Chapter 7

A Boston paper of 1789 prints the following unique production, copied from a late London paper. It was probably designed as a "take-off" to some of the humbugs of the day.

THOMAS TOUCHWOOD, GENT.,

Proposes, on the last day of the present month, to shoot himself by subscription. His life being of no farther use to himself or his friends, he takes this method of endeavouring to turn his death to some account; and the novelty of the performance, he hopes, will merit the attention and patronage of the publick.

He will perform with two pistols, the first shot to be directed through his _abdomen_, to which will be added another through his brain, the whole to conclude with staggering convulsions, grinning, &c., in a manner never before publickly attempted.

The doors to be opened at eight, and the exhibition to begin precisely at nine. Particular places, for that night only, reserved for the ladies. No money to be returned, nor half price taken. _Vivant Rex et Regina._

_N.B._ Beware of counterfeits and impostors.--The person who advertises to hang himself the same night, in opposition to Mr. Touchwood, is a taylor, who intends only to give the representation of death by dancing in a collar, an attempt infinitely inferior to Mr. T.'s original and authentic performance.

* * * * *

Probably camels were not seen in America before 1789. Increased interest attaches to the following advertisement from the fact that the exhibition was held near the very pump which Hawthorne commemorates in "Twice-Told Tales." This notice is taken from the "Salem Mercury," Aug. 4, 1789.

TO THE CURIOUS.

_To be seen at Mr. BENJAMIN DALAND'S, near the town-pump, Salem._

TWO CAMELS,

_Male and Female, imported from Arabia._

THESE stupenduous Animals are most deserving the attention of the curious, being the greatest natural curiosity ever exhibited to the publick on this continent. They are 19 hands high--have necks near 4 feet long--have a large bunch on their backs, & another under their breasts, in the form of a pedestal, on which they support themselves when lying down--they have 4 joints in their hind legs, and will travel 12 or 14 days without drinking, and carry a burthen of 1500 wt.--they are remarkably harmless and docile, and will lie down and rise at command.

* * * * *

_Abraham was old and well stricken in age: And the Lord had blessed Abraham in all things. And Abraham said unto his eldest Servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had, Thou shalt go unto my Country, and to my Kindred, and take a Wife unto my Son Isaac. And the Servant took ten Camels, of the Camels of his Master, and departed; and went to Mesopotamia, unto the city Nahor. And he made his Camels to kneel down without the city, by a well of water, at the time of the evening, even the time that Women go out to draw water. Pure wisdom directed the Servant, and succeeded him in obtaining the consent of the Parents, Brethren and Kindred of Rebeccah, that she should go to the Land of Canaan, and become the Wife of Isaac. And they sent away Rebeccah, their Sister, with her Damsels and her Nurse, & Abraham's Servant, & his men, and they rode upon the Camels._--Gen. XXIV.

N.B.--The CAMELS will go from this town this evening.

* * * * *

In 1796 a mermaid was exhibited in Salem, and in 1800 a cassowary bird. The admission fee to the latter curiosity was for "grown persons" 12-1/2 cents, and for children 6-1/4 cents. The exact change could then be easily made, as the Spanish silver ninepences (12-1/2 cents) and fourpence halfpence (6-1/4 cents) were more common than any other silver pieces. The American dimes and half-dimes had not at that time got much into circulation in New England.

NATURAL CURIOSITY.

_To be seen at Washington Hall, for this day only,_

THE CASSOWARY,

_A Bird, from the East Indies._

ITS height is 5 feet, weighs near 100 pounds; it will eat half a peck of apples at a meal, swallow whole eggs, also stones and apples as large as eggs, and jump to a great height.--Goldsmith says, in his history of Animated Nature, it has the head of a Warrior, the eye of a Lion, the defence of a Porcupine, and the swiftness of a Courser.

It is fond of all kinds of vegetables and fruits. It will pick a pea out of a Child's hand without injury. Many that have seen it, say it is the greatest curiosity of the kind ever exhibited here. Children of seven years old can ride it.--Admittance for grown persons 9 pence--Children half price.

