Chapter 4

We find by the "Salem Mercury" of March 30, 1789, that New Hackensack was fifty or sixty years before Rochester in "rappings" and "table-tippings." Who shall say that these manifestations, whatever they are, are not as old as man himself? The best and wisest of us do not know everything. There may be some science, yet in its infancy, which will some day be explained, so that all these things will then be perfectly understood. The account here given has no appearance of deception. Had the girl lived a hundred years earlier, she would in all probability have been hanged for a witch; but had she lived in these days, she might have reaped a harvest from lectures and séances.

PHILADELPHIA, March 10.

_Extract of a letter from a gentleman at Fishkill, dated March 3, 1789._

"Were I to relate the many extraordinary accounts of the unfortunate girl at New-Hackensack, your belief might, perhaps, be staggered. I shall therefore only inform you of what I was an eyewitness to. Last Sunday afternoon myself and wife went to Dr. Thorn's, and after sitting sometime, we heard a knocking under the feet of a young woman that lives in the family; I asked the Doctor what occasioned the noise--he could not tell, but replied, that he, together with several others had examined the house, but were unable to discover the cause. I then took a candle, and went with the girl into the cellar--there the knocking also continued; but as we were ascending the stairs to return, I heard a prodigious rapping on each side, which alarmed me very much. I stood still some time looking around with amazement, when I beheld some lumber, which lay at the head of the stairs, shake considerably. About eight or ten days after, we visited the girl again--the knocking still continued, though much louder. Our curiosity induced us to pay the third visit, when the phenomena were still more alarming. I then saw the chairs move; a large dining table was thrown against me, and a small stand on which stood a candle, was tossed up, and thrown in my wife's lap; after which we left the house, much surprised at what we had seen."

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Advertisements for runaway slaves are very numerous, as well as offers for the sale of single slaves. In some instances negro children are "to be given away." The following notices are taken from the "Boston Gazette" and the "Boston Post-Boy." The descriptions of dress, personal appearance, etc., are very curious.

RAN away from _Thomas Poynton_ of _Salem_, a Negro Fellow, about 25 Years of Age, a short thick-set Fellow, not very black, something pitted with the Small-Pox, speaks bad English: Had on when he went away, a dark colour'd Cloth Coat, lined with red Shalloon, with Mettal Buttons, a blue Sailor's Jacket, and a flowered German Serge Jacket, black knit Breeches, a Pair grey Stockings newly stock'd, an old Beaver Hatt, and an old Drab Great Coat: Any Person that shall take up said Negro, and convey him to _Salem_, or secure him in any Gaol shall be well rewarded, and all necessary Charges paid.

N.B. All Masters of Vessels and others are cautioned against harbouring, concealing or carrying off the said Negro, as they would avoid the Rigour of the Law. THOMAS POYNTON.

_Gazette_, Feb. 4, 1766.

* * * * *

To be given away,

A Male Negro Child of a good Breed, and in good Health. Inquire of Green and Russell.

_Post-Boy_, Feb. 28, 1763.

* * * * *

TO BE SOLD.

A young Negro Woman about 20 Years of Age, born in this Country, possess'd of many good Qualifications, is a very good COOK, can handle her Needle well, and do every Kind of Business about House, and sold only for want of Employ. Enquire of Green & Russell.

--> She will not be sold out of this Town.

_Post-Boy_, Feb. 28, 1763.

* * * * *

RAN away from his Master, _John Amiel_ of _Boston_, last Thursday Night, a Negro Fellow named _Peer_, he had on when he went away a cloth colour'd Coat, lin'd and trim'd with red, a black broad cloth Waistcoat without sleeves, a yellow pair of leather Breeches, a large pair of silver Buckels, and a good Beaver Hat; he is a thick set Fellow, has very large Feet and Legs, and speaks good _French_ and _English_. Whoever will apprehend the said Negro and bring him to his Master in _Boston_, shall have TWO DOLLARS Reward, and all necessary Charges paid by _John Amiel._

All Masters of Vessels and others, are hereby forbid to harbour, conceal or carry off said Negro Servant, as they would avoid the penalty of the Law.

_Boston, May 2._

_Post-Boy_, May 10, 1763.

