Colonial Williamsburg Digital Library

The Manufacturing Society of Williamsburg are in want of a person to superintend the works, purchase materials etc. and to keep the necessary accounts. Any who are qualified to undertake that business and come well recommended will be treated with by the managers, and good wages will be given.

As the making of SAIL-CLOTH is one of their objects, the Society will give good encouragement to spinners and weavers acquainted with that branch.

Ready money will be given for HEMP and FLAX, either fully prepared for spinning or from the break or swingle.

As soon as the works are erected, the Society propose taking a number of boys and girls as apprentices to SPINNING, WEAVING, etc.

To his Excellency PATRICK HENRY, jr. Esq; Governour of the Commonwealth of VIRGINIA; The humble Address of the Ministers and Delegates of the BAPTIST Churches met in Association in Louisa, August 12, 1776, in Behalf of their Brethren.

May it please your Excellency,
As your advancement to the honourable and important station of governour of this commonwealth affords us unspeakable pleasure we beg leave to present your excellency with our most cordial congratulations.

Your publick virtues are such that we are under no temptation to flatter you. Virginia has done honour to her judgment in appointing your excellency to hold the rein of government at this truly critical conjuncture, as you have always distinguished yourself by your zeal and activity for her welfare, in whatever department has been assigned you.

As a religious community, we have nothing to request of you. Your constant attachment to the glorious cause of liberty, and the rights of conscience, leaves us no room to doubt of your excellency's favourable regards, while we worthily demean ourselves.

May GOD ALMIGHTY continue you long, very long, a publick blessing to this your native country: and, after a life of usefulness here, crown with you immortal felicity in the world to come.

Signed by order.
JEREMIAH WALKER, moderator
JOHN WILLIAMS, clerk

The Manufacturing Society in Williamsburg are in want of a person to superintend the works, purchase materials etc. and to keep the necessary accounts. Any who are qualified to undertake that business and come well recommended will be treated with by the managers, and good wages will be given.

As the making of SAIL-CLOTH is one of their objects, the Society will give good encouragement to spinners and weavers acquainted with that branch.

Ready money will be given for HEMP and FLAX, either fully prepared for spinning or from the break or swingle.

As soon as the works are erected, the Society propose taking a number of boys and girls as apprentices to SPINNING, WEAVING, etc.

From the LONDON (or lying) GAZETTE, May 3
WHITEHALL, May 3

General Howe, Commander in Chief of his Majesty's forces in North America, having taken a resolution on the 7th of March to remove from Boston to Halifax with the troops under his command, and such of the inhabitants, with their effects, as were desirous to continue under the protection of his Majesty's forces; the embarkation was effected on the 17th of that month, with the greatest order and regularity, and without the least interruption from the rebels. When the packet came way, the first division of the transports was under sail, and the remainder were preparing to follow in a few days; the Admiral leaving behind as many of the ships of war as could be spared from the convoy, for the security and protection of such vessels as might be bound to Boston.

LONDON, May 6

By the mail which arrived on Friday, it appears, the Court of Naples, besides the two ships of war long since engaged by them in his Catholic Majesty's service, and which they have been called upon to send off immediately to join the Spanish fleet the moment it shall appear in the Mediterranean, are likewise to transfer over their whole naval forces into the service of that Crown, which they are to fit out as soon as possible.

The managers for the Manufacturing Society in Williamsburg beg leave to inform the public that they are now prepared to receive apprentices to weaving, spinning, etc. Those who wish to be taken in are desired to apply soon.

RESOLUTION OF THE SOCIETY
"In order to train up useful manufacturers, and in hope of making some provisions for the better maintenance of poor children, a convenient number of apprentices will be received in the different branches, who shall be bound to the Chairman for the time being, and his successors, for terms not less than five years. Each, and such apprentices, at the expiration of the indentures, shall be entitled to a reasonable reward, and their freedom dues, not exceeding ten pounds, nor less than three pounds ten shillings, regard being had 10 to the time of their service, and their good behavior. And this Society does engage that strict attention shall be paid to the morals of such apprentices, and that care will be taken to have them properly instructed, so as to render them the more useful members of society. The Society are in want of some good weavers and spinners."

LONDON, August 16

Orders have been dispatched to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, and to the Commander in Chief there, to put that kingdom in the best posture of defense without delay, and to execute the laws for disarming Roman Catholics with great strictness, as advice has been received of an intended descent upon that country.

Yesterday morning the remains of the officers and soldiers of the 65th regiment, that suffered so much at Bunker's hill, were landed at Portsmouth from the Renown transport.

Lieutenant Colonel Campbell, who is taken prisoner by the Americans, is esteemed one of the best engineers in the service.

