Chapter 4

Whereas I the Subscriber signed an Address to the late Governor Hutchinson, upon his leaving this Province: I now declare my doing so was without any View of injuring the Liberties of my Country, which I ever held sacred; nor had I the least Design of giving Offence to any Individual within the Circle of my Acquaintance, and had I conceived such an Address would have been so generally disapproved of, I should by no Means have signed it; and hope the Publick will freely forgive this Error in their humble Servant. JONATHAN GLOVER.

* * * * *

Whereas I, the Subscriber, signed an Address to the late Governor Hutchinson,--_I wish the Devil had had said Address before I had seen it._

Marblehead, October 24, 1774. J. FOWLE.

John Prentice, of Marblehead, signed a similar card the same day.

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We have room but for one more of these political cards. The Rev. Samuel Dana, of Groton, appears to have been suspected of "Toryism," and prints the following in the "Essex Gazette":--

"I, the Subscriber, being deeply affected with the Miseries bro't on this Country by a horrid Thirst for ill-got Wealth and unconstitutional Power,--and lamenting my Unhappiness in being left to adopt Principles in Politics different from the Generality of my Countrymen; and thence to conduct in a Manner that has but too justly excited the Jealousy and Resentment of the true Sons of Liberty against me, earnestly desirous, at the same Time, to give them all the Satisfaction in my Power; do hereby Sincerely ask Forgiveness of all such for whatever I have said or done, that had the least Tendency to the Injury of my Country, assuring them that it is my full Purpose, in my proper Sphere, to unite with them in all those laudable and fit Measures that have been recommended by the Continental and Provincial Congresses for the Salvation of this Country, hoping my future Conversation and Conduct will fully prove the up-rightness of my present Professions.

Groton, May 22, 1775. SAMUEL DANA.

The town of Groton voted that the above was satisfactory to the inhabitants, and that Mr. Dana "ought to enjoy the Privileges of Society," etc.

* * * * *

East Boston, to be let, in the year 1800.

_Noddle's Island._

TO BE LET, (for the term of one or more years, and entered upon, the 25th March next,)

THAT valuable Estate in the Harbour of Boston, known by the name of NODDLE'S Island. The advantages of its situation, soil, &c. &c. are so well known, as to render a detail thereof unnecessary.--For particulars, inquire of the Printer, or of DAVID S. GREENOUGH, at Roxbury.

Feb. 15.

_Columbian Centinel._

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GENTLEMEN and LADIES.

ISAAC GREENWOOD, jun., takes this opportunity to inform you, that at his Shop opposite the Town-House, in Salem, Gentlemen may be supplyed with neat walking Sticks; and Ladies with Umbrellas, neater and cheaper than those imported: He makes and mends Umbrella Sticks in the best Manner.

He earnestly wishes, for his Profit and their Good, that they would apply to him for Teeth-Brushes, and Teeth-Powder, which when used will recommend itself.

Said Greenwood performs all kinds of turned Work, in Silver, such as Tankards, Cans, &c. also in Brass, Iron, Ivory, Turtle-Shell, Bone, Horn, and Wood of any sort or bigness. Repairs Violins; makes Flutes, Fifes, Hoboys, Clarinets, Chaise-Whips, Tea-Boards, Bottle-Stands, Tamboy Frames, Back-Gammon Boxes Men and Dies, Chess men, Billiard-Balls, Maces, Lemon Squeezers, Serenges, Hydrometers, Shaving Boxes and Brushes, Buckle-Brushes, Ink-Stands, Paper-Folders, Sand-Boxes, Bannisters for Stair-Cases, &c. &c. &c.

_Salem Gazette_, July 3, 1781.

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An appeal to "the Sentimentalists of the Town of Salem," from the "Gazette" of June 19, 1781. "Sentimentalists" would in these days be called book-buyers.

By AUTHORITY.

_JEWELS and DIAMONDS for_ SENTIMENTALISTS.

