Part 5
It may not be of any consequence to the public to know what kind of coat Jonathan Williams wore in 1767, but it may be a matter of curiosity to his descendants now living. We take the following advertisement from the "Boston Gazette," Dec. 28, 1767:--
Whereas there has been taken out of the House of _Jonathan Williams_ in Cornhill, two Great Coats, on the 23d Instant, one of his own Wearing a cloth-coloured Drab; the other his Servants, a blue Cloth ditto. Whoever has taken them, and will return the former to said _Williams_, shall have the latter _gratis_, and no Questions ask'd.
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Notice.
Frequent applications being made to the Town-Cryer, to proceed through the streets in search of Children that have strayed from their home, which practice often excites unnecessary alarm to the inhabitants.
The public are respectfully desired, in case of any discovery of a child, or children so lost or strayed, to bring them immediately to the subscriber at No. 71, Newbury street.--By an attention to this regulation, Parents and friends may have their anxiety relieved by applying as above.
SAMUEL ADAMS, _Town-Cryer_.
_Constitutional Telegraph_, Aug. 8, 1800.
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Masonic notice from Paul Revere and others, from the "Boston Post-Boy."
NOTICE is hereby given to the Brethren of the Antient and Honorable Society of FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS, That the Feast of St. JOHN the BAPTIST will be Celebrated by the Brethren of St. ANDREW'S Lodge, (duly authoriz'd, constituted and appointed to be held at _Boston_, by the Right Honorable, JOHN LORD ABERDOUR, Grand Master of _Scotland_) on Thursday the 24th Instant, at the Royal-Exchange Tavern in King-Street, Tickets to be had of
JOSEPH WEBB, jun. _Boston, June 14, 1762._ PHILLIP LEWIS, PAUL REVERE.
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The house of Copley, the celebrated painter, is thus advertised:--
_To be LET, and entered on immediately,_
THAT elegant, convenient, and most pleasantly situated DWELLING-HOUSE, with a large Garden, and other Land about it, (near his Excellency the Governour's) belonging to Mr. COPLEY; well known to be completely accommodated for a genteel family. Inquire of CHARLES PELHAM, (at the late Dwelling-House of Mrs. PELHAM, at New-Boston) he being impowered to let it.
_May 16, 1789._
_Massachusetts Centinel._
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Antique luxuries.
WANTED, the following, viz. Fifteen Pair of WOOD DUCKS, Four Pair of WILD GEESE, Three Pair of FLYING SQUIRRELS, Three Dozen of the smallest Size Terrapeins or fresh Water TURTLES, for which a good PRICE will be given, or for any Part of them.----Enquire of the Printer.
_Essex Gazette_, Feb. 21, 1771.
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We do not see much in the papers about spinning-wheels until after the War of the Revolution; then there seemed to be what may be called a revival of domestic industry. In 1786 the ladies of Hartford, Conn., formed an Economical Association. They say that they are "fully sensible that our calamities are in a great measure occasioned by the luxury and extravagance of individuals, and are of opinion that it is a duty they owe their country as well as their families to retrench as far as possible all unnecessary expenses." Their articles of agreement were signed, on the 6th of November, 1786, by more than a hundred ladies belonging to the first families in the city. By these articles they engage "not to purchase for next six months any Gauze, Ribbons, Lace, Feathers, Beaver-Hats, Silks, Muslins, and Chintzes, except only for weddings and mourning;" also to "dress their persons in the plainest manner and encourage industry, frugality, and neatness, giving all due preference to the manufactures of their own country." To this they add that "when they receive visits and make entertainments, it will be their study to avoid unnecessary expense, especially on foreign articles." On June 17 of that year the President of Harvard College addressed a letter to the "Massachusetts Gazette" which is interesting in this connection. This letter we copy to show how economy entered into everything, even a "liberal education." It will moreover be of interest because of the attempt made to regulate the students' dress.
