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diff --git a/22405.txt b/22405.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..07c25b8 --- /dev/null +++ b/22405.txt @@ -0,0 +1,3452 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Olden Time Series: Vol. 2: The Days of +the Spinning-Wheel in New England, by Henry M. Brooks + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Olden Time Series: Vol. 2: The Days of the Spinning-Wheel in New England + Gleanings Chiefly from old Newspapers of Boston and Salem, Massachusetts + +Editor: Henry M. Brooks + +Release Date: August 26, 2007 [EBook #22405] +[Last updated: May 6, 2012] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OLDEN TIME SERIES *** + + + + +Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Christine D. and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + + + + +_THE OLDEN-TIME SERIES._ + +16mo. Per vol., 50 cents. + + * * * * * + +There appears to be, from year to year, a growing popular taste for +quaint and curious reminiscences of "Ye Olden Time," and to meet this, +Mr. Henry M. Brooks has prepared a series of interesting handbooks. The +materials have been gleaned chiefly from old newspapers of Boston and +Salem, sources not easily accessible, and while not professing to be +history, the volumes contain much material for history, so combined and +presented as to be both amusing and instructive. The titles of some of +the volumes indicate their scope and their promise of entertainment:-- + + CURIOSITIES OF THE OLD LOTTERY. + DAYS OF THE SPINNING-WHEEL. + SOME STRANGE AND CURIOUS PUNISHMENTS. + QUAINT AND CURIOUS ADVERTISEMENTS. + LITERARY CURIOSITIES. + NEW-ENGLAND SUNDAY, ETC. + + * * * * * + +"It has been the good fortune of the writer to be allowed a peep at the +manuscript for this series, and he can assure the lovers of the +historical and the quaint in literature that something both valuable and +pleasant is in store for them. In the specialties treated of in these +books Mr. Brooks has been for many years a careful collector and +student, and it is gratifying to learn that the material is to be +committed to book form."--_Salem Gazette._ + + * * * * * + +_For sale by all Booksellers. Sent, post-paid, upon receipt of price. +Catalogues of our books mailed free._ + + TICKNOR & CO., BOSTON. + + + + +THE OLDEN TIME SERIES + + * * * * * + +THE DAYS OF THE SPINNING-WHEEL IN NEW ENGLAND + +_"To say that the past is of no importance, unworthy of a moment's +regard, because it has gone by, and is no longer anything, is an +argument that cannot be held to any purpose; for if the past has +ceased to be, and is therefore to be accounted nothing in the scale of +good or evil, the future is yet to come, and has never been +anything."_--HAZLITT. + + * * * * * + + "_In my young days, when I was_ leetle, + _The only steam came from the kettle._ + + .... + + "_The_ Gals _on good old Dobbins rid then, + But folks don't do as they used to_ did _then._ + + .... + + _"Heigho! I grieve, I grieve + For the good old days of Adam and Eve._" + + From HENRY J. FINN'S "Good Old Times," + + October, 1827. + + + + +THE OLDEN TIME SERIES + + +GLEANINGS CHIEFLY FROM OLD NEWSPAPERS OF BOSTON AND SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS + + +SELECTED AND ARRANGED, WITH BRIEF COMMENTS + +BY + +HENRY M. BROOKS + + * * * * * + +The Days of the Spinning-Wheel in New England + + "Old and new make the warp and woof of every moment. There is + no thread that is not a twist of these two strands. By necessity, by + proclivity, and by delight, we all quote."--EMERSON + + +[Illustration] + +BOSTON + +TICKNOR AND COMPANY + +1886 + +_Copyright, 1885,_ + +BY TICKNOR AND COMPANY. + +_All rights reserved._ + + +University Press: + +JOHN WILSON AND SON, CAMBRIDGE. + + + + +INDEX OF NAMES. + + PAGE + + ABERDOUR, JOHN LORD 71 + Adams, Samuel 71 + Amherst, General 38 + Amiel, John 53 + Amory, Jonathan 79 + Apthorp, Charles Ward 30 + Apthorpe, Charles 33 + Apthorpe, Rev. Mr. 33 + Apthorpe, Susan 33 + Ashton, John 35 + Avery, John 55, 56 + + BALCH, Rev. Mr. 29 + Balkum, Daniel 89 + Barnard, Benjamin 61 + Belknap, Jeremiah 29 + Bernard, Gov. Francis 35, 36, 37, 46 + Blanchard, Caleb 84 + Bollan, William 9 + Bowditch, Nathaniel 42 + Bowdoin, Hon. James 33 + Bowdoin, Miss 33 + Brattle, William 63 + Breck, Samuel 88 + Brenton, Benjamin 54 + Britt, Thomas 59 + Brown, B. 97 + Brown, Obadiah 64 + Bulfinch, Dr. Thomas 33 + Butler, Mr. 21 + + CALDWELL, JAMES 68 + Carpenter, Captain 19 + Carr, Colonel 68 + Chase, Samuel & William 21 + Clark, John 68 + Clark, Stephen 13 + Clarke, Richard 59 + Clarke, Sukey 59 + Cole, Patrick 68 + Colman, Rev. Henry 97 + Cooper, William 20 + Copeland, E. Jr. 86 + Copley, John Singleton 59, 72 + Crocker, Cornelius 10 + Crosby, John 60 + + DALAND, B. 97 + Dalrymple, Colonel 68 + Dana, Rev. Mr. 81 + Darley, Arthur 57 + Davis, Joshua 60 + Deane, Rev. Samuel 93 + Deane, Mrs. 93 + Deshon, Moses 15 + Douglass, Mr. 39, 41 + + EASTLAKE, SIR CHARLES 6 + Edes & Gill 11,16,32,43 + Elliot, Sally 33 + Elliot, Simon 33, 85, 86 + Ellis, Mrs. 91 + Ellis, Rev. Mr. 90 + Elwell, Edward H. 93 + Emerson, R.W. 6 + Erving, John 67 + + FLEMMING, ALBERT 98 + Flynt, Henry 17, 18 + Fowle & Draper 48 + Franklin, Dr. Benjamin 24 + Franklin, Elizabeth 24 + + GAY, MARTIN 59 + Gordon, James 79 + Gorham, Joseph 10 + Gray, Samuel 68 + Green & Russell 34, 47, 52 + Greene, John 68 + Gwin, Captain 56 + + HANCOCK, JOHN 69 + Haskell, Philemon 91 + Hawthorne, Nathaniel 42 + Henshaw, Joshua, Jr. 59 + Hickling, William 61 + Hill, Colonel John 59 + Hill, Katherine 59 + Holyoke, Edward 14 + Hudson, James 9 + Hurd, John 62, 63 + + INCH, JOHN 16 + + JOHNSON, MR. 68 + + KING CHARLES I. 5 + King George II. 10 + King George III. 37, 44 + + LEE, FRANCIS H. 86 + Lewis, Phillip 71 + Loyal, Paul 35 + + MACAULAY, T.B. 5 + Marshall, Thomas 29 + Mason, Colonel David 39, 40 + Maverick, Samuel 68 + Micklefield, William 86, 87, 88 + Minot, George R. 70 + Monk, Christopher 68 + Morgan, Captain 34, 35 + Morton, Captain 68 + Murray, Mrs. 82 + Murray, Rev. Mr. 82 + + OLIVER, ANDREW 37 + + PAINE, WILLIAM 50 + Parker, David 68 + Parkman, Samuel 80 + Payne, Edward 68 + Peirce, Benjamin 42 + Pelham, Charles 72 + Pelham, Mrs. 72 + Perkins, Thomas H. 33 + Phenix, John 4 + Pickering, Colonel Timothy 42, 46 + Pickering, John 42 + Pickering, Timothy, Sr. 44, 46 + Pope of Rome 85 + Poynton, Thomas 51, 52 + Prescott, John 39 + Prescott, William H. 42 + Preston, Captain 68 + Prince of Wales 28 + + QUEEN ANNE 6 + + READ, THOMAS 16 + Revere, Paul 71 + Rhodes, Captain 84 + Rogers, Rev. Mr. 13 + Rowe, John 54 + Ruskin, John 99 + Russell, Benjamin 25 + Russell, Daniel 65 + + SALISBURY, ELIZABETH 67 + Salisbury, Samuel 67 + Savage, Samuel Phillips 63 + Scott, William 94 + Shays, Daniel 89 + Shirley, General William 28 + Spencer, Herbert 6 + Stevens, Captain 80 + Storr, Marmaduke 60 + Story, Joseph 42 + Story, William W. 42 + + TEMPLE, HON. JOHN 33 + Thorn, Dr. 50 + Treadwell, Jonathan 92 + + UPHAM, CHARLES W. 47 + + WASHINGTON, GEORGE 4 + Waters, Josiah 29 + Watson, Mr. 21 + Webb, Joseph, Jr. 71 + Whipple, Joseph 90 + Whitefield, Rev. George 57, 58 + Whitmore, Major-General 66 + Wickham, Captain 56 + Winter, Joshua 80 + Willard, Joseph 75, 78 + Williams, Jonathan 70 + Wolfe, General James 25, 27 + Wood, William 13 + +[Illustration] + + + + +THE DAYS OF THE SPINNING-WHEEL + +IN NEW ENGLAND. + + * * * * * + +WITHIN the last few years many young ladies have searched country houses +or ransacked old garrets to find spinning-wheels, which, like old +chairs, tall clocks, and warming-pans, have now become objects of +curiosity and interest to those who take a fancy to antique articles. It +has become fashionable to have these things to adorn our Queen Anne +houses. And brass andirons and shovels and tongs have come into request, +so that we may enjoy the luxury of an open wood fire, which, to our +mind, is one of the most cheerful things in this world. Some one has +remarked "that to be well-dressed gives a feeling of satisfaction that +religion fails to give;" but to us, to sit before a blazing wood fire on +a dull, cold evening, gives a feeling of comfort and delight which +surpasses anything we know of. What charming companionship in a wood +fire! Better than the company of uncongenial persons. + + "Old wood to burn," + "Old books to read:" + +these are enough; we will leave out the "old wine to drink." + + "This bright wood fire, + So like to that which warmed and lit + My youthful days, how doth it flit + Back on the periods nigher! + Re-lighting and re-warming with its glow + The bright scenes of my youth,--all gone out now." + +Glance backward to some years before the Revolution, and we shall find a +spinning-wheel in every house, and then, probably, in constant use. Now +its place in our homes is taken by the piano. This instrument had not +then come into use. Something resembling it,--namely, the spinnet or the +harpsichord,--was to be found in some instances; but it was by no means +common to find these, for there was but little knowledge of music in +America in those days. A hundred years ago, only one or two churches in +Boston had organs, and the public taste, except in rare cases, was +decidedly against music of all kinds, especially sacred music. To show +how this was, we have heard an old lady say that when she was young, +some eighty years or so ago, "musicians, for the most part, were not +thought much of" by the most cultivated people of that time; and she +assured me that even at a later date, members of military bands, as well +as organists and violinists (then called fiddlers) were too often low +characters and men much addicted to drinking. The times were too hard +for the New England people of those days to cultivate music or indulge +in entertainments of any kind except "going to meeting." There was but +little money in circulation, and that was almost always in the form of a +depreciated currency. Gold and silver were scarce articles, and a large +proportion of the necessities of life and luxuries--if luxuries they +could be called; they would hardly be so considered by us--were imported +from England or elsewhere. The leading occupations were farming, +fishing, making New England rum, importing rum, sugar, and molasses +from the West Indies, and dry goods from England. The common people were +poor enough, in comparison with the condition of the same class at the +present time, when they make as good an appearance as the wealthy did a +hundred years ago. It would be safe to say that they have more comforts +and conveniences in their homes to-day than the more prosperous had at +the time of the Revolution. The humorist, John Phenix, said that "Gen'l +Washington never saw a steamboat, nor rode in a railroad car;" and +possibly his house was not heated by steam, or furnished with pipes for +hot and cold water. Nor did he ever use gas, or the telegraph or +telephone. Whether the people who lived then would have shown the +extravagance which characterizes our time if they had possessed the +means, is a question not easily to be answered; but it is certain they +were more frugal than we are, if not more industrious. The Revolution +left the masses of the people in rather a destitute condition, and they +were forced to be economical. Their habits were so entirely different +from modern habits that it would exceed our limits to undertake to draw +a careful comparison. It is said that the people of those days bewailed +the degeneracy of the times, and spoke of the industry and frugality of +earlier periods. + + NORWICH, May 6, 1784. + + A correspondent observes, that the extravagances of the + present day are fully demonstrated in the broadcloth coats + and silk gowns,--the powder and feathers, the ruffles and + cardinals, the silk stockings and feet trappings--In the + feasts, the dancing parties and select companies--and what + is the more melancholy, all orders and degrees help form the + circle.--Where is the simplicity in dress and manners; + temperance in meats and drinks, which formed the virtuous + characters of our illustrious ancestors?--O! the degeneracy + of the times! + + _Salem Gazette._ + +Just as our ancestors did, as Macaulay says, in the days of Charles the +First; they thought they were not as good as their ancestors had been. +This habit of looking back to a time so remote that "distance lends +enchantment to the view," seems to be almost universal. It is this +feeling of reverence for the old that makes it so interesting to us, and +leads us to look at things of the past poetically rather than +practically; although it is true that sometimes the interest taken in +inconvenient and uncomfortable articles arises rather from their age +than from anything else. But oftentimes the very simplicity, solidity, +and strength of old furniture, for instance, is charming, in contrast +with the elaborate, unmeaning carvings and flimsy character of more +modern productions. We are beginning to see how much more sensible the +Chippendale and other styles commended by Eastlake and some other +writers on household art are to much that has been produced in later +times. Yet we must allow that prejudice and fashion go a great way in +determining our likes and dislikes, in furniture as well as in dress and +other things. Very likely in a few years we shall tire of the Queen Anne +houses and furniture, and hard floors, and have a surfeit of +_Anglomania_, especially if we carry the taste too far. In this country, +as Emerson says, "Every rider drives too fast." It is hard to be simple +and slow. We must build fast, eat fast, and live fast. But Emerson says +again, "Nature has no respect for haste." Herbert Spencer has given us +in a kindly spirit some hints on this score which it would be well to +heed. But we are wandering from our immediate subject. Our desire is to +illustrate, in the very words of the people of the period we refer to, +the views they entertained of economy and industry, and how they carried +them out. We will begin, then, in the year 1759, with a curious letter +to the "Boston Gazette" of June 11 of that year, in which the writer +gives some account of the cost of provisions at that period. + + _To the Trading and Farming People of_ New England. + + GENTLEMEN. + + I Have been coming and going among you since the Year 1745. + I am now once more on Service in this Part of the World, and + not a little surprized at the Alteration in the Value of + your Provisions, since my Knowledge of your Country. When I + first came among you, I could have bought a Pound of Beef + for a Penny, a Goose for a Shilling, a Fowl for three Pence, + and so in Proportion. It now is, I think, four Pence + Sterling for a Pound of Beef, eighteen Pence Sterling for a + Fowl, and three Shillings for a Goose. Pray Gentlemen, when + that is the Price at _Boston_, what must we pay for it at + _Louisbourg_, after it has gone thro' the Hands of many + different People that are to live out of it. Our Pay is not + increased. + + I would say nothing to influence you to sell cheaper, from + Motives disinterested or publick spirited, as that weighs + but little with the Generality of Mankind. But consider your + own Interest, the War can last but little longer: This + Campaign, in all Probability, will put an End to it, then + where will you find a Market for your Stock you raise. + Consider with the Fall of this present Summer, its pretty + certain the Soldiers and Seamen at present employed for your + Defence, will be called to Britain: Take the Market while it + holds Gentlemen. We have Beef found us, that is to say, the + Publick purchases it; let us now and then taste of your + Veal, Mutton and Fowls for our Money, and we will spend all + among you; and we expect both Interest and Inclination will + prompt you to give us an ample Supply. + + I am your Friend, _An_ ANTI-CANADIAN. + + * * * * * + +In the same paper is an auction advertisement, showing how they mixed +the different kinds of _property_. + + TO be Sold by publick Vendue on _Scarlet's_ Wharff, at the + North End of _Boston_, THIS AFTERNOON, at IV o'Clock, Sundry + Hogsheads of Sugar, four likely Negro Men, and a Parcel of + old Copper; Prize Goods lately brought into this Port. + + * * * * * + +On the 19th November we are shown how remittances were made in those +days. + + We hear that the Treasurer of this Province has received a + Bill of Lading for two Boxes of Portugal Gold, ship'd by Mr. + Agent Bollan, on board the Mercury Man of War, amounting to + Twenty thousand six hundred and eighty Pounds, seventeen + shillings and six Pence; being Part of the L27,000 granted + by Parliament in 1757, to this Province, to recompence them + for the Expences they were at in the Expedition in + 1756.