aged by Store-Keepers or Factors, either for themselves or
others in the Country, or in _Great Britain_.

This Trade is carried on in the fairest and genteelest Way of
Merchandize, by a great Number of Gentlemen of Worth and Fortune; who
with the Commanders of their Ships, and several _Virginians_ (who come
over through Business or Curiosity, or often to take Possession of
Estates, which every Year fall here to some or other of them) make as
considerable and handsom a Figure, and drive as great and advantageous a
Trade for the Advancement of the Publick Good, as most Merchants upon
the _Royal-Exchange_.

At the Stores in _Virginia_, the Planters, _&c._ may be supplied with
what _English_ Commodities they want.

The Merchants, Factors, or Store-Keepers in _Virginia_ buy up the
Tobacco of the Planters, either for Goods or current _Spanish_ Money, or
with _Sterling_ Bills payable in _Great Britain_.

The Tobacco is rolled, drawn by Horses, or carted to convenient Rolling
Houses, whence it is conveyed on Board the Ships in Flats or Sloops,
_&c._

Some Years ago there was made an Act to oblige all Tobacco to be sent to
convenient Ware-Houses, to the Custody and Management of proper
Officers, who were by Oath to refuse all bad Tobacco, and gave printed
Bills as Receipts for each Parcel or Hogshead; which Quantity was to be
delivered according to Order upon Return of those Bills; and for their
Trouble and Care in viewing, weighing, and stamping, the Officers were
allowed 5 _s. per_ Hogshead.

The Intent of this Law was to improve the Commodity, prevent Frauds in
publick Payments; and for Ease of the common Planters, and Expedition
and Conveniency of Shipping.

But though the first Design was for publick Tobacco only, yet the
private Crops of Gentlemen being included in the Law, was esteemed a
great Grievance; and occasioned Complaints, which destroyed a Law, that
with small Amendments might have proved most advantageous.

The Abrogation of this Law reduced the Sailors to their old Slavery of
rolling the Tobacco in some Places; where they draw it for some Miles,
as Gardeners draw a Roller, which makes them frequently curse the
Country, and thro' Prejudice give it a very vile Character.

The Tobacco purchased by the Factors or Store-Keepers, is sent Home to
their Employers, or consign'd to their correspondent Merchants in _Great
Britain_.

But most Gentlemen, and such as are beforehand in the World, lodge Money
in t