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BOSTON, Dec. 16.
In Provincial Congress, CAMBRIDGE, Dec. 10, 1774.
To the FREEHOLDERS and other INHABITANTS of the towns and
districts of Massachusetts Bay.

Friends and Brethren,
AT a time when the good people of this
colony were deprived of their laws, and
the administration of justice, civil and
criminal; when the cruel oppressions
brought on their capital had stagnated
almost all their commerce; when a stand-
ing army was illegally posted among
us for the express purpose of enforcing
submission to a system of tyranny; and
when the General Court was with the
same design prohibited to sit; we were
chosen and empowered by you to assemble and consult upon meas-
sures necessary for our common safety and defence.

With much anxiety for the common welfare, we have attended
this service; and, upon the coolest deliberation, have adopted the
measures recommended to you.

We have still confidence in the wisdom, justice, and goodness
of our Sovereign, as well as the integrity, humanity, and good
sense of the nation; and if we had a reasonable expectation that the
truth of the facts would be made known in England, we should enter-
tain the most pleasing hopes that the measures concerted by the
colonies, jointly and severally would procure a full redress of
our grievances: But we are constrained, in justice to you, to our-
selves and posterity, to say, that the incessant and unrelenting
malice of our enemies has been so successful as to fill the Court
and kingdom of Great Britain with falsehoods and calumnies con-
cerning us, and to excite the most bitter and groundless prejudices
against us; that the sudden dissolutions of Parliament, and the
hasty summons for a new election, gives us reason to apprehend
that a majority of the House of Commons will be again elected
under the influence of an arbitrary Ministry! And that the general
tenor of our intelligence from Great Britain, with the frequent
reinforcements of the army and navy at Boston, excites the strong-
est jealousy that the system of colony administration, so unfriendly
to the protestant religion, and destructive of American liberty, is
still to be pursued, and attempted with force to be carried into ex-
ecution.

You are placed by Providence in the post of honour, because it is
a post of danger; and while struggling for the noble objects, the
liberties of your country, the happiness of posterity, and rights of hu-
man nature, the eyes not only of North America and the whole
British empire, but of all Europe, are upon you. Let us there-
fore altogether solicitous that no disorderly behaviours, nothing
unbecoming our characters as Americans, as citizens, and chris-
tians, be justly chargeable to us.

Whoever, with a small degree of attention, contemplates the
commerce between Great Britain and America, will be convinced
that a total stoppage thereof will soon produce in Great Britain
such dangerous effects as cannot fail to convince the Ministry,
Parliament, and people, that it is in their interest and duty to grant
us relief. Whoever considers the numbers of brave men inhabiting
North America will know that a general attention to military dis-
cipline must so establish their rights and liberties, as, under God,
to render it impossible for an arbitrary Ministry of Britain to de-
story them. These are facts which our enemies are apprized of,
and if they will not be influenced by principles of justice to alter
their cruel measures towards America, these ought to lead them
thereto. They, however, hope to effect by stratagem what they
may not obtain by power, and are using arts, by assistance of base
scribblers, who undoubtedly receive their bribes, and by many
other means, to raise doubts and divisions throughout the colonies.
To defeat their iniquitous designs, we think it necessary for each
town to be particularly careful strictly to execute the plans of the
Continental and Provincial Congresses; and while it censures its
own individuals, counteracting these plans, that it be not deceived
or diverted from its duty by rumours, should any take place, to
the prejudice of other communities. Your Provincial Congresses,
we have reason to hope, will HOLD UP the towns, if any should
be so lost as not to act their parts, and none can doubt that the
Continental Congress will rectify errours, should any take Place
in any colony through the subtility of our enemies. Surely no ar-
guments can be necessary to excite you to the most strict adherence
to the American association, since the minutest deviation in one
colony, especially in this, will probably be misrepresented in the
others, to discourage their general zeal and perseverance, which,
however, we assure ourselves cannot be effected.

Whilst the British Ministry are suffered, with so high a hand,
to tyrannize over America, no part of it, we presume, can be neg-
ligent in guarding against the ravages threatened by the standing
army now in Boston: These troops will undoubtedly be employed
in attempts to defeat the association, which our enemies cannot
but fear will eventually defeat them; and so sanguinary are
those our enemies, as we have reason to think, so thirsty for the
blood of this innocent people, who are contending for their rights,
that we should be guilty of the most unpardonable neglect should
we not apprize you of your danger, which appears to us immi-
nently great, and ought attentively to be guarded against. The
improvement of the militia in general in the art military has been
therefore necessary, and strongly recommended by this
Congress. Ewe now think that particular care should be taken by
the towns and districts in this colony, that each of the minute
men, not already provided therewith, should be immediately
equipped with an effective fire arm, bayonet, pouch, knap-
sack, thirty rounds of cartridges and ball, and that they be disci-
plined three times a week, and oftener, as opportunity may

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offer: To encourage these our worthy countrymen to obtain the
skill of complete soldiers, we recommend it to the towns and dis-
tricts forthwith to pay their own minute men a reasonable conside-
ration for their services; and, in case of a general muster, their
farther services must be recompensed by the province. An atten-
tion to discipline the militia in general is however by no means to
be neglected.

With the utmost cheerfulness, we assure you of our determina-
tion to stand or fall with the liberties of America; and while we
humbly implore the Sovereign Disposer of all things, to whose di-
vine providence the right of his creatures cannot be indifferent,
to correct the errours, and alter the measures of an infatuated Mi-
nistry, we cannot doubt of his support, even in the extreme diffi-
culties which we may all have to encounter. May all means de-
vised for our safety by the General Congresses of America, and
assemblies or conventions of the colonies, be resolutely executed,
and happily succeeded; and may this injured people be reinstated in
the full exercise of their rights, without the evils and devastations
of a civil war. Signed by order of the Provisional Congress,
JOHN HANCOCK, President.
A true extract from the minutes,
BENJAMIN LINCOLN, Secretary.

NEWPORT, Dec. 12.

CHARTERS have been granted by the Assembly to four new
military companies, by the following names, viz. the Artil-
lery Company for the county of Providence, the Troop of Horse
for the county of Providence, the Providence Fusiliers, and North
Providence Rangers.

We have the authority to inform the publick that the Right Hon.
the Earl of Dartmouth his written circular letters to the several
Governours on the continent, signifying his Majesty’s command
that they take the most effectual measures for arresting detaining,
and securing, any gunpowder, or an sort of arms or ammunition,
which may be attempted to be imported into the colonies; and
likewise enclosing an order of the Kind in Council, prohibiting
the exportation thereof from Great Britain or Ireland.

By a Gentleman arrived here last week, from New York, thro’
Connecticut, we are assured that when he came away a brig was
taking in 128 pieces of cannon to carry to Boston; that the small
towns of Groton and Stonington were under arms when he came
along, which amounted to 1200 brave fellows, and that the mar-
tial spirit flames gloriously quite through the country. New Eng-
land alone will be as well able to resist 50,000 troops next Spring
as the whole continent was to resist 20,000 last war.

The General Assembly have ordered 40,000 flints, 300 barrels
of powder, 3 tuns of lead, and 4 brass field pieces, to be procured
for the use of this colony.

At a MEETING of the COMMITTEE for CAROLINE County,
DECEMBER 16, 1774,
JAMES TAYLOR, James Upshaw, William Woodford,
John Tennant, Thomas Lomax, Benjamin Hubbard, and
Edmund Pendleton, Junior, Gentlemen, or any three of them,
were appointed a Committee to inspect the Books of the Merchants
at Port Royal
and Conway’s Warehouse, to see that they have re-
spectively dealt with their Customers upon the same Terms as they
had done for a Year preceding the Association and to make Re-
port of their Proceedings to this Committee.

Walker Taliaferro, Anthony Thornton, John Armistead, John
Jones, and Samuel Haws, Gentlemen, or any three of them, were
appointed a Committee to inspect the Books of Patrick Kennon
Merchant, for the same Purpose: And William Nelson, George
Baylor, Richard Johnston, John Minor, and George Guy, Gentle
men, or any three of them, were appointed a Committee to inspect
the Books of Samuel Hargrove, Merchant, for the same Purpose.

