Part 5
THE subscriber wishes to notify his old honourable customers, who practise stealing and destroying his fruit every year, that his Water Mellons are now almost ripe; and if they do not as usual destroy the fruit and vines immediately, they will get entirely ripe; and then some body or other will be the better for them, which will be a grievous mortification to those manly gentlemen.
EZRA GRISWOLD. Simsbury, August 4, 1794. _Connecticut Courant._
* * * * *
Removal.
SAMUEL MYLOD informs his friends and the public that he has removed from Danvers to the building belonging to Mrs. _Martha Procter_, near Buffum's corner, Salem, where he colours all kinds of wearing apparel. Silks cleansed from spots or injury from sea. N.B. Pickles that will keep the longest voyage, for Sale. Oct. 11.
_Salem Gazette, 1805._
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In "old times" even publishers were sometimes short of money, and ready to barter with their subscribers. So celebrated a character as Isaiah Thomas, of the "Worcester Spy," was occasionally obliged to give "hints" to his "Delinquent Customers and Postriders." The latter were distributers of papers to country customers.
_To Delinquent Customers._
-->_Serious Times--or the_ PRINTER _without_ Money--_or a Final Hint to_ Delinquent Customers _and_ Postriders!<--
THE Subscriber has frequently given _Hints_ to his _Delinquent Customers_ and _Postriders_, that he was in want of Cash and has repeatedly invited all indebted to him to come forward and make an immediate settlement, without being put to any _extra cost_--he now, for the last time, informs all that are indebted to him for _Newspapers_, _Advertisements_, _&c. &c._ that an immediate settlement must be made, and all who disregard this notice, may depend upon having their Notes and Accounts put into the hands of an Attorney.
To accommodate those who cannot pay money, the following articles will be received until the FIRST of JANUARY, 1803, viz. _Corn_, _Rye_, _Wheat_, _Oats_, and _Wood_--Those who have not the above articles, and who cannot make it convenient to pay the money at present, their NOTES will be received, payable in _Three Months_, provided they are given previous to the _Second Wednesday_ in _March_ next.
ISAIAH THOMAS, Jun.
_Worcester_, November 17, 1802.
* * * * *
_To be SOLD_,
_And entered upon next April,_
THE House and Land now occupied by the subscriber, pleasently situated at a very public corner, in the main street, at the West part of the town.----After serving the public faithfully, for several years, as a private soldier in the army, and suffering most intolerable hardships, I am now, on account of my country's unfaithfulness, in not paying what they owe me, obliged to sell the house which belonged to my ancestors, in order to pay my debts, and to retire to an obscure hut at some distance from the town.
JOSEPH METCALF.
_Salem Gazette_, 1784.
* * * * *
An advertisement like the following is not only "quaint or curious," but it is also rare:--
ONE evening last week, a piece of Gold was passed, through mistake, at Beverly Ferry, to Asa Leech's Ferryman, with coppers, for a copper.----The owner may have it again, applying to said Leech, telling the marks, and paying the charges.
_Beverly, Sept. 20, 1784._
_Salem Gazette._
* * * * *
In 1798 a "Learned Pig" was in Salem, and we notice that about the same time a learned dog was exhibited.
_For ten days only._
Mr. PINCHBECK
RESPECTFULLY informs the Inhabitants of SALEM, that he has just arrived in this town with that great natural curiosity, the
Pig of Knowledge, And flatters himself, after exhibiting before the President of the United States with unbounded applause, and in every principal City in the Union, to have the honour of gratifying such Ladies and Gentlemen in this place, as may favour him with their Company.
_This extraordinary Animal will actually perform the following surprising particulars, viz._
He reads print or writing, spells, tells the time of day, both the hours and minutes, by any person's watch in the company, the date of the year, the day of the month, distinguishes colours, how many persons there are present, ladies or gentlemen, and to the astonishment of every spectator, will answer any question in the four first rules of Arithmetick. To conclude, any Lady or Gentleman may draw a card from a pack, and keep it concealed, and the PIG without hesitation will discover the card when drawn.
Those who doubt the truth of the above are informed in case it don't answer every expectation the advertisement can excite, and prove a real living Animal, shall have the Money returned, or be at liberty to pay after they have convinced themselves by seeing him perform.
To be seen in a convenient room under the western side of Concert-Hall, Market-Street.
_Admittance, for grown persons, one Quarter of a Dollar.----Children half price._
N.B. Strict attention paid to keep the place fit for the reception of Ladies.
MAY 4, 1798.