* * *

--> _The remarkable bird, called the_ CASSOWARY, _now exhibiting in this town, is described by Goldsmith in his 3d volume of Animated Nature, page 39, American edition.--After describing him, the Doctor observes, that "the southern parts of the most eastern Indies seem to be its natural climate. His domain, if we may so call it, begins where that of the ostrich terminates. The latter has never been found beyond the Ganges; while the Cassowary is never seen nearer than the islands of Banda, Sumatra, Java, the Molucca islands, and the corresponding parts of the continent. Yet even here this animal seems not to have multiplied in any considerable degree, as we find one of the kings of Java making a present of one of these birds to the captain of a Dutch ship, considering it as a very great rarity."_

_Gazette_, August 8, 1800.

* * * * *

The following notice, taken from the "Salem Gazette," July 13, 1790, has an interest to us from what it says of the likenesses "produced from a Spark of Electricity." It is difficult to conjecture what this means; though additional interest is derived from the fact of these likenesses having been presented by Dr. Franklin's grandson.

AMERICAN MUSEUM.

MR. PEALE, of Philadelphia, has lately received a number of donations for his Cabinet of Curiosities. Among them were

Likenesses of the King and Queen of France, executed on white satin, and each produced by a single spark of electricity.--Presented by WM. TEMPLE FRANKLIN, Esq.----And

The Finger of Mr. Broliman (a provincial officer in the British service, in the war before the last) who was executed at Philadelphia for the murder of a Mr. Scull. This unfortunate gentleman, soured by some disgust, became weary of life. In this temper of mind, he one morning rose earlier than usual, and walked out upon the common of the city, with his fusee in hand, determined to shoot the first person he should meet. The first person he saw was a very pretty young girl, whose beauty disarmed him. The next presented was the late Dr. Cadwallader--The Doctor, bowing politely to Mr. Broliman (who, though unknown to him, had the garb and appearance of a gentleman) accosted him with "Good morning, Sir! What sport?" The Officer answered the Doctor very civilly; and was so struck with his gentlemanly manner and pleasing address, that he forebore to execute his desperate resolution: Impelled, however, by the same gloominess of disposition which actuated him when he first set out, he repaired to the Centre house, where some gentlemen were engaged at billiards--The tack of one of the players happening to strike his hat, the wretched man, eager for an opportunity of accomplishing his desire to leave the world, instantly shot Mr. Scull, one of the company, who died of the wound.

This little story affords a striking proof, that amiableness and politeness of manners are not only pleasing, but useful, in our commerce with the world.

Salem always was famous for its collections of natural and historical curiosities, and many of its houses are now well stocked with such things. Among these collections we may mention Mr. Geo. R. Curwen's antique family portraits, china, clothing, and furniture; Mr. M.A. Stickney's rare coins, old paper money, and books, autographs, etc.; Mr. H.F. Waters's rare ancient furniture (Mr. Waters is now in London, engaged in historical research in reference to American families); Mr. John Robinson's remarkable collection of Chinese coins, and scarce views of old houses of Salem; Mr. T.F. Hunt's valuable collection of Chinese books and pictures; Rev. Dr. Bolles's fine collection of works on London; Rev. B.F. McDaniel's collection of engravings, etc.; Mr. N.J. Holden's and Mr. F.P. Richardson's collections of illustrated books, autographs, etc.; besides numerous minor collections. It is not too much to say that Professor E.S. Morse's collection of Japanese pottery is certainly not surpassed in the world; the South Kensington collection in London, which is the best in Europe, does not approach it in size or importance. One of the best museums of our country was started in Salem in the latter part of the last century, and that collection is now, as is well known, in charge of the Peabody Academy of Science. Its objects of natural history have in recent years been carefully classified and arranged under the direction of Dr. Henry Wheatland, Professors Morse, Putnam, Packard, and Robinson; and its cabinets, together with those of the Essex Institute, now contain probably more unique and valuable specimens than are to be found elsewhere in this country.

