Chapter 2

ALL able-bodied fit Men that have an Inclination to serve His Majesty King GEORGE the Second, in the first Independent Company of Rangers, now in the Province of _Nova-Scotia_, commanded by _Joseph Gorham, Esq_; shall, on inlisting, receive good Pay and Cloathing, a large Bounty, with a Crown to drink the King's Health. And by repairing to the Sign of the Bear in King-Street, _Boston_, and to Mr. _Cornelius Crocker_, Innholder in _Barnstable_, may hear the particular Encouragement, and many Advantages accruing to a Soldier, in the Course of the Duty of that Company, too long to insert here; and further, may depend on being discharged at the Expiration of the Time entertained for, and to have every other Encouragement punctually compli'd with.

* * * * *

There was a meeting of "very agreeable Ladies" in the interests of economy about the same time.

In a large Circle of very agreeable Ladies in this Town, it was unanimously agreed to lay aside the Use of Ribbons, &c. &c. &c. for which there has been so great a Resort to Milliners in times past----It is hoped that this Resolution will be followed by others of the Sex throughout the Province--_How agreeable will they appear in their native Beauty, stript of these Ornaments, from the prevailing Motive of Love to their Country._

We must after all our Efforts, depend greatly upon the Female Sex for the Introduction of Oeconomy among us: And those who have the Pleasure of an Acquaintance with them, assure us that their utmost Aid will not be wanting.

So strong is the Disposition of the Inhabitants of this Town to take off the Manufactures that come from the Country Towns, especially Womens and Childrens Winter Apparel, that nothing is wanting but an Advertisement where they may be had in Town, which will be taken in, and published by the Printers of this Paper _Gratis_.

* * * * *

Labrador tea began to take the place of green and bohea.

Messieurs EDES & GILL,

THE use of _Hyperion_ or _Labradore Tea_, is every day coming into more general vogue among people of all ranks. The virtues of the plant or shrub from which this delicate _Tea_ is gathered, were first discovered by the _Aborigines_, and from them the _Canadians_ learned them. It soon became into such repute that quantities were sent to _France_, where I have heard say, it was soon in such demand, as alarmed the _French East-India_ company, and procured an ordinance prohibiting the importation of any more on the pain of death. So little do some politicians regard the health or even the life of man, when either of them appear to be incompatible with their particular interests, views and projects. Before the cession of _Canada_ to _Great-Britain_, we knew little or nothing of this most excellent herb: but since that we have been taught to find it growing on every hill and dale, between the Lat. 40 & 60. It is to be found all over New-England in great plenty, and that of the best quality, particularly on the banks of _Penobscot_, _Kennebeck_, _Nichewannock_ and _Merrimac_. Immense quantities may be found on the mountains near the great lakes.

Nothing short of the highest degree of infatuation and madness could ever have prevailed with us to introduce unwholesome Exoticks. The voice of reason crys louder than ever for their perpetual banishment; and the further use of them must be accounted for but by the force of invincible prejudice. This indeed sometimes leads to a preference of rank poison if far fetched and dear bought, to the most salubrious draught at hand, with little pains or cost, tho' of inestimable value.

A TEA-DRINKER.

* * * * *

The following items, Sept. 17, 1759, throw some light on the state of the country in some parts of New England, where, even if the "Lyons" once seen at Cape Ann by Wood had departed, there were still some bears, one having been seen within two miles of Boston.

We hear from Brentwood, in New Hampshire Government, as two Children were gathering Beans in a Field, a large Bear came upon them and kill'd them both;--The Bear was pursued, but could not be found.

Also from Chester, in the same Government, that a few Days after the above, another Bear came behind a Woman as she was walking along, not far from her House, and tore off the hind Part of her Gown, which he carried off in his Mouth;--but the Woman happily made her Escape from him.

And from Kingston, in the County of Worcester, we hear, that on Tuesday last as Mr. Stephen Clark of that Town was out a Hunting after Bears, his Next Door Neighbour went out into his Cornfield just at Evening, and seeing something move which he thought was one of those Animals, shott at it, and upon his coming to the place, found it to be Mr. Clark as above-mention'd, shot thro' his Head, to his great surprize.