_Salem Gazette._
* * * * *
This is a quiet way of asking a favor; taken from a paper of 1811:--
--> Mr. LANG would thank the person that took a _Camblet Cloak_ from his entry the last summer to return it, as he expects to want it the approaching cold weather.
* * * * *
Mr. George W. Felt seems not to have been accustomed to show much gallantry, judging from his notice in the "Salem Gazette," Sept. 4, 1804.
_WHEREAS two GIRLS were seen taking_ APPLES _from the Subscriber's Field, on Sunday last, in North Fields, so called, if they will call and settle for the same, THIS DAY, they will avoid further trouble!_
GEORGE W. FELT.
_Salem, Sept. 4, 1804._
* * * * *
Females seem to have been often in difficulty in "old times," as appears from some of the advertisements, of which we give a few specimens. But perhaps this was due in part, at least, to "kleptomania,"--a disease then but little understood.
--> _The_ FEMALE, _who a few days since took_ 4 _Pair of_ SLIPPERS _from a shop in old Paved Street, is_ requested _to return them, and no questions will be asked; if she does not return them in 6 days she will hear from the owner another way._
Jan. 5, 1792.
* * * * *
_The Female who offered a Counterfeit Seven Dollar Bill at Mr. Dow's Shop, on Wednesday afternoon, and afterwards passed it upon a small Lad at another shop, is desired to call and exchange the same, if she wishes to avoid trouble, as her name is known._
_Nov. 1, 1805._
* * * * *
The Female that took from the Shop of the subscriber on Monday, 19th of June, four pair COTTON HOSE, is requested to return them to prevent further exposure.
June 20, 1815. JOHN RUST.
* * * * *
An indiscreet and ungrateful servant advertised as missing. We take the following from the "Columbian Centinel," Sept. 30, 1807:--
[Illustration]
A GOOD _LIKENESS_ OF _SANCHO_, A NEGRO MAN, thirty years of age, about 5 feet high, very black complexion, good teeth, not corpulent, but well formed, and of erect position of body & a _fast walker_, WHO absented himself (supposed to have been inveigled away by some artful villains for their own use and benefit) upon the Evening of the 17th inst. from his Master, WINTHROP SARGENT, late Governor of the Missisippi Territory. He had learned the trade of a Barber, and is in every respect a most accomplished servant for a gentleman or a family; was born and educated in his Master's house; endeared to _him_, his _mistress_, and his own _wife_ and _children_, as well as the numerous blacks of his Master's Plantations, by long, affectionate, and faithful services, and ere this _solitary_ instance of malconduct, there was not a single doubt entertained that the attachments were mutual and inviolable. If he voluntarily returns to the service of his Master, he shall be received with wonted kindness and affection, but no expense will be spared to punish to the utmost limits of the law, all persons who may be accessory in harboring or concealing him, and the sum of FIFTY DOLLARS shall be paid to any person who will apprehend and deliver him to his Master, or in his absence to Mr. IGNATIUS SARGENT, in _Boston_; to Messrs. G. & T. ASPINWALLE, in _New-York_; or Col. HODGDON, in _Philadelphia_;--or the sum of ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS for delivering him to Mr. DAVID URQUHART, Merchant, _New-Orleans_.
WINTHROP SARGENT.
* * * * *
_UNGUIOLOGY._
JUST Received, and for Sale at the Printing-Office of BELCHER & ARMSTRONG, No. 79, _State-street_, and at the several Bookstores--a few copies of that rare and valuable work, "A Translation of Doctor _Gasper Gall La'Veytur's_ UNGUIOLOGY, or the doctrine of _Toe-Nails_." The various editions, languages, and countries, through which this publication has passed almost in rapid succession, exceed calculation. Gentlemen of literature are invited to apply in season, as the work is under restriction and cannot be reprinted in this country. Foreign reviews speaking of it say, "The ingenuity of Doctor _Gasper Gall La'Veytur's_ Unguiological system exceeds the capacity of our praise. It is impossible for any one of judgment and penetration to read this work without being convinced that the seat of the soul is in the toe-nails; the superior advantages which this index has over physiognomy and craniology are made most incontrovertibly evident to the most common comprehension." _Price_ 32-1/2 _cents_. august 27.
_Centinel_, 1806.
* * * * *
The really curious collection of the Columbian Museum is advertised in the "Boston Chronicle," Dec. 19, 1797.
LATE ADDITIONS TO THE
COLUMBIAN MUSEUM,
_At the Head of the MALL_, BOSTON.