* * * * *

The "silhouette," or cheap portrait cut in black paper, was much in vogue in New England some seventy or eighty years ago. The process was named from M. Silhouette, an honest French minister who about 1759 was noted for his advocacy of economy in everything relating to the public welfare. He received a great deal of ridicule, and hence all inexpensive things were said to be _à la Silhouette_. At the rooms of the Essex Institute, and in many houses in Salem, there are numerous silhouettes of former citizens of the place. Those who remember the originals consider the likenesses often very striking.

_CORRECT PROFILE LIKENESSES._

MOSES CHAPMAN

Informs the Ladies and Gentlemen of Salem that he has taken a shop next to Mr. Morgan's, in North street, _Salem_, where he will take PROFILES in the newest and most elegant style: two of one person for 25 cents, or if desired, will paint and shade them for 75 cents.

--> FRAMES, of different kinds and prices, for the Profiles may be had at the above place.

Salem, January 23, 1808.

_Salem Register._

* * * * *

MR. BROWN

RESPECTFULLY informs the Public that having met with so extensive encouragement, he is induced to continue to cut and frame Profiles at Morse's Inn, opposite Boylston Market. Price for cutting 12-1/2 cents.

N.B. His customers are requested to apply in the morning, noon or evening, on account of his absence at other times. Oct. 15.

_N. E. Palladium_, 1819.

* * * * *

In September, 1808, we have a notice of a circus, in which the horsemanship, according to the representations, must have equalled that of Barnum's people. It is not common to find much editorial comment in the papers of the time on such exhibitions, from which we judge that they were not considered first-class entertainments, and were not as much patronized by the clergy as at the present day.

AT THE CIRCUS IN BROAD-STREET, SALEM, _WILL BE EXHIBITED,_ This Evening, (_If the weather permit; if not, the first fair evening_)

A GRAND SCENE OF

Horsemanship,

Consisting of a number of HORNPIPES, danced by the Company on different Horses, while in full speed.

Mr. CRANDEL Dances the Hornpipe and Jumps the Whip.

Mr. FRANKLIN Dances the Hornpipe; Rides with his Toe in his Mouth; he also Leaps from the Ground to his Horse in various ways.

Mr. STEWART Dances the Hornpipe; Jumps a great height from his Horse, and with surprising agility throws himself into different attitudes while his horse is in full speed.

PETER dances the Hornpipe and Jumps the Whip; also, standing erect on his toes, rides in full speed once round the Circus.

Mr. STEWART performs the picking up of four Handkerchiefs from the ground; he also stands erect on his horse, while his horse leaps a board 3 feet from the ground.

PETER, the young African, riding backwards, dances a hornpipe; changes his position in a number of extraordinary leaps; jumps out of one hoop into another; and also, with one leap, jumps twice through a hoop; in once round the Circus leaps 4 quarters; and rides two Horses, one forward of the other.

The Horse _Phoenix_ lies down, sits up, and eats from the table with his master.

The Grand Still Vaulting, by the Company.

Many other Extraordinary Feats performed during the Exhibition.

The performance to conclude with the Brother Miller.

_The Doors opened at 5 o'clock in the Evening. The Performance begins at 6._

_Price, Boxes 1 Dollar, Pit 50 Cents.----Tickets to be had at the Circus and at the Salem Hotel._

Those who please to favor the performers with their presence, are requested to take Tickets before the exhibition commences.--No pains will be spared to render the Entertainment as agreeable as possible.

Sept. 27, 1808.

* * * * *

Monstrous Sight!

TO be seen at A. POLLARD's Tavern, Elm Street--A white Greenland Sea BEAR, which was taken at sea, weighing 1000 wt. This animal lives either in the sea or on the land. They have been seen several leagues at sea, and sometimes floating on cakes of ice.--This animal displays a great natural curiosity.--Admittance 12 1-2 cts. ... children half price. april 28.

[Boston] _Columbian Centinel_, 1810.

