The Virginia gazette (Williamsburg [Va.]), 1776-01-20 00:00:00

VIRGINIA
THE
GAZETTE.
WITH THE FRESHEST ADVICES,
BOTH FOREIGN AND DOMESTICK.
IN CIVITATE LIBERA LINGUAM MENTEMQUE
LIBERAS ESSE DEBERE.----Suet. in Tib. S. 28.
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And WILLIAM HUNTER.
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THE INVITATION of the CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, to their brethren who are SONS of LIBERTY and SEAMEN, to engage in the defence of the LIBERTIES of AMERICA.
E whose hands and marks are hereunto set and subscribed, being officers, seamen, and marines, do, and each of us doth agree to and with the good ship, called the [blank], belonging to the Thirteen United Colonies of North America, now bound on a cruise, from the Port of [blank] against the enemies of the Thirteen United Colonies of North America, in manner and form following, that is to say,
In the first place: We do hereby agree for, by, and under the considerations after mentioned, to and with the said commander, forthwith to enter and ship ourselves, and in due and seasonable time to repair on board the said ship, called the [blank], and during the term of twelve months, unless sooner discharged by the CONGRESS, to the utmost of our power and ability respectively to discharge our several services or stations, and in every thing to be conformable and obedient to the several requirings and lawful commands of the said [blank] and his successors in command.
Secondly: We do also oblige and subject ourselves to serve on board the said ship during the said cruise; and as she is a ship of war, we do severally oblige ourselves, by these articles, to comply with, and be subject to the rules and discipline of the American fleet as established by the CONGRESS, and to be governed and commanded in time of action with an enemy according to the same rules, and submit ourselves to the same punishments and penalties as are there inflicted, in case we, or any of us, offer to desert our quarters, or not obey the commands of the said [blank] or his successors in command, in giving chase to any ship or ships, vessel or vessels, or otherwise; and if upon a scrutiny of our said [blank] or his said officers, we, or any of us, should be found guilty of any breach contrary to the tenor of this agreement, or any act of cowardice, we do hereby severally submit and agree to allow and suffer our several and respective shares of and in any prize or prizes we shall then have taken to be divided among the said ship's company.
Thirdly: We do also severally agree and oblige ourselves, that when any prize or prizes have been taken, to follow the express directions of the said [blank] or his successors in command, in boarding the said prize, and be under the command of any officer whom the said [blank] shall appoint, and be assisting to him to carry the said prize to whatever port or ports such prize or prizes shall be assigned by the said [blank]
And we do hereby further severally agree and covenant, in that case, to be true and faithful in discharge of our duty and trust, and will not in any shape embezzle, defraud, or plunder any thing on board such prize or prizes. And in case any or either of us shall be found guilty of any breach, contrary to the true meaning of this agreement, we, and each of us, being guilty thereof, do hereby severally submit and agree to allow so much of all and every of our shares and parts of our shares of and in the said prize or prizes, then or thenceforward to be taken, and of all our respective wages that then shall be due and coming to us in respect of our services, as shall make good such plunder or embezzlement we shall have been found guilty of.
Fourthly: And it is also further agreed, to be the true intent and meaning of all parties hereto, that the officer or officers, or any of the ship's company sent on board any prize, shall have as good a share and interest of any prize as shall be thereafter taken, during his or their absence, as if he or they had been on board the said vessel at the time of taking thereof; any thing herein contained to the contrary notwithstanding. Provided always, and it is hereby agreed to be the meaning of the said last above-mentioned clause, that if the said officer or officers, and such of the said ship's company to whom the conduct and management of any prize has been entrusted, do not (first having accepted the commands of the said commander concerning the said prize under his or their custody) immediately repair to the respective port or ports where the said [blank] or his successors in command shall order, or do not proceed with the said prize or prizes, so taken, to the respective port or ports to be assigned by the said [blank] for the time being, that then, and in failure of any or either of the agreements aforesaid contained on our parts, we, and each and every of us, so offending, do hereby severally submit and agree to be cashiered, not only for our several and respective interests and shares of and in the captures or prize money, but totally to be excluded and divested from the payment of any wages then due to us for and in respect of our several services on board the said ship and the interest and shares of such delinquents that otherwise would have accrued to us.
Fifthly: And the said [blank] for and in behalf of himself, and the said Thirteen United Colonies of North America, doth hereby covenant and agree, to and with the said officers, seamen, and marines, whose names or marks are hereto set or subscribed, to pay them, in consideration of such services, so much money per month as in a schedule hereunder-mentioned and set opposite to their names or marks of each respective officer, seaman, or landman, and likewise to advance unto each and every of them one month's pay at entrance (due security for the same being first given) the receipt whereof they do hereby acknowledge.
Sixthly: And as an encouragement to exert the valour of the seamen and marines, in defending the said ship, and in subduing and distressing the said enemy, the said [blank] for and in behalf of the said Thirteen United Colonies of North America, doth further covenant, promise, and agree to and with all and every of the officers, seamen, and marines parties hereto,
that in case any prize or prizes shall be taken by the said ship during the intended cruise, that the same shall be proceeded against, and distributed according to the resolution of the CONGRESS, passed the 15th day of November, 1775.
Seventhly: And it is by these presents mutually agreed and consented to, by and with the said
and every the officers, seamen, and marines parties thereto, that in case the commander for the time being lose a limb in an engagement, or be otherwise disabled so as to be rendered incapable afterwards of getting a livelihood to subsist upon, he shall receive out of the neat profits of such prize or prizes and prize goods, if so much arise, before a dividend or distribution be declared, the sum of four hundred dollars; or if he lose his life, his widow or children (if any) shall receive the said bounty of four hundred dollars, together with all prize money to him belonging at the time of his decease. And if the Captain of the marines, or any other commission or warrant officer, lose a limb, or be otherwise disabled, so as to be rendered incapable afterwards of getting a subsistence, he or they so disabled shall receive a bounty of three hundred dollars, if so much arise from the neat profits as aforesaid; and in case of death, the widow or children (if any) is, are, and shall be entitled to the same, together with their share of prize money due at the time of their decease. And if an inferior officer, marine, or sailor, lose a limb, or be otherwise disabled, so as to be rendered incapable afterwards of getting a subsistence, he or they shall receive a bounty of two hundred dollars, to be deducted as aforesaid; and in case of death, his widow or children (if any) is, are, and shall be entitled to the same, together with his share of prize money due at the time of his decease.
He who first discovers a ship or vessel, which shall afterwards become a prize, shall be entitled to a double share of such prize.
He who shall first board a ship, or other vessel, making resistance, which shall become a prize, shall be entitled to a treble share.
There shall be ten shares of every prize which shall be taken and condemned set a apart to be given to the said officers, seamen, and marines, as shall be adjudged to be meritorious by the superior officers who shall be appointed to make such determination.
Provided always: And it is hereby declared to be the true intent and meaning of the parties to the afore-mentioned orders and articles, that any of the officers, seamen, or marines, shall be liable to be removed by the CONGRESS, or Committee of CONGRESS, during the recess thereof, or by the Commander in Chief of the American fleet for the time being, from the aforesaid vessel to any other armed vessel in the service of the United Colonies, any thing contained in the foregoing orders and articles notwithstanding.
WILMINGTON (No. Carolina) Dec. 22.
SIMON FRASER, Esq; son of the late Lord Lovat, has offered to raise a regiment for Government service against the Americans. The father was beheaded for rebelling against the Crown, and the son, by this offer, has declared himself a traitor to his country.