Extract of a letter from Gasport, August 12.

Since my last arrived at Spithead a transport from America; came home in her Major Tupper, of Portsmouth division of marines, who immediately set out for London. Upon being asked what news, he answered very good news, but said no more.

August 17. It is said, that his Majesty has given a place to the youngest son of Lord George Germaine, a child of five years old, the income of which is 800£ per annum.

When the Parliament meets, it is expected by the public that all the papers respecting the American war will be demanded.

David Hume, Esq; Dr. Smith, and Sir James Stewart, have all given the King their opinions, that if a reconciliation does not speedily take place with America, that country is lost.

The moment Ministry received intelligence of General Howe's landing on Staten Island, orders were sent out, that he should immediately leave that place, and if his brother had joined, that they should sail together to Philadelphia: However, it is more than probable a decisive stroke will be struck before they can possibly reach the army.

The managers for the Manufacturing Society in Williamsburg beg leave to inform the public that they are now prepared to receive apprentices to weaving, spinning, etc. Those who wish to be taken in are desired to apply soon.

RESOLUTION OF THE SOCIETY
"In order to train up useful manufacturers, and in hope of making some provisions for the better maintenance of poor children, a convenient number of apprentices will be received in the different branches, who shall be bound to the Chairman for the time being, and his successors, for terms not less than five years. Each, and such apprentices, at the expiration of the indentures, shall be entitled to a reasonable award, and their freedom dues, not exceeding ten pounds, nor less than three pounds ten shillings, regard being had to the time of their service, and their good behavior. And this Society does engage that strict attention shall be paid for the morals of such apprentices, and that care will be taken to have them properly instructed, so as to render them the more useful members of society. The Society are in want of some good weavers and spinners."

WILLIAMSBURG, Dec. 5, 1776

The General Assembly having passed an act for appointing commissioners of Oyer and Terminer for the trial criminals now in the public gaol, and thereby directed that such commissioners shall sit for that purpose on the third Thursday in January next, it is expected that all witnesses who have entered into recognizances to appear and depose against said criminals will attend at that time at the Capitol in this city.
EDMUND RANDOLPH

The Manufacturing Society in Williamsburg are in want of 5 or 6 likely Negro lads from 15 to 20 years of age, and as many girls from 12 to 15 years, also one or two weavers, for whom they will give ready money…Those who incline to spin for the Society at their own houses may be furnished with flax on application to the managers. N.B Negro girls are received as apprentices.

BALTIMORE, January 28

Extract of a letter from General Washington to Congress, dated January 22, 1777.

"My last was on the 20th instant; since that, I have the pleasure to inform you, that General Dickenson, with about 400 militia, had defeated a foraging party of the enemy of an equal number, and has taken 40 waggons, and upwards to 100 horses, most of the English draught breed, and a number of sheep and cattle which they had collected.

The enemy retreated with so much precipitation, that General Dickinson had only an opportunity of taking nine prisoners, they were observed to carry off a good many dead and wounded in light wagons.

This action happened near Somerset courthouse, on Millstone river. General Dickinson's behaviour reflects the highest honour upon him, for though his troops were all raw, he led them through the river, middle deep, and gave the enemy so severe a charge, that although supported by three field-pieces, they gave way and left their convoy.

I have not heard from General Heath, since the firing near Kingsbridge last Saturday, which I cannot account for, unless the North river should have been rendered impassible by the ice. But the account of his having surprised and taken fort Independence on Friday last, comes so well authenticated by different ways, that I cannot doubt it. It is said that he took 400 prisoners in that fort; and that he invested fort Washington on Saturday, which occasioned the firing."

Published by order of Congress
CHARLES THOMPSON, Sec'ry

The Manufacturing Society in Williamsburg are in want of 5 or 6 likely Negro lads from15 to 20 years of age, and as many girls from 12 to 15 years, also one or two weavers, for whom they will give ready money…Those who incline to spin for the Society at their own houses may be furnished with flax on application to the managers. N.B Negro girls are received as apprentices.

BALTIMORE, January 14.

Extract of a letter from a general officer in the continental service, dated at Trenton, January 9.

'A REGIMENT of British troops at Spankton, six miles below elizabethtown, was attacked on Sunday by a party of Jersey militia; the encounter continued about two hours. Two regiments marched up from Woodbridge and Amboy to reinforce the enemy, which I suppose has saved them. The remains of the 17th, 40th, and 55th regiments, which had been engaged at Princeton, and now amount only to 250 men, are at Bonamton.

