Column 2

profess, and are struggling to preserve. For which reason alone
I can but think that the least attempt to compel the merchants, or
others, to sign the association, contrary to their inclination, would
be deemed, by every considerate man, as favouring too strongly
of the ministerial tyranny, which the Americans have so general-
ly execrated: And to condemn despotick power there, and
practice it here, is what, I trust, will never enter into the head of
an honest American. In short, this writer must be a very great
stranger to the proceedings of the Scotch merchants at their meet-
ing in Williamsburg last November, or he assuredly would not
advance such doctrine. That they there voluntarily signed the
association is what, I thought, every man was well acquainted
with, and what no man could be hardy enough, from the notori-
ety of the thing, to deny; and that, after having signed, they,
in a body, waited on the Hon. Peyton Randolph, Esq; Modera-
tor, and presented him with the same, having decently addressed
him on the occasion; whereby they express their hearty approba-
tion of the measures adopted by the Continental Congress, their
hopes they might produce the desired effect, and concluded, as
well as I can recollect, with assuring Mr. Moderator of their firm
resolution to keep the same inviolate on their parts; or words
nearly to the same effect. Can such a procedure as this be con-
sidered as the effect of compulsion? Have we ever heard that the
most distant idea was ever entertained, by any of the members of
the Congress, of compelling, or frightening the Scotch merchants
into compliance with the articles of the association? Such a
thought surely could have existed no where but in a very distem-
pered brain! And yet this patriotic writer has boldly ventured
to give it to the public without the smallest shadow of proof, either
violent or presumptive, to support it. But, for the public’s pati-
ience, which I am fearful I have trespassed too long on already, I
will proceed to examine the rest of the Gentleman’s strange and
invidious interrogatories, which, for the last mentioned reason, I
will be as concise as I am capable.

”And if we should be so unhappy (says this generous writer)
as to come to a rupture with Great Britain, will they not be ready
to come at our backs and cut our throats?” Just Heaven! what
has ever appeared in the conduct of the Scotch towards our coun-
trymen to justify this too surely infatuated writer in such a cruel
and malignant insinuation? Were they our avowed enemies,
daily committing hostilities, and like unto the uncivilized savage,
whose bosom is insensible to the humane and tender feelings of
nature, they could not deserve an opinion more to their prejudice.
But with whom do I contend? For ought I know (too probably)
with a madman, or perhaps a wretch whose soul is devoid of every
noble generous sensation, and who is a stranger to what may be-
long to worth; or why does he thus dare wantonly, or more
likely maliciously, to abuse not the character of one or two indi-
viduals only, but the character of a nation, the people of which,
for their courtesy, hospitality, and I may add urbanity, are infe-
rior to none under sun: A people united to us in many cases;
by all the tender ties of affinity; often by those more tender ties
of blood; and, in the grand point of interest and communication,
so closely and intimately connected ever to be disjoined, without
endangering, most certainly, the safety of both. A people, to
whose industry, and enterprising genius in trade, is owing, in a
great part, the flourishing state of this colony. A nation, whose
people, in the course of the last war, sacrificed their lives in the
common cause, fighting our sovereign’s battles with the utmost
alacrity; who were not a little instrumental in driving the enemy
from our doors, and whose warm zeal and attachment in the
cause was, if not greater, at least equal, to any of his Majesty’s
subjects. For the truth of which I appeal to every impartial
hystorian who has given us an account of the proceedings in the
last war.

These are the people, my countrymen, against whom this writer
would advise you to commit the blackest ingratitude, by “purg-
ging (to make use of his emphatical words) this sickly colony of
such filth;” and this he proposes to accomplish by breaking “off
all commercial connection with them in future.” But I am egre-
giously mistaken if he does not himself think the more speedy and
certain cure to this colony complaint (as he would intimate it to
be) would be to drive the unoffending Scotch from hence to the
place “from whence they came.”

Not satisfied of depriving them of all trade, on which, to their
great credit, they chiefly subsist, and thereby reducing them to
penury and want, he would, in order to get clear of those, by
whom he would act so base a part, “purge the colony of such
filth.” Now, to a small genius, of a less enterprising turn, the
method prescribed of getting clear of this “filth” would seem a
little perplexing; but this bold, this penetrating genius, fruitful
ever it would appear in invention, strikes out the way to you with
amazing facility: “Let a few of the first men in each county
stand foremost, and I will engage (says this moder Hector) the
matter shall be accomplished.” Accomplished! What would
this heroic genius have accomplished? Not the stopping of their
commercial intercourse with us, for that is already, for the pre-
sent, effectually accomplished; the times require it, and they have
cheerfully submitted to it. But I am greatly deceived if this re-
former of the times has not something more and under contemplation
than simply stopping all further commercial dealings with the
Scotch merchants. In fine, my countrymen, it does not require
the skill of a conjurer to discover, that the sight of the Scotchmen
has become very noxious to this said nameless writer, who would
wish they were far removed; and there may be more causes for it
than the Gentleman would readily own, and which, if well and
truly investigated, would turn out something, I will venture to
say, that would reflect no great lustre on this pseudo-patriot.

It is not very difficult for a person, in these days of degeneracy,
to deal out a great quantity of personal inventive, under the cloak
of the public’s friend. Writers there are of this stamp, and un-

Column 3

luckily for the public, too many; against whom they would do
well to be guarded, as the greatest intruders upon their quiet.

I would not wish to be considered as being so warm advocate
for the Scotchmen as to forsake truth and justice, by attempting to
exculpate them all from blame. There are amongst them, no
doubt, men who, like the rest of Adam’s race, are of bad and
vitiated principles; such are to be found in every clime, in all
ranks and degrees of men; such are the English; and, to bring
the matter home, such are my countrymen, by far too many of
us. But, to condemn a whole nation for the faults of a few, is
acting on a very false and partial scale of justice.

I sincerely entreat the public’s forgiveness for trespassing so long
on their patience; but I hope my crime will appear less in their
view when they consider that I am actuated by no other motive than
that of doing some part of mankind a piece of service. I have the
peculiar satisfaction of knowing, at least, that nothing but the love
of justice has impelled me to give my sentiments on a piece which
every good man must read with indignation, against the writer,
who is to me, for aught I know, a perfect stranger, and the
which, from the principles he seems to profess, is a circumstance
I am very far from lamenting; but could rather wish that such a
willing incendiary was unknown to mankind, the discreet part of
which will say, with Solomon, “that understanding is a well
spring of life to him that hat it, but the instruction of fools is
folly.”

