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
£27,000 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.
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.
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 séances.
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
Benja. 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,
(Inſurance Broker.)
April 8, 1784.
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.
Phillip Lewis,
Paul Revere.
Boſton, June 14, 1762.
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 2½ 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.
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:—
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.
University Press: John Wilson & Son, Cambridge.
Transcriber's note:
These are mainly excerpts from Newspapers. Original spelling was not corrected.
