The Virginia Gazette

The following Address, it is Said, was sent to the Prince of Wales by the Stewards of the Society of Ancient Britons, but is apprehended it was not delivered to him.

Most gracious Prince,

"The infinite Concern we feel for the Disappointment which we have received, in not being permitted to Approach your Royal Highness with our usual Tribute of Respect and Attachment on the Day of our Anniversary, induces us to take this Method of expressing our Loyalty and Concern; and we flatter ourselves, Sir, that if our Sentiments should be communicated to your Royal Highness, our Zeal and Concern will appear in so strong and meritorious a Light that we shall not be deprived another Year of the Pleasure and Honour which have been denied us this.

"In the mean Time, we lament exceedingly that we should be deprived of this Opportunity of pouring forth the Effusions of the loyal and affectionate Heart, and of expressing in Person the sincere and respectable Attachment of his Majesty's loyal Subjects of the Principality of Wales, whose unalterable Zeal and Loyalty to their Prince stand recorded, and do Honour to the Page of History.

"We wish, Sir, to take every Opportunity, as loyal and dutiful Subjects ought, to promote that Harmony and good Understanding which constitutes the Glory of the Sovereign and Happiness of the People, whose Interests are inseparable; and sorry we are that an Obstacle should be laid in the Way of so necessary an Union, by denying us the usual access to our Prince, which is not denied by the most absolute Monarch.

"Whatever may be the true Cause of our Disappointment, as we presume it is altogether unmerited, so we look upon it as highly disgraceful to the whole Principality, whose Inhabitants receive a mortifying Check at a Time in which they thought their Loyalty and Attachment merited particular Attention and Encouragement, by Setting an Example of Duty and Affection to the rest of his Majesty's numerous Subjects; an Example, Sir, which has always been wished for and encouraged by Government until this Period.

"But although our Concern is as great as our Disappointment is unmerited, no Event whatever shall lessen our Loyalty and Attachment; and as a Proof of our Sincerity, we offer up to Heaven our Prayers that your Royal Highness may long, very long, enjoy your Health, and inherit the many Virtues of your Royal Father, and that every Day may greatly contribute to fill the Measure of a godlike Ambition to Secure the Hearts of a free and spirited People."

Signed by the STEWARDS,

the 1st of March 1773.