--Said Ship may be daily expected. + + * * * * * + +And here is a description of a vessel of the time. + + Mr. James Hudson came Passenger in the Vessel that arriv'd + at Cape-Ann, mention'd in our last, which saw a Wreck in + Lat: 36, he says, she was a Frigate built Ship of about 200 + Tons burthen, had a Lion Head painted yellow, a short Topgal + on Quarter-Deck, a small Tafrail painted yellow, Quarters + and Stern painted blue, had a large Trophies painted on her + Stern and gilt, full of Water, and no living Person on + board. + + * * * * * + +On the 5th February in that year, this was the way they advertised for +recruits for the Government service, offering among other inducements, +"a Crown to drink the King's health." + + ALL able-bodied fit Men that have an Inclination to serve + His Majesty King GEORGE the Second, in the first Independent + Company of Rangers, now in the Province of _Nova-Scotia_, + commanded by _Joseph Gorham, Esq_; shall, on inlisting, + receive good Pay and Cloathing, a large Bounty, with a Crown + to drink the King's Health. And by repairing to the Sign of + the Bear in King-Street, _Boston_, and to Mr. _Cornelius + Crocker_, Innholder in _Barnstable_, may hear the particular + Encouragement, and many Advantages accruing to a Soldier, in + the Course of the Duty of that Company, too long to insert + here; and further, may depend on being discharged at the + Expiration of the Time entertained for, and to have every + other Encouragement punctually compli'd with. + + * * * * * + +There was a meeting of "very agreeable Ladies" in the interests of +economy about the same time. + + In a large Circle of very agreeable Ladies in this Town, it + was unanimously agreed to lay aside the Use of Ribbons, &c. + &c. &c. for which there has been so great a Resort to + Milliners in times past----It is hoped that this Resolution + will be followed by others of the Sex throughout the + Province--_How agreeable will they appear in their native + Beauty, stript of these Ornaments, from the prevailing + Motive of Love to their Country._ + + We must after all our Efforts, depend greatly upon the + Female Sex for the Introduction of Oeconomy among us: And + those who have the Pleasure of an Acquaintance with them, + assure us that their utmost Aid will not be wanting. + + So strong is the Disposition of the Inhabitants of this Town + to take off the Manufactures that come from the Country + Towns, especially Womens and Childrens Winter Apparel, that + nothing is wanting but an Advertisement where they may be + had in Town, which will be taken in, and published by the + Printers of this Paper _Gratis_. + + * * * * * + +Labrador tea began to take the place of green and bohea. + + Messieurs EDES & GILL, + + THE use of _Hyperion_ or _Labradore Tea_, is every day + coming into more general vogue among people of all ranks. + The virtues of the plant or shrub from which this delicate + _Tea_ is gathered, were first discovered by the + _Aborigines_, and from them the _Canadians_ learned them. It + soon became into such repute that quantities were sent to + _France_, where I have heard say, it was soon in such + demand, as alarmed the _French East-India_ company, and + procured an ordinance prohibiting the importation of any + more on the pain of death. So little do some politicians + regard the health or even the life of man, when either of + them appear to be incompatible with their particular + interests, views and projects. Before the cession of + _Canada_ to _Great-Britain_, we knew little or nothing of + this most excellent herb: but since that we have been taught + to find it growing on every hill and dale, between the Lat. + 40 & 60. It is to be found all over New-England in great + plenty, and that of the best quality, particularly on the + banks of _Penobscot_, _Kennebeck_, _Nichewannock_ and + _Merrimac_. Immense quantities may be found on the mountains + near the great lakes. + + Nothing short of the highest degree of infatuation and + madness could ever have prevailed with us to introduce + unwholesome Exoticks. The voice of reason crys louder than + ever for their perpetual banishment; and the further use of + them must be accounted for but by the force of invincible + prejudice. This indeed sometimes leads to a preference of + rank poison if far fetched and dear bought, to the most + salubrious draught at hand, with little pains or cost, tho' + of inestimable value. + + A TEA-DRINKER. + + * * * * * + +The following items, Sept. 17, 1759, throw some light on the state of +the country in some parts of New England, where, even if the "Lyons" +once seen at Cape Ann by Wood had departed, there were still some bears, +one having been seen within two miles of Boston. + + We hear from Brentwood, in New Hampshire Government, as two + Children were gathering Beans in a Field, a large Bear came + upon them and kill'd them both;--The Bear was pursued, but + could not be found. + + Also from Chester, in the same Government, that a few Days + after the above, another Bear came behind a Woman as she was + walking along, not far from her House, and tore off the hind + Part of her Gown, which he carried off in his Mouth;--but + the Woman happily made her Escape from him. + + And from Kingston, in the County of Worcester, we hear, that + on Tuesday last as Mr. Stephen Clark of that Town was out a + Hunting after Bears, his Next Door Neighbour went out into + his Cornfield just at Evening, and seeing something move + which he thought was one of those Animals, shott at it, and + upon his coming to the place, found it to be Mr. Clark as + above-mention'd, shot thro' his Head, to his great surprize. + + We hear from Kittery, that in about 13 Days past, seven + large Bears have been kill'd within a Mile of the Rev. Mr. + Rogers's Meeting House. + + It is said some of these voracious Animals have ventured + down even to some of the Seaport Towns at the + Eastward.--Two of them were seen at Medford last Week; and + one of them has been lately killed within two Miles of this + Metropolis. Some have weighed above 300 lb. Wt. + + * * * * * + +Notice to Students of Harvard College: + + _THIS is to give Notice to the Candidates for their second + Degree at_ Harvard-College _this Year, that they attend at + the College by the 11th Day of_ July _next, and if any shall + neglect their Attendance accordingly, without sufficient + Reason therefor, they may not expect their said Degrees this + Year._ Cambridge, June 9, 1759. + + EDWARD HOLYOKE, President. + + _NOTICE is hereby given to all who desire an Admission into_ + Harvard College _this Year, That the President and Tutors + have determined to attend the Business of Examination on + Friday and Saturday the 19th and 20th Days of_ July _next._ + + Cambridge, June 9, 1759. EDWARD HOLYOKE, Pres. + + * * * * * + +When we remember the present condition of the city of Lynn, it is +interesting to note how that place stood in reference to the shoe +industry in the year 1762. The "Boston Gazette" of November 2 says:-- + + We are confidently told, that in the Town of Lynn upwards of + Forty Thousand Pair of Womens Shoes have been made in one + Year, equal in Goodness to any imported from Abroad--It is + thought that in a few Years they will be supply'd with + Callimanco and other Stuffs manufactured in this Province. + + * * * * * + +The statement has often been made by connoisseurs that there was no +mahogany furniture in America before the Revolution; but this is a +mistake, for here, in the "Boston Gazette" of Feb. 5, 1759, is an +advertisement announcing the sale of a "Beautiful Mehogany Desk and +Book-Case." Probably this was an early specimen of such kind of work, as +mahogany, it is said, was not introduced into Europe long before this +time. + + _To be Sold by_ Moses Deshon, + + On Dock-Square, Next Wednesday, at V o'Clock, in the + Afternoon, and Friday Evening following. + + _A Handsome 8 Day Clock, a Brass Grate, Shovel Fire, Tongs, + Tables, and a Variety of other Articles; a fine Assortment + of English, Scotch, and French Goods._ N.B. _A beautiful + Mehogany Desk and Book-Case; and a Quantity of Cannon-Powder + to dispose of at private Sale._ + + * * * * * + +A curious advertisement of a runaway convict in Maryland appears in the +same paper, Sept. 15, 1759:-- + + Fifteen Pistoles Reward. + + RAN-AWAY from the Subscriber, (living at ANNAPOLIS, in + MARYLAND) in _June_ last, a Convict Servant Man, named + _Thomas Read_, alias _Cutbert_, about 25 or 30 Years of Age, + 5 Feet, 4 Inches high, well set, grey Eyes, large Nose, and + had short brown curl'd Hair. He is supposed to be in + _Boston_, or some of the Northern Governments; is a + Jeweller, and Motto-Ring-Engraver, and is an artful + talkative pert Fellow;--can write pretty well, and has + doubtless help'd himself to a Discharge, Pass, or any other + Writing to deceive, and suit his Purpose; His Apparel is + probably genteel, as he had Money with him, a Watch in his + Pocket, and a large Stock of Pride; By what Name he now goes + is uncertain, as he has Impudence eno to pick & chuse any he + should think proper. + + Whoever takes the said Convict Servant, and returns him to + his Master, shall have FIFTEEN PISTOLES Reward, and + reasonable Charges paid, by + + _Annapolis, September 15, 1759._ JOHN INCH. + + Boston, Printed and Sold by EDES & GILL. 1759. + + * * * * * + +In the year 1762 there appears to have been quite a stir in reference to +economy and home productions, and doubtless the spinning-wheels were +constantly in use. In the "Boston Gazette," November 2, is a very +curious letter of Henry Flynt, a noted teacher, addressed to the ladies +of North America. + + + _To the_ LADIES _of_ NORTH AMERICA. + + LADIES, + + _I AM one of those who think it not only high Time but of + the last Importance, that you should be publickly addressed: + And of the many ingenious Pens, which in the Course of a few + Years have informed and enlightened this Country, I have + often wished that at least some one of them had been more + particularly devoted to your Service. This would have + agreeably prevented me in an attempt to which I find myself + in all Respects but too unequal. Yet relying on your good + Sense and Candour, I venture to lay at your Feet a few + well-intended Sentiments, which tho' in a plain homespun + Garb, I hope will not offend. I am convinced that at this + present it is not only in your Inclination and Will, but + also in your Power, to effect more in favour of your + Country, than an Army of an Hundred Thousand Men; and indeed + more than all the armed Men on this vast Continent._--Can a + Woman forget her Ornaments? _Yes I know she can._ Deborah + _once judged Israel, and some think it was never judged + much better afterwards. But what tho't_ Deborah _or_ Jael + _of their Ornaments, when the one was contriving, & the + other driving the Nail that would go? What tho't beautiful_ + Esther _of her Ornaments, when those of her Kindred & + Houshold were in immediate and imminent Danger, by the + Decree treacherously obtained by_ Haman, _from the mouth of + her beloved and almost adored_ Lord Ahasuerus _the Great? + What tho't_ Judith _of her Ornaments, when she was severing + the Head of_ Holofernes _from his Body, or while flying with + the Prize to the Relief of her despairing Friends? The Time + would fail me, were I to recount the wondrous Deeds and + mighty Atchievements of renowned and honorable Women in all + Ages._ + + _I have but alluded to a few Instances, among many of divine + Heroism in your Sex, which hath often saved a Country, when + the dull ploding Wisdom of man has been totally at a Plunge. + How near we are to such a_ Crisis, _is left to the + Conjecture of others. It would be a little out of Nature to + expect the Birth and Exploits of Heroines to take Place + before those of Heroes. I believe we shall be furnished with + both in their Order, as Occasion may require. All I think at + present that can be reasonably expected or desired of you, + is to consent to lay aside all superfluous Ornaments for a + Season--after which they shall be surely returned to you + again with Interests.