Chapter 2

Some one is "desired to refresh his memory" in 1767. Such mistakes remind us of Willis Gaylord Clark's account of an announcement he once heard at a revival meeting somewhere in New York State. The minister said: "I would _ad_nounce to this _codin_gregation [through his nose] that, _pre_bably by mistake, there was left at this house of prayer this morning a small _cotting_ umbrella, very much worn and of an exceeding_lie_ pale blue color; in the place whereof was taken one that was new and of great beauty. I say, brethren and sisters, that it was _pre_bably by mistake that of these two articles the one was taken and the other left; but it was a very improper mistake, and should be discountenanced if possible. Blunders of this sort are getting to be a _lee_tle too common."

Taken (as is supposed by Mistake) last Wednesday from the Representatives Chamber in _Boston_, a long Camblet Cloak, lin'd with red Baize: Whoever has taken the same is desired to refresh his Memory, and return it to Mr. _Baker_, Keeper of the Court-House. _Sept. 5, 1767._

* * * * *

By an advertisement in the "Boston Gazette," Oct. 19, 1767, we learn that the young ladies of Boston had an opportunity to learn to paint on "gauze and catgut," which we suppose at that time was considered "high art."

To the Young Ladies of _Boston_.

_ELIZABETH COURTNEY_, as several Ladies has signified of having a desire to learn that most ingenious art of Painting on Gauze & Catgut, proposes to open a School, and that her business may be a public good, designs to teach the making all sorts of French Trimmings, Flowers, and Feather Muffs and Tippets. And as those arts above mentioned (the Flowers excepted) are entirely unknown on the Continent, she flatters herself to meet with all due encouragement; and more so, as every Lady may have a power of serving herself of what she is now obliged to send to England for, as the whole process is attended with little or no expence. The Conditions are _Five Dollars_ at entrance, to be confin'd to no particular hours or time: And if they apply constant, may be compleat in six weeks. And when she has fifty subscribers, school will be open'd, as not being designed to open a school under that number, her proposals being to each person so easy, but to return to those who have subscrib'd their money again, and keep the business to herself.

_N.B._ Feather Muffs and Tippets to be had; and Gauze wash'd to look as well as new.

Please to inquire at Mr. _Courtney's_, Taylor, four Doors below the Mill-Bridge, North-End.

* * * * *

Sept 14, 1761, Samuel Gardner and Joseph Cabot of Salem offer a "snow" (two-masted vessel) for sale, that "goeth well."

TO BE SOLD, by _Samuel Gardner_, _Francis_ and _Joseph Cabot_ of _Salem_, on reasonable Terms; a SNOW burthened about One hundred and seventy Tons, well built and fitted, goeth well; She has 10 Carriage and 6 Swivel Guns, belonging to her.

* * * * *

In June, 1762, "gentleman seamen" were offered a chance to ship. "Post-Boy."

Now bound on a CRUIZE of Six Months, Against his Majesty's Enemies, The Brigantine _Tartar_, A prime Sailer, mounting Fourteen Six Pounders, Twenty Co-horns, and will carry One Hundred and Twenty Men, Commanded by _William Augustus Peck_.

ALL Gentlemen SEAMEN and able bodied LANDMEN, who have a Mind to make their Fortunes, and are inclined to take a Cruize in said Vessel, by applying to the _KING's-HEAD_ Tavern at the North-End may view the Articles, which are more advantageous to the Ship's Company than ever were before offered in this Place.

_Boston_, _June 28, 1762._

In 1762 the front part of a house is to be let near the "Orange-Tree" in Boston. The "Orange-Tree" was a tavern.

_TO be LETT, The front Part of the House that Deacon_ Gibson _formerly liv'd in, a little below the Orange-Tree; for further Information, inquire of Mr._ Increase Blake, _living in the back Part of said House and know further._

* * * * *

In September, 1767, those persons who were indebted to Mr. George Bray and who did not wish to be waited upon by a "monitor"--otherwise a constable--were reminded of their duty in the following quaint notice from the "Boston Gazette:"--

IF those who are indebted to Mr. _George Bray_ will pay what they owe him to me his Attorney on or before the 26th Day of next Month, they will save me the Trouble of sending, and themselves of paying a MONITOR, who will at least remind them that in ancient Times People were desired to "OWE NO MAN ANY THING, BUT TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER": Which I believe is as obligatory, I am sure as necessary, to be observed now as it was then; especially considering Mr. _Bray's_ repeated Losses by Fire, his having a large Family to maintain, and also being a long Time out of Business.

