USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Newburyport > History of Newburyport, Mass., 1764-1905, Volume I > Part 7
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The hay scales remained at the northwesterly end of Frog pond until 1823 when they were removed to a more convenient location near the junction of High and Pond streets.
The public are informed that the HAY SCALES belonging to the town are removed to a convenient spot near the South East end of the mall. The Beam, Weights, and Apparatus for weighing have recently been ad- justed by the Sealer of Weights and Measures and put in good order to weigh correctly. Capt. Charles Hodge, who resides near the Hay Scales, is appointed to the charge of the scales and will attend punctually to the weighing of Hay and other Articles.2
NEWSPAPER ADVERTISEMENTS.
" The Essex Journal and Merrimack Packet, or the Massa- chusetts and New Hampshire General Advertiser," a weekly newspaper was published in Newburyport as early as 1773. John Mycall purchased the printing press and movable types, in 1775, and the name of the paper was changed to "The Essex Journal and New Hampshire Packet." In the columns of this paper, on file in the libraries of the Boston Athenæum
1 Newburyport Town Records, vol. I., p. 437.
2 Newburyport Herald, July 25, 1823.
The inhabitants of Newburyport qualified to vote in town affairs were notified to meet March 28, 1832, " To see if they will authorize the selectmen, or a spec- ial committee, to purchase Stevens' patent balances and locate them in a conven- ient place for the accommodation of the Town; and also to dispose of the hay scales now owned by the town; agreeable to the petition of Henry Toppan and others." Newburyport Town Records, vol. III., p. 230.
March 25, 1834, the selectmen were authorized "to sell the hay scales belong- ing to the town." Newburyport Town Records, vol. III., p. 293.
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NEWSPAPER ADVERTISEMENTS
and the American Antiquarian Society at Worcester, is the following advertisement :-
[January 19, 1775] Just Published (Price one Pistereen) and to be sold By Benjamin Johnson, near the Rev. Mr. Tucer's Meeting House, a North East View of the Town and Harbour of Newbury Port, taken just above the Powder-house .- Sold also by Edward Harris and George Searle. N. B. The above piece may be had at each place, Framed, Glazed and Coloured.
This view of Newburyport was evidently sketched by an amateur artist whose ideas of distance and perspective were exceedingly crude and erroneous. It was engraved on copper at a time when there were only two or three skillful engravers in Massachusetts. It is probably the oldest view of Newbury- port now extant and has therefore some historical value. It is reproduced in the half tone print on the next page.1
Before the Revolutionary war, and for many years after- wards, curious signs, or emblems of trade, were displayed, by the shopkeepers of Newburyport, to attract attention and in- dicate the kind of goods they had for sale. Lewis Jenkins, at the sign of the Golden Ball, advertised in the Essex Journal " India and European goods, black and white satin, Laces, Japanned ware, &c., &c." Timothy Dexter, at the sign of the Glove, opposite Somerby's landing at the foot of what is now Green street had for sale "Good Deer, Sheep and Moose skins. Likewise Deer, Sheep and Moose skin Breeches and a quantity of good blubber."2 Dealers in foreign merchandise were notified that the ship Peace had arrived "at Mr. Mar- quand's wharf with a good supply of Malaga and Sherry wines, Rasins, and Cadiz salt," and Thomas Merrill, who kept a tavern near Rev. Mr. Cary's meeting house, in what is now Market square, announced to his customers that he made " Apple and Mince Pies in the neatest and best manner," and sold them at a reasonable price.3
1 One of these copper-plate engravings was sold at a book auction in Boston in April, 1904. It was inserted, with other views, in an extra illustrated copy of the Life of Rev. George Whitefield, by D. A. Harsha.
2 Essex Journal and New Hampshire Packet, April 5-12, 1776.
3 Essex Journal and Mass. and N. H. General Advertiser, Oct. 27, 1784.
A The Town Houfe | B, Meri mack River | C. Rope Walk | D. Frog Pond | E. Salif'bury
A North-east View of the Town & harbour of Newburyport
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From a Drawing by Ben Johnson 1774
3
NEWSPAPER ADVERTISEMENTS.
8 I
The baking and selling of bread was regulated by the se- lectmen July 3, 1786, as follows :-
A penny white loaf to weigh 1b.
