The Virginia Gazette

WILLIAMSburg, Feb. 2.

We have the pleasure to inform the publick, that col. Charles Carter of Stafford goes prosperously on with his manufactory of SALTPETRE: and gives it as his opinion, that were people in general to pay proper attention to that business, Virginia might pay her quota of the expences of the war by it, as every house-keeper can, with much ease, make more or less. That gentleman writes, of the 21st instant: "I have got the following saltpetre works established, and am now on my way to many estates, where I hope that more will be set on foot in a very short time; and can with truth aver, that nothing but the neglect of the overseers can frustrate the scheme. No proper directions for making saltpetre having appeared in print, it may be expected that I should publish my own process; but as it would take up too much of your paper, I shall only mention, that any person may be taught by applying to any of the following gentlemen: Mess. Gilpin and Hartshorn, Alexandria; mr. Robert Bailey, Colchester; mr. John Murray, Dumfries; mr. John Smith, Aquia; mr. Joshua Brown, at Ludlow Farm, in Stafford; mr. William Nelson, in Caroline; and mr. William Griffin, of King and Queen." At Aquia we now make about 12 lbs. of refined saltpetre per day, at Dumfries 8 lbs. at Ravensworth 20 lbs. at Alexandria 10 lbs. at Colchester 6 lbs. and, when the whole get in motion, I do not doubt making from 500 to 1000 wt. per day, which I hope will add spirit to our glorious cause.