Lord Howe lies ill, and the Hessian general scratched out one half of his hair on hearing of the news at Trenton. Fifty Hessians were taken prisoners, and carried the other day to Morristown.

We lost a very good officer, capt. Fleming, of the 1st Virginia battalion. When within ten yards of the enemy, he called to his men, 'Gentlemen, dress before you make ready.' The British troops blackguarded our people, and damned them, 'they would dress them,' and gave the first fire. Our men placed their fire so well, that the enemy screamed as if many devils had got hold of them. They were encouraged by their officers, and advanced with their bayonets, but were forced out of the field by the brave Americans."

Williamsburg, March 20, 1777.

ON Thursday next, at 4 o'Clock in the Afternoon, will be sold at public Auction, before the Raleigh, for ready Money, a Quantity of Virginia LINEN, made at the Williamsburg Manufactory. For the Conveniency of the Purchasers, it will be cut into small Pieces.

Having employed an exceeding good Heckler, regularly bred to the Business in England, all Persons who have Flax to dress may have it done at this Manufactory in the best and most expeditious Manner, and on reasonable Terms: the Price of heckling to be paid before the Flax is taken away, or it would be equally agreeable to take Flax, Cotton, or Hemp, in Payment.
JOHN CRAWFORD, Agent for the Manufactory.

WILLIAMSBURG, March 21.

A SHIP is arrived at Hampton, from the island of Martinque, with about 1600 stand of arms, 30,000 weight of gunpowder, and same dry goods.

*** Neither mail nor papers from the northward this week, --- therefore no news.
? UNITED STATES LOTTERY TICKETS may be had at the treasury office, and at the country store, in Williamsburg, of Col. John Bannister, near Petersburg; Richard Adams, Esq; at Richmond; Col. John Syme at Newcastle; Sampson Matthews, Esq; at Staunton, in Augusta; Robert Johnston, Esq; in Port Royal; Colonial Fielding Lewis, in Fredericksburg; William Carr, Esq; in Dumfries, and Josiah Walton, Esq; in Alexandria.

WANTS employment, a young man who understands the weaving of linen, cotton, and woolen cloth. For particulars inquire of Thomas Meares, at the Williamsburg Manufactory.

WILLIAMSBURG, April 18.

We have received an account of the following elections, viz. For Charles City, Benjamin Harrison and William Aerill, esqrs. New Kent, Richmond Allen and Lewis Webb, esqrs. James City, Ro. C. Nicholas and William Norvell, esqrs. Burwell Bassett, esq; Senator for the district. For Richmond, William Smith and Williamson Ball, esqrs. Lunenburg, John Glen and Thomas Pettus, esqrs. Prince George, Edmund Ruffin and Benjamin Harrison, esqrs. Chesterfield, John Bolling and Jesse Cogbille, esqrs. Henrico, Richard Adams and Nathaniel Wilkinson, esqrs. Warwick, Cole Digges and Francis Leigh, esqrs. Caroline, Edmund Pendleton, sen. And Thomas Lowry, esqrs. James Taylor, esqr; Senator for the district of Hanover and Caroline Nansemond. Willis Riddick and William Cowper, esqrs. Southampton, Henry Taylor and Richard Kello, esqrs. Isle of Wight, John S. Wills and Charles Falgham, esqrs.

WILLIAMSBURG MANUFACTORY, May 6, 1777.

HAVING employed an exceeding good Heckler, regularly bred to the Business in England, at this Manufactory, any Persons who have Flax to dress may have it done in the best and most expeditious Manner, on reasonable Terms; the Price of heckling to be paid before the Flax is taken away, although it would be equally agreeable to receive a Part thereof in Payment.

We purpose to purchase rough Materials for manufacturing, and when wrought up to vend the same. To the Planter and Farmer we leave the Business of raising Hemp, Flax, Cotton, and Wool; and for any of these Articles, we give ready Money. We sell Hemp and Flax in small Quantities, properly prepared for spinning.

This Manufactory is situated within a few Steps of the Capitol Landing, extremely convenient to the Counties of York and Gloucester, and to the Eastern Shore, from whence any thing may be easily conveyed by Water. Good Encouragement is given to SPINNERS, if they are Persons of good Character; and a MISTRESS SPINNER we are in immediate Want of, to whom good Wages will be given, provided she comes well recommended. We are also in Want of a WOOL COMBER.

We are glad to have the Factory visited by those whom it may be agreeable to, but hope no Person would wish to do it so much Injury as to take any Steps that may induce the People employed there to leave it.
JOHN CRAWFORD, Manager.

WILLIAMSBURG, May 9.