TO THE PRINTERS.
Gentlemen,

THE Reverend and learned Doctor Smith, Provost of the Col-
lege of Philadelphia, hath published a volume of excellent
sermons. In his second sermon, preached when General Bradock
was carrying on his expedition to the Ohio, there is a passage which
breathes such a spirit of true patriotism, and is so extremely appli-
cable to the glorious cause in which the North American colonies
are now engaged, that I am persuaded it must animate, and give
pleasure to every friend of constitutional liberty. I have therefore
extracted it, and hope you will give it a place in your next paper.
PHILO AMERICANUS.

”IN times past, when LIBERTY, travelling from soil to
soil, had deserted almost every corner of the world, and
was preparing to bid an everlasting adieu to her last best retreat,
the British isles, our great forefathers (whose memories be blest)
anticipating her departure, came into these remote regions. They
encountered difficulties innumerable. They sat down in places
before untrod by the foot of any Christian, fearing less from sa-
vage beasts, and savage men, than from slavery, the worst of sa-
vages. To preserve at least one corner of the world sacred to li-
berty and undefiled religion was their glorious purpose. In the
mean time the storm blew over, and the sky brightened in the
mother-land; LIBERTY raised her drooping head, and trim-<brpy influence extended even into this new world. The colonies
rose and flourished; our fathers saw it, and rejoiced. They be-
gat sons and daughters, resigned the prosecution of their plan in-
to our hands, and departed into the mansions of rest.

”But lo! The storm gathers again, and sits deeper and blacker
with boding aspect! And shall we be so degenerate as to desert
the sacred trust consigned to us for the happiness of posterity?
Shall we tamely suffer the pestilential breath of TYRANTS to
approach this garden of our fathers, and blast the fruits of their
labours?

”No ---ye illustrious shades, who perhaps even now look down
with anxiety on our conduct!---we pronounce, by all your glori-
ours toils, that it shall not, must not be! If we are not able to
make those who mourn in bonds and darkness round us share the
blest effects of liberty, and diffuse it through this vast continent,
we will at least preserve this spot sacred to its exalted name, and
tyranny and injustice shall not enter in, till the body of the last
freeman hath filled up the breach.

”Sprit of ancient Britons! where art thou? Into what hap-
pier region art thou fled, or flying? Return, Oh! return into
our bosom! Expel every narrow and grovelling sentiment, and
animate us in this GLORIOUS CAUSE! Where the voice of
public virtue and public liberty calls, thither may we follow,
whether to life or to death! May these inestimable blessings be
transmitted safe to our posterity! And may there never be wanting
champions to vindicate them against every disturber of human
kind, as long as there shall be found remaining, of all those who
assume the distinguished name of Britons, either a tongue to speak,
or a hand to act!”

AT a meeting of freeholders, at the courthouse, in the county
of Charlotte, on Friday the 13th of January last, a com-
mittee of the following persons was elected, for the purposes re-
commended in the 11th article of the Continental Association, viz.
Paul Carrington, Thomas Read, Isaac Read, James Speed, John
Brent, Thomas Spencer, Joel Watkins, M^cNess Good, William
Hubbard, John White, Sion Spencer, Thomas Bedford, Tho-
mas Carter, William Morton, and Joseph Morton.

Paul Carrington, Esq; was unanimously elected Chairman.
The committee then proceeded to the choice of a Clerk.

On the 6th day of February, at another meeting of the com-
mittee, held at the courthouse aforesaid, it was resolved, that this
committee do testify their sincere approbation of the association
agreement entered into by the Congress, in exercising unwearied
diligence in attempts for its true maintenance, and inviolate pre-
servation, within their country; and that their unfeigned thanks
are due to the worthy members that composed the late continental
meeting, for their zeal and steady attention to the interests and
happiness of British America. It was resolved, that committees,

Column 1

deputed by the county committee, do examine the day books, in-
voices, &c. of the several merchants, or store-keepers, within
this county, that their report might discriminate the worthy
merchants, and quiet the minds of the people from future suspici-
ons; that Mr. Thomas Reed, Mr. Isaac Read, Mr. Speed, Mr.
Thomas Spencer, Mr. Watkins, Mr. Good, Mr. Sion Spencer,
Mr. Bedford, and Mr. William Morton, be a committee to in-
spect the store books of accounts, and invoices, kept by Mr.
Christopher M^cConnico, as factor for Alexander Spiers and
company; that Mr. Isaac Read, Mr. Speed, Mr. Brent, Mr.
Watkins, Mr. Hubbard, Mr. White, Mr. Carter, and Mr.
William Morton, be a committee to inspect the store books of
accounts, and invoices, kept by Mr. William Barksdle, as
factor for Field and Call; and that Mr. Thomas Read, Mr.
Good, Mr. Sion Spencer, and Mr. Thomas Bedford, do ex-
xamine the store books of accounts, and invoices, belonging to
Mr. Matthew Marrable, at his store in this county.

At a further meeting of the committee at the courthouse afore-
said, on the 14th of the said month, Mr. Thomas Read reported,
that, in pursuance of their order for inspecting the books of Mr.
Christopher M^cConnico, they had, on the 8th of the month,
waited on Mr. M^cConnico at his house, for the liberty of car-
rying the said order into execution, but were refused any view of
the said books, Mr. M^c offering for excuse, that he had
not the consent of his employers for subjecting his books to such
inspection. The committee are of opinion that such refusal from
an associator (Mr. M^cConnico appearing to be one) is refusing
to comply with the dictates of the association agreement, and in-
duces a suspicion of his having taken advantage in the sale of
goods, contrary to the sense of the tenth article; therefore they
have determined that Christoper M^cConnico has so far violated
and departed from the true spirit and meaning of the association,
that they will immediately break off all correspondence with him,
until he shall give full and ample satisfaction to the said resolution
of this committee, for examining his books, &c. And they re-
commend it to the public, and particularly to his customers, and
the people of this county, to withdraw all dealings with the said
M^cConnico, agreeable to the resolution of this committee, except
that necessary intercourse that may arise in the adjustment of their
accounts, and payment of their debts; and this committee earn-
estly hope, that such of his customers as are in arrear on his
books will make good their respective balances by a punctual dis-
charge thereof.

