NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC - NEWSPAPERS - The Cape Fear Mercury, 22 Sep 1773 ==================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Sloan Mason SloMas7@aol.com ==================================================================== The Cape Fear Mercury Transcribed by Sloan Mason, from the website of Mark Murphy: http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~freshnup/markmurph/ With his kind permission. The Cape Fear Mercury Wednesday, September 22, 1773, Numb. 190. The Confession of Spencer DEW, lately Executed at Duplin, taken by Felix KENAN, Esq.; Sheriff of said County, and signed by the said Spencer DEW, at the Gallows, in presence of a large concourse of people. It is published at the request of Mr. KENAN from the original now in his hands. I am about thirty-eight years of age, I was born in North-Hampton County in this Province of honest Parents. I was first induced to Steal Cattle and Horses by George DUKES then joined in partnership with Tom and Michael ROGERS, and we Stole six Horses, and Passed? To the amount of One Thousand Pounds Conterfeit Money, but the greatest part thereof was Virginia Currency, which the said Tom and Michael made themselves. In the Year 1771, I joined in partnership with Ephraim and George LANE; and George LANE and myself Stole two Horses and a Mare, and Ephraim LANE bore our expences whilst we were in search of the said Horses, and he drew one third of the money we got for them. Then Ephraim LANE and myself Stole eight head of fat Hogs, and he said he had taken more before,a nd that they were the property of John TURNER. After this, Thomas HUNTER and myself broke open a House of Joseph PRICE on Roanok Rive, and took a finall? Trunk with some money in it, and a large Shot Gun. In the Year 1772, I joined with William and Pearson LANE, and we Stole six Horses and two Mares; we also unlatched the Door of Sarah HUNTER, went into the House, and lighted a candle, took a Key out of a Boy's pocket, unlocked the Store door,a nd went in, and took about Four Pounds in Proclamation Money,a nd about Fifty Pounds in Goods. I was also in partnership with Thomas ORMOND,a nd we Stole three Horses and a Mare, and about seventeen or eighteen Pounds Virginia Money from John HILL in Craven County, in South Carolina. Then with Ludowick OUTLAW we passed about Four Hundred Pounds Conterfeit Proclamation Money that one Captain JOHNSTON made; he lives on Thomsons Creek in South Carolina; afterwards ORMOND, Joseph CLARK, William JOHNSTON and myself, broke open the Store of Thomas COLLINS on Broad River; and Stole about One Hundred and Fifty Pounds Virginia Money, and Twenty Pair Of Blankets. Then with Drury GOODWIN, and Samuel LANE, we passed about Three Hundred Pounds Conterfeit Gold, Silver, and Virginia Money, John Nicholas SMITH and myself Stole from John MCINTOSH, a Horse and a Mare, and about Forty Shillings Cash; and from William WHITE in South Carolina about Thirteen Pounds Virginia Money. About the first of March last we were all apprehended in Hillsborough, and Samuel LANE made his escape; but having had notice given us, we hid our Counterfeit Money under the head of a bed, and when we were searched, finding none about us, we were Discharged. I was in combination with J---s D-V-S, P-t-r in NewBern, and received him Three Hundred Pounds Proc. Which I saw him make to Pass, and I was to give him one half of what I got for it; and in 1773, he also gave me Eight Hundred Pounds ore of his own make on the same terms, which I left in the possession of William MARSAULT?, I have seen Ja-s C---R, receive from said D-V-S, a 1/2? The full amount of Two Thousand Pounds Conterfeit, to Pass, and I verily do believe that John & George KENNEDY, are in Confederacy with said DAVIS. William MARSAULT and myself Stole from Joseph HOLT, nine barrels of Pitch; three barrels of Tar from Mr. CORNELL, and two barrels from Mrs. SMITH. In January or February, 1772; Robert MCLEAN and myself Stole from Mr. CORNELL, two barrels of Pork out of a Boat that came down Neuse River, and attempted to Steal another, but were discovered, I knocked down a man, and we both made out escape. About a Month ago William STRINGER got from J---S D-V-S (James DAVIS) One Hundred and Fifty Pounds Conterfeit to Pass on the same terms that I had mine. Since I broke custody after my Condemnation, I broke open Thomas SMITH'S House, on Neuse River in Dobbs County, and stole a Surtout? Coat, a Beaver Hat, a pair of Leather B----, ------ Jacket, a pair of thread Stockings, a Knife, ---------- Chissel, --- --- Powder, ------- ---- Meat and Shoulder of Pork. William MARSAULT and myself Stole from Samuel PARSONS, thirty eight pound of Bacon; and from Samuel CORNELL, two barrels