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LETTER I.

To the INHABITANTS of the BRITISH COLONIES
in AMERICA.

BRETHREN,
DIVINE Providence has been pleased to place us, in
this Age and Country, under such Circumstances as
to be reduced to the Necessity of choosing one of these
Conditions: Either to submit to the Dominion of
others, holding our Lives, Liberties, and Properties,
by the precarious Tenure of their Will; or, to exert
that Understanding, Resolution, and Power, with
which Heaven has favoured us, in striving to maintain
our Rank in the Class of Freemen.

The Importance of these Objects is so immensely great, and the Treat-
ment of one of these Colonies so extremely alarming, as to call for your
most earnest and immediate Consideration.

The Subject of the present Dispute, between Great Britain and us, is
so generally understood, that to enlarge upon it is needless. We know
the Extent of her Claims; we begin to feel the Enforcement of those Claims.
We may foresee the Consequences of them; for, Reason teaching us to
infer Actions from Principles, and Events from Examples, should con-
vince us what a Perfection of Servitude is to be fixed on us, and our Pos-
terity. I call it Perfection; because the Wit of Man, it is apprehended,
cannot devise a Plan of Domination more completely tending to bear
down the Governed, into the lowest and meanest State in Society, than
that now meditated, avowed, and in Part executed, on this Continent.

If this System becomes established, it may with Truth be said of the
Inhabitants of these Colonies, “that they hold their Lives, Liberties
and Properties, by the precarious Tenure of the Will of others.”

Allowing the Danger to be real, at the Prospect of so abject and so
lasting a Subjection, what must be the Sentiments of judicious and vir-
tuous Americans? They will quickly determine whether the first Part
of the Alternative should be adopted.

Here Arguments would be absurd. Not more ridiculous would be an
Attempt to prove Vice preferable to Virtue; the Climate of St. Vincent
more pleasant than that of Pennsylvania; the Natives of Indostan, un-
der the Government of the East India Company, as happy as English
Freeholders; or the Inhabitants of Great Britain more loyal Subjects than
those of the Colonies.

That Liberty is inestimable; and should, if possible, be preserved, you
know. To pretend to convince you of the Truth of the former Proposi-
tion, or of the Duty of the latter, would be to insult you.

You must be, you are resolved, to observe the properest Conduct for
securing your best and dearest Interests. What that may be, deserves,
demands, your closest Attention, your calmest Deliberation.

On this Head, I venture to submit some Observations to your Consi-
deration. I am, by every Tie of Interest and Duty, an American; and,
unless my Heart deceives me, I am an American in Affection. My For-
tunes, Hopes, and Wishes, are abound up in your Prosperity. With my
Countrymen I must mourn or rejoice; and therefore, though I am per-
fectly sensible I cannot present to them Reflections arising from great
Abilities or extensive Learning, and adorned by Elegance of Composi-
tion, yet I trust they will lend a careful and candid Attention to plain
Thoughts dictated by honest Intentions, and a Participation of Afflic-
tions. Aiming solely at your Wlfare, and not at the trifling Reputation
of a Writer, far be from me the over-weening Presumption that my Opi-
nions are free from Errour. Conscious of my Frailties, I desire those
Opinions to be severely examined. The Correction of them will confer a
real Obligation upon me, if it serves my Country; and happy shall I
esteem myself, if the Detection of my Mistakes shall open to you a clear
View of the most expedient Measures to be pursued.

There are some Men who say that the late Act of Parliament, abolish-
ing the Privileges of the Port of Boston, was occasioned by the particular
Imprudence of the Inhabitants, and in no Manner concerns the other
Colonies.

To form a true Judgment on this Point, it will be proper top take a
short Review of some other Transactions.

Great Britain, triumphant by your Assistance in the late War, found,
at the Conclusion of it, by a Peace hastily bestowed on her haughty and
hereditary Foes, her Dominions enlarged, her Fleets formidable, her
Armies disciplined, her Trade flourishing, her Enemies intimidated and
exhausted, her Colonies thriving, affectionate, and dutiful.

The Cup of Prosperity, large and full, courted her Lips. Deep she
drank of the enchanted Beverage, as if the Vessel, like the Cruise of
Sarepta’s Widow, could not fail. After a short, but feverish Repose,
she roused herself, may I say, as one of Homer’s Giants; a Race,”by
whom no Statutes and no Rights were known,” to injure those who
never injured her. She had conquered her Enemies. That other
Kingdoms had done. Should no Exploits of a more transcendent Energy
illustrate the Annals of George III. no Atchievements, so shockingly
great and advantageous, that even the pensioned Historians of the ani-
mated Era must weep in tracing them, and blush in reciting them?
Luckily for her Fame, perhaps for her Profit, the near-fighted Policy
and low spirited Humanity of every State, in every Period, had left
untouched, for her, the novel Glory of conquering Friends, Children,
Flesh of her Flesh, and Bone of her Bone, unstained by any former Re-
proach, resting in perfect Tranquillity, acknowledged Loyalty, and ac-
tual Obedience to every Kind of Authority hitherto by her exercised
over them; perpetually pouring into her Lap those Fruits of their In-
dustry which she would permit them to collect from the different Parts
of the World; proud of their Connection with her, confiding in her,
loving, revering, almost adoring her; and ready and willing, as they ever
had been, to spend their Treasure and their Blood, at her Request, in
her Cause.

* “Parcere superbis, and debellare subjectos,”
was a Thought that had escaped the Sagacity of Statesmen, and even the
Fancy of Poets. The Subtlety of Machiavel’s Italian Brain had missed
it, and no Beotian had blundered upon it.”

The Temptation was too great to be resisted; the Parent resolved to
seize that Treasure, and, if not tamely resigned, to spill that Blood
herself.: “ || O sapiens et beata Regina.”

The greatest [Cross] Minister, who had heretofore conducted her Affairs,
had discovered, and declared, that we were continually toiling for her
Benefit; that she was sure of receiving, in the Course of Commerce, all
those Emoluments of our Labour which Reason could require; and,
therefore, tenderly cherished and supported us. Notions too dull! and
Advantages too just! to merit the slightest Regard from his Majesty’s
enlightened and magnanimous Counsellors.

”They lavish Gold out of the Bag, and weigh Silver in the Balance;
”they fall down, yea they worship them. Remember this, and show
”yourselves Men.” Isaiah, Chapter 46. P. P.

* ”Non nobis nati fumus. It is for our Posterity we desire to provide,
that they may not be in worse Case than Villains. For a Freeman to be
Tenant at Will for his Liberty! I will not agree to it. It is a Tenure not
to be found in all Littleton.” Speech of Sir Edward Cooke, Lord Chief
Justice. Parliamentary History, Volume 9th, Page 62d.
[Cross] “To Spare the Proud, and to subdue the Subject.”
[Double Cross] “O wife and happy Queen.”
|| Sir Robert Walpole, and every other Minister to whom the Project of
taxing the Colonies was mentioned, rejected it.

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”When I had the Honour of serving his Majesty, I availed myself of
the Means of Information which I derived from my Office. I speak,
therefore, from Knowledge. My Materials were good. I was at Pains
to collect, to digest, to consider them; and I will be bold to affirm,
that the Profit of Great Britain from the Trade of the Colonies, through
all its Branches is two Millions a Year. This is the Fund that carried
you triumphantly through the last War. The Estates that were rented
at 2000£. a Year, threescore Years ago, are 3000£. at present. Those
Estates sold them from fifteen to eighteen Years Purchase; the same may
now be sold for thirty. You owe this to America. This is the Price
that America pays you for her Protection. I dare not say how much
higher these Profits may be augmented. Upon the Whole, I will beg
Leave to tell the House what is really my Opinion: It is, that the
Stamp Act be repealed absolutely, totally, and immediately; that the
Reason for the Repeal be assigned, because it was founded on an erro-
neous Principle.” Mr. PITT’S Speech.

All the most distinguished Writers on the Trade of Great Britain,
previous to the present Reign, help a Language entirely agreeing with
Mr. Pitt’s Sentiments. See Davenant, Child, Tucker, Beawes,
Postlethwaite, &c.

LETTER II.
To the INHABITANTS of the BRITISH COLONIES
in AMERICA.

BRETHREN,
IT is not my Design to travel through all the ministerial Manoeuvres,
respecting us since the Commencement of this Reign. It is not
necessary. Sufficient, I trust, it will prove to lay before you such a
Series of correspondent Facts as will thoroughly convince you that a
Plan has been deliberately framed, and pertinaciously adhered to, un-
changed even by frequent Changes of Ministers, unchecked by any inter-
vening Gleam of Humanity, to sacrifice to a Passion for arbitrary
Dominion the universal Property, Liberty, Safety, Honour, Happiness,
and Prosperity, of us, unoffending, yet devoted Americans; and that
every Man of us is deeply interested in the Fate of our Brethren of Boston.

If such a Series is not laid before you, the combined Force of which
shall tear up by the Roots, and throw out of your Bosoms, every lurking
Doubt, censure me as an Enthusiast, too violently warmed by a Sense
of the Injustice practised against my beloved Country.

The Danger of a Father’s Life once racked Words from a dumb Son.
Worse than Death, in my View, threatens our common Mother. Par-
don, therefore, a Brother’s Imperfections.

Amidst a Volume of Institutions, called Regulations, wrong at first,
corrected into other Errours, again corrected, still requiring Regulation,
and remaining, after all their Editions, if not like Draco’s Codes of
Blood, yet Codes of Plunder, confounding by the Intricacy and Multi-
plicity of their Inventions, and confiscating for having confounded*,
appears the 4th of George III. Chapter 15th, stilled “An Act for
granting certain Duties in the British Colonies and Plantations in America,
&c.” This was the first Comet of this Kind that glared over these Colo-
nies since their Existence. Here first we find the Commons of Great
Britain “giving and granting” our Money, for the express Purpose of
”raising a Revenue in America.”

We, busy in guiding our Ploughs, felling our Timber, or sailing in
the Circuits of Traffick prescribed us, and still veering, like Bees to
their Hive, with Millions of our Gains to Great Britain, the Centre of
our Toils by Land and Sea, poor harmless Husbandmen and Traders!
scarce observed the Blow given us. Our Hearts, filled will Confidence,
by contemplating the pleasing Images of her generous distinguished Vir-
tues, from the Splendour of which, in our Judgment, those of ancient
Greece and Rome hid their diminished Heads, Suspicion could find no
Entrance. We saw, in the Preamble, something of the usual Forms
”for extending and securing Navigation and Commerce,” were lulled
into Security, nor could suppose the Stroke was aimed at our Vitals.
An Infant that had tottered along a directed Walk in a Garden, and,
loaded with Flowers, had presented them to a mother, would as soon
have expected to be knocked down by her.