Mr. Isaac Read, from the committee for inspecting the store
books, &c. of Mr. William Barksdle, reported, that on their
application, Mr. Barksdle produced his books and had given
them all the assistance and information in the course of their ex-
amination that they required; and are of opinion that Mr.
Barksdle has not taken advantage of the present scarcity of goods,
by advancing on sales, and, as far as their inquiry extended, ap-
pears ot have sold his goods on lower terms than the preceding
year.

The committee for inspecting Mr. Marrable’s books, &c.
were disappointed in their attendance by bad weather. It is re-
solved that they do prosecute the former order of this committee,
for examining Mr. Marrable’s books, and make report thereon at
the next county meeting, &c. Mr. Speed is added to the com-
mittee for inspecting Mr. Marrable’s store books, &c.
PAUL CARRINGTON, Chairman.
By order of the committee, the above resolutions are directed
to be published in the Virginia Gazette.

The Lord Treasurer BURLEIGH’s Letter to his Son ROBERT.
Son, Robert,

THE virtuous inclinations of thy matchless mother, by whose
tender care thy infancy was governed, together with thy late
education under so zealous and excellent a tutor, put me rather
in assurance than hope, that thou art not ignorance of the summium
bonum, which is only able to make thee happy, as well in thy
death as in thy life; I mean the true knowledge and worship of
thy Creator and Redeemer, without which all other things are vain
and miserable: So that thy youth being governed by so all-suffi-
cient a tutor, I make no doubt but he will furnish thy life with
moral and divine documents.

Yet, that I may not cease of the care beseeming a parent to-
wards his child, or that thou shouldst have cause to derive thy
whole felicity and welfare rather than from others, than from whom
thou receivedst thy birth and being, I think it fit, and agreeable
to the affection I bear thee, to help thee with such advertisements
and rules for the squaring thy life as are gained rather by long
experience than reading; to the end that thou, entering into this
exorbitant age, mayst be better prepared to shun the cautelous
courses whereunto the world, and the lack of experience, may
draw thee; and because I would not confound thy memory, I
have reduced them into ten parts, and next unto Moses’s table;
if thou imprint them in thy mind, thou shalt reap the benefit, and
I the contentment. And these they are.

I. When it shall please God to bring thee to man’s estate,
use great providence and circumspection in the choice of thy wife,
for from thence will spring all thy future good or ill; and it is an
action in which, like a stratagem of war, a man can err but once.
If thy estate be good, match near home, and at leisure; if weak,
far off, and quickly. Inquire diligently of her disposition, and
how her parents have been inclined in their youth. Let her not
be poor, how generous soever, for a man can buy nothing in the
market with gentility; nor choose a base, uncomely creature,
altogether for her wealth; for it will cause contempt in others,
and loathing in thee. Neither make a choice of a dwarf or a fool;
for by the one thou shalt beget a race of pigmies, the other will
be thy daily disgrace; and it will vex thee to hear her talk, and
thou shalt find, to thy grief, that there is nothing so fulsome as a
she fool.

And, touching the government of thy house, let thy hospitality
be moderate, and according to the measure of they estate, rather
plentiful than sparing, but not costly; for I never knew any grow
poor by keeping an orderly table: But some consume themselves
through secret vices, and then hospitality bears the blame; but
banish swinish drunkenness of thy house, which is a vice that im-
pairs health, consumes much, and makes no shew. And I never
heard praise ascribed to a drunkard, but the well bearing of his
liquor, which is a better commendation for a brewer’s horse, or a
carman, than either for a gentleman or serving-man. And be-
ware thou spend not above three parts of the four of thy living
nor above a third part of that in thy house; for the other two parts
will do no more than defray thy extraordinaries, which will al-
ways surmount thy ordinaries by far; otherwise thou shalt live
like a rich beggar, in continual want, and a needy man can
never live happy nor contented; for every the least disaster makes
him ready to mortgage or sell, and that gentleman that sells one
acre of land looses an ounce of credit; for gentility is nothing but
ancient riches: So that, if a foundation shrinks, the building
must needs follow.

II. Bring thy children up in learning and obedience, yet with-
out austerity; praise them openly, reprehend them secretly, give
them a good countenance, and a sufficient maintenance, accord-
ing to thy ability; otherwise thy life will seem their bondage, and
whatever portion thou shalt leave them, they will thank death for
it, not thee; and I am persuaded, that the foolish cookerings of
some parents, and the over stern carriage of others, causeth more
men and women to go astray, than their natural inclinations.

Marry thy daughters in time, lest they marry themselves; and
suffer not thy sons to pass the Alps, for they shall learn nothing
there but pride, blasphemy, and atheism; and if by travelling
they get a few broken languages, that will profit them no more
than to have the same meat served up in different dishes. Neither
by my consent shalt thou train them up to the wars; for he that
sets up his rest to live by that profession can hardly be an honest

Column 2

man, or a good christian, for every war is of itself unjust, unless
the cause makes it just; besides, it is a science no longer in request
than in use, for soldiers in peace are like chimnies in summer.

III. Live not in the country without corn or cattle about
thee; for he that puts his hand to his purse for every expense of
household, is like him that pretends to hold water in a sieve; and
what provision thou shalt want, learn to buy it at the best hand;
for there is one penny in four saved between buying a thing at thy
need, and when the markets and seasons are fittest for it. And
be not served by kinsmen, friends or men entreated to stay, for
they will expect much, and do little; nor with such as are amo-
rous, for their heads are always intoxicated; and keep rather a
few than one too many. Feed them all, and pay them with
the most, and then thou mayst boldly require their service and
duty.

IV. Let thy kindred and thy allies be always welcome to thy
table; grace them in all other honest actions, for by this means
thou shalt so double that bond of nature, as thou shalt find them
so many advocates to plead for thee behind thy back. Shake off
the low-worms, I mean parasites and sycophants, who will feed
and fawn in the summer of thy prosperity, but in any adverse
storm will shelter thee no more than an arbour in winter.

