The Virginia Gazette

July 13. We are informed, that should the disturbances in New England continue till the next sitting of parliament, an act will be passed to make it lawful to try, by a court-martial, all such persons as shall be taken in arms after the proclamation. On a day to be specified in the act. Others affirm, that a court of Oyer and Terminer shall be established, for the special purpose of trying the rebels at Boston; and that no person, suspected by the king's council as affected to the supremacy of parliament over America, shall be permitted to sit upon any jury: This measure will be less liable to objections than the bringing of the culprits to be tried in this country.

It is said, that the reason for delaying the 5000 men, which the ministry designed to send to America, is, that the three generals lately arrived at Boston have sent it home, as their opinion, that they may be able to defeat the provincials without farther assistance, though general Gage thinks 15,000 men absolutely necessary for the reduction of New England. The transports, however, are taken up, and several regiments have received orders to hold themselves in readiness at the shortest notice; so that in case the projected attack on the provincials under Putnam should not appear practicable to our general officers, the reinforcements shall be embarked in the first week in August.

Yesterday the sheriffs waited on his majesty at St. James's, to know when he would be pleased to be waited on with the city address and petition, praying his majesty to cause hostilities to cease between Great Britain and America, and to adopt such measures as will restore union, confidence, and peace, over the British empire. They were graciously received, and his majesty was pleased to appoint Friday at 2 o'clock.