Not long were we suffered to enjoy our Tranquillity. The 5th of
George III. Chapter 12th, the ever memorable Stamp Act quickly
followed. By this, reciting the former Act, the Commons of Great
Britain “gave and granted” Duties, so called, of our Money, on
almost every Piece of Parchment, Vellum, or Paper, to be used in these
Colonies, and declared every Instrument of Writing without a Stamp to
be void. Tax Gatherers of a new Kind, were appointed to collect
these Duties. The Petitions of our Assemblies, previous to its passing,
on Notice received of the Design, asserting our Rights, and supplicating
a Respect for them, were treated with Contempt. You remember the
Time, and its Distress. You behaved as you ought [Cross]. Convinced that
a People who wish to be free must resolve to be free, you abolished the
”abominable Thing,” and proceeded in your usual Business, without
any Regard to the illegal Edict obtruded upon you.

Permit me to add two Observations, relating to remarkable Attendants
on the Taxation comprised in that Act; the Memory of which is perhaps
grown faint, from Length of Time, in some Minds.

By the Statutes granting Stamp Duties in England, or Great Britain,
especial Caution has been taken that nothing more should be levied upon
the Subject, under any Pretence whatever, than the Duties themselves.
These Words run through those Acts: “That the Officers shall receive
”the several Duties, and stamp and mark the Vellum, Parchment, and
”Paper, &c. without any other Fee or Reward, which Stamp or Mark
”shall be a sufficient Discharge for the respective Duties, &c. and
”the Commissioners shall take Care that the several Parts of the King-
”dom shall, from Time to Time, be sufficiently furnished with Vellum,
”Parchment and Paper, stamped and marked as directed, to the End
”that the Subjects, &c. may have it in their Election either to buy the
”same of the Officers and Persons to be employed &c. at the usual
”and must common Rates above the said Duties, or to bring their own
”Vellum, Parchment, or Paper, to be stamped or marked as afore-
”said[double cross].”

Was the stamp Act for America like those Statutes? Judge. By
this it is enacted, “that the High Treasurer, or any three or more of the
”Commissioners of the Treasury, shall once in every Year set the Prices
”at which all Sorts of stamped Vellum, Parchment, and Paper, shall
”be sold, &c.”

* ”Omitting the immense Increase of People, by natural Population in
the more northern Colonies, and the Migration from every Part of Europe, I
am convinced the whole commercial System of America may be altered to Ad-
vantage. You have prohibited where you ought to have encouraged, and
you have encouraged where you ought to have prohibited. Improper Re-
straints have been laid on the Continent, in Favour of the Islands. You have
but two Nations to trade with in America. Would you had twenty! Let
Acts of Parliament in Consequence of Treaties remain, but let not an English
Minister become a Customhouse Officer for Spain, or for any foreign
Power. Much is wrong; much may be amended, for the general Good of
the Whole” Mr. PITT’S Speech.

[cross] ”I rejoice that America has resisted. Three Millions of People,
so dead to all the Feelings of Liberty, at voluntarily to consent to be Slaves,
would have been fit Instruments to make Slaves of the rest.”
Mr. PITT’S Speech.

[double cross] 5th and 6th William and Mary, Chapter 21st, 30th George II. Chap-
ter 19th, and many other Statutes.

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The Stamps were kept in England. Ship Loads of “all Sorts of
”stamped Vellum, Parchment, and Paper;” were sent over to us. We
had no Choice, either to take these, or to carry other Vellum, Parchment,
or Paper, to be stamped. We must not only have paid the certain Duties
imposed, but the uncertain “Prices” which the Commissioners should
per;” and “Penalties and Forfeitures” fell upon us, every Step we took,
without paying these Impositions. This surely was not only to be taxed by
the Parliament, but over again for the same Articles by the Commissioners.

Here some Men, whose Minds are strongly impressed with Ideas of
Equity, may ask if it is possible that even a British Parliament should so
wantonly degrade us? It is as true as that the Port of Boston is this
Day shut up.

The “Forfeitures and Penalties thereby imposed were to be sued for
and recovered in any Court of Record, or in any Court of Admiralty or
Vice Admiralty, appointed or to be appointed, and having Jurisdiction, in
the respective Colony where the Offence should be committed, &c.”

This was no Regulation of Trade. The Facts to be tried in any Dis-
pute must have arisen on Land, within the Body of a County, as remote
from Admiralty Jurisdiction, on every constitutional Principle, as a Suit
on a Bond, or an Ejectment for a Freehold; yet thus, by a few Lines,
was the inestimable Privilege of Trial by Jury to be torn from you and
your Posterity. Thus the Decision of the Rights of Property, not in
Controversies between Man and Man, on the Question of meum vel tuum,
where, though wrung by Oppression, the wretched Loser might draw
a Degree of Consolation, by reflecting that he had received some Consi-
deration for the Substance taken away, or at least that a Countryman
gained his Spoils, but in Litigations founded on rigid Forfeitures and arbi-
trary Penalties, was to be referred to the incorrupt Tribunals of single
Judges, appointed from another Country, filled with its Prejudices,
holding their Commissions during Pleasure, totally independent on you,
claiming Fees and Salaries to be paid out of your Money, condemned by
themselves [double s intertwined].

[double s intertwined] ”When the Jury have delivered in the Verdict, and it is recorded in
Court, they are then discharged, and so ends the Trial by Jury; a Trial
which besides the other vast Advantages which we have occasionally observed
in it Progress, is also as expeditious and cheap, as it is convenient, equitable,
and certain: For a Commission out of Chancery, or the Civil Law Courts,
for examining Witnesses in one Cause, will frequently last as long, and of Course
be full as expensive, as the Trial of a Hundred Issues at Nisi Prius, and
yet the Fact cannot be determined by such Commissioners at all; no, not
till the Depositions are published and read at the Hearing of the Cause in
Court.

”Upon these Accounts, the Trial by Jury ever has been, and I trust ever
will be, looked upon as the Glory of the English Law; and if it has so great
an Advantage over others in regulating civil Property, how much must that
Advantage be heightened when it is applied to criminal Cases! But this we
must refer to the ensuing Book of the Commentaries, only observing, for the
present, that it is the most transcendent Privilege which any Subject can enjoy,
or wish for, that he cannot be affected either in his Property, his Liberty, or
his Person, but by the unanimous Consent of twelve of his Neighbours and
Equals; a Constitution, that, I may venture to affirm, has, under Providence,
secured the just Liberties of this Nation, for a long Succession of Ages. And
therefore a celebrated French Writer (a) who concludes that because Rome,
Sparta, and Carthage, have lost their Liberties, therefore those of England
must also perish, should have recollected that Rome, Sparta, and Carthage, at
the Time when their Liberties were lost, were Strangers to the Trial by Jury.

”Great as this Eulogium may seem, it is no more than this admirable Consti-
tution, when traced to its Principles, will be found in sober Reason to deserve.
The impartial Administration of Justice, which secures both our Persons and
our Properties, is the greae End of Civil Society; but if that be entirely in
trusted to the Magistracy, a select Body of Men, and those generally selected
by the Prince, of such as enjoy the highest Offices in the State, their Decisions,
in Spite of their own natural Integrity, will have frequently an involuntary
Bias towards those of their own Rank and Dignity. It is not to be expected,
from human Nature, that the few should be always attentive to the Interests
and Good of the many. On the other Hand, if the Power of Judicature
were placed at Random in the Hands of the Multitude, their Decisions would
be wild and capricious, and a new Rule of Action would be every Day esta-
blished on our Courts. It is wisely, therefore, ordered, that the Principles
and Axioms of Law, which are generally Propositions, flowing from abstracted
Reason, and not accommodated to Times or to Men, should be deposited in the
Breasts of the Judges, to be occasionally applied to such Facts as come properly
ascertained before them: For here Partiality can have little Scope, the Law
is well known, and is the same for all Ranks and Degrees; it follows as a
regular Conclusion, from the Premises of Fact pre-established, But in settling
and adjusting a Question of Fact, when intrusted to any single Magistrate,
Partiality and Injustice have an ample Field to range in; either by boldly
asserting that to be proved which is not so, or more artfully by suppressing
some Circumstances, stretching and warping others, and distinguishing away
the Remainder. Here, therefore, a competent Number of sensible and upright
Jurymen, chosen by Lot from among those of the middle Rank, will be found
the best Investigators of Truth and the surest Guardians of publick Justice;
for the most powerful Individual in the State will be cautious of committing
any flagrant Invasion of another’s Right when he knows that the Fact of his
Oppression must be examined and decided by twelve indifferent Men, and that
when once the Fact is ascertained, the Law must of Course redress it. This,
therefore, preserves in the Hands of the People that Share which they ought
to have in the Administration of publick Justice, and prevents the Encroach-
ments of the more powerful and wealthy Citizens. Every new Tribunal,
erected for the Decision of Facts, without the Intervention of a Jury (whe-
ther composed of Justices of the Peace, Commissioners of the Revenue, Judges
of a Court of Conscience, or any other standing Magistrates) is a Step towards
establishing Aristocracy, the most oppressive of absolute Governments. The
feudal System, which, for the Sake of military Subordination, pursued an aris-
tocratical Plan in all its Arrangements of Property, had been intolerable in
Times of Peace, had it not been wisely counterpoised by that Privilege, so
universally diffused through every Part of it, the Trial by the feodal Peers.
And in every Country on the Continent, as the Trial by the Peers has been gra-
dually difused, so the Nobles have increased in Power, till the State has been
torn in Pieces by rival Factions, and Oligarchy in Effect has been established,
though under the Shadow of regal Government; unless where the miserable
Commons have taken Shelter under absolute Monarchy, as the lighter Evil of
the two. And, particularly, it is a Circumstance well worthy an English-
man’s Observation, that in Sweden the Trial by Jury, that Bulwark of
Northern Liberty, which continued in its full Vigour so lately as the Middle
of last Century (b) is now fallen into Disuse; (c) and that there, though the
regal Power is in no Country so closely ,limited, yet the Liberties of the Commons
are extinguished, and the Government is degenerated into a mere Aristocracy. (d)
It is therefore, upon the Whole, a Duty which every Man owes to his Coun-
try, his Friends, his Posterity, and himself, to maintain, to the utmost of his
Power, this valuable Constitution in all its Rights; to restore it to its ancient
Dignity, if at all impaired by the different Value of Property, or otherwise
deviated from its first Institution; to amend it, wherever it is defective; and,
above all, to guard with the most jealous Circumspection against the Introduc-
tion of new and arbitrary Methods of Trial, which under a Variety of plau-
sible Pretences, may in Time imperceptibly undermine this best Preservative of
English Liberty”
Blackstone’s Commentaries, Volume 3d, Page 379-381.
(a) Montesq. Sp. L. xi. 6. (b) Whitelocke, of Parl. 427. (c) Mod.
Un Hist. xxxiii, 22. (d) Ibid. 17.