Mr. BOWEN informs the Public, that he has purchased Mr. PAFF's much admired Exhibition of
_CONCERT CLOCKS_,
_Which are placed at the head of the_ Museum Hall, _as a valuable and pleasing addition to that very extensive repository of CURIOSITIES._
1. A CANARY BIRD, which sings a variety of beautiful songs, minuets, marches, &c. natural as life. 2. A company of _Automatum Figures_, which dance to the Music of an Harpsichord. 3. Three Figures, which play the Organ and Clarinet in concert. 4. Three Figures, which play the Harpsichord and Hautboys, in concert. 5. King Herod beheading John the Baptist, and his Daughter holding a charger to receive the head. 6. A Chimney Sweep and his boy on the top of a chimney. 7. Three Figures which strike the hours and quarters. 8. A Butcher killing an Ox.
_The above CONCERT CLOCKS have been exhibited in New-York, with universal applause, and are well worthy the attention of the Citizens of Boston and the Public in general._
The Musuem also contains the most extensive Collection of
_ELEGANT PAINTINGS_,
That ever was exhibited in the United States, some of which are 10 by 12 feet, elegantly framed, and valued from 500 to 1000 dols.
ALSO--_A Collection of upwards of_
50 elegant Figures of WAXWORK, Large as Life, among which are the following (the most interesting) viz.
The late King of France, taking an affectionate leave of his family just before he suffered under the guillotine: The Queen appears in a rage of distraction--the King's Sister deeply affected--the young Princess is fainting--and the Dauphin is embracing his unhappy Father--the Queen's Maid of Honor also appears in great distress. A guard of Soldiers are waiting to conduct him to the place of execution. This is an affecting scene which appears as natural as the life, and is the most interesting group of WAX FIGURES that ever was exhibited to the United States.
GEORGE WASHINGTON, late President of the United States, is elegantly situated in the centre of the Museum Hall, surrounded by four beautiful _Wax Figures_, representing LIBERTY, with the staff and cap--JUSTICE, with the sword and balance--PEACE, with the olive branch extended and PLENTY, with a cornucopia, or horn of plenty, loaded with fruit.
Dr. FRANKLIN, sitting at a table, with the late Dr. STILES, President of Yale College, Connecticut. The _New-York Beauty_. The _Sleeping Nymph_. A Tea Party of Young Ladies, with a Servant Negro Girl. The _Salem Beauty_. _Maternal Affection_, or a Lady with two beautiful Children. The _Boston Beauty_. _Sir Charles Grandison_ and _Miss Harriet Byron_. _Charlotte_ weeping at the Tomb of _Werter_.--_Humphreys_ and _Mendoza_, the celebrated English Boxers. The domestic Cottager, at the spinning wheel. The venerable _John S. Hutton_, who lately died in Philadelphia, aged 108 years and 4 months, drest with the same cloathes which he wore when living, with his own cane, pipe, tobacco-box, &c. The assassination of MARAT, by the beautiful Miss CHARLOTTE CORDE, in France. Two Greenwich Pensioners. The late unfortunate Baron TRENCK, loaded with large iron chains in a real Prison. An Indian Warrior, with his tomahawk, belts of wampum, &c. Two Chinese Mandarines, drest in the modern stile of that country. Also, two Mandarines, deposited in the Museum, For Sale.
_With a great variety of_
Natural and Artificial Curiosities;
Among which are a great variety of _Birds_, _live Owls_, _Beasts_, _Reptiles_, _Serpents_, (one of which is a RATTLE-SNAKE, 9 years of age, and 4 feet in length,) _Insects_, _Diamond Beetle_, _Glass Frigates_, two feet in length, compleatly rigged and mounted with Glass Guns, &c.
The _MUSEUM_ has lately received the principal Additions for this season--It is Opened Every Day, (except Sundays) and ILLUMINATED every
_Tuesday_, _Thursday_, and _Friday_ Evenings.
* * * * *
Notice to the economical, from the "Salem Mercury," July 8, 1788.
--> Save your Rags!
AND send them to the Printing Office; you will there receive for what you think of no service, money _enough_, which, in effect, is the same as having money for nothing, and is certainly better than to be at the trouble of sweeping Rags away. If this _beloved_ argument is thought insufficient to procure them, then only think of the virtue of serving your country!
* * * * *
"Beauties" to be seen.
New Additions.
The BOSTON MUSEUM, North side the _Market_, has lately received many very valuable additions, among which are
The _Philadelphia_, _New-York_, and _Salem_ Beauties, and a number of other Figures.--_Also_, a variety of natural curiosities, among which are the skin of the _Sea-Elephant_, in natural preservation, which measures 8 feet in length, and 6 feet round the body, &c. The skin of the African _Lion_, a _Calf_ with 8 legs, 2 bodies, and one head, in natural preservation, &c. &c.