Afterwards, at a Meeting of the County Committee December
26, 1774, from the Reports of the several Sub-Committees, it ap-
peared, “that Edward Dixon, James Bowie, Junior, and Sa-
”muel Hargrove, Merchants, had shewn their Books to the
”Committee, who were satisfied that they had in their Dealings
”conformed to the Association; but that James Miller, An-
”drew Leckie, James Dunlap, William Dixon, John Wallace,
”and Patrick Kennon, having Notice of
this Meeting, and not appearing to offer, or send any excuse or
Reasons for their Refusal, the same is ordered to be published; and
as, from such Conduct, a Suspicion arises that they have trans-
gressed the Association, in selling Goods at a higher Price than
they as been accustomed to do for a Year next preceding, it is
recommended to the People of this County, as they would avoid
being considered the Enemies to American Liberty, not to have any
Dealings with those Merchants until they shall give the Satisfaction
required.

Ordered, that Mr. Kennon have Notice to appear before this
Committee on the second Friday in January, to answer his Re-
fusal. A Copy. SAMUEL HAWS, Clk.

RICHMOND County, December 5, 1774.
THE Freeholders convening on this Day, to elect a new Com-
mittee for the said County, according to the Recommenda-
tion of the late Continental Congress, for the carrying into exe
cution the American Association, proceeded to make Choice of
twenty eight Gentlemen convenient in their Situation to inspect the
Attention paid to the Association through the whole County;
who, forming themselves into a Meeting, chose Col. Landon Car-

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ter Chairman, and requested the Favour of Mr. Leroy Peachy to
act as Clerk: At which Meeting it was resolved that the
Committee should sit on the next Court Day, if Nothing required
an earlier Attendance; at which Time the Freeholders were like-
wise desired to attend, in Order to appoint Deputies to repair to a
Colony Congress of Delegates to attend a Continental Congress
to be held in Philadelphia on the 10th Day of May next, agreeable
to the Recommendation of the last Congress, if America should
not before that Day be redressed in her Grievances, and restored
to her just Rights and Liberties.

JANUARY 2, 1775.

AT a Meeting of the Freeholders this Day, for the above Pur-
pose, the following Instruction and Appointment was voted and
declared to Robert Wormeley Carter and Francis Lightfoot Lee,
Esquires, their Representatives in Assembly; which being recom-
mended by the Freeholders to the Committee to be printed in the
Virginia Gazette, the same is now regularly transmitted to the
Printers.

To Robert WORMELEY CARTER and FRANCIS LIGHTFOOT
LEE, Esquires

FROM a Persuasion that the Assembly is to meet in February
next, and that the Recommendation of the Continental Congress
to the several Colonies, for appointing Delegates to form another
Continental Congress on the 10th Day of May next, may be duly
complied with, we your Constituents desire of you, as our Repre-
sentatives in Assembly, to promote the same with your utmost
Abilities; but if, by any Means, it should happen that the As-
sembly shall be dissolved, either constitutionally or by Prerogative,
we do, in that Case, constitute and appoint you, our late elected
Representatives, to meet in Colony Congress, for the Purpose of
appointing Delegates as aforesaid. We hope we need not inform
you, Gentlemen, that we cannot but look upon ourselves as in-
duced to publish this our Instruction and Appointment from a full
Conviction of the present alarming Crisis to American Rights;
and as the united Wisdom of North America, on such an Occa-
sion, is certainly necessary to be obtained, we cannot but desire
that no unforeseen Casualty may prevent this Colony from being
represented in such a Congress, on whose Deliberations the Liber-
ties of America do so eminently depend: Therefore, we cannot
suppress our Wishes that these important Considerations may pre-
vail with our Countrymen in the other Counties to provide against
any possible Disappointment in Delegation as aforesaid, by every
similar Precaution. And farther, Gentlemen, we recommend it
to you to give the sincere Thanks of this County to the worthy
Delegates who attended the late Continental Congress, for their
prudent and spirited Conduct in Support of the Freedom and
Liberties of America. We are, Gentlemen,
Your obliged Constituents.

ON the same Day the Chairman communicated to the Gentlemen
of the Committee then met, that, in Order to get fully informed
of a Report that a monopolizing or engrossing of Goods was carry-
ing on, to the Prejudice of the poorer Sort of People, he had con-
sidered it as an Object within the Sphere of Association, and taken
upon himself to write to the two Gentlemen who kept the Stores in
the County, in which the said engrossing or monopolizing was
suggested to be in Agitation; because such a Practice could not be
the Intention of associating, nor indeed a Thing to be suspected of
any patriotic Associator, where certainly every One ought to be
heartily inclined to bear an equal Proportion of every Difficulty,
and, in Consequence, that could or might attend associating against
Commerce of any Kind, without taking Advantage, with at
best but a mere unsocial Calidity; and that he had obtained Let-
ters from the Gentlemen keeping those Stores, which he believed,
on Examination, would be found entirely convincing, that there
was not the least Foundation for so scandalous a Report. Upon
which the Committee directed the Reporter to be called in, before
whom the Letters were read, and, as an incontestable Truth, the
Whole turned out a mere groundless Fallacy; therefore it was di-
rected to be published, on Order to discourage and stifle such un-
generous, as well as unjust Accusations against any Individual of
a Community so sacredly engaged to preserve its Liberties.
LEROY PEACHEY, Clk.

AT a Meeting of the Freeholders of the County of Charles City,
held at the Courthouse of the said County, on Saturday De-
cember the 17th, 1774, for the Purpose of choosing a Committee to
see that the Association entered into by the General Congress, for
preserving the Liberties of America, be duly put in Execution
within this County:

Resolved, that the said Committee do consist of the following
Persons, viz. Benjamin Harrison, William Acrill, Francis
Eppes, William Edloe, The Rev. James Ogilvie, William Green
Munford, William Rickman, Thomas Holt, Philip Parr Ed-
mondson, Benjamin Harrison, Junior, William Gregory, Samuel
Harwood, David Minge, John Edloe, George Minge, John
Tyler, Freeman Walker, Francis Dancy, William Christian,
James Bray Johnson, Peter Royster Henry Southall, Benjamin
Dancy, James Eppes, John Brown, Stith Hardyman, William
Edloe, Junior, Henry Armistead, William Royall, and Edward
Stubblefield; and that they, or the Majority of them, do meet
from Time to Time, and act and do what to them shall seem pro-
per for the Purposes aforesaid.

Resolved unanimously,that when any Gentleman of the Committee shall be
informed, or have Reason to suspect, that any Thing has been

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done in this County contrary to the Association, he shall forthwith
summon three at least of his Brethren most convenient to the Place,
who, together with himself, shall examine into the Matter, and
make immediate Report to the Chairman, in Order that the same,
if it appears to be well founded, may be laid before the Committee.
Extracted from the Minutes.
PATRICK MURDOCH, Clk.

AT a Meeting of the Committee for the County of Charles
City, at the Courthouse of the said County, on Wednesday Janu-
ary the 4th, 1775, the Committee being informed by Amos and
James Ladd, that they have lately imported Goods from Great
Britain to the Amount of Ɫ. 114:3:3 current Money, and also a
Crate of Glass Ware, the invoice of which they have not yet re-
ceived; and having delivered up the same to the Committee, and
made their Election that the same should be sold, according to the
Assoication,

Ordered, that William Green Munford, William Gregory,
Peter Royster, Thomas Holt, and James Eppes, Gentlemen, or
any three of them, do forthwith sell the said Goods, having first
advertised the Time of Sale in the publick Papers, in small Parcels
not exceeding Ɫ. 10 each, for ready Money, and apply the same
according to the Direction of the Association.

John Ladd having also informed the Committee that he hath
lately imported Goods from Great Britain to the Amount of
Ɫ. 5:0:2 Sterling, and Andrew Crew, that he hath also imported
Goods in like Manner, to the Amount of Ɫ. 0.:13:9 Sterling, and
having severally delivered up the same to the Committee, and made
their Election that they should be sold:

Ordered, that the same Gentlemen as in the foregoing Order do
sell the same, and dispose of the Money as in Manner aforesaid.
By Order of the Committee,
PARRICK MURDOCH, Clerk.