UNIVERSITY IN CAMBRIDGE, JUNE 17, 1786.
_To the Publisher of the Massachusetts_ Gazette.
EVERY proper attempt of the Governours of the University to lessen the expense of a liberal education must be grateful to the Publick, and meet with their hearty concurrence; the Members of the Community, therefore, in general, and the Parents and Guardians of the Students in particular, it is not doubted, will be well pleased with some late regulations, made by the Corporation and Overseers, to introduce economy in dress, and will readily perform their part, in carrying them into effect.
By ordering an uniform, the Governours of the Society have removed the temptation to that frequent change of apparel, which may have arisen from the liberty the Students have had, of chusing different colours, from time to time: And by entirely prohibiting silk (an unnecessary article in their clothing) a very considerable expense is prevented.
That the dress of the Students be neat and decent is highly proper; but that it should be very ornamental and expensive is ever needless, and oftentimes pernicious: Nor will any Student, who is solicitous to acquire knowledge, and sincerely disposed to improve his time to the best advantage, in obtaining such degrees of it, as may enable him to be extensively useful to the Community, feel a reluctance to economical institutions respecting dress. He will not only esteem the ornaments of the mind of vastly higher importance than those of the body, but the general good will also constantly influence his conduct; and he will chearfully encourage every regulation, which tends to promote frugality.
The regulations referred to, I now transmit to you, which the Corporation and Overseers of the University request you to publish, for the information of all concerned.
I am, Sir, your humble servant,
JOSEPH WILLARD.
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_At a Meeting of the_ CORPORATION, _&c._ JUNE 13, 1786.
WHEREAS the enjoining of an uniform colour, in the clothing of the Undergraduates, and prohibiting a certain species of materials, in their apparel, will have a great tendency to lessen the expense of dress (which, at present, constitutes too large a proportion of the Collegiate charges) while, at the same time, the appearance will be more academical:
_Voted_, That it be recommended, that the Freshmen, who shall be admitted into the University the present year, before the end of the Summer Vacation, be provided with coats of blue-gray, being a mixture of deep blue and white wool, as nearly as may be, seven eighths of the blue, and one eighth of the white, or, if that cannot conveniently be obtained, of a dark blue colour,--and with waistcoats and breeches of the same colour, or of a straw colour.
That, when they shall procure clothes, afterwards, and while Undergraduates, their coats shall be of the colour first mentioned, and their waistcoats and breeches of the same colour, or of a straw colour.
That the Freshmen, who shall be admitted into the University in the year 1787, and afterwards, shall be provided with coats of the colour first mentioned, and with waistcoats and breeches as last mentioned, and shall continue provided with clothes of these specified colours while they remain Undergraduates.
That all, who shall hereafter be admitted, when they commence Sophimores, shall have the addition of frogs to the button holes of their coats, the cuff of the sleeve to be plain.
That when they commence Junior Sophisters, their coats shall have the further addition of frogs on the button-side,--continuing the plain cuff; and they shall also provide themselves with black gowns, having a close sleeve and slit cuff, to be made according to the direction of the Corporation.
That, when they commence Senior Sophisters, they shall have the further addition of buttons and frogs to the cuff of their coat, and shall also have black gowns, with a wide sleeve,--the mode to be determined by the Corporation.
That when they are admitted to the Bachelor's degree, they shall appear in like gowns and clothes as are prescribed for the Senior Sophisters.
That the Seniors and Juniors shall wear their black gowns, on all publick occasions, and whenever they shall publickly declaim in the Chapel.
That no Undergraduate, to whom these injunctions may extend, be permitted to appear within the limits of the College, or town of Cambridge, in any other dress than is before described, unless he has on a night gown, or an outside garment be necessary over his coat.
That no part of the dress of the Undergraduates be made of silk;--and that it be recommended to them, to clothe themselves in home manufactures, as far as may be.
That these regulations be extended to all who shall hereafter be admitted into the University;--and that it be recommended to such as are already Members, to conform thereto, upon principles of economy, as far as may consist with their present supply of clothing.
