advances = advices?

[NewHopeR]

Context:

To render the justice of the war on our part the more conspicuous, the reluctance to commence it was followed by the earliest and strongest manifestations of a disposition to arrest its progress. The sword was scarcely out of the scabbard before the enemy was apprised of the reasonable terms on which it would be resheathed. Still more precise advances were repeated, and have been received in a spirit forbidding every reliance not placed on the military resources of the nation.

[Raymott]

Context:

To render the justice of the war on our part the more conspicuous, the reluctance to commence it was followed by the earliest and strongest manifestations of a disposition to arrest its progress. The sword was scarcely out of the scabbard before the enemy was apprised of the reasonable terms on which it would be resheathed. Still more precise advances were repeated, and have been received in a spirit forbidding every reliance not placed on the military resources of the nation.

No, it means 'advances', as in 4. below
n.
1. The act or process of moving or going forward.
4. advances Opening approaches made to secure acquaintance, favor, or an agreement; overtures.
. http://www.thefreedictionary.com/advances

[bhaisahab]

Also, "advice" is uncountable.