From the PUBLICK ADVERTISER.
LONDON, November 5, 1774.

THE fatal dispute with our colonies becomes so very serious,
that it is the duty of every good Englishman to do his utmost
to heal the wound before it is incurable. A dispute between two
parts of our dominions is on the face of it prejudicial to the highest
degree: it is criminal to treat the dispute as a matter of party,
for treating it so is making it so; and as it already is on the point
of drawing the sword, they who make themselves a party in the
quarrel make themselves a party in a civil war. Both the friends
and enemies of the stamp act ought to lay aside their prejudices;
but while the one side hoists the standard of sovereignty, and the
other of independence, each determine that they will not recede till
their favourite object is carried, which neither can be, if recourse
is had to arms, till the whole empire receives a mortal wound.
If the contest is carried on, it is probable that by the present force
of the mother country she will at first exert the sovereignty, perhaps
get it acknowledged. It is more probably that in the long run the
colonies will obtain admission to an equal legislation, because they
will always continue and support the claim, and the mother
country cannot always maintain its sovereignty. The higher we
carry our authority, the more it will be detested. The colonies
would undo this country to govern North American constantly by
armies and fleets; neither the revenues nor constitution of this
country could bear so military a deposition. On the first war with
France or Spain we should be forced to withdraw our forces, and
the, instead of receiving the cheerful assistance of the colonies,
they would throw off all subjection and set up for themselves.
This prospect cannot fail of being realized. If we conquer our
colonies by arms, will their gratitude carry them to assist or oppose
us, when we have no armies to intimidate them?

The sovereignty of Great Britain is a great and tender point.
The only question is, whether it will not be bought too dear at
the expense of our commerce? Can you oblige so vast a territory
as North America to trade with you by the terrour of armies and
fleets? The very system of commerce is repugnant to the Idea.
Commerce never could be forced by authority. You may enslave
traders, but you prevent their being traders: And they who have
the loftiest idea of our sovereignty, must, if they reason fairly,
own they prefer it our trade; and how long our power and
credit will last any where else, when our trade is gone, the poorest
politician can tell.

I believe the greater part of the nation are against the colonies at
present. Yet how long will that be the case? The trading towns
and cities will soon change sides, and prefer advantage to the
empty name of sovereignty. The country Gentlemen will find
the value of their lands fall, and will grow less fond of the dazzling
name of Sovereigns of America. These country Gentlemen al-
ready perceive the consequences of enclosures, and stretching their
rents so high. Will emigrations decrease when America, for its
own preservation, is brought to encourage and invite emigrants?

But there is a greater and more imminent danger, which has al-
ready begun. The North Americans will debauch the affections of
our soldiers and sailors, who will prefer lands and solid settlements
to fighting against their own countrymen. Officers who want pre-
ferment will imitate the common men, and offer their services to the
colonies. Ambitious men will see such a field of fortune opening
to them as will be irresistible. France and Spain, whatever they
may affect, will indubitably assist our mutinous brethren with a
little money and more arms, and certainly with good Officers.
Prussia, I fear, is not so amicable to England as to forbid its ve-
teran commanders making a campaign or two in Aerica, and
they being Protestants, will be doubly welcome. While the
Dutch were at war for their liberties with Philip II. great num-
bers of the bravest Generals in Europe went and commanded the
Dutch armies. Can we deceive ourselves so far as to expect this
will not be the case now!

The Emperour, it is said, is displeased with some recent Hano
varian transactions. What an opportunity of revenge, should he
lend some of his best officers to the Americans!

In the mean time the French, Dutch, and perhaps Spaniards,
will avail themselves of the trade we lose; and though we propose
to shut up our own American ports, and distress their trade, have
we so little experience at home as to believe we can prevent con-
triband trade? When the little Isle of Man so long defied our
government and customhouse, will third rate men of war, or little
cutters, block up all the inlets in North America?

On the other hand, is Great Britain potent enough to subdue
the West and maintain the East? Will France sit contented with
our ruling India, and suffer us to lord it over America? Has
she so little policy as to disturb us no where? Will she neither
make war with us till we are at leisure, nor endeavour to keep
up the war between us and our own subjects? They must be
sanguine politicians who think that all Europe connive at our sub-
duing our colonies, without assisting them, or disturbing us.

On the other hand, the best friends to America ought to hold
out no encouragement to it; they ought at most to present them-
selves as mediators, and keep up no more interests with the
colonists than by letting them see that not all England is in conspi-
racy to enslave them. Moderate men will have an opportunity of
interceding for them on one side, and of persuading them on the
other to be reasonable. The hypothesis of telling them they ought
not to be taxed without their own consent, and at the same time as-
serting the absolute sovereignty of England, was an absurd and mis-
chievous contradiction. Too many provocations have been given
on both sides; and if the present tone of authority, if the violent
friends of the stamp act, if its violent enemies, if the mutinous
colonists, do not all relax something of their pretentions, it re-
quires no spirit of prophecy to foretell, that we shall lose our com-
merce, and, in consequence, our sovereignty in Europe, in Ame-
rica, and in Asia. NEUTRALIS.

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LONDON, Nov. 5.

TWO new dies are just finished at the Tower for striking off
some half crown pieces for the greater convenience of change,
by order of the Lords of the Treasury.

There are 21 men of war and frigates now building at the dif-
ferent dockyards of this kingdom. At Deptford, three 70 gun
ships and two frigates; at Woolwich, two of 60, and one of 54;
at Sheerness, two frigates; at Chatham, five men of war and
frigates; at Portsmouth, six ditto. In all 21; besides two begin-
ning at Plymouth.

On Tuesday night last no less than 25 different robberies were
committed between Mother Redcap’s and Finchley Common, by
five highwaymen, well mounted, who robbed almost every person
they met, and escaped over the said common.

Nov. 7. Letters from Madrid advise, that his Catholick Ma-
jesty, in order to promote the welfare and trade of his subjects, has
taken off the duties on corn imported into that kingdom for two
years.
Extract of a letter from an English Gentleman in Paris, to his
friend in London.

”You would be amazed to see the alteration which has taken
place throughout all France. You no longer meet with those
meagre frog-fed carcasses which were visible in every part of this
kingdom. Gaiety, sprightliness, and content, the happy train of
peace and plenty, are spread over every countenance. The King
holds his Bed of Justice the 10th of November; the Parliament’s
former members are ordered to attend his Majesty; those of Rouen
and Rennes are to be reinstated, as well as the Cour des Aids, or
Court of Ways and Means. This beginning promises very fair,
but a small question remains to be unfolded, which time alone can
resolve: Will it last long? I should augur not, from the known
fickleness of the inhabitants of this country, who are never steady
in the pursuit of good or evil. Virtues and vices are here, like
their modes, temporary. However, as a true friend to mankind,
I cannot but wish that their present happiness may be of long con-
tinuance.”

A few days before the Parliament was dissolved, the office ac-
counts of the civil list were ordered to be made out, that they might
be ready to be laid before the Parliament early the next meeting.
These accounts not making any part of the usual business of Parli-
ament, this circumstance, and some others, give good ground for
a suspicion that it is intended to apply to the new Parliament for a
sum of money to discharge the arrears of the civil list, or, as they
are more properly called, the King’s debts. It is given out, that
the sum which will be asked for this purpose is no less than five
hundred thousand pounds; and it is added, that it is at the same
time intened to ask for a further sum of two hundered thousand
pounds to be added to the present annual income of the civil list,
which is at present eight hundred thousand pounds, and will then
be one million, upon a pretence that the King’s family is so much
increased that this additional great sum is become necessary for its
support.

They write from Gibraltar, that some additional works were
preparing to be carried on there towards the land side, and that
several vessels were employed in transporting stone and other ma-
terials from the Barbury coast for that purpose.

The Premier says, that “on the first motion for a repeal of
any of the Bostonian acts, he will immediately resign his employ-
ments.”

