Chapter I: Part 1

_THE OLDEN-TIME SERIES._

16mo. Per vol., 50 cents.

* * * * *

There appears to be, from year to year, a growing popular taste for quaint and curious reminiscences of "Ye Olden Time," and to meet this, Mr. Henry M. Brooks has prepared a series of interesting handbooks. The materials have been gleaned chiefly from old newspapers of Boston and Salem, sources not easily accessible, and while not professing to be history, the volumes contain much material for history, so combined and presented as to be both amusing and instructive. The titles of some of the volumes indicate their scope and their promise of entertainment:--

CURIOSITIES OF THE OLD LOTTERY.
DAYS OF THE SPINNING-WHEEL.
SOME STRANGE AND CURIOUS PUNISHMENTS.
QUAINT AND CURIOUS ADVERTISEMENTS.
LITERARY CURIOSITIES.
NEW-ENGLAND SUNDAY, ETC.

* * * * *

"It has been the good fortune of the writer to be allowed a peep at the manuscript for this series, and he can assure the lovers of the historical and the quaint in literature that something both valuable and pleasant is in store for them. In the specialties treated of in these books Mr. Brooks has been for many years a careful collector and student, and it is gratifying to learn that the material is to be committed to book form."--_Salem Gazette._

* * * * *

_For sale by all Booksellers. Sent, post-paid, upon receipt of price. Catalogues of our books mailed free._

TICKNOR & CO., BOSTON.

THE OLDEN TIME SERIES

* * * * *

THE DAYS OF THE SPINNING-WHEEL IN NEW ENGLAND

_"To say that the past is of no importance, unworthy of a moment's regard, because it has gone by, and is no longer anything, is an argument that cannot be held to any purpose; for if the past has ceased to be, and is therefore to be accounted nothing in the scale of good or evil, the future is yet to come, and has never been anything."_--HAZLITT.

* * * * *

"_In my young days, when I was_ leetle,
_The only steam came from the kettle._

....

"_The_ Gals _on good old Dobbins rid then,
But folks don't do as they used to_ did _then._

....

_"Heigho! I grieve, I grieve
For the good old days of Adam and Eve._"

From HENRY J. FINN'S "Good Old Times,"

October, 1827.

THE OLDEN TIME SERIES

GLEANINGS CHIEFLY FROM OLD NEWSPAPERS OF BOSTON AND SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS

SELECTED AND ARRANGED, WITH BRIEF COMMENTS

BY

HENRY M. BROOKS

* * * * *

The Days of the Spinning-Wheel in New England

"Old and new make the warp and woof of every moment. There is
no thread that is not a twist of these two strands. By necessity, by
proclivity, and by delight, we all quote."--EMERSON

BOSTON

TICKNOR AND COMPANY

1886

_Copyright, 1885,_

BY TICKNOR AND COMPANY.

_All rights reserved._

University Press:

JOHN WILSON AND SON, CAMBRIDGE.

INDEX OF NAMES.

PAGE

ABERDOUR, JOHN LORD 71
Adams, Samuel 71
Amherst, General 38
Amiel, John 53
Amory, Jonathan 79
Apthorp, Charles Ward 30
Apthorpe, Charles 33
Apthorpe, Rev. Mr. 33
Apthorpe, Susan 33
Ashton, John 35
Avery, John 55, 56

BALCH, Rev. Mr. 29
Balkum, Daniel 89
Barnard, Benjamin 61
Belknap, Jeremiah 29
Bernard, Gov. Francis 35, 36, 37, 46
Blanchard, Caleb 84
Bollan, William 9
Bowditch, Nathaniel 42
Bowdoin, Hon. James 33
Bowdoin, Miss 33
Brattle, William 63
Breck, Samuel 88
Brenton, Benjamin 54
Britt, Thomas 59
Brown, B. 97
Brown, Obadiah 64
Bulfinch, Dr. Thomas 33
Butler, Mr. 21

CALDWELL, JAMES 68
Carpenter, Captain 19
Carr, Colonel 68
Chase, Samuel & William 21
Clark, John 68
Clark, Stephen 13
Clarke, Richard 59
Clarke, Sukey 59
Cole, Patrick 68
Colman, Rev. Henry 97
Cooper, William 20
Copeland, E. Jr. 86
Copley, John Singleton 59, 72
Crocker, Cornelius 10
Crosby, John 60

DALAND, B. 97
Dalrymple, Colonel 68
Dana, Rev. Mr. 81
Darley, Arthur 57
Davis, Joshua 60
Deane, Rev. Samuel 93
Deane, Mrs. 93
Deshon, Moses 15
Douglass, Mr. 39, 41

EASTLAKE, SIR CHARLES 6
Edes & Gill 11,16,32,43
Elliot, Sally 33
Elliot, Simon 33, 85, 86
Ellis, Mrs. 91
Ellis, Rev. Mr. 90
Elwell, Edward H. 93
Emerson, R.W. 6
Erving, John 67

FLEMMING, ALBERT 98
Flynt, Henry 17, 18
Fowle & Draper 48
Franklin, Dr. Benjamin 24
Franklin, Elizabeth 24

GAY, MARTIN 59
Gordon, James 79
Gorham, Joseph 10
Gray, Samuel 68
Green & Russell 34, 47, 52
Greene, John 68
Gwin, Captain 56

HANCOCK, JOHN 69
Haskell, Philemon 91
Hawthorne, Nathaniel 42
Henshaw, Joshua, Jr. 59
Hickling, William 61
Hill, Colonel John 59
Hill, Katherine 59
Holyoke, Edward 14
Hudson, James 9
Hurd, John 62, 63

INCH, JOHN 16

JOHNSON, MR. 68

KING CHARLES I. 5
King George II. 10
King George III. 37, 44

LEE, FRANCIS H. 86
Lewis, Phillip 71
Loyal, Paul 35

MACAULAY, T.B. 5
Marshall, Thomas 29
Mason, Colonel David 39, 40
Maverick, Samuel 68
Micklefield, William 86, 87, 88
Minot, George R. 70
Monk, Christopher 68
Morgan, Captain 34, 35
Morton, Captain 68
Murray, Mrs. 82
Murray, Rev. Mr. 82