Last Monday the General Assembly of this commonwealth met at the Capitol, but there not being a sufficient number of either House to proceed to business, the members 17 present adjourned themselves from day to day till yesterday, when the Hon. ARCHIBALD CARY, esq; was chosen Speaker of the Senate, and the Hon. GEORGE WYTHE, esq; Speaker of the House of Delegates.

The Raleigh armed brig, Edward Travis, esq; commander, had the misfortune last Saturday night, it being exceedingly dark, to run foul of the Thames frigate, mounting 32 guns, outside of the capes, when she was taken. Capt. Travis had that day convoyed out a number of merchantmen, who all got safety to sea.

We have the pleasure to inform our readers, that general WASHINGTON has lately received considerable reinforcements, and it is hoped will soon be in a condition to measure swords with the enemy. A spirited exertion of the several states, this campaign, under the conduct of so able, so virtuous, and excellent a commander, will ensure our freedom and happiness for ever.

WILLIAMSBURG MANUFACTORY, May 6, 1777.

HAVING employed an exceeding good Heckler, regularly bred to the Business in England, at this Manufactory, any Persons who have Flax to dress may have it done in the best and most expeditious Manner, on reasonable Terms; the Price of heckling to be paid before the Flax is taken away, although it would be equally agreeable to receive a Part thereof in Payment.

We purpose to purchase rough Materials for manufacturing, and when wrought up to vend the same. To the Planter and Farmer we leave the Business of raising Hemp, Flax, Cotton, and Wool; and for any of these Articles, we give ready Money. We sell Hemp and Flax in small Quantities, properly prepared for spinning.

This Manufactory is situated within a few Steps of the Capitol Landing, extremely convenient to the Counties of York and Gloucester, and to the Eastern Shore, from whence any thing may be easily conveyed by Water. Good Encouragement is given to SPINNERS, if they are Persons of good Character; and a MISTRESS SPINNER we are in immediate Want of, to whom good Wages will be given, provided she comes well recommended. We are also in Want of a WOOL COMBER.

We are glad to have the Factory visited by those whom it may be agreeable to, but hope no Person would wish to do it so much Injury as to take any Steps that may induce the People employed there to leave it.
JOHN CRAWFORD, Manager.

WILLIAMSBURG, May 16.

We learn, by the last northern papers, that the following vessels are arrived at different ports to the eastward of New York, viz. A French ship of 20 guns, from Bourdeaux, with dry goods, hardware, wine, &c. A State sloop from Martinigo, with powder, arms, salt, &c. A vessel from Nantz, cargo 58 pieces of brass cannon, with carriages, clothing and tents for 10,000 men, 10 tons of powder, 5,700 stand of arms, and a quantity of lead and ball; passengers, one Colonel and 14 officers of the train. A prize brig, with beef, butter and pork, bound from Corke to New York. A ship from Honduras, with log wood, a prize. A prize ship from Ireland, with a valuable cargo of provisions, intended for the enemy at New York. A schooner prize from Cansoto Barbados, laden with fish and oil…A brigantine from Ireland, for Antigua, with beef, pork. butter, &c. carried into a southern port.

We received no advices from the camp in New Jersey by the last post.

On Friday the 9th instant William Wallace, from Berkeley, and Thomas Green, from Mecklenburg, both for murder, were executed at the gallows near this city, pursuant to their sentence at the last General Court.

Williamsburg, July 25, 1777.

ON Thursday the 31st instant, at 4 o'Clock in the Afternoon, will be sold at public Auction, before the Raleigh, for ready Money, about four hundred Yards of Hempen Linen, and a Piece of fine Linen, wove with a Satin Stripe, in Imitation of Corduroy, very proper for Summer Breeches, made at the WILLIAMSBURG MANUFACTORY. For the Conveniency of the Purchasers the above Linens will be cut into small Pieces
(s) JOHN CRAWFORD, Manager.

? The Members of the WILLIAMSBURG SOCIETY of MANUFACTURERS, are hereby reminded that their quarterly meeting will be held at Mr. James Southall's on Monday the 11th of August next, at three o'Clock in the Afternoon.
R.C. NICHOLAS, Chairman.

WILLIAMSBURG, July 25.

Extract of a letter from General Schuyler to General Washington.

Dear Sir,
Soon after I had dispatched the letters which I did myself the honour to address to your Excellency from Stillwater, I met with Lieutenant Colonel Hay, deputy quarter master general, who was at Ticonderoga: He informs me that on Saturday it had been agreed upon to retreat from Ticonderoga, and Mount Independence: First between two and three o'clock on Sunday morning, General St. Clair, with the rest of the General officers and the army, marched out of the lines at Mount Independence: That between two and three o'clock on Sunday morning, General St. Clair, with the rest of the General officers and the army, marched out of the lines at Mount Independence; that Col. Long, with about six hundred men, embarked on board our few vessels, and in batteries, that just before they arrived at Skeensborough they were overtaken by the enemy's vessels, in which we lost all our ammunition.