Nothing shews the necessity of reforming the mode of representa-
tion agreeable to Lord Chatham’s doctrine more than the present
general election, when it is well know that many boroughs have
been disposed of in the city, and the electors of many others have
been mortified by receiving orders to elect persons they esteemed
little better than their own journeymen, and others still more mor-
tified to see a persona chaired as their member who has stood behind
their chair at their own tables; and such must be the case with this
rotten part of the constitution, when so many boroughs are at the
absolute disposal of the Treasury, and the powerful Lords in the
county, or the power resides n three or four leading men in the
city or borough. The former much choose the Minister’s coach-
horse, or my Lord’s footman, if they are ordered; the latter must
elect the broker himself, if the junto give the word of command.
Let our representatives be chosen by the counties at large, and we
should see in the House the most respectable landholders of the count-
ty chosen for their property, honour, and abilities; and let the
city of London choose twelve; the city of Bristol, Liverpool, and
the other great trading cities and towns of the kingdom, a propor-
tionate number; and we should find the mercantile interest of this
great trading country in the hands of persons able and willing to
protect and extend it. The King would then reign by the heads
and hearts of his subjects, not by their passions and necessities, and
the Minister would see he had no security himself, but in consult-
ing the honour, not the power of the Crown.

Some merchants having lately solicited Lord North on the sub-
ject of making a separate trade by charter to the coast of Anamaboe,
were answered, that no company whatever would be suffered in
future to monopolize the trade to any quarter of the globe whatever.

Such Gentlemen as have received, from their correspondents in
the colonies, copies of the New York, Philadelphia, Boston, or
Williamsburg editions, of the Summary View of the Rights of Bri-
tish America, may have the dedication to the King, printed with
the London edition, gratis, by applying to the publisher, at No.
46, in Fleet street. “God is my witness, that I write not these
”things to excite sedition, or stir up rebellion: I should deem
”my life well disposed of, if, by the sacrifice, your Majesty could
”learn the wisdom of righteous government, and your Ministers
be taught to counsel good things. Happy should I be to con-
”vince your Majesty where legal authority ends, and tyranny be-
”gins; and that your dignity alone consists in the happiness of
”your subjects; and that when virtue and justice forsake your
”Councils, errour and ruin must inevitably ensue. With your
”Majesty’s Ministers we can keep no longer: If, at any time,
”we pitied their innocent infirmities, that pity has long ago been
”converted into abhorrence, from the wickedness of their coun-
sels, and the injustice of their deeds.”

The loss to England by the tyrannical measures taken against
the Americans is hardly to be conceived, and the expenses of
paying the troops and fleets, which these measures have occasioned,
add to the an already insufferably load of taxes. The English in
America, by being oppressed, will lose the prepossession they had
in favour of English goods; hence they will purchase French and
Dutch goods, which are sold much cheaper. The act of naviga-
tion forbids a purchase of this kind, but now they are forced almost
to desperation, they will naturally say, with Romeo, “The law
”starves you, therefore break the law and eat.” The French,
in exchange for tobacco and fish, will furnish all they want; as the
Dutch, the Prussians from Emden, and other powers, will for
rice and indigo; and how is this to be prevented? We shall
strive to prevent it by armies of customhouse officers on land, and
fleets at sea; but who is to pay them? Why, the people of
England must be taxed and starved, and the contractors only will
be enriched. The loss occasioned by the American measures will
be above four millions yearly, and the expense of the preparations
now made will cost England above one million sterling. And the
Prussians, Dutch, and French, will supply the Americans with
all such articles as they do not raise themselves; for it is impossible
to hinder interlopers on so vast a coast; the Spaniards never could,
nor cannot on their coast, much less can we. Before this period
the English in America would not receive foreign vessels, nor
trade with them out of a national prejudice against foreigners, and
affection for England: They run goods on the Spaniards, but
would not suffer the Spaniards to bring goods to them. But
the present discord fomented by the Thane will make the Ame-
ricans supply themselves from foreigners, to the utter loss of our
trade.

Column 3

BOSTON, December 19.

ON the late thanksgiving day two or three weak and imbittered
persons, of the most insignificant and contemptible of all
sects (who make pretensions to Christianity) opened their shops;
five or six soldiers passing one of them, made a full stop, and asked
the deluded owner whether he was not ashamed so to insult his
countrymen, and advised him to shut up his shop and hide his head,
adding, that he was an enemy to his country.---As this was said
by a soldier, they may perhaps spare the cry of persecution on the
occasion.

A letter from Quebec, dated November 26, says, “That the
interpreter who has been sent to the Six Nations, to know if they
will give their assistance to the King’s troops against the colonies
(should there be occasion for them) have given for an answer, that it
is a family quarrel, and that they will by no means interfere be-
tween parents and children. The letter further adds, that they
will also be very hard put to it to muster any Canadians for that
purpose.---May God preserve and defend you all.”

By a person lately arrived from Quebec, we learn further, that
application had been made to the French inhabitants of Canada to
arm themselves against the colonies; that they rejected the propo-
sal with indignation, and declared that if any one Canadian should
be deluded so far as to go against their sister colonies, they would
send ten to their relief.

NEW YORK, December 26.

A GENTLEMAN in Boston writes to his friend here, of the
12th instant: Two ships of the line, viz. the Asia and
Boyne, are arrived here, and the Somerset is now firing guns
in the offing. The day before yesterday it was moved in Provin-
cial Congress, that arms be immediately taken up against the
King’s troops; but one of the members got up and told them
such a move was infamous, when, at the same time, the mem-
bers knew that neither Connecticut nor any of the southern colo-
nies meant to oppose his Majesty’s arm; on which account the
Congress immediately dissolved, and a new one is to be chosen, to
meet the 10th of next month. At Plymouth they are now beat-
ing up for volunteers to attack the troops; the parties sent for a
Parson to pray for them, who refused to comply; but he was
obliged to attend on being sent for a second time, on penalty of
being shot.

They write from Boston, that on the 29th of Nov. Major Spend-
love of the 43rd regiment, seized a waggon loaded with fire arms
under an escort of six horsemen, not far from the lines.

PHILADELPHIA.
In ASSEMBLY, Thursday, December 15, 1774. A. M.

UPON motion, Resolved, nem. con. That the Hon. Edward
Biddle, Speaker, John Dickinson, Thomas Mifflin, Jospeh
Galloway, Charles Humphryes, John Morton, and George Ross,
Esquires, be, and they are hereby appointed deputies, on the
part of this province, to attend the General Continental Congress,
proposed to be held at the city of Philadelphia, on the 10th day of
May next; and that they, or any four of them, do meet the said
Congress accordingly, unless the present grievances of the Ame-
rican colonies shall, before that time, be redressed.

Samuel Rhoads, Esq; one of the deputies for this province at
the late Congress, being now Mayor of the city of Philadelphia,
is omitted in the above appointment, it appearing to the House
that he could not attend the service.

Ordered, that Mr. Thomson, Mr. Brown, Mr. Chapman,
Mr. Pearson, Mr. John Jacobs, Mr. Wayne, Mr. Ewing, Mr.
Allen, and Mr. Edmonds, be a committee to prepare and bring
in draughts of instructions for the deputies to the ensuing Con-
gress, and of a circular letter to the Speakers of the several colony
Assemblies, informing them of the proceedings of this House on the
report of their delegates at the late Congress.

The House then taking into consideration the service of the
delegates at the late Congress,

Resolved, that the said delegates be allowed each twenty shillings
per diem for their attendance on that duty.

Extract from the Journals.
CHARLES MOORE, Clerk of Assembly.

WILLIAMSBURG, Jan. 14.
In COMMITTEE, NORFOLK, January 2, 1775.

PRESENT, Mr. Chairman, Dr. Taylor, Mr. Hutchings,
Mr. Lawrence, Col. Hutchings, Mr. Newton, Mr. Taylor,
and Mr. Inglis. Captain Howard Esten applied to the Com-
mittee for a certificate, that he has taken on board the sh>p Vir-
ginia no more than a proper ballast for a winter’s voyage, and
that the ballast consists of lumber.

Ordered, that the Secretary do accordingly grant to Captain
Esten such certificate.

True extract from the minutes of the
Committee for Norfolk borough,
WILLIAM DAVIES, Sc’ry.

Yesterday William Moore (alias John Kenner) for burglary,
Susannah Brasier, for murder, and Edward Porter, for horse-
stealing, were executed a the gallows near this city.