OLIVER, ANDREW 37

PAINE, WILLIAM 50
Parker, David 68
Parkman, Samuel 80
Payne, Edward 68
Peirce, Benjamin 42
Pelham, Charles 72
Pelham, Mrs. 72
Perkins, Thomas H. 33
Phenix, John 4
Pickering, Colonel Timothy 42, 46
Pickering, John 42
Pickering, Timothy, Sr. 44, 46
Pope of Rome 85
Poynton, Thomas 51, 52
Prescott, John 39
Prescott, William H. 42
Preston, Captain 68
Prince of Wales 28

QUEEN ANNE 6

READ, THOMAS 16
Revere, Paul 71
Rhodes, Captain 84
Rogers, Rev. Mr. 13
Rowe, John 54
Ruskin, John 99
Russell, Benjamin 25
Russell, Daniel 65

SALISBURY, ELIZABETH 67
Salisbury, Samuel 67
Savage, Samuel Phillips 63
Scott, William 94
Shays, Daniel 89
Shirley, General William 28
Spencer, Herbert 6
Stevens, Captain 80
Storr, Marmaduke 60
Story, Joseph 42
Story, William W. 42

TEMPLE, HON. JOHN 33
Thorn, Dr. 50
Treadwell, Jonathan 92

UPHAM, CHARLES W. 47

WASHINGTON, GEORGE 4
Waters, Josiah 29
Watson, Mr. 21
Webb, Joseph, Jr. 71
Whipple, Joseph 90
Whitefield, Rev. George 57, 58
Whitmore, Major-General 66
Wickham, Captain 56
Winter, Joshua 80
Willard, Joseph 75, 78
Williams, Jonathan 70
Wolfe, General James 25, 27
Wood, William 13

THE DAYS OF THE SPINNING-WHEEL

IN NEW ENGLAND.

* * * * *

WITHIN the last few years many young ladies have searched country houses or ransacked old garrets to find spinning-wheels, which, like old chairs, tall clocks, and warming-pans, have now become objects of curiosity and interest to those who take a fancy to antique articles. It has become fashionable to have these things to adorn our Queen Anne houses. And brass andirons and shovels and tongs have come into request, so that we may enjoy the luxury of an open wood fire, which, to our mind, is one of the most cheerful things in this world. Some one has remarked "that to be well-dressed gives a feeling of satisfaction that religion fails to give;" but to us, to sit before a blazing wood fire on a dull, cold evening, gives a feeling of comfort and delight which surpasses anything we know of. What charming companionship in a wood fire! Better than the company of uncongenial persons.

"Old wood to burn,"
"Old books to read:"

these are enough; we will leave out the "old wine to drink."

"This bright wood fire,
So like to that which warmed and lit
My youthful days, how doth it flit
Back on the periods nigher!
Re-lighting and re-warming with its glow
The bright scenes of my youth,--all gone out now."

Glance backward to some years before the Revolution, and we shall find a spinning-wheel in every house, and then, probably, in constant use. Now its place in our homes is taken by the piano. This instrument had not then come into use. Something resembling it,--namely, the spinnet or the harpsichord,--was to be found in some instances; but it was by no means common to find these, for there was but little knowledge of music in America in those days. A hundred years ago, only one or two churches in Boston had organs, and the public taste, except in rare cases, was decidedly against music of all kinds, especially sacred music. To show how this was, we have heard an old lady say that when she was young, some eighty years or so ago, "musicians, for the most part, were not thought much of" by the most cultivated people of that time; and she assured me that even at a later date, members of military bands, as well as organists and violinists (then called fiddlers) were too often low characters and men much addicted to drinking. The times were too hard for the New England people of those days to cultivate music or indulge in entertainments of any kind except "going to meeting." There was but little money in circulation, and that was almost always in the form of a depreciated currency. Gold and silver were scarce articles, and a large proportion of the necessities of life and luxuries--if luxuries they could be called; they would hardly be so considered by us--were imported from England or elsewhere. The leading occupations were farming, fishing, making New England rum, importing rum, sugar, and molasses from the West Indies, and dry goods from England. The common people were poor enough, in comparison with the condition of the same class at the present time, when they make as good an appearance as the wealthy did a hundred years ago. It would be safe to say that they have more comforts and conveniences in their homes to-day than the more prosperous had at the time of the Revolution. The humorist, John Phenix, said that "Gen'l Washington never saw a steamboat, nor rode in a railroad car;" and possibly his house was not heated by steam, or furnished with pipes for hot and cold water. Nor did he ever use gas, or the telegraph or telephone. Whether the people who lived then would have shown the extravagance which characterizes our time if they had possessed the means, is a question not easily to be answered; but it is certain they were more frugal than we are, if not more industrious. The Revolution left the masses of the people in rather a destitute condition, and they were forced to be economical. Their habits were so entirely different from modern habits that it would exceed our limits to undertake to draw a careful comparison. It is said that the people of those days bewailed the degeneracy of the times, and spoke of the industry and frugality of earlier periods.

NORWICH, May 6, 1784.

A correspondent observes, that the extravagances of the
present day are fully demonstrated in the broadcloth coats
and silk gowns,--the powder and feathers, the ruffles and
cardinals, the silk stockings and feet trappings--In the
feasts, the dancing parties and select companies--and what
is the more melancholy, all orders and degrees help form the
circle.--Where is the simplicity in dress and manners;
temperance in meats and drinks, which formed the virtuous
characters of our illustrious ancestors?--O! the degeneracy
of the times!