* * * * *

TO BE SOLD

A Negro Woman, about Twenty Eight Years of Age; she is remarkably healthy, and strong, and several other good Qualities; and is offer'd to Sale, for no other reason, than her being of a furious Temper, and somewhat lazy; smart Discipline, would make her a very good Servant. Any Person minded to Purchase, may be further inform'd by enquiring of the Printers.

_Gazette_, May 12, 1760.

* * * * *

_Newport, Rhode-Island, August 28, 1767._

Ran-away from _Benjamin Brenton_, a short thick Negro Man named LONDON, has lost his Toes off both Feet. Whoever brings said Negro to his Master, shall have EIGHT DOLLARS Reward, and all Charges paid.

_Boston Gazette._

* * * * *

Boston, for aught we know, did as much in the slave-trade as Newport; possibly more. The numerous advertisements of "Prime Men and Boys" and "Parcels of likely Negroes" which appear about this time in the Boston papers rather indicate a considerable trade in slaves.

JUST IMPORTED AND TO BE SOLD BY John Rowe, AT HIS STORE,

A few likely Negro Boys, and two Negro Men between 20 and 30 Years of Age. Also, Newcastle Coals, Lisbon and Salterduda Salt, A few Pipes of MADEIRA WINES, also Fyal Wines, Quart Bottles by the Groce--Hemp--Russia and Ravens Duck--English Duck of all Numbers--Cordage Anchors--Oznabrigs--Ticklenburgs--Hooks and Lines--Newcastle Crown Glass of all Sizes and in Sheets--ALSO, Bristol Glass of all Sizes--All Sorts of Nails--Scotch Snuff, and a variety of English and Scots Manufactures.

_Boston Post-Boy_, Dec. 19, 1763.

* * * * *

Just Imported from _Africa_, And to be Sold cheap at No. 5 _Butler's_ Row.

A few prime Men and Boys Slaves from the Gold Coast.

* * * * *

TO BE SOLD,

A Parcel of likely Negroes, imported from _Africa_, Cheap for Cash or Credit with Interest; enquire of _John Avery_ at his House, next Door to the white Horse, or at a Store adjoining to said _Avery's_ Distill House, at the South End, near the South Market:--Also if any Persons have any Negroe Men, strong and hearty, tho' not of the best moral character, which are proper Subjects for Transportation, may have an Exchange for small Negroes.

_Boston Gazette_, 1763

* * * * *

JUST Imported,

From _AFRICA_.

A Number of prime young _SLAVES_, from the Windward Coast, and to be Sold on board Capt. _Gwin_ lying at New-Boston.

_Boston Gazette_, July 13, 1761.

* * * * *

To be sold, a parcel of likely hearty Negroes, both Male and Female from Ten Years of Age to Twenty, imported the last Week from _AFRICA_. Enquire of Capt. _Wickham_ on board the Sloop _Diamond_, now laying at the Wharff adjoining to JOHN AVERY'S Distill-House near the South Market, or of said _Avery_ at his House next the White Horse.

We have not been able to find that any of the inhabitants of Salem engaged in the slave-trade; but we notice that at a town-meeting held in the month of May, 1773, the following vote was passed: "That the Representatives of the Town be instructed to use their utmost Endeavours to prevent the future Importation of Negroes into this Province; their Slavery being repugnant to the natural Rights of Mankind and highly prejudicial to the Province." It is of course possible that some Salem people may have been interested in vessels hailing from other places and engaged in this nefarious traffic, as it is now considered.

* * * * *

Arrival of Irish servants at Boston in 1769.

_Arrived from IRELAND,_

THE Ship King of Prussia, ARTHUR DARLEY, master, has on board 30 Servants, some Tradesmen, viz. Taylors, Shoe-makers, Smiths, Weavers, &c. the remainder Country lads that understand Farming business.----His stay here will be short, as he is bound to another Port.

_Boston Chronicle_, September 25.