Extract of General GAGE's orders to Capt. DUNCAN CAMPBELL and Lieutenant SYMES, July 18, 1775.
"You are to proceed as fast as possible to New York, where you are to receive on board your ship such men as may be inclined to serve his Majesty, and you are particularly to attend to the arrival of ships expected from Scotland, and to procure as many men out of them as you possibly can, and you are to do your endeavour not to suffer any of those emigrants to join the rebels on shore; and to give every encouragement to all the Scots and other nations that will join you."
Orders have been given by the board of commissioners in Scotland, that no vessels shall be cleared out for America that have more than their complement of men on board. By these arbitrary orders, they mean to put a stop to emigration from that country, where the poor are loaded with intolerable burthens, by the avaricious land-holders.
We are told some emigrants from Scotland, who lately arrived here, were prevented, by Crown officers, from bringing any pieces of linen out with them; and that Governor Martin endeavoured to persuade them to take an oath to assist Government in the present disputes; but having fled from slavery they would only engage to observe a neutrality.
A South Carolina gazette of the 8th instant informs us that peace is likely to be restored very soon, in the frontiers of that colony; about 4000 men having marched to subdue the "rebels against liberty."
The Hon. W. H. Drayton had, some time ago, concluded a treaty with the insurgents in that colony, but Robert Cunningham, who had taken an active share in those disturbances, refused to accede to this treaty; soon after which he was taken and confined. About the same time, some ammunition was sent to the lower Cherokees, who wanted it for hunting, and who had given the strongest assurances of their pacific and friendly disposition. Upon being informed of this, his brother and friends seized the ammunition, and reported that the Council of Safety had declined to arm the Indians against the frontier inhabitants. By telling this and other inflammatory stories, their party became numerous, and they intended to ravage the country. To prevent which, Majors Mayson and Williamson marched among them, with about 500 militia and rangers, who, upon hearing the insurgents were within a few miles of them, made a flight breast work of fence rails, the next day (the 18th ult.) they were surrounded by 2000 malecontents, led on by a Major Joseph Robinson, who insolently demanded their arms. They cut off the communication between the breast work and the water, and took two of the militia, upon which a smart engagement ensued, and was continued with very little intermission for near two days; when Major Robinson proposed a cessation of hostilities for 20 days. The militia and ran-
gers behaved with the greatest firmness. Fourteen of them were wounded, one mortally; upwards of 50 of the enemy were killed. It is very probable they suffered severely, when 2000 would make such a proposal to 500 men, that were surrounded and cut off from all supplies of every kind, and even without a drop of water. The above-mentioned forces it is believed will soon put a stop to those unhappy disputes.
Many different reports concerning these transactions are spread through the country, but this appears to be the truest and is taken from the South Carolina gazette.
PHILADELPHIA.
In CONGRESS, SATURDAY, November 11, 1775.
Resolved, THAT it be recommended to such proprietors of tobacco warehouses, and tobacco houses, in Virginia and Maryland, as cannot speedily have the earth of the floors of their houses worked for saltpetre, that they cause those floors to be soon dug up, and left fine, loose, and light, at least six inches deep, suffering the tobacco stalks and trashy leaves to be spread thereon, and leaving the doors open, especially in dry weather, as often as convenience will permit; whereby the soil will be much the more impregnated with nitrous particles, the manufacture of saltpetre facilitated, and the quantity thereof greatly increased.
Extract from the minutes,
CHARLES THOMPSON, Sec'y.
At a meeting of the committee for the county of CULPEPER, held at the courthouse, the 18th day of December, 1775.
Ordered, THAT the matter relative to the Rev. JAMES HERDMAN be advertised in the public gazette, to wit,
The Rev. James Herdman, Rector of Bromfield parish, having proper notice that the 20th of July last was appointed by the Continental Congress, and approved of by our Convention, as a fast, was desired to give notice of the same, and preach a sermon upon the occasion; he refused to do so, and replied, it was inconsistent with his duty to his Majesty, and imagined the people would not stop at this, but would be for changing their King next. On this complaint, the committee for the county summoned Mr. Herdman to appear at their next meeting, on the 24th following. Failing to appear, and it appearing, from the testimony of sundry credible witnesses, that he said "the committee had no authority to call him before them, neither had the Congress any authority to appoint a fast, that power being only in the King and Clergy; that the people had no right to refuse any thing the King and Parliament did; that he should not look to them for any protection, but rely on the King and Parliament." It was the opinion of the committee, that the said Herdman be publicly advertised as a person inimical to American liberty; and it was further recommended that the churchwardens and vestry of said parish do not suffer him to preach in any of their churches, and that they levy no tobacco for him until the opinion of the Convention shall be known. Thus the matter rested until October the 16th, when a further complaint was lodged against Mr. Herdman for marrying one couple since the determination of the committee of July the 24th, who then being at hand, was summoned before the committee then sitting; but refusing to appear, and slighting the authority of said committee, after the charge being proved,
Ordered, that as the Rev. Mr. James Herdman has added insult to his other acts of disobedience to this committee, he be forthwith expelled this county from and after the 19th day of this instant (October) and that no person entertain him after said day, saving only coming to and going from courts, and that a copy of this order be served on him by Benjamin Roberts, jun. and Henry Hill, and that the same be publicly advertised.
ROBERT GREEN, Chairman.
Of the NATURE and USE of RICHES and POWER.
REASON forbids us to form vast designs; ambition is useful to mankind, when it has their happiness for its object; great souls will naturally act in great spheres; enlarged, enlightened, and benevolent minds, placed in favourable situations, necessarily extend their benign influences on all sides, as far as their native forces can extend; it is requisite to their own felicity, to render others happy. This is the true sense in which virtue is said to be its own reward.
Why so many Princes so rarely enjoy real happiness, is, because their weak and narrow hearts are unfortunately obliged to act in a province too large for their feeble energy to exert itself; its force is spent, like a candle in the air, before it can reach its surrounding objects: So that from the inactivity, indolence, and incapacity of Sovereigns, whole nations often suffer under wants and miseries not designed, and oppressions not intended, from the unlucky fate of having rulers imposed on them who are equally incapable of rendering themselves or their people happy.
On the other hand, Kings of a too warm, active, and turbulent nature, feel as if they could not breathe within any prescribed sphere, and, like the Devil in Milton,
"Who at one bound high over-leap'd all bounds," become the plague and affliction of the human race. Alexander a false heroism spread as much injustice and tyranny over the face of the earth, and he was himself as much discontented as the indolent despot whom he dethroned. Both their souls were equally unsuited for the rank or character they were unluckily

placed in. Seneca says, of this warrior, Æquat infelix angusto limit mundi; post Darium & Indas pauper est Alexander; invenius est qui concupisceret ALIQUID POST OMNIA. One would be apt to imagine, that sovereignty naturally ran into extremes, we seldom meet with other Kings than Storks or Logs.
The happiness of mankind can result only from a concordance between our situations and desires. Universal monarchy itself is no enjoyment to the possessor, if he knows not how to conduct it towards his own happiness; it is a real evil, if it renders himself unhappy; and a detestable abuse of it, if it makes others so. The greatest Princes are not generally so unhappy, nor their subjects unfortunate, but because they first possess every means of good, without making use of them; or because they know only how to misapply them.