THE Sentimentalists of the Town of Salem, and all Voluntiers, who are pleased to encourage the extensive Propagation of polite Literature, by the Business of Book Auctioniering, which in all free States hath always been highly favoured with peculiar Privileges, because it is the sublimest Auxiliary which Science, Commerce, and Arts either has, or perhaps ever will possess, are requested to observe, that _On Thursday Evening June 21st, 1781, and for_ two more Evenings successively, The following curious Collection of valuable and scarce BOOKS, containing History, Biography, Voyages, Travels, Philosophy, Mathematics, Periodical Papers, Letters, Essays, Arts, Sciences, Novels and Adventures, with Poetic and Dramatic Entertainment, by the most celebrated ancient and modern Authors, who have explored, investigated, and attempted to illuminate the human Understanding with the god-like Attribute of knowledge,

_Will be exhibited by AUCTION, at Mr._ GOODHUE'S Tavern in the Town of _SALEM_,

_By_ ROBERT BELL, _Bookseller, Provedore_ to the Sentimentalists, and Professor of Book-Auctioniering, who is just arrived from _Philadelphia_, and will return thither in a few days.

Hours of Exhibition by Auction from Six to Ten each Evening; when the Jewels and Diamonds will, instantaneously, either be sold or sacrificed, according to the Taste of the Company.

Printed CATALOGUES of the Books to be had at the Time and Place.

N.B. On Tuesday, or Wednesday next Week, the Book-Auctionier intends also to exhibit a Collection of Books by Auction in the town of Newbury-Port; and sometime in the Week after, he intends to exhibit another Collection of Books by Auction in the Town of Portsmouth, the Capital of the State of New-Hampshire.

* * * * *

In the "Herald of Freedom," published in Boston, is the following singular notice from Osgood Carleton:--

=Osgood Carleton,=

HAVING been frequently applied to for a decision of disputes, and sometimes wagers,[A] respecting the place of his nativity, and finding they sometimes operate to his disadvantage: Begs leave to give this public information--that he was born in Nottingham-west, in the State of New-Hampshire--in which state he resided until sixteen years old; after which time, he traveled by sea and land to various parts, and being (while young) mostly conversant with the English, he lost some of the country dialect, which gives rise to the above disputes.

[A] _Several Englishmen have disputed his being born in America._

BOSTON, AUGUST 20, 1790.

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The singular taste for wax-work exhibitions which used formerly to prevail is shown in the following announcement from the "Salem Gazette," Oct. 18, 1791:--

WAX-WORK.

_Mr. BOWEN_

RESPECTFULLY acquaints the Ladies and Gentlemen of Salem and its vicinity, that he has removed his Exhibition from Boston, where it met with universal applause.

To-Morrow Evening at 7 o'clock the door will be opened, and commence one of the most pleasing & innocent amusements,

At the Assembly Room, _Salem_.

The numerous attractions of this admired Collection having lately been increased by adding several excellent new Figures, it is recommended to be worthy of the patronage and attention of a liberal public. Mr. BOWEN, wishing immediately to gratify the inhabitants of this town and vicinity, begs leave to inform them that his residence here will be but a few days.

It would be unnecessary to give a particular description of all the Figures in this large Exhibition; but among the most admired, we may enumerate, an excellent likeness of the PRESIDENT of the United States and his amiable Lady, with a representation of the President supporting the Union of Liberty, Justice, Peace, and Plenty. His Excellency Gov. HANCOCK, who was one of the first of the patriotic members that signed the Declaration of American Independence--a sincere Friend to his Country. The celebrated _Hamilton_, Secretary of the Treasury of the United States. Three beautiful female Figures, representing a _Boston, Rhodeisland, and Philadelphia_ Beauty. The unfortunate _Baron_ TRENCK in real chains. Doctor FRANKLIN, dressed in a suit of his own clothes, with about _Twenty_ other Figures in full stature.

The Exhibition will be open every day (except Saturday evenings and Sundays) from 10 o'clock in the morning until 9 in the evening.

--> Tickets of admission, at _one shilling and six pence_ for Ladies and Gentlemen, and _nine-pence_ for Children under 10 years of age, may be had at the door.

_No reduction of the price will take place._

* * * * *

Wine advertised in a Baltimore paper in 1788.

