Chapter 5

On the 11th of January, 1799, Mr. Briggs advertises in the "Salem Gazette" and thanks "the good people of the County of _Essex_ for their spirited exertions in bringing down the trees of the forest for building the frigate. In the short space of four weeks, the full complement of timber has been furnished." He ends by saying:--

"Next September is the time When we'll launch her from the strand, And our cannon load and prime With tribute due to Talleyrand."

* * * * *

The following advertisement appeared in the papers in 1798, in reference to the building of the frigate "Essex":--

The _Salem Frigate_.

TAKE NOTICE!

YE Sons of Freedom! all true lovers of the Liberty of your Country! step forth, and give your assistance in building the Frigate, to oppose French insolence and piracy. Let every man in possession of a _White Oak Tree_, be ambitious to be foremost in hurrying down the timber to Salem, and fill the complement wanting, where the noble structure is to be fabricated, to maintain your rights upon the Seas, and make the name of America respected among the nations of the world. Your largest and longest trees are wanted, and the arms of them for Knees and Rising Timber. Four trees are wanted for the Keel, which all together will measure 146 feet in length, and hew 16 inches square. Please to call on the Subscriber, who wants to make contracts for large or small quantities, as may suit best, and will pay the READY CASH.

_ENOS BRIGGS._ SALEM, Nov. 23, 1798.

* * * * *

CASH GIVEN FOR

ONE ton COPPER, in pigs, or old COPPER--10 tons best old Sable or Swedes IRON. Apply to the Subscriber.

ALSO--_WANTED_,

A _Blacksmith_, to contract for doing all the IRON WORK of the

_SALEM FRIGATE_.

*** Proposals therefor, will be received from any Smith, sealed and directed to

JOHN JENKS. _Salem, Nov. 21._

* * * * *

In the "Gazette" of Oct. 1, 1799, appears the following brief account of the launching of the "Essex;" also a communication in reference to the frigate.

Salem,

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1799.

Yesterday the FRIGATE ESSEX, of 32 guns, was launched from the stocks, in this town. She went into the water with the most easy and graceful motion, amidst the acclamations of thousands of spectators, and a federal salute from her guns on the hill, returned by an armed ship in the harbour, commanded by Capt. Thomas Williams. The Committee acting for the subscribers, Col. Hacket, the superintendant, and Mr. Briggs, the master builder, have thus the satisfaction of producing to their country as fine a ship, of her size, as graces the American Navy. It is not yet known who will command her; but it is on all hands agreed that she is well calculated to do essential service to her country.

* * * * *

_COMMUNICATION._

_And_ ADAMS _said_, "LET THERE BE A NAVY!" _and there was a Navy._

To build a Navy was the advice of our venerable sage. How far it has been adhered to, is demonstrated by almost every town in the United States, that is capable of floating a _galley_ or a _gun boat_.

Salem has not been backward in this laudable design. Impressed with a due sense of the importance of a Navy, the patriotic citizens of this town put out a subscription, and thereby obtained an equivalent for building a vessel of force. Among the foremost in this _good work_ were Messrs. DERBY and GRAY, who set the example by subscribing TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS each. But alas! the former is no more--we trust his _good deeds follow him_.

Such was the patriotic zeal with which our citizens were impressed, that in the short space of SIX MONTHS they contracted for the materials and equipment of a Frigate of 32 guns, and had her completed yesterday for launching. The chief part of the timber was standing but six months ago--and in a _moment_, as it were, "_every Grove descended_," to put in force the patriotic intentions of those at whose expense she was built.

Yesterday the Stars and Stripes were unfurled on board the Frigate ESSEX, and at 12 o'clock she made a majestic movement into her destined element, there to join her sister craft in repelling foreign aggressions, and maintaining the _Rights_ and _Liberties_ of a "GREAT, FREE, POWERFUL & INDEPENDENT NATION."

The concourse of spectators was immense; and the averted face of jacobinism was not seen depicted on the countenance of a single one;--but on the contrary, the heart-felt satisfaction of the beholders of this magnificent spectacle, was evinced by the concording shouts and huzzas of thousands, which reiterated from every quarter.

The unremitting zeal of Mr. BRIGGS, the Architect of this beautiful ship, cannot be too highly applauded. His assiduity, in bringing her into a state of such perfection, in so short a time, entitles him to the grateful thanks of his country; and we fondly hope that his labours have not been spent in vain, for we may truly say that he has not _given rest to the sole of his foot_, since her keel was first laid.

* * * * *

The "Massachusetts Mercury," Dec. 27, 1799, says:--

The frigate _Essex_, of 32 guns, capt. PREBBLE, sailed from _Salem_ on Sunday morning last for _Newport_. She saluted _Fort Pickering_, which returned the salute. She sails remarkably well.