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If this be “Wisdom,” it is not of that Kind the “Ways whereof are
”past finding out.”

The Act, thus revoked by you, received soon after a formal Repeal in
Parliament, This was done by the 6th of George III. Chapter the 11th.
Because it was unconstitutional, as we were not and could not be repre-
sented there? No. Because it deprived “three Millions: of loyal Subjects
of their darling Privilege of Trial by Jury, “the best Preservative of
”English Liberty?” No. Because “the Continuance of the said Act

”would be attended with many Inconveniencies, and might be produc-
”tive of Consequences greatly detrimental to the commercial Interests
”of Great Britain.”

Cool, guarded Expressions! breathing the true Spirit of the modern Phi-
losophy, so prevailing among the higher Ranks in that polished Kingdom.
How much Care to avoid Inconveniencies and Detriment to their own com-
mercial Interests! how sovereign a Contempt for all the Agonies that
bowed us down to the Earth, while Indignation, Shame, Grief, Affec-
tion, Veneration, and Gratitude, combated within our Breasts! They
were advised to speak Peace to our Souls, by nobly assigning an “erro-
”neous Principle” for the Repeal. [paragraph sign] No. The Freedom of America is
the Carthage of Great Britain: Delenda est. Let us repeal the Act, but
never resign the Principle on which it was founded.

One generous Step, however, they did take, becoming Britons. It
demands our Acknowledgments, nor should we withold them. Why
will they not suffer us to thank them fo other Favours?

The repealing Act spoke an indecisive Language, subject to Comments,
that might differ on different Sides of the Atlantick. We might have
been too much agitated between Hopes and Apprehensions It would
have been unkind to leave us in such a State of Anxiety. It would have
been unworthy of a free People, who were determined to subjugate
another free People. Parmenioes may steal Victories: Alexander scorns it.

Therefore, the same Day, I think, in which they repealed the Stamp
Act, in the next Chapter, however, they candidly explained to us their
Sentiments and Resolutions, beyond Possibility of a Mistake, by the
”Act for the better securing the Dependency of his Majesty’s Domini-
”ons in America upon the Crown and Parliament of Great Britain.”

”Lift up thine Eyes round about, and behold, all these gather them-
”selves together, and come to thee; thou shalt surely clothe thee with them
”all as with an Ornament, and bind them on thee as a Bride doth.”
Isaiah, Chapter 49th.

[paragraph sign] ” Upon the Whole, I will beg Leave to all the House what is really
my Opinion; it is, that the Stamp Act be repealed, absolutely, totally, and
immediately; that the Reason for the Repeal be assigned, because it was
founded on an erroneous Principle.” Mr. PITT’S Speech.

NEW YORK, June 2.

ON Saturday last Mr. William Goddard arrived here from Boston,
with important Despatches for all the Southern Colonies, for which
he sets out on Monday Morning. The Plan for establishing a CONSTI-
TUTIONAL AMERICAN POST OFFICE having met with the great-
est Success in all the commercial Towns in the Northern Colonies, it is
not doubted, from the Encouragement already given at the Southward,
but the important Design will, in a few Weeks, be carried into complete
Execution. [The sooner the better, for the publick Good.].

June 16. The Western Post yesterday brought not a single Philadel-
phia Newspaper. The Reason we do not know.

On the 10th Instant the Committee of Correspondence at Philadelphia,
and a great Number of respectable Inhabitants from all the Societies in
Town, had a Meeting, when they unanimously agreed upon eight Pro-
positions, which they ordered to be printed and dispersed, previous to a
general Meeting of those qualified to vote for Representatives, to be on
Saturday the 18th, at the Statehouse. These Propositions in Substance
were, that the Act for shutting up the Port of Boston was highly oppres-
sive to the Inhabitants, and dangerous to the Liberties of British America;
that a general Congress ought to be appointed; that it was best that the
Congress should be appointed by the Representatives of the several Colo-
nies, in their legislative Capacities; but as they in Pennsylvania would
not soon have an Opportunity to meet, that the Speaker should request
the Members to meet at a Time appointed before the 1st of August, to
consider their alarming Situation, and appoint Delegates for the general
Congress, &c. and that the Committee, consisting of forty Persons,
immediately set on Foot a Subscription for the Relief of the poor Suffer-
ers in Boston.

WILLIAMSBURG, July 7.

LAST Friday ROBERT CARTER NICHOLAS, Esq; met the Free-
holders of James City County, his late Constituents, to be made
acquainted with their Sentiments upon the present alarming Situation of
Affairs in America, and to consult with them the Steps necessary to be
taken at the general Meeting of the late Representatives of this Colony,
on the first Day of August next, in Williamsburg, in Order to avert the
Calamities impending over this Continent in general, from several late
oppressive Acts of the British Parliament. Accordingly a Number of
Resolves were passed, uniform to those published as the Sense of Sundry
other Counties of this Colony; and it was the unanimous Request of the
Freeholders to their late Representative to partake of an Entertainment,
from them, next Friday se’nnight, being the Day appointed for the Elec-
tion of Burgesses for their County.

The Eliza, Jack, from Glasgow, via Havre de Grace, is arrived in
James River.

Marriages.] Mr. SAMUEL INGLIS, Merchant in Norfolk, to Miss
NANCY AITCHISON, of that Borrough.

FRIDAY, July 8. This Day there was a general Meeting of the
Citizens at the Courthouse, when the following Address to the Honour-
able PEYTON RANDOLPH, Esq; our late worthy Representative (which
had been previously drawn up) was unanimously approved of, and pre-
sented to him by a Committee delegated for the Purpose:

SIR
WE the Citizens of Williamsburg, reflecting with Pleasure on the
assiduous Attention which you, as our Representative in Gene-
ral Assembly, have ever paid to our Interests, as well as those of the
Community at large; greatly scandalized at the Practice which has too
much prevailed throughout the Country of entertaining the Electors, a
Practice which even its Antiquity cannot sanctify; and being desirous of
setting a worthy Example to our Fellow Subjects, in general, for abolish-
ing every Appearance of Venality (that only Poison which can infect our
happy Constitution) and to give the fullest Proof that it is to your sin-
gular Merit alone you are indebted for the unbought Suffrages of a free
People; moved, Sir, by these important Considerations, we earnestly
request that you will not think of incurring any Expense or Trouble at
the approaching Election of a Citizen, but that you will do us the Ho-
nour to partake of an Entertainment which we shall direct to be provided
for the Ocasion.

We are just favoured, from a private Hand, with Mr. Gaine’s New
York Gazette of the 27th ult. which contains Intelligence of much Im-
portance from Boston, relating to the Proceedings of the Massachusetts
Representatives before their Dissolution, which took Place the 17th of
the same Month. Want of Time obliges us to be as concise as possible,
but we believe we have omitted nothing which is material, at least that
the Marrow of the Whole is extracted.

His Majesty’s Council of that Province directed a Committee of their
Board to wait upon his Excellency General Gage with the following
Address in Answer to his Speech at the Opening of the General Court,
which was presented to him, in Part on the 13th: “That they
congratulated him on his Appointment to the Command over them;
express their Concern that his Station, though elevated, must needs
be rendered less agreeable to him than it would have been, owing
to the Interruption of the Hamony between Great Britain and the Colo-
nies; that, however, if he should be the happy Instrument of restoring
the same, in any Measure, and extricating the Province from their pre-
sent Embarrassments, they made no Doubt but he would consider those
happy Effects as more than a Compensation for any Inconveniencies
raising to him from the peculiar Circumstances of the Times; and assured
his Excellency that they would cheerfully co-operate, on all Occasions,
in every Attempt to accomplish those desirable Ends. They express
their Wish, that the Principles and general Conduct of his Excellency’s
Administration may be a happy Contrast to that of his two immediate
Predecessors; that although it was irksome to them to censure any
One, yet they were constrained to say there was the greatest Reason
to apprehend that, from their Machinations, both in Concert and
apart, are derived the Origin and Progress of the Disunion between
Britain and the Colonies, and the present distressed State of their Pro-
vince, a Province to which the latter of them, in an essential Manner,
owed his best Services. That the People of Massachusetts Bay claim no
more than the Rights of Englishmen, without Diminution or Abridg-
ment; and that, as it is their indispensable Duty, so it will be their con-
stant Endeavour, to maintain those Rights, to the utmost of their Power,
in perfect Consistence, however, with the truest Loyalty to the Crown.

Column 3

to the Town, and the Poor thereof, be paid into the Hands of the
Overseers of the Poor, and by them appropriated and distributed in
Concert with the Committee lately appointed by the Town for the
Consideration of Ways and Means of employing the Poor.

CHARLESTOWN, June 6. Last Wednesday, June the 1st, the
memorable Day on which the Blockade of the Town of Boston was to
commence, the very Elements, at this Distance, were in such Commoti-
on, between four and five o’Clock in the Afternoon, that all the Vessels
lying at the Wharfs were torn from them in an Instant, several of them
much damaged, four Schooners were overset, and it was scarce possible
to see across ever the narrowest Street in Town. A great Deal of
Damage was also done in the Country, where Abundance of growing
Corn, many Fences, and some slight Houses, were thrown down. Dur-
ing this Commotion in our Air, there was more sharp Lightning, and less
Thunder heard, than usual; and we have had no settled Weather
since.

The latest Advices from London say, that the Parliamentary Bakers
were then hard at Work making Gingerbread Cakes, superbly gilt, im-
pressed with “another Act of Parliament,”to temp the rest of the Co-
lonies to desert the devoted Inhabitants of Boston, and in them the com-
mon Cause of America.