A wise man on a throne, provided he be not so great a fool as Solomon*, must be the happiest mortal breathing. A Monarch of the greatest power is incapable of procuring superior organs, or different sensations from the meanest of his subjects; the only advantages he can boast, arise from the grandeur, the variety, the multiplicity of the objects which occupy his faculties; and which, giving a continual action to his mind, prevent it from stagnating, and becoming a burthen to itself. If his soul be great and virtuous, for in such a station it must be both to render the possessor happy, he must feel his ambition fully completed, in the consciousness of having his own desires corresponding with the wishes of his subjects; and in the right he has to challenge the admiration and esteem of other nations, from the respect and love he merits from his own.
Such are the conquests which Nature and Reason have pointed out to those whom Providence hath destined to empire; and these objects are sufficiently great to satisfy the most lively imagination, and most extensive ambition. Potentates are never to be deemed the happiest of men, but from having it in their power to create the felicity of a greater number of others; and by these means, meriting the only eulogy which can render incense to a noble or a liberal mind:
"All praise is foreign, but of true desert."
These advantages of sovereign power, are enjoyed also by all those ministers, or favourites, who possess any share in the government of nations. Therefore grandeur, rank, and honours, are desirable objects to those who know how to turn them to the account of their own happiness; they are useless to others, not blessed with the faculties or capacity of making them accrue to their own profit; but become a double misfortune, when in pursuit of them we forfeit our own happiness, and sacrifice that of others. And those are strangely infatuated, who pay a deference or respect to men who employ the superiority of talents or fortune to their detriment, which has a claim to honour only when we share the fruits of it.
Riches, superfluous to the miser, who is but their anxious guardian; and destructive to the profligate, whom they but afflict with diseases, weariness and disgust; are capable of supplying the virtuous man with numberless accessions to his happiness; it is madness or folly to desire opulence, without a proper sense and determined purpose to make a right use of it. Money is but the representative sign of goods; to realize it, we must employ it as the means of rendering good to others. Gold, by the arbitrary value fixed upon it among men, is capable of procuring us all the outward advantages of life; but the internal enjoyment of it must arise from a more liberal application of it, than any idle vanity or sensual gratification can possibly afford us.
To have wealth without being capable of using it, is to be in possession of the key of a palace too weighty to lift; to squander it, is to throw the key into the river; and to abuse it, is to knock ourselves down with it. But treasures, in the hands of a person of sense and virtue, are never any manner of incumbrance to him: If he has a great and noble soul, they will be but the counters of his benevolence; and he will relieve himself from the oppression of their weight, by portioning it upon many shoulders. He will be abstemious in his pleasures, in order to enjoy them; he will know that money cannot recruit an exhausted soul, faculties enfeebled by excess, or a body enervated to premature old age; he will know that luxury dries up the very source of pleasure, and that all the riches of the Indies cannot restore a decayed sense.
Nothing, therefore, can be so ridiculous or absurd, as the declamations of gloomy philosophers against the desire of power, grandeur, riches, or pleasure. They have been all abused, and so have health and strength. Why don't such wise heads add these articles, also, to their catalogue of evils? and then the vir sapiens of the Stoics would be a compleat old Beggarman indeed. Those forbidden objects are desirable by us, when our condition in life will suffer us to pretend to them, and that we have sense and virtue enough to turn them to our real advantage: Reason has no right either to condemn or despise them, when we endeavour after such emoluments, without invading the properties of others; and they rise into objects of the highest esteem, when they are administered toward the happiness of mankind and ourselves.
Pleasure is a good, and it is natural to desire it. Money is the symbol of most of the goods of life: It becomes a real one itself, in the hands of those who know how to render it so. Power is one of the greatest goods, in the possession of men endowed by nature and education with souls sufficiently great, noble, and resolute, to extend their benignant influences over whole nations, which are conquered by benefits, and made subjects in their wills. Such, and such only, have a claim to empire; the right of one man to command another, can be founded only in the happiness or advantage he is able to confer on him. Without such a title, to assume dominion is an act of violence, an usurpation, a manifest tyranny: Reason or justice admit no other pretence for sovereignty, but the good of the community. Nature never made so partial a distinction as a throne; and the people can never be supposed to have conferred such power and dignity, upon any other terms but their own safety and happiness.
What an ignorant superstition, then, must it be in men to look upon Kings in any other light than this! Let them boast their jus divinum as much as their parasites please, they will hardly presume to carry this title higher than it is claimed in religion; and our duty and devotion to Heaven itself are required upon no other conditions, but the past benefits received from nature, and those future ones promised by the gospel. The King of Kings exacts our obedience to his laws for our own advantage only; and shall "man, proud man, dressed in a little brief authority," dare to challenge a more disinterested homage?
* Who declared all to be vanity and vexation of spirit. † Measure for Measure.
CAMBRIDGE, Dec. 28.
CAPTAIN Nowell, of Newbury Port, was one of the ship-masters who made his escape from Boston, as mentioned in our last. He informs that General Burgoyne failed for England on the 16th instant, in the Tamar man of war; and that General Howe, besides ordering houses to be taken down for fuel, has directed, for the same purpose, all the wharves from the north battery round to Charlestown ferry, to be taken up.
We hear that a brig from Portugal, bound to New York, which had been taken by the enemy, and ordered to Boston, was retaken a few days ago by one of the continental cruizers, and carried into Plymouth. She was laden with salt, and had on board, when retaken, a midshipman and six or eight seamen belonging to the enemy.
A deserter came off from Bunker's Hill last Sabbath, about noon. Several others have deserted from the enemy within a few nights past.
Nature is now forming a capacious bridge of ice over to Boston, across Charles river. It is nearly closed a little above the ferry.
The following articles are taken from Howe's Boston paper of the 14th instant.
Last Thursday a piratical brig, with ten carriage guns and 75 men, fitted out at Plymouth, and commanded by one Martingale, was taken by the Fowey man of war, and brought in here. The prisoners, we hear, are to be sent to England in the Tartar, which sails this day. Several other ships likewise sail this day for England, two of which carry the officers of the 18th and 59th regiments.
It is currently reported that the Continental Congress have declared the colonies in a state of independency.
We are informed that there is now sitting up at the theatre, and will be performed in the course of a fortnight, a new farce called the Blockade of Boston. [It is more probable, before that time, the poor wretches will be presented with a tragedy called the Bombardment of Boston.]
PROVIDENCE, December 23.
THE Gentlemen appointed at the last session of Assembly to wait on the Hon. Continental Congress, with the public accounts, we hear, have obtained an order on the Continental Treasurers, in favour of this colony, for 120,000 dollars.
Thursday se'nnight died at Conanicut, of the wound he received in Capt. Wallace's late expedition to that island, Captain John Martin, aged 77 years.
Last Sunday afternoon the Swan, Capt. Ayscough, the bomb brig, and several tenders, came up the bay, and anchored near Dyer's island, from whence they took some hay, burnt a considerable quantity, and killed two horses.
NEW YORK, January 1.
BY Captain Lippit, who arrived at Providence, (Rhode Island) from the West Indies, we are informed, that on the 17th of October a violent gale of wind happened at St. Eustatia, in which 63 sail of vessels were obliged to put to sea, but they all had the good fortune to return in five days. At St. Kitt's 12 sail were lost, not being able to put out. Captain Lippit was informed, at St. Eustatia, that an English vessel, loaded with salt, at Salter-tuda, had been seized by a Spanish armed vessel. He touched at Turk's Island about the tenth of November, and was told by the Governor of that island, that a ship of war from Jamaica, was daily expected there, to prevent vessels from the northern colonies taking in salt.
