House of Lords met at half past 2 o'clock, and having finished some private business, a motion was made for the order of the day for the third reading of the bill to restrain the trade and commerce of the four New England provinces to Great Britain and Ireland, and the British islands in the West Indies, and to prevent said provinces from fishing on the banks of Newfoundland, under certain conditions and limitations; when Lord Dartmouth rose, and moved that the said bill be read a third time. The Lord Chancellor was proceeding to put the question, when Lord Buckingham proposed, that all the prohibitory clauses should be extended to New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and South Carolina. This produced a debate, which continued till 5 o'clock; when the question being put, whether the names of said provinces should remain as part of the bill excepted out of clauses respecting Massachusetts Bay, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, there appeared, non-contents 52, contents 21.
The bill, when all the amendments were made pursuant to the above motion, was read a third time, when the House again divided, and there appeared, contents 53, non-contents 24.
The speakers for the amendment were, Lords Buckingham, Dartmouth, Abercorn, Mansfield, and the Lord Chancellor; against it, the Duke of Manchester, and Lord Effingham.
Their Lordships then ordered, that the Commons should be acquainted that they had agreed to the bill, with several amendments.
Previous to the third reading of the above bill, a short conversation took place between the Lords Lyttleton, Suffolk, Pomfret, and Denbigh; Lord Lyttleton having desired to know whether the House meant to adopt the plan of the conciliatory motion of the 20th of February, carried in the other House.
Yesterday the House of Commons was almost full before the Speaker took the chair, in expectation of hearing Mr. Burke's conciliatory plan. When the business in course was finished, that Gentleman rose, and in a speech, which took up two hours and three quarters, explained the propositions at large which he intended to submit to the House. Those consisted of nine resolutions, all tending to recur to our former policy in regard to that country previous to the passing of the stamp act. The first resolution was to the following purport: "Resolved, that it is the opinion of this House, that the British colonies and provinces, consisting of 14 different governments, containing three millions of people, are not represented in the British Parliament." The several propositions were, as was allowed, framed with great parliamentary skill; the speech was heard with great attention, and confessed, on all hands, to be a fine piece of oratory.
He was seconded by Lord John Cavendish, and replied to by Mr. Jenkinson, who called for the order of the day, to get rid of the motion, by way of a previous question.
This produced a well supported debate, which continued till near 12 o'clock, when the House divided; and the numbers were, 270 against the motion, and 78 in favour of it.
Mr. P----s gave notice yesterday, that he would, in a few days, make a motion, to set on foot an inquiry into the present state of the several great official departments.
Yesterday a protest, signed by fifteen Lords, was entered in the House of Peers against the passing of the bill for restraining
the trade and fishery of the Massachusetts Bay.
In the House of Lords yesterday, a flaw was discovered in the famous American fishery bill. It seems the title, as it was sent from the Commons, by no means corresponds with the body of the bill, as it now stands amended by the Lords. It therefore goes back to the Commons to be rectified, and that the Lower House may agree to the amendments. This will open a new field for debate, and retard its passing into a law so soon as was expected, for it cannot be ready for the Royal assent with the other bills to be signed to-morrow.
On Monday was tried, at the bar of the Lower Assembly, the merits of the two Nottingham petitions. The first petition had set forth the great decay of trade, the distress of the manufacturers, and the impending ruin of that town, owing to the stagnation of American commerce. This occasioned a counter petition, expressing great surprise at such representations, declaring they were contrary to truth and fact, no such distress or ruin having, or could probably take effect, from the cause assigned. This produced a third petition from a private committee, in confirmation of the first, and praying to be heard at the bar of the House. All these evidences were accordingly heard, with the utmost candour; after which two principal manufacturers were called to the bar, in support of the counter petition, whose answers so satisfied the House, that, though several other Gentlemen attended on the same side, the House did not call them, but about 1 o'clock put the question, and decided that the petitioners had not proved their allegations.
On Mr. Burke's cross examination of a witness on the above affair, it appeared that he was not concerned himself in the American trade, and that he knew little of it; but that a second witness being called in, who was equally strong against the allegations of the first petition, and in favour of those contained in the counter petition, on examination, he appeared at one time to have been concerned in the American trade, but was not at present. He was cross examined by Mr. Burke, and asked, how he could know, being now unconnected with that business, that the non-importation agreement would not affect the trade? He replied, because he had been in several warehouses, where he saw great quantities of goods made up to be sent to Holland. Being asked if that was usual, he replied he had never remembered it before; and that he supposed they were intended for the American market, to be smuggled by the way of Holland. A member observed, at the conclusion, that he was glad to find the manufacturers of Nottingham were not likely to be starved for want of employment, as they had happily got one of the best marts in Europe for their goods. Mr. Burke replied, that if the Gentleman who spoke last reflected properly, he did not think he had any great reason to exult in measures which threw the business, formerly transacted by our own merchants, into the hands of the Dutch, and at the same time enriched his professed foes, the smugglers, on the other side of the Atlantic, at the expense and ruin of his seemingly professed friends, the fair traders, and to the total ruin besides of the revenue.
Yesterday, at a general meeting of the merchants, traders, and others, of the city of London, concerned in the commerce of North America, at the King's Arms tavern, Cornhill, the chairman acquainted the meeting, that the bill for restraining the New England fishery, &c. having passed both Houses of Parliament, the committee, according to their direction, had prepared a draught of a petition to his Majesty, for their approbation; which being twice read, and unanimously approved of, a motion was made that two of the committee do immediately wait upon the secretary of state with a copy of the petition, and desire to know when his Majesty will be pleased to receive it. This was

agreed to; and Mr. Molleson and Mr. Bridgen being appointed for that purpose, withdrew accordingly. After this a debate arose about the mode of presenting the petition, and concluded with a resolution, that the petition be presented to the King by the committee, in the most respectful manner.
The Duke of Orleans was free enough to tell the King of France, on giving Prince Stuart leave to visit Paris, that it was inconsistent with his friendly professions with Great Britain, and would probably tend to the annihilation of the good understanding that subsisted between the two crowns.
The crowd in the pit of Covent Garden theatre was so great, on Tuesday evening, that the partition which surrounded the orchestra was forced in, and part of the band were obliged to quit their accustomed situation, which was occupied by the audience.
About 8 o'clock last night a man went to the door of Mr. Wade, harpsichord maker, near Lambeth, and delivered a letter, which the maid carried in to her master, and in the meanwhile four villains rushed into the house, two of whom stood as guard over Mr. Wade and his wife, while the others rifled the house of whatever they could carry off.
March 24. Yesterday, at one o'clock, Mr. Lane, Mr. Molleson, and Mr. Bridgen, from the committee of North American merchants, waited on his Majesty at St. James's, and presented the petition of the merchants of the city of London trading to North America, which his Majesty received very graciously.
They write from Petersburg, that the ecclesiasticks of the Russian dominions have presented the Czarina with a free gift of three millions of roubles, amounting to about 700,000 l. sterling, in order for her to distribute it among the officers of the army and navy who have distinguished themselves in the late war with the Turks.
Extract of a letter from Newcastle, March 20.