NEW YORK, June 27. The Accounts received by every Post, and
each Vessel entering our Harbour, bring us the Resolutions of the Cities
and Counties in the several Provinces on the Situation of our suffering
Brethren at Boston, and Assurances of their sending Deputations to assist
at a grand Congress of Representatives of all the Colonies; to whose
Wisdom, Firmness, and Fortitude, the Liberty, Property, and whole
Interest, of this free and august Continent, are to be delegated.

By a Letter from Charlestown, South Carolina, as late as the 14th
Instant, we learn that the Inhabitants of that Town called a Meeting on
receiving Intelligence of the port of Boston being shut up, and that they
agreed to support their Sister Colony of Massachusetts Bay, in Conjunc-
tion with the other Colonies; and were determined to send a Vessel,
loaded with Rice, for the Subsistence of the poor of the Town of Boston.

PHILADELPHIA, June 20. Cptain May, from Madeira, which he
left on the 12th ult. informs that a 74 Gun Ship arrived there the Day
he sailed, said to have had on Board the Admiral bound for Boston, to
take the Command of that Station.

Extract of a Letter from Alexander M’Kee, Esq; Agent for Indian
Affairs at Fort Pitt. June 10.
”You must ere this be acquained with the critiacal Situation of this
Country. The unhappy Disturbances which have lately arisen between
the Virginians and the Natives, the Event of which still continues
doubtful; whether Matters will be brought to a general Rupture or
Accommodation. Hostilities, however, have been committed on both
Sides; but, at present, there seems to be a Cessation. Some wise Inter-
position of Government is truly necessary, and would undoubtedly re-
store Peace; without it, impossible, and Thousands of the Inhabitants
must be involved in Misery and Distress. But, to do the Indians Justice,
they have given great Proofs of their pacifick Disposition, and have acted
with more Moderation than those who ought to have been more rational;
a few Mingoes and Shawanese excepted, who have been long refractory.
There are more effectual Means of chastising them for their Insolence
and Perfidy than by involving the defenceless Country in a War, which
there is too much Reason to fear at this Time will become general, and
must inevitably be the Destruction of this Country.”

A Correspondent remarks, that instead of complying with the Plan
proposed by some People for sending Members from America to represent
us in Parliament, it would be much better to delegate the Manufacturers
of Britain (by stopping our Imports) for that Office; a Set of Men whose
Eloquence has never been exerted in vain, in Behalf of the Liberties of
their Country.

By the Halifax Papers we find that in five Vessels arrived this Spring
from Hull, Scarborough, and Newcastle, in England, that there came 662
Passengers, to settle in the Province of Nova Scotia.

Monday last arrived here the Ship Friendship, from the Isle of Lewis,
with 100 Scotch Servants and Passengers, by whom we learn that all
possible Methods are taken to prevent farther Emigrations, by lowering
their Rents, &c. &c.

Thursday the 16th of June was observed throughout the Bounds of
the Synod of New York and Philadelphia as a Day of Humiliation and
Prayer, on Account of the late Invasion of the Liberties of North America.

Mr.PURDIE,
Please to insert the Marriage mentioned below, as soon as possible, in your
useful Paper, and you will oblige a Friend of Mr. Hall’s, and your
humble Servant, A CUSTOMER.

On Saturday the 18th Instant was married Mr. HENRY HALL,
of Prince George, to Miss TABITHA STEVENS, of the said
County; a young Lady who, for her many amiable Qualifications, such
as Sweetness of Temper, Sprightliness of Wit, &c. has few Equals, no
Superiour. In short, to give the Sum Total of her Accomplishments,
she is endowed with every Qualification requisite to render the Marriage
State happy.———Quere, whether Hymen’s Bands were ever graced with
a more genteel, handsome, and LOVING Couple? [The Printer re-
ceived the 3 s. which accompanied the above, for which he returns
Thanks to his Customer, and will be his very humble servant, upon
the same Terms, on any future Ocasion.

At a respectable Meeting of the Freeholders and Freemen of the
County of Richmond, after due Notice to attend at the Courthouse
of the said County on Wednesday the 29th of June 1774, in Order to
give their Sentiments to their late Representatives, invited to meet in
Williamsburg on the first Day of August next, to deliberate on Matters
of the utmost Importance to this country, they, after making Choice of
the Reverend Isaac William Giberne Moderator, came to the following
Resolutions:

1st. That it is the undoubted Rights of the People of British America
to be taxed alone by their respective provincial Assemblies, which Right
they claim from Charter, natural Justice, and constant Usage, ever since
their first Settlement in America; and that an Attempt to force one
Colony to pay a Tax imposed by the British Legislature, where they had
not, nor could have, any Representatives, is a violent Attack on their
constitutional Rights.

2d. They do respect the Bostonians, in their Sister Colony of Massa-
chusetts Bay, as suffering in their common Cause of British America; and
that the hostile Attack now made on them by the Parliament of Great
Britain, in blocking up their Harbour, and violently taking away the
Property of many Individuals, by preventing them the Use of their
Warfs, Quays, &c. is an avowed Intention to reduce all America to a
State of Slavery.

3d. It is the Opinion of this Meeting, that nothing will be more con-
ducive to prevent such Oppression than immediately to stop all Imports
from Great Britain, and, at a short Day hereafter to be fixed, to stop all
Exports to Great Britain and the West Indies, until there is a total Re-
peal of not only the Act called the Boston Port Act, but also of all the
several Acts of the British Parliament laying Taxes on the Americans for
the Purpose of raising a Revenue, and all other Acts made against the
Rights of the People of Massachusetts Bay, on Account of their virtuous
Oppositions to the said Revenue Acts.

4th. It is also the Opinion of this Meeting, that, immediately on the
Non exportation Plan taking Place, the Gentlemen of the Bar shall not
bring any Suit for the Recovery of any Debts, or prosecute farther any
Suit already brought, during the Continuance of the former Resolution,
it being utterly inconsistent with such a Scheme for a Man to be com-
pelled to pay without the Means wherewith he may pay.

<

5th. This Meeting do most heartily concur with their late Represen-
tatives in their Resolve for the total Disuse of Tea, and do farther resolve
that they will not purchase any East India Commodity whatsoever, except
Saltpetre, until they have their Grievances fully redressed.

6th. They do declare they are ready to submit to any Resolution that
may be entered into, either by the Deputies of the several Counties in this
Colony at Williamsburg, or by the Congress of the several Colonies on
the Continent, and intend these Resolutions only as an Instruction to their
Deputies, that they may know how to conduct themselves.

7th. It is resolved, that, as soon as the Non-exportation Agreement
begins, we will, every Man of us, keep our Produce, whether Tobacco,
Corn, Wheat, or any Thing else, unsold on our respective Plantations,
and not carry, or suffer them to be carried, to any publick Warehouse
or Landing Place, except of Grain, where the same be so done, on Oath
being first made that such Grain is for the Use of Consumption of any
other Colony in North America, and not for Exportation from the Con-
tinent, whilst the said Agreement subsists; and this is the more necessary,
to prevent a few designing Men from engrossing and buying up our
Tobacco, Grain, &c. when they are low in Value, in Order to avail
themselves of the vary high Price that these Articles must bear when the
Ports are open, and foreign Markets Empty.

Column 1

8th. This Meeting do appoint ROBERT WORMELEY CARTER and
FRANCIS LIGHTFOOT LEE, Esquires, as their Deputies for the Pur-
poses aforesaid; and they do request that they fail not to attend in
Williamsburg on the said 1st Day of August, and that they do not trust
to their meeting in Assembly on the 11th of the same Month, as it is in
the Power of Government either to prorogue the Assembly, to a future
Day, or dissolve the same, by which Means the Sense of the Colony may
not be known.

Ordered, by the Meeting, that those Resolves be forthwith transmitted
to both the Printing Offices in Williamsburg, to be inserted in each
Gazette. LEROY PEACHEY, Clerk.

The several Resolutions, as above, being entered into, the Meeting
was decently concluded with drinking the following patroiotick Sentiments:

1st. God bless his Majesty King George III. Grant him long to reign
the satisfied Sovereign of a faithful and contented People; and that he
may never want loyal Subjects in America, ready to defend his Crown
and Dignity, with their Lives and Fortunes, on every constitutional Occasion
and Requisition.

2d. May Great Britain reflect on her mistaken Principles, and relax
from her despotick Rule over her Children in America, before civil Dis-
tractions, the Result of Imperiousness and Oppression, shall enervate her
vast Empire dividing against itself.

3d. American Liberty founded on the British Constitution, or no other
Existence to a sensible People.

4th. Unanimity, Firmness, and Prudence, to all the British Colonies,
in Support of this Freedom.

5th. May the Bostonians continue acting up to the first Principle of
human Nature, Self Preservation; but, may they never more be put to
any Occasion to distinguish themselves in so doing.

6th. May the East India Company of England ever feel the just
Resentment of all generous Minds, so long as they act the Part of Tools
to ministerial Oppression against their Fellow Subjects.

7th. May Rebellion against the Government of Britain be never more
experienced, Unde derivantur Reges*, than it ever was, or ever will be,
in British America.

8th. May the British Premier be well sweetened from his despotick
Corruptions, before America shall be obliged to sue at his Feet [cross] for
their constitutional Liberties; which, of Coronation Right, ought only
to flow from the Bosom of the Throne.

9th. May every succeding House of Burgesses in Virginia preserve the
patriotick Firmness of all preceding Assemblies, unawed by any Dissolu-
tion; for Legislation, without Freedom, is but a mere French Slavery.
* Alluding to Lord Bute’s Motto, Reges derivantur a nobis.
[cross] Agreeable to his Lordship’s peculiar Declaration in Parliament “ that
America should never be heard there till he brought her dewn to his Feet. “

WE the Freeholders and Inhabitants of the County of Spotsylvania,
being assembled on this 24th Day of June to advise and consult
with our late Representatives (agreeable to their Invitation) on the pre-
sent State of British America, and having taken under our most serious
Consideration several Acts of the Parliament of Great Britain, made
during the present Reign, respecting America, particularly one Act,
whereby a Duty on Tea is made payable in America, for the Purpose of
raising a Revenue, and three other Acts of the last Session of the present
Parliament, respecting the Province of Massachusetts Bay, are of Opinion
that the said several Acts of Parliament are unconstitutional, arbitrary,
and unjust, manifestly calculated for the Destruction of the Rights of
America, and the British Constitution in general, and ought to be op-
posed by all Wellwishers as well of the Mother Country as of the Colo-
nies, whose Interests are mutual, and ought ever to be considered as
inseparable.

by their Representatives; who, as they must necessarily contribute thereto,
and oftentimes in a manifold Proportion, the Constitution presumes
will not be over-lavish of the People’s Money.