* * * * *

Just before the declaration of the last war against Great Britain "Non-Intercourse Quills" were for sale. This reminds us that most young people know but little about quills of any kind, and probably not one in a hundred knows, in these days, how to make a quill pen. Quills were in pretty general use for writing until about 1835 or 1836, when steel pens took their place to some extent, although quill pens were used by many down to a comparatively recent period, and occasionally a person may now be seen using one. Steel and silver pens were made by Shakers as early as 1824, and Cushing & Appleton had steel pens as early as 1811, according to an advertisement in the "Salem Gazette."

=STEEL PENS=

JUST received for sale by

_CUSHING & APPLETON,_ Oct. 6th, 1811.

NON-INTERCOURSE QUILLS.

CUSHING & APPLETON have still on hand a few thousand _English_ QUILLS, which for a short time will be sold at the present low rate, for specie, or bills of any of the banks in Essex or Boston.---- --> Persons in want of Quills will please to recollect, that in about _two or three weeks_ the NON-INTERCOURSE with _Great Britain_ takes place, which in all probability will continue during the short time that Nation may exist, at least. Such another opportunity for purchasing can therefore never occur. Jan. 14, 1811.

* * * * *

J. Greenleaf sold steel pens in Boston in 1812.

Steel Pens,

A FURTHER supply of the celebrated STEEL PENS is received by J. GREENLEAF, No. 49, Cornhill.

march 11 [1812].

SUPERIOR DESK KNIVES,

MANUFACTURED in Paris of Damascus Steel and warranted.

_Also_--an assortment of Steel & Silver Pens, from the Shaker Village. For sale by

JOHN M. IVES,

Dec. 11 [1824]. _Essex street._

* * * * *

Many young people do not know that in old times blotting-paper of the kind now in use had not been introduced. Black sand was used altogether for drying the ink on freshly written letters or ordinary writing, except in books, when the writers either waited for the ink to dry, or made China paper, taken from the inside of tea-chests, a blotter. Black sand was in general use until within thirty years or thereabouts. We have seen the sand adhering to writing which had been done more than a century. No writing-desk was complete without a sand-box.

BLACK SAND,

WHICH is so useful to all who have any thing to do with penmanship--for sale, at No. 34, opposite the Treasurer's-Office, in _Marlborough-Street_.

--> BOOKS and STATIONARY, as usual. _Boston, May 29, 1790._

_Columbian Centinel._

* * * * *

_Country Traders_,

Who are in search of penny-worths, are invited to the STORE of

John & Tho's Amory & Co.

No. 41, _Marlborough-Street_.

_Columbian Centinel_, 1790.

* * * * *

--> _IF the Small Pox should be allowed to spread in this town_ [Boston], _the Editor assures his country customers that every precaution in his power shall be taken, that no part of his papers shall convey the infection into the country.--But it is his belief that it will not be permitted to spread--and his wishes accord with his belief, having never had the infection. Should he be necessitated to innoculate, he shall withdraw himself from his office and leave the business in the care of a person who will use every caution necessary for the purpose._

_Columbian Centinel_, Aug. 29, 1792.

* * * * *

WHEREAS a Person who called himself by the Name of _Charles Brown_, did on the 29th of _June_ last, hire a Chaise of _Israel Davis_, of _Danvers_, to go to _Boston;_ since which the said Chaise has not been returned: This is to give Notice to any one who will discover the said _Brown_ or Chaise, and leave Word with the Printers hereof, a Reward of Ten Dollars for each, will be given by

_Israel Davis._

The said _Brown_ is of a middling Stature, thin, looked sickly and very poor, as if he had had the yellow Fever: He is about 30 Years of Age; wears short black Hair, tied with a black Ribbon; has a blue German Serge Surtout Coat, faced with blue Calamancoe, yellow Buttons; a whitish Coat and Breeches; blue Sattin Jacket, with a narrow scollop'd Silver Lace: He has also a yellowish Thicksett Coat, blue Plush Waistcoat, yellow Leather Breeches, a laced Hat, and ruffled Shirts; appears and pretends to be a Gentleman, and has a Person with him as a Waiter, who calls himself Capt _Stutson_.

