Part 6
Whoever will take up said Slave and bring him to me, or to Capt. _Jonathan Brewer_ at _Framingham_, shall have FIVE DOLLARS Reward and all necessary Charges paid by me,
_James Rogers._
_Dated at Londonderry, October 8, 1762._
* * * * *
In the "Boston Gazette," Oct. 8, 1759, some servants are advertised who among other accomplishments speak high & low Dutch. At this time two dollars and a half was the value of a pound in New York currency, while the New England currency was three dollars and thirty-three cents to a pound. To this day a shilling is 12-1/2 cents in New York, and in New England 16-2/3 cents.
_RUN away from Major_ Edmond Matthis _of_ Albany, _in the Province of_ New-York, _the following People, viz. A Servant Man named_ William Fairfield, _of a dark Complection, down look, black Hair, and of a middling Stature. Also a Negro Man and Woman, and a white Girl with them, about_ 14 _Years of Age, who talks good English, high and low Dutch; the Negro Man is much pitted with the Small Pox, and speaks good English; tis suppos'd they are all together: They took with them a great many Cloaths, and its probable they will often alter their Dress. Whoever takes up said Run-aways, and safely conveys them to their abovesaid Master, shall have_ Ten Pounds (25 Dollars) New-York _Currency Reward, and all necessary Charges paid._
Albany, Octob. 1, 1759. EDMOND MATTHIS.
* * * * *
Dr. Greenwood, of Boston, in 1788 offered his services to "give a youthful air to the countenance," and was ready to "electerise" any persons who stood "in need of that almost universal remedy."
_ISAAC GREENWOOD,_
DENTIST,
ACQUAINTS the publick, that he has REMOVED from N^o. 49 to N^o. 19, Marlborough Street, opposite Messrs. AMORYS' Store, where he continues to perform the necessary branches of that art, carefully and faithfully. Removing every substance tending to destroy the Teeth and Gums. Cures the Scurvy in the Gums, makes the Teeth white, &c. Sells BRUSHES that are suitable for the Teeth, with a POWDER that never fails to recommend itself, at 1/4 per box. Fixes NATURAL TEETH on plates of gold or silver, with gold springs, if wanted. _Also_, substitutes ARTIFICIAL TEETH, of different substances, from 2_s._ to 6_s._ each--that give a youthful air to the countenance, and render pronunciation more agreeable and distinct--In a word, both natural and artificial are of such real service, as are worthy the attention of every one. He with pleasure attends on those who may incline to employ him, provided they cannot conveniently attend on him, at his HOUSE, where he has every accommodation necessary for their reception.
_At the same place may be had_,
[Illustration]
Oil, Silk, and Ladies' UMBRELLAS, cheap. Old Umbrellas repaired, oiled, newly covered, &c. Oil Silk CAPS for bathing, German Flutes, Fifes, Violins, and Strings for ditto, Reeds for hautboys, Men, Boxes and Dice for back-gammon, Chess men, Billiard Balls, Ivory Combs, a variety of Canes, by wholesale and retail. Cane Strings, Whips, electrical Machines with apparatus for experiments and medical use--artificial Magnets, &c. &c. &c.
N.B. Said GREENWOOD offers his service to electerise those who stand in need of that almost universal remedy, at 1/6 each time, at his House.
--> _Advise with your physicians._ MAY 3, 1788.
* * * * *
_REMOVAL._
_Boston Umbrella Manufactury._
DANIEL HEWES,
[Illustration]
UMBRELLA Manufacturer; takes this early opportunity to inform his friends and the Public in general, that he has Removed from the North-Square, to
_No. 55, Marlborough-Street,_
at the sign of the UMBRELLA----where may be had any quantity, quality, or sized UMBRELLAS, at the shortest notice, made of better materials, cheaper, and more durable than can be imported.
_Also,_
Turned Work in Ivory, hard Woods, and Metals, executed in the best stile of workmanship.
--> _Cash given for_ Ivory, Sea-horse, _and_ Sea-cows TEETH. (8w) March 14 [1798].
* * * * *
The following--supposed to be--attempt at wit appeared in the "Massachusetts Centinel" in 1789.
_ADVERTISEMENTS EXTRA._
IMPORTED in the last vessels from Europe, A treatise on ogling, simpering, flirting, gigling, painting, patching, perfuming, &c. very useful to every _Lady_--and much in demand. Also, The Art of burning dimples in ladies' cheeks and chins--of repairing female tongues that wear with using--of setting eyes _fashionably_ in their sockets--of giving the face a _beautiful pale_, deathlike aspect--and of acquiring the elegant hysterick and other fits.