That the Legislation of Great Britain, and all free Governments, is
founded on the essential Principle, that the Representatives must be
affected by the Laws of their making equally with their Constituents.

That the Colonies, since their Separation from Great Britain, hav-
ing no Representation in the British Parliament, and having Parlia-
ments of their own, under the Authority of the same King, adequate to
all Purposes of Legislation, the British Parliament can have no Power of
making Laws for the Government of the Colonies, but in such Cases
wherein the Authority of the Colony Assembly does not extend.

Resolved, therefore, that we owe all due Obedience to our most graci-
ous Sovereign George III. lawful and rightful Sovereign of Great Britain,
France, Ireland, and of this Colony of Virginia; that we will, with our
Lives and Fortunes, support and maintain the Honour of his Crown,
the Happiness of his illustrious House, and Prosperity of his Dominions
in general; and that we will, in our Assembly (whereof we boast our
most gracious Sovereign is the Head) recommend and advise all such
Laws as shall be necessary for the internal Government of this Colony,
and for the Advancement of his Majesty’s Glory in general, as the Abi-
lity of his loyal Subjects here will admit of.

Resolved,farther, that we owe no Obedience to any Act of the British
Parliament, that is, or shall be made, respecting the internal Police of
this Colony, and that we will oppose any such Acts with our Lives and
Fortunes.

Resolved, that the said Acts of the British Parliament respecting the
Province of Massachusett’s Bay, and the Town of Boston, tending to
enforce Obedience to the aforesaid unconstitutional Act, imposing a Duty
upon Tea, for raising a Revenue in America, ought to be considered as
an Attempt against the Rights and Liberties of America in general, and
that the same ought to be opposed by the People of this Colony.

Resolved, that the most effectual Method of opposing the said several
Acts of Parliament will be to break off all commercial Connexions with
Great Britain, till the said Acts shall be repealed.

We therefore, most cordially, approve the proposed Meeting of the late
House of Burgesses on the 1st Day of August next, and authorise and
request you, GEORGE STUBLEFIELD and MANN PAGE, Esquires,
our late Burgesses, to represent us, the Freeholders and other Inhabitants
of this County, at such Meeting, there to consult with the other Deputies
of the several Counties in this Colony, and adopt such Measures as shall
seem best to answer the general Tendency of the foregoing Resolutions;
hereby engaging, on our Parts, to conforms thereto, and support the same
to the utmost of our Power.

The Jett, Gibson, from London, is gone up Rappahannock River.
In her came Passenger JOHN BALLENDINE, Esq; with about forty inge-
nious Mechanicks, who landed at Hampton. Mr. Ballendine has made
the Tour of England, Scotland, Ireland, and France, in Order to make
himself thoroughly acquainted with inland Navigation, and has also
engaged and brought in with him some of the best and most experienced
Artists in Canals, Locks, &c. that could be had in England; among them
Mr. JAMES BRINDLEY and Mr. THOSMAS ALLAN, Nephews to the
celebrated Engineer of that Name, who were brought up with him, and
were well acquainted with all his Works till his Death. In Order to for-
ward the Opening of James and Potowmack Rivers, and other useful
Works, Mr. Ballendine has provided, at his own Expense, all necessary
Tools, &c. and brought with him Models of Goldburne’s Ploughs, for
deepening Channels, Creeks, Bars, Harbours, &c. so much esteemed for
their Simplicity and great Use.

ADVERTISEMENTS.

LUNENBURG, at WINNENGHAME’S, June 16, 1774.
THE Subscriber having occasion to leave
the Colony for a few Months, the Store here will, in the Mean-
time, be continued under the Care of James Merell; and Alexander
Burt will reside here with the Books, and collect the Debts of the Store
in Charlotte, lately kept by me, for Buchanans, Hastie, and Co.
(2) JOHN LINDSAY.

PORTSMOUTH, July 5, 1774.
A PURSE of 100 GUINEAS to be run
for by any Horse, Mare, or Gelding, over the Two-Mile Course
at this Place, the best two Heats in three, on Tuesday the 20th of Sep-
tember, carrying Weight for Age, agreeable to the Aticles of the said
Purse, which are to be seen in the Hands of Mr. Richard Nestor, Merchant
there, with whom all Horses starting for the said Purse are to be entered,
the Day before the Race ata farthest. The Money to be paid to the Win-
ner immediately after the Race.———It is also proposed to have two more
Races, one on the Wednesdayfollowing, for 50 £. the other on Thursday
for 30 £. which will be advertised particularly, as soon as the Subscrip-
tions are full.

Column 2

AS the Members of the late House of Bur-
gesses have referred the Consideration of the important Matters
recommended to them by some of the Northern Colonies to the first Day
of August next, it is expected the Members who may be chosen at the
ensuing Election will not fail to meet at the Time appointed. There
is no Necessity to represent to the Publick what an Appearance it would
have to keep them longer in Suspense about our Determinations.
The MODERATOR.

WILLIAMSBURG, July 4, 1774.
I HAVE for Sale, for ready Money, the
following Articles, viz. MATRASSES, made of the best English
curled Hair, without any Addition of Tow or Wool; HAIR SEATING
for Chairs; BOXES of TYPES for marking Linen, Books, &c. PAPER
HANGINGS, of the best Kinds, and most fashionable Patters.———
I have likewise to dispose of, the Remainder of the Time of an indented
young Woman from Ireland, who was bred up as a Spinner in one of
the first Linen Manufactures in that Kingdom; and the sole Reason of
my parting with her is, my not having Employ for her, and her own
Desire to pursue that Employment.
BENJAMIN BUCKTROUT.

URBANNA, July 4, 1774.
ON Monday last the Subscriber hired a Horse
to a Man who calls himself John Barnes, pretended to be an At-
orney, said he was going to Leeds Town, and should return in a few Days;
but, from many Circumstances, I am afraid he has made off with my Horse.
The said Barnes is about five Feet severn or eight Inches high, of a brown
Complexion, much pitted with the Smallpox, and wears his own dark
Hair; had on a Londonbrown Cloth Coat, white Waistcoat, corded
Dimity Breeches, Shoe Boots, and had a Cane with a Spear in it. He
talks much in the Cumberland Dialect. The Horse is about thirteen
Hands and a Half high, the Colour of a Mule, shod before, one of his
fore Feet has been gravelled, and by a long Journey his Hoof was broke
off. Whoever will secure the Horse and Saddle that he had with him
shall be genteelly rewarded. (I||) HENRY DANIEL.

For SALE, and to be entered on at Christmas,
A VERY valuable TRACT of LAND IN King William County, on
Pamunkey River, adjoining the Land of the late Mr. John Smith
of Hanover County, deceased, containing 800 Acres; the Soil is good for
Wheat, Corn, or Tobacco. It is in good Order for Cropping, has con-
venient Houses, with great Plenty of Oak, Pine, and other Timber,
lies about two Miles from Hanover Town, to which Place the Produce
of the Plantation may be transported by Water (the River being so far
already cleared) in Flats, is very convenient to Church, and two Mills.
Any Person inclinable to purchase may be shown the Land by applying to
Mr. Christopher Taliaferro, or Mr. William Jones, who resides near the
same, and the Terms may be known of those Gentlemen, or the Sub-
scriber. (I||) THOMAS JONES.

FOR SALE,
A FINE PLANTATION on the south Side of
James River, a little above the Seven Islands,
containing 1600 Acres. It will be shown by Mr. An-
thony Murray, or Mr. Thomas Balow, living in the
Neighbourhood, and the Terms may be known of
ROBERT BOLLING, Junior.

To be SOLD, upon long Credit,
NINE HUNDRED Acres of good Corn LAND, lying within three
Miles of Sussex Courthouse, well timbered, &c. Also 582 Acres
of very valuable Land in Brunswick County, near Sweed’s Bridge, on
which is a good Dwelling-House, and several necessary Outhouses; and
the Plantation is in good Order for Cropping, with six or eight Hands.
Those inclined to purchase may know the Terms by applying to the Sub-
scriber, living on the last mentioned Premises.
(I) WILLIAM MASON.

To be LET to the lowest Bidder, on Thursday the
28th Instant (July) at the Town of Manchester, in
Chesterfield County,
THE Clearing of the Falls of James River, from Westham to the
Mouth of Reedy Creek. It will be let in several Divisions. Bond
and Security will be required for the Performance in Time, and agree-
able to the Directions then given. A considerable Sum is subscribed to-
wards carrying the Work into Execution. Half the Money to be paid
the Undertakers in October next, and the other Half the October following.
They will not have the Trouble of collecting the Money from the Sub-
scribers, as they will oblige themselves to pay the Sums agreed upon at
the Times stipulated. THE TRUSTEES.

Pursuant to a Decree of the Honourable General Court,
and by Letter of Attorney from Colonel George
Mercer of Virginia, now in London, will be sold
at publick Auction,
ABOUT 13,500 ACRES of LAND in the County of Loudoun, near
West’s Ordinary, about twelve Miles from Leesburg, forty from
Alexandria, and thirty five from Dumfries, on Potowmack. This Land is
well known, by the Description of Bull Run Mountains, and is very fertile.
——Also 5000 Acres on Shenando River, in the county of Frederick, op-
posite to Snicker’s Ordinary, and binding on the River about seven Miles.
As this Tract is Part of a Survey one of the first in that Part of the Colo-
ny, its good Quality cannot be questioned, it is well watered, will admit
of two Mills on Land Streams, and others on the River; there are now
on it six Plantations well improved for Cropping, 110 Slaves, and very
large and choice Stocks of Horses (some of the Dray Breed) black Cattle,
Hogs, and Sheep; which, together with the Crops of Corn and Wheat
now growing (expected to be upwards of 2000 Barrels and 5000 Bushels)
will be sold on the Premises, on the 24th Day of November next, or next
fair Day.———The Loudoun Lands will be sold at West’s Ordinary, on the
21st Day of the same Month. Both Tracts will be laid off in Lots to suit
every Kind of Purchaser, who may see them by applying to Mr. Francis
Peyton, near the Loudoun Land, and Mr. William Dawson, who resides
on the Shenando Tract. Among the slaves are two good Blacksmiths,
two Carpenters, and an exceeding trusty and skilful Waggoner. The
aged black Cattle, and grown Hogs, will be fattened for Slaughter.———
Purchasers above 25£. will be allowed twelve Months Credit, on giving
Bond and Security to the Subscribers, who will be prepared to make
Conveyances. JOHN TAYLOE.
(20) GEORGE WASHINGTON.