The Alexander, Kerr, form Liverpool, is arrived at Norfolk.

Marriages] Mr. BOWLER COCKE, of Henrico, to Miss
MOLLY WEBB, of New Kent.

Mr. THOMAS CLAIBORNE, attorney at law, to Miss ROBIN-
SON, of Princess Anne.

Deaths] Mr. JOHN SHERMER, of James City county; a
Gentleman whose heart, in the simplicity of native worth, glowed
with every amiable principle of action, and who will be remember-
bered with honour as long as any survive him who had the pleasure
of his acquaintance.

Mr. WALTER LYON, attorney at law, of Princess Anne.

UPPER District of JAMES RIVER.

ENTERED. Duke of Norfolk, Richard Tupper, from Bris-
tol; Betsy, Robert Stanley, Salem; Alsop, John Forbis, Bristol;
Homer, John Dunnet, Glasgow; Fidelity, Joel Turner, New-
York.

To the REAL ASSOCIATOR.

A man who received a buffet in the dark may be allowed to be
vexed; but it is an odd kind of revenge to go to cuffs in broad day
with the first man he meets with, and lay the last night’s injury at
his door. And thus much for this discreet, candid, pious, and in-
genious answerer.
SWIFT’s Apology for the Tale of a Tub. p. xii.

SIR,
I FIND you still persist in the opinion that the Queries were
written by me. I shall beg leave to examine the evidence on
which you support it. Mr. Laughton hath furnished you with a
certificate, which, from its inaccuracy and futility, I can scarcely
suppose was drawn up by anyone who pretends to be a lawyer;
much less that it should be offered by a lawyer as a proof that I
wrote the Queries, when there is not a syllable to evince that they
were written by ME, any more than by YOU; nor that either Mr.
Laughton or myself knew aught of their contents. On the supposi-
tion that your letters were carried to the office by one of your ser-
vants, Fidus for instance, and I had gotten Mr. Laughton to cer-
tify that he received them from him, would not you, and all
the world, pronounce me qualified for a blister and strait-waistcoat,
had I broke forth into an agony of rage against poor Fidus for
writing them, even though he had omitted to declare that he was
not the author; loaded him with the most vulgar and scurrilous
invectives, and (after having had a fortnight, or more, to grow
calm in) still obstinately maintained that he “provoked and de-
served” them: Yet such is the treatment I have met with from
you; and, upon no juster grounds, have you thought proper to
abuse me! But, to proceed to your argumentation:

Column 1

”No one can doubt, say you, that the Queries were written
with my knowledge, either preceding>/em> or subsequent. What this is
but stark nonsense I cannot discover. For, how could I possibly
know that the Queries WERE written, BEFORE they were writ-
ten? Or, if they WERE written BEFORE I knew it, how doth
a SUBSEQUENT knowledge of the fact make me the writer?

In interpreting law maxims your skill is stupendous. When
this----He who does not prevent what it is in his power to do is sup-
posed to be the doer---is applied to you, you ask, “But what if
the actual perpetrator be known?” and assert, that “Then the
person suspected, because he did not prevent it, can no longer be
the doer.” Let us apply your reasoning to a particular case. You
have been suspected of soliciting a place for your son, which is
odious to every American patriot; it is certain you did not prevent
his acceptance of it: The conclusion then is, that should it be known
you actually DID solicit it, it is certain you did NOT. But, allowing
your own interpretation, how happens it then that you, who are
always vapouring on your orthodoxy and rectitude, should have so
flagrantly violated that fundamental principle of Christianity,---
Whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, do ye even so unto
them? Why must this maxim have one meaning when applied to
you, and another when applied to me? “If the person suspected can be no
longer the doer, because he did not prevent it, when the actual
perpetrator is known;” my not having prevented the publication
of the Queries will no more prove them to have been written by me,
than your not having prevented your son’s acceptance of the place
will prove it to have been solicited by you. Yet this maxim, in
your judgement, will convict ME and acquit</em< YOURSELF, though
we BOTH stand in the same predicament! The sentiment it con-
tains, however, is certainly just, and of universal application, if
rightly understood. The word power, when predicated of an
agent accountable for his actions, respects not the NATURAL
energies of that agent, but his MORAL faculties, or what he can do
consistently with the principles of moral obligation, Thus, when
it is affirmed that No good man can bear false witness against his
neighbour, it does not imply that the has not a NATURAL power to
do it, but that he cannot do it, if he really be a good man. I, in-
deed, when the letter was entrusted to me, could have destroyed it,
but I had no right to do so, and therefore, in the sense of the max-
im, no power to prevent its publication. The only concern I had
with it, was to transmit it to the printer; and his having published
it is a proof to you that I faithfully discharged my trust.

Yet, after all, Sir, why should you fret and foam at the au-
thor? Are you not obliged to him for an handsome pretence to
dilate upon your own disinterestedness, importance, and wisdom?
Is it not through his means the publick have learned that “you
never in your life had a disposition for hoarding;” that “you will
cheerfully spare to any person, unprovided, a part of the goods
you have laid up for yourself;” and, but for him, how would
persons, in this exigence, have known where to apply? Has not
he induced you to acquaint the community with a secret of the
last importance to its welfare, the manner in which some of your
Negro wenches are to be hereafter employed, and whence else
would this information have been so generally promulged? Has
he not furnished you with a reason for apprizing the world that
you have been a pretty considerable tobacco maker at distant
plantations;” that “you sent positive orders, last August, to your
steward to give over, even the thoughts of cultivating this weed;”
and how, but from this discovery, would your greatness have
been known? Is it not to the author we owe a thorough insight
into your new adopted plan; a plan so admirably contrived, that
”you hardly expect more than to subsist a numerous family and
slaves in consequence of it, from an estate that hath, hitherto, been
somewhat profitable to you? And, were it not for the Queries,
this singular example of our prudence and economy might perhaps
have forever remained unimitated, and to the publick unknown.
Besides, Sir, if your elaborate letter be a satisfactory answer to
the Queries proposed, why should you continue dissatisfied with
the writer for putting it into your power to vindicate yourself
from suspicions, which are well known to have extensively pre-
vailed: More especially as you declare “you never desired to
make a secret of any thing you have done? If you think the
answer you have given be sufficient, why should you remain so
sore? Why should these Queries stick fast to you, like the fatal
shir to Hercules?

But, Sir, if they be so deserving of execration as you represent
them, what must you deserve for falsely imputing them to me?
By how much more criminal any action is, so much more base
merit he be who charges an innocent person with the commission
of it. Be assured, Sir, if I had been the author I would not have
hesitated a moment to avow it. I never did, nor ever intend, to
write any thing to you without the signature of my name.

Mr. Norton I have not the pleasure of knowing, but from the
good character he universally bears, and his obligingness in send-
ding me the newspapers form England, I have always served him to
the utmost of my power. Whoever will declare that, at any time,
or in any manner, I have said, done, or approved any thing, in-
jurous to or disrespectful of Mr. Norton, I shall not scruple to
stigmatize him as an infamous, mischief loving slanderer.

To the mercy or malice of you, and our anonymous sycophants,
the gloomy and secret assassins of my reputation, I willingly give
up my orthodoxy and learning; but as to your charges of preva-
rication</em< and falsehood,and whatever else may affect my character
as a man, a Christian, or a clergyman, I shall reply in the words of
honest FATHER VALERIAN (cited by BISHOP WARBURTON,
on a similar occasion) mentiris impudentissime.
S. HENLEY.

ADVERTISEMENTS.

WANTED,
A PERSON who can come well recommended, unexceptional
in Point of Character, willing to undertake the Education
of Children and Youth of both Sexes, and is qualified to teach the
English, Latin, and Greek Languages in their Purity and Elegance;
also Writing, Arithmetick, Accounts, and the Mathematicks.
Such a Person will meet with good Encouragement from the Inha-
bitants of this Town, which is pleasantly situated on the River
Rappahannock, in the Neighourhood of a plentiful and thick in-
habited Part of the Country. Here is a commodious School-
House, lately built on the publick Lots, the free Use of which,
for a Term of Years, will be granted, for the Purpose of establish-
ing a Seminary, to any Gentleman who is properly qualified, and
will settle here in the above-mentioned Capacity. There is no
Doubt but a comfortable and genteel Living may be made of the
School by a Man of Character, Diligence, and Abilities: It will
be useless for any other to apply.
PORT ROYAL, December 28, 1774.