V. Beware of suretyship for thy best friends, for he that pays
another’s debts seeks his own decay; but if thou canst not other-
wise, choose rather to lend thy money thyself upon good bond,
though thou borrow it; so shalt thou pleasure thy friends, and
secure thyself. Neither borrow money of thy friends, but rather
of a mere stranger, where paying it thou shalt hear of it no more;
otherwise, thou shalt eclipse thy credit, lose thy friend, and yet
pay as dear for it as to another. But in borrowing of money be
precious of thy word; for he that hath care to preserve days of
payment, is lord over other mens goods.

Undertake not a suit against a poor man without receiving
much wrong; for besides thou makest him thy competitor, it is a
base conquest to triumph where there is no resistance. Neither
attempt law against any man, before thou hast thoroughly re-
solved thou hast right on thy side; and then spare neither money
nor pains, for a cause or two, so followed and obtained, will free
thee from suits best part of thy life.

VII. Be sure to keep some great man thy friend, but trouble
him not with trifles: compliment him often, present him with
many, yet small gifts, and a little charge; and if thou hast
cause to bestow any great gratuity, let it be some such thing as
may be daily in his sight; otherwise, in thy ambitious age, thou
shalt remain like an hop without a pole, and be made a football
for every insulting companion to spurn at.

VIII. Towards thy superiors be humble, yet generous; with
thy equals familiar, yet respective; towards thy inferiors shew
much humility and some familiarity, as to bow thy body, stretch
forth thy hand, or uncover thy head, and such like popular com-
pliments him, The first prepares way for thy advancement, the se-
cond makes thee known for a man well bred, the third gains a
good report, which once got is easily kept; for high humility
takes such deep root in the minds of the multitude, as they are
easier won by unprofitable courtesies than by churlish benefits; yet
I advise thee not to affect or neglect popularity too much; seek not
to be c-----, and shun to be r-----.

IX. Trust not any man with thy life, or credit, or estate;
for it is more than folly for a man to enthral himself to his friend,
as that occasion being offered, he dare not become his enemy.

X. Be not scurrilous in thy conversation, nor satirical in your
jests; the one will make thee unwelcome to all company, the
other will pull on quarrels, and get thee hatred of thy best friends:
For sulphurous jests, when they favour too much of truth, leave
a bitterness in the minds of those that are touched; and though
I have already pointed at this inclusive, yet I think it necessary to
leave it to thee, as a special caution; because I have seen so many
prone to quip and gird, as they would rather lose their friends
than their jests. And if, by chance, their boiling brains yield
any quaint scoff, they travel to be delivered of it, like a woman
with child: These nimble apprehensions are but the froth of
wit.

JAMAICA, DECEMBER 28.

To the KING, most Excellent Majesty in COUNCIL.
The humble PETITION and MEMORIAL of the ASSEMBLY
of JAMAICA.
Most gracious Sovereign,

WE, your Majesty’s most dutiful and loyal subjects, the
Assembly of Jamaica, having taken into our consideration
the present critical state of the colonies, humbly approach the
throne to assure your Majesty of our most dutiful regard to your
royal person and family, and our attachment to, and reliance on,
our fellow subjects in Great Britain, founded on the most solid and
durable basis, the continual enjoyment of our personal rights,
and the security of our properties.

That, weak and feeble as this colony is, from its very small
number of white inhabitants, and its peculiar situation from the
incumbrance of more than 200,000 slaves, it cannot be supposed
that we now intend, or ever could have intended, resistance to
Greta Britain.

That this colony has never, by riots, or other violent measures,
opposed, or permitted an act of resistance against any law imposed
on us by Great Britain, though always truly sensible of our just
rights, and of the pernicious consequences, both to the parent
and infant state, with which some of them must be attended; al-
ways relying, with the most implicit confidence, on the justice and
paternal tenderness of your Majesty, even to the most feeble and
distant of your subjects, and depending, that when your Majesty
and your Parliament should have maturely considered and deliber-
ated on the claims of Great Britain and her colonies, every cause
of dissatisfaction would be removed.

That, justly alarmed with the approaching horrours of an un-
natural contest between Great Britain and her colonies, in which
the most dreadful calamities of this island, and the inevitable de-
struction of the small sugar colonies, are involved, and excited by
their apprehension, as well as by our affection for our fellow sub-
jects, both in Great Britain and the colonies, we implore your
Majesty’s favourable reception of this our humble petition and
memorial, as well on behalf of ourselves and our constituents, the
good people of this island, as on behalf of all other your Majes-
ty’s subjects, the colonists of America, but especially those who
labour at present under the heavy weight of your Majesty’s dis-
pleasure, for whom we entreat to be admitted as humble suitors;
that we may not, at so important a crisis, be wanting to contribute
our sincere and well meant, however small endeavours, to heal
those disorders, which may otherwise terminate in the destruction
of the empire.

That as we conceive it necessary, for this purpose, to enter into
the different claims of Great Britain and her colonies, we beg leave
to place it in the Royal mind as the first established principle of
the constitution, that the people of England have a right to par-
take, and do partake, of the legislation of their country, and
that no laws can affect then but such as receive their assent,
given by themselves or their representatives; and it follows,
therefore, that no one part of your Majesty’s English subjects,
either can, or every could, legislate for any other part.

That the settlers of the fist colonies, but especially those of
the elder colonies of North America, as well as the conquerors
of this island, were a part of the English people, in every respect
equal to them, and possessed of every right and privilege, at the
time of their emigration, which the people of England were pos-
sessed of, and irrefragably to that great right of consenting to the
laws which should bind them in all cases whatsoever; and who,
emigrating at first in small numbers, when they might have been
oppressed, such rights and privileges were constantly guarantied by

Column 3>

the Crown, to the emigrants and conquerors, to be held and en-
joyed by them in the places to which they emigrated, and were
confirmed by many repeated solemn engagements, made public
by proclamation, under the faith of which they did actually emi-
grate and conquer: That therefore the people of England had no
rights, power, or privilege, to give to the emigrants; as these
were, at the time of their emigration, possessed of all such rights,
equally with themselves.

That the Peers of England were possessed of very eminent and
distinguished privileges in their own right, as a branch of legis-
lation, a court of justice in the dernier resort, for all appeals from
the people, and in the first instance, for all causes instituted by the
representatives of the people; but that it does not appear that they
ever considered themselves as acting in such capacities for the co-
lonies, the Peers having never, to this day, heard or determined
the causes of the colonists in appeal, which it ever was, and is,
their duty to serve the subjects within the realm.