_Boston_, _Sept. 26, 1767._ JOHN BALL.

_N.B._ Beware of suing, for no further Warning will be given. J.B.

* * * * *

In 1767 Widow Hendry had "a very chargeable family," and had suffered by a recent fire in "Paddy's Alley."

THIS is to give notice that the Widow _Hendry_, having had her Workshop destroyed in the late Fire in Paddy's Alley, carries on the Farrier's Business on Scarlet's Wharf, at the North End, where she hopes her Customers will continue their Favors to her, in her deplorable Circumstances, having a very chargeable Family, and met with very heavy Losses by the said Fire.

* * * * *

After the same fire Jonathan Payson missed a pair of "Brass Doggs" (andirons), etc.

Sundry Things missing after the late Fire, _viz._ One Pair of Brass Doggs, cast solid, very heavy and large; 22 yards of Hamburgh Sheeting; one Bell metal Skillet, and one Silver Spoon--The Persons that took them in not knowing who they may belong to, I take this Method to inform them that they belong to the Subscriber.

JONATHAN PAYSON.

* * * * *

Lead sashes in use in 1767.

TO BE SOLD,

A Number of Windows, set in Lead. Inquire of the Printers.

_BOSTON_, Printed by _Edes_ and _Gill_, 1767.

* * * * *

In July, 1761, among the rough element, there seems to have been a "boom" in breaking windows and throwing stones. This state of things reached such a pitch that the Governor was forced to issue a Proclamation offering a reward for the detection of the offenders.

BY HIS EXCELLENCY

FRANCIS BERNARD, Esq;

Captain-General and Governor in Chief, in and over His Majesty's Province of the _Massachusetts Bay_, in _New-England_, and Vice-Admiral of the same.

A PROCLAMATION.

_WHEREAS certain Persons, who remain hitherto undiscovered, have of late committed great Disorders in the Night-Time, within several Towns in this Province, and particularly have broke the Windows of some Meeting Houses, and of the Dwelling-Houses of several Persons, by flinging thereinto great Stones and Bricks, thereby indangering the Lives of the Inhabitants, as well as injuring their Houses, against the Peace of our Sovereign Lord the King, and in Contempt of his Laws:_

I HAVE therefore thought fit, with the Advice of His Majesty's Council, to issue this Proclamation, requiring all Justices of the Peace, Sheriffs, Constables, and all other Officers whom it may concern, and also recommending it to all other His Majesty's good Subjects within this Province, to use their utmost Endeavours for discovering and bringing to Justice all Persons concerned in such disorderly and riotous Practices.

AND I do hereby promise, that whosoever shall discover and detect all or any of the Persons concerned therein, so that they or any of them may be lawfully convicted of any such Offences, shall receive out of the Public Treasury of this Province the Sum of _TEN POUNDS_ Lawful Money, as a Reward to be paid upon the Conviction of such Offender or Offenders.

_GIVEN at the Council-Chamber in_ Boston, _the Seventh Day of_ July, 1761, _in the First Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord GEORGE the Third, by the Grace of GOD, of_ Great-Britain, France, _and_ Ireland, KING, _Defender of the Faith, &c._

Fr. Bernard.

By His Excellency's Command, A. OLIVER, Secr. GOD Save the KING.

* * * * *

In the "Boston Gazette," this same year, August 10, Samuel Smith objected to people reporting that he "was run away."

_WHEREAS it has been falsely reported by some ill minded litigious Persons that I, the Subscriber, was run away, THIS is to inform the Public, and especially those that it doth concern, That I have been no further than_ Philadelphia, _a Trading, with a Design to return Home in about two Months, but return'd Home one Week sooner; and be it KNOWN notwithstanding all the false Reports about me, I am to be spoke with at my Dwelling-House at the North End, or upon 'Change, every Day in the Week._

Samuel Smith.

N.B. _Said_ Smith _has a House at the North End of the Town to Lett; also two Rooms in another House in said Part of the Town; he has likewise another House in said Part of the Town, which he would be willing to exchange for one further Southward_.

* * * * *

Quaint advertisement of a paper-maker in the "Boston Gazette," Nov. 23, 1767.

ADVERTISEMENTS.

The Manufacturers of PAPER at Milton beg the Favor of the Public to furnish them with what Linnen Rags they can spare, for which the greatest possible Allowance will be given.--All Persons dispos'd in this Way to encourage so useful a Manufacture, are hereby acquainted that Linnen Rags and old Paper (to be kept separate from each other) will be receiv'd at the following Places, viz.