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The celebrated revival preacher Rev. George Whitefield was in Boston in 1764. We take the following item from the "Boston Post-Boy" of February 24:--

At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston on Friday last, it was voted unanimously, That the Thanks of the Town be given the Rev. Mr. GEORGE WHITEFIELD, for his charitable Care and Pains in collecting a considerable Sum of Money in Great-Britain, for the distressed Sufferers by the great Fire in Boston, 1760; and a respectable Committee was appointed to wait on Mr. WHITEFIELD to inform him of the Vote, and present him with a Copy thereof, which Committee waited upon him accordingly, and received the following Answer,

_Gentlemen,_

_This Vote of Thanks for so small an Instance of my good-will to_ Boston, _as it was entirely unexpected, quite surprizes me----Often have I been much concerned that I could do no more upon such a distressing Occasion.----That the Redeemer may ever preserve the Town from such like melancholy Events, and sanctify their present afflictive Circumstances to the spiritual Welfare of all its Inhabitants, is the hearty Prayer of,_

Gentlemen, Your ready Servant in our common LORD. _GEORGE WHITEFIELD._

The Rev. Mr. WHITEFIELD preached on Tuesday and Saturday last, at the Old South Meeting-House, to large and crouded Auditories.

* * * * *

Marriage of Copley, the celebrated painter, from the "Chronicle," Nov. 20, 1769.

Last Thursday Mr. _John Singleton Copley_ was married to Miss _Sukey Clarke_ Daughter of _Richard Clarke_, Esq; and Mr. _Joshua Henshaw_, jun. to Miss _Katherine Hill_, Daughter of Col. _John Hill_.

* * * * *

Thomas Britt

Would take a few young Ladies, _&c._ to teach them Spelling, Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic, at his School near the Cornfield. ALSO, French taught and translated by said _Britt_.

_Boston Gazette_, April 27, 1767.

* * * * *

Where were or where was, as the case might be, the "Cornfields" or "Cornfield" of Boston in 1763? Martin Gay kept a store or lived near there, and in 1767 Master Britt kept a school for young ladies near the "Cornfield."

Choice English Peas

at the North-Mills, TO BE SOLD, by the larger or smaller Quantity, at a low Rate, Enquire of _William Paine_ at said Mills, or of _Martin Gay_, near the Cornfields, _Boston_.

Dec. 12, 1763.

* * * * *

When we remember the old pictures and portraits of stately ladies with high headdresses and gentlemen with wigs, the following advertisements are interesting:--

Joshua Davis, _Peruke-Maker_.

HEREBY informs his Customers, and others, That he has Remov'd his Shop from the Head of the Long Wharf, next the Crown Coffee House, to the first Shop in Mackrell Lane, next the Bunch of Grapes Tavern, where they may be serv'd with Fidelity and Dispatch.

--> Said _Davis_ makes the neatest and most fashionable Wiggs, at a moderate Rate.

_Boston Gazette_, Feb. 18, 1761.

* * * * *

A genteel Gold Watch, made by _Marmaduke Storr_, to be Sold, inquire of the Printers. Sept. 14, 1761.

* * * * *

A few Genteel Grey and light Grey London-made WIGS, to be sold by JOHN CROSBY, Periwig Maker near the Sign of the Lamb, also Wig-makers Ribbons, Silk and Cauls, Bodyed Grizle, and Grizle Hairs for cut Wigs, Bleach'd, Tye and Brown Spencer Hairs, white Goat Hairs, white, black, and brown Horse Hairs, Moy Crown Hairs, Cards and Brushes, drawing Cards and Brushes, best Razors, purple Thread, Tupee Irons, & Curling Tongs, Tupee Combs in Cases, Wig Blocks, Silk Puffs, Hair, Powder, Shaving Boxes, & Brushes, wash Ball Boxes, and wash Balls, London black Balls with Printed directions, to use them very Nice, black Sattin Baggs for the Hair, white, black, yellow; & Bear Grees, Pomatum Excellent with their use to make Hair of a good Colour, & to grow thicker, Gold & Silver Powders (so called) to clean Gold and Silver Lace & Embroaderry.

_Boston Post-Boy_, Dec. 12, 1763.

* * * * *

At fires, leather buckets were used by the inhabitants, and were sometimes lost or misplaced, as appears from the following advertisements from the "Boston Gazette":--

LOST at the late Fire on the 5th of November Inst. a Leather Bucket, No. 2, mark'd _Wm. Hickling_: Whoever is taken up the same, are desir'd to return it to the Owner, or the Printers hereof.

