Chapter 3 of 7 · 3954 words · ~20 min read

Part 3

AT his House opposite the Golden Cock in Marlborough-Street, _Boston_, Binds Books of all kinds, Gilt and Plain, in the neatest and best Manner. Gentlemen in Town or Country may depend upon having their Work done with Fidelity and Dispatch.

* * * * *

1768. Nov. 21.----Nov. 28.

_Just imported in the Ship_ Thames, _Captain_ Watt, _from_ London, _by_

Samuel Franklin,

_At the Sign of the_ Crown and Razor, _South-End_, Boston:

BEST Razors, Pen-knives, scissars, shears, shoe-knives, shoe tacks and stampt awl blades, teeth instruments, lancets, white and yellow swords, and sword belts; case-knives and forks; ink powder and sealing-wax, files and rasps; horse sleams; hones and curling tongs; brass ink-pots, horn and ivory combs; white, yellow and steel shoe and knee buckles; gilt, lackered and plated coat and breast buttons, snuff boxes, and a few second hand hats, &c. all very cheap.

N.B. Razors, penknives and scissars ground, scabbards made for swords and bayonets, caseknife and fork blades made at said Shop.

_Boston Chronicle._

* * * * *

1769. June 1.----June 5.

WINE TO BE SOLD _by_ ROSANNA MOORE, By wholesale and retail, at her WINE CELLAR near LIBERTY TREE, Boston, viz.

OLD Sterling MADEIRA, LISBON, Teneriff, Claret, Port, Canary, Malaga, Tent, sweet and other WINES, all in their original purity, and as cheap as any in town.

_Boston Chronicle_, June 1, 1769.

* * * * *

_Just imported from_ LONDON, _by_

_Jolley Allen,_

At his Shop about Midway between the Governor's and the Town-House, and almost Opposite the _Heart_ and _Crown_ in Cornhill,

_BOSTON._

A very large Assortment of English and India GOODS, fit for all Seasons, too many to be enumerated separately in an Advertisement.----

_Boston Gazette_, Feb. 20, 1767.

* * * * *

WHEREAS the CO-PARTNERSHIP of Chase & Speakman is mutually dissolved, this is to desire all persons who are indebted to them to make speedy payment, and likewise all those who have any demands on said company, to call and receive their respective dues of T. Chase, at the venerable LIBERTY-ELM.

_Boston Chronicle_, May 22, 1769

* * * * *

BOSTON.

This morning arrived here Captain Paddock, in a schooner from London, after a long passage.

***_The_ BOSTONIAN _came too late for this day's Paper._

* * * * *

STOLEN,

FROM the side of the house, belonging to _Richard Silvester_, now the Sign of the

BROKEN POST,

_Newbury street_, Boston, about half an hour past one o'clock in the morning of the 24th ult.

A Black and White Horse, with a Bridle, without a Saddle.----The Persons concerned in this Frolick, who were seen and known, are desired to replace the said Horse, in the manner and form they found him. And it is hoped, as he is a young creature, they will not corrupt his morals, by teaching him any of their bad tricks, but return him soon, as the owner will not allow any thing for his keeping.

N.B. If he should bite or kick any that have him in possession; his former master now declares, he will not be answerable for the damages.----He was not imported from England, but manufactured in this land of liberty.

_Query._ Whether the persons who knocked at said SILVESTER'S door, past three o'clock the same morning, in their return home, and cried THIEVES, were not accomplices in this _glorious_ exploit.

_Boston Chronicle_, March 1, 1770.

* * * * *

_TO BE SOLD By_ Mary Jackson & Son, _At the Brazen-Head in Cornhill, A few Firkins of good Butter, at 4s. 6d. per Pound; also choice_ Connecticut _Pork, Hogs Fat, and Cheese._

N.B. _All Kind of Braziers, Cutlers, Pewterers and Ironmongery Goods, Wholesale and Retail._

July 13, 1761.