NORFOLK, January 4, 1775.
BY Direction of the Committee for this
County, on Monday the 23d Instant, will be disposed of, at
publick Sale, for ready Money, seven Parcels of Goods, contain-
ing Check Handkerchiefs, 7/8 Check, striped Holland, Bedtick,
Irish Linen, Mens Hose, Thread, Osnabrug, Cuttlery and other
Hardware, Snuff and Barley, imported in the Richmond, Captain
Patterson, from Glasgow, by Mr. Thomas M^cCulloch, and by him
delivered to the Committee to be disposed of agreeable to the tenth
Article of the Continental Congress.
By Order of the Committee,
BENJAMIN CROOKER, Clk.

Column 3

WILLAMSBURG, January 2, 1775.
HAVING thought fit to entrust the Settle-
ment of our late Partnership Books, and the Collection of our
Debts, to Mr. HENRY LAUGHTON of this City; we shall be
much obliged to all Persons in Arrears to us to discharge their Accounts
by the last of the ensuing General Court, after which Time such as re-
main unpaid will be sent out to the Sheriffs of the different Counties;
and those who have any Demands against the Concern, preceding this
Date, are desired to send in their Accounts immediately.
ALEXANDER PURDIE.
JOHN DIXON.

Amelia, January 7, 1775.
RUN away from the Subscriber, about
the 10th of May last, a light Mulatto Fellow named DICK,
about 19 or 20 Years old, 5 Feet 6 or 7 Inches high, has dark
Eyes, a bushy Head of dark Hair, a Scar on his upper Lip, and
a down Look. He was taken up in Norfolk last October or No-
vember, and brought up James River as high as Mrs. Cocke’s, in
Charles City, but made his Escape, and is supposed to be returned
to Norfolk, or Portsmouth, as he was employed there by several
different Persons as a Freeman. He was formerly the Property
of Dr. Strachan of King William, and understands something of
the Carpenter’s Trade. I will give 40 s. Reward for having him
committed to any of his Majesty’s Jails, if taken in the Colony of
Virginia, and 5 l. if out of the Colony. All Masters of Vessels
are hereby forewarned from carrying him out of the Country, or
ploying him. (ll) ANTHONY LAMB.

TAKEN up, in Cumberland, a bright bay MARE 4 or 5
Years old, 5 Feet 6 or 7 Inches high, with a Star in her
Forehead, a Snip on her Nose, and branded on the near Buttock,
but not intelligible enough to be described. Posted, and appraised
to 15 l. GEORGE CARRINGTON.

THE SHERIFFS who are in Arrear to his
Majesty’s Revenue of QUITRENTS are desired to settle
their Accounts with the Auditor, and pay their respective Balances
into the Receiver’s Office by the 25th of next March; after which
Time the Name of every Sheriff who fails to make due Payment
will be inserted in the Gazette.
RICHARD CORBIN, D. R. G.

KING WILLIAM, December 29, 1774.
A PRIVATE TUTOR, capable of
teaching the FRENCH and LATIN Languages, is wanted
for about six Pupils. Such a Person, well recommended, will
meet with Encouragement by applying to
ROBERT HILL.
SAMUEL GARLICK.

Just IMPORTED from LIVERPOOL, and to be disposed of,
A FINE
FISHING SEINE,
75 Fathom long; 36 Feet deep in the Middle, five eights of an
Inch Mesh; Ends 21 Feet, seven eighths of an Inch Mesh; with
the necessary Apparatus. For Terms apply to the Subscriber.
LANDON CARTER.
FAUQUIER, Dec. 23, 1774.

ROBERT GILBERT,
SHOEMAKER,
HAS opened Shop in the back Street, at the Place where he
formerly lived, opposite to Mr. Richard Charlton’s, and in-
tends carrying on his Business in all its Branches, having on Hand
a very neat Assortment of Leather proper for Boots and Shoes.
The many Disappointments he formerly met with obliges him for
the future to sell entirely for Cash.---He returns his sincere Thanks
to those who were his former Customers, and shall endeavour to
render Satisfaction to all those who may please to employ him.

Good Encouragement will be given to a Journeyman who un-
derstands making of Boots.

WHEREAS there has been a Suit de-
pending, some Time since, in Great Britain, which was
brought by Samuel Dorrel, George Turner, John Noble, &c.
Plaintiffs against Wilson Huggins, &c. Defendants, it being now
determined in Favour of the Plaintiffs, the said Noble is hereby
requested to make Application for his Part, and to pay his Pro-
portion of Expenses. REUBEN TURNER, Executor
of George Turner, deceased.

FALLS of POTOWMACK, <em<Dec. 22, 1774.
AT a Meeting of the Trustees for open-
ing the Navigation of Potowmack River, held at George
Town the first Day of December, 1774, present, THOMAS
JOHNSON, Jun. Attorney at Law, WILLIAM DEAKINS, ADAM
STEUART, THOMAS JOHNS, and THOMAS RICHARDSON,
of George Town, Merchants, WILLIAM ELLZEY, ROBERT
ALEXANDER, and PHILIP ALEXANDER, of Virginia, who
ordered and directed that the Subscriber should, on the Credit, and
at the Risk of the above-named Trustees, hire fifty Slaves to la-
bour in cutting the Canals round the several Falls of said River:
And at another Meeting of Trustees, for the Purpose afore-
said, held at Alexandria the 19th Day of the same Month, present,
GEORGE WASHINGTON, JOHN CARLYLE, JOHN DALTON,
and WILLIAM RAMSAY, Gentlemen, together with many of the
Trustees at the former Meeting, who recognized and approved of
the Order for hiring fifty Slaves, and agreed to become equally
liable. In Consequence of which Order of the Trustees, I hereby
give Notice that I want to hire Negro Men for the ensuing Year,
for the Purpose above-mentioned. Any Person inclining to hire
the Whole, or any Part of them, may see the Proceedings of the
said Trustees, subscribed by and with their respective Hands, in
my Custody. 4 JOHN BALLENDINE.

IF any of the Offspring of John Ellason,
deceased, are living, they may hear of Something greatly to
their Advantage by applying to Samuel Swann of Nansemond, or
John Swann of Cumberland.

WANTED,
On Charter for Cadiz,
A VESSEL to carry 12 or 1500 Barrels.
INQUIRE OF THR PRINTERS.

TO BE SOLD
For ready Money, at Hanover Courthouse, on the first THURSDAY
inFebruary, by Virtue of a Bill of Sale,
FIFTEEN VIRGINIA born SLAVES,
consisting of Men, Women, and Children. An indisputable
Title will be made to the Purchasers. 4

Column 2

As I am now busily employed in fixing up
my PRINTING OFFICE, the Materials for which
I have just received from Philadelphia, the Publick may depend upon
being furnished, on the first Week in February, with the VIRGINIA
GAZETTE printed by
Their obedient humble Servant,
ALEXANDER PURDIE.

COROTOMAN, Dec. 28, 1774.
THREE or four SHOP-JOINERS,
who are capable of executing the best Wainscot Work,
may meet with Employment, and good Wages, from the Sub-
scriber, in Lancaster County.
(4) CHARLES CARTER.

JANUARY 3, 1775.
THE PARTNERSHIP between Charles
Hammond and myself being dissolved, the several Persons
indebted to the Stores kept by him on Broad Run, and in Fauquier
County, are to settle with, and pay their respective Balances to
CUTHBERT HARRISON.

FREDERICKSBURG, January 3, 1775,
NOTICE is hereby given, that the Part-
nership betwixt HORNER and WARD, of this Place, is
dissolved; and all Persons who stand indebted to them are to pay
the same to Williamn Horner, who will discharge any Debts due
from them. WILLIAM HORNER.
JAMES WARD.