* * * * *

_LOST at the Fire near Oliver's-Dock, on the 14th Day of November last, a Pair of Leather Fire Buckets, mark'd_ Benj^a. Barnard, _and dated 1757. Whoever will give Information, or bring them to the Printers hereof, shall be handsomely Rewarded._

Dec. 10, 1759.

Within the writer's recollection, in nearly every house in Salem two or more fire-buckets, marked with the owner's name, were, when not in use, kept hanging in the front hall. At fires, lanes, as they were called, of men were formed, under the direction generally of the fire-wards, and water was passed from one to another and to the fire from some neighboring pump or cistern.

* * * * *

We see notices like the following of insurance offices; but they were principally for marine risks, as not many fire risks were taken before the beginning of the present century.

_Hurd's_ Insurance-Office,

At the BUNCH OF GRAPES, STATE-STREET, BOSTON,

OPEN at all hours of business, where Policies of Insurance are underwritten upon the most moderate premiums; and the Gentlemen forming this Insurance Company, whose names are inserted in each Policy, having established adequate Funds for the ready payment of such losses as may happen, hereby notify, that business will be done with all possible attention, dispatch and punctuality, by

JOHN HURD,

April 8, 1784. (Insurance Broker.)

* * * * *

THIS is to inform all Gentlemen in Trade, That

THE INSURANCE OFFICE

Lately kept in Ann-Street near the Town-Dock, by SAMUEL PHILLIPS SAVAGE, is removed to the House of the Honorable WILLIAM BRATTLE, Esq; next Door to the British Coffee-House, King-Street: Where the Business of Insurance is carried on as usual.

_Boston, December 6, 1759._

With regard to policies, the term "under-writer" came from an old custom. There were in old times no joint-stock companies for insurance, but policies were filled out and left at an office kept by some person for the purpose, where any responsible man could sign his name to a particular policy and affix such sum as he was willing to risk, and thus become one of the "underwriters." We have seen, for instance, a policy for $20,000 with twelve or fifteen names of merchants, signed with various sums from $500 upwards.

* * * * *

A quaint notice of the death of Obadiah Brown, of Providence, from the "Boston Post-Boy":--

_PROVIDENCE, June 21, 1762._

ON Thursday last died at his Seat in the Country, after two Days Illness, OBADIAH BROWN, Esq; in the 50th Year of his Age. He was one of the most considerable Men in this Town: In the various Branches of Business which he carried on, his Activity was unequalled, his Judgment and Prudence oftener admired than imitated, his Honesty and Integrity fit to be drawn into Example.--As a Magistrate, he was judicious, grave, and reserved:--As a Friend, constant, open, facetious, and cheerful:--In the Relations of a Husband, Father, and Master, the deep and real Sorrow of his Widow, the mournful Tears of his Children, and the unusual Cries and Lamentations of his Servants, are invincible Proofs in his Favour. His Beneficence is witnessed by the Sighs of the Poor and Thanks of the Tradesmen: And his Death is universally lamented, because his Life was universally useful.

* * * * *

Notice of Hon. Daniel Russell, from the "Boston Gazette":--

_Charlestown, December 10, 1763._

ON Tuesday last departed this Life, after a short Illness, the Hon. DANIEL RUSSELL, Esq; who, for upwards of Twenty Years, was a Member of his Majesty's Council for this Province: He also served the Province as Commissioner of Impost, and the County of Middlesex as Treasurer, for more than fifty Years; in the Discharge of all which Offices, such was his conscientious Fidelity and unsullied Integrity, as procured him universal Approbation and Esteem.

In public and private Life, his whole Conduct was such as evidently showed his invariable desire and endeavour to preserve a Conscience void of Offence both towards God and Man; and by the Rectitude of his Behaviour, to adorn and recommend the holy Religion which he professed, and to approve himself to the all-searching Eye of the Father of Spirits.

His Memory is greatly honoured by all who were acquainted with him, in whose esteem he was truly that "noblest Work of God, _An honest Man_."

It is observable that in the several Offices which he sustained, he succeeded his worthy Father and Grandfather; both of whom held and discharged the same, for a great Number of Years, with unspotted Reputation.

His Remains, we hear, will be inter'd on Monday next, on which Day, had he lived, he would have entered the 79th Year of his Age.

"The sweet Remembrance of the just "Shall flourish when he sleeps in dust."

