Tobe Sold by publick Vendue onScarlet'sWharff, at the North End ofBoſton, 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.
Tobe Sold by publick Vendue onScarlet'sWharff, at the North End ofBoſton, 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.
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.
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 Governmentservice, offering among other inducements, "a Crown to drink the King's health."
Allable-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 ofNova-Scotia, commanded byJoſeph 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 inBarnſtable, 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.
Allable-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 ofNova-Scotia, commanded byJoſeph 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 inBarnſtable, 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—Howagreeable 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 PaperGratis.
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—Howagreeable 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 PaperGratis.
Labrador tea began to take the place of green and bohea.
MeſſieursEdes&Gill,Theuſe ofHyperionorLabradore Tea, is every day coming into more general vogue among people of all ranks. The virtues of the plant or ſhrub from which this delicateTeais gathered, were firſt diſcovered by theAborigines, and from them theCanadianslearned them. It ſoon became into ſuch repute that quantities were ſent toFrance, where I have heard ſay, it was ſoon in ſuch demand, as alarmed theFrench Eaſt-Indiacompany, and procuredan 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 ofCanadatoGreat-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 ofPenobſcot,Kennebeck,NichewannockandMerrimac. 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.
MeſſieursEdes&Gill,
Theuſe ofHyperionorLabradore Tea, is every day coming into more general vogue among people of all ranks. The virtues of the plant or ſhrub from which this delicateTeais gathered, were firſt diſcovered by theAborigines, and from them theCanadianslearned them. It ſoon became into ſuch repute that quantities were ſent toFrance, where I have heard ſay, it was ſoon in ſuch demand, as alarmed theFrench Eaſt-Indiacompany, and procuredan 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 ofCanadatoGreat-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 ofPenobſcot,Kennebeck,NichewannockandMerrimac. 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 someparts 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 Townsat 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.
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 Townsat 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:
Thisis to give Notice to the Candidates for their ſecond Degree atHarvard-Collegethis Year, that they attend at the College by the 11th Day ofJulynext, 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.Noticeis hereby given to all who deſire an Admisſion intoHarvard Collegethis Year, That the Preſident and Tutors have determined to attend the Buſineſs of Examination on Friday and Saturday the 19th and 20th Days ofJulynext.Cambridge, June 9, 1759.Edward Holyoke, Pres.
Thisis to give Notice to the Candidates for their ſecond Degree atHarvard-Collegethis Year, that they attend at the College by the 11th Day ofJulynext, 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.
Noticeis hereby given to all who deſire an Admisſion intoHarvard Collegethis Year, That the Preſident and Tutors have determined to attend the Buſineſs of Examination on Friday and Saturday the 19th and 20th Days ofJulynext.
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.
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 byMoſes 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.
To be Sold byMoſes 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-awayfrom the Subſcriber, (living at ANNAPOLIS, in MARYLAND) inJunelaſt, a Convict Servant Man, namedThomas Read, aliasCutbert, 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 inBoſton, 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, byAnnapolis, September 15,1759.JOHN INCH.Boston, Printed and Sold byEdes & Gill. 1759.
Fifteen Piſtoles Reward.
Ran-awayfrom the Subſcriber, (living at ANNAPOLIS, in MARYLAND) inJunelaſt, a Convict Servant Man, namedThomas Read, aliasCutbert, 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 inBoſton, 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 byEdes & 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 theLADIESofNorth America.Ladies,I amone 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.Deborahonce judged Iſrael, and ſome think it was never judged muchbetter afterwards. But what tho'tDeborahorJaelof their Ornaments, when the one was contriving, & the other driving the Nail that would go? What tho't beautifulEſtherof her Ornaments, when thoſe of her Kindred & Houſhold were in immediate and imminent Danger, by the Decree treacherouſly obtained byHaman,from the mouth of her beloved and almoſt adoredLord Ahaſuerusthe Great? What tho'tJudithof her Ornaments, when ſhe was ſevering the Head ofHolofernesfrom 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 aCriſis,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.
To theLADIESofNorth America.
Ladies,
I amone 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.Deborahonce judged Iſrael, and ſome think it was never judged muchbetter afterwards. But what tho'tDeborahorJaelof their Ornaments, when the one was contriving, & the other driving the Nail that would go? What tho't beautifulEſtherof her Ornaments, when thoſe of her Kindred & Houſhold were in immediate and imminent Danger, by the Decree treacherouſly obtained byHaman,from the mouth of her beloved and almoſt adoredLord Ahaſuerusthe Great? What tho'tJudithof her Ornaments, when ſhe was ſevering the Head ofHolofernesfrom 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 aCriſis,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.