A Gentleman arrived here last Saturday night, from New London, by water, which place he left the Thursday before, where he saw the post from Rhode Island, who informed him, General Lee was arrived at that place from Boston, with an escort of about 80 men, in order to defend that island against any attempts made thereon by the troops that lately sailed from Boston.
We are assured that the emigrants from Scotland, who lately put in here, to this their port of destination, and who were sent from hence against their will to Boston, have been all forced into the ministerial service, which act of compulsion was not effected without many of them undergoing the greatest tortures, such as their being chained down on their backs to the ring bolts, and fed with bread and water; several of them suffered this torture for three days before they could be brought to yield, and sign the paper of their enlistment. Many of them openly professed their resolution of firing upon their enemies in action, if reduced to that necessity, declaring they could never look on the people of this country, among whom they hoped for an asylum from heavy taxes and oppression, in any other light than friends, and therefore could never think of treating them as enemies.
Extract of a letter from a Gentleman at the camp at CAMBRIDGE, to his friend in this city, dated Dec. 22.
"We have no news here at present worthy of note, the enemy continue bombarding our people, but with no effect; yesterday they threw a bomb within half a mile of the house we live in, which I believe is the furthest they can throw them; it will be our turn by and by. By an express from Newport, we hear that six companies of the royal Irish, and some of the light-horse, were failed from Boston, it is supposed to take possession of that island; General Lee, with a small escort, set off immediately to take command of the troops there, to oppose their landing; the event we are impatient to hear."
The other week, some boys in Queen's county, having caught several cats, went to the plain, with their dogs, to have the pleasure of hunting them. A cat, being let out of the bag, was pursued by the dogs, and the lads, who were on horseback, followed in full chase. The cat led them towards Hempstead, and just at that instant they were seen by an Assemblyman, whose imagination converted them into Yankees. He set off immediately post-haste to alarm the people, who had for some time dreaded a visit from their friends in New England, and a great part of the country were thrown into the utmost consternation; some betook themselves to flight for safety, and others sought shelter in reclusive and solitary places, where they concealed themselves until hunger compelled them to venture out, which they did with ghastly countenances, and upon observing the coast clear, they sneaked back to their homes, when they were told the confusion was occasioned by a few boys hunting some cats. A justice of the peace was absent from home three days on this occasion.
Jan. 4. A Gentleman from Hispaniola informs, that he left that place but 14 days ago; that 7000 French troops and nine sail of the line were arrived there; that two vessels belonging to North America were at that place, but not having any credentials from the Congress, the inhabitants refused to trade with them; and that the Congress was in high esteem there.
We hear, that yesterday came to town a Gentleman from Canada, who has brought letters from thence to several Gentlemen in town, signifying, that on the 5th ult. General Montgomery with his army were on the heights of Abraham, that he had taken into pay 2500 Canadians, that his army consisted of near 5000 men, and that he had invested the city of Quebec on every side.
Camp before Quebec, near the General Hospital, Dec. 6.
"Dear Sir,"
"I wrote you the 21st ult. which make no doubt you have received. I then gave you some particulars of our march, proceedings, &c. since which General Montgomery has joined us with artillery, and about 3000 men; and yesterday we arrived here from Point Aux Trembles, and are making preparation to attack the enemy, who are in close garrison, but cannot hold out long, as from the best account they are very much divided amongst themselves, and a prodigious panic has seized them all. Carleton, we are told, is determined to hold out to the very last, as his only hope, for he can expect nothing but punishment from the Ministry, whom he has most egregiously deceived, in regard to the inhabitants of this country. All his friends, or rather his courtiers, say, he could not have taken more effectual measures than he has, to ruin the country."
"The 22d ult. he issued a most extraordinary proclamation, strictly ordering all who refuse to take up arms and defend the garrison, to depart the town and district within four days, with their wives and children, under pain of being treated as rebels or spies. In consequence of which, a great number of the principal
inhabitants came out with their families, but were obliged to leave all their property behind, except some wearing apparel, and a little household furniture, &c. I inclose you a copy of the proclamation. Among the corps who came with Gen. Montgomery, is your worthy friend Capt. Lamb, whom I had the pleasure of seeing a few days ago at Point aux Trembles. Our men are in high spirits, being now well clothed with the regiments destined for the 7th and 26th regiments, who were taken prisoners at St. John's. This is a circumstance which I believe the like never before happened to British troops, as two regiments of them to be made prisoners at one time. Providence smiles on us in a most remarkable manner. The Canadians say, "Surely God is with this people, or they could never have done what they have done." They are all astonished at our march through the wilderness, which they say was impossible, and would not believe our coming, until they had ocular demonstration of it. We are at a great loss for intelligence from the army at Cambridge and other quarters, having had no certain accounts of their movements, nor the least syllable of news since we left Newbury. I am astonished a regular communication has not been opened between Montreal and the colonies, hope you will pay a little attention publicly to it, more especially as there are some scoundrels, who, with impunity, open the letters directed to the officers in our army, and I suppose they continue the like infamous practice with the letters which are sent to our friends and acquaintances. The Gen. is now absent sending off an express, by whom I send this. I hope the next time I write you, it will be from Quebec, for if the insulting foe does not surrender shortly, I believe it is the General's intention to carry the town by storm."
The General Assembly of Connecticut have passed an act for restraining and punishing persons who are inimical to the liberties of this, and the rest of the United Colonies.
PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 6.
Extract of a letter from a volunteer with Col. Arnold, to his friend in this city, dated Point aux Tremble, 21 miles from QUEBEC, Nov. 21, 1775.
WE arrived before Quebec the 15th instant, after a severe march of about 600 miles. When we left Cambridge we were 1100 strong; about half way Col. Ennis got frightened, and with three companies, and the sick, which together was about half our number, and the greatest part of the provision, turned back! May shame and guilt go with him, and wherever he seeks a shelter may the hand of justice shut the door against him. Perhaps I have said too much; but a man that has suffered by him can hardly refrain speaking. We were about two months on our march, 32 days of which we did not see a house, and at short allowance, six days of which we were at half a pound of pork and half a pound of flour per man a day; after which, for four days, we had only half a pound of flour per day, our pork being gone; two days of which we lost ourselves, marched 40 miles, and were but ten miles on our way. Our whole stores was then divided, and it was about four pints of flour per man; a small allowance for men near 100 miles from any habitation, or prospect of a supply. After having travelled 50 or 60 miles on this scanty allowance, we came to a river, which we were told was only eight miles from the inhabited parts. Here I sat down, baked and eat my last morsel of bread; but think what was my distress, when I found, after crossing the river, that I had 30 miles to travel before I could expect the least mouthful. However, my dread was soon removed by the return of Col. Arnold, who, with a small party, had made a forced march, and returned to us with some cattle he had purchased of the inhabitants. On these we made a voracious meal, and renewed our march with new courage to Point Levi, from thence we were transported in birch canoes to the Plains of Abraham, and from thence retreated to this place to wait for General Montgomery, who, we are told, by express this day, will be with us soon."
A correspondent observes, that while pride and obstinacy bear sway in England, it is not at all unlikely the present contest between Great Britain and America may, in its consequences, be somewhat similar to the story of the Philistines and Sampson; for although the Philistines had the pleasure of poking out Sampson's EYES, yet Sampson had the satisfaction of pulling the Philistines house down about their EARS.