5 oz. II dr. A two penny ditto O
II 8 A four penny ditto I
7 2
Seven biscuit, of a copper price each I
6
4
All other bread to weigh in the same proportion.I
At a meeting of the selectmen held this sixteenth of October, 1793, the following assize of Bread was appointed viz :--
Two penny loaf to weigh
o lb. II OZ.
9 dr.
Four penny ' 66
I
7
3
Six penny 66 66
2 2 I3
Penny Biscuit O
5 I3
Four penny loaf, 3 qt. wheat, I qt. rye 2
7 O
" not more than half Indian 2
I5 O
Wheat computated at 6-9 per Bushel and I-3 allowed for Baking.
JOHN MYCALL JOSHUA CARTER NATHAN HOYT
Selectmen of Newburyport
BISHOP NORTON
August 22, 1796, the weight of bread was fixed as follows :
Two penny white loaf
o lb. 8 oz.
Four penny ditto
I C
Six penny ditto I
8
Biscuit, price one penny each O
4
Biscuit, price two
8
Four penny brown loaf 3 quarters wheat and one quarter Rye meal I
8
Four penny brown loaf not more than half Indian meal. 2 OI
Bakers were ordered to mark the bread baked by them with the first letter of their Christian name and the first and last letter of their surname.2
February 26, 1799, a new law regulating the weight of bread was passed by the General Court and approved by the govern- or.3 After that date a uniform weight of four ounces, or eight
1 Newburyport (Selectmen's) Records.
2 Impartial Herald, Aug. 27, 1796.
8 Acts and Resolves, 1798-1799, ch. LXVII.
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HISTORY OF NEWBURYPORT
ounces, was fixed as the weight for all soft biscuit offered for sale, and one, two, three or four pounds for bread in loaves.
LETTERS TO AND FROM GOVERNOR BOWDOIN.
In April, 1785, Hon. James Bowdoin was elected governor of the state of Massachusetts. He advocated in a message sent to the General Court, on the thirty-first day of May fol- lowing, the appointment of delegates from every state in the union, to meet in convention, for the purpose of revising the articles of confederation and determining what additional power should be granted congress for the protection of Amer- ican commerce. The inhabitants of Newburyport expressed their appreciation of his patriotism and ability in the follow- ing address :-.-
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR EXCELLENCY :
The Inhabitants of the Town of Newburyport beg leave to express to your Excellency, their great satisfaction at your promotion to the place of first Magistrate of this Commonwealth. The critical state of our Commerce and the weight of Publick debt that presses us, demand the strictest attention to every commercial & economical principle, that may extricate us from our embarrassed situation ; and it gives us the greatest pleasure to reflect, that we have, by the Blessing of Heaven a Governor whose abilities, integrity & unremitted attention to the interests of the People, will provide every remedy in the power of the supreme executive authority of this Commonwealth.
When we look back to your Excellency's conduct during the adminis- tration of the late royal governors, at a time when the rights and liberties of the people were struggling against the encroachments of ambition, and the lust of power, when secret influence, aided by all the douceurs in the gift of Royalty, was making large strides to divide & oppress us, we find your Excellency, unawed by power, unseduced by the flattering attentions of its artful minions, uniformly employed in stemming the tor- rent of corruption, and in supporting the privileges, and freedom of your country. We cannot therefore but view it as an auspicious omen, to our fellow citizens, that at this time the same Gentleman is placed in the chair of Government that he may contribute to the preserving and con- tinuing of those political blessings, he was so greatly instrumental in procuring. We hope your Excellency will not consider this address as indicating an inclination to enjoy the particular attentions of the Supreme Magistrate. We know your Excellency too well to expect any other from
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LETTERS TO AND FROM GOVERNOR BOWDOIN
your administration, that what we shall receive in common with our fel- low citizens, and it is our own opinion, that such advantages only, have we a right to expect. We are however fully sensible that the best administra- tion of the several powers of government will not alone render a people happy. They must contribute to this benevolent design, by a steady adherence to the principles of Piety, Religion and Morality.
These principles ought to be widely diffused, and deeply implanted, and it gives us sincere pleasure, that the Tenor of your Excellency's life exhibits a distinguished example, worthy of our imitation.