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UNIVERSITY _in Cambridge, June 12, 1786_.
CANDIDATES for their second degree, at the next Commencement, are notified, that it is expected that they give their attendance at the University by the 12th day of July; and if any should not attend by that time, they will not receive their degree this year, unless they give sufficient reasons for their absence.
They who desire admission into the University this year, are also notified, that the President and Tutors will attend the business of examination on Friday and Saturday, the 21st and 22d of July.
JOSEPH WILLARD, President.
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In 1788 the industry of the people of Providence, R.I., is set forth in the following notice, from the "Salem Mercury" of November 25:
AMERICAN MANUFACTURES.
A Providence paper informs, that the Carding and Spinning Machines used in England in manufacturing cotton stuffs, are introducing into that town by some publick spirited gentlemen--and that there are few families in that town which are not manufacturing some kind of cloth.
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It appears from the "Columbian Centinel," July 14, 1790, that the wealthy of that day had a fondness for foreign articles.
Complaint is very prolifick in all countries. In the United States we complain, that,
_Tho' rich at home, to foreign lands we stray, And trade for trinkets our best wealth away._
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The following advertisement from the "Massachusetts Centinel" recalls the time when cows were pastured on Boston Common.
STRAYED, on Saturday last, from Boston Common, and belonging to JONATHAN AMORY, a young red COW, with some white on the back and belly, forehead white, small horns, with the tips off. Whoever will bring her to the owner will be rewarded.
_Boston, May 24, 1788._
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People were expected to have long memories in old times, judging from the following notification in the "Boston Gazette" of 1760:--
WHEREAS on the 17th of January 1740-1, twenty-seven yards and an half of yard-wide sheeting linnen, and some smaller articles, was sold at Mr. _James Gordon's_ shop in _Boston_, and deliver'd to one capt. _Stevens_, as appears by said _Gordon's_ book; and thro' some mistake in keeping his books, said articles are charg'd to another of the same name. If therefore the said capt. _Stevens_, that really had said goods, or any of his family, or others, can give any light into the matter, it is desired they would acquaint the printers hereof, and they shall be generously recompenced for their trouble.
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The "small pox" was very troublesome in Colonial times, as this announcement from the "Boston Gazette," Feb. 2, 1761, shows:--
Samuel Parkman hereby informs his Customers and others, That immediately on the breaking out of the Small-Pox in the back Part of his House in Union Street, he removed his Shop Goods to a Store on a Wharf that they may be safe from any Infection, and himself to the House of Mr. Joshua Winter Stationer--The Person who had the Distemper is perfectly recovered, and departed the House some Days ago, and the House thoroughly cleansed.
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The following notice from the "Massachusetts Gazette" reminds us of the time of open fire-places and blazing, cheerful wood-fires:
THE SELECTMEN would inform the Town, that they have _approbated_ a number of _Chimney-Sweepers_, who are furnished with badges agreeable to the By-Laws, and have stipulated to execute their business _faithfully_, at the following rates, viz.--For lower-room chimnies, _fourteen pence two fifths_, or _one pistareen_; and for _all_ chamber chimnies, _one shilling_ each--that all concerned may govern themselves accordingly.
_Boston, Sept. 21, 1786._
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The spinning-wheel at Ipswich. From the "Columbian Centinel," June 7, 1791.
_For the_ CENTINEL.
THE PRINTER is requested to record it among the numerous instances of female benevolence and harmony, which have been exhibited in these times, and so well reprove the jarring dissensions of the _men_--that at Ipswich, lately, at the house of the Rev. Mr. DANA, a numerous band of ladies, in harmonious concert, have again "laid their hands to the spindle, and held the distaff," and presented the fruit of their generous toil, 118 run of good yarn; viz. 88 linen, 30 cotton; the materials, provisions, and handsome attendance, all furnished by themselves and those who joined with them.--"_Give her of the fruit of her own hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates._"
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From the "Salem Mercury," April 28, 1787.