_Salem Gazette._

Just as our ancestors did, as Macaulay says, in the days of Charles the First; they thought they were not as good as their ancestors had been. This habit of looking back to a time so remote that "distance lends enchantment to the view," seems to be almost universal. It is this feeling of reverence for the old that makes it so interesting to us, and leads us to look at things of the past poetically rather than practically; although it is true that sometimes the interest taken in inconvenient and uncomfortable articles arises rather from their age than from anything else. But oftentimes the very simplicity, solidity, and strength of old furniture, for instance, is charming, in contrast with the elaborate, unmeaning carvings and flimsy character of more modern productions. We are beginning to see how much more sensible the Chippendale and other styles commended by Eastlake and some other writers on household art are to much that has been produced in later times. Yet we must allow that prejudice and fashion go a great way in determining our likes and dislikes, in furniture as well as in dress and other things. Very likely in a few years we shall tire of the Queen Anne houses and furniture, and hard floors, and have a surfeit of _Anglomania_, especially if we carry the taste too far. In this country, as Emerson says, "Every rider drives too fast." It is hard to be simple and slow. We must build fast, eat fast, and live fast. But Emerson says again, "Nature has no respect for haste." Herbert Spencer has given us in a kindly spirit some hints on this score which it would be well to heed. But we are wandering from our immediate subject. Our desire is to illustrate, in the very words of the people of the period we refer to, the views they entertained of economy and industry, and how they carried them out. We will begin, then, in the year 1759, with a curious letter to the "Boston Gazette" of June 11 of that year, in which the writer gives some account of the cost of provisions at that period.

_To the Trading and Farming People of_ New England.

GENTLEMEN.

I Have been coming and going among you since the Year 1745.
I am now once more on Service in this Part of the World, and
not a little surprized at the Alteration in the Value of
your Provisions, since my Knowledge of your Country. When I
first came among you, I could have bought a Pound of Beef
for a Penny, a Goose for a Shilling, a Fowl for three Pence,
and so in Proportion. It now is, I think, four Pence
Sterling for a Pound of Beef, eighteen Pence Sterling for a
Fowl, and three Shillings for a Goose. Pray Gentlemen, when
that is the Price at _Boston_, what must we pay for it at
_Louisbourg_, after it has gone thro' the Hands of many
different People that are to live out of it. Our Pay is not
increased.

I would say nothing to influence you to sell cheaper, from
Motives disinterested or publick spirited, as that weighs
but little with the Generality of Mankind. But consider your
own Interest, the War can last but little longer: This
Campaign, in all Probability, will put an End to it, then
where will you find a Market for your Stock you raise.
Consider with the Fall of this present Summer, its pretty
certain the Soldiers and Seamen at present employed for your
Defence, will be called to Britain: Take the Market while it
holds Gentlemen. We have Beef found us, that is to say, the
Publick purchases it; let us now and then taste of your
Veal, Mutton and Fowls for our Money, and we will spend all
among you; and we expect both Interest and Inclination will
prompt you to give us an ample Supply.

I am your Friend, _An_ ANTI-CANADIAN.

* * * * *

In the same paper is an auction advertisement, showing how they mixed the different kinds of _property_.

TO be Sold by publick Vendue on _Scarlet's_ Wharff, at the
North End of _Boston_, THIS AFTERNOON, at IV o'Clock, Sundry
Hogsheads of Sugar, four likely Negro Men, and a Parcel of
old Copper; Prize Goods lately brought into this Port.

* * * * *

On the 19th November we are shown how remittances were made in those days.

We hear that the Treasurer of this Province has received a
Bill of Lading for two Boxes of Portugal Gold, ship'd by Mr.
Agent Bollan, on board the Mercury Man of War, amounting to
Twenty thousand six hundred and eighty Pounds, seventeen
shillings and six Pence; being Part of the £27,000 granted
by Parliament in 1757, to this Province, to recompence them
for the Expences they were at in the Expedition in
1756.--Said Ship may be daily expected.

* * * * *

And here is a description of a vessel of the time.

Mr. James Hudson came Passenger in the Vessel that arriv'd
at Cape-Ann, mention'd in our last, which saw a Wreck in
Lat: 36, he says, she was a Frigate built Ship of about 200
Tons burthen, had a Lion Head painted yellow, a short Topgal
on Quarter-Deck, a small Tafrail painted yellow, Quarters
and Stern painted blue, had a large Trophies painted on her
Stern and gilt, full of Water, and no living Person on
board.

* * * * *

On the 5th February in that year, this was the way they advertised for recruits for the Government service, offering among other inducements, "a Crown to drink the King's health."

ALL able-bodied fit Men that have an Inclination to serve
His Majesty King GEORGE the Second, in the first Independent
Company of Rangers, now in the Province of _Nova-Scotia_,
commanded by _Joseph Gorham, Esq_; shall, on inlisting,
receive good Pay and Cloathing, a large Bounty, with a Crown
to drink the King's Health. And by repairing to the Sign of
the Bear in King-Street, _Boston_, and to Mr. _Cornelius
Crocker_, Innholder in _Barnstable_, may hear the particular
Encouragement, and many Advantages accruing to a Soldier, in
the Course of the Duty of that Company, too long to insert
here; and further, may depend on being discharged at the
Expiration of the Time entertained for, and to have every
other Encouragement punctually compli'd with.

* * * * *

There was a meeting of "very agreeable Ladies" in the interests of economy about the same time.

In a large Circle of very agreeable Ladies in this Town, it
was unanimously agreed to lay aside the Use of Ribbons, &c.
&c. &c. for which there has been so great a Resort to
Milliners in times past----It is hoped that this Resolution
will be followed by others of the Sex throughout the
Province--_How agreeable will they appear in their native
Beauty, stript of these Ornaments, from the prevailing
Motive of Love to their Country._

We must after all our Efforts, depend greatly upon the
Female Sex for the Introduction of Oeconomy among us: And
those who have the Pleasure of an Acquaintance with them,
assure us that their utmost Aid will not be wanting.

So strong is the Disposition of the Inhabitants of this Town
to take off the Manufactures that come from the Country
Towns, especially Womens and Childrens Winter Apparel, that
nothing is wanting but an Advertisement where they may be
had in Town, which will be taken in, and published by the
Printers of this Paper _Gratis_.

* * * * *

Labrador tea began to take the place of green and bohea.

Messieurs EDES & GILL,

THE use of _Hyperion_ or _Labradore Tea_, is every day
coming into more general vogue among people of all ranks.
The virtues of the plant or shrub from which this delicate
_Tea_ is gathered, were first discovered by the
_Aborigines_, and from them the _Canadians_ learned them. It
soon became into such repute that quantities were sent to
_France_, where I have heard say, it was soon in such
demand, as alarmed the _French East-India_ company, and
procured an ordinance prohibiting the importation of any
more on the pain of death. So little do some politicians
regard the health or even the life of man, when either of
them appear to be incompatible with their particular
interests, views and projects. Before the cession of
_Canada_ to _Great-Britain_, we knew little or nothing of
this most excellent herb: but since that we have been taught
to find it growing on every hill and dale, between the Lat.
40 & 60. It is to be found all over New-England in great
plenty, and that of the best quality, particularly on the
banks of _Penobscot_, _Kennebeck_, _Nichewannock_ and
_Merrimac_. Immense quantities may be found on the mountains
near the great lakes.