* * * * *

Account of the burial of Major-General Whitmore, from the "Boston Gazette":--

BOSTON, _December 21, 1761_.

Wednesday afternoon the Corps of Major General WHITMORE was interred in the King's Chapple with all the Honours that this Town could give. The Procession went from the Town-House to the King's Chapple in the following Manner; A Party of the Troop of Horse Guards, the Company of Cadets, the Officers of the Regiment of Militia, the officiating Ministers, the Corps, the Pall supported by six regular Officers, the chief Mourners, the Governor and Lieut. Governor, the Council, the Judges, Justices, Ministers, and principal Gentlemen of the Town, a great Number of Coaches and Chariots following. During the whole Procession Minute-Guns were fired. The Corps was placed in the Middle of the King's Chapple whilst Part of the Funeral Service was performed, and was from thence carried into the Vaults below, and there interred. Whilst the last Service was performing the Cadets fired three Vollies.

* * * * *

Notice of Hon. John Erving, from the "Massachusetts Gazette," Aug. 22, 1786:--

Died, last Sunday morning, in the 94th year of his age, the Hon. JOHN ERVING, Esq. who, for twenty years, was a member of the Council under the old constitution, and one of the most eminent merchants in America.

As a man of probity, and strict honesty, he was universally esteemed. Those who were acquainted with his character must regret the loss of so worthy a member of the community. In his domestick life he was a tender parent and kind master.----His funeral will be this afternoon, precisely at five o'clock, from his house in Tremont-street, where his friends and acquaintance are desired to attend.

* * * * *

Notice of the death of Mrs. Elizabeth Salisbury, from the "Massachusetts Centinel," March 28, 1789:--

_Last Wednesday night departed this life, very suddenly, Mrs._ ELIZABETH SALISBURY, _the amiable and virtuous Consort of Mr. Samuel Salisbury of this town, merchant. Her funeral will be from his house in Marlborough-street, this afternoon--which her friends are desired to attend._

* * * * *

From the "Boston Chronicle," March 8, 1770:--

BOSTON.

For some days bye-past, there have been several affrays between the inhabitants and the soldiers quartered in this town.

Last Monday about 9 o'clock at night a most unfortunate affair happened in King-street: The centinel posted at the Custom-house, being surrounded by a number of people, called to the main-guard, upon which Capt. Preston, who was Captain of the day, with a party, went to his assistance: soon after which some of the party fired, by which the following persons were killed and wounded,

Mr. Samuel Gray, ropemaker, killed.--A Mollatto man, named Johnson, killed.--Mr. James Caldwell, mate of Capt. Morton's vessel, killed.--Mr. Samuel Maverick, wounded, and since dead.--A Lad named Christopher Monk, wounded.--A lad named John Clark, wounded.--Mr. Edward Payne, Merchant, standing at his entry-door, wounded in the arm.--Mr. John Greene, taylor, wounded.--Mr. Patrick Cole, wounded.--David Parker, wounded.

Early next morning Captain Preston was committed to gaol, and same day 8 soldiers.

A meeting of the inhabitants was called at Fanueil-hall that forenoon: and the Lieutenant-Governor and Council met at the Council-chamber, where the Colonels Dalrymple and Carr were desired to attend, when it was concluded upon, that both regiments should go down to the barracks at Castle-William, as soon as they were ready to receive them.

_We decline at present, giving a more particular account of this unhappy affair, as we hear the trial of the unfortunate prisoners is to come on next week._

This is all the "Boston Chronicle" has to say about that great historical event of the fifth of March, an event which stirred the whole country and filled the minds of the Colonists with a perfect hatred of the British power in America,--"The Boston Massacre." The editor of the paper was probably a Tory.

* * * * *

The "Massachusetts Gazette," Feb. 3, 1774, says:--

We hear that the Hon. JOHN HANCOCK, Esq; is appointed to deliver the ORATION in Commemoration of the Bloody Tragedy on the 5th of March.

* * * * *

The "Salem Gazette" has this item, March 7, 1782:--

Last Tuesday Mr. George R. Minot delivered an elegant and spirited Oration, at the old brick meeting-house, in commemoration of the horrid massacre perpetrated on the 5th of March, 1770, by a banditti of the British tyrant's 29th regiment.

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