PETERSBURG, June 26, 1774.
STRAYED, or STOLEN, from the Sub-
scriber, about the first Instant, a BRIGHT BAY HORSE above
fourteen Hands high, from six to eight Years old, remarkably well set,
paces, trots, and gallops, is short docked, his Mane and Tail remark-
ably black, has a Hole in one of his fore Hoofs occasioned by Gravel, but
his Brand, if any, forgot. He was bred in Surry by Mr. Brown, but
has been used in Lunenburg all last Winter and Spring. As he was
missing a few Days after I had him, I have some Reason to think he was
carried off by a runaway Negro Boy of this Town, who was seen at
Williamsburg the last Meeting. I will give 3£. to any person who will
bring him to me. (tf) HENRY LOCHHEAD.

CUMBERLAND, June 28, 1774.
RUN away from the Ship Brilliant, on the
24th and 25th Instant, two Sailor Lads, one named CHARLES
DAMES, a Seaman, but acted as Steward, supposed to be gone to his
Uncle John Dames, at Old Point Comfort, as I have a Letters to prove he
has enticed him from the Ship, and will certainly put the Law in Force
against him. The other is a Boy named JOHN SWANSON, an Ap-
prentice, about eighteen Years of Age, much pitted with the Smallpox,
a burnt Scar on his Breast; and speaks very broad Yorkshire. I forewarn
all Persons from harbouring or employing them, as I will put the Law
in Force against such as do. I will give 20s. to any One that will have
them apprehended and secured in any of his Majesty’s Jails, so that I can
get them. JAMES MILLER.

Column 3

To be SOLD,
BY Decree of the Court of Vice Admiralty, at Urbannu, on Monday
the 11th of July, for ready Money, the Sloop PATTY, Burthen
about fifty Tuns, with her Lading, consisting of 2000 Bushels of CORN,
73 Barrels of TOBACCO, some BREAD, PEASE, and FLOWER.
(1) JAMES COCKE, Marshal.

RUN away from the Subscriber, in Norfolk,
on Sunday the 19th of June, a Negro Fellow named ADAM, by
Trade a Bricklayer, about 27 Years old, six Feet high, tolerably well
made, very black, has a down Look, a large Scar on one of his Heels,
occasioned by a Cut with an Adze when a Boy, which cut his Heelstring
across, and occasions him to limp a little. He was seen in Hampton the
Tuesday following, and I imagine he is making towards Petersburg, as he
formerly lived there, and had a Wife at Colonel Robert Bolling’s. He
may probably have a Pass and endeavour to pass for a Freeman, as he is
a very good Workman. Had on, when he went away, a short green
Jacket, long Osnabrug Trousers, Shoes, Stockings, and Hat; he carried
with him, in a Wallet, a blue Coat, a white Cotton and white Duffil
Waistcoat, a Pair of white Duffil Breeches, one Do. of Russia Drill, and
one Do. of brown Broadcloth. Whoever secures the said Fellow so that
I get him again shall have 40s. Reward, or if delivered to me in Norfolk
4£. and all Masters of Vessels are forewarned from carrying him out of
the Colony. (5) CHAPMAN MANSON.

FOR LONDON,
THE Ship Neptune, Jonathan Punderson Master, lying in Pamunkey,
will take on Board Tobacco on Liberty of Consignment at 8£.
Sterling per Tun. Two Thirds of his Cargo being engaged, he will, if
possible, sail about the latter End of August. Any Gentlemen inclinable
to ship by this Opportunity are desired to send their Notes or Orders to
Colonel Thomas Nelson of York, Warner Lewis, Jun. Esq; in Gloucester,
or the Captain on Board said Ship.———Attendance will be given at the
adjacent County Courts. (||)

For SALE,
THE noted and well accustomed TAVERN in James City County,
about fifteen Miles from Williamsburg, on the main Road leading
to New Kent Courthouse and Ruffin’s Ferry, with about 500 ACRES of
LAND in good Order for Cropping, having six Fields under good Fenc-
ing. The Time of Payment will be made very easy to a Purchaser, and
the Land, &c. shown by applying to the Subscriber, on the Premises.
(4) THOMAS DONCASTLE.

To be SOLD, by Execution, for ready Money, at
Aylett’s Warehouse, on Wednesday the 13th of
July,
TWENTY SEVEN likely Virginia born Negroes,
consisting of Men, Women, Boys, and Girls,
belonging to the Estate of Colonel James Quarles,
deceased, and taken to satisfy three Judgments ob-
tained in York Court by the Executors of Philip W.
Claiborne, deceased.
GOODRICH CRUMP, Sub Sheriff.

To be SOLD to the highest Bidder, on Monday the
11th of July, on the premises,
A LOT in the Town of Blandford, whereon is a
good Storehouse, and a large Warehouse. Credit
will be allowed till the 25th of April next, the Pur-
chaser giving Bond and good Security to
JOHN BAIRD.

FOR SALE,
A VALUABLE Tract of LAND in Surry County, beautifully situ-
ated on James River, a little above Swan’s Point, containing about
1300 Acres, well timbered with Pine and White Oak, and a Stream with
a Dam across it sufficient to carry a Saw Mill runs through the Middle
of the Land. Any Person inclinable to purchase may know the Terms
by applying to James Belsches at Cabin Point, or the Subscriber at Hunt-
ington. CHARLES HARRISON.

KING WILLIAM, May 25, 1774.
I INTEND to leave the Colony immediately.
(||) JOHN WHITE.

AUGUSTA, June 18, 1774.
RUN away the 16th Instant, from the
Subscriber, a Negro Man named BACCHUS, about 30 Years of
Age, five Feet six or seven Inches high, strong and well made, had on,
and took with him, two white Russia Drill Coats, one turned up with blue,
the other quite plain and new, with white figured Metal Buttons, blue
Plush Breeches, a fine Cloth Pompadour Waistcoat, two or three thin
or Summer Jackets, sundry Pairs of white Thread Stockings, five or six
white Shirts, two of them pretty fine, neat Shoes, Silver Buckles, a fine
Hat cut and cocked in the Macaroni Figure, a double-milled Drab Great
Coat, and sundry other Wearing Apparel. He formerly belonged to
Doctor George Pitt, of Williamsburg, and I imagine is gone there under
Pretence of my sending him upon Business, as I have frequently hereto-
fore done; he is a cunning, artful, sensible Fellow, and very capable of
forging a Tale to impose on the Unwary, is well acquainted with the
lower Parts of the Country, having constantly rode with me for some
Years past, and has been used to waiting from his Infancy. He was
seen a few Days before he went off with a Purse of Dollars, and had just
before changed a five Pound Bill; most, or all of which, I suppose he
must have robbed me off, which he might easily have done, I having
trusted him much after what I thought had proved his Fidelity. He will
probably endeavour to pass for a Freeman by the Name of John Christian,
and attempt to get on Board some Vessel bound for Great Britain, from
the Knowledge he has of the late Determination of Somerset’s Cafe.
Whoever takes up the said Slave shall have 5£. Reward, on his Delivery
to (4) GABRIEL JONES.

STRAYED, or STOLEN, from the Sub-
scriber’s Pasture, on Sappony, in Dinwiddie, the 14th of March last,
a BRIGHT BAY HORSE about four Feet six Inches high, strong made,
a Snip on his Nose, and branded on the near Buttock n; also a DARK
BAY MARE about fourteen Hands high, a Star in her Forehead, a black
List down her Back and Rump, very thin made, and branded on the near
Buttock I X P. Whoever gives such Information as I may get either of
them again, shall be handsomely rewarded; and if stolen 50s. for
each, on Conviction of the Thief. I bought the Horse of Hugh Montgo-
mery, of Salisbury, and the Mare of James Murfey, of Tryon County, both
of North Corolina. (2) CHARLES TURNBULL.

COMMITTED to Nansemond County Jail,
on the 28th of May, an outlandish Negro Fellow named CUD-
GER, about 36 Years of Age, of a small Size, and says he belongs to
Mr. Samuel Kerr in Portsmouth. The Owner is desired to take him
away, and pay Charges.WILLIAM WHITFIELD, Jailer.

NORFOLK, June 20, 1774.
WHEREAS the Concern of Hector Mac
Alester and Co. was dissolved on the first Instant, the Partners
thereof, from a Desire of bringing their Affairs to a speedy Conclusion, once
more request all Persons indebted to them to make immediate Payment,
either to Robert Donald of Warwick, or the Subscriber in Norfolk; and as
it is not in their Power to extend farther the Indulgence which, for a long
Time, has been granted to many, they hope that due Regard will be
paid to this Application. Those who have any Demands against the said
Concern are desired to make them known, that they may be adjusted and
paid. The Subscriber will continue to do Business in this Place on his
own Account, and solicits the Favours or his Friends.
HECTOR MAC ALESTER.

Column 1

POETS CORNER.

GAY BACCHUS.

GAY Bacchus, one Evening, inviting his Friends
To partake of a generous Flask,
To each social Being a Message he sends,
To meet at the Head of his Cask:
The Guests all appear’d at his Place of Address,
The Witty, the Grave, and the Bold;
Our Circle surpass’d all that Fancy can guess
Of Arthur’s round Table of old.

In the Midst of our Merriment, who do you think,
Unsuspected, had seated him there,
But one Care, in Disguise, who tipp’d us the Wink,
And warn’d us of Time to beware!
Who, in Spite of his Age, or the Weight of his Years,
We should find but a slippery Blade,
Is known by the lock on his Forehead he wears,
And carries the Signs of his Trade.

We gratefully ply’d him with Bottle and Pot
Which fill’d up his Wrinkles apace;
They Cynick grew blithe, and his Precepts forgot,
And soon fell asleep in his Place.
Regardless of Time, then, we threw off Restraint,
Nor fear’d we to wake the old Spark;
Our Songs were select, and our Stories were quaint,
And each was as gay as a Lark.

