FINDING these distressed times approaching fast, and suspecting that I should not be able to raise money fast enough to answer the pressing demands of my creditors, I thought it most prudent to convey my estate to Gentlemen (who were unexceptionable) in trust for all my creditors, expecting they would by that means make themselves better acquainted with the true state of my affairs for their rule how to proceed; but by various causes I was disappointed in my expectations, and obliged to make an offer of all my estate to my creditors, to share and share alike, on their giving me final discharge, that I might begin the world again, to endeavour to get something to support my wife and children with. Although many of my creditors have treated me with the greatest politeness, and accepted of the terms offered, by which means they have a conveyance of all my estate, for which they have given me a final discharge, yet many of my creditors have commenced suits against me, and others are endeavouring to harrass me., by suing of me in different courts, although I have made an offer to give all my creditors judgments, either in the county I live in, or in the General Court, that I might have expenses, which I find to be very great, and that I might by a habeas corpus remove all the causes into the General Court , and deliver myself up in custody, and make one imprisonment suffice for the whole, by taking the benefit of the insolvent act. As my creditors, who accepted of my estate, consented to let the deed lie open six months, that the rest of my creditors might have time to consider whether they would come in and accept of the terms offered by me, which was all publicly advertised immediately, as my intention was to do all the justice that lay in my power, under the nature of the statute of bankrupcy, and as the insolvent act will be too tedious and expensive, having already sunk a considerable sum in fees and commissions, and having already spent upwards of three years for a bare support, I do now give this publick notice that I shall apply to the next General Assembly for a final discharge from all my creditors, as I find I cannot succeed in the method now prescribed by law. I shall have to offer that as I have a reversion of whatever surplus there may be in the creditors hands, after paying themselves their just debts, I am ready to make it over to them; and I now do declare, upon honour, that I do believe that every debt may be justly paid if the slaves are kept together, and the works prosecuted to the greatest advantage, within the space of five years, as I do expect the estate will raise a profit of at least 3000£ this year, and that too under great disadvantages.As I do not mean to take any advantage of my creditors, they will always find me both ready and willing to do every thing that will lie in my power for their interest, while the estate is kept together, fully depending on their generosity to have the same tender regard for my family as I have for their interest, which I cannot render any service to but by the mode I now propose; for while such a cloud hangs over me it will not only put it out of my power to get into any business, or do theirs, but deprive me of an opportunity of getting something to support my family. As the weather was so bad last December court, I must once more request that the creditors will meet me in Williamsburg the day before the sitting of the Assembly.
B. Grymes.
To be SOLD, the first day of APRIL, at Fredericksburg, by decree of the General Court,
FOURTEEN valuable SLAVES; the tract of land whereon Benjamin Grymes formerly lived, containing 1600 acres, which will be divided into three parts; 1000 acres of land, on Massaponax; and two lots in the town of Fredericksburg, where the lower warehouses stand. The above is to satisfy a debt due to the late Col. John Champe. At the same time will be offered for sale the houses and lots in Fredericksburg wherein the said Grymes lately lives, adjoining the warehouses; also two lots, with stables for about 26 horses; 500 acres of exceeding good land, within two miles of the town; 1600 acres adjoining the furnance; also the forge, and about 2800 acres adjoining the same. The mortgages and trustees will be ready to join to make proper conveyances. It is proposed to sell by candle, to prevent disputes.
In obedience to a decree of the Honourable the General Court will be sold, for ready money, on the first Monday in April next, being Spotsylvania court day, at the town of Fredericksburg,
THE following LANDS and SLAVES, to satisfy a debt due from Benjamin Grymes, Esq; to the executors of the late John Champe, Esquire.
One tract whereon the said Grymes formerly lived, on Rappahannock river, containing about 1700 acres. One other tract near the former, containing about 700 acres, whereon is a smelting furnace now in blast, and sundry valuable improvements. The tracts are within 7 miles of Fredericksburg, and will be laid off, and sold in lots, as shall be adjudged most probable to enhance their value. Also the lots in the said town of Fredericksburg whereon the lower inspection now stands, together with the landing and wharfs thereto belonging. Likewise about 19 valuable slaves. The sale to begin at 10 o'clock in the morning, and continue until all are sold. An indisputable title will be made to the purchasers.
JOHN CARTER