"The troops under Col. Long are arrived at Fort Ann. Where General St. Clair is with the main body I have not yet learnt. Colonel Hay imagined he would come by the way of Skeensborough; if so, he will fall in with the enemy, who have taken position there. Captain Dantignore, who is just arrived here, confirms Col. Hay's accounts, except as to General St. Clair, who he understood was to march to No. 4; this is not likely. I have dispatched an officer to meet General St. Clair, and requested that he should march by the shortest route to Fort Edward. As I have related the above from memory, I may have omitted some, and misapprehended other circumstances. It is impossible to say what post we shall take, it depends on the route the enemy mean to pursue."
Published by order of Congress.
CHARLES THOMSON, Sec'ry.

WILLIAMSBURG MANUFACTORY,
August 11, 1777.

FOR want of an HEMP MILL, we have not been able to answer the continual demands on us for dressed hemp; but we have a mill now erecting, and hope shortly to be able to accommodate our customers. We give ready money for cotton, wool, flax, and hemp, and continue to dress the two last of those articles for others in the best and most expeditious manner. Our price for heckling is one sixth part of the gross flax or hemp.
JOHN CRAWFORD, manager.

By the Hon. JOHN PAGE, esq, Lieutenant Governour of the Commonwealth of Virginia:
A PROCLAMATION.

Whereas I have received certain intelligence, that a large fleet of ships (between 100 and 200 sail) were seen last night standing directly in our capes, and probably meditate an attack upon some part of the country; I therefore judge it proper, by and with the advice of the Council, to issue this my proclamation, hereby strictly enjoining the several county lieutenants within this commonwealth to hold the militia of their respective counties in readiness to march, at a moment's warning, to this city, or such other place as may be hereafter directed.

Given under my hand at Williamsburg,
This 15th day of August, in the 2d year
of the commonwealth, and in the year
of our Lord 1777.
JOHN PAGE, Lient. Gov.
GOD save the Commonwealth

WILLIAMSBURG MANUFACTORY, August 11, 1777.

FOR want of an HEMP MILL, we have not been able to answer the continual demands on us for dressed hemp; but we have a mill now erecting, and hope shortly to be able to accommodate our customers. We give ready money for cotton, wool, flax, and hemp, and continue to dress the two last of those articles for others in the best and most expeditious manner. Our price for heckling is one sixth part of the gross flax or hemp.
JOHN CRAWFORD, manager.

PORTSMOUTH (New Hampshire) July 12.

FRIDAY the 4th of July, being the anniversary of American independence, the day was celebrated with joy and festivity; the forts and batteries fired a number of cannon. Capt. Thompson gave a general invitation to all true friends to American independency, to repair on board the continental frigate, at 11 o'clock, where a cold collation was provided to refresh the visitants; at one o'clock the following toast was drank throughout the ship, prosperity, freedom, and independency, to the Thirteen United States of America; which was proclaimed by firing thirteen guns on board the frigate. Secondly, the guns from the French ship, and the Portsmouth private ship of war, which was succeeded with three cheers from the Raleigh, and answered by the other ships, and a large concourse of people which were assembled on the wharfs, to testify their joy and approbation on this ever memorable day, which ought never to be forgot by all the true lovers of liberty.

Williamsburg, February 2, 1780.

THE members of the Williamsburg Manufactory are desired to take notice, that on Thursday, the 10th instant, there will be a quarterly meeting in the Raleigh. Their attendance is requested at 11 o'clock in the morning.
JOHN BLAIR, Chairman.

Williamsburg, February 4, 1780.

MY smoke house was broken open last [ ]day night, and 15 HAMS, 19 SHOULDERS, and some smaller pieces of bacon were taken away. I will give a reward of 100£ to any person apprehending the thief, and of 200£ to any person who shall restore the meat.
B. RANDOLH

WILLIAMSBURG, Feb. 5.

A GENTLEMAN from South Carolina informs me, that the ship which sailed from New York the 30th of December last, had passed that state; when off they sent a flag of truce to Charlestown in order to get a few prisoners exchanged. It was generally believed they were destined for St.Augustine.

It is reported, that several people have walked upon the ice from Newport News to Nansemond, Crany Island, Norfolk, Portsmouth, &c. and many are of opinion they could go from the mouth of Hampton creek to Willoughby's point, which is [seven] miles over.