As the powers with which your Excellency is invested by the Consti- tution are a trust delegated by the people to be employed for their bene- fit we beg your Excellency to be assured that in the application of them you shall receive from us every assistance we can afford you, neces- sary to render your administration honorable to yourself and usefull to the Publick
By order of the Town & on their behalf
EDWARD WIGGLESWORTH DAVID COATS M. HODGE WILLM COOMBS WM BARTLET
Selectmen of Newburyport.1
NEWBURYPORT, July 7, 1785.
Hon. Nathaniel Tracy, Theophilus Parsons, Esq., and Tris- tram Dalton, Esq., were appointed a committee to present the above address to His Excellency Governor Bowdoin. He gratefully acknowledged this public expression of confidence and esteem in the following letter :-
GENTLEMEN :
The address of the Town of Newburyport conceived in terms so respectfull does me great Honour.
I beg the favour of the Selectmen to signify to the Town my grateful acknowledgements for it, and that you Gentlemen their worthy commit- tee would accept my thanks for the polite manner in which it has been communicated.
It is very unfortunate that at a time when the weight of the public debt presses heavily upon us, our commerce should be in so embarassed a state. This embarassment however, was an effect to be expected from the excessive importations, that have taken place, but very happily, it will work its own cure, which will be hastened by a strict attention to the
' Newburyport Town Records, vol. I., p. 450.
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HISTORY OF NEWBURYPORT
principles so judiciously pointed out by the address. An attention to the same principles will also operate to the diminution & final discharge of the public debt. I should be happy in suggesting means that would in either case co-operate with those principles.
In the mean time, amidst the embarassments arising from the greatness of that debt it must give a high satisfaction to reflect that it purchased the liberty of our country.
That liberty and that debt, in circumstances like ours, are in our ideas of them necessarily associated, & the latter however pressing considered in that association, cannot be deemed an evil.
To every person not wholly destitute of sensibility it must give a real pleasure to be assured that his public conduct is approved by his country- men, especially when it has a reference to times, & circumstances pecu- liarly difficult & interesting.
The assurances now given that my past conduct has been thus approved give me the highest satisfaction and it shall be my endeavor in the impor- tant station, in which my countrymen have placed me, that they shall have no reason to withdraw their good opinion.
The good people of Newburyport, too generous to indulge a monopo- lizing spirit, wish from my administration for those advantages only, which their fellow citizens in general, in common with themselves, have a right to expect and these so far as my influence shall extend they certainly shall receive.
The best administration of government (as they justly observe) will not alone render a people happy, they must contribute to their own happi- ness by an adherance to the principles recommended in the address. " Those principles ought to be " and I wish to see them " widely diffused and deeply implanted."
I thank the town for the assurances they have so obligingly given that in the application of the powers with which I am vested by the constitu- tion I shall receive from them every assistance they can afford, necessary to render the administration of government honourable to the governour and usefull to the publick.
On my part it is proper to assure them that as those powers were derived from the people to be employed for their benefit, the assistance of my brother citizens of Newburyport shall be requested only in cases in which the affording it shall conduce to their own honour and benefit, and to the honour and benefit of the commonwealth.
JAMES BOWDOIN.I
Boston, July 22, 1785.
1 Newburyport Town Records, vol. I., p. 471.
85
INSTRUCTIONS TO REPRESENTATIVES, ETC.
INSTRUCTIONS TO REPRESENTATIVES AND ENCOURAGEMENT OF HOME INDUSTRIES.
In 1786, the low state of trade and commerce, the scarcity of money, and the burdensome taxes resulting from the war, led many prominent citizens of the state to favor the adoption of unscrupulous measures for the payment of public and pri- vate debts. The inhabitants of Newburyport vigorously op- posed the popular demand for more paper money, and evident- ly realized the necessity and importance of providing in some way for the prompt financial support of the national govern- ment. At a town meeting held May 22, 1786, the following instructions were ordered to be sent to the representatives to the General Court recently elected in Newburyport : -
To the Honbl Jonathan Titcomb and Stephen Cross, Esq. representa- tives for the Town of Newburyport.
Gentlemen : Notwithstanding we rely with the most perfect confidence in your abilities, experience, zeal and patriotism, and tho we do not wish to lay your opinions under an irrational or unconstitutional control, or to possess an undue influence in the legislature, we doubt not it will give you the sincerest pleasure and to your opinions promptness, weight, & decision, to feel an assurance that in your legislative capacity, you are acting agreeable to the sentiments and interests not only of your constituents but of a respectable commercial town.