* * * * *

At "No. 1, Honesty Side," Salem, dry goods were to be had in 1807.

_John H. Keith_

Informs the inhabitants of Salem and its environs, that on the 15th day of April next ensuing, he intends opening a Shop for the purpose of vending

Dry Goods,

_No 1, Honesty Side_.

Constantly for Sale, American, French, English, Italian, Dutch and India manufactures, from the coarse _Tow Cloth_ to the fine _Cobweb Muslin_.--Said Keith will attend personally from the _sun's oriental ascension_ to its _occidental declination_.--To prevent a superfluity of _words_, he observes that there will be only one price for his goods at _retail_, and another for _wholesale_, and that _cash_ will be the staple commodity receivable at his bank. Bills of any of the States will be received, provided the stockholders are known to be good and _responsible men_. March 24.

_Salem Gazette_, April 3.

* * * * *

The "Worcester Spy" in 1797 had the following quaint advertisement:--

_Honesty is the best Policy._

THE Gentleman Night Walker, alias Night Villain, who of late has frequented the SLAUGHTER HOUSE of LEMUEL RICE, and taken therefrom a considerable quantity of FRESH BEEF, is informed, that if he comes forward, in a gentleman like manner, and settles for the same, his name shall not be exposed; but, if he neglects this friendly hint, he must shortly expect to be complimented by a WARRANT, which will give him that _reward his_ LABORS justly _merit_.

_Worcester, April 5th, 1797._

* * * * *

The "Grand Lodge." Paul Revere, master, has the following notice in the "Massachusetts Centinel:"--

_Grand Lodge._

THE OFFICERS and MEMBERS of the GRAND LODGE, and the Representatives of Lodges, are hereby requested to attend a Quarterly Communication at Concert-Hall in Boston, on the evening of Monday, the 9th March, at 7 o'clock.

By order of the Most Worshipful

PAUL REVERE, G. Master.

DANIEL OLIVER, G. Secretary.

Boston, Feb. 28, 5795.

* * * * *

A remarkable dog is on exhibition in Salem, March 24, 1807.

THE SAPIENT DOG. _AT WASHINGTON-HALL_, TO-MORROW EVENING.

The extraordinary sagacity of this Animal, supercedes the necessity of puffing advertisements or exaggerated bills--that the Sapient Dog is a great curiosity, the Proprietor feels no hesitation in affirming, that his feats of activity are more various and pleasing than any preceding exhibition of a similar nature, all of which will be made manifest to every spectator, by his dexterity and precision in exhibiting the following performances--viz.

_He illuminates the Exhibition Room, himself, by Lighting his own Lamps._ By means of Typographical Cards, (in the same manner as a Printer composes,) _He Spells, and Reads Print or Writing._ By any person's watch in the company, _Tells the time of the Day,_ Both the hour and minutes--the date of the year, day of the month, and week, and distinguishes colours.

As an Arithmetician, _He Adds, Subtracts, Divides and Multiplies,_ Tells how many persons there are present, _Discharges a loaded Cannon, and jumps through a Hoop._

To conclude--the proprietor will suffer any Lady or Gentleman in the company, to make choice of a card, and the Dog, notwithstanding the face of both packs are concealed from him, will discover the card so drawn.

--> Tickets at 25 cents, to be sold at Cushing & Appleton's Book-Store, children half price.--No money received at the door.

_Gazette._

* * * * *

The "Shaksperian Society" of Boston has "new revised" articles in 1795, according to the following notice to members:--

Shaksperian Society.

TAKE NOTICE--All persons who have regularly been balloted for, as Members of the above Society, who have not yet signed the Articles, since their being new revised, must attend this Evening, and execute the same, or they will not be admitted as Members thereof. Members of the above society are requested to attend early on particular business. By Order, March 7, 1795. J. ROBINSON, Sec'y.

* * * * *

Connecticut "Election Goods."

THE Subscriber refers the generous Public to his late advertisements to be informed of the articles he still continues to sell by wholesale and retail; and also respectfully informs them, that he has just come to hand, a fresh assortment of Chintzes and Callicoes, Gentlemen's fancy Waistcoating, silk Romal, buff and other Shawls, printed Jeans, cotton and linen Handkerchiefs, a variety of Ribbons, all of a late importation; Nankeens of a superior quality, and cheaper by nine pence in the single piece than can be purchased in New-York by the quantity. Among his fancy patterns for ladies are, the Covent Garden Cross-bar, the Renelagh full moon, the Prussian stormont, Harlequin's motto, and an olive check inclosing four lions rampant and three flours de Luce; and for gentlemen's waistcoating, the Sportsman's fancy, the Prince of Wales's New-Market jockey, and the modest pale blue. He doubts not in the least, but that among the great variety of figures he has, every fancy may be suited; and as for the prices, he makes not the least hesitation to assert, they will be approved.--He also has taken the greatest pains to procure for young masters and misses such cloths and figures as will be durable, pleasing, and well suited to the approaching general election.