--You shall be cloathed in Purple, and + Scarlet, and Fine Linnen of our own, and with other glorious + Apparel; which, if possible, shall add a Lustre to your + native Charms._ + + HENRY FLYNT. + + * * * * * + +Newport, R.I., has the reputation of having been engaged in the +slave-trade before the Revolution; and the following item, in the +"Boston Gazette," June 30, 1762, noticing without comment the arrival of +a Guinea trader there, would seem to show it to have been not an +uncommon occurrence. + + We hear from Newport, Rhode Island, That Capt. Carpenter was + arrived there from the Coast of Guinea, having had 104 Days + Passage, ten Days whereof they were without Meat, but had a + Sufficiency of Rice and Corn. They lost but six Slaves out + of 69 they bro't out with them. + + * * * * * + +On the 5th of November "the gunpowder treason and plot" was formerly +pretty generally remembered,--by the boys, at least, who made bonfires +and burned tar-barrels. We believe the custom has fallen into disuse +except in Salem and Marblehead, where there seems to be a little +"Colonialism" left. As recently as 1885 the writer saw a bonfire in +honor of the occasion on a hill near the latter place. In 1762 there +must have been quite a demonstration, if we can judge anything by a +vote of the town of Boston. Englishmen visiting us have sometimes +expressed astonishment at learning that this curious custom should still +be kept up here, while it had been abolished at home. + + Upon a motion made, _Voted_, That the Town will take all + proper Measures, by keeping in their Children and Servants, + & other Ways, to prevent the Disturbances which have + sometimes happened on or about the 5th Day of November. + + Attest, + William Cooper, _Town-Clerk_. + + _Tuesday last (5th November) being the Anniversary of the + happy Deliverance of the British Nation from the Popish + Powder Plot, at Noon the Guns at Castle William and at the + Batteries in this Town were fired: At One all the nine Men + of War then in this Harbour also fired._ + + From the _Essex Gazette_, Nov. 12, 1771. + +The accommodation offered for travel between Boston and New York before +the Revolution must have been slim enough, judging from an advertisement +in the "Boston Gazette" in 1761. Passengers then went by vessel from +Providence; that is, "Gentlemen Passengers." Whether ladies were +accommodated or not, does not appear; but perhaps they were in the habit +of going by stage, taking a week or so to accomplish the journey, or, +more than likely, few ever travelled at all in those times. In our day, +when every one is on the move, it is hard to realize this state of +things. + + * * * * * + + _Notice is Given, That SAMUEL and WILLIAM CHACE, of_ + Providence, _have a suitable Vessel that goes steadily + between there and_ New-York. _So that all Gentlemen + Passengers and others that incline to take the Rout from_ + Boston _to_ New-York, _or from_ New-York _to_ Boston, _may + be well accommodated._ + + Providence, Aug. 29, 1761. + +"In 1756," Watson says, "the first stage was started between +Philadelphia and New York by Mr. Butler; three days through in summer +time, five and six in winter. In 1765 a second stage was started, to go +through positively in three days. This was a covered Jersey +wagon,--fare, twopence per mile. In 1766 another stage, called the +'Flying Machine,' was started, to go through in two days,--threepence +per mile." + + * * * * * + +A brief account of Montreal in the "Boston Gazette," March 30, 1761. + + NEW-YORK, March 23. + + Extract of a Letter from Montreal. + + ----"The Case of the poor Canadians is really deplorable, + occasioned by the bankruptcy of the crown of France. Many of + them who had, with great danger and labour, acquired estates + worth 20,000 l. sterl. by the fur-trade, or otherwise, can + now scarce procure a dinner. All their remittances from + their mother country, consisted in bills on the French King, + which are not now worth one farthing, as no body whatever + will accept of them in payment. It is computed there is + above the value of 3,000,000 l. sterling of these useless + paper scraps, circulated through the colony, which, as a + reward to the wretched inhabitants for all their hardships + and fatigues, must now supply the place of affluence and + independence. Most, if not all of them, are perfectly + reconciled to the British government, as they can now with + security enjoy any little property they have; whereas + formerly, Governor Vaudreuil made no ceremony of seizing the + produce of their lands, their merchandize and manufactures + of every kind, and after conveying them to the King's store + houses, paid to the proprietors any price he pleased. If the + owners thereafter had occasion for any of their own + commodities, they could not procure them under twenty times + the price they had received. + + "Montreal in general is a well built town, but incapable of + any defence. The churches are elegant, and the houses of + some of their principal men are really magnificent; though + few in number. The Hotel Dieu is by far the finest hospital + I ever saw, every thing in it is extremely neat and + convenient. + + "The people here are extravagantly fond of dress; a stranger + would take Montreal to be a city inhabited by none but the + rich and idle: they are all finely powdered, walk with their + hats under their arms, and wear long coats, adorned with + tinsel lace, and buttoned down to the extremity. Since I + came here, I have not seen one man dressed like a tradesman. + The ladies in general are handsome, extremely gay, and well + bred." + + * * * * * + +In 1767 the best soap and "dipt" and "mould" candles were sold at the +post-office in Boston, according to an advertisement in the "Gazette" of +October 26. The candles were made of tallow, and gave but little light, +requiring almost constant snuffing. Other kinds of candles were not in +general use in New England in the last century. Sperm oil and sperm or +wax candles could be used only by the wealthy. Many families, for +economy, made their own candles. This practice was common in New England +down to within fifty years. + +It will be recollected that Dr. Franklin's father was a tallow-chandler +in Boston, and that the Doctor himself worked at the business when a +boy. Elizabeth Franklin, whose name appears in the following +advertisement, was probably a relative of the family. + + * * * * * + + SOLD BY + _Elizabeth Franklin,_ + At the Post-Office, + + THE best true Crown Soap, Alicant best hard Soap, by the + Doz. or single Pound, dipt and mould Candles at the lowest + Price. + + * * * * * + +Every week the burials and baptisms in Boston were thus inserted in the +papers. The following is from the "Gazette" of Nov. 23, 1767:-- + + Buried in the Town of Boston since our last, Five Whites. + Three Blacks. Baptiz'd in the several Churches, Four. + + * * * * * + +This custom was continued many years. We take the following from the +"Massachusetts Centinel," April 2, 1788:-- + + BURIED _in town last week_ 11--BAPTISED 14. + + Published by BENJAMIN RUSSELL, near the State-House, Boston. + + * * * * * + +General Wolfe's Manifesto from the "Boston Gazette," Dec. 10, 1759. + + _As the Manifesto lately published was only a Translation + from a French Manuscript, we are requested to publish the + following, which is_ + + _General_ WOLFE's Manifesto, + _as written by Himself._ + + THE formidable Sea and Land Armament which the People of + _Canada_ now behold in the Heart of their Country is + intended by the King my Master to check the insolence of + _France_;--To revenge the Insults offered to the _British_ + Colonies, and totally deprive the _French_ of their most + valuable Settlements in _North-America_. + + For these Purposes only is the Formidable Army under my + Command intended. + + The King of _Great-Britain_ wages no War with the + Industrious Peasant, the sacred Orders of Religion, or the + defenceless Women and Children: To these in their + distressful Circumstances His Royal Clemency offers + Protection. The People may remain unmolested on their Lands, + inhabit their Houses, and enjoy their Religion in Security. + For these inestimable Blessings, I expect the _Canadians_ + will take no Part in the Great Contest between the two + Crowns; But if by a vain Obstinacy, and misguided Valour, + they presume to appear in Arms, they must expect the most + fatal Consequences; their Habitations destroyed, their + sacred Temples exposed to the Fury of an exasperated + Soldiery; their Harvest utterly ruined, and the only Passage + of Relief stopped up by a most formidable Fleet.--In this + unhappy Situation, and closely attacked by another great + Army, what can the wretched Natives expect from Opposition! + + THE unparelelled Barbarities exerted by the _French_ against + our Settlements in _America_, might justify the bitterest + Revenge in the Army under my Command; but _Britons_ breathe + higher Sentiments of Humanity, and listen to the merciful + Dictates of the Christian Religion. Yet should you suffer + yourselves to be deluded by an imaginary Prospect of our + want of Success; should you refuse those Terms, and persist + in Opposition; Then surely will the Law of Nations justify + the Waste of War, so necessary to crush an ungenerous Enemy: + and Then, the miserable _Canadians_ must in the Winter have + the Mortification of seeing those very Families, they have + been exerting a fruitless and indiscreet Bravery for, perish + by the most dismal Want and Famine. + + In this great Dilemma let the Wisdom of the People of + _Canada_ shew itself! + + _BRITAIN_ stretches out a powerful, yet a merciful Hand, + Faithful to her Engagements, and ready to secure them in + their most valuable Rights and Possessions. + + _FRANCE_, unable to support _Canada_, deserts her Cause at + this important Crisis, and during the whole War has assisted + her with Troops, who have been maintained _only_ by making + the Natives feel all the Weight of grievous and lawless + Oppression. + + JAMES WOLFE. + + * * * * * + + Boston, _November 2, 1761_. + + _Last Evening, just at Eight o'Clock, this Town was alarmed + with the Shock of an_ EARTHQUAKE. + + _Gazette._ + + * * * * * + +On the 15th of August, 1763, the "Boston Post-Boy" gives the following +account of the celebration of a royal birthday:-- + + _BOSTON, August 15._ + + On Friday being the Birth-Day of the _Prince of Wales_, and + the Anniversary of the Accession of the House of _Hanover_, + and also of the Surrender of the _Havanna_, which was the + immediate Means of bringing about the Peace; at One o'Clock + the Guns at the Castle and Town Batteries were Fired; and in + the Evening his Excellency the Governor gave a Ball at + Concert Hall. There were present about 240 Gentlemen and + Ladies; the Ball was opened by General _Shirley_ and the + Governor's Lady about 8 o'Clock; the Country Dances began + about nine, and about ten a Supper Room was opened, where + was a very handsome Collation. The Ladies made a brilliant + Appearance, and the Company expressed the highest Pleasure + and Satisfaction on the Occasion, and broke up about two in + the Morning. The whole was conducted with the greatest + Order, Elegance and Decorum. + + * * * * * + +The great military "occasion" of those days was the annual parade of the +Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company. In June, 1763, that Company +celebrated its one hundred and twenty-fifth anniversary. In the "Boston +Post-Boy" of June 13 we have this account:-- + + Monday last, agreeable to ancient Custom, the Artillery + Company of the Province, appeared under Arms, being the + Anniversary of the Election of Officers for the Company: A + Sermon was preached by the Rev'd Mr. _Balch_ of _Dedham_, at + the Old Brick Meeting-House, where his Excellency the + Governor, the Members of his Majesty's Council and House of + Representatives, with a Number of other Gentlemen, attended; + after which they proceeded to Faneuil-Hall, where an elegant + Dinner was provided; and in the Afternoon the following + Gentlemen were chosen for the ensuing Year, viz. + + _Thomas Marshall_, Esq; Captain, + Mr. _Josiah Waters_, Lieutenant, + Mr. _Jeremiah Belknap_, Ensign. + + In the Evening a plentiful Repast was given by the Officers + newly elected, at Faneuil-Hall; where many loyal Healths + were drank. + + * * * * * + +After the great fire in Boston in March, 1760, this item appeared in the +"Gazette" of May 19:-- + + We hear that _Charles Ward Apthorp_, Esq; of _N.-York_, + Merchant, upon hearing of the Calamity which had befallen + this Town by the late dreadful Fire, generously ordered his + Agent here to pay to the Gentlemen appointed to receive the + Donations of charitable dispos'd Persons the Sum of _One + Hundred_ Pounds, L.M. for the Relief of the Sufferers. + +Mr. Apthorp, of New York, made this generous donation--a large sum for +that time--for the relief of the sufferers of his native place. + + * * * * * + +On the 30th of March, 1761, the "Boston Gazette" prints the following +among its items of news:-- + + _The following Proverbs we hope will not be disregarded, + tho' taken from a Book in the Hands of almost every + Freeholder in this Province; for they are true English + Proverbs_---- + + _LOOK before you leap--Wise Men think twice before they act + once--Avoidance is better than late Repentance--Put your + Hand in the Lion's Mouth, then get it out if you can--Haste + makes Waste--Fast bind fast find--A Wedge once enter'd, the + Log flies--You may add, when you cannot take away--Cut your + Coat according to your Cloth--A rash Beginning makes a + foolish Ending--Better late than never--He that acts for + others, should act with Caution--Once well done is twice + done--A wise Man foreseeth the Storm and secureth + himself----Of all Murderers, Self-Murderers are the most + stupid--A Snake in the Grass may bite before it is seen._ + + A Word to the Wise is sufficient. AMEN. + + * * * * * + +BOSTON IN OLDEN TIMES.--The "Boston Transcript," in a notice of the +newspapers published in Boston in 1767, of which there were ten, says: +The printer in those days was a man of "all work." If a negro or horse +was up for sale, the printer was the seller. The advertisements in these +old papers are curiosities in their line. The following notices appeared +in the advertising columns of the "Boston Evening Gazette," in 1741:-- + + "To be sold by the Printer of this Paper, the very best + negro woman in this town, who has had the small pox and the + measles; is as hearty as a horse, as brisk as a bird, and + will work like a beaver." + + "To be sold by the Printer of this Paper, a negro man about + thirty years old, who can do both town and country business + very well, but will suit the country best, where they have + not so many dram-shops as we have in Boston. He has worked + at the printing business fifteen or sixteen years; can + handle axe, saw, spade, hoe, or other instrument of + husbandry, as well as most men, and values himself, and is + valued by others, for his skill in cookery." + + * * * * * + +This item, from a paper of 1767, seems to show that the Government was +not then obliged to have a "bill" to uphold silver, for it was evidently +in the ascendency; but there was no Western territory at that time, or +rather, it had not been discovered. + + Gold as well as Silver will be taken for the Tickets, and + the Prizes paid off in like Manner. Prizes not demanded + within Twelve Months after Drawing, will not be paid, but + will be deem'd as generously given for the Purpose + aforesaid, and applied accordingly. + + Tickets to be had of the respective Managers, and of Edes + and Gill. + + * * * * * + +Fashionable weddings in the days of the spinning-wheel were not so fully +described as they are at the present day. Nothing used to be said about +the "magnificent dresses," "best man," "ushers," "contracting parties," +"elegant presents," etc., etc.; there was a simple announcement of the +fact. Here are specimens of marriage announcements,--persons belonging +to the first families in Boston. + + "Boston Gazette," Feb. 5, 1759. + + Last Thursday Morning, was married at King's-Chappel, Dr. + THOMAS BULFINCH, Son of the late Dr. BULFINCH of this Town, + to Mrs. SUSAN APTHORPE, Daughter of the late CHARLES + APTHORPE, Esq; The Rev'd Mr. APTHORPE perform'd the + Ceremony, before a very great Number of Spectators. + + * * * * * + + "Columbian Centinel," March 26, 1788. + + ----Mr. THOMAS H. PERKINS, merchant, to Miss SALLY ELLIOT, + only daughter of Mr. SIMON ELLIOT. + + * * * * * + + "Gazette," Jan. 26, 1767. + + BOSTON, January 26, 1767. + + Tuesday the Honorable JOHN TEMPLE, Esq; Surveyor-General of + North-America, was