"Yesterday and this day the sailors, belonging to the ships now lying at Shields and Sunderland, began in a very riotous manner to stop all the ships that were bound for London with coals, by going on board and unbending their sails, and abusing the captains and sailors that were willing to proceed upon their voyage. Some ships in the confusion made the best of their way over the bar, having little wind, but were soon followed by a great number of boats, well manned, which overtook and boarded them, then forcibly brought them back to Shields, against an ebb tide and wind, though with much difficulty, and great hazard; they then unrigged and moored them, after which they unbent their sails, and, collecting a great quantity of lighters or keels, made a boom of them quite across the river, so that no craft can pass up or down without their permission, by which means supplying you with coals is now impracticable. Our magistrates, foreseeing this storm, have procured five companies of the 31st regiment, from Tynemouth and Morpeth, and this day three troops of the Scots Gray dragoons arrived here from York, by whose assistance it is to be hoped all farther mischief will be prevented."
"The mob has stopped the working of all the colliers below bridge, and are determined to do the same with all the colliers upon the two rivers Tyne and Wear. I am informed that the Admiralty have ordered a 20 gun ship to be stationed here."
On Thursday a very extraordinary affair happened at a certain hospital; two women, the one of whom had the appearance of a nurse, the other of a maid-servant, applied to the committee to let them have a male child, the youngest in the hospital, for their Lady, who wanted to adopt one for her own. On the committee's close examining the women, they confessed that the Lady's husband was gone abroad, and as she told him before he went she believed she was pregnant, therefore it was necessary on his return to show him a child;
they acknowledged the Lady came from the Isle of Wight, to London, to lie in. It is probable the intended adoption of this child was to deprive some heir at law of an estate, or some other unlawful purpose.
Yesterday morning a young Gentleman of fortune, lately come from the West Indies, was found at his lodgings near Broadway, Westminster, with his brains blown out. A pistol lay in the middle of the room. He had lately been defrauded of a large sum of money by a set of sharps, which it is supposed induced him to commit this rash action.
An officer belonging to the garrison at Gibraltar writes to his friend in this city, that a Spanish man of war of 50 guns, which was on fire, attempted to put in there; but before she cast anchor the flames reached the magazine, when the ship blew up, and all on board perished. Thirteen men, who were in the ship's long-boat, were fortunately saved.
A letter from Deal, dated the 12th instant, says, that there are now 18 sail of transports in the Downs, which were to carry troops to America; but that every day orders and counter orders are arriving, which makes people doubtful there whether they will yet sail to America.
When Lord Sandwich was last at Portsmouth, he gave orders for finishing the ships on the stocks with all expedition, and for laying the keels of four more of 74 guns, when those now on the stocks are launched. A large quantity of timber is seasoning for the purpose.
It is said that General Abercromby will be appointed Adjutant-General to the forces in North America.
March 25. It is said, that on Thursday orders were sent to Spithead that the men of war which were going for America do immediately sail for Ireland, that they may be ready to take the transports with the troops under their convoy.
Yesterday the House of Lords were summoned to attend his Majesty, to be present at giving the royal assent to such bills as were ready. His Majesty came accordingly to the House about 2 o'clock, and gave the royal assent to
The bill for punishing mutiny and desertion, and for the better payment of the army and their quarters.
The bill for defraying the charge of the pay and clothing of the militia.
The bill to continue an act for allowing the free importation of Irish salted provisions, &c.
And also several road, enclosure, and private bills.
Yesterday the House of Commons agreed to one of the amendments made by the Lords to the Massachusetts fishery bill, on a division, 80 against 12; four were rejected.
A committee was appointed to prepare reasons to be offered to the Lords, at a conference, for disagreeing thereto.
Lord North reported from the committee the reasons, which were read and agreed to, and the conference ordered for Monday.
The Lord Mayor, in the House of Commons, on Wednesday, observed, that as the House was then fuller than it probably would be on any future day during the present session, he took that opportunity of declaring, that he intended, in the beginning of the next session of Parliament, to move the House for leave to bring in "a bill for a fair and equal representation of the people;" and that he gave that early notice, that Gentlemen, during the summer recess, might turn their minds to so important a subject, and come there prepared.
WILLIAMSBURG, May 19.
ON Monday last Capt. Montague's detachment of marines (nicknamed boiled crabs) took their departure from this city, and are returned on board the Fowey, ---- to get fat.
The same day a Council was held at the Capitol, after the breaking up of which the following address was made publick:
To all the good people of VIRGINIA. W E his Majesty's faithful subjects, the Council of this colony, deeply impressed with the most sincere regard for the prosperity of our country, and the welfare of all its inhabitants, and being desirous, by our example, and by every means in our power, to preserve the peace and good order of the community, can no longer forbear to express our abhorrence and detestation of that licentious and ungovernable spirit that is gone forth, and misleads the once happy people of this country.
The Council recommend it to all orders of men to consider seriously what will be the probable consequence of such a conduct as hath been lately pursued, and whether a redress of the grievances complained of will not be more likely to be obtained by gentle, mild, and constitutional methods, than by such intemperate behaviour, which must tend to exasperate and inflame, rather than to reconcile, the differences that now unhappily subsist.
The Council will, upon this occasion, that all odious distinctions may be laid aside, and that they may be considered not as a separate body of men, and having a distinct interest from the rest of their countrymen and fellow subjects, but, in the light in which they have always regarded themselves, as the watchful guardians of the rights of the people, as well as of the prerogative of the crown. They are most of them natives of this country, they have families, they have property, and they trust they have integrity too; which are the best securities men can give, to any society, for the faithful discharge of their duty.
Let, then, their exhortations have proper weight and influence among the people; and they plight their faith that they will join heartily with them in the use of such means as shall be judged most salutary and conducive for enforcing obedience to the laws and supporting the constitution of their country, under which it has flourished from its infancy, and for obtaining a happy and speedy conclusion to all our troubles.
As his Excellency the Governor hath issued his proclamation for the speedy meeting of the General Assembly, the Council are happy in finding an opportunity will be given the people of representing their grievances in the manner prescribed by the constitution.
Signed by order of the members of the Council.
JOHN BLAIR, c. c.
A T a meeting of the freeholders of the county of Gloucester, at the courthouse, on Friday the 5th of May, 1775, THOMAS WHITING and LEWIS BURWELL, Esqrs. were unanimously chosen their Delegates, to represent them in Convention, for one year from the date hereof.
JASPER CLAYTON, clerk.
ADVERTISEMENTS.
T HE freeholders of those counties and corporations, who may not yet have chosen deputies to represent them in a General Convention, are desired to do it without loss of time; as it is judged necessary, by some respectable Gentlemen, that all the deputies should be prepared to meet on the shortest notice. It is the wish and desire of the worthy Delegates from this colony, who are now attending the General Congress, that others may be chosen to supply their places, during their necessary absence.