THOMAS TISDALL.

N.B. A few pair of gentlemen's doe skin hunting Gloves, and choice old Spirits by the gallon; a _little_ of which may be used as a cordial. 9

_Hartford, next door south of Mess. Hudson_ } _and Goodwin's Printing-Office, 1788._ }

_The crooked Staff of Life._

PURE, mild and unadulterated St. CROIX RUM, to be sold by the hogshead, barrel or lesser quantity, on pleasing terms, for one of the great essentials, _Solid Coin_, by the public's very humble servant, next door to Hudson and Goodwin's Printing-Office.

THOMAS TISDALE. _Connecticut Courant_, May 19, 1788.

* * * * *

_Republican BEEF._

THE subscriber respectfully informs the citizens of Hartford, that he has purchased the fattest OX and COW perhaps in Connecticut, which will be killed and ready for sale for the ensuing Election, at a low price for the times. Those who wish to purchase _real good Beef_, will please to apply to

WILLIAM BROWN. April 28, 1794. _Connecticut Courant._

* * * * *

Nantucket wit and humor on the 4th of July, in the year 1829.

A GRAND TOUCH. The last Nantucket Inquirer contains the following advertisement:--

At the sign of the Eastern Pine, Where the red and the white combine.

JOHN PETERS, a descendant of the famous English Divine, Hugh Peters, informs all the tidy citizens of Nantucket, that Apollo and the Graces came over in the last packet, and have taken up their abode at the corner of Pearl and Water streets. He officiates as high Priest in their temple, where it is his delightful task to adorn the outward man, to _shave_ off excrescences, and trim into proportion the shrubbery which nature has reared around the headpieces of mankind.--By a judicious application of the _scissors_ of discrimination, the _soap_ of good nature, the _brush_ of reform, and the _razor_ of decision, he expects to bring about results which, like powers of the Steam Engine are, as yet, only dreamed of. The grace of the Athenian beau and the dignity of the Roman senator shall be so intermingled in the _grand contour_ of all who submit to his touch, that the _toute ensemble_ cannot fail to kindle love and command respect.

* * * * *

CHARLES HARDY,

_STREET SWEEPER_,

TAKES this method publicly to return his grateful thanks to his friends of Marlborough street, Cornhill, &c. for their kindness to him during the past season; not only in patronizing him while able to perform his usual labors, but in assisting him while under the influence of a distressing and debilitating disease. He has grown old in the service of the inhabitants of Boston, and they do not forget him--they do not cast him off, or suffer him to become an inmate of the Alms-house; and although _he is an African_, he will not be guilty of the _blackest_ of sins--that of ingratitude. He humbly solicits a continuance of their favors, to enable him to buffet the inclemency of the approaching season, (when his regular employment fails) and flatters himself he shall still be able to sustain that character of fidelity which the partiality of his friends has bestowed upon him.

BOSTON, _Nov. 28, 1815._

_Columbian Centinel._

* * * * *

THE subscriber wishes to notify his old honourable customers, who practise stealing and destroying his fruit every year, that his Water Mellons are now almost ripe; and if they do not as usual destroy the fruit and vines immediately, they will get entirely ripe; and then some body or other will be the better for them, which will be a grievous mortification to those manly gentlemen.

EZRA GRISWOLD. Simsbury, August 4, 1794. _Connecticut Courant._

* * * * *

Removal.

SAMUEL MYLOD informs his friends and the public that he has removed from Danvers to the building belonging to Mrs. _Martha Procter_, near Buffum's corner, Salem, where he colours all kinds of wearing apparel. Silks cleansed from spots or injury from sea. N.B. Pickles that will keep the longest voyage, for Sale. Oct. 11.

_Salem Gazette, 1805._

* * * * *

In "old times" even publishers were sometimes short of money, and ready to barter with their subscribers. So celebrated a character as Isaiah Thomas, of the "Worcester Spy," was occasionally obliged to give "hints" to his "Delinquent Customers and Postriders." The latter were distributers of papers to country customers.

_To Delinquent Customers._

-->_Serious Times--or the_ PRINTER _without_ Money--_or a Final Hint to_ Delinquent Customers _and_ Postriders!<--

THE Subscriber has frequently given _Hints_ to his _Delinquent Customers_ and _Postriders_, that he was in want of Cash and has repeatedly invited all indebted to him to come forward and make an immediate settlement, without being put to any _extra cost_--he now, for the last time, informs all that are indebted to him for _Newspapers_, _Advertisements_, _&c. &c._ that an immediate settlement must be made, and all who disregard this notice, may depend upon having their Notes and Accounts put into the hands of an Attorney.