Nothing short of the highest degree of infatuation and
madness could ever have prevailed with us to introduce
unwholesome Exoticks. The voice of reason crys louder than
ever for their perpetual banishment; and the further use of
them must be accounted for but by the force of invincible
prejudice. This indeed sometimes leads to a preference of
rank poison if far fetched and dear bought, to the most
salubrious draught at hand, with little pains or cost, tho'
of inestimable value.

A TEA-DRINKER.

* * * * *

The following items, Sept. 17, 1759, throw some light on the state of the country in some parts of New England, where, even if the "Lyons" once seen at Cape Ann by Wood had departed, there were still some bears, one having been seen within two miles of Boston.

We hear from Brentwood, in New Hampshire Government, as two
Children were gathering Beans in a Field, a large Bear came
upon them and kill'd them both;--The Bear was pursued, but
could not be found.

Also from Chester, in the same Government, that a few Days
after the above, another Bear came behind a Woman as she was
walking along, not far from her House, and tore off the hind
Part of her Gown, which he carried off in his Mouth;--but
the Woman happily made her Escape from him.

And from Kingston, in the County of Worcester, we hear, that
on Tuesday last as Mr. Stephen Clark of that Town was out a
Hunting after Bears, his Next Door Neighbour went out into
his Cornfield just at Evening, and seeing something move
which he thought was one of those Animals, shott at it, and
upon his coming to the place, found it to be Mr. Clark as
above-mention'd, shot thro' his Head, to his great surprize.

We hear from Kittery, that in about 13 Days past, seven
large Bears have been kill'd within a Mile of the Rev. Mr.
Rogers's Meeting House.

It is said some of these voracious Animals have ventured
down even to some of the Seaport Towns at the
Eastward.--Two of them were seen at Medford last Week; and
one of them has been lately killed within two Miles of this
Metropolis. Some have weighed above 300 lb. Wt.

* * * * *

Notice to Students of Harvard College:

_THIS is to give Notice to the Candidates for their second
Degree at_ Harvard-College _this Year, that they attend at
the College by the 11th Day of_ July _next, and if any shall
neglect their Attendance accordingly, without sufficient
Reason therefor, they may not expect their said Degrees this
Year._ Cambridge, June 9, 1759.

EDWARD HOLYOKE, President.

_NOTICE is hereby given to all who desire an Admission into_
Harvard College _this Year, That the President and Tutors
have determined to attend the Business of Examination on
Friday and Saturday the 19th and 20th Days of_ July _next._

Cambridge, June 9, 1759. EDWARD HOLYOKE, Pres.

* * * * *

When we remember the present condition of the city of Lynn, it is interesting to note how that place stood in reference to the shoe industry in the year 1762. The "Boston Gazette" of November 2 says:--

We are confidently told, that in the Town of Lynn upwards of
Forty Thousand Pair of Womens Shoes have been made in one
Year, equal in Goodness to any imported from Abroad--It is
thought that in a few Years they will be supply'd with
Callimanco and other Stuffs manufactured in this Province.

* * * * *

The statement has often been made by connoisseurs that there was no mahogany furniture in America before the Revolution; but this is a mistake, for here, in the "Boston Gazette" of Feb. 5, 1759, is an advertisement announcing the sale of a "Beautiful Mehogany Desk and Book-Case." Probably this was an early specimen of such kind of work, as mahogany, it is said, was not introduced into Europe long before this time.

_To be Sold by_ Moses Deshon,

On Dock-Square, Next Wednesday, at V o'Clock, in the
Afternoon, and Friday Evening following.

_A Handsome 8 Day Clock, a Brass Grate, Shovel Fire, Tongs,
Tables, and a Variety of other Articles; a fine Assortment
of English, Scotch, and French Goods._ N.B. _A beautiful
Mehogany Desk and Book-Case; and a Quantity of Cannon-Powder
to dispose of at private Sale._

* * * * *

A curious advertisement of a runaway convict in Maryland appears in the same paper, Sept. 15, 1759:--

Fifteen Pistoles Reward.

RAN-AWAY from the Subscriber, (living at ANNAPOLIS, in
MARYLAND) in _June_ last, a Convict Servant Man, named
_Thomas Read_, alias _Cutbert_, about 25 or 30 Years of Age,
5 Feet, 4 Inches high, well set, grey Eyes, large Nose, and
had short brown curl'd Hair. He is supposed to be in
_Boston_, or some of the Northern Governments; is a
Jeweller, and Motto-Ring-Engraver, and is an artful
talkative pert Fellow;--can write pretty well, and has
doubtless help'd himself to a Discharge, Pass, or any other
Writing to deceive, and suit his Purpose; His Apparel is
probably genteel, as he had Money with him, a Watch in his
Pocket, and a large Stock of Pride; By what Name he now goes
is uncertain, as he has Impudence eno to pick & chuse any he
should think proper.

Whoever takes the said Convict Servant, and returns him to
his Master, shall have FIFTEEN PISTOLES Reward, and
reasonable Charges paid, by

_Annapolis, September 15, 1759._ JOHN INCH.

Boston, Printed and Sold by EDES & GILL. 1759.

* * * * *

In the year 1762 there appears to have been quite a stir in reference to economy and home productions, and doubtless the spinning-wheels were constantly in use. In the "Boston Gazette," November 2, is a very curious letter of Henry Flynt, a noted teacher, addressed to the ladies of North America.

_To the_ LADIES _of_ NORTH AMERICA.