STRAYED or STOLEN , from the subscriber in Prince George county, a dark iron gray HORSE about five feet high, five years old, has a hump on one of his fore legs (just below the knee) that is very perceivable, a long tail with the end white, one of his hind feet white, and one side of his rump grayer than the other. Likewise a dark chestnut sorrel, HORSE about four feet six or seven inches high, with a small star in his forehead, a hanging mane, and switch tail. Whoever brings the said horses to me, in Prince George county, shall have 40s. reward; and if stolen, on conviction of the thief, 5l. ROBERT BOLLING.

Buckingham county, April 25, 1775.
ALL persons indebted to the store kept in this county, by the subscriber, on account of George Murdoch & co. merchants in Glasgow, are desired to pay their respective balances to Donald M c Nicoll, he being now appointed to receive, and duly authorised to discharge, them.
GEORGE MURDOCH.
HALIFAX, April 27, 1775.
I INTEND to leave the colony with all convenient speed.
GEORGE YUILLE.
R UN away the 20th of March last, a very black, large, likely, young negro man, named SELLOR. I bought him of the Reverend John Brander in Bedford, who bought him of one Ranfone in Gloucester county, on North river, Kingston parish, where I am sure the slave is. Whoever will bring him to me, in James City county, shall receive 3l. and all expenses.
(6) JOHN AYLETT.
PRINCE WILLIAM, April 12, 1775.
AS the time approaches when the lands, patented under the proclamation of Governor Dinwiddie, must be improved or forfeited, I request the favour of the proprietors of the tract lying upon Pokotello creek, and the Kanawha river, themselves, or by their agents, to meet upon the premises, to divide, on Monday the 12th of next June. The necessity of this measure is obvious; but lest it may appear extraordinary, to any of the proprietors, that a single person should undertake to appoint the time, I must inform them that I have heretofore written, to each separately, to the above purport. Should the proprietors fail to attend at the time, or to send some one to act for them, I hope they will think it reasonable I should take possession of the quantity I am entitled to, by purchase, under Major Bullitt and Lieutenant Woelper, and proceed to improve it accordingly.
CUTHBERT BULLITT.
BLANDFORD, May 1, 1775.
AS I intend for Britain early in the summer, those who have any demands against me will be kind enough to bring them in, and they shall be immediately discharged. Mr. Thomas Gordon, of Prince George, will be properly empowered to receive, and grant discharges for, the debts still due to Gordon and Ramsay.
PATKICK RAMSAY.
BLANDFORD, May 1, 1775.
THOSE indebted to Ramsay, Monteith, and Co. are desired to take notice, that their business at this place, formerly under Mr. Patrick Ramsay's, and latterly under my direction, is now managed by Mr. William Bogle, who is fully empowered to transact the same, and to whom they are desired to make payment. When the times admit, it will be carried on as usual.
WILLIAM ROBERTSON.
I INTEND for England immediately after the October meeting of the merchants, in the Neptune, Jonathan Punder-son commander. All persons who have any demands against the subscriber are requested, for the last time; to bring in their respective accounts, that they may receive payment; and those indebted are desired to come and settle, that his affairs may be adjusted before his departure.
WILLIAM DAWSON.
T AKEN up, in James City, a gray HORSE about eight years old, four feet eight inches high, and has on the near shoulder something resembling a W. Posted, and appraised to 10l.
OWEN MATTHEWS.
To be SOLD at Hanover town, the 25th instant (May) at the shop of the deceased Dr. John Walker,
A COMPLETE set of shop utensils, surgeons and midwifery instruments, together with the medicines and books of the said deceased. The terms of credit will be made known at the sale, by
(2) THOMAS SIMPSON, Adm.
F O R C H A R T E R
To any part of BRITAIN, An exceeding good vessel, burthen about 500 hlids. For terms apply to
GREENWOOD, RITSON, & MARSH.
NORFOLK, May 3, 1775. (tf.)
F O R S A L E
THE BRICK HOUSE and its appurtenances, near the Capitol in Williamsburg, belonging to the daughters of the late John Palmer. For terms apply to me, in Charles City. (4) JOHN TYLER. Indian Fields, April 11, 1775.
T AKEN up, in Brunswick, a dark bay HORSE about four feet four inches and three quarters high, about eight years old, somewhat crest-fallen, has many saddle spots, and some white on each hind foot, but no brand perceivable. Posted, and appraised to 8l. WILLIAM ATKESON.
VIRGINIA, to wit.
At a general court held at the Capitol, the 13th day of April, 1775.
Joseph Wharton, of the city of Philadelphia, merchant, plaintiff, against Richard Ford, and Co. of the city of London, merchants, George Moore, and Co. of Alicante, merchants, Peter Trotter, and Co. merchants, John Marsh, Esq; and John Syme, Esq; defendants,
THE defendants, Richard Ford and Co. George Moore and Co. Peter Trotter and Co. and John Marsh, being beyond sea, on the motion of the plaintiff, by his counsel, it is ordered that the other defendant, who hath effects of the said Richard Ford and Co. George Moore and Co. Peter Trotter and Co. and John Marsh, in his hands, as is suggested, do not pay, convey away, or secrete such effects, until the farther order or decree of this court; that the said defendants, Richard Ford and Co. George Moore and Co. Peter Trotter and Co. and John Marsh, do appear here on the first day of the next court, to answer the plaintiff's bill; and that a copy of this order be within 15 days inserted in the Virginia Gazette, for two months successively, I published on some Lord's day, immediately after divine service, in the church of the parish of St. Paul, in the county of Hanover, and be also posted up at the front door of the Capitol, in the city of Williamsburg.
BEN: WALLER.
Williamsburg, April 25, 1775.
S OME time in February last, I gave my bond, in a very imprudent and rash manner, to Mr. John Holt, merchant in this city, for the sum of 105l. payable the 25th of October, together with a bill of sale for the three following negroes, to wit, Little Lucy, Daniel, and Grace; and whereas I find that I have been greatly imposed upon, and cheated, by the said Holt, in the goods that I purchased of him, they being sold at a very high advance: This is to forewarn all persons from taking an assignment of the said bond, or purchasing any of the above mentioned slaves; as I am determined not to pay the same, unless compelled so to do by a regular and due course of law.
5|| WILLIAM DAWSON.
F O R S A L E
A TRACT of LAND, containing 3000 acres, whereon is a plantation which has employed, for some years past, twelve or fourteen slaves; this tract lies in the upper end of King William county. Also a tract lying in the lower end of the said county, containing 1100 acres, and pleasantly situated on Pamunkey river; a brick dwelling-house, with necessary offices, a fishing shore, and a lively fertility of soil, recommend the latter tract to any Gentleman who may be about to settle in life. Possession will be delivered on the 25th of December next, to the purchaser, or purchasers, who will have liberty of sowing fall grain. Mr. Benjamin Grymes, jun. of Orange, will make known particulars to any person who may be inclined to purchase the whole, or any part of the said tracts. Credit till the first of January 1777 will be allowed, by
JUDITH ROBINSON.
(tf.) LUCY ROBINSON.
BENJAMIN GRYMES, jun.