Not long ago a number of ladies belonging to the Presbyterian society in Newbury-Port, assembled at the Parsonage-house, with their spinning-wheels and other utensils of industry, for the day, to the benefit of their minister's family. The assembly having first united in the solemn exercises of social worship, the business of the day was opened. Every apartment in the house was full. The musick of the spinning-wheel resounded from every room. Benevolence was seen smiling in every countenance, and the harmony of hearts surpassed even the harmony of wheels. The labours of the day were concluded about 5 o'clock; when the fair labourers presented Mrs. MURRAY with cotton and linen yarn, of the best quality, amounting to 236 skeins. Necessary refreshment being past, publick worship was attended; and a discourse delivered, by the Rev. Mr. MURRAY, to a large assembly, from Exodus 35, 25, _And all the women that were wise-hearted did spin with their hands._
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From the "Salem Mercury," Feb. 6, 1787.
There is a young Miss in New-Haven, who will soon wear a silk gown _of her own make_. Such noble industry ought to be written in letters of gold. May the ladies profit by the example--and may it soon be esteemed disreputable, by both ladies and gentlemen, to wear any thick silk but of our own manufacture.
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An advertisement in the "Boston Gazette," Feb. 19, 1760, rather indicates that "searchers" sometimes exceeded their powers.
ALL Persons who within five Years past, have had any Shoes or Boots, seiz'd and taken from them, in the Town of Boston, by any of the Searches and Sealers of Leather there, for being made of Leather unduly tann'd or curried, or on Pretence thereof; are hereby notified to give or send in to the Printers hereof, an Account in Writing, of the Number of Shoes, &c. so taken from them, the Time when (as near as they can) with the Name of the Person that seiz'd and took them, and the Name of the Justice of Peace to whom Complaint or Information was made concerning such Shoes, &c. by the eighth Day of _March_ next, if they desire any Recompence for the Injuries they have suffer'd by such Seizures.
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In 1767 snuff was apparently of more importance, as merchandise, to say the least, than were Bibles and Testaments. In an advertisement it was printed in capitals, while the latter were in smaller type.
Caleb Blanchard,
In Union-Street, _BOSTON._
_HAS just Imported by Captain_ Rhodes _from_ London, _and Captain_ Bain _from_ Glasgow.
_A Great Variety of English, India, and Scotch GOODS, suitable for all Seasons of the Year, which He sells at the lowest Rates, by Wholesale or Retail, for Cash or Treasurer's Notes._
N.B. _Kippen's and Tillich's SNUFF, Bibles and Testaments, all Sorts of Stationary, &c. &c. &c._
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_Boston, April 19th, 1788._
WHEREAS some person or persons have acted so villainous a part, as to make use of my name in vending and selling Snuff of a very bad quality; not only injuring me in my credit, but cheating the purchaser, as the Snuff manufactured by me is of the best kind, and which I always warrant to be such.
Some of the purchasers of said bad Snuff have brought the same to me, supposing it to be really of my manufacture; but upon examination, found it to be of a loose and dry kind, and may be easily discovered.
Whoever will give information of the person or persons, who thus impose on the publick, by making use of my name to vend and sell such base Snuff, shall be handsomely rewarded, by their humble servant,
SIMON ELLIOT.