_TO BE SOLD_--Many elegant and beautiful copies of a most scarce and valuable work, called "_The Virtue of the Times_." Inquire any where.
_LOST_--Through carelessness, _thirty good years of life_--of a gentleman--ALSO, _forty-two years of a lady_--the latter, from a desire to appear _beautifully_ slim. Whoever can inform the losers how they can be redeemed, shall be handsomely rewarded.
_EXTRA--BUT SERIOUS._
WANTED--much _wanted_--several _small sums of money_--say, from 4/6. to Ten Dollars--for which _obligations_, which have frequently been _offered_, will be _given_. Inquire of the _Printer_.
* * * * *
A Boston paper of 1789 prints the following unique production, copied from a late London paper. It was probably designed as a "take-off" to some of the humbugs of the day.
THOMAS TOUCHWOOD, GENT.,
Proposes, on the last day of the present month, to shoot himself by subscription. His life being of no farther use to himself or his friends, he takes this method of endeavouring to turn his death to some account; and the novelty of the performance, he hopes, will merit the attention and patronage of the publick.
He will perform with two pistols, the first shot to be directed through his _abdomen_, to which will be added another through his brain, the whole to conclude with staggering convulsions, grinning, &c., in a manner never before publickly attempted.
The doors to be opened at eight, and the exhibition to begin precisely at nine. Particular places, for that night only, reserved for the ladies. No money to be returned, nor half price taken. _Vivant Rex et Regina._
_N.B._ Beware of counterfeits and impostors.--The person who advertises to hang himself the same night, in opposition to Mr. Touchwood, is a taylor, who intends only to give the representation of death by dancing in a collar, an attempt infinitely inferior to Mr. T.'s original and authentic performance.
* * * * *
Probably camels were not seen in America before 1789. Increased interest attaches to the following advertisement from the fact that the exhibition was held near the very pump which Hawthorne commemorates in "Twice-Told Tales." This notice is taken from the "Salem Mercury," Aug. 4, 1789.
TO THE CURIOUS.
_To be seen at Mr. BENJAMIN DALAND'S, near the town-pump, Salem._
TWO CAMELS,
_Male and Female, imported from Arabia._
THESE stupenduous Animals are most deserving the attention of the curious, being the greatest natural curiosity ever exhibited to the publick on this continent. They are 19 hands high--have necks near 4 feet long--have a large bunch on their backs, & another under their breasts, in the form of a pedestal, on which they support themselves when lying down--they have 4 joints in their hind legs, and will travel 12 or 14 days without drinking, and carry a burthen of 1500 wt.--they are remarkably harmless and docile, and will lie down and rise at command.
* * * * *
_Abraham was old and well stricken in age: And the Lord had blessed Abraham in all things. And Abraham said unto his eldest Servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had, Thou shalt go unto my Country, and to my Kindred, and take a Wife unto my Son Isaac. And the Servant took ten Camels, of the Camels of his Master, and departed; and went to Mesopotamia, unto the city Nahor. And he made his Camels to kneel down without the city, by a well of water, at the time of the evening, even the time that Women go out to draw water. Pure wisdom directed the Servant, and succeeded him in obtaining the consent of the Parents, Brethren and Kindred of Rebeccah, that she should go to the Land of Canaan, and become the Wife of Isaac. And they sent away Rebeccah, their Sister, with her Damsels and her Nurse, & Abraham's Servant, & his men, and they rode upon the Camels._--Gen. XXIV.
N.B.--The CAMELS will go from this town this evening.
* * * * *
In 1796 a mermaid was exhibited in Salem, and in 1800 a cassowary bird. The admission fee to the latter curiosity was for "grown persons" 12-1/2 cents, and for children 6-1/4 cents. The exact change could then be easily made, as the Spanish silver ninepences (12-1/2 cents) and fourpence halfpence (6-1/4 cents) were more common than any other silver pieces. The American dimes and half-dimes had not at that time got much into circulation in New England.
NATURAL CURIOSITY.