* * * * *

_WANTED_ for a _HOUSE-KEEPER,_ A Discreet elderly WOMAN that can be well recommended, who understands dressing victuals, and the oeconomy of a large family where there are no children.--Such a person will meet with _good_ encouragement, by applying to MEIN and FLEEMING.

_Boston Chronicle_, Dec. 19, 1768.

* * * * *

To be SOLD by JOHN CROSBY, LEMMON-TRADER, at the Sign of the _Basket of LEMMONS_, at the South-End, Choice good and fresh LISBON LEMMONS, equal to any in Town for goodness, and as large in general as Lemmons commonly are, at _Four Pounds_ O.T. _per_ Hundred, and _Ten Shillings per_ single Dozen.

Dec. 19, 1768.

* * * * *

TO BE LET, A Handsome square SHOP, in _Marshall's-Lane_, near Boston-stone, suitable either for a Grocery, West-India or Dry-Goods Shop--it will also accommodate any person in the Mechanical Line. Inquire of the Printer, or of GILES RICHARDS and Co. near the _Mill-Bridge_.

March 12, 1791.

* * * * *

Picture of a Boston mariner in 1799.

_TO BE SOLD_,

[Illustration]

_By_ Samuel Thaxter, MATHEMATICAL _Instrument Maker_, No. 49 STATE-STREET, 1 best brass Sextant, latest improvement; Hadley's Quadrants, Davis' do. Brass Azimuth Amplitude and Steering Compas; Brass Surveying Compas, Wood, do. Spy Glasses; Sea Books, and Charts; Scales and Dividers; Surveying Chains, &c.

N.B. Quadrants and Compasses carefully repaired;--where Gentlemen may depend on reasonableness and punctuality.

March 30.

* * * * *

FOR SALE,

A Small HOUSE-LOT, in Sisters-lane, very near the Rev. Dr. Belknap's Meeting-house. Inquire of the Printer. March 30. 1799.

* * * * *

Just Imported, and to be Sold by Harbottle Dorr, At his Shop (adjoining to the House of Mr. _Martin Gay_) almost opposite to the Cornfields in Union-Street, Boston,

A Fine Assortment of Braziery, Ironmongery, and Cutlery Ware, by Wholesale or Retail, cheap for Cash.

_Boston Gazette_, July 13, 1767.

* * * * *

A sermon suitable to distribute among tenants and servants:--

THIS DAY PUBLISHED, (_And Sold by_ S. Kneeland, _in Queen-Street_;) THE CARE of the SOUL, urged as the ONE THING NEEDFUL. A SERMON first preached at the Funeral of a young Person, and afterwards before some worthy and excellent Persons, who desired some printed Copies of it, to disperse among their Tenants and Servants.

_Boston Gazette_, Nov. 2, 1761.

* * * * *

Goods exchanged for New England rum.

A General Assortment of English Goods and Hard Ware.

Many of the above Articles will be Exchang'd for New England Rum,

_By_ Samuel Allyne Otis,

At Store No. 5, South-Side of the Town-Dock.

_Boston Gazette_, Sept. 22, 1767.

* * * * *

Wigs advertised in Salem, suitable to "grace and become Judges, Divines, Lawyers, or Physicians," and "Rolls to raise the Heads" of ladies "to any Pitch they desire." This shop was probably patronized by Judge and Madam Lynde, Colonel Pickman, Dr. Holyoke, Dr. Barnard, Dr. Hopkins, Dr. Whitaker, Samuel Curwen, Judge Ropes, John Appleton, Deacon Holman, Friend Northey, and others.

=William Lang,=

_Wig-Maker and Hair-Dresser,_

HEREBY informs the Public, that he has hired a Person from EUROPE, by whose Assistance he is now enabled, in the several Branches of his Business, to serve his good Customers, and all others, in the most genteel and polite Tastes that are at present in Fashion in England and America.----In particular, WIGS made in any Mode whatever, such as may grace and become the most important Heads, whether those of Judges, Divines, Lawyers or Physicians; together with all those of an inferior Kind, so as exactly to suit their respective Occupations and Inclinations.----HAIR-DRESSING, for Ladies and Gentlemen, performed in the most elegant and newest Taste.----Ladies, in a particular Manner, shall be attended to, in the nice, easy, genteel and polite Construction of ROLLS, such as may tend to raise their Heads to any Pitch they desire,----also French Curls, made in the neatest Manner. He gives Cash for Hair.