In Boston, at Mr. Caleb Davis's Shop near the Fortification, Mr. Thomas Chase near Liberty-Tree, Mr. Andrew Gillespie, Tobacconist, in Fore-Street, Mr. John Bois's House in Long-Lane, and at Edes & Gill's Printing-Office in Queen-Street.----At Mr. Ellson's Master of the Workhouse in Salem; at Mr. Williams's Master of the Workhouse in Marblehead, to each of whom we have been already much oblig'd.----At Mr. Bulkeley Emerson Stationer in Newbury-Port, and at Mr. Daniel Fowle's, Printer in Portsmouth.----If any Person will favor us in this Way, who live near Winnisimet-Ferry, or in Black Horse Lane in Boston, or in the Center of the Town of Charlestown, they are desir'd to send their Names to Edes and Gill's Printing-Office.----As large Quantities of Paper fortunately arriv'd from Europe before the Duties could be demanded, it is hoped before that can be consum'd, there will be sufficient of this Country Manufacture for future Use.

* * * * *

_THE_ PRINTERS _of this Paper beg Leave to Advertise their Customers, that they have lately purchas'd a new Set of_ TYPES, _at a very great_ Expence, _which will be improved for the Entertainment and Instruction of the Public. They only desire that those Gentlemen who are in Arrears_ for more than a Twelvemonth, _wou'd be kind enough for their Encouragement to pay off their respective Balances, as soon as may be, in Cash, or good clean Linnen Rags, the latter of which they prefer._

*** Choice WRITING PAPER, manufactured at Milton, to be Sold by the Printers hereof.

* * * * *

As Mr. Turner, the dancing-master, had "suffered much by booking," we infer that some people had "danced without paying the fiddler."

_DANCING ACADEMY,_

CONCERT-HALL.

MR. TURNER informs the Ladies and Gentlemen in town and country, that he has reduced his price for teaching, from _Six Dollars_ entrance to _One Guinea_, and from _Four Dollars_ per month to _Three_. Those Ladies and Gentlemen who propose sending their children to be taught, will notice, that no books will be kept, as Mr. T. has suffered much by booking. The pupils must pay monthly, if they are desirous the School should continue.

_Boston, March 29, 1788._

* * * * *

Mary Billings, opposite the Governor's, sold lottery tickets in 1761. (December 7.)

A FEW TICKETS IN _SUDBURY_--LOTTERY,

Which will certainly commence Drawing on the 22d of this Month, may be had of the Managers in _Sudbury_ or of _Edes_ and _Gill_ and _Green_ and _Russell_, Printers in Queen-Street _Boston_.

SCHEME 1 of 500 Dollars. | 180 of 10 Dollars. 15 of 100 | 80 of 8 20 of 50 | 51 of 6 20 of 40 | 1315 of 4 10 of 20 |

To be Sold by _Mary Billings_, opposite the GOVERNOR'S--Cardinal Silks and Trimmings, with many other Articles, cheap for Cash.

* * * * *

From "Boston Gazette," Sept. 8, 1760:

TO be Sold by _Henry Paget_, of _Providence_, a Tract of Land, partly improved, lying in _Weyer_ River Parish, being the North Part of said Parish, and joins to _Greenwich_ and _Hardwick_, containing about 2400 Acres--laid out in 100 Acre Lotts; to be Sold together, or in Lots. Said Land will be Sold reasonable for prompt Pay; or if the Purchaser can't pay the whole, good Security will be taken.

_N.B._ There's a settled Minister in said Parish much approved of.

* * * * *

Sporting in Boston, in 1790. From the "Massachusetts Centinel," May 1.

WHEREAS great danger daily arises to the Inhabitants, from the frequency of persons gunning or shooting birds, at various parts of the town, in direct violation of the law; the Selectmen would now acquaint the inhabitants, that they have appointed Mr. SHUBAEL HEWES to take notice of all such persons, who may be found shooting within the limits of the town in future, and prosecute them, without exception, to the utmost extent of the law.

* * * * *

PAUL REVERE AS A DENTIST.

In the "Boston Gazette," Dec. 19, 1768, appears the following curious advertisement:

WHEREAS many Persons are so unfortunate as to lose their Fore-Teeth by Accident, and otherways, to their great Detriment, not only in Looks, but speaking both in Public and Private:--This is to inform all such, that they may have them re-placed with artificial Ones, that looks as well as the Natural, & answers the End of Speaking to all Intents, by _PAUL REVERE_, Goldsmith, near the Head of Dr. _Clarke's_ Wharf, _Boston_.