LADIES,

_I AM one of those who think it not only high Time but of
the last Importance, that you should be publickly addressed:
And of the many ingenious Pens, which in the Course of a few
Years have informed and enlightened this Country, I have
often wished that at least some one of them had been more
particularly devoted to your Service. This would have
agreeably prevented me in an attempt to which I find myself
in all Respects but too unequal. Yet relying on your good
Sense and Candour, I venture to lay at your Feet a few
well-intended Sentiments, which tho' in a plain homespun
Garb, I hope will not offend. I am convinced that at this
present it is not only in your Inclination and Will, but
also in your Power, to effect more in favour of your
Country, than an Army of an Hundred Thousand Men; and indeed
more than all the armed Men on this vast Continent._--Can a
Woman forget her Ornaments? _Yes I know she can._ Deborah
_once judged Israel, and some think it was never judged
much better afterwards. But what tho't_ Deborah _or_ Jael
_of their Ornaments, when the one was contriving, & the
other driving the Nail that would go? What tho't beautiful_
Esther _of her Ornaments, when those of her Kindred &
Houshold were in immediate and imminent Danger, by the
Decree treacherously obtained by_ Haman, _from the mouth of
her beloved and almost adored_ Lord Ahasuerus _the Great?
What tho't_ Judith _of her Ornaments, when she was severing
the Head of_ Holofernes _from his Body, or while flying with
the Prize to the Relief of her despairing Friends? The Time
would fail me, were I to recount the wondrous Deeds and
mighty Atchievements of renowned and honorable Women in all
Ages._

_I have but alluded to a few Instances, among many of divine
Heroism in your Sex, which hath often saved a Country, when
the dull ploding Wisdom of man has been totally at a Plunge.
How near we are to such a_ Crisis, _is left to the
Conjecture of others. It would be a little out of Nature to
expect the Birth and Exploits of Heroines to take Place
before those of Heroes. I believe we shall be furnished with
both in their Order, as Occasion may require. All I think at
present that can be reasonably expected or desired of you,
is to consent to lay aside all superfluous Ornaments for a
Season--after which they shall be surely returned to you
again with Interests.--You shall be cloathed in Purple, and
Scarlet, and Fine Linnen of our own, and with other glorious
Apparel; which, if possible, shall add a Lustre to your
native Charms._

HENRY FLYNT.

* * * * *

Newport, R.I., has the reputation of having been engaged in the slave-trade before the Revolution; and the following item, in the "Boston Gazette," June 30, 1762, noticing without comment the arrival of a Guinea trader there, would seem to show it to have been not an uncommon occurrence.

We hear from Newport, Rhode Island, That Capt. Carpenter was
arrived there from the Coast of Guinea, having had 104 Days
Passage, ten Days whereof they were without Meat, but had a
Sufficiency of Rice and Corn. They lost but six Slaves out
of 69 they bro't out with them.

* * * * *

On the 5th of November "the gunpowder treason and plot" was formerly pretty generally remembered,--by the boys, at least, who made bonfires and burned tar-barrels. We believe the custom has fallen into disuse except in Salem and Marblehead, where there seems to be a little "Colonialism" left. As recently as 1885 the writer saw a bonfire in honor of the occasion on a hill near the latter place. In 1762 there must have been quite a demonstration, if we can judge anything by a vote of the town of Boston. Englishmen visiting us have sometimes expressed astonishment at learning that this curious custom should still be kept up here, while it had been abolished at home.

Upon a motion made, _Voted_, That the Town will take all
proper Measures, by keeping in their Children and Servants,
& other Ways, to prevent the Disturbances which have
sometimes happened on or about the 5th Day of November.

Attest,
William Cooper, _Town-Clerk_.

_Tuesday last (5th November) being the Anniversary of the
happy Deliverance of the British Nation from the Popish
Powder Plot, at Noon the Guns at Castle William and at the
Batteries in this Town were fired: At One all the nine Men
of War then in this Harbour also fired._

From the _Essex Gazette_, Nov. 12, 1771.

The accommodation offered for travel between Boston and New York before the Revolution must have been slim enough, judging from an advertisement in the "Boston Gazette" in 1761. Passengers then went by vessel from Providence; that is, "Gentlemen Passengers." Whether ladies were accommodated or not, does not appear; but perhaps they were in the habit of going by stage, taking a week or so to accomplish the journey, or, more than likely, few ever travelled at all in those times. In our day, when every one is on the move, it is hard to realize this state of things.

* * * * *

_Notice is Given, That SAMUEL and WILLIAM CHACE, of_
Providence, _have a suitable Vessel that goes steadily
between there and_ New-York. _So that all Gentlemen
Passengers and others that incline to take the Rout from_
Boston _to_ New-York, _or from_ New-York _to_ Boston, _may
be well accommodated._

Providence, Aug. 29, 1761.

"In 1756," Watson says, "the first stage was started between Philadelphia and New York by Mr. Butler; three days through in summer time, five and six in winter. In 1765 a second stage was started, to go through positively in three days. This was a covered Jersey wagon,--fare, twopence per mile. In 1766 another stage, called the 'Flying Machine,' was started, to go through in two days,--threepence per mile."

* * * * *

A brief account of Montreal in the "Boston Gazette," March 30, 1761.

NEW-YORK, March 23.

Extract of a Letter from Montreal.

----"The Case of the poor Canadians is really deplorable,
occasioned by the bankruptcy of the crown of France. Many of
them who had, with great danger and labour, acquired estates
worth 20,000 l. sterl. by the fur-trade, or otherwise, can
now scarce procure a dinner. All their remittances from
their mother country, consisted in bills on the French King,
which are not now worth one farthing, as no body whatever
will accept of them in payment. It is computed there is
above the value of 3,000,000 l. sterling of these useless
paper scraps, circulated through the colony, which, as a
reward to the wretched inhabitants for all their hardships
and fatigues, must now supply the place of affluence and
independence. Most, if not all of them, are perfectly
reconciled to the British government, as they can now with
security enjoy any little property they have; whereas
formerly, Governor Vaudreuil made no ceremony of seizing the
produce of their lands, their merchandize and manufactures
of every kind, and after conveying them to the King's store
houses, paid to the proprietors any price he pleased. If the
owners thereafter had occasion for any of their own
commodities, they could not procure them under twenty times
the price they had received.

"Montreal in general is a well built town, but incapable of
any defence. The churches are elegant, and the houses of
some of their principal men are really magnificent; though
few in number. The Hotel Dieu is by far the finest hospital
I ever saw, every thing in it is extremely neat and
convenient.