"--> _In good Wine there is truth._"

"THE ROSY GOD, ever attentive to the wants and wishes of his votaries here below, has for their use deposited in the hands of the subscriber (one of his _oldest Tapsters_) some of his CHOICEST GIFTS, the best Produce of various Vintages. Such exhilarating Beverage as, of old, cheered the Hearts of GODS and Men.--A strict Observance of the _Seventh Commandment_ is enjoined in the Distribution. The Fiat shall be obeyed, by the Publick's most obliged and devoted Servant,

"THOMAS HEPBURN. _"Baltimore, April 11, 1788."_

* * * * *

In the "Boston Columbian Centinel" Josiah Flagg, jun., advertises for "live teeth."

_JOSIAH FLAGG_, jun. SURGEON DENTIST: AT THE STONE-HOUSE, BEACON-STREET, _BOSTON--_

CONTINUES his practise with useful improvements. Assistance to the poor gratis.

--> CASH given for live Teeth, and Gold Cobbs, or Dust. May 26, 1792.

* * * * *

It is curious to see how in "old times" things "got mixed up." The incongruity of putting together whalebone, Bibles, and chip hats is only exceeded by a later advertisement we have seen of Scott's Bible sold at a lottery-office. This is from the "Salem Mercury" of 1788:--

_NEXT FRIDAY,_ AT W.P. Bartlett's Office, Will be Sold at Publick Auction, A variety of Shop Goods and other articles:

_Among which are,_

A Few pieces best India BANDANNOES----BROADCLOTHS in patterns--twill'd & plain CORDUROY--few doz. purple & white SHAWLS--Hair Ribbons--coloured Threads--N^o 4 Pins--Irish LINENS--yellow SERGE--black LASTINGS--WHALEBONE--large and small BIBLES--Chip Hats--Watch Chains--Bottled Mustard--Playing Cards--Green Chairs--few pounds of NUTMEGS--Men's Worsted STOCKINGS, &c.--_Sale to begin at 11 o'clock_, A.M.

* * * * *

The following notice of the Bradford Academy from the "Salem Gazette" reminds us of the days of small prices,--"Tuition $3," or "$3.50 to those who paint and embroider"!

_Bradford Academy._

THE Female Apartment in Bradford Academy, half a mile from Haverhill Bridge, will be opened the first Wednesday in May, under the direction of approved instructors. The Male Apartment will be continued as usual. Young Masters and Misses will be instructed by such as are assigned to their respective Apartments, in all the branches hitherto taught in that or in any other Academy. The preceptor will spend less time than usual in the female apartment, and the preceptress will have an assistant. The price of tuition, except those who paint and embroider, will be three dollars a quarter. To those who paint and embroider, three dollars and fifty cents. Very particular attention will be paid to inculcate virtuous sentiments and preserve the moral character of the scholars.

Bradford, April 9, 1805.

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Husbands often advertise wives, but it is seldom that a wife publicly refuses to pay her husband's debts, as according to the following announcement from the "Salem Gazette," Mistress Sarah Brooks did. This was before the days of "women's rights," too.

THE Subscriber being apprehensive that her Husband, JOHN BROOKS, will contract debts on her account--this is to forbid any person trusting him on her account, as she will not satisfy any debt so contracted after this date--altho my compassion for him is such, that he shall not want for any thing I can help him to--knowing him to be a poor, forlorn young man. I cannot but pity his condition, and sincerely hope he will alter his way of life for the better--tear jealousy from his heart--bury in oblivion his unhappy temper--and take up a firm resolution, that he will turn from the error of his ways, to a better course of life, become a good citizen, a friend to his wife and children, and not hearken any more to his supposed friends (tho greatest enemies)--this is the sincere wish of the Subscriber.

SARAH BROOKS.

_Marblehead, March 27, 1793._

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In the "Salem Gazette," Oct. 8, 1793, Frederick Jordis complains of "a certain greedy worshipper of Plutus."