That, from what has been said, it appears that the emigrants
could receive nothing from either the Peers or the people; the
former being unable to communicate their privileges, and the lat-
ter on no more than an equal footing with themselves; but that
with the King it was far otherwise, the royal prerogative, as now
annexed to, and belonging to the Crown, being totally indepen-
dent of the people, who cannot invade, add to, or diminish if,nor restrain or invalidate those legal grants, which the preroga-
tive hath a just right to give, and hath very liberally given, for
the encouragement of colonization; to some colonies it granted
almost all the royal powers of government, which they hold and
enjoy at this day; but to none of them did it grant less than to
the first conquerors of this island, in whose favour it is declared
by a royal proclamation, “that they shall have the same privi-
leges, to all intents and purposes, as the free-born subjects of
England.”

That, to use the name or authority of the people of the parent
state, to take away, or render ineffectual, the legal grants of the
Crown to the colonists, is delusive, and destroys that confidence
which the people have ever had, and ought to have, of the most
solemn royal grants in their favour, and renders unstable and in-
secure those very rights and privileges which prompted their emi-
gration.

That our colonists, and your petitioners, having the most im-
plicit confidence in the royal faith, pledged to them in the most
solemn manner by your predecessors, rested satisfied with their
different portions of the royal grants, and having been bred, from
their infancy, to venerate the name of Parliament, a word still
dear to the heart of every Briton, and considered as the palladium
of liberty, and the great source from whence their own is derived,
received the several acts of Parliament of England, and Great
Britain, for the regulation of the trade of the colonies, as the sa-
lutary precautions of a prudent father, for the prosperity of a wide
extended family; and that in this light we received them, with-
out a thought of questioning the right, the whole tenour of our
conduct will demonstrate for above a hundred years.

That though we received these regulations of trade from our
fellow subjects of England, and Great Britain, so advantageous
to us as colonists, as Englishmen and Britons, we did not thereby
confer on them a power of legislating for us, far less that of de-
storying us and our children, by divesting us of all right and
property.

<p of our internal affairs, to behold with amazement, a plan almost
carried into execution, for enslaving the colonies, founded, as we
conceive, on a claim of Parliament to bind the colonies in all
cases whatsoever.

Your humble portioners have, for several years, with deep and
silent sorrow , lamented this unstrained exercise of legislative power;
still hoping, from the interposition of their Sovereign, to avert
that last and greatest of calamities, that of being reduced to an
abject state of slavery, by having an arbitrary government estab-
lished in the colonies, for the very attempting of which, a minister
of your predecessor was impeached by a House of Commons.

With like sorrow do we find the Popish religion established by
law, which by treaty was only to be tolerated.

That the most essential rights of the colonists have been invaded,
and their property given and granted to your Majesty, by men
not entitled to such a power.

That the murder of the colonists hath been encouraged by
another act, disallowing and annulling their trials by juries, of
the vicinage; and that fleets and armies have been sent to enforce
those dreadful laws.

We therefore, in this desperate extremity, most humbly beg
leave to approach the throne, to declare to your Majesty, that our
fellow subjects in Great Britain, and consequently their Repre-
sentatives, the House of Commons, have not a right as we trust
we have shewn, to legislate for the colonies; and that your petiti-
oners and the colonists are not, nor ought to be bound by any
other laws, than such as they have themselves assented to, and are
not disallowed by your Majesty.

Your petitioners do therefore make this claim and demand from
their Sovereign, as guarantee of their just rights, on the faith and
confidence of which, they have settled, and continue to reside in
these distant parts of the empire, that no laws shall be made and
attempted to be forced upon them, injurious to their rights as
colonists, Englishmen, or Britons.

That your petitioners fully sensible of the great advantages that
have arisen from the regulations of trade in general, prior to the
year 1760, as well to Great Britain and her colonies, as to your
petitioners in particular, and being anxiously desirous of increas-
ing the food effect of these laws, as well as to remove an obstacle
which is new in our government, and could not have existed on
the principles of our constitution, as it hath arisen from coloniza-
tion, we do declare for ourselves and the good people of this island,
that we freely consent to the operation of such acts of the British
Parliament, as are limited to the regulation of our external com-
merce only, and the sole object of which, is the mutual advan-
tage of Great Britain and her colonies.

We, your petitioners, do therefore beseech your Majesty, that
you will be pleased, as the common parent of your subjects, to
become a mediator between your European and American sub-
jects, and to consider the latter, however far removed from your
Royal presence, as equally entitled to your protection, and the
benefits of the English constitution, the deprivation of which,
must dissolve that dependence on the parent state, which it is our
glory to acknowledge, whilst enjoying those rights under her pro-
tection; but should this bond of union be ever destroyed, and the
colonists reduced to consider themselves as tributaries to Britain,
they must cease to venerate her as an affectionate parent.

We beseech your Majesty to believe, that it is our earnest prayer
to Almighty Providence, to preserve your Majesty in all happi-
ness, prosperity, and honour, and that there never may be want-
ing one of your illustrious line, to transmit the blessings of our
excellent constitution to the lates posterity, and to reign in
the hearts of a loyal, grateful, and affectional people.”

The following calculation, taken from a list of the poll tax for
the year 1767, may furnish an idea of the importance to the island
of Jamaica, to the kingdom of Great Britain.----68,160 hogs-
heads, 7029 tierces and barrels of sugar, 12,142 puncheons of
rum, 10,545 pimenta, and 1947 cotton packages, 5031 bags
and casks of ginger, 15,328 planks of mahogany, 190,914 Ne-
groes, 137,773 cattle, --235 water—and 44 windmills, 647 su-
gar plantations, and 3212 tons of fustick and logwood.

BOSTON, February 20.
In Provincial Congress, CAMBRIDGE, February 15, 1775.

WHEREAS it appears to this Congress, from the present
disposition of the British Ministry and Parliament, that
there is real cause to fear, that the reasonable and just applications

Column 1

of this continent to Great Britain, for “peace, liberty, and
safety,” will not meet with a favourable reception; but on the
contrary, from the large reinforcement of troops expected in this
colony, the tenor of intelligence from Great Britain, and general
appearance, we have reason to apprehend, that the sudden de-
struction of this colony in particular, is intended for refusing, with
the other American colonies, tamely to submit to the most igno-
minious slavery:

Therefore, resolved, that the great law of self-preservation
calls upon the inhabitants of this colony, immediately to prepare
against every attempt that may be made to attack them by surprise.
And it is upon serious deliberation most earnestly recommended
to the militia in general, as well as the detached part of it in mi-
nute men, that they spare neither time, pains, nor expense, at
so critical a juncture, in perfecting themselves forthwith in mili-
tary discipline; and that skillful instructors be provided for those
companies, which are not already provided therewith.