R UN away from the subscriber, at West Point, in King William county, the 21st of last December, a very likely Virginia born negro man, named MIKE, about 22 years old, six feet high, and stutters much; had on, when he went away, a suit of negro cotton, but may probably change his clothes. I forewarn all masters of vessels from carrying him out of the colony. Whoever brings the said negro to me shall have 3l. reward, besides what the law allows, and if taken out of the colony 10l. (tf.) JOHN WEST.
T AKEN up, in Buckingham, a sorrel HORSE with a flaxen mane, a large blaze in his face, a white stroke down each shoulder, the effects of a fistula, good all round, appears to have been worked in a waggon, about eight years old, four feet seven inches high, and branded on the buttocks, but it cannot be made out, a white spot between his breast and near shoulder, where there appears a collection of other white spots in the form of an M. Posted, and appraised to 10l. || BRYAN DOLAN.
For SALE at Tappahannock, A n exceeding likely young negro man, who is a very good house servant, understands taking care of horses, and is a tolerable good cook. If the purchaser is not perfectly satisfied with him after a month's trial, he may return him if in health.
(tf.) ARCHIBALD M c CALL.
To be SOLD in Amherst county, FOUR THOUSAND acres of exceeding good tobacco LAND, being part of a large tract formerly advertised, together with a very valuable gristmill, upon Buffalo river. This land is equal to any that has yet been sold of the tract. The time of payment will be made agreeable to purchasers. Mr. Gabriel Penn, who lives near the land, is authorised to bargain for it, and will show it to any persons inclined to purchase.
(tf.) CARTER BRAXTON.
For S A L E
A TRACT of LAND in Caroline county, near Newmarket, containing about 3000 acres of well timbered land, having thereon two plantations, in good repair, with proper and convenient edifices for farming, or making tobacco. For terms apply to the subscriber.
(tf) JOHN BAYLOR.
For S A L E
A TRACT of LAND in Caroline county, contiguous to Mattapony, 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 in King William, Mr. John Armistead in Caroline, or Mr. John Baylor, Executors. (tf)

Extract of a letter from Glasgow, March 27.  ENCLOSED you have a copy of the bill to restrain the trade of Virginia, &c. which has been twice read in the House of Commons, and will certainly pass into a law."
WHEREAS by an act made in the 12th year of the reign of King Charles II. entitled "An act for the encouraging and increasing of shipping and navigation," and by several subsequent acts of Parliament, which are now in force, it is, amongst other things, enacted, that for every ship or vessel which shall load any commodities, in those acts particularly enumerated, at any British plantation, being the growth, produce, or manufacture thereof, bond shall be given, with one surety, to the value of 1000l. if the ship be of less burthen than 100 tons, and of the sum of 2000l. if the ship be of greater burthen, that the same commodities shall be brought, by such ship or vessel, to some other British plantation, or to some port in Great Britain.
And whereas, by several other acts of Parliament, which are now in force, no commodities of the growth, produce, or manufacture of Europe (except salt for the fisheries, wines of the Madeiras, and Azores and Western Islands, and victual and linen cloth from Ireland, under the restrictions in such acts particularly mentioned) can be imported into any plantation, colony, territory, or place belonging to his Majesty, in Asia, Africa, or America, but what shall be bona fide , and without fraud, laden and shipped in Great Britain, and carried directly from thence.
And whereas, during the continuance of the combinations and disorders which at this time prevail within the colonies of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and South Carolina, to the obstruction of the commerce of these kingdoms, and other his Majesty's dominions, and in breach and violation of the laws of this realm, it is highly unfit that the inhabitants of the said colonies should enjoy the same privileges of trade, and the same benefits and advantages to which his Majesty's faithful and obedient subjects are entitled.
Be it therefore enacted, by the King's most excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, that from and after the first day of July, 1775, and during the continuance of this act, no goods, wares, or merchandise, which are particularly enumerated in and by the said act made in the 12th year of King Charles II. or any other act, being the growth, produce, or manufacture, of the colonies of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and South Carolina, in North America, or any or either of them, are to be brought to any other British colony, or to Great Britain, or any such enumerated goods, wares, or merchandise, which shall at any time, or times, have been imported or brought into the said colonies, or any or either of them, shall be shipped, carried, conveyed, or transported, from any of the said colonies respectively, to any land, island, territory, dominion, port, or place whatsoever, other than to Great Britain, or some of the British islands in the West Indies, to be laid on shore there; and that no other goods, wares, or merchandise whatsoever, of the growth, produce, or manufacture, of the colonies herein before mentioned, or which shall at any time, or times, have been imported or brought
into the same, shall, from and after the said first day of July, and during the continuance of this act, be shipped, carried, conveyed, or transported, from any of the said colonies respectively, to any other land, island, territory, dominion, port, or place whatsoever, except to the kingdoms of Great Britain or Ireland, or to some of the British islands in the West Indies, to be laid on shore there; any law, custom, or usage, to the contrary, notwithstanding.
And be it farther enacted, by the authority aforesaid, that from and after the said first day of July, before any ship or vessel shall have or take on board any goods as aforesaid, in any or either of the colonies before mentioned, sufficient bond, with one surety, besides the master of such ship or vessel, shall be given to the collector, or other principal officer of the customs at the port or place where such goods are intended to be laden or taken on board, in the penalty of 1000l. if the ship be of less burthen than 100 tons, and of the sum of 2000l. if the ship shall be of that or any greater burthen, with condition that such enumerated goods shall not be landed or put on shore at or upon any other land, island, territory, dominion, port, or place whatsoever, except some port or place within the kingdom of Great Britain, or some of the British plantations in the West Indies; and that all other goods, wares, or merchandises, so intended to be laden as aforesaid, shall not be landed or put on shore at or upon any land, island, territory, dominion, port, or place whatsoever, other than and except some port or place within the kingdoms of Great Britain or Ireland, or some of the British islands of the West Indies; and with farther condition, to bring a certificate, in discharge thereof, within 18 months from the date of such bond, for such of the said goods as shall be entered for or landed in Great Britain or Ireland respectively, and within six months for such of the said goods as shall be entered for or landed in any of the British islands in the West Indies; which respective certificates shall be under the hands and seals of office of the collector and comptroller, or other principal officer of the customs resident at the port or place where such goods shall be landed, testifying the landing thereof; or such bond, or bonds, shall and may be discharged, by proof, upon oath made by credible persons, that the said goods were taken by enemies, or perished in the seas.
And it is hereby farther enacted, by the authority aforesaid, that where any such bond, or bonds, shall be given as aforesaid, in pursuance of this act, the collector, or other principal officer of the customs to whom such bond, or bonds, shall have been given, shall deliver, under the hand and seal of office, without fee or reward, to the master of the ship or vessel taking in such goods, for the security of her navigation, a certificate that such bond, or bonds, hath or have been given, expressing therein the quantity and species of the goods, with the marks and numbers of the packages, and the port or place for which they were entered; and if any such goods shall be laden on board any such ship or vessel, in any of the colonies in the act before mentioned, before such bond, or bonds, shall be given, or shall be found on board any ship or vessel, without the certificate herein before directed, that such bond, or bonds, hath or have been given, the goods so laden, together with the ship or vessel, with her guns, ammunition, tackle, apparel, and furniture,
shall be forfeited. And if any goods so laden as aforesaid shall be landed or discharged at any port or place contrary to the intent and meaning of this act, over and above the penalty of the bond, or bonds, the shipper and owner of such goods, and the master or person taking charge of the vessel on board which they were laden, shall respectively forfeit the full value of the goods so landed or discharged, to be estimated according to the highest price or value which sort of goods bear in the colony where, and at the time when, they were shipped and laden; which ship and goods may be seized and prosecuted, or the value of such goods prosecuted for, by any admiral, chief commander, or commissioned officer of his Majesty's fleet or ships of war, or by any officer of his Majesty's customs, in the manner herein after directed.