_Essex Gazette_, Feb. 9, 1773.

* * * * *

On the departure of Governor Hutchinson from the Province of Massachusetts in 1774, a hundred and twenty-three citizens of Boston, together with sundry citizens of Salem, Marblehead, and other places, signed a complimentary address to him, "lamenting the loss of so good a Governor," and praising him for his character and conduct. Most of these persons belonged to the better classes; but their action was judged to be, to say the least, hasty. Shortly after this, these "addressors" were "hauled over the coals" by the patriots and forced to retract. The following cards from some of these gentlemen we take from the "Essex Gazette," a newspaper circulating in Salem and Cambridge. From the known character and standing of many of these persons, it is believed that they were glad of an opportunity of thus expressing their patriotism. The first blood of the Revolution had not been shed when they signed this address to the Governor, who they had hoped would be able to influence the British ministry so that war could be averted. But after the battles of Lexington and Concord there was no longer any hope of a reconciliation, and the "Committee of Safety," naturally wishing to be sure as to who were friends and who were enemies, took this method of ascertaining the fact and thereby satisfying the community.

Salem, May 30, 1775.

Whereas we the Subscribers did some time since sign an Address to Governor Hutchinson, which, though prompted to by the best Intentions, has nevertheless given great Offence to our Country; We do now declare that we were so far from designing by that Action to show our Acquiescence in those Acts of Parliament so universally and justly odious to all America, that on the contrary we hoped we might in that Way contribute to their Repeal, though now to our sorrow we find ourselves mistaken.--And we do now further declare that we never intended the Offense which this Address has occasioned, that if we had foreseen such an Event, we should never have signed it; as it always has been and now is our Wish to live in Harmony with our Neighbors, and our serious Determination to promote to the utmost of our Power, the Liberty, the Welfare and Happiness of our Country, which is inseparably connected with our own.

JOHN NUTTING, ANDREW DALGLEISH, N. GOODALE, THOMAS BARNARD, E.A. HOLYOKE, NATH. DABNEY, WM. PYNCHON, WILLIAM PICKMAN, EBEN'R PUTNAM, C. GAYTON PICKMAN, FRANCIS CABOT, JOHN TURNER, N. SPARHAWK.

In Committee of Safety, Salem, 30th May, 1775.

The Declaration of which the above is a copy, being presented and read, it was voted unanimously that the same was satisfactory, and that the said Gentlemen ought to be received and treated as real Friends to this Country.

By order of the Committee, RICHARD DERBY, _jun., Chairman_.

* * * * *

Whereas I the Subscriber was so unfortunate (some Time since) as to sign an Address to the late Governor Hutchinson, so universally, and so justly, deemed an Enemy to American Liberty and Freedom, I hereby in this public Manner declare that at the Time I signed the said Address, I intended the Good of my Country, and that only; but finding in my Sorrow it had not that but quite a contrary Effect, I hereby renounce the same Address in every Part, and hope my injured and afflicted Fellow-Countrymen will overlook my past Misconduct, as I am ready to assist them in their Struggles for Liberty and Freedom in whatever Way I shall be called upon by them.

Londonderry, June 6, 1775. JOHN PRENTICE.

* * * * *

_To the Publick_:

Whereas I the Subscriber signed an Address to the late Governor Hutchinson, upon his leaving this Province: I now declare my doing so was without any View of injuring the Liberties of my Country, which I ever held sacred; nor had I the least Design of giving Offence to any Individual within the Circle of my Acquaintance, and had I conceived such an Address would have been so generally disapproved of, I should by no Means have signed it; and hope the Publick will freely forgive this Error in their humble Servant. JONATHAN GLOVER.