LONDON, October 5.
AT a meeting of the Livery of London, in Common Hall assembled, on Friday the 29th of September, 1775:
Mr. Deputy Piper acquainted the Livery, that at a previous meeting of the Livery at the Half Moon tavern in Cheapside, on Monday evening last, at which meeting he was Chairman, it was by them agreed, that an address to the electors of Great Britain on the present alarming crisis of public grievances, be recommended from that meeting to the consideration of the next Common Hall.
And an address being accordingly produced, a motion was made, and the question put, that the said address be now read; it was resolved in the affirmative, and the said address was read accordingly.
Resolved, that the address to the electors of Great Britain now read, be entitled, the address of the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Livery of London, in Common Hall assembled, and be entered into the city records, and published in the papers, signed by the Lord Mayor and sheriffs, and counter signed by the town clerk, which address follows in these words:
To the ELECTORS of GREAT BRITAIN.
GENTLEMEN,
"THE mischiefs which have already arisen, and the great calamities which are threatened from the unnatural war excited in America by the arbitrary and inexorable spirit of his Majesty's Ministers, and advisers, have impressed our minds with alarms and apprehensions, which occasions this address to you:
"As electors we are more particularly called upon to take into consideration these dangerous proceedings against our fellow subjects in America; because the representatives of the people are unhappily made the instruments of these measures.
"It is impossible we can see without the utmost alarm, preparations making for the prosecution of an extensive and ruinous war with our own colonies, from which so much of our commerce, and therefore the sources of our wealth, are derived. The inevitable consequence of this must be, an increase of taxes, already too heavy, and an addition to the national debt, which presses us with intolerable weight. We beg you to consider, what must be the situation of this kingdom, under an augmentation of taxes, and a diminution of commerce; an increase of national debt, and an equal decrease of national resources.
"These are the immediate and unavoidable consequences of this war. The probable ones are still more fatal. If our natural and inveterate enemies should fall upon us when we are exhausted of men and money—when our most valuable commerce is ruined, and our bravest and veteran troops sacrificed,—what is it that can shield us from immediate ruin?—If we involve ourselves, then, in this obstinate and expensive civil war, we must owe our safety to the forbearance of our enemies. Neither do we think it improbable, from the desperate valour with which the Americans defend their dearest liberties, that all our efforts will be unsuccessful, and that we shall at last be obliged to sit down under a grievous addition of debt, and the fatal loss of our useful and affectionate colonies.
"The provision that is making for the introduction of Hanoverian and Hessian troops, instead of removing, confirms our ap-

prehensions; because we cannot have any confidence in the protection of foreign mercenaries; and feel at once the shame and folly of that policy, which is to burthen us with taxes for the payment of foreign protectors, while our own brave troops are slaughtered in an unnatural, unnecessary, inglorious contest.
For the certain expenses of this war, we see no reparation, even in conquest. Desolated fields, and depopulated provinces, are little likely to contribute to our necessities, either by revenue or commerce. No complaint from the merchants and manufacturers in Great Britain, of illicit trade, and acts of navigation infringed, has called for these coercive measures. On the contrary, they have repeatedly petitioned against the principles upon which the war was founded. To secure commerce therefore, can neither be the aim nor issue of this war.
Neither can it be to settle a due subordination of the colonies upon the parent state, since they have repeatedly and solemnly acknowledged their subordination, and submitted to our control.
We cannot therefore discover any real object, or possible event of this dispute, should we be successful, but that of establishing the arbitrary power of the Crown over our fellow subjects in America, which must greatly endanger the constitution here, and increasing the number of placemen and pensioners, already so enormous, as to threaten the utter destruction of freedom and independence among us.
The people of the colonies have appealed to their fellow subjects in Great Britain, for the justice and necessity of their conduct. We are convinced of their having been injured and oppressed. We sympathize in their griefs, and revere their fortitude; every motive of humanity, of justice, and of interest, call upon us to condemn the measures of which they complain, and to declare that we will never willingly contribute to urge their oppressions, or abridge their liberties.
It has been our grief and our misfortune to see, that the repeated petitions from his Majesty's subjects in America, supported by many in this country, have not availed to prevent the dreadful extremities we now lament. The petitioners have been studiously driven to the last resources of despair, by a denial of redress, and accumulation of grievances, too severe to be endured by a free people.
In the united petition last year from all the colonies, to the King, they asked for peace, liberty, and safety. Did it become us to refuse such a request? Or to persist in violating the peace, liberty, and safety of any part of our fellow subjects? They pledged themselves that in the time of war, they will be ready and willing to demonstrate their loyalty to his Majesty, by exerting their most strenuous efforts, in granting supplies and raising forces. What can we in justice require more from a part of the empire, restrained, in points of commercial advantages, for our benefit; and labouring in consequence of that restraint, under a heavy and accumulating debt? Can we expect success from a war, founded in such flagrant injustice? Appealing, say they, to that Being, who searches thoroughly the hearts of his creatures, we solemnly profess, that our councils have been influenced by no other motive, than a dread of impending destruction.
That dread has been realized. Famine, fire, and sword; have answered their reasonable requests, and earnest applications. Utter destruction, or unconditional submission, is the only alternative left them, by this imperious and intemperate administration.
Yet still they were determined to try the force of fresh supplication. This they have done in their late petition to the Throne, more humble, but still fruitless as the former. They say, "knowing to what violent resentments and incurable animosities, civil discord are apt to exasperate and enflame the contending parties, we think ourselves required by indispensable obligations to Almighty God, to your Majesty, to our fellow subjects, and ourselves, immediately to use all the means in our power, not incompatible with our safety, for stopping the further effusion of blood, and for averting the impending calamities which threaten the British empire."
We feel these as the most amiable sentiments of men, cordially interested in our welfare, and earnestly aiming at peace and reconciliation. In pursuit of these laudable purposes, they solemnly declare their most ardent desire, that "the former harmony between the two countries may be restored, and a concord may be established between them, upon so firm a basis, as to perpetuate its blessings, uninterrupted by any future dissensions, to succeeding generations, in both countries." They declare that "they do not request such a reconciliation, as might, in any manner, be inconsistent with the dignity or welfare of Great Britain;" that "they are ready and willing, at all times, as they have ever been, with their lives and fortunes, to assert and maintain the rights and interests of his Majesty, and of their mother country." They therefore implore his Majesty, "to take measures for preventing the further destruction of the lives of his subjects; and that he will be pleased to direct some mode, by which the united applications of his faithful colonists to the Throne, in pursuance of their common councils, may be improved into a happy and permanent reconciliation; and that the wished for opportunity may soon be restored to them, of evincing the sincerity of their professions, by every testimony of devotion, becoming the most dutiful subjects, and the most affectionate colonists."
To this petition an answer has been refused. The unhappy petitioners are left to deplore the prospect of inexorable war and desolation, and to seek protection in those fatal resources, which self-preservation suggests against impending destruction.
This, Gentlemen, is the alarming state of America, which fills us with anxiety and apprehensions.
We lament the blood that has been already shed; we deplore the fate of those brave men, who are devoted to hazard their lives, not, against the enemies of the British nation, but against the friends of the prosperity and glory of Great Britain. We feel for the honour of the British arms, sullied not by the misbehaviour of those who bore them, but by the misconduct of the Ministers, who employed them, to the oppression of their fellow subjects. We are alarmed at the immediate, insupportable expense, and the probable consequences of a war, which we are convinced originate in violence and injustice, and must end in ruin.