Museum opened every day and evening, Saturdays and Sundays excepted.
--> _Admittance to the Museum, 25 Cents._
The Invisible Lady, and Acoustic Temple, continues to be exhibited among the other curiosities, at 25 Cents admittance.
June 29.
_Columbian Centinel_, 1805.
* * * * *
A case of short weight of a load of hay is gravely advertised in the "Columbian Centinel" by the town-weigher
Mr. RUSSELL,
THIS day came EZEKIEL KINGSBURY, jun., of Dedham, with a Load of Hay to be weighed, which was accordingly done. After it was weighed, he drove it off round Mr. _Greenleaf's_ corner, where he stopped. Mr. _Jonathan Trask_, truckman, wanted to purchase a load of hay--went and tried to bargain with him for it, and as he was going towards the hay, he perceived a man raise his head on the top of the load, by the name of _Draper_, of said town. He accordingly came to me and told me of it. I went in pursuit of _Kingsbury_, and overtook him just before he got to the Granary, and ordered him back to the scales to have his load weighed again, which weighed one hundred and an half less that it did before.--The several printers are requested to insert the above, to prevent further impositions on the publick.
HOPESTILL FOSTER, Hay-weigher.
_Boston, Dec. 15, 1789._
* * * * *
It seems to have been the fashion in "old times" with people who had articles stolen from them to advertise in the papers, requesting the thief or thieves to make restitution. Probably this was the surest method of recovery, in the absence of the detective system. Joseph Tyler in the "Boston Gazette," Nov. 21, 1761, is inclined to be sarcastic, and Samuel Brazer, of Worcester, in 1802, is witty, but modest. As to stealing psalm-books, no one would dream of doing such a thing in these days. Our modern thieves are not interested in devotional books; they prefer "yellow-covered literature."
Joseph Tyler _desires the Person that borrowed his Surtout to return it, if it is not worn out_. 1767.
* * * * *
Taken out of the Pew, No. 59, in the Rev'd Mr. Barnard, senior's Meeting-House, about a Month since, a PSALM-BOOK. The Person is desired to return it, otherwise may depend upon being exposed.
_Essex Gazette_, Sept. 28, 1773.
* * * * *
_A MODEST REQUEST!_
THE two obliging _Ladies_, who on the night of Monday, the 29th ultimo, between six and seven o'clock in the evening, took from the Store of the Subscriber (_not by mistake_) FIVE BARCELONA HANDKERCHIEFS, are desired to return them immediately, _with satisfactory remuneration_, or the next notice they receive will come "_GREETING_."
SAMUEL BRAZER.
_Worcester_, December 8, 1802.
* * * * *
THE person who took six pair of SHOES, one day last week, under a false name, from a shop in Essex Street, would do well, if they wish to avoid difficulties, to return them immediately.
Salem, July 22. _Salem Gazette_, 1800.
* * * * *
_The Person who yesterday, at dusk, took a piece of black_ VELVET _from the shop board of the Subscribers, is well known. He has now an opportunity of returning it, and if not immediately done, shall suffer the penalty of the Law._
J. & I. NEWHALL.
Salem, Nov. 5, 1805.
* * * * *
Pictures like the following could be seen in the "Essex Gazette" in 1771 (May 14).
[Illustration]
Ran away from the Subscriber, on the 4th of May, a Negro Man named _Cato_, of a middling Stature, has lost the Sight of his left Eye, had on a kersey Jacket and leather Breeches. Whoever shall take up said Negro, and bring him to his Master in Salem, shall have Two Dollars Reward, and all Charges paid, by
_William Hunt._
* * * * *
Vessels were accommodated at "Rotting Row," in Salem, in 1812, and we presume there is room for some now.
SEVERAL BIRTHS for VESSELS are vacant at Rotting Row, the tides are favorable and the Dockage so extremely low, good and safe, as to make it an object for any one to haul his vessel there to winter. Salem, Nov. 20.
* * * * *
It used to be common in the early part of this century to see such goods as "Mamoodies," "Chittabully Baftas," etc., advertised in the Salem and Boston papers.
JOHN STONE,
_Has for sale,_ _Front street,_ ONE bale MUGGA MAMOODIES; 1 do. MADRAS PAT HANDKERCHIEFS; 1 do. ALEABAD MOWSANNAS; 1 do. do. MAMODIES; 1 do. CHITTABULLY BAFTAS; 1 do. JOLLOPOUR SANNAS; 1 do. BANDANNAS;
Imported in the ship Union, Capt. Osgood, from Calcutta, and of the first chop. _Sept. 24, 1811._
In another advertisement we notice "Guzzenahs, Allebad Emerty, Taundah Khassah, Mahge Gunge." These are all India cottons.