WHEREAS a certain greedy worshipper of Plutus has attempted (canker worm like) to blast the tender bloom of my reputation, by misrepresenting an occurrence that took place between us on the third inst.--I take this method, as the most salutary remedy, to put a stop to its dangerous ravages. I will confess candidly every particular. Sometime since, this man came to me with an account I had in vain demanded of him 4 months ago for horse-hire; having compared it with my own memorandum, I found three charges over and above what I owed him, and the remainder a third higher than usual; finding him unwilling to diminish his unjust claim, I repaired to his house last Thursday to settle with him, and paid him in full the amount of his bill, subtraction made of his three charges: Perceiving his intention was to make me pay them again, I pocketed the bill; his pugilistick arguments to get it back again made me obstinately refuse it; and thanks to a gentleman then present, I escaped his dirty hands. Unwilling to enter the field of Themis with such an antagonist, I will place his receipted account into any impartial man's hands, and submit cheerfully to his decision.

FREDERICK JORDIS.

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To show how factories were supplied with operatives in the early days of manufacturing in New England, we copy an advertisement from the "Columbian Centinel," March 4, 1795. This is addressed especially to those parents "who can ill afford to maintain their children." How much better off our manufacturing towns would be if such a system were practicable now!

_An exceeding good opportunity for parents_ (in these very expensive times for every necessary of life) _to provide their children with good and comfortable maintenance, cloathing, schooling, and a trade, but little known and understood in this country._

MR. ERVING proposes to receive as Apprentices to the Cotton & Woolen Manufactory (now going on at New-Haven) any number of Boys or Girls, from the age of ten to fourteen. They will be instructed in all the various branches of the factory, well cloathed and fed, and taught to read, write and cypher; and parents may be assured that the most particular attention will be paid to the morals, as well as to the education, of their children.

Those who can but ill afford to maintain their children, have now an opportunity of binding them to a trade which must, in a few years, be peculiarly beneficial to them and advantageous to their country.

MR. ERVING will thank those that have an inclination to put their children out, to call on him, at his house, No. 42 Marlborough-street, Boston, where they can be more particularly informed of the nature of the factory, and the advantages which must eventually accrue to their children from a general knowledge of this useful branch of business.

March 4, 1795.

* * * * *

_THE following lines were written in the Shop of the Subscriber, by a son of St. Crispin, viewing with contempt the tyrannical and oppressive disposition of a Man who has threat'ned vengeance on his neighbour's business, because the article he deals in is_ SHOES.

Salem, 9th Mo. 6th, 1801.

Oh Shame! that Man a Dog should imitate, And only live, his fellow Man to hate. An envious Dog, once in a manger lay, And starv'd himself, to keep an Ox from hay, Altho' thereof he could not eat-- Yet if the Ox was starv'd, to him 'twas sweet. His neighbor's comfort thus for to annoy, Altho' thereby he did his own destroy. Oh! Man, such actions from the page erase, And from thy breast malicious envy CHACE.

-->_Twenty per Cent was struck off at one clip, from those kind of Shoes, which are mostly worn. It is fifteen months since the Shoe War commenced._

J. MANSFIELD, 3d.

A general Assortment of Shoes for Sale as usual, at a living profit.

_Salem Register._

* * * * *

_Appropriate Mourning._

IN consequence of the late afflicting event of the death of the much lamented General _Hamilton_, TUCKER & THAYER will sell their black ITALIAN CRAPE at the reduced price of one dollar per yard 4-4 wide:--

"_GOD takes the_ Good, _too good on earth to stay_, "_And leaves the_ Bad, _too bad to take away!_"

_Columbian Centinel_, July 25, 1804.

* * * * *

Bad effects of the abolition of slavery in Providence, R.I.

_From the Providence Gazette._

Messrs. Printers,

You will oblige a number of your customers, by publishing the following advertisement in the next Gazette.

_Five Hundred Dollars Reward._

Was mislaid, or taken away by mistake (soon after the formation of the Abolition Society) from the Servant Girls of this town, all inclination to do any kind of work;--and left in lieu thereof, an impudent appearance, a strong and continued thirst for high wages, a gossiping disposition for all sorts of amusement, a leering and hankering after persons of the other sex, a desire of finery and fashion, a never ceasing trot after new places more advantageous for stealing--with number of contingent accomplishments that do not suit the wearers. Now if any person or persons will restore to the owners that degree of Honesty and Industry, which has been for some time missing, he or they shall receive the reward of Five Hundred Dollars, beside the warmest blessings of many abused and insulted

HOUSEHOLDERS. _Providence, Oct. 14, 1796._

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Parents in Boston cautioned against thorn-apples in "Columbian Centinel," Oct. 26, 1793.