When all on a sudden, so awful and tall,
One appear’d, who spoil’d a good Song;
Father Time, moving round by the Side of the Wall,
Behind us, slow stealing along.
We rose to his Reverence, and offer’d a Chair;
He said, for no Man he would stay;
Then Bacchus up started, and catch’d at his Hair,
And swore all the Score he should pay.

But Time, well aware of the God of the Grape,
Evaded his Efforts, and flew;
We seiz’d on his Glass, e’er he made his Escape,
And instantly broke it in two:
Then we fill’d each with Wine, instead of his Sand,
And drank double Toasts to the Fair;
Each Member in Turn, with a Glass in each Hand,
Then parted, and went home—with Care.

FOR SALE,
FIVE HUNDRED Acres of rich Land in Charlotte County, on Little
Roanoke Run, near the Courhouse; there is a small Plantation up-
on it. A good Bargain will be given, reasonable Credit allowed for Pay-
ment, and an undoubted Title made. The Subscriber lives near the
land, and will show it to any Person who may apply for that Purpose.
JOHN PETTUS.

For SALE,
SUNDRY LOTS and HOUSES in the Town of Fredericksburg, for-
merly the Property of Mess. Mitchell, Lenox, and Scott, and John
Mitchell, and made over to Mess. John Gray, Robert Gilchrist, Archibald
Ritchie, and the Subscriber, in Trust, for certain Purposes therein menti-
oned, vix. The Brick Storehouse where Mr. William Scott kept Store,
and since occupied by Mr. John Glassell, with a small Storehouse on the
same Lot, a Dwelling-House and Warehouse with a pretty large Cellar
underneath, and other Improvements back. A Piece of Ground joining
the said Lot 23 1/2 Feet on the main Street and fronting Sophia Street and
the River, on which there is a Warehouse with a Cellar, a House twenty
Feet square built for a Smith’s Shop, and a Stable, newly paled in. Two
Lots fronting Mr. Charles Washington’s and the River, with a large Gra-
nary Stable, &c. thereon, convenient to the Quarry Landing, and paled
in. A Lot on the River Side fronting Royston’s Warehouse and the Street
to the Warf, on which is a Stone Warehouse. A Lot joining Houston’s
Tannery with a small Dwelling-House thereon, and a Wharf where the
largest Vessels that come to this Place can lie. Also the following Tracts
of Land, one in Spotsylvania, within seven Miles of this Town, on the
Road to Orange and Culpeper Courthouses, and known by the Name of
the Black Ordinary, containing 1100 Acres. A Tract of 400 Acres,
three Miles higher up the same Road, near the Raines’s Ordinary, which
Mr. John Mitchell purchased of William Fitzbugh. Esq; it is well tim-
bered, level, and good for Farming. Two Tracts containing 333 acres,
purchased by Mr. Mitchell of John Dyer and William Golestone, within one
Mile of the Plantation whereon he lives. A Tract in the County of Fre-
derick,within one Mile and a Half of Winchester, containing 355 Acres,
purchased of William Cochran, and formerly belonged to William Glover.
A Tract in Botetourt, purchased of John Given, chiefly Bottom. Any
Person, on Application to Mr. Peter Hogg, Attorney at Law, can be in-
formed of the Quantity, Quality, and Price. Several Tracts in the
County of Hampshire, exceeding rich, and two of them join the Right
Honourable Lord Fairfax’s Manor, on the south Side of Potowmack
River. The left mentioned Lands belonged formerly to Mr. Peter Steen-
bergen, and will be shown to any Person inclinable to purchase, by Colo-
nel Abraham Hite, who lives near the Land. The Lots and Houses here,
and the Tracts of Land in Spotsylvania, will be shown, and the Terms
made known, on Applicaton to the Subscriber. Credit will be allowed
the Purchasers, upon their giving Bond with approved Security.
JAMES SOMERVELL.

WILLIAMSBURG, June 10, 1774.
MR. JOHN MITCHELL, Merchant,
in Spotsylvania County, having by Deed, recorded in the Gene-
ral Court in November last, conveyed all his Lands, Slaves, Household
Goods, Stocks in Trade, and Outstanding Debts, to us in Trust (after
satisfying a Mortgage to Mr. George Anderson of Glasgow,. Merchant, for
Payment of 1000£. with Interest due thereon) for Payment of his
Debts, to all such Creditors as shall within twelve Months accede to the
Terms of the said Trust: We do hereby give this publick Notice, that
Payment of all the Debts due to the said
John Mitchell. or to Mitchell,
Lenox, and Scott, are to be made to James Somervell, acting Trustee;
and as many Circumstances require the most speedy Collection, we hope
the Debtors will make Provision accordingly. All creditors of John
Mitchell, or Mitchell, Lenox, and Scott, who are willing to come into
Terms, are desired to lodge their Claims as soon as possible, and to sub-
scribe their Names to Deeds which are prepared for that Purpose, and
may be seen on Application to either of us.
JOHN GRAY.
ROBERT GILCHRIST.
ARCHIBALD RITCHCIE.
JAMES SOSMERVELL.
^**^* All those indebted to Mr. John Mitchell, for Dealings at his Cul-
peper Store, are requested to settle their Accounts and pay the Balances
that are due to Mr. Edward Stevens, who is fully empowered to recieve
them. JAMES SOMMERVELL.

To be SOLD, on Thursday the 1st of September,
at Hanover Courthouse,
A TRACT of LAND in Hanover County, containing 795 Acres, ad-
joining the Lands of Mr. Trueheart and Mr. Geddes Winston, is
about fourteen Miles from Page’s Warehouse, and about twelve from the
Town of Richmond. There is a large Quantity of excellent Pine Timber
upon it, the Soil is good for Wheat and Indian Corn, and the Whole is
divided into Lots of 265 Acres each, for the Conveniences of Purchasers.
Credit will be allowed until October 1775, the Purchasers giving Bond and
Security; and the Bonds to carry Interest from the Date, if not discharged
when they become due.
LEWIS BURWELL,
LEWIS BURWELL, Junior.
SARAH CAMPBELL.
KINGSMILL
June 22, 1774.

Column 2

FOR SALE,
TWO THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED and SEVENTY FIVE Acres
of Land in Gloucester County, lying in Petsworth Parish, upon
which there is a very good Mill on an excellent Stream of Water. It will
be laid off in Lots, for the Convenience of Purchasers; and as it is en-
tailed Land, Application will be made to the next General Assembly for
an Act to dock the Entail. Mr. Lewis Booker will show the Land, and
make known the Terms. WILSON M. CARY.

To be SOLD to the highest Bidder, at Goochland
Courthouse, on MONDAY the 18th of July, being
Court Day,
A TRACT of rich well timbered Land lying opposite to Elk Island,
in the said County, belonging to the Estate of Mr. John Smith,
deceased, containing 2000 Acres, which will be put up in four separate
Lots. Likewise a Tract containing between 3 and 400 Acres, lying
on both Sides the Little Bird Creek, near the Head thereof, in said
County. Those Lands having been fully described in a former Adver-
tisement, renders it unnecessary here. The Time of Payment will be
made known on the Day of Sale, and Bonds with good Security required
of the Purchasers, by
(4) WILLIAM ANDERSON, Executor.
N. B. The Meeting of Merchants in Williamsburg having prevented
me from attending on the 20th of June, it may be necessary to assure the
Publick that the above mentioned Land will certainly be sold on the Day
now appointed.
^**^* The Purchasers at the different Sales of the Negroes and personal
Estate of Joseph and John Smith, deceased, are desired to take Notice
that their Bonds will carry Interest from the Date, if not paid by the 1st
of July; which, added to the distressed Situation of those Estates, I hope
will induce them to make immediate Payment.

STRAYED, or STOLEN, from the Sub-
scriber, the 8th of May last, a likely BAY MARE, four or five
Years old this Spring, about four Feet nine Inches high, a Star in her
Forehead, her hind Feet white, one as high as her Footlock, was lately
foundered, and is shod all round. I will give 3£. to any Person that will
deliver her to me in Petersburg, or on Conviction of the Thief 5£.
(||) HENRY MORISS.

STRAYED from Mr. Page’s Plantation, in
Hanover County, a BAY MARE about fourteen Hands one Inch
high, has had two or three Colts, seven Years old, but never was broke,
a long Mane and Tail undocked, a Star in her Forehead, one of her hind
Legs at the Pastern Joint much hurt, and bends considerably. As she
was brought from Amherst last Spring, it is probable she will endeavour to
return there. Whoever gives me Notice of the said Mare, or brings her
to me in King William, shall be well rewarded.
CARTER BRAXTON.

For LIVERPOOL,
THE Ship GREENWOOD, Mackey Reed Master, loads at Norfolk,
has two Thirds of her Cargo already engaged, can take in 200
Hhds. of Tobacco on Liberty of Consignment. Any Gentlemen inclin-
ing to ship by her will please to send their Orders to Mr. Richard Taylor
of Petersburg, Mr. Richard Squire Taylor in King William County, or to
us at Norfolk.
(tf) GREENWOOD, RITSON, & MARSH.

A VALUABLE SALE OF LANDS.
To be sold, a TRACT of LAND in Berkeley and Frederick Counties,
containing 12,076 Acres; it lies seven Miles on each Side of She-
nando River, the Quantity on the east Side, being only a Slip of low
Ground, is inconsiderable; the be Quality of the Land is remarkably good,
and the Conveniencies attending is great. There are two plentiful
Streams of Water running through Marshes three Miles in Length, some
of which are already reclaimed Meadows, and the rest, at a very small
Expense, might soon be reduced to the like State. One each Side of the
Streams Mills might be erected and Furnaces, the Land affording Stone,
Lime, Iron, and Lead Ore. On one of the Streams I have already
erected a complete Merchant Mill, with a Pair of the best French Burrs
for grinding of Wheat, and a Pair of common Stones for grinding of
Indian Corn; besides this, there is near the Dwelling-House a Tub Mill,
and on the other Stream there is a valuable Saw Mill. There are five
settled and improved Plantations; on one of them is a good Stone House,
two Stories high, with two Rooms on a Floor, a Kitchen, Dairy, and all
other convenient Outhouses; on another Plantation, where Michael Pike
lived there is a good Stone House; and at the other Plantations there are
Overseers Houses, Negro Quarters, Barns, Stables, Tobacco Houses, &c.
The above Tract shall be either partitioned off in Lots of 1000 or 500
Acres, or sold bodily to one Purchaser. Belonging to this Estate there
are 112 Negroes to be disposed of, together with all the Stocks of Cattle,
equal to any in the Colony, Horses, Mares, Colts, Hogs, &c. likewise
all the necessary Implements for the Planter or Farmer. Any Person or
Persons inclinable to purchase are desired to make their Proposals to me
at Rosegill, on Rappahanaock River, or to leave them with the Overseer,
who lives at the House Plantation, and will show the Land. In Novem-
ber I shall be on the Premises, and may then be personally treated with.
Part of this Land, and some of the Negroes, belong to my eldest Son,
who leaves to me the Disposition thereof, and will confirm any Engage-
ment I enter into on his Part.
(6) RALPH WORMELEY.