[Illustration]
_To be seen at Washington Hall, for this day only,_
THE CASSOWARY,
_A Bird, from the East Indies._
ITS height is 5 feet, weighs near 100 pounds; it will eat half a peck of apples at a meal, swallow whole eggs, also stones and apples as large as eggs, and jump to a great height.--Goldsmith says, in his history of Animated Nature, it has the head of a Warrior, the eye of a Lion, the defence of a Porcupine, and the swiftness of a Courser.
It is fond of all kinds of vegetables and fruits. It will pick a pea out of a Child's hand without injury. Many that have seen it, say it is the greatest curiosity of the kind ever exhibited here. Children of seven years old can ride it.--Admittance for grown persons 9 pence--Children half price.
* * *
--> _The remarkable bird, called the_ CASSOWARY, _now exhibiting in this town, is described by Goldsmith in his 3d volume of Animated Nature, page 39, American edition.--After describing him, the Doctor observes, that "the southern parts of the most eastern Indies seem to be its natural climate. His domain, if we may so call it, begins where that of the ostrich terminates. The latter has never been found beyond the Ganges; while the Cassowary is never seen nearer than the islands of Banda, Sumatra, Java, the Molucca islands, and the corresponding parts of the continent. Yet even here this animal seems not to have multiplied in any considerable degree, as we find one of the kings of Java making a present of one of these birds to the captain of a Dutch ship, considering it as a very great rarity."_
_Gazette_, August 8, 1800.
* * * * *
The following notice, taken from the "Salem Gazette," July 13, 1790, has an interest to us from what it says of the likenesses "produced from a Spark of Electricity." It is difficult to conjecture what this means; though additional interest is derived from the fact of these likenesses having been presented by Dr. Franklin's grandson.
AMERICAN MUSEUM.
MR. PEALE, of Philadelphia, has lately received a number of donations for his Cabinet of Curiosities. Among them were
Likenesses of the King and Queen of France, executed on white satin, and each produced by a single spark of electricity.--Presented by WM. TEMPLE FRANKLIN, Esq.----And
The Finger of Mr. Broliman (a provincial officer in the British service, in the war before the last) who was executed at Philadelphia for the murder of a Mr. Scull. This unfortunate gentleman, soured by some disgust, became weary of life. In this temper of mind, he one morning rose earlier than usual, and walked out upon the common of the city, with his fusee in hand, determined to shoot the first person he should meet. The first person he saw was a very pretty young girl, whose beauty disarmed him. The next presented was the late Dr. Cadwallader--The Doctor, bowing politely to Mr. Broliman (who, though unknown to him, had the garb and appearance of a gentleman) accosted him with "Good morning, Sir! What sport?" The Officer answered the Doctor very civilly; and was so struck with his gentlemanly manner and pleasing address, that he forebore to execute his desperate resolution: Impelled, however, by the same gloominess of disposition which actuated him when he first set out, he repaired to the Centre house, where some gentlemen were engaged at billiards--The tack of one of the players happening to strike his hat, the wretched man, eager for an opportunity of accomplishing his desire to leave the world, instantly shot Mr. Scull, one of the company, who died of the wound.
This little story affords a striking proof, that amiableness and politeness of manners are not only pleasing, but useful, in our commerce with the world.
Salem always was famous for its collections of natural and historical curiosities, and many of its houses are now well stocked with such things. Among these collections we may mention Mr. Geo. R. Curwen's antique family portraits, china, clothing, and furniture; Mr. M.A. Stickney's rare coins, old paper money, and books, autographs, etc.; Mr. H.F. Waters's rare ancient furniture (Mr. Waters is now in London, engaged in historical research in reference to American families); Mr. John Robinson's remarkable collection of Chinese coins, and scarce views of old houses of Salem; Mr. T.F. Hunt's valuable collection of Chinese books and pictures; Rev. Dr. Bolles's fine collection of works on London; Rev. B.F. McDaniel's collection of engravings, etc.; Mr. N.J. Holden's and Mr. F.P. Richardson's collections of illustrated books, autographs, etc.; besides numerous minor collections. It is not too much to say that Professor E.S. Morse's collection of Japanese pottery is certainly not surpassed in the world; the South Kensington collection in London, which is the best in Europe, does not approach it in size or importance. One of the best museums of our country was started in Salem in the latter part of the last century, and that collection is now, as is well known, in charge of the Peabody Academy of Science. Its objects of natural history have in recent years been carefully classified and arranged under the direction of Dr. Henry Wheatland, Professors Morse, Putnam, Packard, and Robinson; and its cabinets, together with those of the Essex Institute, now contain probably more unique and valuable specimens than are to be found elsewhere in this country.