MY Affairs requiring my Return to England as soon as
possible, I shall be greatly obliged to those Persons indebted as
above that will enable me to do so, by a speedy Payment.- - -I have
a few European and other GOODS remaining on Hand, which I
will dispose of, Wholesale or Retail, on the most reasonable
Terms, for ready Money, Tobacco, or Wheat.
8 WILLIAM HORNER.

To be SOLD
At BLANDFORD, to the highest Bidder, on Thursday the 2d of
FEBRUARY, if fair, otherwise next fair Day,
TWELVE or thirteen exceeding likely
SLAVES, belonging to Mr. Neil Buchanan, Senior, con-
sisting of Men, Women, and Boys. Most of the Women are
valuable House Servants, and can sew, spin, wash, iron, and
cook. Credit will be allowed till the 25th of April 1776, on
giving Bond, with approved Security; the Bonds that are not
discharged when due to bear Interest from the Date.
BOSLIN, CHARLES DUNCAN,
near Blandford, Jan. 2. Attorney for Mr. BUCHANAN.

TO BE SOLD,
ON the fourth THURSDAY in March next, being PITTSYLVA-
NIA Court Day, by Virtue of a Deed of Trust from Mr. JAMES
ROBERTS,
A VALUABLE Tract of LAND lying in
the said County, containing about 400 Acres of which
are cleared, and in good order for Cropping. It is well calcu-
lated for a Taverner, as there are sundry Houses built for that
Purpose, and is rented, this Year, for sixty Pounds. There are
50 Acres laid off in Lots for a Town, on several of which are
Houses bult that will suit Tradesmen.- - - At the same Time will
be sold, several NEGROES, consisting of Men, Women, and
Children, among whom are two valuable Women House Servants;
also Stocks of all Kinds. A good Title will be made, and the
Terms agreed on at the Day of Sale, which shall be as convenient
for the Purchaser as the Case will admit.
WILLIAM TUNSTALL.

TO BE SOLD,
For one or more Years, on MONDAY the 16th Instant (January)
before the Courthouse Door in York Town,
A VERY good BLACKSMITH, and
a SET of TOOLS, belonging to the Estate of the late
Charles Minnis, deceased. Bond and Security will be required by
THE EXECUTER.

TO BE SOLD,
Under the Direction of the Committee for the County of CHARLES
CITY, on SATURDAY the 28th Instant, at the Store of AMOS
and JAMES LADD in the said County,
SUNDRY Parcels of Goods lately im-
ported fromGreat Britain. The Goods to be sold in Lots
not over ten Pounds Value, and the Purchasers to pay the Pur-
chase Money to the Subscribers upon the Delivery of the Articles
bought. W. GREEN MUNFORD.
WILLIAM GREGORY.
(2) PETER ROTSTER.
THOMAS HOLT.
JAMES EPPES.

TO BE LET
To the highest Bidder, for one, two, or three Years, on SATURDAY
the 28th Instant,
THAT pleasant and healthy Situation
belonging to the Estate of Robert Crawley, deceased, about
3 Miles from Williamsburg, on which Plantation are two small
Orchards of bearing Apple Trees, a Variety of Cherry and other
Fruit Trees, and Spring of excellent Water very convenient.
There are also several small Tenements belonging to the Estate,
which may all be leased together, or separate, as may be agreed
on that Day. Bond, with approved Security, will be required.
(2) JOHN FERGUSSON.

BERKELEY (Charles City) January 9, 1775.
RAN away from the Subscriber, the 8th
Instant, a clear Mulatto Fellow named NICK, by Trade a
Mill-wright, is about 25 Years of Age, about 5 Feet 5 Inches
high, well set, speaks and walks very quick, has a Scar over one
of his Eyes, and his Fingers much marked, by being often cut.
He generally wears Leather Breeches, and a gray Great Coat,
but has a Variety of Clothes. Some little Time since he was whip-
ped, and has many fresh Marks on his Back. Whoever brings
him to me shall have 3 l. Reward, or 40 s. for securing him in
any Gaol, so that I may get him again. He is so very artful that
he will escape from any One who is not extremely careful. He
ran away some Time ago, and hired himself as a Freeman, at a
Saw Mill, either in Isle of Wight or Nansemond, and it is supposed
may take the same Route.
(tf) BENJAMIN HARRISON.

CHARLES CITY, January 7, 1775.
STOLEN out of the Subscriber’s Stable,
last Night, a small bay HORSE about 4 Feet 7 or 8 Inches
high, 5 or 6 Years old, has a black Mane and Tail, was shod be-
fore, and has a small Sore on the left Side of his Back, which was
hurt by a Saddle. The said Horse was taken from Dite Ruttar of
Lunenburg, by the Sheriff of this County, and sold at publick Sale
last Court Day. Whoever brings him to me shall have 3 l. Re-
ward, and 6 l. if the Offender is brought to Justice.
ROBERT WALKER.

Column 1

POETS CORNER

A FABLE.
WITHIN the Windings of a Wood,
A little homely Masion stood;
Where, free from Care, an honest Swain
An homely Living strove to gain.
Rich Vines around the cottage grew,
Near which an Honey-Suckle blew,
Whose spreading Branches grateful made
A pleasing, sweet, and rustic Shade.
Here often would the Swain repair,
Eager to breathe the fragrant Air;
Would often under this retire,
To listen to the feather’d Choir.
So chanc’d it to the industrious Swain;
The Pleasure lost, ensu’d the Pain:
A Drone Bee of a dismal Hue
Unto this Honey-Suckle flew;
From which, like Budgel, ev’ry Day,
Extracted Sweets, he stole away.
From Flow’r to Flow’r he buzz’d around,
And spread with blighted Leaves the Ground.
Vex’d at the Heart, the honest Man
Resolv’d the Traitor to trepan:
With Care and Craft the Trap he lays,
Fixing it firm between the Sparys.
The pilf’ring Bee, not over wise,
Into the Trap unwary flies.
Now springs the Tree, and shoots amain,
Which greatly pleas’d the honest Swain;
While on each Spray a Blossom shines,
And the cag’d Bee laments and pines:
Some Moments pass’d, no Releif,
The little Traitor dy’d of Grief;
But (like the Swan, in mournful Sound)
First flung his Elegy profound:
”In Trap secure at last I’m caught,
”And pay for all in this one Fault.
”See, see, the dire Effect of robbing;
”Better for me, had I been jobbing;
”Botching stale Wit, low Repartee,
”And never visited that Tree;
”Yet e’en Confinement don’t so grieve me,
”As to behold (alas! believe me)
”The Honey-Suckle fresh and fair,
”Again with Sweets perfume the Air.
”Unhappy me! Must that still thrive,
”While Piece-meal drops my rotten Hive?
Thus having said, he gave a Groan,
And finish’d, with his Life, a Moan.

DECEMBER 22, 1774.
AT a Meeting at Alexandria, on the 19th
Instant, of several of the Trustees named in Mr. John Ba-
lendine’s Plan and Proposals for extending the Navigation of Po-
towmack River, it was then recommended that another Meeting
should shortly be held, in Order to form and digest proper Plans
to be laid before the Assemblies of Virginia and Maryland, respect-
ing the said Navigation: NOTICE is therefore given, that the
said Meeting will be at Alexandria, on the last Thursday in Janu-
ary next, if fair, if not, on the next fair Day; when and where
it is expected that as large a Number of the Trustees as can make
it convenient will give their Attendance.
2ll RICHARD THOMPSON, Clk.

TO BE SOLD,
On the second MONDAY in February, if fair, otherwise next
fair Day, at LOUDON Courthouse,
FIFTY likely Virginia born NEGROES
consisting of Men, Women, and Children. Six Months
Credit will be allowed for one Half, and twelve Months for the
other Half of the Purchase Money, the Purchasers giving Bond and
approved Security; the Bonds to carry Interest if not discharged
within twenty Days after they become due. Five per Cent. Dis-
count will be allowed for ready Money.