And it is recommended to the towns and districts in this colo-
ny, that they encourage such persons as are skilled in the manu-
factory of fire-arms and bayonets, diligently to apply themselves
thereto, for supplying such of the inhabitants as may still be de-
ficient.

And for the encouragement of American manufacturers of fire-
arms and bayonets, it is further resolved, that this Congress will
give the preference to, and purchase from them, so many effective
arms and bayonets as can be delivered in a reasonable time, upon
notice given to this Congress at its next Session.
Signed by order of the Provincial Congress,
JOHN HANCOCK, President
A true Extract from the minutes.
BENJAMIN LINCOLN, Sec’ry.

NEW YORK, February 23.

ON last Thursday night, the ship Beulah, Capt. William
M^cBussell, arrived at the watering place, about three leagues
from the city, in nine weeks from London.----The pilots, we
are informed, were ordered not to bring her up, lest her being in
the harbour should give uneasiness to this city. The same night,
a sloop, with some members of the sub-committee of observation
and other citizens on board, went down and anchored near the
said ship to observe her conduct, and they will continue there, till
she departs.---This ship wants a new bowsprit, when she is fur-
nished with this and other necessaires for her voyage, she will be
despatched without delay. She has neither entered nor broke
bulk, and we are informed will be ready to sail about Sunday
next.

This day, about eleven o’clock, a motion is to be made in the
General Assembly for the appointment of Delegates to the General
Congress, at Philadelphia in May next.

WILLIAMSBURG, March 11.

<pwatch at Boston, and was bound over to his good beha-
viour, has a second time transgressed, by wounding a young man
in the arm. General Gage has allowed that disturber some time
to dispose of his commission, and bail is given for his appearance
to take his trial for the offence.

The following Gentlemen are elected Delegates to meet the
convention to be held at Richmond the 20th instant:----John S.
Wills, and Josiah Parker, Esquires, for Isle of Wight; Lemuel
Riddick, and Willis Riddick, Esquires, for Nansemond; Ed-
mund Berkeley, and James Montague, Esquires, for Middlesex.

<pgow.

Deaths.] Hon. PHILIP LUDWELL LEE, Esquire, one of his
Majesty’s Honourable Council of this colony. He died the 28th
ult. at Stratford, in Westmoreland; the day following his Lady
was safely delivered of a son, and on Friday his remains were at-
tended to the place of internment by a very numerous company of
relations and friends.

A RECEIPT to imitate NATURE’S MASTER-PIECE, with some
particulars of his conduct, arrival in Virignia, &c.

Lest we should never look upon his like again.

TAKE a heart that’s callous to all sense of right,
Let envy and falsehood with malice unite,
To guard every passage, and each avenue
That truth or that candour may never steal through:
To this add a head, though capricious and large,
With sense or reflection do not over-charge;
Should both, or should either, of these be deny’d,
The defect may by mem’ry well be supply’d.
A mem’ry tenacious, and weak restless brain,
By filching from others, some credit may gain;
If the forehead with brass you do but incase,
No matter for beauty of person or face.
Though no vigour or strength, the body receive,
The labours of Hercules it may atchieve;
The mind, though contracted, and faculties poor,
With wisdom and science may even run o’er.
A genius thus form’d you may place on earth,
Without the advantage of fortune or birth,
The church will receive him, no matter what church;
The first that he tries may be left in the lurch,
If second with honours more frequent abound,
And the fishes and loaves more plenty are found.
With tenets and doctrines quite new or unknown,
A system of liturgy too of his own,
He turns to the west with a gracious design,
In that land of darkness to make his lightshine;
Where, lo! He arrives, and holds forth in his hand,
Enroll’d (by the first of the age and the land)
His fame, which forever recorded shall stand.
How, dear VIRGINIA! Shall I gratulate,
In sounding sonorous strains, thy env’d state?
Oh! would some happier bard, with reed or lyre,
Bless’d with larger portion of poetic fire,
The important subject, and they triumph sing,
I’d unfading laurels for his temples bring.
Ask, and you shall know, “who gives to merit what is merit’s due.”

AN accusation being lodged with the committee of Orange
county against Francis Moore, jun. of his having violated
the eighth article of the Continental Association, by gaming, the
said Moore was cited, and appeared before the committee con-
vened on February the 23d, 1775; the testimony of a witness,
as well as the confession of the accused, convinced the committee
that the charge was well founded; but Mr. Moore gave such
evidence of his penitence, and intention to observe the association
strictly for the future, and alledging, moreover, that he was not
thoroughly aware of the extent of the prohibition contained in that
article, that the committee think it proper to re-admit him into
the number of friends to the public cause, till a second transgress-
sion. It need scarcely be added, that this mitigation of the pu-
nishment prescribed in the eleventh article proceeds from a desire to
distinguish penitent and submissive from refractory and obstinate
offenders. FRANCIS TAYLOR, Clk.

To Col. ANDREW LEWIS, and Mr. JOHN BOWYER.
GENTLEMEN,

FOR your past service, you have our thanks, and we presume
it is all reward ye desire. And as we have again com-
mitted you the greatest trust we can confer (that of appearing for
us in the great Council of the colony) we think it expedient ye
hear our sentiments at this important juncture. And first, we
require you to represent us with hearts replete with the most grate-

Column 2

ful and loyal veneration for the race of Brunswick, for they have
been truly our fathers; and at the same time the most dutiful af-
fection for our Sovereign, of whose honest heart we cannot enter-
tain any dissonance; but sorry we are to add, that in his councils
we can no longer confide: A set of miscreants, unworthy to ad-
minister the laws of Britain’s empire, have been permitted impi-
ously to sway. How unjustly, cruelly, and tyrannically, they have
nvaded our rights, we need not now put you in mind. We
only say, and we assert it with pride, that the subjects of Britain
are ONE; and when the honest man of Boston, who has broke
no law, has his property wrested from him, the hunter on the
Allegany must take the alarm, and, as FREEMAN of America,
he will fly to his Representatives and thus instruct them: Gen-
tlemen, my gun, my tomahawk, my life, I desire you to tender
to the honour of my King and country; but my LIBERTY, to
range these woods on the same terms my father has done is not
mine to give up; it was not purchased by me, and purchased it
was; it is entailed on my son, and the tenure is sacred. Watch
over it, Gentlemen, for to him it must descend unviolated, if my
arm can defend it; but if not, if wicked power is permitted to
prevail against me, the original purchase was blood, and mine
shall seal the surrender.