* * * * *
The "silhouette," or cheap portrait cut in black paper, was much in vogue in New England some seventy or eighty years ago. The process was named from M. Silhouette, an honest French minister who about 1759 was noted for his advocacy of economy in everything relating to the public welfare. He received a great deal of ridicule, and hence all inexpensive things were said to be _à la Silhouette_. At the rooms of the Essex Institute, and in many houses in Salem, there are numerous silhouettes of former citizens of the place. Those who remember the originals consider the likenesses often very striking.
_CORRECT PROFILE LIKENESSES._
MOSES CHAPMAN
[Illustration]
Informs the Ladies and Gentlemen of Salem that he has taken a shop next to Mr. Morgan's, in North street, _Salem_, where he will take PROFILES in the newest and most elegant style: two of one person for 25 cents, or if desired, will paint and shade them for 75 cents.
--> FRAMES, of different kinds and prices, for the Profiles may be had at the above place.
Salem, January 23, 1808.
_Salem Register._
* * * * *
[Illustration]
MR. BROWN
RESPECTFULLY informs the Public that having met with so extensive encouragement, he is induced to continue to cut and frame Profiles at Morse's Inn, opposite Boylston Market. Price for cutting 12-1/2 cents.
N.B. His customers are requested to apply in the morning, noon or evening, on account of his absence at other times. Oct. 15.
_N. E. Palladium_, 1819.
* * * * *
In September, 1808, we have a notice of a circus, in which the horsemanship, according to the representations, must have equalled that of Barnum's people. It is not common to find much editorial comment in the papers of the time on such exhibitions, from which we judge that they were not considered first-class entertainments, and were not as much patronized by the clergy as at the present day.
AT THE CIRCUS IN BROAD-STREET, SALEM, _WILL BE EXHIBITED,_ This Evening, (_If the weather permit; if not, the first fair evening_)
A GRAND SCENE OF
Horsemanship,
Consisting of a number of HORNPIPES, danced by the Company on different Horses, while in full speed.
Mr. CRANDEL Dances the Hornpipe and Jumps the Whip.
Mr. FRANKLIN Dances the Hornpipe; Rides with his Toe in his Mouth; he also Leaps from the Ground to his Horse in various ways.
Mr. STEWART Dances the Hornpipe; Jumps a great height from his Horse, and with surprising agility throws himself into different attitudes while his horse is in full speed.
PETER dances the Hornpipe and Jumps the Whip; also, standing erect on his toes, rides in full speed once round the Circus.
Mr. STEWART performs the picking up of four Handkerchiefs from the ground; he also stands erect on his horse, while his horse leaps a board 3 feet from the ground.
PETER, the young African, riding backwards, dances a hornpipe; changes his position in a number of extraordinary leaps; jumps out of one hoop into another; and also, with one leap, jumps twice through a hoop; in once round the Circus leaps 4 quarters; and rides two Horses, one forward of the other.
The Horse _Phoenix_ lies down, sits up, and eats from the table with his master.
The Grand Still Vaulting, by the Company.
Many other Extraordinary Feats performed during the Exhibition.
The performance to conclude with the Brother Miller.
_The Doors opened at 5 o'clock in the Evening. The Performance begins at 6._
_Price, Boxes 1 Dollar, Pit 50 Cents.----Tickets to be had at the Circus and at the Salem Hotel._
Those who please to favor the performers with their presence, are requested to take Tickets before the exhibition commences.--No pains will be spared to render the Entertainment as agreeable as possible.
Sept. 27, 1808.
* * * * *
Monstrous Sight!
TO be seen at A. POLLARD's Tavern, Elm Street--A white Greenland Sea BEAR, which was taken at sea, weighing 1000 wt. This animal lives either in the sea or on the land. They have been seen several leagues at sea, and sometimes floating on cakes of ice.--This animal displays a great natural curiosity.--Admittance 12 1-2 cts. ... children half price. april 28.
[Boston] _Columbian Centinel_, 1810.
* * * * *
Just before the declaration of the last war against Great Britain "Non-Intercourse Quills" were for sale. This reminds us that most young people know but little about quills of any kind, and probably not one in a hundred knows, in these days, how to make a quill pen. Quills were in pretty general use for writing until about 1835 or 1836, when steel pens took their place to some extent, although quill pens were used by many down to a comparatively recent period, and occasionally a person may now be seen using one. Steel and silver pens were made by Shakers as early as 1824, and Cushing & Appleton had steel pens as early as 1811, according to an advertisement in the "Salem Gazette."