We hear from Kittery, that in about 13 Days past, seven large Bears have been kill'd within a Mile of the Rev. Mr. Rogers's Meeting House.

It is said some of these voracious Animals have ventured down even to some of the Seaport Towns at the Eastward.--Two of them were seen at Medford last Week; and one of them has been lately killed within two Miles of this Metropolis. Some have weighed above 300 lb. Wt.

* * * * *

Notice to Students of Harvard College:

_THIS is to give Notice to the Candidates for their second Degree at_ Harvard-College _this Year, that they attend at the College by the 11th Day of_ July _next, and if any shall neglect their Attendance accordingly, without sufficient Reason therefor, they may not expect their said Degrees this Year._ Cambridge, June 9, 1759.

EDWARD HOLYOKE, President.

_NOTICE is hereby given to all who desire an Admission into_ Harvard College _this Year, That the President and Tutors have determined to attend the Business of Examination on Friday and Saturday the 19th and 20th Days of_ July _next._

Cambridge, June 9, 1759. EDWARD HOLYOKE, Pres.

* * * * *

When we remember the present condition of the city of Lynn, it is interesting to note how that place stood in reference to the shoe industry in the year 1762. The "Boston Gazette" of November 2 says:--

We are confidently told, that in the Town of Lynn upwards of Forty Thousand Pair of Womens Shoes have been made in one Year, equal in Goodness to any imported from Abroad--It is thought that in a few Years they will be supply'd with Callimanco and other Stuffs manufactured in this Province.

* * * * *

The statement has often been made by connoisseurs that there was no mahogany furniture in America before the Revolution; but this is a mistake, for here, in the "Boston Gazette" of Feb. 5, 1759, is an advertisement announcing the sale of a "Beautiful Mehogany Desk and Book-Case." Probably this was an early specimen of such kind of work, as mahogany, it is said, was not introduced into Europe long before this time.

_To be Sold by_ Moses Deshon,

On Dock-Square, Next Wednesday, at V o'Clock, in the Afternoon, and Friday Evening following.

_A Handsome 8 Day Clock, a Brass Grate, Shovel Fire, Tongs, Tables, and a Variety of other Articles; a fine Assortment of English, Scotch, and French Goods._ N.B. _A beautiful Mehogany Desk and Book-Case; and a Quantity of Cannon-Powder to dispose of at private Sale._

* * * * *

A curious advertisement of a runaway convict in Maryland appears in the same paper, Sept. 15, 1759:--

Fifteen Pistoles Reward.

RAN-AWAY from the Subscriber, (living at ANNAPOLIS, in MARYLAND) in _June_ last, a Convict Servant Man, named _Thomas Read_, alias _Cutbert_, about 25 or 30 Years of Age, 5 Feet, 4 Inches high, well set, grey Eyes, large Nose, and had short brown curl'd Hair. He is supposed to be in _Boston_, or some of the Northern Governments; is a Jeweller, and Motto-Ring-Engraver, and is an artful talkative pert Fellow;--can write pretty well, and has doubtless help'd himself to a Discharge, Pass, or any other Writing to deceive, and suit his Purpose; His Apparel is probably genteel, as he had Money with him, a Watch in his Pocket, and a large Stock of Pride; By what Name he now goes is uncertain, as he has Impudence eno to pick & chuse any he should think proper.

Whoever takes the said Convict Servant, and returns him to his Master, shall have FIFTEEN PISTOLES Reward, and reasonable Charges paid, by

_Annapolis, September 15, 1759._ JOHN INCH.

Boston, Printed and Sold by EDES & GILL. 1759.

* * * * *

In the year 1762 there appears to have been quite a stir in reference to economy and home productions, and doubtless the spinning-wheels were constantly in use. In the "Boston Gazette," November 2, is a very curious letter of Henry Flynt, a noted teacher, addressed to the ladies of North America.