That our countrymen, and the world, may know our dispo-
sition, we choose that this be published. And we have one re-
quest to add, that is, that the SONS of WORTH and FREE-
DOM who appeared for us at Philadelphia will accept our most
ardent, grateful acknowledgements; and we hereby plight them
our faith, that we will religiously observe their resolutions, and
obey their instructions, in contempt of our power, and temporary
interest; and should the measures they have wisely calculated for
our relief fail, we will stand prepared for every Contingency. We
are Gentlemen, your dutiful, &c.
THE FREEHOLDERS OF BOTETOURT.

NORFOLK, January 4, 1775.
WHEREAS a Report has been propagated, that I am not
duly authorized to act as a Notary Public, but that my
sole Warrant for so doing is an Assignment of a Commission
formerly granted to Mr. Thomas Burke, late of this Borough, and
that, in Consequence thereof, no Credit ought to be paid to the
Seal of my Office: My own Character and Interest both call up-
on me, thus openly, to contradict such Report, by assuring the
Public in general, and those in particular whom it may concern,
that I act under a Commission issuing from his Grace the Arch-
bishop of Canterbury, granted to me, and to which I qualified be-
fore his Excellency the Earl of Dunmore, and that, being regis-
tered as a Notary Public in his Majesty’s Office of Faculties in
Chancery, all Faith and Honour is due to Certificates under the
Seal of my Notarial Office, where Business committed to my Care
will be executed with Accuracy and Despatch. -----As I con-
tinue to transact Business as Insurance Broker, Orders from any
Part of the Country for Ensurance will be properly attended to,
and the greatest Care taken to procure good Men to the Policies.
JAMES ARCHDEACON.

N.B. I have for Sale, a few Hogsheads of excellent OLD
JAMAICA SPIRITS, JAMAICA COFFEE, AN-
TIGUA RUM, GINGER, LOAF SUGAR, &c.

WILLIAMSBURG, March 9, 1775.

LOST, last Wednesday Night, between
the College of William and Mary and the Treasurer’s, a
GOLD BROOCH, the Motto “Nulla pallescere Culpa.” Who-
ever will bring it to the Subscriber shall have a Reward adequate
to the Trouble. 1ll WILLIAM DAWSON.

TO BE SOLD,
At public Sale, on WEDNESDAY the 26th of April Next, if fair,
otherwise next fair Day, for ready Money, on the Premises,

A VALUABLE TRACT OF LAND,
containing 373 Acres, situated on North River, in Kingston
Parish, Gloucester County, whereon Mrs. Letitia Ransone now
lives. There is a good Dwelling-House, with two Rooms on a
Floor, several convenient Outhouses, and a very good Orchard.
It is convenient to Fish and Oysters of the best Sort.---At the
same Time and Place will be sold several likely Virginia born
SLAVES.----The Widow has her Right of Dower in the Land.

TO BE SOLD,
THREE Thousand Acres of well timbered LAND, near New-
market, in Caroline County, whereon are two Plantations in
good Repair, with proper and convenient Edifices for farming or
making of Tobacco. For Terms apply to the Subscriber.
JOHN BAYLOR.

TO BE SOLD,
A TRACT of LAND in Caroline County, contiguous to Mat-
tapony, containing about 2000 Acres of well timbered Land,
the Property of Mr. Robert Baylor. The Terms may be known
by applying to Mr. Nathaniel Burwell of King William, Mr. John
Armistead of Caroline, and Mr. John Baylor, Executors.

TO BE SOLD,
Before Mr. GUNN’s <em<Door, in RICHMOND Town,
ALL the personal Estate of WILLIAM RANDOPH, Esq;
deceased, consisting of HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, a
neat CHARIOT, with four HARNESS, several high blooded
COLTS, a fine breeding MARE, and about ten Dozen of old
MADEIRA WINE. Twelve Months Credit will be allowed
for all Sums exceeding five Pounds, the Purchasers giving Bond
with approved Security to
The ADMINISTRATORS.

N. B. At the same Time will be sold two valuable NEGRO
CARPENTERS.

THE Meeting of the Treasurer, Trus-
tees, and Subscribers, for the Fund for the Relief of Cler-
gymen’s Widows and Orphans, is hereby appointed to be held on
Saturday the 6th of May next. The Officers for the present Year
are, the Rev. John Camm, Treasurer, the Reverend Mess. Pryse
Davies, Devereux Jarratt, William Bland, John Bracken, Thomas
Price, and Alexander Lundie,Trustees; the Rev. William Har-
rison Forenoon Preacher, and the Rev. Robert Andrews Afternoon
Preacher. JACOB BRUCE, Clerk.

FOR SALE,
SEVERAL VALUABLE TRACTS OF
LAND LYING in HALIFAX and
PITTSYLVANIA Counties. Any Per-
son inclinable to purchase may apply to the Subscriber, near
Booker’s Ferry, in Halifax County. JOHN SMITH.

For SALE, and very CHEAP,
THE Tract of LAND whereon I now live, in the lower End
of Caroline County, that contains 47- Acres, and is known
to be very good. The Improvements are, a new Dwelling-House
32 by 28 Feet, with three Dormants on a Side, two Fireplaces
below, and one above, a good Cellar, the Kitchen 24 by 16 Feet,
with all other Outhouses quite new, and the Plantation in fine
Order for Cropping. Its Situation is equal to any Forest Place
whatever, I will give Credit till next Christmas, when Possession
may be had. LE ROY HIPKINS.

