Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1839-05-30

! sixteen counsellors, who have from his
sacred majestic, a commission oil Oyer ana
Terminer, who judge and determine all
causes that are above fifteen pound ster.
ling !; for what is under, there are partic-
ular courts in every county, which are
twenty 10 number. Every year, at least,
the assembly is called, before whom I've
appeals, and this assembly is composed oil
two burgesses out of every county
These lay the necessary taxes, as the ne
cessity Of the war with the Indians, or
their e~xigencies, require.
2. What courts OF judicature are with.
in your government relating to the ADM.
rally
Answer. In tweniy-eight yeares there
has never been one prize brought into the
country so that there is no need for a
particular court for that concern.
8. Where the legislative and execu-
tive powers Of your government are sea-
ted7
Answer. In the governor, council
and assembly, and officers substituted by
them.
4. What statute laws and ordinances
are now made and in force?
Answer. The secretary OF this coun-
try every year sends to the lord chancel.
lor, or one of the principal secretaries,
what laws are yearly made which for
| the most part concern only our W pri-
vate exigencies for, contrary 10 the laws
of England, VIZ never did, nor dare make
any, only this, that no sale of land is good
and legal, unless within three months ac.
Ter the conveyance of it be recorded in
the general court, or county courts.
5. What number Of horse and foot
are within your government, and wheth-
er they be trained bands or standing for
ces?
Answer. All our freemen are bound
to be trained every month in their partic-
ular counties, which we suppose, and do
not much mistake ia the calculation, are
near eigh. thousand horse: there are more,
but it is too chargeable for poor people,,
as we are, to exercise them.
G. What castles and forts are within
your government, and how situated, as
also what stores aud provisions they are
furnished wilhalla
Answer. There are FIVE forts in the
country, two in James river, and one in
the three other rivers Of York, Rappahan-
mock and Potomeck !; but God knows we
have neither skill or ability to make or
maintain them for there is not, nor, as
far as my enquiry can reach, ever was
one ingenier in the country, so that we
are at continual charge TO repair unskil.
full and inartiicial buildings of hat ma
ture. There is not above thirty great
and serviceable guns ;&this we yearly
supply with powder and shot as far as our
utmos, abilities will permit us.
Z. What number Of privateers do fire.
quent your coasts and nelghbouring seas;
what their burthens are the number Of
men and guns, and the names of their
commanders?
Answer. None 10 our knowledge,
since the late Dutch war.
s. What is the strength Of your bor-
dering neighbours, be they Indians or
others, by sea and land what cores
pondence do you keep with your neigh
bours?
Ansper. We have no Europeans sea.
ted nearer to US than ST. Cbristophers or
Mexico as we know Of, except some few
french that are beyond New England.
The Indians, our neighbours are absolute
ly subjected, so that there IS no fear of
them. As for correspondence, WI have
none with any European strangers nor
is there a possibility 10 have it with our
own nation further than our traffic con-
Germs.
0. What arms, ammunitions and stores
did you find upon the place, or have been
sent you since. upon his majestyes ac.
count; when received /; how employed j;
what quantity ofthem is there remaining,
and where?
Ansuer. When came into the coun-
try, | found one only ruinated fort, with
eight great guns, most unserviceable, and
all dismounted but four, situated in q most
unhealthy place, and where, ifan enemy
knew the soundings, he could keep out of
the danger Of the best guns in Europe
his HlaBtst1s III Tue lihio VI INC butCH
war;, sent us thirty great guns, most of
which were lost in the ship that brought
them. Before, or since this, we never
had one great or small gun sent US, since
my coming hilher ; nor, | believe, in
twenty years before. All that have been
sent by his sacred majesty, are still in
the country, with a few more We lately
bought.
10. What monies have been paid or
appointed TO be paid by his majesty, or
levied within your government, for and
towards the buying OF armes, or making
or maintaining Of any Notifications or
castles, and how have the said monies
been expended
Answer. Besides those guns | men,
xpa rnvar bad arv rnon;ae &c HE