of Corn. We made an attempt to break open John GREEN'S Store, but were prevented by feirce door? It has been maliciously reported, and industriously spread about that Felix KENAN, Esq. High Sheriff of Duplin County received a Brive from me, when I was left in his Custody, to favour my Escape. I now Declare before GOD and the WORLD, as I hope for SALVATION, that neither he the said Felix KENAN, nor any other Person, ever received any Bribe or Reward from me for that Purpose; nor was the said Felix KENAN privy to the means byt which I made my Escape. Signed: Spencer (X) DEW Spencer DEW was Condemned last June, and Executed the sd. Of August following. Taken up by the subscriber in New Hanover County on the North East of Cape Fear river in North Carolina, a new negro man, calls himself ABRAHAM, he is about 5 feet 7 inches high, between 25 and 30 years of age, with his upper teeth fil'd; had on a negro-cloth jacket and trousers, speaks but very little English. The owner is desired to come and prove his property with paying all charges to John BUFORD, Sept. 1, 1773. Just Imported in the Ship SPENCER, Captain M. LEOD from London. A large and compleat assortment of European and East India goods suitable for the season, which will be sold on the most reasonable terms by SOUTHERLAND and CRUDEN in Wilmington and John CRUDEN and Co. at Cross-Creek. September 21, 1773. The Partnership of COBHAM and TUCKER will be dissolved the first Day of October next. They request all persons who are indebted to them to make Payment; and those to whom the Company is indebted to send in their Accompts immediately to either of Partners. The preceeding Requests they hope will be complied with, their affairs rendering a settlement absolutely necessary. Sept. 22. Any Person having a plantation to dispose from 500 to 1000 acres of land fit for rice, indigo or wheat may hear of a purchaser by sending a particular description and the price that will be asked therefor to Adam BOYD. Notice is hereby given, that a Court of Chancery will be held at Newbern on Thursday the Fourteenth Day of October next. By Order, J. BIGOLESTON, R.C.C. Sept. 15th, 1773. Whereas Mr. James ERWIN has by an advertisement of the 10th current, forbid any person from purchasing a tract of land upon the Sound, lately advertised for sale byt eh subscriber, upon a pretence of his having a right therto; and wheras the subscribe is fully satisfied of the validity of his right to them, he gives this public notice, that he will warrant the titles to be good, to any person that is inclinable to purchase them. Jo. MURRAY. To be Sold, A quantity of the very best negro cloth, ruggs, blankets, and a variety of other articles lately imported at advance two & half for one from the sterling invoice, also a few casks of madeira wine at 1 sl.? per cask, bohea? Tea 6s 8 d per lb.; muscovado sugar, coffee and jamaica spirits----- Tar, turpentine or lumber will be taken in payment by J. BURGWIN. Taken up by the subscriber, a bay Mare, about 13 hands high, and about 7 years old, branded on the mounting shoulder and thigh thus S. the owner is desired to apply to John BELL. As several Persons in this Town make a practice to purchase from my Negroes whatever they pillage from my House in town or Plantation below, and I have certain information of rum having been sold them,a nd am no stranger to those who are concerned; I give this notice that I will for the future prosecute any person of offending against the Laws of Province with the utmost rigour. William HOOPER. FOUR POUND REWARD Ran Away, from the Subscriber, an Irish Servant Man, named Patrick MURPHEY, of the Age of 24 Years, about five Feet, ten Inches High, and able bodied Man, dark Hair inclining to curl; talks upon the Brogue; had one when he went away a green Sailor Jacket, A Shirt and -----------------------, also white thread Stockings, a pair of broad rim'd Pewter Buckles with Brass --------- tongues, he had a coarle? Small Hatt, a blew and white Check Hand-Kerchief marked in one corner. T. B. Whoever takes up and Secures the said Servant so that his Master may have him again, shall receive the above Reward, and all Reasonable Charges Paid by James BLYTH. N.B. Said Patrick MURPHY is a Sawyer by Trade. Wilmington, August 3, 1773. (Thurs.) To be Sold and entered upon immediately. That convenient and valuable lot and tar-house at the lower end of Wilmington formerly called Purviance's wharf and tar-house, but now the property of John EDWARDS Esq. Of South Carolina, whoever is inclinable to purchase will know the terms by applying to John BURGWIN. August 22nd, 1773. Three Pounds Reward Run away from Subscriber September 8th, 1773, an Indented Servent Girl named Mary KELLY lately from Ireland, but says she