And it is hereby farther enacted, by the authority aforesaid, that from and after the first day of September 1775, and during the continuance of this act, no sort of wines, salt, or any goods or commodities whatsoever (except horses, victual, and linen cloth, the produce and manufacture of Ireland, imported directly from thence) shall be imported into any of the said colonies herein before respectively mentioned, upon any pretence whatsoever, unless such goods shall be, bona fide , and without fraud, laden and shipped in Great Britain, and carried directly from thence, upon forfeiture thereof, and of the ship or vessel on board which such goods shall be laden; and it shall be lawful for any admiral, chief commander, or commissioned officer of his Majesty's fleet or ships of war, or any officer of his Majesty's customs, to seize any ship or vessel arriving at any of the said colonies before mentioned, or which shall be discovered within two leagues of any shore thereof, having such goods on board, and goods laden thereon (except as before excepted) for which the master, or other person taking charge of such ship or vessel, shall not produce a cocket or clearance, from the collector or proper officer of his Majesty's customs, certifying that the said goods were laden on board the said ship or vessel in some port of Great Britain; any law, custom, or usage, to the contrary, notwithstanding.
Provided always, and it is hereby enacted, by the authority aforesaid, that this act, or any thing therein contained, shall not extend, or be construed to extend, to prohibit the exportation or carrying out from any of the colonies before mentioned, or the importation into the same, of any goods or commodities whatsoever, for the victualling or providing any of his Majesty's ships of war, or other ships or vessels in his Majesty's service, or for his Majesty's forces, forts, or garrisons; any thing herein contained to the contrary notwithstanding.
And provided also, that nothing herein contained shall extend, or be construed to extend, to hinder or restrain the lawful importation into any or either of the said colonies herein before mentioned, from any of the British islands in the West Indies, of any such goods or commodities, being the growth or produce thereof, as may now by law be imported from thence into the said colonies, or any or either of them.
And whereas it is the intent and meaning of this act, that the several prohibitions and restraints, herein before enacted, should be discontinued and cease so soon as the trade and commerce of his Majesty's subjects may be carried on without interruption within the said colonies, Be it enacted therefore, by the authority aforesaid, that when
+ Is this a copy of the slave branch?

ever it shall be made appear, to the satisfaction of his Majesty's Governor or commander in chief, and the majority of the Council, of the colonies of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and South Carolina, that peace and obedience to the laws shall be so far restored within the said colonies, or either of them, that the trade and commerce of his Majesty's subjects may be carried on without interruption within the same, and that goods, wares, and merchandise, have been freely imported into the said colonies, or either of them, from Great Britain, Ireland, and the British West India Islands, and exposed to sale without any lett, hinderance, or molestation, from or by reason of any unlawful combinations to prevent or obstruct the same; and that goods, wares, and merchandise, have, in like manner, been exported from the said colonies, or either of them respectively, to Great Britain, Ireland, and the British West Indies, for and during the term of one kalendar month preceding; that then, and in such case, it shall and may be lawful for the Governor or commander in chief, with the advice of the Council of such colonies respectively, by proclamation, under the seal of such respective colony, to notify the same to the several officers of the customs, and all others; and, after such proclamation, this act, with respect to such colony within which such proclamation or proclamations have been issued as aforesaid, shall be discontinued and cease (except as herein provided) and all officers of his Majesty's customs, and all other persons having charge of the execution of this act, having received due notice of such proclamation, are hereby directed and required to yield and pay obedience to such proclamation, and to proceed in the discharge of their respective duties, in admitting to entry, clearing, and discharging all ships and vessels, and all goods, wares, and merchandise, into and out of such respective colony, in like manner as if this act had never been made, any thing herein contained to the contrary notwithstanding.
Provided nevertheless, and it is hereby farther enacted and declared, by the authority aforesaid, that such proclamation shall not extend, or be construed to extend, to suspend any proceedings upon any seizure which shall have been made, or any prosecution which shall have been commenced for any penalty or forfeiture inflicted by this act before the issuing of such proclamation, or proclamations.
And it is hereby farther enacted, by the authority aforesaid, that if any person or persons shall give or grant any false certificate, cocket, or clearance, for any of the purposes required or directed by this act, such person, or persons, shall forfeit the sum of 500l. and be rendered incapable of serving his Majesty, his heirs and successors, in any office whatsoever; and if any person, or persons, shall counterfeit, erase, alter, or falsify any certificate, cocket, or clearance, required or directed by this act, or shall knowingly or willingly make use of any false certificate, cocket, or clearance, or of any certificate, cocket, or clearance, so counterfeited, erased, or falsified, such person, or persons, shall, for every such offence, forfeit the sum of 500l. and such certificate, cocket, or clearance, shall be invalid, and of no effect.
And be it farther enacted, by the authority aforesaid, that the several forfeitures and penalties inflicted by this act shall and may be prosecuted, sued for, and recovered, and be divided, paid, and applied, in like manner as other penalties and forfeitures, inflicted by any act or acts of Parliament, relating to the trade or revenues of the British colonies or plantations in America, are directed to be prosecuted, sued for, or recovered, divided, paid, or
applied, by two several acts of Parliament, the one passed in the 4th year of his present Majesty, entitled An act for granting certain duties in the British colonies and plantations in America, for continuing, amending, and making perpetual, an act passed in the 6th year of the reign of his late Majesty King George II. entitled An act for the better securing and encouraging the trade of his Majesty's sugar colonies in America, for applying the produce of such duties, and of the duties to arise by virtue of the said act, towards defraying the expenses of defending, protecting, and securing the said colonies and plantations, for explaining an act made in the 25th year of the reign of King Charles II. entitled An act for the encouragement of the Greenland and Eastland trades, and for the better securing the plantation trade, for altering and disallowing several drawbacks on exports from this kingdom, and more effectually preventing the clandestine conveyance of goods to and from the said colonies and plantations, and securing the trade between the same and Great Britain , and the other passed in the 8th year of his present Majesty's reign, entitled An act for the more easy and effectual recovery of the penalties and forfeitures inflicted by the acts of Parliament relating to the trade and revenues of the British colonies and plantations in America .