* * * * *

Whereas I, the Subscriber, signed an Address to the late Governor Hutchinson,--_I wish the Devil had had said Address before I had seen it._

Marblehead, October 24, 1774. J. FOWLE.

John Prentice, of Marblehead, signed a similar card the same day.

* * * * *

We have room but for one more of these political cards. The Rev. Samuel Dana, of Groton, appears to have been suspected of "Toryism," and prints the following in the "Essex Gazette":--

"I, the Subscriber, being deeply affected with the Miseries bro't on this Country by a horrid Thirst for ill-got Wealth and unconstitutional Power,--and lamenting my Unhappiness in being left to adopt Principles in Politics different from the Generality of my Countrymen; and thence to conduct in a Manner that has but too justly excited the Jealousy and Resentment of the true Sons of Liberty against me, earnestly desirous, at the same Time, to give them all the Satisfaction in my Power; do hereby Sincerely ask Forgiveness of all such for whatever I have said or done, that had the least Tendency to the Injury of my Country, assuring them that it is my full Purpose, in my proper Sphere, to unite with them in all those laudable and fit Measures that have been recommended by the Continental and Provincial Congresses for the Salvation of this Country, hoping my future Conversation and Conduct will fully prove the up-rightness of my present Professions.

Groton, May 22, 1775. SAMUEL DANA.

The town of Groton voted that the above was satisfactory to the inhabitants, and that Mr. Dana "ought to enjoy the Privileges of Society," etc.

* * * * *

East Boston, to be let, in the year 1800.

_Noddle's Island._

TO BE LET, (for the term of one or more years, and entered upon, the 25th March next,)

THAT valuable Estate in the Harbour of Boston, known by the name of NODDLE'S Island. The advantages of its situation, soil, &c. &c. are so well known, as to render a detail thereof unnecessary.--For particulars, inquire of the Printer, or of DAVID S. GREENOUGH, at Roxbury.

Feb. 15.

_Columbian Centinel._

* * * * *

GENTLEMEN and LADIES.

[Illustration]

ISAAC GREENWOOD, jun., takes this opportunity to inform you, that at his Shop opposite the Town-House, in Salem, Gentlemen may be supplyed with neat walking Sticks; and Ladies with Umbrellas, neater and cheaper than those imported: He makes and mends Umbrella Sticks in the best Manner.

He earnestly wishes, for his Profit and their Good, that they would apply to him for Teeth-Brushes, and Teeth-Powder, which when used will recommend itself.

Said Greenwood performs all kinds of turned Work, in Silver, such as Tankards, Cans, &c. also in Brass, Iron, Ivory, Turtle-Shell, Bone, Horn, and Wood of any sort or bigness. Repairs Violins; makes Flutes, Fifes, Hoboys, Clarinets, Chaise-Whips, Tea-Boards, Bottle-Stands, Tamboy Frames, Back-Gammon Boxes Men and Dies, Chess men, Billiard-Balls, Maces, Lemon Squeezers, Serenges, Hydrometers, Shaving Boxes and Brushes, Buckle-Brushes, Ink-Stands, Paper-Folders, Sand-Boxes, Bannisters for Stair-Cases, &c. &c. &c.

_Salem Gazette_, July 3, 1781.

* * * * *

An appeal to "the Sentimentalists of the Town of Salem," from the "Gazette" of June 19, 1781. "Sentimentalists" would in these days be called book-buyers.

By AUTHORITY.

_JEWELS and DIAMONDS for_ SENTIMENTALISTS.