"The people here are extravagantly fond of dress; a stranger
would take Montreal to be a city inhabited by none but the
rich and idle: they are all finely powdered, walk with their
hats under their arms, and wear long coats, adorned with
tinsel lace, and buttoned down to the extremity. Since I
came here, I have not seen one man dressed like a tradesman.
The ladies in general are handsome, extremely gay, and well
bred."

* * * * *

In 1767 the best soap and "dipt" and "mould" candles were sold at the post-office in Boston, according to an advertisement in the "Gazette" of October 26. The candles were made of tallow, and gave but little light, requiring almost constant snuffing. Other kinds of candles were not in general use in New England in the last century. Sperm oil and sperm or wax candles could be used only by the wealthy. Many families, for economy, made their own candles. This practice was common in New England down to within fifty years.

It will be recollected that Dr. Franklin's father was a tallow-chandler in Boston, and that the Doctor himself worked at the business when a boy. Elizabeth Franklin, whose name appears in the following advertisement, was probably a relative of the family.

* * * * *

SOLD BY
_Elizabeth Franklin,_
At the Post-Office,

THE best true Crown Soap, Alicant best hard Soap, by the
Doz. or single Pound, dipt and mould Candles at the lowest
Price.

* * * * *

Every week the burials and baptisms in Boston were thus inserted in the papers. The following is from the "Gazette" of Nov. 23, 1767:--

Buried in the Town of Boston since our last, Five Whites.
Three Blacks. Baptiz'd in the several Churches, Four.

* * * * *

This custom was continued many years. We take the following from the "Massachusetts Centinel," April 2, 1788:--

BURIED _in town last week_ 11--BAPTISED 14.

Published by BENJAMIN RUSSELL, near the State-House, Boston.

* * * * *

General Wolfe's Manifesto from the "Boston Gazette," Dec. 10, 1759.

_As the Manifesto lately published was only a Translation
from a French Manuscript, we are requested to publish the
following, which is_

_General_ WOLFE's Manifesto,
_as written by Himself._

THE formidable Sea and Land Armament which the People of
_Canada_ now behold in the Heart of their Country is
intended by the King my Master to check the insolence of
_France_;--To revenge the Insults offered to the _British_
Colonies, and totally deprive the _French_ of their most
valuable Settlements in _North-America_.

For these Purposes only is the Formidable Army under my
Command intended.

The King of _Great-Britain_ wages no War with the
Industrious Peasant, the sacred Orders of Religion, or the
defenceless Women and Children: To these in their
distressful Circumstances His Royal Clemency offers
Protection. The People may remain unmolested on their Lands,
inhabit their Houses, and enjoy their Religion in Security.
For these inestimable Blessings, I expect the _Canadians_
will take no Part in the Great Contest between the two
Crowns; But if by a vain Obstinacy, and misguided Valour,
they presume to appear in Arms, they must expect the most
fatal Consequences; their Habitations destroyed, their
sacred Temples exposed to the Fury of an exasperated
Soldiery; their Harvest utterly ruined, and the only Passage
of Relief stopped up by a most formidable Fleet.--In this
unhappy Situation, and closely attacked by another great
Army, what can the wretched Natives expect from Opposition!

THE unparelelled Barbarities exerted by the _French_ against
our Settlements in _America_, might justify the bitterest
Revenge in the Army under my Command; but _Britons_ breathe
higher Sentiments of Humanity, and listen to the merciful
Dictates of the Christian Religion. Yet should you suffer
yourselves to be deluded by an imaginary Prospect of our
want of Success; should you refuse those Terms, and persist
in Opposition; Then surely will the Law of Nations justify
the Waste of War, so necessary to crush an ungenerous Enemy:
and Then, the miserable _Canadians_ must in the Winter have
the Mortification of seeing those very Families, they have
been exerting a fruitless and indiscreet Bravery for, perish
by the most dismal Want and Famine.

In this great Dilemma let the Wisdom of the People of
_Canada_ shew itself!

_BRITAIN_ stretches out a powerful, yet a merciful Hand,
Faithful to her Engagements, and ready to secure them in
their most valuable Rights and Possessions.

_FRANCE_, unable to support _Canada_, deserts her Cause at
this important Crisis, and during the whole War has assisted
her with Troops, who have been maintained _only_ by making
the Natives feel all the Weight of grievous and lawless
Oppression.

JAMES WOLFE.

* * * * *

Boston, _November 2, 1761_.

_Last Evening, just at Eight o'Clock, this Town was alarmed
with the Shock of an_ EARTHQUAKE.

_Gazette._

* * * * *

On the 15th of August, 1763, the "Boston Post-Boy" gives the following account of the celebration of a royal birthday:--

_BOSTON, August 15._

On Friday being the Birth-Day of the _Prince of Wales_, and
the Anniversary of the Accession of the House of _Hanover_,
and also of the Surrender of the _Havanna_, which was the
immediate Means of bringing about the Peace; at One o'Clock
the Guns at the Castle and Town Batteries were Fired; and in
the Evening his Excellency the Governor gave a Ball at
Concert Hall. There were present about 240 Gentlemen and
Ladies; the Ball was opened by General _Shirley_ and the
Governor's Lady about 8 o'Clock; the Country Dances began
about nine, and about ten a Supper Room was opened, where
was a very handsome Collation. The Ladies made a brilliant
Appearance, and the Company expressed the highest Pleasure
and Satisfaction on the Occasion, and broke up about two in
the Morning. The whole was conducted with the greatest
Order, Elegance and Decorum.

* * * * *

The great military "occasion" of those days was the annual parade of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company. In June, 1763, that Company celebrated its one hundred and twenty-fifth anniversary. In the "Boston Post-Boy" of June 13 we have this account:--

Monday last, agreeable to ancient Custom, the Artillery
Company of the Province, appeared under Arms, being the
Anniversary of the Election of Officers for the Company: A
Sermon was preached by the Rev'd Mr. _Balch_ of _Dedham_, at
the Old Brick Meeting-House, where his Excellency the
Governor, the Members of his Majesty's Council and House of
Representatives, with a Number of other Gentlemen, attended;
after which they proceeded to Faneuil-Hall, where an elegant
Dinner was provided; and in the Afternoon the following
Gentlemen were chosen for the ensuing Year, viz.