*** All Persons who have had false Teeth fixt by Mr. _John Baker_, Surgeon-Dentist, and they have got loose (as they will in Time) may have them fastened by the above, who learnt the Method of fixing them from Mr. _Baker_.

* * * * *

Escape of a negro man slave who "can play on a Fiddle, and loves strong Drink."

FIVE DOLLARS Reward.

RAN-away from his Master the 25th Day of November last, at North-Kingston, in the Colony of Rhode-Island, a well-set Negro Man Slave, named Isaac, about 5 Feet 6 or 7 Inches high, with a Scar on his Forehead, between 30 and 40 Years old, thick Beard, can play on a Fiddle, and loves strong Drink; had on and carried with him a lightish-colour'd Thick-set Coat, a blue Ratteen Jacket with Cuffs to the Sleeves, a blue Broad Cloth Jacket without Sleeves, Flannel Shirt, stript Flannel Trowsers, grey yarn Stockings, and single Channel Pumps. Whoever will secure said Slave in any of his Majesty's Goals, or deliver him to the Subscriber, his Master, shall have FIVE DOLLARS Reward, and necessary Charges paid.

Per SAMUEL ROSE.

Masters of Vessels, and others, are hereby forbid carrying off or securing said Slave, as they would avoid the Penalty of the Law. December 5, 1768.

_Boston Gazette._

* * * * *

The town of Beverly has always been noted for beans, and it will be seen that as early as 1771 Josiah Woodbury offered two bushels as a reward to any person who would keep his "House Plague," who had run away from him. The question naturally arises, Was "Old Moll" Mr. Woodbury's wife?

Beverly, Sept. 16, 1771.

RAN-AWAY from Josiah Woodbury, Cooper, his House Plague for 7 long Years, Masury Old Moll, alias Trial of Vengeance. He that lost will never seek her; he that shall keep her, I will give two Bushel of Beans. I forewarn all Persons in Town or Country from trusting said Trial of Vengeance. I have hove all the old Shoes I can find for Joy; and all my Neighbours rejoice with me. A good Riddance of bad Ware. Amen.

Josiah Woodbury.

_Essex Gazette_, Sept. 17, 1771.

* * * * *

A woman advertises and describes a run-away husband.

Curious ADVERTISEMENT.

Copied from a late Hartford Paper.

RAN away from the subscriber, on the 13th of May, one Joseph Randall, a tall, trim-built fellow: Had on, when he went away, a blue coat, velvet waistcoat and breeches, mixt coloured stockings, and wore away two felt hats; he rode away a black horse, and led a sorrel horse; he is supposed to be lurking in the south part of Scantick after a strumpet that he has spent the most of his time with for three years past. Whoever will take up said Randall, and return him to me, shall have 3 coppers reward; but whoever will take the trouble to keep him away shall have ten dollars reward, and all necessary charges paid by me.

SUSANNAH RANDALL.

N.B. All persons are forbid harbouring him, for I am determined to maintain him no longer.

_Salem Mercury_, July 1, 1785.

* * * * *

In the "Massachusetts Gazette," Feb. 3, 1774, is advertised a book by the notorious Dr. Dodd, who was executed for the forgery of Lord Chesterfield's name. This book is said to be "extremely proper to be given at Funerals."

A Book which upon perusal recommends itself, and which it is only necessary to read to approve; extremely proper to be given at Funerals or any other solemn Occasion: being written expressly with that intention.

_THIS DAY WAS PUBLISHED,_

(Price 2_s._ Lawful Money single and 1/8. the doz.) By THOMAS LEVERETT, NICHOLAS BOWES and HENRY KNOX in Cornhill,

REFLECTIONS ON DEATH.

By WILLIAM DODD, LL. D.

Prebendary of Brecon and Chaplain in Ordinary to His MAJESTY.

IT IS APPOINTED ONCE FOR MEN TO DIE, BUT AFTER THIS THE JUDGMENT, Heb. ix. 27.

THE FIFTH EDITION.

A desire of extending the very laudable Practice of giving Books at Funerals, and the great propriety of the present Work for that Purpose, have induced the Editors to put this valuable Performance one Third cheaper than the London Edition, although it is by no Means Inferior in point of Elegance.

* * * * *

Some of the business localities of Boston in the last century were known by names which now strike us as very queer or quaint. We select a number of advertisements from the "Gazette," "Post-Boy," and "Chronicle."

Dec. 10, 1759.