N.B. The publick are informed, that to prevent the above deception, the advertisements on bladders of Snuff, in future, will be altered from letter-press, to a copperplate impression. (2m)
_Massachusetts Centinel._
The habit of Snuff-taking was formerly very prevalent in New England, as well as elsewhere. Within the writer's recollection it was a very common thing to see the snuff-box passed round for friends to take a pinch. Very few now a days indulge in this uncleanly habit; but a recent traveller relates that on visiting St. Peter's in Rome, the first thing upon entering the church which attracted his attention was seeing the Pope take a pinch of snuff and then shake from his pocket a large old-fashioned bandanna handkerchief, which he applied to his nose. Many years ago a gentleman of Salem was questioned by a stranger about a certain man who happened to be an inveterate snuff-taker and who was at the same time greatly interested in free-masonry. "Yes," said the gentleman, "I know him."--"He's about one third masonry and two thirds snuff." Mr. Francis H. Lee, of Salem, has a curious collection of a hundred or more snuff-boxes of former generations. They are of various patterns; some are made of shell and tipped with silver, and look quite ancient. Simon Elliot, of Boston, and later Wm. Micklefield, of Salem, were famous snuff manufacturers.
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A curious snuff-box, advertised in the "Columbian Centinel," 1819.
A CURIOSITY.
E. COPELAND, Jr., has for sale a most elegant Gold SNUFF BOX set with Pearls, &c. It is about 2½ inches long and from the top a beautiful _little Bird_ rises at command and sings a tune. The movements of the wings, beak, eyes, &c. are perfectly natural, and all its motions while singing are in complete unison with its notes. This is probably as ingenious a piece of mechanism as was ever seen in this town. It will be sold a great bargain.
august 21
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In this connection we notice "Micklefield's Indian," as it was called, a well-known landmark in Salem half a century ago. Mr. Micklefield was much respected, and noted for his liberality and public spirit.
THE Subscriber begs leave to inform his friends and the public, that owing to the fall in prices of different Scents and Stock in general, that compose the article of Snuff, he is thereby enabled to sell his different kinds, viz.--Maccoboy, Scented and Plain Rappee and Scotch
SNUFFS,
at a much lower price than heretofore.--Traders in the neighboring towns that deal in those articles are particularly solicited to call at his Store, sign of the _Indian Chief_, corner of Central and Front streets, where they can purchase at very low prices, and warranted of the first quality. ALSO,
Spanish, half Spanish and common
CIGARS,
Cavendish, Ladies' Twist, Pigtail, and all kinds of Manufactured
TOBACCO,
wholesale and retail.
WM. MICKLEFIELD.
Salem, Jan. 18, 1827. tf
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From the "Salem Mercury," Nov. 25, 1788.
S. Breck, Esq. member of the House of Representatives for Boston, appears in his seat with a complete suit of American manufactured broadcloth, of an elegant colour.
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About 1787 and 1788, spinning-wheel meetings seem to have been very popular. We copy notices of meetings of young ladies in Attleboro', Dighton, Gloucester, Rehoboth, Mass., and Providence and Johnston, R.I., all from the "Salem Mercury."
ATTLEBORO', _June 20_. Yesterday, 63 respectable young ladies, belonging to this town, asslembled, at 2 o'clock, P.M. at the house of Mr. Daniel Balkum, and, to the surprise and great satisfaction of all the friends to industry, spun, before sunset, 199 skeins of excellent linen yarn. Industry is the genuine source of all laudable pleasure. On it depend all the conveniences of life. Health, the greatest of blessings, depends on industry--beauty, on health. If ladies, then, wish to be beautiful, they must be industrious; they must animate their countenances with that blooming health which comes from the SPINNING-WHEEL. The fair sex, when rightly and industriously employed, are justly termed the beauty of this lower creation. Beauty without virtue is contemptible. Merit only gains the heart. Idleness is disgraceful. Industry is the ornament of wealth, the support and consolation of poverty. We hope soon to see the time, when the fair daughters of America will be clothed in the manufactures of their own hands. Happy are we, that some have already set the example. May it never be said, that American ladies rise 15 minutes later than the sun. May they ever have thread enough in their hands to make a halter for a Shays.
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On Tuesday last, thirteen young ladies assembled, with their spinning-wheels, at the house of Mr. Joseph Whipple, in North-Providence, and, between the hours of eight in the morning and six in the afternoon, completed fifty skeins of excellent linen yarn.
July 1, 1788.
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