The Chaise has standing Posts with a Canvass Top, the Lining is cloth coloured Broad-Cloth; the back is warped by the Sun and cracked; the Leather at the Bottom of the Floor old; large Brass Nails on the Foot Board; the Door of the Box is pricked with Awl-Holes; one of the Staples thro' which the Reins go on the Saddle is loose; The off-wheel has two Gripes thereon.

_Danvers, July 10, 1762._

_Boston Gazette._

* * * * *

THIS DAY PUBLISHED,

And to be Sold at the New Printing Office in Cornhill (Price four Coppers),

THE TWO MOTHERS; or The History of _Antigone_ and _Phronissa_; Shewing how _Antigone_ laughed at her good old Grandmother, and married her Daughters, before Sixteen, to a laced Coat and a fashionable Wig,----and how the wiser _Phronissa_ instructed her Daughters in Reading, Dressing, Singing, Dancing, Visiting, &c. in order to make them happy and useful in the rising Age.

_Boston Gazette_, Oct. 8, 1759.

* * * * *

_New Establishment._

THE Subscriber, desirous of doing all in his power whereby he can serve the public, and at the same time benefit himself, is induced to give this public notice, that he has removed to the New Assembly House, Chestnut Street, where he proposes opening a RESTORATOR, for the accommodation of all who may honor him with their calls. Ample arrangements have been made and he flatters himself that superior cooking and good attendance will secure the patronage of a liberal public.

--> SOUP will be served up at 11 A.M. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays during the winter.

All kinds of Cakes, Wafers, French Rolls, &c. furnished at the shortest notice.

JOHN REMOND.

* * * * *

_TURTLE SOUP._

Two GREEN TURTLES will be served up, as above, _This Day_, at 11 and 1 o'clock. Families supplied by immediate application.

Salem, Oct. 24 [1815].

_Salem Gazette._

* * * * *

_Speaking Figure._

THE Proprietor respectfully informs the publick that his exhibition will remain in _Boston_ until sold or removed to _New-York_. More fully to gratify the curiosity of the publick, the Speaking Figure is moved to a part of the room which intirely removes the suspicion of any one being concealed in the chimney.--Those who wish to see this most pleasing phenomenon of art will please to call soon, as this will positively be the last day.

Those who have viewed the exhibition in its former situation will be charged half price for re-admission--those who have not, are admitted at 1_s_6. each, from 3 o'clock in the afternoon until 9 in the evening, by the Publick's most obedient,

SAMUEL PRINCE.

_Boston, Oct. 16, 1790._

_Columbian Centinel._

* * * * *

We frequently find in old Boston papers advertisements of rare beasts to be exhibited,--in December, 1800, a "Beautiful Moose," and in August, 1801, a "Beautiful Lion."

_TO THE CURIOUS._

A beautiful African LION,

To be seen every day in the week (Sundays excepted) in _Brattle-street_, next to Major KING'S, near the _Market_, where a very convenient situation is provided for those Ladies and Gentlemen who may please to favor the proprietor with their presence.

THIS noble Animal is between three and four feet high, measures eight feet from nostrils to tail, and a beautiful dun colour; 11 years old, and weighs near 500 wt.--His legs and tail are as thick as those of a common size ox. He was caught in the woods of Goree, in Africa, when a whelp; and brought from thence to New-York. Great attention has been paid in providing a strong substantial Cage, and to have the Lion under very good command. The person who has the care of him can comb his mane, make him lie down and get up at any time; and it is said by those who have seen Lions in the Tower of London, and many parts, that he is really worth the contemplation of the curious.

--> _Admittance 25 Cents.--Children half price._

Aug. 13 [1801].

_Boston Gazette._

_A Beautiful MOOSE._

THE curious in Natural History are invited to Major KING'S Tavern, where is to be seen a fine young MOOSE of sixteen hands in height, and well proportioned. The properties of this fleet and tractable Animal are such as will give pleasure and satisfaction to every beholder.

_Price of admittance, Nine Pence._ _Dec. 9, 1800._

_Massachusetts Mercury._

* * * * *

We have before noticed the tastes of the people formerly for wax-work. In 1805 there was another curious collection in Salem.

WAX-WORK.