married to Miss BOWDOIN, Daughter of the + Honorable JAMES BOWDOIN, Esq; of this Town. + + * * * * * + +Specimen of a house in "Corn-Hill," from the "Post-Boy," May 7, 1763. + + [Illustration] + + TO BE SOLD, + + A Large and Commodious Brick Dwelling-House, pleasently + scituated in Corn-Hill: For further particulars Enquire of + _Green & Russell_ Printers in Queen-street. + + * * * * * + +The "Virginia Gazette" gives an account of an early and bold attempt at +British impressment of seamen. This business caused us a great deal of +trouble in after years, and was one of the causes of "Madison's War," as +the old people were fond of calling it. + +The press-gang was one of the peculiar institutions of Great Britain. + + BOSTON, October 26, 1767. + + By the Virginia Gazette, of the first Instant, it appears + that Captain Morgan, of the Hornet Sloop of War, concerted a + bloody riotous Plan, to impress Seamen, at Norfolk, for + which Purpose, his Tender was equipped with Guns and Men, + and under Cover of the Night said Morgan landed at a public + Wharff, having first made proper Dispositions either for an + Attack or Retreat, then went to a Tavern, and took a + chearful Glass, after which they went to work, and took + every Person they met with, and knocked all down that + resisted; and dragged them on board the Tender; but the Town + soon took the Alarm, and being headed by Paul Loyal, Esq; a + Magistrate, they endeavoured to convince Capt. Morgan of his + Error, and being deaf to all they said he ordered the People + in the Tender to fire on the Inhabitants, but they refused + to obey their Commanders Orders, and he was soon obliged to + fly, leaving some of the Hornets behind, who were sent to + Gaol, but were afterwards released. + +Mr. John Ashton, in his recently published work on "Social Life in +England at the end of the Eighteenth Century," informs us that one +evening in the year 1790, 2,100 men were pressed in London alone, +besides many more at the seaport towns. + + * * * * * + +In the summer of 1762 there was a severe drought in Massachusetts, and +the Governor issued a proclamation recommending public prayers for rain; +but it will be noticed that he says if rain should come before the day +set apart for prayers, then, instead of humiliation, it would be the +duty of the people to make it a day of thanksgiving. The proclamation +referred to was published in the "Boston Post-Boy" of July 13, 1762. + + [Illustration] + + By HIS EXCELLENCY + + FRANCIS BERNARD, Esq; + + Captain-General and Governor in Chief, in and over His + Majesty's Province of _Massachusetts-Bay_ in _New-England_, + and Vice-Admiral of the same. + + A PROCLAMATION + + _For a Day of Public Prayer._ + + IT having pleased Almighty God to visit this Province with + another severe Drought, which, if it should continue much + longer, cannot fail of bringing great Distress upon the + Inhabitants thereof--We are again called upon to supplicate + the Interposition of Divine Providence to relieve this + Country from the imminent Danger with which it is threatned, + by dispensing timely and plentiful Rain. + + I HAVE therefore thought fit to appoint, and I do, by and + with the Advice of His Majesty's Council, appoint Wednesday + the Twenty-eighth Day of this Instant _July_ to be a Day of + Public Prayer throughout the Province: Whereon the whole + People may as at one Time humble themselves before Almighty + God, acknowledging their great Unworthiness, and confessing + their manifold Sins, and imploring the Supreme Dispenser of + all Good, that He would be graciously pleased not to + with-hold from them the Fruits of the Earth, but by + seasonable and refreshing Rains bring what yet remains + undestroyed to a due and seasonable Maturity. + + AND WHEREAS some Places have been exempted from the general + Want of Rain; and it is to be hoped that before the Day + appointed as aforesaid, many others, and possibly the whole + Province, may have a gracious and timely Relief: It will be + our Duty to intermix Thanksgiving with Humiliation, in such + a Manner as the State of the Province, and particular Parts + thereof, shall at that Time require. + + And I do order the said Day to be observed as a Day set + apart for Religious Worship, and that no servile Labour or + Recreation be permitted thereon. + + _GIVEN at the Council-Chamber in_ Boston, _the Ninth Day of_ + July, 1762, _in the Second Year of the Reign of our + Sovereign Lord_ GEORGE _the Third, by the Grace of GOD, of_ + Great-Britain, France, _and_ Ireland, _KING, Defender of the + Faith_, &c. + + + _Fra. Bernard._ + + By His Excellency's Command, + A. OLIVER, Secr'y. + GOD Save the KING. + + * * * * * + +Fire-works to be "play'd off," Aug. 13, 1759. From the "Boston Gazette." + + The Publick REJOICINGS in Town this Day, on Account of the + Success of His Majesty's Arms in the Reduction of + Ticonderoga, Niagara and Crown-Point, by the Troops under + the Command of the victorious General AMHERST, are now + beginning--A great Number of People have been employ'd in + making Fire-Works, &c. which will be play'd off this + Evening, when there will be a handsome illumination. + + * * * * * + +The "Post-Boy" of November 15 of that year prints the following:-- + + NEW-YORK, November 15. + + The Ships Manchester and Edward, that arrived here lately + from London, brought over no less than 206 Chests of Green + and Bohea Teas, for the different Merchants of this City. + + Since our last two Vessels arrived here from Ireland, with + about 2000 Firkins of choice Irish Butter, which we hope + will bring down the Price of that Article. + + * * * * * + +We get an idea of men's clothing in 1767 from the following:-- + + _WHEREAS in the Time of Divine Service Yesterday, the House + of the Subscriber was broke open, and the following Things + stolen from thence, viz._ a Chocolate-colour Coat and Jacket + trim'd with Brass Buttons, a cloth-colour'd cut-velvet + Jacket with white Buttons, a pair Wash-Leather Breeches with + white Buttons, five Silver Tea-Spoons, and one large ditto, + mark'd G.P. _Whoever shall apprehend the Thief or Thieves, + so that he or they may be convicted, shall have FOUR DOLLARS + Reward, paid by_ + + JOHN PRESCOTT. + + Concord, September 14, 1767. + + * * * * * + +Lectures were not common in the last century. It was not until within +fifty or sixty years ago, when Lyceums began to be established, that the +lecture system became developed. + +We find that in 1769 a Mr. Douglass lectured in Boston, according to an +advertisement in the "Chronicle," August 17th. + +The well-known Colonel David Mason of the Revolution, who was a +prominent figure among the patriots at Leslie's Retreat at the North +Bridge in Salem in February, 1775, was one of the earliest, if not the +very first, to lecture in Salem upon a scientific subject. In the "Essex +Gazette," Jan. 15, 1771, we find his advertisement:-- + + _No longer than next Week, will + Continue to be exhibited, every Evening + in which the Air is dry, (Saturday and Sunday + excepted)_ + + A Course of Experiments in that instructive + and entertaining Branch of Natural PHILOSOPHY, called + + =Electricity=, + + To be accompanied with Methodical Lectures + on the Nature and Properties of that WONDERFUL ELEMENT, + + By David Mason, + + At his Dwelling-House near the North Bridge. + The Course to consist of two Lectures, + At a Pistareen each Lecture. + + As the Knowledge of Nature tends to enlarge the human Mind, + and give us more noble, more grand and exalted Ideas of the + AUTHOR of Nature, and if well pursued, seldom fails + producing something _useful_ to Man, 'tis hoped these + Lectures may be thought worthy of Regard and Encouragement. + + _Tickets to be had at the above Place._ + + * * * * * + + _Positively the LAST NIGHT._ + =To-Morrow, being Friday,= + _August 17, 1769._ + =Mr. Douglass,= + _Will deliver the_ + _LECTURE_ + ON + =HEADS,= + _Coats of Arms, Wigs, Ladies-head + Dresses,_ &c, &c, &c, &c. + After which, will be pronounced + SOME SELECT PIECES + From + THE MOST CELEBRATED + ENGLISH POETS. + *** Tickets for Admission, to be had of _Green_ and + _Russell_, and at the _Bunch of Grapes_ in King-Street. + _At_ HALF-a-DOLLAR each. + To begin exactly at 8 o'clock. + + * * * * * + +Thus we see that Salem was early in the field of literature and science. +Its citizens must take pride in remembering such great names as +Nathaniel Bowditch, William H. Prescott, Joseph Story, Timothy +Pickering, John Pickering, Benjamin Peirce, William W. Story, Nathaniel +Hawthorne, and many others. + + * * * * * + +When we see the great waste of paper in these days,--handbills, +circulars, and newspapers, which are blowing about the streets at +times,--we sometimes wonder how it was in 1767, on October 19, when the +following notice appeared in the "Boston Gazette." + + --> _THIS is to give Notice, That on_ TUESDAY _the 27th + Instant, the Bell-Cart will go thro'_ Boston, _to collect + Linnen Rags for_ Milton _Paper-Mill; as the highest Price + will be given, all House-keepers and others are desired to + have them in Readiness.--And, as it appears that all Sorts + of Paper now to be imported, will come at a much higher + Price than usual--if People will but save their Rags, it + will not only be greatly interesting to the Public that the + aforesaid Mill should have a full Supply, but will also + encourage the manufacturing of all such different Sorts of + Paper as are generally used among us, and a little to spare + the neighbouring Governments._ + + * * * * * + +Here are two notices,--the first, nearly eight years before the battle +of Lexington, sounds warlike; the second is a call to promote greater +economy on the part of the inhabitants. + + _Messieurs_ EDES & GILL, + + _Please to insert the following in your next._ + + IT is rumoured, and some say with great Probability, that a + Body of Troops are ordered to be in Readiness at Halifax, to + embark to any Part on the Continent of America, upon the + first Notice of Uneasiness at the Novelties we daily + expect.--It is as certain that America is also in Readiness + to defend their Liberties at the Risque of every Thing + else--there can be no Hesitation whenever the Alternative + shall be Slavery or Death--If therefore they wait to know + whether we will tamely submit to Slavery, the sooner the + Matter is bro't to a Crisis the better.----But while we have + any Opinion of the Integrity and good Sense of the + Parliament of G.B. such Reports will not easily gain Credit. + DETERMINATUS. + + * * * * * + + The Freeholders and other Inhabitants of this Town, are to + meet at Faneuil-Hall, on Wednesday next, to consider and + agree upon some effectual Measures to promote Industry, + Oeconomy, and Manufactures, thereby to prevent the + unnecessary Importation of European Commodities, which + threaten the Country with Poverty and Ruin, &c.---- + + * * * * * + +Timothy Pickering, the father of the distinguished Revolutionary officer +and statesman of the same name, addressed an open letter to King George +III., which is printed in the "Salem Gazette," Oct. 31, 1769. It is a +very quaint production, but it shows the writer's love of simplicity and +downright honesty. He was a sturdy Puritan. + + "Oct. 31, 1769. + + "TO THE KING OF GREAT BRITAIN. + + "GREAT SIR,--Your Kingdom is like a House divided against + itself. Something Extraordinary must be done. Our + Parliaments for fifty years past (or some of them) have + ruined the Nation, in making a monstrous Debt by hiring + Money, while greater Sums have been expended in Pride and + Luxury. Thirteen hundred Thousand Pounds Sterling, the + Public Prints tell us, is paid annually to the Dutch as + Interest money. My Advice is that all Rulers and Officers, + who have high Salaries, drop them, except so much as is + necessary for plain Living;--(Samuel had more Honour in his + plain Living with his upright Mind, than Saul had in all his + Princely Grandeur,)--And that all unnecessary Pensions cease + together with military Officers half-pay, (How Unequal are + our Ways: These Officers must have large Half-Pay, while the + common Soldiers are not allowed small Half-Pay--who have + been exposed generally to greater Hardships than their + Officers. Either let all have Half-Pay or none. The Soldiers + are to be respected as well as their Officers and are as + necessary,) and that high Taxes _very high_ be laid on all + Pride and Luxury, wherever it is found, the Clergy and the + Women not excepted; And that great Taxes be laid on the + Rich. I have an Income of but about eighty Pounds Sterling a + Year, including my own Hands Labour, nevertheless I am + freely willing to pay one quarter Part of it in Taxes till + my Public Debts are paid. Others that have Two hundred a + Year, can with Ease pay one half of it in Taxes, if need be. + _Pay thy Debts_; Owe no man anything is Law, _Divine and + Moral_. Immoral Men are in the road that leads to Hell; if + they attend Public Worship, they are Hypocrites, like the + Scribes and Pharisees, of whom _Christ_ said, Ye are of your + Father the Devil. If I understand the Apostle, when such Men + sit or kneel at a Communion Table, it is a Table of Devils + to them. Pray, Sir, tell your Placemen that the vast + Multitude of your Subjects are very uneasy that so much of + the Public Money, when raised is sunk in the Gulph of + Exhorbitancy. My Governor, Mr. Francis Bernard, demands a + thousand Pounds Sterling a Year; one half that Sum is more + than Enough, especially as the Nation is ready to sink with + the Weight of its Public Debt. The _Clergy_ can tell their + Congregations that the New Testament rather reproves than + commands the wearing of costly Array and faring sumptuously + every Day; And I may venture to tell my Readers that all + those who neglect taking a conscientious care to pay their + Debts, private Debts, as well as public, are in the high Way + to Destruction; the commonness of the Sin don't abate the + Malignity of it. + + P.S. Your Majesty sees how diligent Governor Nehemiah was in + reforming what was amiss in Israel. He was obliged indeed to + contend with the Nobles and the Rulers who opposed him, but + he subdued them, and no wonder! Because he feared God and + not Man. + + From a loyal Subject of my King and a sincere Friend to his + Kingdom. + + TIMOTHY PICKERING. + +Mr. Pickering wrote a letter to his son, while the latter was a student +at Harvard College, requesting him not to play at cards, a practice +which he regarded as wicked. But the son (Colonel Timothy Pickering +afterwards), as Mr. Upham, his biographer, well remarks, was altogether +too busy with his studies to waste time over cards. + + * * * * * + +We do not observe in the old papers much that would indicate a belief in +modern Spiritualism; but it would seem from some accounts that "angels" +were occasionally seen. In the cases we quote, the kind of "angels" is +not stated. Whether they were real live beauties, or not, can only be +conjectured. Who would not now like to buy one of these books at "four +Coppers," so as to read all about these angels? + + _THIS DAY PRINTED._ + + (And Sold by _Green & Russel_, in Queen-Street,) + + A True & wounderful Relation of the Appearance of THREE + ANGELS, (cloathed in White Raiment) to a young Man at + _Medford_, near _Boston_, in _New-England_, on the 4th of + _February_ 1761, at Night. Together with the Substance of + the DISCOURSE, delivered by one of the Angels, from the 3d + Chapter of _Colossians_, and 4th Verse. + + [Price only four Coppers.] + + --> Good Allowance to those that purchase by the Dozen. + + _Boston Gazette_, Feb. 18, 1761. + + * * * * * + +About this time, also, "angels" made their appearance "at home" +(England), as will be seen by another notice from the same paper. + + * * * * * + + This Day Published, + + (_And Sold by_ Fowle & Draper, _in_ Marlboro'-Street.) + + A full Relation of the surprizing Appearance of an Angel, in + the Parish-Church of Gainsbury in Lincolnshire, on + Christmas-Day last, in the Morning.