A Providence paper informs, that the Carding and Spinning
Machines used in England in manufacturing cotton stuffs, are
introducing into that town by some publick spirited
gentlemen--and that there are few families in that town
which are not manufacturing some kind of cloth.
* * * * *
It appears from the "Columbian Centinel," July 14, 1790, that the
wealthy of that day had a fondness for foreign articles.
Complaint is very prolifick in all countries. In the United
States we complain, that,
_Tho' rich at home, to foreign lands we stray,
And trade for trinkets our best wealth away._
* * * * *
The following advertisement from the "Massachusetts Centinel" recalls
the time when cows were pastured on Boston Common.
STRAYED, on Saturday last, from Boston Common, and belonging
to JONATHAN AMORY, a young red COW, with some white on the
back and belly, forehead white, small horns, with the tips
off. Whoever will bring her to the owner will be rewarded.
_Boston, May 24, 1788._
* * * * *
People were expected to have long memories in old times, judging from
the following notification in the "Boston Gazette" of 1760:--
WHEREAS on the 17th of January 1740-1, twenty-seven yards
and an half of yard-wide sheeting linnen, and some smaller
articles, was sold at Mr. _James Gordon's_ shop in _Boston_,
and deliver'd to one capt. _Stevens_, as appears by said
_Gordon's_ book; and thro' some mistake in keeping his
books, said articles are charg'd to another of the same
name. If therefore the said capt. _Stevens_, that really had
said goods, or any of his family, or others, can give any
light into the matter, it is desired they would acquaint the
printers hereof, and they shall be generously recompenced
for their trouble.
* * * * *
The "small pox" was very troublesome in Colonial times, as this
announcement from the "Boston Gazette," Feb. 2, 1761, shows:--
Samuel Parkman hereby informs his Customers and others, That
immediately on the breaking out of the Small-Pox in the back
Part of his House in Union Street, he removed his Shop Goods
to a Store on a Wharf that they may be safe from any
Infection, and himself to the House of Mr. Joshua Winter
Stationer--The Person who had the Distemper is perfectly
recovered, and departed the House some Days ago, and the
House thoroughly cleansed.
* * * * *
The following notice from the "Massachusetts Gazette" reminds us of the
time of open fire-places and blazing, cheerful wood-fires:
THE SELECTMEN would inform the Town, that they have
_approbated_ a number of _Chimney-Sweepers_, who are
furnished with badges agreeable to the By-Laws, and have
stipulated to execute their business _faithfully_, at the
following rates, viz.--For lower-room chimnies, _fourteen
pence two fifths_, or _one pistareen_; and for _all_ chamber
chimnies, _one shilling_ each--that all concerned may govern
themselves accordingly.
_Boston, Sept. 21, 1786._
* * * * *
The spinning-wheel at Ipswich. From the "Columbian Centinel," June 7,
1791.
_For the_ CENTINEL.
THE PRINTER is requested to record it among the numerous
instances of female benevolence and harmony, which have been
exhibited in these times, and so well reprove the jarring
dissensions of the _men_--that at Ipswich, lately, at the
house of the Rev. Mr. DANA, a numerous band of ladies, in
harmonious concert, have again "laid their hands to the
spindle, and held the distaff," and presented the fruit of
their generous toil, 118 run of good yarn; viz. 88 linen, 30
cotton; the materials, provisions, and handsome attendance,
all furnished by themselves and those who joined with
them.--"_Give her of the fruit of her own hands, and let her
own works praise her in the gates._"
* * * * *
From the "Salem Mercury," April 28, 1787.
Not long ago a number of ladies belonging to the
Presbyterian society in Newbury-Port, assembled at the
Parsonage-house, with their spinning-wheels and other
utensils of industry, for the day, to the benefit of their
minister's family. The assembly having first united in the
solemn exercises of social worship, the business of the day
was opened. Every apartment in the house was full. The
musick of the spinning-wheel resounded from every room.
Benevolence was seen smiling in every countenance, and the
harmony of hearts surpassed even the harmony of wheels. The
labours of the day were concluded about 5 o'clock; when the
fair labourers presented Mrs. MURRAY with cotton and linen
yarn, of the best quality, amounting to 236 skeins.
Necessary refreshment being past, publick worship was
attended; and a discourse delivered, by the Rev. Mr. MURRAY,
to a large assembly, from Exodus 35, 25, _And all the women
that were wise-hearted did spin with their hands._
* * * * *
From the "Salem Mercury," Feb. 6, 1787.
There is a young Miss in New-Haven, who will soon wear a
silk gown _of her own make_. Such noble industry ought to be
written in letters of gold. May the ladies profit by the
example--and may it soon be esteemed disreputable, by both
ladies and gentlemen, to wear any thick silk but of our own
manufacture.
* * * * *
An advertisement in the "Boston Gazette," Feb. 19, 1760, rather
indicates that "searchers" sometimes exceeded their powers.
ALL Persons who within five Years past, have had any Shoes
or Boots, seiz'd and taken from them, in the Town of Boston,
by any of the Searches and Sealers of Leather there, for
being made of Leather unduly tann'd or curried, or on
Pretence thereof; are hereby notified to give or send in to
the Printers hereof, an Account in Writing, of the Number of
Shoes, &c. so taken from them, the Time when (as near as
they can) with the Name of the Person that seiz'd and took
them, and the Name of the Justice of Peace to whom Complaint
or Information was made concerning such Shoes, &c. by the
eighth Day of _March_ next, if they desire any Recompence
for the Injuries they have suffer'd by such Seizures.
* * * * *
In 1767 snuff was apparently of more importance, as merchandise, to say
the least, than were Bibles and Testaments. In an advertisement it was
printed in capitals, while the latter were in smaller type.
Caleb Blanchard,