THE Sentimentalists of the Town of Salem, and all Voluntiers, who are pleased to encourage the extensive Propagation of polite Literature, by the Business of Book Auctioniering, which in all free States hath always been highly favoured with peculiar Privileges, because it is the sublimest Auxiliary which Science, Commerce, and Arts either has, or perhaps ever will possess, are requested to observe, that _On Thursday Evening June 21st, 1781, and for_ two more Evenings successively, The following curious Collection of valuable and scarce BOOKS, containing History, Biography, Voyages, Travels, Philosophy, Mathematics, Periodical Papers, Letters, Essays, Arts, Sciences, Novels and Adventures, with Poetic and Dramatic Entertainment, by the most celebrated ancient and modern Authors, who have explored, investigated, and attempted to illuminate the human Understanding with the god-like Attribute of knowledge,

_Will be exhibited by AUCTION, at Mr._ GOODHUE'S Tavern in the Town of _SALEM_,

_By_ ROBERT BELL, _Bookseller, Provedore_ to the Sentimentalists, and Professor of Book-Auctioniering, who is just arrived from _Philadelphia_, and will return thither in a few days.

Hours of Exhibition by Auction from Six to Ten each Evening; when the Jewels and Diamonds will, instantaneously, either be sold or sacrificed, according to the Taste of the Company.

Printed CATALOGUES of the Books to be had at the Time and Place.

N.B. On Tuesday, or Wednesday next Week, the Book-Auctionier intends also to exhibit a Collection of Books by Auction in the town of Newbury-Port; and sometime in the Week after, he intends to exhibit another Collection of Books by Auction in the Town of Portsmouth, the Capital of the State of New-Hampshire.

* * * * *

In the "Herald of Freedom," published in Boston, is the following singular notice from Osgood Carleton:--

=Osgood Carleton,=

HAVING been frequently applied to for a decision of disputes, and sometimes wagers,[A] respecting the place of his nativity, and finding they sometimes operate to his disadvantage: Begs leave to give this public information--that he was born in Nottingham-west, in the State of New-Hampshire--in which state he resided until sixteen years old; after which time, he traveled by sea and land to various parts, and being (while young) mostly conversant with the English, he lost some of the country dialect, which gives rise to the above disputes.

[A] _Several Englishmen have disputed his being born in America._

BOSTON, AUGUST 20, 1790.

* * * * *

The singular taste for wax-work exhibitions which used formerly to prevail is shown in the following announcement from the "Salem Gazette," Oct. 18, 1791:--

WAX-WORK.

_Mr. BOWEN_

RESPECTFULLY acquaints the Ladies and Gentlemen of Salem and its vicinity, that he has removed his Exhibition from Boston, where it met with universal applause.

To-Morrow Evening at 7 o'clock the door will be opened, and commence one of the most pleasing & innocent amusements,

At the Assembly Room, _Salem_.

The numerous attractions of this admired Collection having lately been increased by adding several excellent new Figures, it is recommended to be worthy of the patronage and attention of a liberal public. Mr. BOWEN, wishing immediately to gratify the inhabitants of this town and vicinity, begs leave to inform them that his residence here will be but a few days.

It would be unnecessary to give a particular description of all the Figures in this large Exhibition; but among the most admired, we may enumerate, an excellent likeness of the PRESIDENT of the United States and his amiable Lady, with a representation of the President supporting the Union of Liberty, Justice, Peace, and Plenty. His Excellency Gov. HANCOCK, who was one of the first of the patriotic members that signed the Declaration of American Independence--a sincere Friend to his Country. The celebrated _Hamilton_, Secretary of the Treasury of the United States. Three beautiful female Figures, representing a _Boston, Rhodeisland, and Philadelphia_ Beauty. The unfortunate _Baron_ TRENCK in real chains. Doctor FRANKLIN, dressed in a suit of his own clothes, with about _Twenty_ other Figures in full stature.

The Exhibition will be open every day (except Saturday evenings and Sundays) from 10 o'clock in the morning until 9 in the evening.

--> Tickets of admission, at _one shilling and six pence_ for Ladies and Gentlemen, and _nine-pence_ for Children under 10 years of age, may be had at the door.

_No reduction of the price will take place._

* * * * *

Wine advertised in a Baltimore paper in 1788.