Imported in the last Ships from _LONDON_.

_By_ Andrew Craigie,

And to be Sold at his Shop, right against the Old South Meeting-House: by Wholesale & Retail, English Goods, suitable for the Season, too many to be enumerated, At the lowest Rate, for Cash, or short Credit.

* * * * *

Feb. 23, 1761.

Isaac Dupee, _Carver_,

ADVERTISES his Customers and others that since the late Fire (on Dock Square) he has opened a Shop the North Side of the Swing-Bridge, opposite to _Thomas Tyler's_, Esq.; where Business will be carried on as usual with Fidelity and Dispatch.

* * * * *

_Imported in the Neptune_, _Capt._ Binney, _and to be Sold by_

Daniel Parker, _Goldsmith_,

_At his Shop near the Golden-Ball_, Boston.

_AN Assortment of Articles in the Goldsmith's and Jeweller's Way_, viz. _brilliant and cypher'd Button and Earing Stones of all Sorts, Locket Stones, cypher'd Ring Stones, Brilliant Ring Sparks, Buckle Stones, Garnetts, Emethysts, Topaz and Saphire Ring Stones, neat Stone Rings sett in Gold, some with Diamond Sparks, Stone Buttons in Silver, by the Card, black ditto in Silver, best Sword Blades, Shoe and Knee Chapes of all Sizes, Files of all Sorts, freezing Punches, Turkey Oyl Stones, red and white Foyl, moulding Sand, Borax, Saltpetre, Crucibles and Black Led Potts, Money Scales, large ditto to weigh Silver, Piles of Ounce Weights, Penny Weights & Grains, Coral Beeds, Stick ditto for Whistles, Forgeing Anvils, Spoon Teats, plain ditto, small raizing Anvils for Cream Potts, fine Lancashire Watch Plyers, Shears and Nippers, Birmingham ditto, with sundry other Articles, cheap for Cash._

* * * * *

_CHOICE Muscovado best Powder and brown Sugars, by the Hogshead or Barrel, to be Sold by_ WILLIAM WHITWELL, _at the Seven Stars near the Draw-Bridge, Boston. Also choice new Raisins by the Cask, Philadelphia Flour and Bar Iron per Quantity, Coffee by the Barrel or Hundred, Bohea Tea, &c., cheap for Cash or short Credit._

* * * * *

Sept. 8, 1760.

_John Loring,_

At his Shop near The Great Trees.

A Fresh and General Assortment of Medecines both Chemical and Galenical--Spices of all Sorts--Likewise Redwood, Logwood, Allum, Copperas, Brimstone, &c.----_N.B._ True _Lockyer's_ Pills, _Bateman's_ Drops, _Stoughton's_ and _Duffy's_ Elixer, _&c. &c._

* * * * *

Susannah Foster

HEREBY informs her Customers, That she has removed from Queen Street to Fore-Street, next Door to the Sign of the Cross, where they may be supplied as usual with all Kinds of Groceries at the cheapest Rates.

* * * * *

Feb. 23, 1761.

Imported in the last Ship from _London_, and to be Sold

_By_ Thomas Allen.

Near _Bromfield's_ Lane, BOSTON.

Cardinal Silks and Trimmings, Prussian Cloaks, Muffs and Tippets, Callimanco and Tammy quilted Coats, _Irish_ Linens, Mens & Womens cotton, thread and worsted Hose; a neat Assortment of Millenary Goods, &c. cheap for Cash.--

_ALSO_ a great Variety of Paper Hangings.

* * * * *

Imported in Captains _Hulme_ and _Binney_ from _London_,

By _Thomas Handasyd Peck_,

And Sold by him at the Hatt & Beaver, Merchant's Row.

A _Fresh Assortment of Linnen Linings, suitable for Beaver, Beaverett, Castor and Felt Hatts, Tabby ditto, Mohair Lupings, Silk Braid ditto, flatt and round Silk Lace and Frogs for Button Lupes, plain and sash Bands, workt & plain Buttons, black Thread, Gold and Silver Chain, yellow and white Buttons, hard and light Brushes, Velures, Cards, large and small Bowstrings, Looping Needles, Verdigrees and Coperas, a good Assortment of Mens and Boys Felt Hatts, Castor ditto.----He likewise sells Logwood._

Missing since the late Fire, when the Market-House was burnt, a large Folio of Mr. _Clarkson's_ Works, and twenty yards of Gold and Silver Chain. If any Person has the Book or Chain, they are desir'd to inform said _Peck_.

* * * * *

May 11, 1761.