Column 3

RUN away from the Subscriber, about
the first of January last, a very bright Mulatto Man named
STEPHEN, 5 Feet 6 or 7 Inches high, about 22 Years of Age,
well set, has a remarkable broad Face, with a Mole on the Side
of his Nose, and a Scar upon one of his Legs. He was clothed
in Negro Cotton Waistcoat and Breeches, Osnabrug Shirt, and a
Pair of blue Gambadoes; his Hair is cut close off the Top of his
Head, and the Front Part combed back. His Wife PHEBE
went away with him, a remarkable white Indian Woman, about
the same Age, and was with Child; she has long black Hair,
which is generally clubbed, and carried off with her a blue Ne-
gro Cotton Waistcoat and Petticoat, a Virginia Cloth Waistcoat
and Petticoat, and a Virginia Cloth Bonnet. She can spin well,
and I imagine they will both endeavour to pass as free.---Who-
ever apprehends the said Slaves, and brings them to me, in Din-
widdie, near the Courthouse or secures them in Gaol, so that I
get them again, shall have 10 l. Reward from
ll HENRY HARDAWAY.

For SALE, or CHARTER,
A BRIGANTINE,
Now on the Stocks, and will be launched in a few days,
BURTHEN one HUNDRED and twenty TUNS.
She is well calculated, and built of excellent Materials.
Good CREDIT will be allowed, to those who may incline to
Purchase, for the greatest Part of the Money.
Apply to me in Suffolk.
(ll) SAMUEL COHOON.

APOLLO
Stands at the Subscriber’s, in BRUNSWICK County.

HE was got by FEARNOUGHT, on an imported Mare of the
best Blood, whose Pedigree is in my Possession, and will be
shewn to any Person inclinable to see it. His fine Form, beauti-
ful Colour, and extraordinary Performance on the Turf, strongly
recommend him. He will cover Mares the ensuing Season at 30 s.
the Leap, 4 l. the Season, or 6 l. to have the Privilege of sending
a Mare till she brings a Colt. As the Horse cost me a very large
Sum, it is hoped those who put mares will pay the Money as soon
as they can with any tolerable Conveniency. Extraordinary good
Pasturage will be provided, and the utmost Care taken of the
Mares; but the Proprietors must not expect to be indemnified for
those which may get away. RICHARD ELLIOT.

Wants Employment,
A SOBER Man. Of about 30 Year of Age, who is well ac-
quainted with Business, writes fair and correct, understands
the Mathematicks, can make a good Translation from the French,
and has a fair Character from the Gentlemen with whom he lived
for three Years past.---Inquire of the Printers hereof. ll

WILLIAMSBURG, March 4, 1775.
IT being necessary for me to go to Eng-
land this Spring, I shall esteem it a particular Favour if those
who are indebted to me would be as early as possible in discharging
their Accounts, without which it will not be in my Power to ac-
complish my Intention, and will not only be a great Disappoint-
ment, but a Disadvantage to me in my Business. I therefore flat-
ter myself this Requisition will have the desired Effect, which will
greatly oblige Their humble Servant,
MARGARET HUNTER.

BEDFORD Courthouse, Feb. 5, 1775.THE Creditors of Jeffery Grisley, de-
ceased, are desired to meet at KING WILLIAM March
Court, with their respective Claims, properly authenticated, in
Order that the same may be discharged. I am offered, by his
Mother, a Sum of Money, in Part Payment of her Bond to her
Son (which does not become due till her Decease) on certain
Conditions. I believe the Sum offered is nearly, or quite suffici-
ent, to pay all the Creditors. In this Case, it will be convenient
for me to comply with the Conditions offered, and to draw a Bill
of Exchange immediately to discharge the same.
ll JOHN HOOK, Administrator.

CHARLES CITY, February 20, 1775.
THE SUBSCRIBER has on Hand, about
FOUR HUNDRED POUNDS STERLING WORTH OF
GOODS< suitable for a Store,
which he will sell for Cash or Tobacco, Wholesale or Retail, on
reasonable Term.

→AS I intend to leave the Colony this Summer, all Persons
indebted to me are desired to pay off their Accounts; those who
cannot pay I hope will give Bond; for which Purpose Mr.
Edward Morecock will attend at the Store the last of April
ROBERT WALKER.

MANCHESTER, Feb. 11, 1775.
THE Subscriber intending for Britain
by the ensuing Fall, proposes to sell the following Tracts
of LAND, viz.---About 2000 Acres in Bedford County, lying
on both Sides of the north Fork of Otter River and Hurricane
Creek, about 100 Acres of which are cleared, and produce To-
bacco of a fine Quality; there are several Houses upon the Land,
large Peach and Apple Orchards, and a good Meadow. The
Land lies well, and is a remarkable good Place for raising Stock
of all Kinds, having excellent Range upon the Mountains joining
it.---Also another Tract of Land containing about 300 Acres, a
Mile below the other, with a Grist Mill upon it, lately built, a
Stone Dam, and a never-failing Stream. There are little more
Improvements upon this Tract, but the Soil is good, and would
make a valuable Settlement.---A valuable and well known Tract
of Land in Hanover County, called Half Sink, on Chickahomony
River, containing by a late Survey, 667 Acres, a great Propor-
tion of which is rich low Ground, affording a vast Quantity of
large white Oak Timber. This Plantation lies 11 Miles from
Richmond Town, is in good Order to work ten Hands, and has
the necessary Houses upon it, lately built.---Also four LOTS in
the Town of Richmond, where Mr. James Vaughan formerly kept
Ordinary, with Houses thereon, two of which are new, and the
Pasture fenced with Posts and Rails. It is a suitable Place for a
Tavern, or would afford Conveniences for three private Families.

The above Lands my be entered upon next Fall, and the Lots
at the Expiration of the present Year they are rented for. I shall
be glad to treat with any Person who inclines to purchase.
4 ALEXANDER BAINE.
→I want to purchase the Half Acre Lot at Rocky Ridge, No.
132, drawn to Ticket No. 373 in Col. Byrd’s Lottery. A.B.

The noted Horse
MARK ANTHONY
STANDS at my Plantation in <em<Bute County, on the north Side
of Roanoke River, about two Miles below Col Thomas Eaton’s
Ferry, and will cover Mares the ensuing Season at 30 s. the Leap,
3 l. the Season, or 5 l. Virginia Money to ensure a Colt. Good
Pasturage for the Mares, and Entertainment for Gentlemen’s Ser-
vants, gratis. Great Care will be taken of the Mares, but I will
not be answerable for any that may get away.
ll HERBERT HAYNES,