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 anythingby 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 theEssex Gazette, Nov. 12, 1771.
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 theEssex 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 "BostonGazette" 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, ofProvidence,have a ſuitable Veſſel that goes ſteadily between there andNew-York.So that all Gentlemen Paſſengers and others that incline to take the Rout fromBostontoNew-York,or fromNew-YorktoBoston,may be well accommodated.Providence, Aug. 29, 1761.
Notice is Given, That SAMUEL and WILLIAM CHACE, ofProvidence,have a ſuitable Veſſel that goes ſteadily between there andNew-York.So that all Gentlemen Paſſengers and others that incline to take the Rout fromBostontoNew-York,or fromNew-YorktoBoston,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 coveredJersey 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 produceof 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."
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 produceof 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 ofcandles 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 BYElizabeth Franklin,At the Poſt-Office,Thebest true Crown Soap, Alicant beſt hard Soap, by the Doz. or ſingle Pound, dipt and mould Candles at the loweſt Price.
SOLD BYElizabeth Franklin,At the Poſt-Office,
Thebest 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.
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:—
BURIEDin town laſt week11—BAPTISED 14.Publiſhed by BENJAMIN RUSSELL, near theState-Houſe, Boſton.
BURIEDin town laſt week11—BAPTISED 14.
Publiſhed by BENJAMIN RUSSELL, near theState-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 isGeneralWOLFE's Manifeſto,as written by Himſelf.Theformidable Sea and Land Armament which the People ofCanadanow behold in the Heart of their Country is intended by the King my Maſter to check the inſolence ofFrance;—To revenge the Inſults offered to theBritiſhColonies, and totally deprive theFrenchof their moſt valuable Settlements inNorth-America.For theſe Purpoſes only is the Formidable Army under my Command intended.The King ofGreat-Britainwages 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 theCanadianswill 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 theFrenchagainſt our Settlements inAmerica, might juſtify the bittereſt Revenge in the Army under my Command; butBritonsbreathe 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 perſiſtin Oppoſition; Then ſurely will the Law of Nations juſtify the Waſte of War, ſo neceſſary to cruſh an ungenerous Enemy: and Then, the miſerableCanadiansmuſt 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 ofCanadaſhew itſelf!BRITAINſtretches 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 ſupportCanada, deſerts her Cauſe at this important Criſis, and during the whole War has aſſiſted her with Troops, who have been maintainedonlyby making the Natives feel all the Weight of grievous and lawleſs Oppreſſion.JAMES WOLFE.
As the Manifeſto lately publiſhed was only a Tranſlation from a French Manuſcript, we are requeſted to publiſh the following, which is
GeneralWOLFE's Manifeſto,as written by Himſelf.
Theformidable Sea and Land Armament which the People ofCanadanow behold in the Heart of their Country is intended by the King my Maſter to check the inſolence ofFrance;—To revenge the Inſults offered to theBritiſhColonies, and totally deprive theFrenchof their moſt valuable Settlements inNorth-America.
For theſe Purpoſes only is the Formidable Army under my Command intended.
The King ofGreat-Britainwages 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 theCanadianswill 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 theFrenchagainſt our Settlements inAmerica, might juſtify the bittereſt Revenge in the Army under my Command; butBritonsbreathe 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 perſiſtin Oppoſition; Then ſurely will the Law of Nations juſtify the Waſte of War, ſo neceſſary to cruſh an ungenerous Enemy: and Then, the miſerableCanadiansmuſt 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 ofCanadaſhew itſelf!
BRITAINſtretches 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 ſupportCanada, deſerts her Cauſe at this important Criſis, and during the whole War has aſſiſted her with Troops, who have been maintainedonlyby 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 anEARTHQUAKE.Gazette.
Boſton,November 2, 1761.
Laſt Evening, juſt at Eight o'Clock, this Town was alarmed with the Shock of anEARTHQUAKE.
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 thePrince of Wales, and the Anniverſary of the Acceſſion of the Houſe ofHanover, and alſo of the Surrender of theHavanna, 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 GeneralShirleyand 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.
BOSTON, Auguſt 15.
On Friday being the Birth-Day of thePrince of Wales, and the Anniverſary of the Acceſſion of the Houſe ofHanover, and alſo of the Surrender of theHavanna, 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 GeneralShirleyand 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.BalchofDedham, 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.
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.BalchofDedham, 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 thatCharles Ward Apthorp, Eſq; ofN.-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 ofOne HundredPounds, L.M. for the Relief of the Sufferers.
