THE MEETING OF THE MERCHANTS, Held in Williamsburg, in 1770. [We find the following paper in the Virginia Gazette of June 28th, 1770, from which we copied the Account of the Association formed in Williamsburg, on Friday, the 22nd of said month, in our last number; and readily submit it to our readers, as it may serve to give them some idea of the Merchants, and the state of trade in our Colony, at that period. We append also, from the same journal, an Address to the Merchants and Traders in Virginia, by an author who does not subscribe his name, but appears to write with authority; and whose communication furnishes us with another sample of the spirit and temper of the times.] Ta meeting of the MERCHANTS, at the house of Mr. Anthony Hay (present Mr. ANDREW SPROWLE, Chairman to the Trade, and other members.) RESOLVED, that a committee be appointed to take under their consideration the general state of the trade of this colony, and that it be composed of the following Gentlemen: RESOLVED, that such Gentlemen as have any matter to recommend to the consideration of the Trade be requested to correspond with Mr. Haldenby Dixon, in Williamsburg, who will lay the same before the committee at their next meeting, the 30th of October next. TO THE MERCHANTS AND TRADERS IN VIRGINIA. It has long been matter of surprise, and concern, to many hearty friends to the trading interest of this colony, that a body of men, respectable as well from their number as the nature and extent of their connexions, should never yet (in imitation of Grat Britain, and other trading countries) have formed themselves into a society, upon regular and liberal principles; by which means they would have had frequent opportunities of establishing a confidence with each other, exceedingly to their interest as individuals, and of gaining that dignity in the community to which they are so justly entitled. The present crisis, though by no means pleasing in other instances, is, however, favourable in this: The invitation from the first Associators to the commercial part of the country has been accepted, with a cheerfulness equal to the judgment and politeness with which it was offered; and the merchants have, on this occasion. shewn an attachment to the true interest of this colony equal to that of any set of men, and exceeded by none. They have beheld the trifling conduct of Administration with that honest resentment it deserved, and have adopted such mea sures as must convince those misguided rulers over an injured people that there is a material difference between forbearance and acquiescence. Whilst there was a probability of obtaining redress they avoided, complaints, and would willingly have flattered themselve that some regard would be shewn by the Ministry to their own solemn assurances of doing every thing that was due, in justice, to the people of America. But how inconsistent with that justice, and how contradictory to those assurances, is the late partial repeal of the revenue act complained of! A measure calculated only to deceive those whom they had before abused; and, by lulling them into a fancied security, make the blow which they have meditated against the dearest interests of the colonies more severe and decisive. Happily, however. their designs have been discovered; and will, I hope, be defeated. The people of this colony (and, I doubt not, the whole people of America) are determined no longer to submit to an injury which is aggravated by an insult. Fired with this laudable resolution, they have formed, and executed, an association against the importation of a variety of articles from Great Britain; and made some other resolutions for the same purpose, as the reader will see at large in the copy published in the Gazette. Neither the time necessary to be taken up on such an occasion, nor their present situation, would permit so full a reformation as the nature of the case required; but as they are determined to go on in perfecting the work, as speedily and with as much propriety as possible, they have established a committee to take under their consideration the general state of the trade in this colony, with a view to make such farther regulations as may appear necessary. This committee is understood to include the whole body of merchants and traders in the colony; who have placed at their head a Gentleman justly entitled to that preference, as well from his known abilities as a merchant, as his warm attachment to the prosperity of this country. The Body of Merchants, have again chosen a select number, who are particularly invited to attend to the business recommended to their consideration, and who will be named hereafter to the publick. It may not be amiss to observe here, that no preference is given to these from disregard to any others; all are requested to take part in so salutary a measure; and any Gentleman desirous of a place for himself, or his friend, among those of the select committee, will be gratified, upon signifying such his inclination to the Deputy Chairman. The duty of this committee being only to prepare, and offer, such matter as may appear necessary for the consideration of the Trade at their next meeting, this general observation, on the design in establishing such committee, is introduced to prevent any jealousy or suspicion among such as were not present, and to prevent any reflections being cast on the conduct of those who were. But I beg leave to recommend to the publick the consideration of the advantages which may arise to the community from the continuance of such a committee. The trade of this colony is considerable and extensive, and no doubt many regulations might be made for its advancement; but, dispersed as the merchants are, and remote from each other, their sentiments cannot be known easily, or, when known, carried into execution, for want of a proper channel. That channel is now opened, and a confidence begun between the landed and trading parts of the colony (whose real interest is the same) which, it is hoped, will be productive of advantage and honour to both. Let this confidence be continued; let it increase; and let those illiberal distinctions which have too long prevailed among us be buried in oblivion. These are the sentiments of a man truly attached to the happiness of this country. He offers them with deference, and hopes that, at least, he may escape censure. Let not its being an anonymous production lessen the attention which it is wished may be given to it. No signature is necessary on such an occasion; its utility will be its best distinction. The author seeks no literary fame, and only hopes to enjoy, in common with his fellow citizens, those advantages which are derived to every individual in a well regulated community. A SUPPLICATION TO SLEEP. Care-charming sleep, thou easer of all woes, Beaumont and Fletcher's Valentinian. |