These are the sentiments, Gentlemen, which we take the liberty of communicating to you, as the reasons upon which we have acted, trusting that, if they meet with your approbation, you will co-operate with us in endeavouring to bring the authors of these evils to the justice of their country.
Signed in obedience to the order of the Common Hall, JOHN WILKES, Mayor. GEO. HAYLEY, } Sheriffs. NATH. NEWNHAM. } Counter signed by order, WILLIAM RIX, Town Clerk.
TO BE SOLD At public Auction, at the Subscriber's, on THURSDAY the first Day of FEBRUARY next, SEVERAL HORSES, all Kinds of HOUSEHOLD and KITCHEN FURNITURE, such as Beds, Tables, Chairs, &c. and many other Things too tedious to mention. Also sundry Kinds of LIQUORS, &c. The Purchasers to have twelve Months Credit, on giving Bond and good Security. (2) THOMAS DONCASTLE.
PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 8. The following SPEECH was received this morning by express from NEW YORK. H I S M A J E S T Y ' S M O S T G R A C I O U S S P E E C H
To both HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT, on Friday the 27th of October, 1775.
L O N D O N, October 28.
Y ESTERDAY, about noon, his Majesty went from the Queen's palace to St. James's, attended only by two footmen behind his coach. About ten minutes before two his Majesty got into the state coach, attended by the Duke of Ancestre and Lord Bruce, and proceeded to the House of Peers, where, being seated on the Throne, and a message having been sent to the Commons, requiring their attendance, his Majesty opened the present session of Parliament with the following speech:
"My Lords and Gentlemen,
T HE present situation of America, and my constant desire to have your advice, concurrence, and assistance on every important occasion, have determined me to call you thus early together.
Those who have long too successfully laboured to enflame my people in America, by gross misrepresentations, and to infuse into their minds a system of opinions repugnant to the true constitution of the colonies, and to their subordinate relation to Great Britain, now openly avow their revolt, hostility, and rebellion. They have raised troops, and are collecting a naval force; they have seized the public revenue, and assumed to themselves legislative, executive, and judicial powers, which they already exercise in the most arbitrary manner over the persons and properties of their fellow subjects: And although many of these unhappy people may still retain their loyalty; and may be too wise not to see the fatal consequence of this usurpation, and with to resist it, yet the torrent of violence has been strong enough to compel their acquiescence till a sufficient force shall appear to support them.
The authors and promoters of this desperate conspiracy have, in the conduct of it, derived great advantage from the difference of our intentions and theirs: They meant only to amuse by vague expressions of attachment to the Parent State, and the strongest protestations of loyalty to me, whilst they were preparing for a general revolt. On our part, though it was declared, in your last session, that a rebellion existed within the province of Massachusetts Bay, yet even that province we wished rather to reclaim than to subdue. The resolutions of Parliament breathed a spirit of moderation and forbearance; conciliatory propositions accompanied the measures taken to enforce authority, and the coercive acts were adapted to cases of criminal combinations amongst subjects not then in arms. I have acted with the same temper; anxious to prevent, if it had been possible, the effusion of the blood of my subjects, and the calamities which are inseparable from a state of war; still hoping that my people in America would have discerned the traitorous views of their leaders, and have been convinced, that to be a subject of Great Britain, with all its consequences, is to be the freest member of any civil society in the known world.
The rebellious war now levied is become more general, and is manifestly carried on for the purpose of establishing an independent empire. I need not dwell upon the fatal effects of the success of such a plan. The object is too important, the spirit of the British nation too high, the resources with which God hath blessed her too numerous, to give up so many colonies which she has planted with great industry, nursed with great tenderness, encouraged with many commercial advantages, and protected and defended at much expense of blood and treasure.
It is now become the part of wisdom, and (in its effects) of clemency, to put a speedy end to these disorders by the most decisive exertions: For this purpose, I have increased my naval establishment, and greatly augmented my land forces, but in such a manner as may be the least burthensome to my kingdoms.
I have also the satisfaction to inform you, that I have received the most friendly offers of foreign assistance; and if I shall make any treaties in consequence thereof, they shall be laid before you. And I have, in testimony of my affection for my people, who can have no cause in which I am not equally interested, sent to the garrisons of Gibraltar and Port Mahon a part of my electoral troops, in order that a large number of the established forces of this kingdom may be applied to the maintenance of its authority; and the national militia, planned and regulated with equal regard to the rights, safety, and protection of my Crown and people, may give a further extent and activity to our military operations.
When the unhappy and deluded multitude, against whom this force will be directed, shall become sensible of their error, I shall be ready to receive the misled with tenderness and mercy; and in order to prevent the inconveniences which may arise from the great distance of their situation, and to remove, as soon as possible, the calamities which they suffer, I shall give authority to certain persons upon the spot to grant general or particular pardons and indemnities, in such manner, and to such persons as they shall think fit, and to receive the submission of any province or colony which shall be disposed to return to its allegiance. It may be also proper to authorise the persons so commissioned to restore such province or colony, so returning to its allegiance, to the free exercise of its trade and commerce, and to the same protection and security as if such province or colony had never revolted.
"Gentlemen of the House of Commons,
I have ordered the proper estimates for the ensuing year to be laid before you; and I rely on your affection to me, and your resolution to maintain the just rights of this country, for such supplies as the present circumstances of our affairs require. Among the many unavoidable ill consequences of this rebellion, none affects me more sensibly than the extraordinary burthen which it must create to my faithful subjects.
"My Lords and Gentlemen,
I have fully opened to you my views and intentions. The constant employment of my thoughts, and the most earnest wishes of my heart, tend wholly to the safety and happiness of all my people, and to the re-establishment of order and tranquillity through the several parts of my dominions, in a close connection and constitutional dependence. You see the tendency of the present disorders, and I have stated to you the measures which I mean to pursue for suppressing them. Whatever remains to be done, that may further contribute to this end, I commit to your wisdom. And I am happy to add, that, as well from the assurances I have received, as from the general appearance of affairs in Europe, I see no probability that the measures which you may adopt will be interrupted by disputes with any foreign power."
WILLIAMSBURG, Jan. 10.
A REPORT was current, a few days ago, that Government had appointed commissioners to confer with terms of accommodation, but there remains little hope of such a happy circumstance; for we are informed, by an express from Philadelphia, that the Ministry are determined to persist in their ruinous plan; that 10,000 men were ordered to America, and may be daily expected there, or at New York. The general opinion was, that the seat of war would be removed to the middle provinces, and that General Howe will come out of Boston with as many troops as can be spared from the garrison. In all probability Virginia is one of the immediate objects of their resentment, and it is necessary we should be prepared.
Some time this week two tenders seized, and carried into Norfolk harbour, a top sail vessel belonging to Mr. Ritchie of Hobb's Hole, loaded with salt.
Extract of a letter from a Gentleman in PHILADELPHIA to his friend in this city, dated January 9, 1776.
"There are 23 tons of gunpowder arrived at New York, and 57 tons of salt-petre in this city, and the King's Most Gracious Speech . After this speech, I hope the Convention will consent that no more quitters be paid to the Receiver General; for it is absurd, beyond bearing, to be putting money into the pockets of a man who will immediately apply it to your destruction."