--From whom was obtained + a Prophecy of many Things that should come to pass in + Europe; but more especially in England and France:--The + first of which Kingdoms is threatened with several Judgments + on Account of their great Misimprovement of peculiar + Priviledges: Whilst the latter, notwithstanding their + Endeavours to become great, shall be totally destroy'd by + Discord among themselves, &c. &c. The whole being a loud + Call to Repentance.--Published at the Request of the + Parishioners, and attested to by two Ministers, and three + Esquires. + + 1761. + + * * * * * + +In the "Boston Post-Boy" for Dec. 12, 1763, is an account of the +dedication of the Synagogue in Newport, R.I. + + _NEWPORT, December 5._ + + _On Friday last, in the Afternoon, was the Dedication of the + new Synagogue, in this Town. It began by a handsome + Procession, in which were carried the Books of the Law, to + be deposited in the Ark. Several Portions of Scripture, and + of their Service, with a Prayer for the Royal Family, were + read, and finely sung by the Priest and People. There were + present many Gentlemen and Ladies. The Order and Decorum, + the Harmony and Solemnity of the Musick, together with a + handsome Assembly of People, in an Edifice the most perfect + of the Temple Kind perhaps in America, and splendidly + illuminated, could not but raise in the Mind a faint Idea of + the Majesty and Grandeur of the antient Jewish Worship + mentioned in Scripture._ + + * * * * * + +We find by the "Salem Mercury" of March 30, 1789, that New Hackensack +was fifty or sixty years before Rochester in "rappings" and +"table-tippings." Who shall say that these manifestations, whatever they +are, are not as old as man himself? The best and wisest of us do not +know everything. There may be some science, yet in its infancy, which +will some day be explained, so that all these things will then be +perfectly understood. The account here given has no appearance of +deception. Had the girl lived a hundred years earlier, she would in all +probability have been hanged for a witch; but had she lived in these +days, she might have reaped a harvest from lectures and seances. + + PHILADELPHIA, March 10. + + _Extract of a letter from a gentleman at Fishkill, dated + March 3, 1789._ + + "Were I to relate the many extraordinary accounts of the + unfortunate girl at New-Hackensack, your belief might, + perhaps, be staggered. I shall therefore only inform you of + what I was an eyewitness to. Last Sunday afternoon myself + and wife went to Dr. Thorn's, and after sitting sometime, we + heard a knocking under the feet of a young woman that lives + in the family; I asked the Doctor what occasioned the + noise--he could not tell, but replied, that he, together + with several others had examined the house, but were unable + to discover the cause. I then took a candle, and went with + the girl into the cellar--there the knocking also continued; + but as we were ascending the stairs to return, I heard a + prodigious rapping on each side, which alarmed me very much. + I stood still some time looking around with amazement, when + I beheld some lumber, which lay at the head of the stairs, + shake considerably. About eight or ten days after, we + visited the girl again--the knocking still continued, though + much louder. Our curiosity induced us to pay the third + visit, when the phenomena were still more alarming. I then + saw the chairs move; a large dining table was thrown against + me, and a small stand on which stood a candle, was tossed + up, and thrown in my wife's lap; after which we left the + house, much surprised at what we had seen." + + * * * * * + +Advertisements for runaway slaves are very numerous, as well as offers +for the sale of single slaves. In some instances negro children are "to +be given away." The following notices are taken from the "Boston +Gazette" and the "Boston Post-Boy." The descriptions of dress, personal +appearance, etc., are very curious. + + RAN away from _Thomas Poynton_ of _Salem_, a Negro Fellow, + about 25 Years of Age, a short thick-set Fellow, not very + black, something pitted with the Small-Pox, speaks bad + English: Had on when he went away, a dark colour'd Cloth + Coat, lined with red Shalloon, with Mettal Buttons, a blue + Sailor's Jacket, and a flowered German Serge Jacket, black + knit Breeches, a Pair grey Stockings newly stock'd, an old + Beaver Hatt, and an old Drab Great Coat: Any Person that + shall take up said Negro, and convey him to _Salem_, or + secure him in any Gaol shall be well rewarded, and all + necessary Charges paid. + + N.B. All Masters of Vessels and others are cautioned against + harbouring, concealing or carrying off the said Negro, as + they would avoid the Rigour of the Law. THOMAS POYNTON. + + _Gazette_, Feb. 4, 1766. + + * * * * * + + To be given away, + + A Male Negro Child of a good Breed, and in good Health. + Inquire of Green and Russell. + + _Post-Boy_, Feb. 28, 1763. + + * * * * * + + TO BE SOLD. + + A young Negro Woman about 20 Years of Age, born in this + Country, possess'd of many good Qualifications, is a very + good COOK, can handle her Needle well, and do every Kind of + Business about House, and sold only for want of Employ. + Enquire of Green & Russell. + + --> She will not be sold out of this Town. + + _Post-Boy_, Feb. 28, 1763. + + * * * * * + + RAN away from his Master, _John Amiel_ of _Boston_, last + Thursday Night, a Negro Fellow named _Peer_, he had on when + he went away a cloth colour'd Coat, lin'd and trim'd with + red, a black broad cloth Waistcoat without sleeves, a yellow + pair of leather Breeches, a large pair of silver Buckels, and + a good Beaver Hat; he is a thick set Fellow, has very large + Feet and Legs, and speaks good _French_ and _English_. + Whoever will apprehend the said Negro and bring him to his + Master in _Boston_, shall have TWO DOLLARS Reward, and all + necessary Charges paid by _John Amiel._ + + All Masters of Vessels and others, are hereby forbid to + harbour, conceal or carry off said Negro Servant, as they + would avoid the penalty of the Law. + + _Boston, May 2._ + + _Post-Boy_, May 10, 1763. + + * * * * * + + TO BE SOLD + + A Negro Woman, about Twenty Eight Years of Age; she is + remarkably healthy, and strong, and several other good + Qualities; and is offer'd to Sale, for no other reason, than + her being of a furious Temper, and somewhat lazy; smart + Discipline, would make her a very good Servant. Any Person + minded to Purchase, may be further inform'd by enquiring of + the Printers. + + _Gazette_, May 12, 1760. + + * * * * * + + _Newport, Rhode-Island, August 28, 1767._ + + Ran-away from _Benjamin Brenton_, a short thick Negro Man + named LONDON, has lost his Toes off both Feet. Whoever + brings said Negro to his Master, shall have EIGHT DOLLARS + Reward, and all Charges paid. + + _Boston Gazette._ + + * * * * * + +Boston, for aught we know, did as much in the slave-trade as Newport; +possibly more. The numerous advertisements of "Prime Men and Boys" and +"Parcels of likely Negroes" which appear about this time in the Boston +papers rather indicate a considerable trade in slaves. + + + JUST IMPORTED AND TO BE SOLD BY + John Rowe, + AT HIS STORE, + + A few likely Negro Boys, and two Negro Men between 20 and 30 + Years of Age. Also, Newcastle Coals, Lisbon and Salterduda + Salt, A few Pipes of MADEIRA WINES, also Fyal Wines, Quart + Bottles by the Groce--Hemp--Russia and Ravens Duck--English Duck + of all Numbers--Cordage Anchors--Oznabrigs--Ticklenburgs--Hooks + and Lines--Newcastle Crown Glass of all Sizes and in Sheets--ALSO, + Bristol Glass of all Sizes--All Sorts of Nails--Scotch Snuff, + and a variety of English and Scots Manufactures. + + _Boston Post-Boy_, Dec. 19, 1763. + + * * * * * + + Just Imported from _Africa_, + And to be Sold cheap at No. 5 _Butler's_ Row. + + A few prime Men and Boys Slaves from the Gold Coast. + + * * * * * + + TO BE SOLD, + + A Parcel of likely Negroes, imported from _Africa_, Cheap + for Cash or Credit with Interest; enquire of _John Avery_ at + his House, next Door to the white Horse, or at a Store + adjoining to said _Avery's_ Distill House, at the South End, + near the South Market:--Also if any Persons have any Negroe + Men, strong and hearty, tho' not of the best moral + character, which are proper Subjects for Transportation, may + have an Exchange for small Negroes. + + _Boston Gazette_, 1763 + + * * * * * + + JUST Imported, + + From _AFRICA_. + + A Number of prime young _SLAVES_, from the Windward Coast, + and to be Sold on board Capt. _Gwin_ lying at New-Boston. + + _Boston Gazette_, July 13, 1761. + + * * * * * + + To be sold, a parcel of likely hearty Negroes, both Male and + Female from Ten Years of Age to Twenty, imported the last + Week from _AFRICA_. Enquire of Capt. _Wickham_ on board the + Sloop _Diamond_, now laying at the Wharff adjoining to JOHN + AVERY'S Distill-House near the South Market, or of said + _Avery_ at his House next the White Horse. + +We have not been able to find that any of the inhabitants of Salem +engaged in the slave-trade; but we notice that at a town-meeting held in +the month of May, 1773, the following vote was passed: "That the +Representatives of the Town be instructed to use their utmost Endeavours +to prevent the future Importation of Negroes into this Province; their +Slavery being repugnant to the natural Rights of Mankind and highly +prejudicial to the Province." It is of course possible that some Salem +people may have been interested in vessels hailing from other places and +engaged in this nefarious traffic, as it is now considered. + + * * * * * + +Arrival of Irish servants at Boston in 1769. + + _Arrived from IRELAND,_ + + THE Ship King of Prussia, ARTHUR DARLEY, master, has on + board 30 Servants, some Tradesmen, viz. Taylors, + Shoe-makers, Smiths, Weavers, &c. the remainder Country lads + that understand Farming business.----His stay here will be + short, as he is bound to another Port. + + _Boston Chronicle_, September 25. + + * * * * * + +The celebrated revival preacher Rev. George Whitefield was in Boston in +1764. We take the following item from the "Boston Post-Boy" of February +24:-- + + At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the + Town of Boston on Friday last, it was voted unanimously, + That the Thanks of the Town be given the Rev. Mr. GEORGE + WHITEFIELD, for his charitable Care and Pains in collecting + a considerable Sum of Money in Great-Britain, for the + distressed Sufferers by the great Fire in Boston, 1760; and + a respectable Committee was appointed to wait on Mr. + WHITEFIELD to inform him of the Vote, and present him with a + Copy thereof, which Committee waited upon him accordingly, + and received the following Answer, + + _Gentlemen,_ + + _This Vote of Thanks for so small an Instance of my + good-will to_ Boston, _as it was entirely unexpected, quite + surprizes me----Often have I been much concerned that I + could do no more upon such a distressing Occasion.----That + the Redeemer may ever preserve the Town from such like + melancholy Events, and sanctify their present afflictive + Circumstances to the spiritual Welfare of all its + Inhabitants, is the hearty Prayer of,_ + + Gentlemen, + Your ready Servant in our common LORD. + _GEORGE WHITEFIELD._ + + The Rev. Mr. WHITEFIELD preached on Tuesday and Saturday + last, at the Old South Meeting-House, to large and crouded + Auditories. + + * * * * * + +Marriage of Copley, the celebrated painter, from the "Chronicle," Nov. +20, 1769. + + Last Thursday Mr. _John Singleton Copley_ was married to + Miss _Sukey Clarke_ Daughter of _Richard Clarke_, Esq; and + Mr. _Joshua Henshaw_, jun. to Miss _Katherine Hill_, + Daughter of Col. _John Hill_. + + * * * * * + + Thomas Britt + + Would take a few young Ladies, _&c._ to teach them Spelling, + Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic, at his School near the + Cornfield. ALSO, French taught and translated by said + _Britt_. + + _Boston Gazette_, April 27, 1767. + + * * * * * + +Where were or where was, as the case might be, the "Cornfields" or +"Cornfield" of Boston in 1763? Martin Gay kept a store or lived near +there, and in 1767 Master Britt kept a school for young ladies near the +"Cornfield." + + Choice English Peas + + at the North-Mills, TO BE SOLD, by the larger or smaller + Quantity, at a low Rate, Enquire of _William Paine_ at said + Mills, or of _Martin Gay_, near the Cornfields, _Boston_. + + Dec. 12, 1763. + + * * * * * + +When we remember the old pictures and portraits of stately ladies with +high headdresses and gentlemen with wigs, the following advertisements +are interesting:-- + + Joshua Davis, _Peruke-Maker_. + + HEREBY informs his Customers, and others, That he has + Remov'd his Shop from the Head of the Long Wharf, next the + Crown Coffee House, to the first Shop in Mackrell Lane, next + the Bunch of Grapes Tavern, where they may be serv'd with + Fidelity and Dispatch. + + --> Said _Davis_ makes the neatest and most fashionable + Wiggs, at a moderate Rate. + + _Boston Gazette_, Feb. 18, 1761. + + * * * * * + + A genteel Gold Watch, made by _Marmaduke Storr_, to be Sold, + inquire of the Printers. + Sept. 14, 1761. + + * * * * * + + A few Genteel Grey and light Grey London-made WIGS, to be + sold by JOHN CROSBY, Periwig Maker near the Sign of the + Lamb, also Wig-makers Ribbons, Silk and Cauls, Bodyed + Grizle, and Grizle Hairs for cut Wigs, Bleach'd, Tye and + Brown Spencer Hairs, white Goat Hairs, white, black, and + brown Horse Hairs, Moy Crown Hairs, Cards and Brushes, + drawing Cards and Brushes, best Razors, purple Thread, Tupee + Irons, & Curling Tongs, Tupee Combs in Cases, Wig Blocks, + Silk Puffs, Hair, Powder, Shaving Boxes, & Brushes, wash + Ball Boxes, and wash Balls, London black Balls with Printed + directions, to use them very Nice, black Sattin Baggs for + the Hair, white, black, yellow; & Bear Grees, Pomatum + Excellent with their use to make Hair of a good Colour, & to + grow thicker, Gold & Silver Powders (so called) to clean + Gold and Silver Lace & Embroaderry. + + _Boston Post-Boy_, Dec. 12, 1763. + + * * * * * + +At fires, leather buckets were used by the inhabitants, and were +sometimes lost or misplaced, as appears from the following +advertisements from the "Boston Gazette":-- + + LOST at the late Fire on the 5th of November Inst. a Leather + Bucket, No. 2, mark'd _Wm. Hickling_: Whoever is taken up + the same, are desir'd to return it to the Owner, or the + Printers hereof. + + * * * * * + + _LOST at the Fire near Oliver's-Dock, on the 14th Day of + November last, a Pair of Leather Fire Buckets, mark'd_ + Benj^a. Barnard, _and dated 1757. Whoever will give + Information, or bring them to the Printers hereof, shall be + handsomely Rewarded._ + + Dec. 10, 1759. + +Within the writer's recollection, in nearly every house in Salem two or +more fire-buckets, marked with the owner's name, were, when not in use, +kept hanging in the front hall. At fires, lanes, as they were called, of +men were formed, under the direction generally of the fire-wards, and +water was passed from one to another and to the fire from some +neighboring pump or cistern. + + * * * * * + +We see notices like the following of insurance offices; but they were +principally for marine risks, as not many fire risks were taken before +the beginning of the present century. + + _Hurd's_ Insurance-Office, + + At the BUNCH OF GRAPES, STATE-STREET, + BOSTON, + + OPEN at all hours of business, where Policies of Insurance + are underwritten upon the most moderate premiums; and the + Gentlemen forming this Insurance Company, whose names are + inserted in each Policy, having established adequate Funds + for the ready payment of such losses as may happen, hereby + notify, that business will be done with all possible + attention, dispatch and punctuality, by + + JOHN HURD, + + April 8, 1784. (Insurance Broker.) + + * * * * * + + THIS is to inform all Gentlemen in Trade, + That + + THE INSURANCE OFFICE + + Lately kept in Ann-Street near the Town-Dock, by SAMUEL + PHILLIPS SAVAGE, is removed to the House of the Honorable + WILLIAM BRATTLE, Esq; next Door to the British Coffee-House, + King-Street: Where the Business of Insurance is carried on + as usual. + + _Boston, December 6, 1759._ + +With regard to policies, the term "under-writer" came from an old +custom. There were in old times no joint-stock companies for insurance, +but policies were filled out and left at an office kept by some person +for the purpose, where any responsible man could sign his name to a +particular policy and affix such sum as he was willing to risk, and thus +become one of the "underwriters." We have seen, for instance, a policy +for $20,000 with twelve or fifteen names of merchants, signed with +various sums from $500 upwards. + + * * * * * + +A quaint notice of the death of Obadiah Brown, of Providence, from the +"Boston Post-Boy":-- + + _PROVIDENCE, June 21, 1762._ + + ON Thursday last died at his Seat in the Country, after two + Days Illness, OBADIAH BROWN, Esq; in the 50th Year of his + Age. He was one of the most considerable Men in this Town: + In the various Branches of Business which he carried on, his + Activity was unequalled, his Judgment and Prudence oftener + admired than imitated, his Honesty and Integrity fit to be + drawn into Example.--As a Magistrate, he was judicious, + grave, and reserved:--As a Friend, constant, open, + facetious, and cheerful:--In the Relations of a Husband, + Father, and Master, the deep and real Sorrow of his Widow, + the mournful Tears of his Children, and the unusual Cries + and Lamentations of his Servants, are invincible Proofs in + his Favour. His Beneficence is witnessed by the Sighs of the + Poor and Thanks of the Tradesmen: And his Death is + universally lamented, because his Life was universally + useful. + + * * * * * + +Notice of Hon. Daniel Russell, from the "Boston Gazette":-- + + _Charlestown, December 10, 1763._ + + ON Tuesday last departed this Life, after a short Illness, + the Hon. DANIEL RUSSELL, Esq; who, for upwards of Twenty + Years, was a Member of his Majesty's Council for this + Province: He also served the Province as Commissioner of + Impost, and the County of Middlesex as Treasurer, for more + than fifty Years; in the Discharge of all which Offices, + such was his conscientious Fidelity and unsullied Integrity, + as procured him universal Approbation and Esteem. + + In public and private Life, his whole Conduct was such as + evidently showed his invariable desire and endeavour to + preserve a Conscience void of Offence both towards God and + Man; and by the Rectitude of his Behaviour, to adorn and + recommend the holy Religion which he professed, and to + approve himself to the all-searching Eye of the Father of + Spirits. + + His Memory is greatly honoured by all who were acquainted + with him, in whose esteem he was truly that "noblest Work of + God, _An honest Man_." + + It is observable that in the several Offices which he + sustained, he succeeded his worthy Father and Grandfather; + both of whom held and discharged the same, for a great + Number of Years, with unspotted Reputation. + + His Remains, we hear, will be inter'd on Monday next, on + which Day, had he lived, he would have entered the 79th Year + of his Age. + + "The sweet Remembrance of the just + "Shall flourish when he sleeps in dust." + + * * * * * + +Account of the burial of Major-General Whitmore, from the "Boston +Gazette":-- + + BOSTON, _December 21, 1761_. + + Wednesday afternoon the Corps of Major General WHITMORE was + interred in the King's Chapple with all the Honours that + this Town could give. The Procession went from the + Town-House to the King's Chapple in the following Manner; A + Party of the Troop of Horse Guards, the Company of Cadets, + the Officers of the Regiment of Militia, the officiating + Ministers, the Corps, the Pall supported by six regular + Officers, the chief Mourners, the Governor and Lieut. + Governor, the Council, the Judges, Justices, Ministers, and + principal Gentlemen of the Town, a great Number of Coaches + and Chariots following. During the whole Procession + Minute-Guns were fired. The Corps was placed in the Middle + of the King's Chapple whilst Part of the Funeral Service was + performed, and was from thence carried into the Vaults + below, and there interred. Whilst the last Service was + performing the Cadets fired three Vollies. + + * * * * * + +Notice of Hon. John Erving, from the "Massachusetts Gazette," Aug. 22, +1786:-- + + Died, last Sunday morning, in the 94th year of his age, the + Hon. JOHN ERVING, Esq. who, for twenty years, was a member + of the Council under the old constitution, and one of the + most eminent merchants in America. + + As a man of probity, and strict honesty, he was universally + esteemed. Those who were acquainted with his character must + regret the loss of so worthy a member of the community. In + his domestick life he was a tender parent and kind + master.----His funeral will be this afternoon, precisely at + five o'clock, from his house in Tremont-street, where his + friends and acquaintance are desired to attend. + + * * * * * + +Notice of the death of Mrs. Elizabeth Salisbury, from the "Massachusetts +Centinel," March 28, 1789:-- + + _Last Wednesday night departed this life, very suddenly, + Mrs._ ELIZABETH SALISBURY, _the amiable and virtuous Consort + of Mr. Samuel Salisbury of this town, merchant. Her funeral + will be from his house in Marlborough-street, this + afternoon--which her friends are desired to attend._ + + * * * * * + +From the "Boston Chronicle," March 8, 1770:-- + + BOSTON. + + For some days bye-past, there have been several affrays + between the inhabitants and the soldiers quartered in this + town. + + Last Monday about 9 o'clock at night a most unfortunate + affair happened in King-street: The centinel posted at the + Custom-house, being surrounded by a number of people, called + to the main-guard, upon which Capt. Preston, who was Captain + of the day, with a party, went to his assistance: soon after + which some of the party fired, by which the following + persons were killed and wounded, + + Mr. Samuel Gray, ropemaker, killed.--A Mollatto man, named + Johnson, killed.--Mr. James Caldwell, mate of Capt. Morton's + vessel, killed.--Mr. Samuel Maverick, wounded, and since + dead.--A Lad named Christopher Monk, wounded.--A lad named + John Clark, wounded.--Mr. Edward Payne, Merchant, standing + at his entry-door, wounded in the arm.--Mr. John Greene, + taylor, wounded.--Mr. Patrick Cole, wounded.--David Parker, + wounded. + + Early next morning Captain Preston was committed to gaol, + and same day 8 soldiers. + + A meeting of the inhabitants was called at Fanueil-hall that + forenoon: and the Lieutenant-Governor and Council met at the + Council-chamber, where the Colonels Dalrymple and Carr were + desired to attend, when it was concluded upon, that both + regiments should go down to the barracks at Castle-William, + as soon as they were ready to receive them. + + _We decline at present, giving a more particular account of + this unhappy affair, as we hear the trial of the unfortunate + prisoners is to come on next week._ + +This is all the "Boston Chronicle" has to say about that great +historical event of the fifth of March, an event which stirred the whole +country and filled the minds of the Colonists with a perfect hatred of +the British power in America,--"The Boston Massacre." The editor of the +paper was probably a Tory. + + * * * * * + +The "Massachusetts Gazette," Feb. 3, 1774, says:-- + + We hear that the Hon. JOHN HANCOCK, Esq; is appointed to + deliver the ORATION in Commemoration of the Bloody Tragedy + on the 5th of March. + + * * * * * + +The "Salem Gazette" has this item, March 7, 1782:-- + + Last Tuesday Mr. George R. Minot delivered an elegant and + spirited Oration, at the old brick meeting-house, in + commemoration of the horrid massacre perpetrated on the 5th + of March, 1770, by a banditti of the British tyrant's 29th + regiment. + + * * * * * + +It may not be of any consequence to the public to know what kind of coat +Jonathan Williams wore in 1767, but it may be a matter of curiosity to +his descendants now living. We take the following advertisement from the +"Boston Gazette," Dec. 28, 1767:-- + + Whereas there has been taken out of the House of _Jonathan + Williams_ in Cornhill, two Great Coats, on the 23d Instant, + one of his own Wearing a cloth-coloured Drab; the other his + Servants, a blue Cloth ditto. Whoever has taken them, and + will return the former to said _Williams_, shall have the + latter _gratis_, and no Questions ask'd. + + * * * * * + + Notice. + + Frequent applications being made to the Town-Cryer, to + proceed through the streets in search of Children that have + strayed from their home, which practice often excites + unnecessary alarm to the inhabitants. + + The public are respectfully desired, in case of any + discovery of a child, or children so lost or strayed, to + bring them immediately to the subscriber at No. 71, Newbury + street.--By an attention to this regulation, Parents and + friends may have their anxiety relieved by applying as + above. + + SAMUEL ADAMS, _Town-Cryer_. + + _Constitutional Telegraph_, Aug. 8, 1800. + + * * * * * + +Masonic notice from Paul Revere and others, from the "Boston Post-Boy." + + NOTICE is hereby given to the Brethren of the Antient and + Honorable Society of FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS, That the + Feast of St. JOHN the BAPTIST will be Celebrated by the + Brethren of St. ANDREW'S Lodge, (duly authoriz'd, + constituted and appointed to be held at _Boston_, by the + Right Honorable, JOHN LORD ABERDOUR, Grand Master of + _Scotland_) on Thursday the 24th Instant, at the + Royal-Exchange Tavern in King-Street, Tickets to be had of + + JOSEPH WEBB, jun. + _Boston, June 14, 1762._ PHILLIP LEWIS, + PAUL REVERE. + + * * * * * + +The house of Copley, the celebrated painter, is thus advertised:-- + + _To be LET, and entered on immediately,_ + + THAT elegant, convenient, and most pleasantly situated + DWELLING-HOUSE, with a large Garden, and other Land about + it, (near his Excellency the Governour's) belonging to Mr. + COPLEY; well known to be completely accommodated for a + genteel family. Inquire of CHARLES PELHAM, (at the late + Dwelling-House of Mrs. PELHAM, at New-Boston) he being + impowered to let it. + + _May 16, 1789._ + + _Massachusetts Centinel._ + + * * * * * + +Antique luxuries. + + WANTED, the following, viz. Fifteen Pair of WOOD DUCKS, Four + Pair of WILD GEESE, Three Pair of FLYING SQUIRRELS, Three + Dozen of the smallest Size Terrapeins or fresh Water + TURTLES, for which a good PRICE will be given, or for any + Part of them.----Enquire of the Printer. + + _Essex Gazette_, Feb. 21, 1771. + + * * * * * + +We do not see much in the papers about spinning-wheels until after the +War of the Revolution; then there seemed to be what may be called a +revival of domestic industry. In 1786 the ladies of Hartford, Conn., +formed an Economical Association. They say that they are "fully sensible +that our calamities are in a great measure occasioned by the luxury and +extravagance of individuals, and are of opinion that it is a duty they +owe their country as well as their families to retrench as far as +possible all unnecessary expenses." Their articles of agreement were +signed, on the 6th of November, 1786, by more than a hundred ladies +belonging to the first families in the city. By these articles they +engage "not to purchase for next six months any Gauze, Ribbons, Lace, +Feathers, Beaver-Hats, Silks, Muslins, and Chintzes, except only for +weddings and mourning;" also to "dress their persons in the plainest +manner and encourage industry, frugality, and neatness, giving all due +preference to the manufactures of their own country." To this they add +that "when they receive visits and make entertainments, it will be their +study to avoid unnecessary expense, especially on foreign articles." On +June 17 of that year the President of Harvard College addressed a +letter to the "Massachusetts Gazette" which is interesting in this +connection. This letter we copy to show how economy entered into +everything, even a "liberal education." It will moreover be of interest +because of the attempt made to regulate the students' dress. + + UNIVERSITY IN CAMBRIDGE, + JUNE 17, 1786. + + _To the Publisher of the Massachusetts_ Gazette. + + EVERY proper attempt of the Governours of the University to + lessen the expense of a liberal education must be grateful + to the Publick, and meet with their hearty concurrence; the + Members of the Community, therefore, in general, and the + Parents and Guardians of the Students in particular, it is + not doubted, will be well pleased with some late + regulations, made by the Corporation and Overseers, to + introduce economy in dress, and will readily perform their + part, in carrying them into effect. + + By ordering an uniform, the Governours of the Society have + removed the temptation to that frequent change of apparel, + which may have arisen from the liberty the Students have + had, of chusing different colours, from time to time: And by + entirely prohibiting silk (an unnecessary article in their + clothing) a very considerable expense is prevented. + + That the dress of the Students be neat and decent is highly + proper; but that it should be very ornamental and expensive + is ever needless, and oftentimes pernicious: Nor will any + Student, who is solicitous to acquire knowledge, and + sincerely disposed to improve his time to the best + advantage, in obtaining such degrees of it, as may enable + him to be extensively useful to the Community, feel a + reluctance to economical institutions respecting dress. He + will not only esteem the ornaments of the mind of vastly + higher importance than those of the body, but the general + good will also constantly influence his conduct; and he will + chearfully encourage every regulation, which tends to + promote frugality. + + The regulations referred to, I now transmit to you, which + the Corporation and Overseers of the University request you + to publish, for the information of all concerned. + + I am, Sir, your humble servant, + + JOSEPH WILLARD. + + * * * * * + + _At a Meeting of the_ CORPORATION, _&c._ + JUNE 13, 1786. + + WHEREAS the enjoining of an uniform colour, in the clothing + of the Undergraduates, and prohibiting a certain species of + materials, in their apparel, will have a great tendency to + lessen the expense of dress (which, at present, constitutes + too large a proportion of the Collegiate charges) while, at + the same time, the appearance will be more academical: + + _Voted_, That it be recommended, that the Freshmen, who + shall be admitted into the University the present year, + before the end of the Summer Vacation, be provided with + coats of blue-gray, being a mixture of deep blue and white + wool, as nearly as may be, seven eighths of the blue, and + one eighth of the white, or, if that cannot conveniently be + obtained, of a dark blue colour,--and with waistcoats and + breeches of the same colour, or of a straw colour. + + That, when they shall procure clothes, afterwards, and while + Undergraduates, their coats shall be of the colour first + mentioned, and their waistcoats and breeches of the same + colour, or of a straw colour. + + That the Freshmen, who shall be admitted into the University + in the year 1787, and afterwards, shall be provided with + coats of the colour first mentioned, and with waistcoats and + breeches as last mentioned, and shall continue provided with + clothes of these specified colours while they remain + Undergraduates. + + That all, who shall hereafter be admitted, when they + commence Sophimores, shall have the addition of frogs to the + button holes of their coats, the cuff of the sleeve to be + plain. + + That when they commence Junior Sophisters, their coats shall + have the further addition of frogs on the + button-side,--continuing the plain cuff; and they shall also + provide themselves with black gowns, having a close sleeve + and slit cuff, to be made according to the direction of the + Corporation. + + That, when they commence Senior Sophisters, they shall have + the further addition of buttons and frogs to the cuff of + their coat, and shall also have black gowns, with a wide + sleeve,--the mode to be determined by the Corporation. + + That when they are admitted to the Bachelor's degree, they + shall appear in like gowns and clothes as are prescribed for + the Senior Sophisters. + + That the Seniors and Juniors shall wear their black gowns, + on all publick occasions, and whenever they shall publickly + declaim in the Chapel. + + That no Undergraduate, to whom these injunctions may extend, + be permitted to appear within the limits of the College, or + town of Cambridge, in any other dress than is before + described, unless he has on a night gown, or an outside + garment be necessary over his coat. + + That no part of the dress of the Undergraduates be made of + silk;--and that it be recommended to them, to clothe + themselves in home manufactures, as far as may be. + + That these regulations be extended to all who shall + hereafter be admitted into the University;--and that it be + recommended to such as are already Members, to conform + thereto, upon principles of economy, as far as may consist + with their present supply of clothing. + + * * * * * + + UNIVERSITY _in Cambridge, June 12, 1786_. + + CANDIDATES for their second degree, at the next + Commencement, are notified, that it is expected that they + give their attendance at the University by the 12th day of + July; and if any should not attend by that time, they will + not receive their degree this year, unless they give + sufficient reasons for their absence. + + They who desire admission into the University this year, are + also notified, that the President and Tutors will attend the + business of examination on Friday and Saturday, the 21st and + 22d of July. + + JOSEPH WILLARD, President. + + * * * * * + +In 1788 the industry of the people of Providence, R.I., is set forth in +the following notice, from the "Salem Mercury" of November 25: + + AMERICAN MANUFACTURES. + + A Providence paper informs, that the Carding and Spinning + Machines used in England in manufacturing cotton stuffs, are + introducing into that town by some publick spirited + gentlemen--and that there are few families in that town + which are not manufacturing some kind of cloth. + + * * * * * + +It appears from the "Columbian Centinel," July 14, 1790, that the +wealthy of that day had a fondness for foreign articles. + + Complaint is very prolifick in all countries. In the United + States we complain, that, + + _Tho' rich at home, to foreign lands we stray, + And trade for trinkets our best wealth away._ + + * * * * * + +The following advertisement from the "Massachusetts Centinel" recalls +the time when cows were pastured on Boston Common. + + STRAYED, on Saturday last, from Boston Common, and belonging + to JONATHAN AMORY, a young red COW, with some white on the + back and belly, forehead white, small horns, with the tips + off. Whoever will bring her to the owner will be rewarded. + + _Boston, May 24, 1788._ + + * * * * * + +People were expected to have long memories in old times, judging from +the following notification in the "Boston Gazette" of 1760:-- + + WHEREAS on the 17th of January 1740-1, twenty-seven yards + and an half of yard-wide sheeting linnen, and some smaller + articles, was sold at Mr. _James Gordon's_ shop in _Boston_, + and deliver'd to one capt. _Stevens_, as appears by said + _Gordon's_ book; and thro' some mistake in keeping his + books, said articles are charg'd to another of the same + name. If therefore the said capt. _Stevens_, that really had + said goods, or any of his family, or others, can give any + light into the matter, it is desired they would acquaint the + printers hereof, and they shall be generously recompenced + for their trouble. + + * * * * * + +The "small pox" was very troublesome in Colonial times, as this +announcement from the "Boston Gazette," Feb. 2, 1761, shows:-- + + Samuel Parkman hereby informs his Customers and others, That + immediately on the breaking out of the Small-Pox in the back + Part of his House in Union Street, he removed his Shop Goods + to a Store on a Wharf that they may be safe from any + Infection, and himself to the House of Mr. Joshua Winter + Stationer--The Person who had the Distemper is perfectly + recovered, and departed the House some Days ago, and the + House thoroughly cleansed. + + * * * * * + +The following notice from the "Massachusetts Gazette" reminds us of the +time of open fire-places and blazing, cheerful wood-fires: + + THE SELECTMEN would inform the Town, that they have + _approbated_ a number of _Chimney-Sweepers_, who are + furnished with badges agreeable to the By-Laws, and have + stipulated to execute their business _faithfully_, at the + following rates, viz.--For lower-room chimnies, _fourteen + pence two fifths_, or _one pistareen_; and for _all_ chamber + chimnies, _one shilling_ each--that all concerned may govern + themselves accordingly. + + _Boston, Sept. 21, 1786._ + + * * * * * + +The spinning-wheel at Ipswich. From the "Columbian Centinel," June 7, +1791. + + _For the_ CENTINEL. + + THE PRINTER is requested to record it among the numerous + instances of female benevolence and harmony, which have been + exhibited in these times, and so well reprove the jarring + dissensions of the _men_--that at Ipswich, lately, at the + house of the Rev. Mr. DANA, a numerous band of ladies, in + harmonious concert, have again "laid their hands to the + spindle, and held the distaff," and presented the fruit of + their generous toil, 118 run of good yarn; viz. 88 linen, 30 + cotton; the materials, provisions, and handsome attendance, + all furnished by themselves and those who joined with + them.--"_Give her of the fruit of her own hands, and let her + own works praise her in the gates._" + + * * * * * + +From the "Salem Mercury," April 28, 1787. + + Not long ago a number of ladies belonging to the + Presbyterian society in Newbury-Port, assembled at the + Parsonage-house, with their spinning-wheels and other + utensils of industry, for the day, to the benefit of their + minister's family. The assembly having first united in the + solemn exercises of social worship, the business of the day + was opened. Every apartment in the house was full. The + musick of the spinning-wheel resounded from every room. + Benevolence was seen smiling in every countenance, and the + harmony of hearts surpassed even the harmony of wheels. The + labours of the day were concluded about 5 o'clock; when the + fair labourers presented Mrs. MURRAY with cotton and linen + yarn, of the best quality, amounting to 236 skeins. + Necessary refreshment being past, publick worship was + attended; and a discourse delivered, by the Rev. Mr. MURRAY, + to a large assembly, from Exodus 35, 25, _And all the women + that were wise-hearted did spin with their hands._ + + * * * * * + +From the "Salem Mercury," Feb. 6, 1787. + + There is a young Miss in New-Haven, who will soon wear a + silk gown _of her own make_. Such noble industry ought to be + written in letters of gold. May the ladies profit by the + example--and may it soon be esteemed disreputable, by both + ladies and gentlemen, to wear any thick silk but of our own + manufacture. + + * * * * * + +An advertisement in the "Boston Gazette," Feb. 19, 1760, rather +indicates that "searchers" sometimes exceeded their powers. + + ALL Persons who within five Years past, have had any Shoes + or Boots, seiz'd and taken from them, in the Town of Boston, + by any of the Searches and Sealers of Leather there, for + being made of Leather unduly tann'd or curried, or on + Pretence thereof; are hereby notified to give or send in to + the Printers hereof, an Account in Writing, of the Number of + Shoes, &c. so taken from them, the Time when (as near as + they can) with the Name of the Person that seiz'd and took + them, and the Name of the Justice of Peace to whom Complaint + or Information was made concerning such Shoes, &c. by the + eighth Day of _March_ next, if they desire any Recompence + for the Injuries they have suffer'd by such Seizures. + + * * * * * + +In 1767 snuff was apparently of more importance, as merchandise, to say +the least, than were Bibles and Testaments. In an advertisement it was +printed in capitals, while the latter were in smaller type. + + Caleb Blanchard, + + In Union-Street, _BOSTON._ + + _HAS just Imported by Captain_ Rhodes _from_ London, _and + Captain_ Bain _from_ Glasgow. + + _A Great Variety of English, India, and Scotch GOODS, + suitable for all Seasons of the Year, which He sells at the + lowest Rates, by Wholesale or Retail, for Cash or + Treasurer's Notes._ + + N.B. _Kippen's and Tillich's SNUFF, Bibles and Testaments, + all Sorts of Stationary, &c. &c. &c._ + + * * * * * + + _Boston, April 19th, 1788._ + + WHEREAS some person or persons have acted so villainous a + part, as to make use of my name in vending and selling Snuff + of a very bad quality; not only injuring me in my credit, + but cheating the purchaser, as the Snuff manufactured by me + is of the best kind, and which I always warrant to be such. + + Some of the purchasers of said bad Snuff have brought the + same to me, supposing it to be really of my manufacture; but + upon examination, found it to be of a loose and dry kind, + and may be easily discovered. + + Whoever will give information of the person or persons, who + thus impose on the publick, by making use of my name to + vend and sell such base Snuff, shall be handsomely rewarded, + by their humble servant, + + SIMON ELLIOT. + + N.B. The publick are informed, that to prevent the above + deception, the advertisements on bladders of Snuff, in + future, will be altered from letter-press, to a copperplate + impression. (2m) + + _Massachusetts Centinel._ + +The habit of Snuff-taking was formerly very prevalent in New England, as +well as elsewhere. Within the writer's recollection it was a very common +thing to see the snuff-box passed round for friends to take a pinch. +Very few now a days indulge in this uncleanly habit; but a recent +traveller relates that on visiting St. Peter's in Rome, the first thing +upon entering the church which attracted his attention was seeing the +Pope take a pinch of snuff and then shake from his pocket a large +old-fashioned bandanna handkerchief, which he applied to his nose. Many +years ago a gentleman of Salem was questioned by a stranger about a +certain man who happened to be an inveterate snuff-taker and who was at +the same time greatly interested in free-masonry. "Yes," said the +gentleman, "I know him."--"He's about one third masonry and two thirds +snuff." Mr. Francis H. Lee, of Salem, has a curious collection of a +hundred or more snuff-boxes of former generations. They are of various +patterns; some are made of shell and tipped with silver, and look quite +ancient. Simon Elliot, of Boston, and later Wm. Micklefield, of Salem, +were famous snuff manufacturers. + + * * * * * + +A curious snuff-box, advertised in the "Columbian Centinel," 1819. + + A CURIOSITY. + + E. COPELAND, Jr., has for sale a most elegant Gold SNUFF BOX + set with Pearls, &c. It is about 21/2 inches long and from the + top a beautiful _little Bird_ rises at command and sings a + tune. The movements of the wings, beak, eyes, &c. are + perfectly natural, and all its motions while singing are in + complete unison with its notes. This is probably as + ingenious a piece of mechanism as was ever seen in this + town. It will be sold a great bargain. + + august 21 + + * * * * * + +In this connection we notice "Micklefield's Indian," as it was called, a +well-known landmark in Salem half a century ago. Mr. Micklefield was +much respected, and noted for his liberality and public spirit. + + [Illustration] + + THE Subscriber begs leave to inform his friends and the + public, that owing to the fall in prices of different Scents + and Stock in general, that compose the article of Snuff, he + is thereby enabled to sell his different kinds, + viz.--Maccoboy, Scented and Plain Rappee and Scotch + + SNUFFS, + + at a much lower price than heretofore.