_To the_ LADIES _of_ NORTH AMERICA.

LADIES,

_I AM one of those who think it not only high Time but of the last Importance, that you should be publickly addressed: And of the many ingenious Pens, which in the Course of a few Years have informed and enlightened this Country, I have often wished that at least some one of them had been more particularly devoted to your Service. This would have agreeably prevented me in an attempt to which I find myself in all Respects but too unequal. Yet relying on your good Sense and Candour, I venture to lay at your Feet a few well-intended Sentiments, which tho' in a plain homespun Garb, I hope will not offend. I am convinced that at this present it is not only in your Inclination and Will, but also in your Power, to effect more in favour of your Country, than an Army of an Hundred Thousand Men; and indeed more than all the armed Men on this vast Continent._--Can a Woman forget her Ornaments? _Yes I know she can._ Deborah _once judged Israel, and some think it was never judged much better afterwards. But what tho't_ Deborah _or_ Jael _of their Ornaments, when the one was contriving, & the other driving the Nail that would go? What tho't beautiful_ Esther _of her Ornaments, when those of her Kindred & Houshold were in immediate and imminent Danger, by the Decree treacherously obtained by_ Haman, _from the mouth of her beloved and almost adored_ Lord Ahasuerus _the Great? What tho't_ Judith _of her Ornaments, when she was severing the Head of_ Holofernes _from his Body, or while flying with the Prize to the Relief of her despairing Friends? The Time would fail me, were I to recount the wondrous Deeds and mighty Atchievements of renowned and honorable Women in all Ages._

_I have but alluded to a few Instances, among many of divine Heroism in your Sex, which hath often saved a Country, when the dull ploding Wisdom of man has been totally at a Plunge. How near we are to such a_ Crisis, _is left to the Conjecture of others. It would be a little out of Nature to expect the Birth and Exploits of Heroines to take Place before those of Heroes. I believe we shall be furnished with both in their Order, as Occasion may require. All I think at present that can be reasonably expected or desired of you, is to consent to lay aside all superfluous Ornaments for a Season--after which they shall be surely returned to you again with Interests.--You shall be cloathed in Purple, and Scarlet, and Fine Linnen of our own, and with other glorious Apparel; which, if possible, shall add a Lustre to your native Charms._

HENRY FLYNT.

* * * * *

Newport, R.I., has the reputation of having been engaged in the slave-trade before the Revolution; and the following item, in the "Boston Gazette," June 30, 1762, noticing without comment the arrival of a Guinea trader there, would seem to show it to have been not an uncommon occurrence.

We hear from Newport, Rhode Island, That Capt. Carpenter was arrived there from the Coast of Guinea, having had 104 Days Passage, ten Days whereof they were without Meat, but had a Sufficiency of Rice and Corn. They lost but six Slaves out of 69 they bro't out with them.

* * * * *

On the 5th of November "the gunpowder treason and plot" was formerly pretty generally remembered,--by the boys, at least, who made bonfires and burned tar-barrels. We believe the custom has fallen into disuse except in Salem and Marblehead, where there seems to be a little "Colonialism" left. As recently as 1885 the writer saw a bonfire in honor of the occasion on a hill near the latter place. In 1762 there must have been quite a demonstration, if we can judge anything by a vote of the town of Boston. Englishmen visiting us have sometimes expressed astonishment at learning that this curious custom should still be kept up here, while it had been abolished at home.

Upon a motion made, _Voted_, That the Town will take all proper Measures, by keeping in their Children and Servants, & other Ways, to prevent the Disturbances which have sometimes happened on or about the 5th Day of November.

Attest, William Cooper, _Town-Clerk_.

_Tuesday last (5th November) being the Anniversary of the happy Deliverance of the British Nation from the Popish Powder Plot, at Noon the Guns at Castle William and at the Batteries in this Town were fired: At One all the nine Men of War then in this Harbour also fired._

From the _Essex Gazette_, Nov. 12, 1771.