has lived 14 years in London, is about 18 or 20 years of age, five feet six or eight inches high, stoops in her walking, fair complection and redish hair, had on when she went away a little round man's hat, green petticoat and black tuff? Shoes; took with her, two striped blew and white collor and calico with red flowers, ---- gowns, and 6 yard; of dark coloured calico not made up. Whoever takes up the said run away servant, and secures her in any of his Majesty's Goals so that she may be had again, shall be entitled to the above reward, and if brought home all resonable charges paid by me. George BARNES, a the firm of HARP & CROWN in Wilmington, September 13, 1773. The Subscribers to this Paper and the to Salsbury Rider, are requested to Pay their Subscriptions in Anson County to Mr. ----- or his Agent-at the Court House in Mecklenburg to Mr. William PATTERSON, or Mr. Jeremeah MCCAFFERTY. In Charlotte to Mr. John McKuis ALEXANDER, In N-an to Mr. Maxwell CHAMBERS, to Mr. William STEEL in Salisbury; --- in Surry to Mr. LANIER, or Col. ANDREWS,-- in upper part of Guilford, to Major Tobus? CAMPBELL, or the Rev'd David CALDWELL,--- in the lower part of Guilford, to Col. John MCGEE. It is expected this Notice will be duly attended to,a nd in October next a Person will be at these different Places to Receive the Money. N.B. Scare any thing hath yet been Paid for the Rider, except in Surry, where every Subscriber paid one year's Subscription when they Signed the Agreement. This is to Give Notice, that Thomas Brown Copper-Smith from Philadelphia, has let up his business in Wilmington, where he makes and sells the following articles, viz: Stills, Brew kettles, wash kettles and tea kettles, also all other kinds of copper work, he has just imported a variety of tin-ware and sheet-tin, which he will sell very low; he likewise acquaints his friends & customers that he is determined to give no credit for repairing any old copper ware. To Be Sold At Public Sale, On Monday the 6th of December next, at the Plantation of the late Mr. Henry HYRNE, Deceased. About 18 Negroes, most of them very valuable among which are Coopers, Sawyers, several strong, field negro men and a cook; also a stock of about 80 head of fine large cattle, about 15 of which are fat beeves; a parcel of work horses and oxen, a good waggon, carts, plows and other plantation utensils, a flock of near 40 sheep and about as many hogs, also good beds, beding, chairs, tables and a variety of other valuable household furniture; the terms of the sale will be six months credit for all sums exceeding 5l, on giving judgement bonds upon interest from the date with approved security to Frederick JONES, executor, and for all sums under the above sum of 5l. ready money; should it prove bad weather on the day appointed for the sale, it will begin the first fair day after, and continue till all are sold. All persons who have any; demands against the said estate are desired to bring in their accounts properly attested; also those indebted thereto are required to make immediate payment. The house (which is large and commodious having four good rooms on a floor, with four dry cellars) and plantation are to be rented on reasonable terms & entered on Immediately after the sale, on which are all convenience --- and other outhouses, a large parcel of cleared land under good fences and several fields in good order both for rice & corn. There is also another plantation joining the above to be rented, whereon is a parcel of cleared land chiefly fenced in, the situation and quality of the aforesaid lands are to well known, it will be needless to mention the many advantages arising from farming & making every sort of grain on them, for terms with respect to renting the aforesaid house and plantations apply to Frederick JONES, Executor. September 8, 1773 Wheras my Office of Sheriff for New Hanover County will expire next month, and as there is an immediate necessity for collecting the different taxes, to as to enable me to exonerate myself and my securities before the sitting of the General Assembly, and it being inconvenient for me at present to attend for the purpose: This is to give notice that Mr. John JAMES of the Welch Tract is properly authorized to collect such taxes as are due to me. And I give this further notice, that all persons who are indebted to me for taxes during my former shrievalty for? the years 1763, 1764, and 1765, will be called upon after the 10th day of September next, and those who neglect or refuse to pay, will be distrained? Upon without respect of persons. Arthur BENNING, Wilmington, August 25. Wilmington (Cape-Fear) Printed for Adam BOYD (Price 16s a Year) (The editorial of this paper was not transcribed; as it was too hard to read)