Notice is given to the public, by an advertisement from the general post office at New York, signed Francis Dashwood, Secretary, published in the Pennsylvania Packet, "That his Majesty's Postmaster General is obliged, for the present, to stop all the posts. The public are also desired to take notice, that, for the safety of the letters coming by the next or any future packet, they will be kept on board, and the names of those who shall have letters will be advertised, that they may either apply themselves, or write to their friends in New York to take them up. An order in writing, from the person to whom any letter shall be directed, will be necessary."
Copy of a letter from Capt. Bellew to Col. Howe, dated Liverpool, off Norfolk, Dec. 30, 1775, before the destruction of that place.
S I R, As I hold it incompatible with the honour of my commission to suffer men in arms against their Sovereign and the laws to appear before his Majesty's ships, I desire you will cause your sentinels in the town of Norfolk to avoid being seen, that women and children may not feel the effects of their audacity; and it would not be imprudent if both were to leave the town.
I am, Sir, your most humble servant, HENRY BELLEW. To Robert Howe, Esq; Col. HOWE's answer.
NORFOLK, Dec. 30, 1775. I AM too much of an officer to wish you to do any thing incompatible with the honour of your commission, or to recede myself from any point which I conceive to be my duty. Under the influence of reciprocal feelings, consequences may ensue which either perhaps would choose to avoid. Our sentinels have received orders not to fire at your boats, or any other, unless approaching the shore, in a hostile manner. If they exceed this order, we would punish them ourselves; or, if you do it, we shall thank you for it. If, however, your resentment extends farther than merely to them, I should wish the inhabitants of the town, who have nothing to do in this matter, may have time to remove with their effects; and as to the rest, I should be unworthy of the respect of a man of your character if I consulted any thing but my duty.
I am, Sir, your most obedient servant, ROBERT HOWE. To Henry Bellew, Esq; Deaths] Mr. Alexander Craig, a member of the Common Council of this city, in the 59th year of his age.
WILLIAMSBURG, January 20, 1776.
I intend to leave the Colony immediately. WILLIAM MAITLAND.
TO BE SOLD FOR READY MONEY, T H R E E Excellent Stocking Frames, W I T H Every necessary Implement for carrying on that Branch of Business. Any Person inclined to purchase may apply to
WILLIAMSBURG, } ADAM ALLAN, & Co. Jan. 20, 1776. }
We have now at Work a very sober Journeyman, who is capable and willing to manage the Business, should the Purchaser be unacquainted with it.
N. B. I intend to leave the Colony soon. ADAM ALLAN.
FOR SALE, AT THE ROCKY RIDGE, On THURSDAY the 1st of FEBRUARY, The beautiful high blooded Horse REGULUS. Twelve Months CREDIT will be allowed, the Purchaser giving Bond and Security. (211) ROBERT GOODE. DAVID PATTESON.
PRINCE GEORGE, January 15, 1776.
WHEREAS Nathaniel Cook and William Cook, of the County of Mecklenburg, did, in the Year 1768, sell me a small Parcel of Land, lying in the County of Prince George, containing 16 Acres, for the Sum of 51. which Consideration has been paid them, and a Deed of Conveyance made to the Subscriber by said Cooks, but by some Accident the Deed could not be recorded; and as I am informed the said Cooks promise themselves some Advantage from it, this is therefore to forewarn all Persons from purchasing the said Land, as I am determined to maintain my Right to the same. WILLIAM WILKINS, Senior.
T W E N T Y V E R Y F I N E S L A V E S To be SOLD for ready Money, At the Rocky Ridge, on Thursday the 1st of February next.
ORANGE, January 15, 1776.
I intend to leave the Colony soon. ALEXANDER DAWNEY.

POETS CORNER.
On WEAVING.
SAY, muse, what art did nature introduce, So great in genius, or so great in use? Since the first cause, creating work began, Digested chaos, and rear'd up the man.
The MODERN COURTIER.
PRAY say what's that, which smirking trips this way? That powder'd thing, so neat, so trim, so gay? Adorn'd with tambour'd vest and spangled sword, That supple servile thing?—O that's a Lord!
As the PRINTERS are anxious to satisfy all demands against them, and to purchase a stock of printing-paper, which at this time is very scarce, and cannot be had without cost, besides an infinite deal of trouble and expence in transporting it from Pennsylvania, they request those good customers who are in arrears to them for this gazette, books, stationery, &c. to discharge the same as soon as possible.
At a committee held for GOOCHLAND county, at the courthouse, on WEDNESDAY the 29th of November, 1775.
FRIENDS and COUNTRYMEN,
YE whose situation exposes you to the relentless fury of merciless plunderers, who are daily meditating how they may distress his Majesty's faithful subjects on this continent; we rejoice to find that several of the upper counties have taken your case into their tender consideration, and have declared their willingness to manifest every token of humanity and affection to your families, when you are forced to quit your habitations; we sincerely join with them, and do hereby for ourselves and constituents, assure our friends in the lower counties, who find it necessary to leave their habitations, that our minds are disposed to receive them with sincere affection; and we do hereby invite such who think themselves in danger, to come and dwell among us, who are willing to afford to as many of their families as is within our power, every comfort and convenience we can.
Resolved, that the preceding address be published in the Virginia gazette.
FOR SALE,
By J. Dixon and W. Hunter,
THE
VIRGINIA ALMANACK
For the Year of our LORD GOD 1776.
THE Subscriber requests all Persons that have any just Demands against the Estate of Joseph Foster, deceased, of King William County, to make them known immediately to him, in Hanover, that Provision may be made to discharge them; and those who are indebted to the said Estate are desired to make Payment as soon as possible.
JOHN BLACKWELL.
HANOVER Town, January 10, 1776.
I intend to leave the Colony immediately. (||) JOSEPH WRIGHT.
FREDERICKSBURG, Jan. 10, 1776.
I intend to leave the Colony very soon. WILLIAM HORNER.
RICHMOND, January 11, 1776.
I intend to leave the Colony soon. (||) JAMES M'DOWALL.
RICHMOND, January 11, 1776.
I intend to leave the Colony soon. (||) GEORGE WEIR.
RICHMOND, January 11, 1776.
I intend to leave the Colony soon. (||) ROBERT BURTON.
HANOVER Town, January 13, 1776.
THE SUBSCRIBER intends to sail for Britain early next Month. ARCHIBALD GOVAN.
AYLETT's Warehouse, January 10, 1776.
As the Subscriber intends for Britain early next Month, he requests the Favour of all those who have had Dealings with him, either at the Store here, or at that kept at King William Courthouse, to come and have their Accounts adjusted. JAMES GOVAN.
MANCHESTER, January 8, 1776.
I intend to leave the Colony immediately. (||) JOHN CAMPBELL.
MANCHESTER, January 8, 1776.
I intend to leave the Colony immediately. (||) ROBERT DONALD.
BEDFORD, January 8, 1776.
I intend to leave the Colony immediately. (||) ROBERT DONALD.
BEDFORD, January 8, 1776.
I intend to leave the Colony immediately. (||) THOMAS MONTGOMERIE.
WHEN I formerly advertised my Intention of leaving this Colony, I said Mr. Robert Donald of Bedford (who was to have moved to this Place) would, in my Absence, manage the Business; but as he likewise intends leaving the Colony, I acquaint those it may concern, that Mr. Robert Montgomerie of Bedford will manage it.
JAMES DONALD.
ELIZABETH CITY County, Jan. 9, 1776.
I INTEND to leave the Colony soon. GEORGE GRAHAM.