TEN POUNDS REWARD.
RUN away from the Subscriber, in Staf-
ford County, two indented SERVANTS, one a Scotchman,
named DAVID MATHISON, a stout well made Fellow, by
Trade a Gardner, about 25 Years of Age, 5 Feet 8 or 10 Inches
high, with dark red hair curled behind, and at the Sides; had
on, and took with him, an old blue Surtout Coat, which has been
turned, faced and trimmed with the same Colour; a green Cloth
Jacket, with yellow Metal Buttons; a Pair of red Plush Breeches,
fine mixed with blue Country Stockings, a mixed blue Cloth Coat and
Jacket, lined and trimmed with black; a striped Virginia Cloth
Jacket, one Shirt of brown Sheeting, several others of fine Linen,
a Pair of Nankeen Breeches, and many other Clothes that cannot
be particularized.------The other is an Englishman, by Name
CHARLES BOOTH, by Trade a Joiner, aged about 20 or 21
Years, 5 Feet 8 or 10 Inches high, slender made, of a fair Com-
plexion, and has white short curled Hair. He had on, and took
with him, a Vilet or purple coloured Cloth Coat and Waistcoat,
a Pair of new Buckskin Breeches, a Pair of old Do. much worn,
and very dirty, an old blue Coat lined with white shalloon, a new
green Cotton Waistcoat with Plaid Sleeves, and lined with Osna-
brug, a Pair of dark ribbed Stockings, and several other Pairs of
different Colours, a brown Sheeting Shirt, and one fine Irish Linen
Ditto much patched, and several others; also a Silver Watch.
They took with them a Gun, a Pair of double Blankets, and a
spotted Rug, and went away in a Pettiauger.----All Masters of
Vessels are forewarned from carrying them out of the Country.
WILLIAM BRENT.

CHARLES CITY, January 1, 1775.
LESTER’s FERRY, on Chickahomony,
is now rented by the Subscriber, who will endeavour to
keep the same in good Order. Gentlemen who have Occasion to
travel that Way may depend on having the best of Entertainment,
and good Usage from ll JOHN FOESE.

WILLIAMSBURG, Dec. 29, 1774.
STRAYED, a BAY HORSE and
MARE, the Horse is about 14 Hands and a Half high,
hanging Mane and Switch Tail, and has a sore Back; the Mare
is a very dark bay, about 13 Hands high, three white Feet, and
her Tail about three Feet long. Twenty Shillings Reward will
be given on their being delivered to the Printers.

STOLEN from my Plantation, in Amelia
County, the 6th of November last, a bright bay MARE about
4 Feet 7 Inches high, branded on the near Buttock with three
Dots, has some Saddle Spots on her Back, paces well, drags her
hind Feet, and one of them is white. Whoever delivers her to
my Overseer, or to me in Chesterfield County, shall have 20 s.
Reward, and 5 l. on Conviction of the Thief, paid by
2ll THOMAS WORSHAM.

Column 2

KING & Queen, January 3, 1775.
I INTEND to ENGLAND immediately.
ll CHRISTOPHER TODD.

STRAYED from Mr. John Dowsing’s
in Warwick County, on Saturday the 24th of December last,
two MARES, viz. one a sorrel, 4 Years old, about 4 Feet 9 or
10 Inches high, trots, gallops, and paces slowly, branded on the
near Buttock I P R (the P R in a Piece) but hardly perceivable;
has a small Ulcer on her right Cheek, caused by the Kick of a
Horse some Time ago, and appears to be pretty forward with
Foal. The other is a light Iron Gray, 5 Years old, about 4 Feet
5 or 6 Inches high, trots and gallops, and branded on the near
Buttock 3. I tis imagined they will make for King William.
Whoever delivers the said Mares to Mr. Dowsing, or the Sub-
scriber, in King William, shall receive a Dollar Reward for each.
(2ll) JAMES RUSSELL.

TAKEN up, about a Fortnight ago, a NEGRO MAN who
says his Name is ROBIN, and that he belongs to Mr. Robert
Coutts of Albemarle. He is about 28 Years of Age, 5 Feet high,
and speaks bad English. The Owner is desired to apply to the
Printers, pay the Expense of this Advertisement, and take him
away.

TO BE SOLD,
PURSUANT to a Resolution of the Committee for James City
County, before the Rawleigh Door, on the third Thursday in
January, at 11 0’Clock in the Forenoon, for ready Money only,
a large Number of GREEN IVORY TABLE KNIVES, PEN-
KNIVES, and a Variety of other Articles, just imported.
RICHARD TALAIFERRO, Junior.
WILLIAM SPRATEY,
CHAMPION TRAVIS,
CARY WILKINSON,
JOHN WARBURTON.

MANCHESTER, Dec. 21, 1774.
RUN away, about a Month ago, a Ne-
gro Slave belonging to me, named HARRY. He is a
small black Fellow, about 40 Year of Age, cannot speak English
plainly, has been used to go by Water for some Years past, and
may probably have hired himself on Board some Craft. I am told
he was seen lately employed on Board an Oyster Boat in James
River, near the Hundred. Those (when discovered) employing
or harbouring him, may expect to be prosecuted. I will give 40 s.
Reward for bringing him Home.
JAMES LYLE.

TAKEN up, in Pittsylvania, a YELLOW BAY MARE
two or three Years old, a small Blaze in heir Face, her
near Jaw Bone seems as if it had been broke, but is now well, all
her Feet are white, has a hanging Mane, but is not dockt, and
branded on the near Buttock O. Posted, and appraised to 12 l.
(ll) THOMAS BOAZE.

TAKEN up at my Plantation, last Fall was twelve Months,
a SPOTTED SHOAT, neither marked nor cut, but since
that Time I have had him cut. The Owner may have him, or
his Value, on proving his Property, and applying to the Sub-
scriber, in Herrico.
(ll) DABNEY PETTUS.

Wanted immediately,
A JOURNEYMAN SHOEMAKER that understands the
Business well in all its Branches. Such a One,
well recommended, for an honest, industrious, sober Man, will
meet with Encouragement to his Satisfaction, a good Seat of
Work, and his Money paid every Saturday Night if he chooses it.
Inquire for the Subscriber, near the upper Church, in Middlesex
County. (tf) SAMUEL DANIEL.

FIFTEEN POUNDS REWARD.
RAN away last Night, from Dorsey’s Forge, three Servant
Men, viz.----WILLIAM GEORGE, born in England,
about 34 Years of Age, five Feet seven Inches high, has a down
Look, light Coloured short Hair, Pock marked, round shouldered,
has had his left Wrist broke, which occasions it to be much larger
than his right, and is a Carpenter and Joiner by Trade; had on,
and took with him, one Check Shirt, one Osnabrug Ditto, old
Leather Breeches, light blue Jacket without Sleeves, small round
Hat, bound with black Worsted Binding, and has a small Piece
of Crape tied round the Crown, a Pair of ribbed Worsted Stock-
ings, and a Pair of Pumps with Steel Buckles. Had on an Iron
Collar.----SOLOMON BURNHAM, born in Yorkshire, and
speaks in that Dialect, professes himself to be a complete Farmer,
about 26 Year of Age, five Feet seven Inches high, a lusty well made
Fellow, a little round shouldered, is of a swarthy Com-
plexion,
has a large bony Face, thick Lips, and a very full Set of Teeth;
had on, and took with him, a Cloth Jacket, an Osnabrug Shirt,
a Check Do. Osnabrug Trousers, two Pair of Stockings, new
Shoes with Buckles, and a new Felt Hat.---Whoever takes up
the said Servants, and brings them to the Subscribers, shall have
if twenty Miles from home 30 s. if thirty Miles 30 s. and if sixty
Miles 5 l. for each, including what the Law allows, and reason-
able Charges. SAMUEL DORSEY, Jun.
(6) EDWARD NORWOOD.
MARYLAND, September 25, 1774.

FOR SALE,
MY DWELLING-HOUSE, &c.
in York Town. Five Years Credit
will be allowed, the Purchaser give Bond
(with approved Security) bearing Interest
from the Time the Bargain is concluded
upon. For Terms apply to me, in this
Town.
(tf) JOHN H. NORTON.
YORK TOWN, November 23, 1774.

FOR CHARTER,
The BRIGANTINE
ABBY,
JONAS HERBERT MASTER,
BURTHEN about 240 Hogsheads, or 8000 Bushels. For Terms
apply to (tf)
GREENWOOD, RITSON, & MARSH.
NORFOLK, November 5, 1774.