"--> _In good Wine there is truth._"

"THE ROSY GOD, ever attentive to the wants and wishes of his votaries here below, has for their use deposited in the hands of the subscriber (one of his _oldest Tapsters_) some of his CHOICEST GIFTS, the best Produce of various Vintages. Such exhilarating Beverage as, of old, cheered the Hearts of GODS and Men.--A strict Observance of the _Seventh Commandment_ is enjoined in the Distribution. The Fiat shall be obeyed, by the Publick's most obliged and devoted Servant,

"THOMAS HEPBURN. _"Baltimore, April 11, 1788."_

* * * * *

In the "Boston Columbian Centinel" Josiah Flagg, jun., advertises for "live teeth."

[Illustration]

_JOSIAH FLAGG_, jun. SURGEON DENTIST: AT THE STONE-HOUSE, BEACON-STREET, _BOSTON--_

CONTINUES his practise with useful improvements. Assistance to the poor gratis.

--> CASH given for live Teeth, and Gold Cobbs, or Dust. May 26, 1792.

* * * * *

It is curious to see how in "old times" things "got mixed up." The incongruity of putting together whalebone, Bibles, and chip hats is only exceeded by a later advertisement we have seen of Scott's Bible sold at a lottery-office. This is from the "Salem Mercury" of 1788:--

_NEXT FRIDAY,_ AT W.P. Bartlett's Office, Will be Sold at Publick Auction, A variety of Shop Goods and other articles:

_Among which are,_

A Few pieces best India BANDANNOES----BROADCLOTHS in patterns--twill'd & plain CORDUROY--few doz. purple & white SHAWLS--Hair Ribbons--coloured Threads--N^o 4 Pins--Irish LINENS--yellow SERGE--black LASTINGS--WHALEBONE--large and small BIBLES--Chip Hats--Watch Chains--Bottled Mustard--Playing Cards--Green Chairs--few pounds of NUTMEGS--Men's Worsted STOCKINGS, &c.--_Sale to begin at 11 o'clock_, A.M.

* * * * *

The following notice of the Bradford Academy from the "Salem Gazette" reminds us of the days of small prices,--"Tuition $3," or "$3.50 to those who paint and embroider"!

_Bradford Academy._

THE Female Apartment in Bradford Academy, half a mile from Haverhill Bridge, will be opened the first Wednesday in May, under the direction of approved instructors. The Male Apartment will be continued as usual. Young Masters and Misses will be instructed by such as are assigned to their respective Apartments, in all the branches hitherto taught in that or in any other Academy. The preceptor will spend less time than usual in the female apartment, and the preceptress will have an assistant. The price of tuition, except those who paint and embroider, will be three dollars a quarter. To those who paint and embroider, three dollars and fifty cents. Very particular attention will be paid to inculcate virtuous sentiments and preserve the moral character of the scholars.

Bradford, April 9, 1805.

* * * * *

Husbands often advertise wives, but it is seldom that a wife publicly refuses to pay her husband's debts, as according to the following announcement from the "Salem Gazette," Mistress Sarah Brooks did. This was before the days of "women's rights," too.

THE Subscriber being apprehensive that her Husband, JOHN BROOKS, will contract debts on her account--this is to forbid any person trusting him on her account, as she will not satisfy any debt so contracted after this date--altho my compassion for him is such, that he shall not want for any thing I can help him to--knowing him to be a poor, forlorn young man. I cannot but pity his condition, and sincerely hope he will alter his way of life for the better--tear jealousy from his heart--bury in oblivion his unhappy temper--and take up a firm resolution, that he will turn from the error of his ways, to a better course of life, become a good citizen, a friend to his wife and children, and not hearken any more to his supposed friends (tho greatest enemies)--this is the sincere wish of the Subscriber.

SARAH BROOKS.

_Marblehead, March 27, 1793._

* * * * *

In the "Salem Gazette," Oct. 8, 1793, Frederick Jordis complains of "a certain greedy worshipper of Plutus."