ON MONDAY the 22d of this Instant (January) pursuant to the last Will and Testament of Mr. Francis Smith, deceased, of Hanover County, will be sold on the Premises, one TRACT OF LAND containing 1072 Acres, lying in the County of Louisa. The Fertility of the Soil, for Corn, Wheat, and Tobacco, is so well known as makes a Description unnecessary. Its Situation to Church, Courthouse, and Mill, is entirely convenient.
And on MONDAY the 29th of January will be sold on the said Deceased's Plantation, in Hanover County, thirty CHOICE VIRGINIA BORN SLAVES, amongst which are several valuable Tradesmen and House Servants; the HOUSEHOLD and KITCHEN FURNITURE; also the Stock of HORSES, CATTLE, SHEEP, and HOGS, with the Crop of CORN, OATS, and WHEAT; a large Quantity of PINE, CHERRY, BLACK WALNUT, and BIRCH PLANK, together with all Kinds of PLANTATION UTENSILS, and sundry other Articles too tedious to mention.
THOMAS SMITH, Executor.
All Persons who have any Demands against the Estate are desired to bring in their Accounts, properly authenticated; and those in Arrears are most earnestly requested to make Payment as soon as possible, or give Bond for their respective Balances.
WILLIAMSBURG. Jan. 8, 1776.
ALL Persons who have any Demands against the Estate of Peyton Randolph, Esq; deceased, are desired to bring in their Accounts properly proved. Those indebted to the said Estate are requested to make immediate Payment to BETTY RANDOLPH, } Exec. JAMES COCKE, }
Those Gentlemen who have borrowed any Books of the late Speaker are desired to return them immediately.
TAKEN up, in Bedford, a LARGE BRINDLED BULL with a white Face and white Belly, marked with two smooth Crops. Posted, and appraised to 36s.
DAVID IRVINE.
THE SHIP ROCKINGHAM, Richard Hopper Master, now lying in Nansemond River, will sail for Glasgow the first Week in February. She goes in Ballast, and will be exceedingly well fitted for Passengers. For Passage, apply to the Master on Board said Ship, to Gibson, Donaldson, and Hamilton, in Suffolk, or to Dixon & Hunter.—The Ship Rockingham is a new Vessel, and well found.
TO BE RENTED
FOR A YEAR, OR TERM OF YEARS,
THE well-accustomed TAVERN on the Road from Hanover Courthouse to Hanover Town. The Conveniencies of this Place, for either a public or private Family, are very great, the Dwelling-House having six Rooms below Stairs, and two above, a Kitchen, Dairy, Meat-House, Quarter, Blacksmith's Shop, a very large Barn and Stable, with every other Necessary for the immediate Reception of a Family. Any Person inclined to rent the said Place may know the Terms by applying to the Subscriber, near the Premises. THOMAS SMITH.
TO BE SOLD,
On Thursday the first Day of February, at the Town of MANCHESTER, commonly called the Rocky Ridge,
ABOUT one Hundred VIRGINIA born NEGROES, amongst whom are some female House Servants, a Carpenter, and a Shoemaker. Twelve Months Credit will be allowed, and Bond, with good Security, required of the Purchasers. (2) DAVID MEADE.
HANOVER Town, Dec. 17, 1775.
I INTEND to leave the Colony for a short Time, on a Journey to South Carolina. All Persons indebted to me at present are desired to pay the same to Leighton Wood, Jun. whom I have authorised to give sufficient Discharges. Gentlemen and Ladies may be supplied with all Sorts of Cabinet Work at my Shop in this Town, which will be left under the Direction of Mr. George Brown. THOMAS ARBUTHNOT.
To be rented, and entered on immediately,
THE TAVERN at Aylett's Warehouses, in King William. The very public Situation of this Place, the great Resort of Company to it, and the Advantages of boarding a Number of Merchants, are so well known, that a particular Description is unnecessary. The Terms may be known by applying to Mr. Benjamin Temple near the Premises, Mr. Robert Pollard at my Store at Aylett's, or the Subscriber in Williamsburg, who has for Sale, in the said City, a Quantity of best superfine, common, middling, and Ship-Bread FLOUR; also about 20 Barrels of TAR, and an elegant Assortment of Ladies black, white, and green Satin CARDINALS and BONNETS. WILLIAM AYLETT.
LANCASTER County, Dec. 30, 1775.
RUN away from the Subscriber, about the 20th of last Month, a Negro Man named SOLOMON, about 30 Years of Age, 5 Feet 7 or 8 Inches high; had on when he went away, a Virginia Cloth Waistcoat and Breeches, an Os-nabrug Shirt, new Shoes and Stockings. He is a remarkable black Negro, with his Ears cut, which is very perceptible. I have some Reason to believe he is lurking about Mr. Charles Carter's Plantation on James River, as he has endeavoured to pass through Middlesex as one of his Workmen. Any Person that will apprehend and deliver the said Negro to me, on the eastern Branch of Corotoman River, shall have 40s Reward if taken in this Colony, and if in any other 5l. JAMES KIRK, Junior.
TAKEN up, in Louisa, two SOWS, one white, the other of a fandy Colour, marked with an Underkeel and Overkeel in the right Ear. Posted, and appraised to 25s. MARTIN GINLAY.
TAKEN up, in Halifax, a BRIGHT BAY HORSE about 9 or 10 Years old, 4 Feet 6 or 7 Inches high, with a small Star in his Forehead, had on a small Bell, and branded on the right Buttock HF in a Piece. Posted, and appraised to 8l. DAVID HUDELSTON.
TAKEN up, in Halifax, a GRAY HORSE about 8 Years old, about 4 Feet 6 Inches high, both hind Feet white, a small Bell on, paces and trots, and branded on the near Buttock R I, but so dull that it is hardly perceptible. Posted, and appraised to 8l. (||) CHARLES WILSON.
FOR SALE,
THE noted and well accustomed TAVERN in James City County, about 15 Miles from Williamsburg, on the main Road from said City to New Kent Courthouse, Ruffin's Ferry, and the Brickhouse Ferry, with about 500 Acres of LAND in good Order for Cropping, having six Fields under good Fences. It is as fine a Place for a Merchant as any in the Colony, being within five Miles of several Landings on York and Chickahomony Rivers. Any Person inclined to purchase may be shewn the Land, and know the terms (which will be made easy) by applying to the Subscriber, on the Premises. THOMAS DONCASTLE.
WANTED,
A WET NURSE, of good Character, without a Child. Inquire of the Printers. tf
TO BE SOLD
Under a Power of Attorney from Mr. JOHN BAYLOR, ABOUT 1000 Acres of Land in the county of Orange, to be laid off on the upper Part of a Tract whereon John Hawkins lives. The Land in general is very good, and contains a considerable Quantity of valuable low Ground. The Terms may be known by applying to Mr. James Newman, near the Premises, or to the Subscriber, in the County of Caroline. (tf) EDMUND PENDLETON, Jun.
N. B. I am also empowered to receive and pay Mr. Baylor's Debts, but I am apprehensive it will not be in my Power to do either, and therefore hope his Creditors will not be impatient or uneasy.
YORK Town, September 19, 1775.
RUN away from Col. Philip Rootes, of King and Queen, a Negro Man named HARRY, who was some Years ago mortgaged to the Hon. William Nelson. It is with good Reason suspected that he is lurking about West Point, and that he is harboured by some of Col. Thomas Moore's Negroes. Whoever secures and delivers the said Negro, either to Col. Rootes or to one of us, shall receive 40s. Reward. THE EXECUTORS.