And be it farther enacted, by the authority aforesaid, that if any action or suit shall be commenced against any person, or persons, for any thing done in pursuance of this act of Parliament, the defendant, or defendants, in such action or suit, may plead the general issue, and give the said act, and the special matter, in evidence, at any trial to be had thereupon, and that the same was done in pursuance of and by the authority of this act; and if it shall appear so to have been done, the jury shall find for the defendant, or defendants; and if the plaintiff shall be nonsuited, or discontinue his action, after the defendant, or defendants, shall have appeared, or if judgment shall be given upon any verdict or demurrer against the plaintiff, the defendant, or defendants, shall recover treble costs, and have the like remedy for the same as defendants have in other cases at law.
L O N D O N, March 25. THE Supporters of the Bill of Rights have voted 500l. for the present relief of the persecuted inhabitants in the town of Boston, and of the poor distressed fishermen of New England, in consequence of the spirited defence of their own and the common rights of mankind.
It is said that the diamonds which her Majesty had about her on Monday night, at the play, cost upwards of 150,000l. The stomacher, sleeve-knots, necklace, ear-rings, and head ornaments, were clusters of the largest and most valuable brilliants. The young Princess Royal dropped from her bosom a large sprig of diamonds, over the box, on the stage; which a yeoman picked up, and gave to Lord Delewar, who presented it to her Majesty.
N O R W I C H, in Connecticut , April 21.
MR. David Nevins of this town, who has been indefatigable to obtain authentick intelligence, having made a second excursion to the country, returned this day, and has favoured us with the following accounts: That his Excellency General Gage has published a manifesto, forbidding the troops under his command to injure or insult such of the inhabitants of Boston as are peaceable, on pain of death; that as many of the people of Boston as are so inclined are to have liberty to leave the town this day, and retire into the country with their effects, after depositing their
arms in custody of the selectmen of the town.
Mr. Nevins was credibly informed, that during a few days that all intercourse between Boston and the country was prohibited, many inhabitants of the former would have been greatly distressed for the necessaries of life, had not the General humanely supplied all those who applied to him.
A Gentleman from Newport informs us, that on Thursday last many of the inhabitants of that place were in motion to assist their brethren near Boston; information of which being brought on board the Rose man of war (then opposite the town) the commander immediately got a spring upon the cable, and sent an officer on shore to intimate to the Governor, that the same minute a party of armed men left the town it should be knocked about the ears of its inhabitants.
Our latest advices from Providence import, that the Lower House of Rhode Island Assembly voted, that a body of men should immediately be raised to defend the country; but the Upper House rejected the bill. These transactions coming to the knowledge of the inhabitants, they surrounded the courthouse, and exclaimed against the conduct of the Council. After much altercation, a bill passed, that 1500 men should be forthwith raised, and paid by that colony.
P H I L A D E L P H I A, May 1. Extract of a letter from London, March 1.
WE have now the pleasure to acquaint you that there is the greatest reason to expect a speedy settlement of the present unhappy disputes, as our ministry are inclined to make advances towards a reconciliation, the terms of which we hope will be such as to give satisfaction to the colonies."
of April, 9 suppon. On the 25th instant, at 3 o'clock in the afternoon, pursuant to publick notice, there was a meeting of near 8000 of the inhabitants of this city, to consider of the measures to be pursued in the present critical situation of the affairs of America. The business was opened with several eloquent and patriotick speeches, and the company unanimously agreed to associate, for the purpose of defending, with arms, their property, liberty, and lives, against all attempts to deprive them of them.
We hear that similar associations are formed in most of the counties of this province.
March 6. Yesterday evening arrived here Capt. Osborne, from London, in whom came passenger Dr. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, agent for Massachusetts government and this province.
Extract of a letter from Newport, Rhode Island, April 25.
"There are now two ships of war lying off here, the Captains of which threaten to fire on the town if a man goes out to the assistance of our most unhappy brethren at Boston."
The troops and men of war, it is said, are destined for New York, to cut off all communication between the northern and southern colonies.
Lieutenant Colonel James Abercrombie, of General Gage's regiment, is arrived from England at Boston.
Extract of a letter from London, March 13.
"I wrote you by Capt. Falconer, since which some very material changes have happened in the state of political affairs. The minister, finding a general discontent take place on account of the measures pursuing with regard to America, and in order to save the stocks, which began to give way, gave out, that he intended to extend the olive branch to the people on your side the water. The very sound exhilarated the minds of the people here,

the funds immediately recovered, and people began to conclude that every thing would soon be settled in an amicable way. And what was this olive branch? Nothing but the motion , which will have reached you before this comes to hand: A motion which, at first, nobody could comprehend; a motion couched in such cabalistical terms, on purpose to confound the understandings of mankind, but which, when understood, was found to contain nothing of the least healing tendency, only calculated to separate and divide the colonies from each other. Divide et impera is an old adage, and now they are in hopes of practising it with success amongst you. The ministry, indeed, begin to plume themselves already on their success in this way. The proceedings at New York, and the last advices from General Gage, flatter them exceedingly, that the seeds of dissention are growing very fast, even in the New England provinces. How far this is true, a little time will discover; in the meantime, military operations are carrying on with the same zeal as before. The troops are to be sent, and a bill is ordered into Parliament for restraining not only the New England fishery, but another to stop the trade of all the colonies, except New York, North Carolina, and Georgia, which they hope will declare on the side of government; in consideration of which, particular indulgencies will be granted them. Whatever these indulgencies may be, I have no doubt they will only be of a temporary nature, till government has got a firm footing. I have told you before that your salvation is in your own hands, if you will be but firm and unanimous: You have but to adhere closely to your non-importation and non-exportation agreement. If there was danger before of your disunion, I cannot help hoping that this last restraining bill will come in aid, in order to link you closer to each other. It comes now to be tried what materials you are made of: If you have not virtue enough to withstand this attack, you will become a scorn and a laughing-stock to all the world, a reproach to human nature; and, depend upon it, the burthens that will be laid upon you will be in proportion to the temper you have shewn to resist them. I shall not attempt to point out any particular modes of proceeding; these, I trust, will be concerted with wisdom, firmness, and resolution. Be assured, the good of the community at large is not the object certain persons in power have in view; they mean to make you beasts of burthen, or, as the Congress have very properly expressed it, "hewers of wood and drawers of water;" but I hope you are all of their mind in this respect. You perhaps imagine that government is nothing more than a power delegated in a few, for the good of the whole. If you think that this is the opinion of the people in power, you are very much mistaken; they think that the community at large are to labour, toil, and sweat, in order to maintain a few great people, wallowing in luxury, idleness, extravagance, and all manner of debauchery. If the present measures succeed, depend upon it you will have tax-gatherers in various shapes, swarming in upon you in abundance. If you patiently submit, there will be none to pity you."
WILLIAMSBURG, May 19.
WEDNESDAY last a party of the Chesterfield volunteers, armed, brought down a waggón from Col. Archibald Cary of that county, to bring away eight barrels of gunpowder, belonging to that Gentleman, which have been lodged for some time in the publick magazine, as in a place of safety; but as no such powder could be found, it is supposed to have been carried off, through mistake, in a late night adventure.
They pick out these colonies to prevent an
MR. PURDIE, May 16, 1775.