_CAUTION!_

THE Inspector of Police, respectfully makes known to Parents and others, that of late, several children have very much injured themselves, by eating the seeds of Stramonium, or Thorn-Apple, commonly called Devil's Apple; who must inevitably have died, had they not been speedily relieved by Emetics, &c. As those bushes are in several parts of the town, it would be well, if they were destroyed.

* * * * *

Rabbits a curiosity in 1798.

_Curious Living Animals._

MR. GILBERT informs the Public that he has purchased, at considerable expense, a Collection of Living Animals, harmless and playful.

A large Baboon, which is allowed to be the most curious Animal of its kind, ever seen in America.

A Porcupine, Bear, Rackoon and Rabbit, which are also very great curiosities.

--> The Collection may be seen every day (except Sundays) from 4 o'clock in the afternoon until sunset, at the _Granary_, head of the _Mall, Boston_. _Admittance_ Nine Pence _for Ladies and Gentlemen, and half price for Children._

May 12. _Columbian Centinel._

* * * * *

Mourning badge for Washington.

A very ingenious and elegant mourning Vignette, stamped on sattin ribbon, for the purpose of being worn by the Ladies on public occasions, is for sale at Mr. _Thomas Brewer's_ shop in Cornhill. The device contains a profile bust of the deceased WASHINGTON in an obelisk, with the trophies of war, and the arms of the U.S.; round the monument are nymphs in the posture of mourning; and on the base are inscribed in legible characters the initials of his name, and the date of his birth and death.

_E. Russell's Gazette, Jan. 16, 1800._

* * * * *

Temple of Fame in Boston, with a real eagle, in 1800.

_Temple of Fame._

MR. Bowen respectfully informs the public that the MUSEUM is again opened, with additions and improvements. An excellent figure of GEN. WASHINGTON will appear in a Temple of Fame, expressive of the late melancholy event.--The Young Ladies which represent the _Sister States_ (with a real Eagle hovering over) will be seen with suitable alterations:--with a variety of rural decorations of _Groves_ and _Forests_.

_Jan. 2._ _Boston Gazette._

* * * * *

Families used to live in State Street, Boston, in 1796.

--> _A_ Family in State-street, that does not make a business of keeping boarders, will accommodate a couple of gentlemen, who are disposed to make themselves agreeable in a private family. Apply at the office of the Daily Advertiser.

_Daily Advertiser and Polar Star_, Dec. 22.

* * * * *

Copley's paintings at auction in 1790.

THIS DAY, (_At TEN in the Morning_,) Will be sold by PUBLIC VENDUE at Russell & Clap's Auction-Room, _COURT STREET_,

A Variety of elegant paintings, &c.--principally by the ingenious MR. COPLEY.--ALSO, an Electrical Machine, a glass Case for a shop, &c.

_Columbian Centinel_, Aug. 31.

* * * * *

The way they compromised with creditors in 1806.

_To the Public._

WHEREAS by misfortunes, together with expenses of law suits, with honest pride I acknowledge I am not worth one cent in the world, and of course cannot pay my debts. But through the assistance of friends, I am now accommodated with a Shop, and necessary Tools to carry on my business, in _Cambridge-Port_; where I shall be happy to execute any kind of work for those I am indebted to, at the lowest cash price, on this condition--that I am paid one half of what the work comes to, in cash, when delivered. But if my creditors will allow me time, and my health is spared, I have no doubt I shall soon be able to pay twenty shillings on the pound to them, in cash.

To those gentlemen I am not indebted to, I solicit of them a share of their work, assuring them, that whatever engagements I make, shall be executed punctually, and in a workmanlike manner, by their humble servant,

RICHARD GRIDLEY. _Cambridge-Port_, sept. 10, 1806.

--> The Printers of Newspapers in Boston are requested to publish the above, provided they will receive their pay in Smith's work.

_Columbian Centinel._

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