_Thomas Marshall_, Esq; Captain,
Mr. _Josiah Waters_, Lieutenant,
Mr. _Jeremiah Belknap_, Ensign.

In the Evening a plentiful Repast was given by the Officers
newly elected, at Faneuil-Hall; where many loyal Healths
were drank.

* * * * *

After the great fire in Boston in March, 1760, this item appeared in the "Gazette" of May 19:--

We hear that _Charles Ward Apthorp_, Esq; of _N.-York_,
Merchant, upon hearing of the Calamity which had befallen
this Town by the late dreadful Fire, generously ordered his
Agent here to pay to the Gentlemen appointed to receive the
Donations of charitable dispos'd Persons the Sum of _One
Hundred_ Pounds, L.M. for the Relief of the Sufferers.

Mr. Apthorp, of New York, made this generous donation--a large sum for that time--for the relief of the sufferers of his native place.

* * * * *

On the 30th of March, 1761, the "Boston Gazette" prints the following among its items of news:--

_The following Proverbs we hope will not be disregarded,
tho' taken from a Book in the Hands of almost every
Freeholder in this Province; for they are true English
Proverbs_----

_LOOK before you leap--Wise Men think twice before they act
once--Avoidance is better than late Repentance--Put your
Hand in the Lion's Mouth, then get it out if you can--Haste
makes Waste--Fast bind fast find--A Wedge once enter'd, the
Log flies--You may add, when you cannot take away--Cut your
Coat according to your Cloth--A rash Beginning makes a
foolish Ending--Better late than never--He that acts for
others, should act with Caution--Once well done is twice
done--A wise Man foreseeth the Storm and secureth
himself----Of all Murderers, Self-Murderers are the most
stupid--A Snake in the Grass may bite before it is seen._

A Word to the Wise is sufficient. AMEN.

* * * * *

BOSTON IN OLDEN TIMES.--The "Boston Transcript," in a notice of the newspapers published in Boston in 1767, of which there were ten, says: The printer in those days was a man of "all work." If a negro or horse was up for sale, the printer was the seller. The advertisements in these old papers are curiosities in their line. The following notices appeared in the advertising columns of the "Boston Evening Gazette," in 1741:--

"To be sold by the Printer of this Paper, the very best
negro woman in this town, who has had the small pox and the
measles; is as hearty as a horse, as brisk as a bird, and
will work like a beaver."

"To be sold by the Printer of this Paper, a negro man about
thirty years old, who can do both town and country business
very well, but will suit the country best, where they have
not so many dram-shops as we have in Boston. He has worked
at the printing business fifteen or sixteen years; can
handle axe, saw, spade, hoe, or other instrument of
husbandry, as well as most men, and values himself, and is
valued by others, for his skill in cookery."

* * * * *

This item, from a paper of 1767, seems to show that the Government was not then obliged to have a "bill" to uphold silver, for it was evidently in the ascendency; but there was no Western territory at that time, or rather, it had not been discovered.

Gold as well as Silver will be taken for the Tickets, and
the Prizes paid off in like Manner. Prizes not demanded
within Twelve Months after Drawing, will not be paid, but
will be deem'd as generously given for the Purpose
aforesaid, and applied accordingly.

Tickets to be had of the respective Managers, and of Edes
and Gill.

* * * * *

Fashionable weddings in the days of the spinning-wheel were not so fully described as they are at the present day. Nothing used to be said about the "magnificent dresses," "best man," "ushers," "contracting parties," "elegant presents," etc., etc.; there was a simple announcement of the fact. Here are specimens of marriage announcements,--persons belonging to the first families in Boston.

"Boston Gazette," Feb. 5, 1759.

Last Thursday Morning, was married at King's-Chappel, Dr.
THOMAS BULFINCH, Son of the late Dr. BULFINCH of this Town,
to Mrs. SUSAN APTHORPE, Daughter of the late CHARLES
APTHORPE, Esq; The Rev'd Mr. APTHORPE perform'd the
Ceremony, before a very great Number of Spectators.

* * * * *

"Columbian Centinel," March 26, 1788.

----Mr. THOMAS H. PERKINS, merchant, to Miss SALLY ELLIOT,
only daughter of Mr. SIMON ELLIOT.

* * * * *

"Gazette," Jan. 26, 1767.

BOSTON, January 26, 1767.

Tuesday the Honorable JOHN TEMPLE, Esq; Surveyor-General of
North-America, was married to Miss BOWDOIN, Daughter of the
Honorable JAMES BOWDOIN, Esq; of this Town.

* * * * *

Specimen of a house in "Corn-Hill," from the "Post-Boy," May 7, 1763.

TO BE SOLD,

A Large and Commodious Brick Dwelling-House, pleasently
scituated in Corn-Hill: For further particulars Enquire of
_Green & Russell_ Printers in Queen-street.

* * * * *

The "Virginia Gazette" gives an account of an early and bold attempt at British impressment of seamen. This business caused us a great deal of trouble in after years, and was one of the causes of "Madison's War," as the old people were fond of calling it.

The press-gang was one of the peculiar institutions of Great Britain.

BOSTON, October 26, 1767.

By the Virginia Gazette, of the first Instant, it appears
that Captain Morgan, of the Hornet Sloop of War, concerted a
bloody riotous Plan, to impress Seamen, at Norfolk, for
which Purpose, his Tender was equipped with Guns and Men,
and under Cover of the Night said Morgan landed at a public
Wharff, having first made proper Dispositions either for an
Attack or Retreat, then went to a Tavern, and took a
chearful Glass, after which they went to work, and took
every Person they met with, and knocked all down that
resisted; and dragged them on board the Tender; but the Town
soon took the Alarm, and being headed by Paul Loyal, Esq; a
Magistrate, they endeavoured to convince Capt. Morgan of his
Error, and being deaf to all they said he ordered the People
in the Tender to fire on the Inhabitants, but they refused
to obey their Commanders Orders, and he was soon obliged to
fly, leaving some of the Hornets behind, who were sent to
Gaol, but were afterwards released.

Mr. John Ashton, in his recently published work on "Social Life in England at the end of the Eighteenth Century," informs us that one evening in the year 1790, 2,100 men were pressed in London alone, besides many more at the seaport towns.