To accommodate those who cannot pay money, the following articles will be received until the FIRST of JANUARY, 1803, viz. _Corn_, _Rye_, _Wheat_, _Oats_, and _Wood_--Those who have not the above articles, and who cannot make it convenient to pay the money at present, their NOTES will be received, payable in _Three Months_, provided they are given previous to the _Second Wednesday_ in _March_ next.

ISAIAH THOMAS, Jun.

_Worcester_, November 17, 1802.

* * * * *

_To be SOLD_,

_And entered upon next April,_

THE House and Land now occupied by the subscriber, pleasently situated at a very public corner, in the main street, at the West part of the town.----After serving the public faithfully, for several years, as a private soldier in the army, and suffering most intolerable hardships, I am now, on account of my country's unfaithfulness, in not paying what they owe me, obliged to sell the house which belonged to my ancestors, in order to pay my debts, and to retire to an obscure hut at some distance from the town.

JOSEPH METCALF.

_Salem Gazette_, 1784.

* * * * *

An advertisement like the following is not only "quaint or curious," but it is also rare:--

ONE evening last week, a piece of Gold was passed, through mistake, at Beverly Ferry, to Asa Leech's Ferryman, with coppers, for a copper.----The owner may have it again, applying to said Leech, telling the marks, and paying the charges.

_Beverly, Sept. 20, 1784._

_Salem Gazette._

* * * * *

In 1798 a "Learned Pig" was in Salem, and we notice that about the same time a learned dog was exhibited.

_For ten days only._

Mr. PINCHBECK

RESPECTFULLY informs the Inhabitants of SALEM, that he has just arrived in this town with that great natural curiosity, the

Pig of Knowledge, And flatters himself, after exhibiting before the President of the United States with unbounded applause, and in every principal City in the Union, to have the honour of gratifying such Ladies and Gentlemen in this place, as may favour him with their Company.

_This extraordinary Animal will actually perform the following surprising particulars, viz._

He reads print or writing, spells, tells the time of day, both the hours and minutes, by any person's watch in the company, the date of the year, the day of the month, distinguishes colours, how many persons there are present, ladies or gentlemen, and to the astonishment of every spectator, will answer any question in the four first rules of Arithmetick. To conclude, any Lady or Gentleman may draw a card from a pack, and keep it concealed, and the PIG without hesitation will discover the card when drawn.

Those who doubt the truth of the above are informed in case it don't answer every expectation the advertisement can excite, and prove a real living Animal, shall have the Money returned, or be at liberty to pay after they have convinced themselves by seeing him perform.

To be seen in a convenient room under the western side of Concert-Hall, Market-Street.

_Admittance, for grown persons, one Quarter of a Dollar.----Children half price._

N.B. Strict attention paid to keep the place fit for the reception of Ladies.

MAY 4, 1798.

_Salem Gazette._

* * * * *

This is a quiet way of asking a favor; taken from a paper of 1811:--

--> Mr. LANG would thank the person that took a _Camblet Cloak_ from his entry the last summer to return it, as he expects to want it the approaching cold weather.

* * * * *

Mr. George W. Felt seems not to have been accustomed to show much gallantry, judging from his notice in the "Salem Gazette," Sept. 4, 1804.

_WHEREAS two GIRLS were seen taking_ APPLES _from the Subscriber's Field, on Sunday last, in North Fields, so called, if they will call and settle for the same, THIS DAY, they will avoid further trouble!_

GEORGE W. FELT.

_Salem, Sept. 4, 1804._

* * * * *

Females seem to have been often in difficulty in "old times," as appears from some of the advertisements, of which we give a few specimens. But perhaps this was due in part, at least, to "kleptomania,"--a disease then but little understood.

--> _The_ FEMALE, _who a few days since took_ 4 _Pair of_ SLIPPERS _from a shop in old Paved Street, is_ requested _to return them, and no questions will be asked; if she does not return them in 6 days she will hear from the owner another way._

Jan. 5, 1792.

* * * * *

_The Female who offered a Counterfeit Seven Dollar Bill at Mr. Dow's Shop, on Wednesday afternoon, and afterwards passed it upon a small Lad at another shop, is desired to call and exchange the same, if she wishes to avoid trouble, as her name is known._

_Nov. 1, 1805._

* * * * *

The Female that took from the Shop of the subscriber on Monday, 19th of June, four pair COTTON HOSE, is requested to return them to prevent further exposure.

June 20, 1815. JOHN RUST.

* * * * *

An indiscreet and ungrateful servant advertised as missing. We take the following from the "Columbian Centinel," Sept. 30, 1807:--