To be SOLD, on Thursday the 10th of November,
at the Rocky Ridge,
ONE HUNDRED and FIFTY choice SLAVES,
late the Property of John Wayles, Esq; deceased.
Twelve Months Credit will be allowed, the Purcha-
sers giving Bond, with approved Security, to
(6) FRANCIS EPPES.
HENRY SKIPWITH.
^**^* Five per Cent. Discount for ready Money.

To be SOLD at Belvoir, the Seat of the Honourable
George William Fairfax, Esq; in Fairfax County
on Monday the 15th of August next (pursuant to
his Direction)
ALL his HOUSEHOLD and KITCHEN FURNITURE of every
Kind, consisting of Beds and their Furniture, Tables, Chairs, and
every other necessary Article, mostly new, and very elegant.———Ready
Money will be expected from every Purchaser under 5£. and twelve
Months Credit allowed those who exceed that Sum, upon their giving
Bond and approved Security, to carry Interest from the Date, if the
Money is not paid within forty Days after it becomes due.
(6) s FRANCIS WILLIS, Junior.

To be RENTED, from Year to Year or for a Term
of Years,
BELVOIR, the beautiful Seat of the Honourable George William Fair-
fax, Esq; lying upon Powtowmack River in Fairfax County, about
fourteen Miles below Alexandria. The Mansion House is of Brick, two
Stories high, with four convenient Rooms and a large Passage on the lower
Floor, five Rooms and a Passage on the Second, and a Servants Hall
and Cellars below, convenient Offices, Stables, and Coach House ad-
joining, as also a large and well furnished Garden, stored with a great
Variety of valuable Fruits, in good Order. Appertaining to the Tract
on which these Houses stand, and which contains near 2000 Acres (sur-
rounded in a Manner by navigable Water) are several valuable Fisheries,
and a good Deal of cleared Land in different Parts, which may be let
altogether, or separately, as shall be found most convenient. The Terms
may be known of Colonel Washington, who lives near the Premises, or of
me in Berkeley County.
(tf) FRANCIS WILLIS, Junior.

Column 3

NANSEMOND, April 20, 1774.
WHEREAS the Concern of the Subscribers,
by the Death of one of the Partners, is now dissolved, it is
most earnestly requested of all those indebted to them, either in this
Colony or North Carolina, to make immediate Settlement, by Payment or
Specialty, as those who fail to comply need expect no Indulgence; and all
those who have Demands against the said Concern are desired to make them
known, and they shall be adjusted. The Books, &c. belonging to their
Store in this County, are put into the Hands of Mr. John M’Dowall, who
is properly authorised to collect and grant Receipts, and will settle
with all those who have Demands against the said Company. The Busi-
ness will be carried on at their different Stores in this Colony and North
Carolina, with the same good Usage, and Indulgence given as usual, un-
der the Firm of Archibald Hamilton and Co. and the Management of Mr.
John Hamilton. (tf) JOHN HAMILTON, & Co.

NORFOLK County.
At a Court held the 22nd Day of APRIL, 1774.
William and John Brown, Merchants and Partners, }
Plaintiffs, against }
John Knight, Ship Master, and George Kelly, Vendue } In Chancery
Master, Defendants, }
THis Day came, as well the Plaintiffs, by James Holt, Gentleman,
their Council, as the Defendant, Georg Kelly, in his proper Person,
who filed his Answer. And the Defendant, John Knight, being beyond
Sea, on the motion of the Plaintiffs, by their Council aforesaid, it is or-
dered that the said Defendant George, who hath confessed Effects of the
said John Knight in his hands, do not pay, convey away, or secrete such
Effects, until the farther Order or Decree of this Court concerning the
same; that the said Defendant, John Knight, do appear here the third
Thursday in October next, to answer the Plaintiffs Bill; and that a Copy
of this Order be, within fifteen Days, inserted in the Virginia Gazette for
two Months successively, and published on some Lord’s Day, immedi-
ately after Divine Service, in the Church of the Parish of Elizabeth River,
in the County aforesaid, and be also posted up at the Door of the Court-
house of the said County. SAMUEL BOUSH, C. C.

To be let on CHARTER, to any Part of Europe,
or the West Indies,
THE Brigantine Hamilton, Burthen about 300
Hogsheads, a new Vessel now on the Stocks,
and will be ready to take on Board by the first of
June. For Terms, apply to me in Norfolk.
(tf) ROBERT GRAY, & Co.

NORFOLK, April 21, 1774.
NOTICE is hearby given, that a Number
of Vessels will be wanted this Summer to bring about 6000 Tuns
of STONE from Mr. Brooke’s Quarry on Rappahannock, and land the
same on Cape Henry, for the Lighthouse. Any Person, or Persons, in-
clinable to engage in such Work, are desired to treat with Matthew
Phripp, Paul Loyall, and Thomas Newton, Esqrs. The Directors of the
Lighthouse will also be glad to purchase one or two FLAT BOT-
TOMED VESSELS, from 80 to 120 Tuns Burthen.
(tf) BASSETT MOSELEY.

NEABSCO FURNACE, April 1, 1774.
RUN away from the Neabsco Furnace, on
the 16th of last Month, a light coloured Mulatto Man named
BILLY or WILL, the Property of the Honourable John Taylor, Esquire.
When I tell the Publick that he is the same Boy, who, for many Years,
used to wait on me in my Travels through this and the neighbouring
Province, and, by his Pertness, or rather Impudence, was well known
to almost all my Acquaintances, there is the less Occasion for a particular
Description of him. However, as he is now grown to the Size of a Man,
and has not attended me for some Time past, I think it not amiss to say
that he is a very likely young Fellow, about twenty Years old, five Feet
nine Inches high, stout and strong made, has a remarkable Swing in his
Walk, but is much more so by a surprising Knack he has of gaining the
good Graces of almost every Body who will listen to his bewitching and
deceitful Tongue, which seldom or ever speaks the Truth; has a small
Scar on the right Side of his Forehead, and the little Finger of his right
Hand is quite straight by a Hurt he got when a Child. He had on when
he went away a blue Fearnought and an under Jacket of Green Baize,
Cotton Breeches, Osnabrug Shirt, a mixed blue Pair of Stockings, a Pair
of Country made Shoes, and yellow Buckles. From his Ingenuity, he
is capable of doing almost any Sort of Business, and for some Years past
has been chiefly employed as a Founder, a Stone Mason, and a Miller, as
Occasion required; one of which Trades, I imagine, he will, in the Cha-
racter of a Freeman, profess. I have some Reason to suspect his tra-
velling towards James River, under the Pretence of being sent by me on
Business. Whoever apprehends the said Mulatto Slave, and brings him
to me, or to his Master, the Honourable John Taloe of Mount Airy, or
secures him so as to be had again, shall have double what the Law allows,
and all reasonable Charges paid by
(tf) THOMAS LAWSON.

ROCKY MILL, HANOVER County, April 14, 1774.
RUN away from the Subscribers, on the
27th of March, two indented Servant Men, namely, JOSEPH
GOTHARD, by Trade a Cooper, has a Scar over one of his Eyes and
Ankles; had on a Drab coloured Frieze Jacket, with Metal Buttons, old
Leather Breeches, a Half worn Hat, a Pair of Sale Hose, and a Pair of
coarse Shoes. THOMAS JACKSON, by Trade a Coachman, about
thirty Years of Age, of a ruddy Countenance, about five Feet eight
Inches high, with light Hair; had on an old Hat, dark Broadcloth Coat
much patched, an old Virginia Cloth blue twilled Jacket, with Pewter
Buttons, without Sleeves, a Pair of very narrow Duck Trousers patched
on each Knee with new Osnabrugs, a Pair of Country Shoes, and black
Hose. Whoever will deliver both the above mentioned Servants at New-
castle, or the above mentioned Place, shall receive 5£. or 50s. for either,
if taken in the Colony; and if in any other, reasonable Satisfaction willbe
made by the Subscribers. JOHN SYME
(tf) JOHN CHRENSHAW.

FOR SALE,
A TRACT of LAND in Amelia County, containing 500 Acres, about
four Miles below the Courthouse, it is remarkable fine Land for
Grain, and will bring good Tobacco. The Plantation is in good Order
for Cropping, sufficient to work six or eight Hands, with all necessary
Houses. Any Person inclinable to purchase may depend on having a
Bargain, and know the Terms by applying to
(tf) WILLIAM MARSHALL.

ForSALE,
ABOUT twelve Thousand Acres of exceeding rich TOBACCO
LAND, in Amherst County, whereon are several Plantations and
Improvements sufficient to work forty or fifty Hands. There is on the
said Land for Sale a very valuable GRIST MILL, lately built, with a
Stone Dam and a Pair of good Cologne Millstones, which Mill has for two
Years past got upwards of 100 Barrels of Toll Corn, and is situated on a
never failing Stream. The Land will be shown by William Womack, who
lives at one of the Plantations, and the Prices of the Land made
known by him. One or two Years Credit will be allowed, Interest being
paid for the second year, and also for the first, if the Money is not paid
agreeable to Contract. The Land is to be laid off and surveyed by
Colonel William Cabell, at the Expense of the Purchaser. Deeds will be
made upon Bond and approved Security being given, either to Colonel
William Cabell, or the Subscriber. Six per Cent. Discount will be allowed
for ready Money, or good Merchants Notes. If any Person will choose
to exchange Lands in the lower Part of the Country, on or near some
navigable River, that are good, it is more than probable we should agree.
(tf) CARTER BRAXTON.