* * * * *

In the summer of 1762 there was a severe drought in Massachusetts, and the Governor issued a proclamation recommending public prayers for rain; but it will be noticed that he says if rain should come before the day set apart for prayers, then, instead of humiliation, it would be the duty of the people to make it a day of thanksgiving. The proclamation referred to was published in the "Boston Post-Boy" of July 13, 1762.

By HIS EXCELLENCY

FRANCIS BERNARD, Esq;

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

A PROCLAMATION

_For a Day of Public Prayer._

IT having pleased Almighty God to visit this Province with
another severe Drought, which, if it should continue much
longer, cannot fail of bringing great Distress upon the
Inhabitants thereof--We are again called upon to supplicate
the Interposition of Divine Providence to relieve this
Country from the imminent Danger with which it is threatned,
by dispensing timely and plentiful Rain.

I HAVE therefore thought fit to appoint, and I do, by and
with the Advice of His Majesty's Council, appoint Wednesday
the Twenty-eighth Day of this Instant _July_ to be a Day of
Public Prayer throughout the Province: Whereon the whole
People may as at one Time humble themselves before Almighty
God, acknowledging their great Unworthiness, and confessing
their manifold Sins, and imploring the Supreme Dispenser of
all Good, that He would be graciously pleased not to
with-hold from them the Fruits of the Earth, but by
seasonable and refreshing Rains bring what yet remains
undestroyed to a due and seasonable Maturity.

AND WHEREAS some Places have been exempted from the general
Want of Rain; and it is to be hoped that before the Day
appointed as aforesaid, many others, and possibly the whole
Province, may have a gracious and timely Relief: It will be
our Duty to intermix Thanksgiving with Humiliation, in such
a Manner as the State of the Province, and particular Parts
thereof, shall at that Time require.

And I do order the said Day to be observed as a Day set
apart for Religious Worship, and that no servile Labour or
Recreation be permitted thereon.

_GIVEN at the Council-Chamber in_ Boston, _the Ninth Day of_
July, 1762, _in the Second 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.

_Fra. Bernard._

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

* * * * *

Fire-works to be "play'd off," Aug. 13, 1759. From the "Boston Gazette."

The Publick REJOICINGS in Town this Day, on Account of the
Success of His Majesty's Arms in the Reduction of
Ticonderoga, Niagara and Crown-Point, by the Troops under
the Command of the victorious General AMHERST, are now
beginning--A great Number of People have been employ'd in
making Fire-Works, &c. which will be play'd off this
Evening, when there will be a handsome illumination.

* * * * *

The "Post-Boy" of November 15 of that year prints the following:--

NEW-YORK, November 15.

The Ships Manchester and Edward, that arrived here lately
from London, brought over no less than 206 Chests of Green
and Bohea Teas, for the different Merchants of this City.

Since our last two Vessels arrived here from Ireland, with
about 2000 Firkins of choice Irish Butter, which we hope
will bring down the Price of that Article.

* * * * *

We get an idea of men's clothing in 1767 from the following:--

_WHEREAS in the Time of Divine Service Yesterday, the House
of the Subscriber was broke open, and the following Things
stolen from thence, viz._ a Chocolate-colour Coat and Jacket
trim'd with Brass Buttons, a cloth-colour'd cut-velvet
Jacket with white Buttons, a pair Wash-Leather Breeches with
white Buttons, five Silver Tea-Spoons, and one large ditto,
mark'd G.P. _Whoever shall apprehend the Thief or Thieves,
so that he or they may be convicted, shall have FOUR DOLLARS
Reward, paid by_

JOHN PRESCOTT.

Concord, September 14, 1767.

* * * * *

Lectures were not common in the last century. It was not until within fifty or sixty years ago, when Lyceums began to be established, that the lecture system became developed.

We find that in 1769 a Mr. Douglass lectured in Boston, according to an advertisement in the "Chronicle," August 17th.

The well-known Colonel David Mason of the Revolution, who was a prominent figure among the patriots at Leslie's Retreat at the North Bridge in Salem in February, 1775, was one of the earliest, if not the very first, to lecture in Salem upon a scientific subject. In the "Essex Gazette," Jan. 15, 1771, we find his advertisement:--

_No longer than next Week, will
Continue to be exhibited, every Evening
in which the Air is dry, (Saturday and Sunday
excepted)_

A Course of Experiments in that instructive
and entertaining Branch of Natural PHILOSOPHY, called

=Electricity=,

To be accompanied with Methodical Lectures
on the Nature and Properties of that WONDERFUL ELEMENT,

By David Mason,

At his Dwelling-House near the North Bridge.
The Course to consist of two Lectures,
At a Pistareen each Lecture.

As the Knowledge of Nature tends to enlarge the human Mind,
and give us more noble, more grand and exalted Ideas of the
AUTHOR of Nature, and if well pursued, seldom fails
producing something _useful_ to Man, 'tis hoped these
Lectures may be thought worthy of Regard and Encouragement.

_Tickets to be had at the above Place._

* * * * *

_Positively the LAST NIGHT._
=To-Morrow, being Friday,=
_August 17, 1769._
=Mr. Douglass,=
_Will deliver the_
_LECTURE_
ON
=HEADS,=
_Coats of Arms, Wigs, Ladies-head
Dresses,_ &c, &c, &c, &c.
After which, will be pronounced
SOME SELECT PIECES
From
THE MOST CELEBRATED
ENGLISH POETS.
*** Tickets for Admission, to be had of _Green_ and
_Russell_, and at the _Bunch of Grapes_ in King-Street.
_At_ HALF-a-DOLLAR each.
To begin exactly at 8 o'clock.

* * * * *

Thus we see that Salem was early in the field of literature and science. Its citizens must take pride in remembering such great names as Nathaniel Bowditch, William H. Prescott, Joseph Story, Timothy Pickering, John Pickering, Benjamin Peirce, William W. Story, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and many others.

* * * * *

When we see the great waste of paper in these days,--handbills, circulars, and newspapers, which are blowing about the streets at times,--we sometimes wonder how it was in 1767, on October 19, when the following notice appeared in the "Boston Gazette."