YOUR last gazette, received to-day, was the first notice I had of the Governor's proclamation for convening the Assembly on the * first day of June next. So sudden a call, at such a season of the year, when his Excellency has been deaf to all the entreaties of his Council, the voice of justice from our worthy countrymen who risked their lives in defence of this country in the late Indian war, and the cries of the widows and orphans of those brave men who fell in battle, for twelve months past, plainly prove that this summons comes from Lord North; whose measures, in the late British senate, forbade no friendly business with any American Assembly. All circumstances considered, and more especially that some of our worthy members are on the bloody list of American sacrifices, and farther, that the Minister's mandate is the only rule of conduct for American officers, it behoves every member to go prepared as an American. The uniform recommended by our late Congress, no doubt, ought, on that occasion, to be preferred to any dress. Besides, it best suits the times, as the cheapest, and is, moreover, the most martial I ever saw. As I am not one of Lord North's band of placemen or pensioners, I hope I speak the sentiments of a friend to Britain, and AN AMERICAN.
* The day the infamous acts of the last Parliament commenced at Boston.
|| There are 133 in the present House of Commons.
*** The piece signed VIRGINIUS AMERICANUS is come to hand, but, for want of room, cannot possibly have a place this week. In the meanwhile, the printer would gladly confer with its author, as there are some passages which he does not rightly understand.
THE counties, of whose tithables lists, or certificates of the numbers, for the year 1774, have not yet come to my hands, are Augusta, Amherst, Bedford, Berkeley, Botetourt, Chesterfield, Culpeper, Elizabeth City, Essex, Fairfax, Fauquier, Goochland, Hampshire, Hanover, Henrico, King George, Loudoun, Louisa, Lunenburg, Nansemond, New Kent, Norfolk, Orange, Prince Edward, Prince George, Southampton, Stafford, Surry, Sussex, Warwick, and Westmoreland. With the lists of some counties, their accounts against the publick were not sent.
G. WYTHE, C. H. B.
At a committee held for the county of LOUISA, at the courthouse, the 8th day of May, 1775.
THIS committee being fully sensible of the benefits that may redound to the community in general from the spirited behaviour of Captain PATRICK HENRY, and the other officers and Gentlemen soldiers of the volunteer company of Hanover, in procuring satisfaction for the gunpowder taken out of the colony's magazine, beg leave to return them our most hearty thanks.
Thomas Walker, William White, James Dabney, Charles Barret, Samuel Ragland, William Pettus, Waddy Thomson, Garritt Minor, Thomas Johnson, jun. Thomas Johnson, sen. Nathaniel Anderson, John Crutchfield, Robert Anderson, Charles Smith.
Signed by the whole committee, except one, who was absent.
HENRY GARRITT, clerk.
At a committee for the county of SPOTSYLVANIA, held at the townhouse in Fredericksburg, on Tuesday the 9th of May, 1775, present 26 members.
FIELDING LEWIS, Esq; in the chair.
THE committee having before them a copy of the proceedings of Capt. PATRICK HENRY, and other Gentlemen,
Intercause among the Act; but I hope they will be egregiously mistaken.
officers and volunteers under his command, concerning the powder taken from the country magazine, cordially approve of the same, and unanimously vote them their thanks for their prudent, firm, and spirited conduct on that occasion.
Resolved unanimously, that the easy acquisition of the powder from the country magazine, in the city of Williamsburg, by order of his Excellency the Governor, and the convenient situation of that city with respect to the navy, render it unsafe to continue the publick treasury at that place; and that it is the opinion of this committee that the same ought to be removed, to a place of greater safety.
Resolved, that Mr. Chairman, Charles Dick, James Mercer, Charles Mortimer, and George Thornton, Gentlemen, do write to the Treasurer, requesting him to call a convention of the delegates for this colony as soon as possible.
(A true copy.)
ALEXANDER DICK, clerk.
THE committee for ORANGE county, met on Tuesday the 9th of May, taking into their consideration the removal of the powder from the publick magazine, and the compensation obtained by the independent company of Hanover; and observing also, that the receipt given by Capt. PATRICK HENRY, to his Majesty's Receiver General, refers the final disposal of the money to the next Colony Convention, came into the following resolutions:
1. That the Governor's removal of the powder lodged in the magazine, and set apart for the defence of the country, was fraudulent, unnecessary, and extremely provoking to the people of this colony.
2. That the resentment shewn by the Hanover volunteers, and the reprisal they have made on the King's property, highly merit the approbation of the publick, and the thanks of this committee.
3. That if any attempt should be made at the ensuing Convention to have the money returned to his Majesty's Receiver General, our delegates be, and they are hereby instructed, to exert all their influence in opposing such attempt, and in having the money laid out in gunpowder for the use of the colony.
4. That the following address be presented to Capt. PATRICK HENRY, and the Gentlemen independents of Hanover.
GENTLEMEN;
WE the committee for the county of Orange, having been fully informed of your seasonable and spirited proceedings in procuring a compensation for the powder fraudulently taken from the country magazine, by command of Lord Dunmore, and which it evidently appears his Lordship, notwithstanding his assurances, had no intention to restore, entreat you to accept their cordial thanks for this testimony of your zeal for the honour and interest of your country. We take this occasion also to give it as our opinion, that the blow struck in the Massachusetts government is a hostile attack on this and every other colony, and a sufficient warrant to use violence and reprisal, in all cases where it may be expedient for our security and welfare.
James Madison, chairman, James Taylor, Thomas Barbour, Zachariah Burnley, Rowland Thomas, James Madison, jun. William Moore, James Walker, Lawrence Taliaferro, Henry Scott, Thomas Bill.
The same day on which the above votes were delivered to the Hanover volunteers, similar addresses of thanks were also delivered to them from the committees of Culpeper and Caroline, and the day before from Albermarle.
HANOVER, May 12. Yesterday PATRICK HENRY, Esq; one of the delegates for this colony, escorted by a number of

respectable young Gentlemen, volunteers from this and King William and Caroline counties, set out to attend the General Congress. They proceeded with him as far as Mrs. Hooe's ferry on Potomack, by whom they were most kindly and hospitably entertained, and also provided with boats and hands to cross the river; and, after partaking of this Lady's beneficence, the bulk of the company took their leave of Mr. Henry, saluting him with two platoons, and repeated huzzas. A guard accompanied that worthy Gentleman to the Maryland side, who saw him safely landed; and committing him to the gracious and wise disposer of all human events, to guide and protect him, whilst contending for a restitution of our dearest rights and liberties, they wished him a safe journey, and happy return to his family and friends.
At a committee elected for the county of RICHMOND, meeting by an adjournment from the 10th of this instant, at the courthouse of this county, on the 12th of May, 1775.
P R E S E N T, LANDON CARTER, Esq; chairman, and a very full bench of the members.
T HE committee appointed on the 10th instant, having brought in their report, according to the order of that day, the same was received and read, and is as follows:
Your committee, taking into consideration, according to order, the late address of his Excellency the Governor to the Council, on the 2d of this instant, and the proclamation issued, in consequence of their advice on the 3d instant, think themselves indispensably bound to their constituents to vindicate them from the groundless aspersions, and very unjust accusations, with which, as a part of this community, they are therein charged, and which are only calculated to induce a belief that the people of this country are meditating a plan to change the present form of government. They have therefore resolved,
1. That the late commotions in some parts of this country, alluded to in the address and proclamation, arose from a full conviction of a cruel and determined plan of administration to enslave these colonies, which has been manifested in various instances, and of which the late proceeding of his Excellency, in removing the powder from the magazine, with the several circumstances attending the same, appear evidently to be a part.