* * * * *
It seems strange to us now, when we see so many boot-blacks everywhere, to learn that in 1815 the "craft" advertised in the papers, as did "wood-sawyers," too, about the same time. As coal had not then been introduced into Salem, everybody burned wood, so that wood-sawing was an occupation of considerable importance. During the war of 1813 wood became rather scarce, and some people used dried turf, or peat, as it was called, for fuel.
Boots and Shoes Cleaned.
YORK MORRIS respectfully informs the Gentlemen of Salem, that he has taken the Shop one door west of the Sun Tavern, where he will be happy to clean their Boots and Shoes in the best manner, and at the shortest notice.----He will keep constantly for sale _LIQUID BLACKING_ of a very superior quality, in jugs and bottles. Also, a Composition, with which he cleans _Ladies'_ Walking Shoes. April 18.
This York Morris was father of the Boston colored lawyer, Robert Morris.
* * * * *
_Boots and Shoes Cleaned._
THOMAS JONES respectfully informs the Gentlemen of Salem, that he has taken the Shop (recently occupied by York Morris) two doors west of the Sun Tavern, where he will be happy to clean their BOOTS and SHOES in the best manner, and at the shortest notice.
Salem, June 13.
* * * * *
Wood-Sawing.
THE Subscriber, being under the interdict of a Non-Intercourse law, his horses and waggons hauled into dry dock, will no longer carry freight between Salem and Boston; but, "abandoning the ocean altogether," he respectfully offers his services to his federal friends, with his saw and wooden horse, and shall be obliged to them to call upon him when they have any wood to cut. Orders will be received at his dwelling, near the Court-house.
JOHN L. MATTHEWS.
--> Wanted to hire--two smart men. June 11 [1811].
* * * * *
Specific for a "religious hydrophobia" in 1819.
_Cochranism Delineated,_
Or a description of, and specific for, a religious Hydrophobia, which has spread & is still spreading in a number of towns in the counties of York and Cumberland, District of Maine--price 12 1·2 cents--for sale at the Bookstore of
June 12. HENRY WHIPPLE.
* * * * *
The following is printed in the "Massachusetts Mercury:"--
From the GEORGIA GAZETTE.
_Vice Consulship of Spain for the States of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia._
Messrs. Nicholas Johnston and Co.
_Gentlemen,_
His Excellency Lieut. Colonel Don Vincent Folch, Governor of the Province of West Florida, in a letter, dated Panzacola, 1st August, has been pleased to communicate to me the following:
"I have issued a proclamation, offering FOUR THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS to any person who will deliver here, or in _Apalache_, the body of WILLIAM AUGUSTUS BOWLES, or else produce sufficient proof of having killed him; which information I will thank you to make public, in order that some clever fellow, at the cheap rate of one gun shot, will place in his pocket the said sum, which shall be paid, with the greatest acknowledgment of gratitude, in good Spanish dollars, without the least delay."
Therefore I request you to give this a conspicuous place in your paper. It is, doubtless, a very interesting subject to _Spain_, _America_ and the Indians, that they be rid of this noted vagabond.
I remain, with respect, Your obedient servant, EMANUEL RENGILL.
_Savannah, 25th August, 1800._
* * * * *
_Progress of Refinement in America._
=INDIANS' SCALPS.=
_Pittsburg, May 17, 1791._
WE the subscribers, encouraged by a large subscription, do promise to pay One Hundred Dollars for every hostile Indian's scalp, with both ears to it,[B] taken between this date and the 15th day of June next, by any inhabitant of Alleghany county.
_George Wallace,_ _Robert Elliot,_ _Wm. Amberson,_ _A. Tannehill,_ _J. Wilkins, jun._ _John Irwin._
[B] The shape of the ears, we suppose, is to determine the enmity of the Indian.
_Salem Gazette._
* * * * *
A negro "pretends to be very religious." From the "Boston Gazette."
RAN away from me the Subscriber at _Londonderry_, in the Province of _New-Hampshire_, on the 28th of _September_, a Negro Man Servant named _Prince_, about Forty Years of Age, about five Feet five Inches high, speaks good _English_, had on when he went away a green Coat, blue plush Breeches, diaper Jacket, several pair of thread Stockings with him; he looks very serious and grave, and pretends to be very religious: He is the property of Major _Rogers_, and has been several Years in the Service to the Westward, and pretends to be free.