The Virginia Gazette

A Correspondent observes, that, at a Time when almost every American Pen seems to be drawn in Defence of our violated Rights, he is amazed that the judicious Advocates for Liberty should omit to give us their good Advice and Opinion on the fatal Consequences that must result from our large Importations from Great Britain, and our almost total Neglect of our own Manufactures, the most durable Source of Wealth and Independence. He further observes, that the immense Importation of London Porter and English Beer, at this perilous Crisis, is a glaring Instance of the Impolicy of his Countrymen, who prodigally lavish their Money for the Emolument of a Country at 3000 Miles Distance, a Country that is now abridging us of our Liberties, when they might have a Variety of excellent Beer, even Porter itself, made in this City, that would not disgrace the celebrated Ben Kenton's Cellar. This he thinks an ungenerous Return to the publick Spirit of our Brewers, who have not only risked large Sums for rendering their Business of Utility to their Country, as well as themselves, but have, on a trying Occasion, sacrificed their pecuniary Interest to promote publick Welfare. He concludes by advising his Countrymen not only to oppose the Ministry of Great Britain, and their Auxiliaries, the East India Slave Makers, with Regard to the Article of Tea, but also to forbear all unnecessary Importations; or by saving our Money we may preserve the Remains of our Liberty, if not regain those that are lost.

At the Time of the Non Importation Agreement a Vessel arrived here from England, loaded with Malt; and although the Article was at that Time very much wanted, the Brewers met, and in a most spirited Manner resolved not to purchase any Part of the Cargo.