The accommodation offered for travel between Boston and New York before the Revolution must have been slim enough, judging from an advertisement in the "Boston Gazette" in 1761. Passengers then went by vessel from Providence; that is, "Gentlemen Passengers." Whether ladies were accommodated or not, does not appear; but perhaps they were in the habit of going by stage, taking a week or so to accomplish the journey, or, more than likely, few ever travelled at all in those times. In our day, when every one is on the move, it is hard to realize this state of things.

* * * * *

_Notice is Given, That SAMUEL and WILLIAM CHACE, of_ Providence, _have a suitable Vessel that goes steadily between there and_ New-York. _So that all Gentlemen Passengers and others that incline to take the Rout from_ Boston _to_ New-York, _or from_ New-York _to_ Boston, _may be well accommodated._

Providence, Aug. 29, 1761.

"In 1756," Watson says, "the first stage was started between Philadelphia and New York by Mr. Butler; three days through in summer time, five and six in winter. In 1765 a second stage was started, to go through positively in three days. This was a covered Jersey wagon,--fare, twopence per mile. In 1766 another stage, called the 'Flying Machine,' was started, to go through in two days,--threepence per mile."

* * * * *

A brief account of Montreal in the "Boston Gazette," March 30, 1761.

NEW-YORK, March 23.

Extract of a Letter from Montreal.

----"The Case of the poor Canadians is really deplorable, occasioned by the bankruptcy of the crown of France. Many of them who had, with great danger and labour, acquired estates worth 20,000 l. sterl. by the fur-trade, or otherwise, can now scarce procure a dinner. All their remittances from their mother country, consisted in bills on the French King, which are not now worth one farthing, as no body whatever will accept of them in payment. It is computed there is above the value of 3,000,000 l. sterling of these useless paper scraps, circulated through the colony, which, as a reward to the wretched inhabitants for all their hardships and fatigues, must now supply the place of affluence and independence. Most, if not all of them, are perfectly reconciled to the British government, as they can now with security enjoy any little property they have; whereas formerly, Governor Vaudreuil made no ceremony of seizing the produce of their lands, their merchandize and manufactures of every kind, and after conveying them to the King's store houses, paid to the proprietors any price he pleased. If the owners thereafter had occasion for any of their own commodities, they could not procure them under twenty times the price they had received.

"Montreal in general is a well built town, but incapable of any defence. The churches are elegant, and the houses of some of their principal men are really magnificent; though few in number. The Hotel Dieu is by far the finest hospital I ever saw, every thing in it is extremely neat and convenient.

"The people here are extravagantly fond of dress; a stranger would take Montreal to be a city inhabited by none but the rich and idle: they are all finely powdered, walk with their hats under their arms, and wear long coats, adorned with tinsel lace, and buttoned down to the extremity. Since I came here, I have not seen one man dressed like a tradesman. The ladies in general are handsome, extremely gay, and well bred."

* * * * *

In 1767 the best soap and "dipt" and "mould" candles were sold at the post-office in Boston, according to an advertisement in the "Gazette" of October 26. The candles were made of tallow, and gave but little light, requiring almost constant snuffing. Other kinds of candles were not in general use in New England in the last century. Sperm oil and sperm or wax candles could be used only by the wealthy. Many families, for economy, made their own candles. This practice was common in New England down to within fifty years.

It will be recollected that Dr. Franklin's father was a tallow-chandler in Boston, and that the Doctor himself worked at the business when a boy. Elizabeth Franklin, whose name appears in the following advertisement, was probably a relative of the family.

* * * * *

SOLD BY _Elizabeth Franklin,_ At the Post-Office,

THE best true Crown Soap, Alicant best hard Soap, by the Doz. or single Pound, dipt and mould Candles at the lowest Price.

* * * * *

Every week the burials and baptisms in Boston were thus inserted in the papers. The following is from the "Gazette" of Nov. 23, 1767:--

Buried in the Town of Boston since our last, Five Whites. Three Blacks. Baptiz'd in the several Churches, Four.

* * * * *

This custom was continued many years. We take the following from the "Massachusetts Centinel," April 2, 1788:--

BURIED _in town last week_ 11--BAPTISED 14.

