The Virginia Gazette

NEW YORK, March 26.

A few very mischievous spirits among the soldiery, supposed to be of the lowest rank, quartered in the barracks in this city, have again for this week past been endeavouring to raise ill will and disturbance between the citizens and the soldiers. The cause of such a malevolent disposition towards the inhabitants is unknown, as well as the persons supposed of it. It particularly shows itself on occasions, when every true friend to the English nation and government, every one who wishes its prosperity, and the preservation of its happy constitution, should feel dispositions of a quite opposite kind; an affectionate regard for a people so firmly attached to that constitution which is the glory and happiness of Englishmen, so loyal to his Majesty, and resolutely determined to defend and support, at the hazard of their lives and fortunes, him, and every order in the nation, in the full enjoyment of their just rights and privileges. Such principles and tempers, universally prevalent with the people here, which would have endeared them to every true Englishman, excites, it seems, the enmity of those lurking foes to peace and good order, to liberty and happiness, to the British King and Government.

After the entertainments on Wednesday the 18th instant (in commemoration of the repeal of the Stamp Act, which, if it had taken place, must have ruined the whole British empire) the evening having concluded with great good humour and harmony, the mast erected on the Common, inscribed to his Majesty, Mr. Pitt, and Liberty, on occasion of the repeal, was in the night cut down. Next day the inhabitants erected another, more large and substantial, secured with iron to a considerable height above ground. The same night attempts were made both to cut down and to undermine and dig it down, but without effect. On Saturday night, the 21st, there was an attempt to destroy it by gunpowder, by boring a hole, and charging it with powder; but this also failed. Next night (Sunday) a strong watch was set by the citizens, at an adjacent house; a small company of soldiers in the night appeared with their coats turned, armed with bayonets and sticks, but no guns. Some of the watch came out, asked who they were, and their business; but received no satisfactory answer. They then drew up before the door where the watch was kept; but, after a few words, thought proper to retire. On Monday, about six in the evening, a party of soldiers marched by the post, and as they passed by Mr. Bardin's tavern fired their muskets, two of which were pointed at the house; next morning it was found that a ball had been fired through the house, and another into one of the timbers. On Tuesday, about 1 o'clock in the afternoon, the same party, as it is supposed, took a ladder from a new building, which they carried to the barracks, and were from thence proceeding to the post; but being seen by an officer, he stopped and turned them back. And notice of this behaviour of the soldiers getting to the Governour and General, and the Magistrates of the city, we hear strict orders were immediately given, and effectual measures taken, to prevent disturbance, or any the like future occasion of it, since which all has been quiet; and we hope this matter, in itself trivial, and only considered as of importance by the citizens, as it showed an intention to offend and insult them, will occasion no further difference.