=STEEL PENS=
JUST received for sale by
_CUSHING & APPLETON,_ Oct. 6th, 1811.
NON-INTERCOURSE QUILLS.
CUSHING & APPLETON have still on hand a few thousand _English_ QUILLS, which for a short time will be sold at the present low rate, for specie, or bills of any of the banks in Essex or Boston.---- --> Persons in want of Quills will please to recollect, that in about _two or three weeks_ the NON-INTERCOURSE with _Great Britain_ takes place, which in all probability will continue during the short time that Nation may exist, at least. Such another opportunity for purchasing can therefore never occur. Jan. 14, 1811.
* * * * *
J. Greenleaf sold steel pens in Boston in 1812.
Steel Pens,
[Illustration]
A FURTHER supply of the celebrated STEEL PENS is received by J. GREENLEAF, No. 49, Cornhill.
march 11 [1812].
SUPERIOR DESK KNIVES,
MANUFACTURED in Paris of Damascus Steel and warranted.
_Also_--an assortment of Steel & Silver Pens, from the Shaker Village. For sale by
JOHN M. IVES,
Dec. 11 [1824]. _Essex street._
* * * * *
Many young people do not know that in old times blotting-paper of the kind now in use had not been introduced. Black sand was used altogether for drying the ink on freshly written letters or ordinary writing, except in books, when the writers either waited for the ink to dry, or made China paper, taken from the inside of tea-chests, a blotter. Black sand was in general use until within thirty years or thereabouts. We have seen the sand adhering to writing which had been done more than a century. No writing-desk was complete without a sand-box.
BLACK SAND,
WHICH is so useful to all who have any thing to do with penmanship--for sale, at No. 34, opposite the Treasurer's-Office, in _Marlborough-Street_.
--> BOOKS and STATIONARY, as usual. _Boston, May 29, 1790._
_Columbian Centinel._
* * * * *
_Country Traders_,
Who are in search of penny-worths, are invited to the STORE of
John & Tho's Amory & Co.
No. 41, _Marlborough-Street_.
_Columbian Centinel_, 1790.
* * * * *
--> _IF the Small Pox should be allowed to spread in this town_ [Boston], _the Editor assures his country customers that every precaution in his power shall be taken, that no part of his papers shall convey the infection into the country.--But it is his belief that it will not be permitted to spread--and his wishes accord with his belief, having never had the infection. Should he be necessitated to innoculate, he shall withdraw himself from his office and leave the business in the care of a person who will use every caution necessary for the purpose._
_Columbian Centinel_, Aug. 29, 1792.
* * * * *
WHEREAS a Person who called himself by the Name of _Charles Brown_, did on the 29th of _June_ last, hire a Chaise of _Israel Davis_, of _Danvers_, to go to _Boston;_ since which the said Chaise has not been returned: This is to give Notice to any one who will discover the said _Brown_ or Chaise, and leave Word with the Printers hereof, a Reward of Ten Dollars for each, will be given by
_Israel Davis._
The said _Brown_ is of a middling Stature, thin, looked sickly and very poor, as if he had had the yellow Fever: He is about 30 Years of Age; wears short black Hair, tied with a black Ribbon; has a blue German Serge Surtout Coat, faced with blue Calamancoe, yellow Buttons; a whitish Coat and Breeches; blue Sattin Jacket, with a narrow scollop'd Silver Lace: He has also a yellowish Thicksett Coat, blue Plush Waistcoat, yellow Leather Breeches, a laced Hat, and ruffled Shirts; appears and pretends to be a Gentleman, and has a Person with him as a Waiter, who calls himself Capt _Stutson_.
The Chaise has standing Posts with a Canvass Top, the Lining is cloth coloured Broad-Cloth; the back is warped by the Sun and cracked; the Leather at the Bottom of the Floor old; large Brass Nails on the Foot Board; the Door of the Box is pricked with Awl-Holes; one of the Staples thro' which the Reins go on the Saddle is loose; The off-wheel has two Gripes thereon.
_Danvers, July 10, 1762._
_Boston Gazette._
* * * * *
THIS DAY PUBLISHED,
And to be Sold at the New Printing Office in Cornhill (Price four Coppers),