Published by BENJAMIN RUSSELL, near the State-House, Boston.

* * * * *

General Wolfe's Manifesto from the "Boston Gazette," Dec. 10, 1759.

_As the Manifesto lately published was only a Translation from a French Manuscript, we are requested to publish the following, which is_

_General_ WOLFE's Manifesto, _as written by Himself._

THE formidable Sea and Land Armament which the People of _Canada_ now behold in the Heart of their Country is intended by the King my Master to check the insolence of _France_;--To revenge the Insults offered to the _British_ Colonies, and totally deprive the _French_ of their most valuable Settlements in _North-America_.

For these Purposes only is the Formidable Army under my Command intended.

The King of _Great-Britain_ wages no War with the Industrious Peasant, the sacred Orders of Religion, or the defenceless Women and Children: To these in their distressful Circumstances His Royal Clemency offers Protection. The People may remain unmolested on their Lands, inhabit their Houses, and enjoy their Religion in Security. For these inestimable Blessings, I expect the _Canadians_ will take no Part in the Great Contest between the two Crowns; But if by a vain Obstinacy, and misguided Valour, they presume to appear in Arms, they must expect the most fatal Consequences; their Habitations destroyed, their sacred Temples exposed to the Fury of an exasperated Soldiery; their Harvest utterly ruined, and the only Passage of Relief stopped up by a most formidable Fleet.--In this unhappy Situation, and closely attacked by another great Army, what can the wretched Natives expect from Opposition!

THE unparelelled Barbarities exerted by the _French_ against our Settlements in _America_, might justify the bitterest Revenge in the Army under my Command; but _Britons_ breathe higher Sentiments of Humanity, and listen to the merciful Dictates of the Christian Religion. Yet should you suffer yourselves to be deluded by an imaginary Prospect of our want of Success; should you refuse those Terms, and persist in Opposition; Then surely will the Law of Nations justify the Waste of War, so necessary to crush an ungenerous Enemy: and Then, the miserable _Canadians_ must in the Winter have the Mortification of seeing those very Families, they have been exerting a fruitless and indiscreet Bravery for, perish by the most dismal Want and Famine.

In this great Dilemma let the Wisdom of the People of _Canada_ shew itself!

_BRITAIN_ stretches out a powerful, yet a merciful Hand, Faithful to her Engagements, and ready to secure them in their most valuable Rights and Possessions.

_FRANCE_, unable to support _Canada_, deserts her Cause at this important Crisis, and during the whole War has assisted her with Troops, who have been maintained _only_ by making the Natives feel all the Weight of grievous and lawless Oppression.

JAMES WOLFE.

* * * * *

Boston, _November 2, 1761_.

_Last Evening, just at Eight o'Clock, this Town was alarmed with the Shock of an_ EARTHQUAKE.

_Gazette._

* * * * *

On the 15th of August, 1763, the "Boston Post-Boy" gives the following account of the celebration of a royal birthday:--

_BOSTON, August 15._

On Friday being the Birth-Day of the _Prince of Wales_, and the Anniversary of the Accession of the House of _Hanover_, and also of the Surrender of the _Havanna_, which was the immediate Means of bringing about the Peace; at One o'Clock the Guns at the Castle and Town Batteries were Fired; and in the Evening his Excellency the Governor gave a Ball at Concert Hall. There were present about 240 Gentlemen and Ladies; the Ball was opened by General _Shirley_ and the Governor's Lady about 8 o'Clock; the Country Dances began about nine, and about ten a Supper Room was opened, where was a very handsome Collation. The Ladies made a brilliant Appearance, and the Company expressed the highest Pleasure and Satisfaction on the Occasion, and broke up about two in the Morning. The whole was conducted with the greatest Order, Elegance and Decorum.

* * * * *

The great military "occasion" of those days was the annual parade of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company. In June, 1763, that Company celebrated its one hundred and twenty-fifth anniversary. In the "Boston Post-Boy" of June 13 we have this account:--