2. That our repeated and dutiful applications for redress of grievances, our patient endurance under a long course of irritating and oppressive measures, and our most solemn declarations, "That our utmost wish was a restitution of the rights which we enjoyed until the year 1763," are a convincing proof of our attachment to the constitution, our loyalty to our sovereign, and our love of order.
3. That the whole of his Excellency's conduct, respecting the unhappy disputes between the colonies and the British ministry, especially the groundless and injurious charges alledged against the people of this colony, in his address to the Council, and in his proclamation of the 3d of this instant May, are unjustifiable and inimical, and therefore he has justly forfeited the confidence of the people of this colony.
4. That the members of his Majesty's Council, who advised the above mentioned proclamation, acted inconsistently with that wisdom, justice, and generosity, which ought to characterise them as legislators, judges, and natives of the most distinguished rank in the colony; and we do declare, that we find ourselves deeply affected that those, who should be mediators between the executive power and the people, should concur in fixing a stigma on their fellow subjects, so unjust and so undeserved.
5. That in order to remove these atrocious aspersions, and to convince the world of our firm attachment to the constitution, as it existed before the year 1763, we hereby solemnly pledge ourselves to support it, at the hazard of our lives and fortunes.
Every resolve contained in the foregoing report being distinctly read, and separately considered, was passed nemine contradicente .
Ordered , that these proceedings of this day, as soon as may be convenient, be transmitted to the press, for the satisfaction of the publick.
WILLIAM SMITH, clerk pro tempore .
At a meeting of the committee of the county of AMELIA, at the courthouse thereof, on Wednesday the 3d of May, 1775.
WILLIAM ARCHER, Esq; was chosen chairman for the day.
I T appearing to this committee, that the militia of this county, since the expiration of the late militia laws, hath been totally neglected; and it being indispensably necessary, for the internal security of the county, that the same be properly and regularly disciplined, and that patrollers in every neighbourhood be constantly kept on duty:
Resolved , that application be made to the Lieutenant of this county, to direct forthwith a general muster of the militia of the county; that he do his utmost to carry into execution the law made in the year 1738, for embodying and disciplining the militia of this colony; that he give all the countenance and encouragement in his power to the officers who are recruiting or embodying independent companies, agreeable to the resolution of the Convention of the 25th day of March last.
Resolved , that every member of this committee open a subscription for raising half a pound of gunpowder, and one pound of lead, by voluntary donation from each tithable person in this county, agreeable also to the said resolution of the 25th.
Resolved , that JOHN TABB, and EVERARD MEADE, or either of those Gentlemen, be appointed immediately to purchase, for the use of this county, 800lbs. of gunpowder, and 3200lbs. of lead, at least; for which we, and every of us, oblige ourselves to pay.
Resolved , that every member of this committee have in readiness a stand of arms and ammunition, agreeable to the said resolution of the 25th.
Resolved , that the ammunition, when purchased, be lodged in the care of Mr. JOHN TABB, at his store, Mr. THOMAS G. PEACHY, Mr. SAMUEL SHERWIN, Mr. THOMAS WILLIAMS, Mr. GABRIEL FOWLKES, Mr. JOHN PRIDE, with each 100lbs. of powder, and 400lbs. of lead; and with Mr. JAMES SCOTT, at this courthouse, 200lbs. of powder, and 800lbs. of lead.
Resolved , that publick notice be given to the freeholders of this county to meet and choose DELEGATES at next court, to represent them in convention for one year.
Resolved , that this committee be adjourned till the fourth Thursday in this month.
JOHN PRIDE, clerk.
A T a meeting of the committee for NEW KENT county, at the courthouse, the 3d day of May, 1775.
Resolved unanimously , that Lord Dunmore's conduct, in removing the powder from the magazine of this colony, on board an armed vessel, at the time and in the manner it appears to have been done, was an ill-advised and arbitrary step, tending to disquiet the minds and endanger the safety of his Majesty's loyal subjects of this colony in general, and of the inhabitants of the city of Williamsburg in particular.
Resolved , that his Lordship's verbal answer to the address of the Mayor, Aldermen, and Common Council of the city of Williamsburg, was unsatisfactory and evasive; and that his Lordship's not returning the powder, agreeable to their request, and the known desire of the people of this colony, is a sufficient proof that he was influenced by the worst motives.
Resolved , that this, and other parts of his Lordship's conduct, which have lately transpired, evince him to be an enemy to liberty and the true interests of this colony, and a zealous supporter of tyranny and despotism over the people who have the unhappiness to live under his government; and that he has, thereby, forfeited all title to their confidence.
Resolved , that the city of Williamsburg are entitled to the ready and cheerful assistance of this county, in case they should be in danger from any invasion or insurrection.
Resolved , that the thanks of this committee are due to the committee of Hanover, for communicating their order of the 2d instant; that this committee are sensible of the dangers that threaten us from the Governor's conduct, as well as from other quarters, and will co-operate with a majority of the counties of this colony in such measures as shall be adopted for their defence and preservation.
It appearing to this committee, that a body of armed men, from the county of Hanover, have marched through this county, in order to make reprisals upon the King's property, to replace the gunpowder taken from the magazine,
Resolved , that such proceedings make it particularly necessary for the inhabitants of this county to prepare for their defence, against any dangers that may ensue in consequence of it, by keeping their arms in the best order, and the greatest readiness, to act on any occasion.
Resolved , that it be recommended to the inhabitants of this county immediately to form a company of volunteers, to be assembled at the lower part of this county, ready to act on any emergency, as may be found necessary.
By order of the committee.
(A copy.) WILLIAM SMITH, clerk.
A T a meeting of the committee for NEW KENT county, at the courthouse, the 11th day of May, 1775.
The committee taking into consideration Lord Dunmore's proclamation dated the 3d day of this month, said to be issued with the advice of his Majesty's Council, wherein the inhabitants of this colony are indiscriminately charged, in general terms, with disaffection to his Majesty's government, and a design to effect a change in the form of it, think it necessary, for themselves and their constituents, to declare their sentiments, and accordingly
Resolve unanimously , that unfeigned loyalty to his Majesty's person and government, as by law established, and a due obedience to the laws of our county, are the ruling principles of the inhabitants of this county; and that the suggestion on which the said proclamation appears to be founded, so far as it respects the inhabitants of this county, is an injurious reflection upon them, and has no foundation in truth. At the same time, we are determined, for ourselves and posterity, to support and maintain the rights and privileges of British subjects, which we are entitled to, against all tyrannical attempts whatever.
Resolved , that the resolutions of this committee, entered into on the 3d of this month, and the first resolution entered into this day, be sent to the printers, to be published.
By order of the committee.
(A copy.) WILLIAM SMITH, clerk.