--Traders in the + neighboring towns that deal in those articles are + particularly solicited to call at his Store, sign of the + _Indian Chief_, corner of Central and Front streets, where + they can purchase at very low prices, and warranted of the + first quality. ALSO, + + Spanish, half Spanish and common + + CIGARS, + + Cavendish, Ladies' Twist, Pigtail, and all kinds of + Manufactured + + TOBACCO, + + wholesale and retail. + + WM. MICKLEFIELD. + + Salem, Jan. 18, 1827. tf + + * * * * * + +From the "Salem Mercury," Nov. 25, 1788. + + S. Breck, Esq. member of the House of Representatives for + Boston, appears in his seat with a complete suit of American + manufactured broadcloth, of an elegant colour. + + * * * * * + +About 1787 and 1788, spinning-wheel meetings seem to have been very +popular. We copy notices of meetings of young ladies in Attleboro', +Dighton, Gloucester, Rehoboth, Mass., and Providence and Johnston, R.I., +all from the "Salem Mercury." + + ATTLEBORO', _June 20_. Yesterday, 63 respectable young + ladies, belonging to this town, asslembled, at 2 o'clock, + P.M. at the house of Mr. Daniel Balkum, and, to the surprise + and great satisfaction of all the friends to industry, spun, + before sunset, 199 skeins of excellent linen yarn. Industry + is the genuine source of all laudable pleasure. On it depend + all the conveniences of life. Health, the greatest of + blessings, depends on industry--beauty, on health. If + ladies, then, wish to be beautiful, they must be + industrious; they must animate their countenances with that + blooming health which comes from the SPINNING-WHEEL. The + fair sex, when rightly and industriously employed, are + justly termed the beauty of this lower creation. Beauty + without virtue is contemptible. Merit only gains the heart. + Idleness is disgraceful. Industry is the ornament of wealth, + the support and consolation of poverty. We hope soon to see + the time, when the fair daughters of America will be clothed + in the manufactures of their own hands. Happy are we, that + some have already set the example. May it never be said, + that American ladies rise 15 minutes later than the sun. May + they ever have thread enough in their hands to make a halter + for a Shays. + + * * * * * + + On Tuesday last, thirteen young ladies assembled, with their + spinning-wheels, at the house of Mr. Joseph Whipple, in + North-Providence, and, between the hours of eight in the + morning and six in the afternoon, completed fifty skeins of + excellent linen yarn. + + July 1, 1788. + + * * * * * + + The spinning-wheel, a few years ago imprudently neglected, + begins to be held in general reputation by the Fair; and the + exploits of some on that useful machine, are deservedly + celebrated, as worthy of imitation. To those good works of + female industry may be added the singular attachment of two + young ladies in Dighton, who spun, the 11th instant, between + the rising and setting of the sun, thirteen skeins and + eleven lees of good linen yarn; one six skeins and seven, + and the other seven skeins and four lees. The spirit of + industry is becoming more prevalent, especially among the + fair sex. They begin to lay aside their useless and idle + visits, or, at least, make them less frequent. When persons + become more industrious and mind their own business, they + talk less, and to better purpose; they become more + contented, and the world around them is more peaceable and + happy. + + _Providence Gazette_, July 1, 1788. + + * * * * * + + PROVIDENCE, _May 24_. On the 7th inst. 71 ladies met at the + house of the Rev. Mr. Ellis, in Rehoboth, and lodged 187 + skeins of good linen yarn, which they had spun for Mrs. + Ellis; and others have since added 31. Solomon, in + describing a virtuous woman, says, "She seeketh wool and + flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.--She layeth her + hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff." + Industry is certainly a virtue, which, while it adorns, + enriches, society; it banishes the languid hue from the + countenances of the fair, and adds vigour and vivacity to + the mind.--The spirited exertions that the daughters of + Columbia are making, to manufacture our wool and flax, which + are necessary for our consumption, are praise-worthy, and + demand the approbation and assistance of every true patriot. + We flatter ourselves with the pleasing expectation of seeing + the virtuous fair clothed and ornamented in the genuine + productions of their own labour. + + * * * * * + + We hear from Gloucester, that on Thursday last nearly thirty + young ladies, inspired with the love of industry, asslembled + at the house of Capt. Philemon Haskell, for the + praise-worthy purpose of a Federal Spinning Match, when, to + their honour, their spirited exertion produced 99 skeins of + excellent yarn--practically declaring, that they neither + laboured in vain or spent their strength for nought. The day + thus industriously concluded, finished not the harmony of + their federalism; in the evening, to crown the pleasure of + the day, with additional company, they regaled with an + agreeable dance, and, at a modest hour, parted in love and + friendship, with hearts convivial as they met, leaving + others to admire their female patriotism, and to go and do + likewise. + + In Scotland, the farmers knit as well as the women of their + families; but they do this while they are watching their + sheep or cattle, or while they are sitting by their evening + fire in winter. Why cannot our American farmers and their + sons adopt this frugal practice? Time is the most precious + thing in the world. Its very fragments should be saved. + + * * * * * + + PROVIDENCE, MAY 17. Monday last, eighteen young ladies + assembled, with their spinning-wheels, at the house of + Captain Jonathan Treadwell, and spun 40 skeins of good linen + yarn. + + MAY 22. A correspondent desires us to mention, that at + Johnston, a few days since, four industrious young ladies, + by "laying their fingers to the spindle, and their hands to + the distaff," completed, in one day, the spinning and + reeling of 21 fifteen-knotted skeins of good linen yarn. + Would to God, that the Gentlemen at the head of our + political affairs in this State, were half so zealous in + encouraging our own manufactures, as the fair sex are; who, + at present, deservedly bear the palm, as friends to their + country. + + "SPINNING BEE. On the 1st inst. assembled at the house of + the Rev. Samuel Deane of this town, more than one hundred of + the fair sex, married and single ladies, most of whom, were + skilled in the important art of spinning. An emulous + industry was never more apparent than in this beautiful + assembly. The majority of fair hands gave motion to not less + than sixty wheels. Many were occupied in preparing the + materials, besides those who attended to the entertainment + of the rest,--provision for which was mostly presented by + the guests themselves, or sent in by other generous + promoters of the exhibition, as were also the materials for + the work. Near the close of the day Mrs. Deane was presented + by the company, with two hundred and thirty-six, + seven-knotted skeins of excellent cotton and linen yarn, the + work of the day, excepting about a dozen skeins, which some + of the company brought in ready spun. Some had spun six and + many not less than five skeins apiece. She takes this + opportunity of returning thanks to each, which the hurry of + the day rendered impracticable at the time. To conclude and + crown the day, a numerous band of the best singers attended + in the evening and performed an agreeable variety of + excellent pieces in psalmody. "The price of a virtuous woman + is far above rubies, * * * She layeth her hands to the + spindle and her hands hold the distaff." + + _Cumberland_ (Portland, Me.) _Gazette_, May 8, 1788, copied + by EDW. H. ELWELL, Esq., editor of the _Transcript_. + + * * * * * + +When spinning-wheels ceased to be used altogether, we are not able to +say. Probably they were not in use for any great length of time after +the opening of the present century; but possibly in some country places +they were used down to the time of the War of 1812, and even later. We +are informed that in some remote places in Rhode Island and in Maine +spinning-wheels are in use to this day; but these are exceptional cases. + +The "Massachusetts Centinel," April 30, 1788, has this advertisement:-- + + [Illustration] + + WILLIAM SCOTT, + At the Sign of the SPINNING + WHEEL, + In MARLBOROUGH.STREET, + (_Resolving to quit Trade in the Fall_) + WILL sell all his + GOODS on hand at + the STERLING COST and + CHARGES. Among which are, + Some elegant _Mersailles_ Bed-Quilts, _Mersailles_ + Quilting in pieces, Irish Linens, Gauzes, + Shawls and Lustrings of a superiour quality, &c, &c. + + A large quantity of silk Gloves, Mitts and Fans + --> _CASH for POT-ASHES._ + + * * * * * + +THE following very curious notice in the "Massachusetts Centinel" in +reference to funerals shows what had been customary upon such occasions; +the object of these "wholesome regulations" seemed to be to induce +economy. Gloves and rings were given to mourners in Salem to within the +last fifty or sixty years, and wines or liquors were also furnished. + + _TAKE NOTICE._ + + AN economical plan of mourning was adopted, before the + Revolution, and its salutary effects have been experienced + by almost every family in this town; since which those + wholesome regulations have been passed into a law: + Notwithstanding which, it has lately been broken in upon in + several instances.--The _Inspectors of the Police_--that no + one may hereafter plead ignorance, have caused the law + respecting the same to be published, and give notice, that + any future breach of it, will be prosecuted without any + favour or affection. _Boston, April 30, 1788._ + + * * * * * + + _To prevent excess and vain expense, in Mourning, &c._ + + IT IS HEREBY ORDERED, That in future no scarfs, gloves or + rings shall be given at any funeral in this town, nor shall + any wine, rum, or other spirituous liquor, be allowed or + given at, or immediately before or after, any funeral in + this town, under pain that the person or persons giving, + allowing or ordering the same shall respectively forfeit and + pay the sum of _twenty shillings_ for each offence. + + _And it is further ordered_, That whatever male person shall + appear or walk in the procession of any funeral in this town + with any new mourning or new black or other new mourning + coat or waistcoat, or with any other new black apparel, save + and except a black crape around one arm, or shall afterwards + on account of the decease of any relation, or other person + or persons, put on and wear any other mourning than such + piece of black crape around one arm, shall forfeit and pay + the sum of _twenty shillings_ for every day he shall put on + and wear or appear in the same. + + AND no female, of whatsoever degree, shall put on, wear or + appear at any funeral in this town, in any other mourning or + new black clothes whatever, other than a black hat or + bonnet, black gloves, black ribbons and a black fan, on pain + to forfeit and pay the sum of _twenty shillings_; and also + forfeit and pay a like sum of _twenty shillings_ for every + day she shall at any time at, or after such funeral, put on + wear or appear in such new black clothes, as or for + mourning, other than black hat, bonnet, black gloves, black + ribbons, and a black fan as aforesaid. + + * * * * * + +In 1790 the town of Salem published in the papers some regulations about +funerals; among the fees fixed were these:-- + + "For each Tolling of the Bell 8d." + + "The sextons are desired to toll the Bells only four strokes + in a minute." + + "The undertakers service in borrowing chairs, waiting upon + the Pall-holders and warning the Relations &c. to attend + 8/." + + "B. Daland and B. Brown are appointed by the Selectmen to + see that Free Passages in the streets are kept open." (This + was before carriages were used at funerals.) + + * * * * * + + Extracts from Mr. Colman's Agricultural Address. + + MANUFACTORIES AND THE SPINNING + WHEEL. + + "The establishment of extensive manufactories, and the + introduction of power-looms and spinning-jennies, has nearly + destroyed the usual household manufactures, and put our + other Jennies out of employment. Our ears are seldom greeted + now a days in the farmer's cottage with the flying of the + shuttle, or the deep base of the spinning wheel. We confess + that we have looked upon their departure with a strong + feeling of regret; and deem it no small abatement of the + advantages, which the establishment of extensive + manufactures has obviously yielded to the country, that it + removes the daughter from the shelter and security of the + paternal roof, and places her in a situation, which + certainly furnishes no means of qualifying her for the + proper department of woman; to preside over our domestic + establishments; to perform her part in the joint labors of + the household; and to know how and when and where to use, + prepare, and to apply to the best advantage within doors, + the products of man's labor without doors. Many occupations + of female industry, strictly domestic however, of a healthy + and agreeable nature, are constantly presenting themselves, + so that there is little danger that the race of industrious + women, and accomplished wives, at least among the country + girls, will soon be extinct; and the silk culture, fast + gaining ground among us, promises to furnish an unexhausted + resource and a profitable employment of female labor." + + _Salem Observer_, 1834. + + * * * * * + +In one of the numbers of the London "Spectator" for 1884 is an +interesting account of an attempt to revive the spinning-wheel industry +in England, through the kind offices of Mr. Albert Flemming, for the +purpose of helping poor women too old or blind to leave their homes for +other work. After considerable difficulty, a wheel was discovered among +a store of ancient articles; but no one at first knew how to use it. +Spinning was one of the lost arts, apparently. At length, however, an +old woman of eighty-four was found who understood the use of the wheel. +She taught Mr. Flemming how to spin. A few more old wheels were found, +and some new ones constructed. Then it was some time before a loom could +be discovered. Eventually this was accomplished, and the art of weaving +taught. The account says that twenty women who were unable otherwise to +obtain a living, are now busily at work, happy in being able to provide +for their families. They make, it may be added, a good strong, honest +linen, specimens of which have been presented to Mr. Ruskin. This +account is substantially from the "Living Age," Nov. 1, 1884. + +[Illustration] + + University Press: John Wilson & Son, Cambridge. + + + Transcriber's notes: + + These are mainly excerpts from Newspapers. Original spelling was + not corrected. + + Text version + *** Represents Inverted Asterism + --> Represents Right Index + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Olden Time Series: Vol. 2: The +Days of the Spinning-Wheel in New England, by Henry M. Brooks + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OLDEN TIME SERIES *** + +***** This file should be named 22405.txt or 22405.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/2/2/4/0/22405/ + +Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Christine D. and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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