We hear thatCharles Ward Apthorp, Eſq; ofN.-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 ofOne HundredPounds, 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——Lookbefore 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 Coataccording 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.
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——
Lookbefore 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 Coataccording 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-shopsas 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."
"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-shopsas 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.
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 usedto 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.Bulfinchof this Town, to Mrs.Susan Apthorpe, Daughter of the lateCharles Apthorpe, Eſq; The Rev'd Mr.Apthorpeperform'd the Ceremony, before a very great Number of Spectators.
"Boston Gazette," Feb. 5, 1759.
Laſt Thurſday Morning, was married at King's-Chappel, Dr.Thomas Bulfinch, Son of the late Dr.Bulfinchof this Town, to Mrs.Susan Apthorpe, Daughter of the lateCharles Apthorpe, Eſq; The Rev'd Mr.Apthorpeperform'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.
"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 HonorableJohn Temple, Eſq; Surveyor-General of North-America, was married to MiſsBowdoin, Daughter of the HonorableJames Bowdoin, Eſq; of this Town.
"Gazette," Jan. 26, 1767.
BOSTON, January 26, 1767.
Tueſday the HonorableJohn Temple, Eſq; Surveyor-General of North-America, was married to MiſsBowdoin, Daughter of the HonorableJames 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 ofGreen & RuſſellPrinters in Queen-ſtreet.
TO BE SOLD,
A Large and Commodious Brick Dwelling-Houſe, pleaſently ſcituated in Corn-Hill: For further particulars Enquire ofGreen & RuſſellPrinters 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 tooka 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.
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 tooka 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 proclamationreferred to was published in the "Boston Post-Boy" of July 13, 1762.
ByHis ExcellencyFRANCIS BERNARD, Eſq;Captain-General and Governor in Chief, in and over His Majeſty's Province ofMaſſachuſetts-BayinNew-England, and Vice-Admiral of the ſame.A PROCLAMATIONFor a Day of Public Prayer.Ithaving 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 havetherefore thought fit to appoint, and I do, by and with the Advice of His Majeſty's Council, appoint Wedneſday the Twenty-eighth Day of thisInſtantJulyto 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 whereasſome 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 inBoſton,the Ninth Day ofJuly, 1762,in the Second Year of the Reign of our Sovereign LordGEORGEthe Third, by the Grace of GOD, ofGreat-Britain, France,andIreland,KING, Defender of the Faith, &c.Fra. Bernard.By His Excellency's Command,A. OLIVER, Secr'y.GOD Save the KING.
ByHis Excellency
FRANCIS BERNARD, Eſq;
Captain-General and Governor in Chief, in and over His Majeſty's Province ofMaſſachuſetts-BayinNew-England, and Vice-Admiral of the ſame.
A PROCLAMATION
For a Day of Public Prayer.
Ithaving 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 havetherefore thought fit to appoint, and I do, by and with the Advice of His Majeſty's Council, appoint Wedneſday the Twenty-eighth Day of thisInſtantJulyto 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 whereasſome 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 inBoſton,the Ninth Day ofJuly, 1762,in the Second Year of the Reign of our Sovereign LordGEORGEthe Third, by the Grace of GOD, ofGreat-Britain, France,andIreland,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 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.
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:—
Whereasin 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 byJOHN PRESCOTT.Concord, September 14, 1767.
Whereasin 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 theNorth 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, willContinue 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, calledElectricity,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 theAuthorof Nature, and if well purſued, ſeldom fails producing ſomethinguſefulto Man, 'tis hoped theſe Lectures may be thought worthy of Regard and Encouragement.Tickets to be had at the above Place.
No longer than next Week, willContinue 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 theAuthorof Nature, and if well purſued, ſeldom fails producing ſomethinguſefulto 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 theLECTUREONHEADS,Coats of Arms, Wigs, Ladies-headDreſſes,&c., &c., &c., &c.After which, will be pronouncedSome Select PiecesFromThe most CelebratedENGLISH POETS.***Tickets for Admiſſion, to be had ofGreenandRuſſell, and at theBunch of Grapesin King-Street.AtHALF-a-DOLLAR each.To begin exactly at 8 o'clock.
Poſitively the LAST NIGHT.To-Morrow, being Friday,Auguſt 17, 1769.Mr. Douglaſs,Will deliver theLECTUREONHEADS,Coats of Arms, Wigs, Ladies-headDreſſes,&c., &c., &c., &c.After which, will be pronouncedSome Select PiecesFromThe most CelebratedENGLISH POETS.***Tickets for Admiſſion, to be had ofGreenandRuſſell, and at theBunch of Grapesin King-Street.AtHALF-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."