To give energy and respectability to government, and to make it a blessing to the subject, we wish to see it supported with dignity. This can only be effected by a steady and most sacred regard to justice in all public engagements, the least departure from which must be productive of want of confidence and excite the most distressing anxiety in the best of subjects, and dissaffection and opposition in others, to the distraction & embarrasment and finally to the dissolution of all government.
We conceive there are no promises or obligations more solemn than those entered into for supplies advanced and for the most honorable and hazardous services in defence of the sacred and invaded rights of this state. When destitute of monies, funds or resources, the creditor, devout- ly hoping a happy issue of a precarious, unequal and calamitous war, did not hesitate to accept the solemn pledge of his country's faith, as his only security, and most confidently relying on her Justice, resolved to stake his all on her ability and success. If for these obligations valuable considera- tions were received, especially if these considerations were perilous ser- vices and aids in support of what we had solemnly resolved to defend
86
HISTORY OF NEWBURYPORT
with our lives and fortunes, there can be none for whose fulfillment Jus- tice pleads more loudly ; and we hope it is impossible that injustice shall ever be confounded with policy in the government of this state. Whether the original proprietor thro indiscretion or severe necessity has been com- pelled to part with them for a valuable or vile consideration, the obliga- tions of the state remain in their nature unchangeable and ought to be inviolable.
We wish to see a reduction of the capital of the state debt & thereby a diminution of the enormous interest duly arising thereon, we doubt not to you it will be highly satisfactory to know the sentiments of your constituents on the mode of effecting this, which therefore we shall pro- pose, not doubting you will change it for a more eligible one, if offered in that honorable house of which you are elected members, or propose or inforce it, to the extent of your influence, if there is not.
After making provision for the support of Government &c. To raise a sum of that species of securities commonly denominated final settle- ments in some proportion to the sum with which this commonwealth shall stand charged by the congress of the United States whereby this state may be exonerated of an annual interest bearing a high propor- tion to the current value of the principal ; and its whole ability left to operate with greater freedom for the discharge of its other obligations which might be effected by sinking annually of its capital debt £100,000 untill it appreciated to par when its interest might be diminished by an easy reduction.
The emission of a paper currency we deprecate as a calamity to pre- vent which we charge you to use your utmost influence :- " the integrity of the upright shall guide them to safety but the injustice of transgressors shall be their destruction."
We need not describe to you the discouraging embarassments of our commerce, they so universally affect the interests of all classes of the community as to excite the most anxious apprehensions. There are two ways of obtaining relief. By lessening the consumption of foreign man- ufactures and encouraging our own. It is with the deepest regret we behold the mistaken policy of this Country in importing almost all their manufactures from a country allmost destitute of materials, many of which she imports from this country to be returned enhanced by all the labour bestowed by their children, their infirm, and their maimed while our own industrious labourers are wretchedly destitute of employ and they charge our remittances with every possible expence and embarass- ment.
Thus we are at once contributing to their revenue and the maintenance of their Poor. While at home we behold the first exhausted and the dis- tresses of the latter daily increasing and what they ought to regard as a charity they treat with the most uncharitable severity.
We exceedingly lament that in a country abounding with every mater-
87
INSTRUCTIONS TO REPRESENTATIVES, ETC.
ial, the ingenuity and dexterity of whose people are exceeded by none, the practice of exporting unwrought materials and importing manufactures should be general for we esteem it impolitic and uncommercial to export the former, till wrought to perfection, or to import the latter, especially when wrought from materials of our own produce, the encouragement and institution of which we think belongs to the government, as it is beyond the abilities of individuals ; and to this end we most earnestly recommend it to you to exert your whole influence.
The agriculture of this country is very imperfect and is an object wor- thy the dignity and attention of Government. It is the basis of manu- factures and both these are the pillars which only can support a flourish- ing commerce. "He that tilleth his land shall not want; the king him- self is served of the field."
We think we perceive evils of very great magnitude arising from the limited power of congress, we wish therefore an unreasonable Jealousy of the power of a body whose very existance with all its modes is change- able at the will of the states may not prevent the delegation of power, adequate to the establishment of general commercial regulations without which they cannot be beneficial, and that they may have as ample power for the discharge of obligations as for contracting them.
It is not an affected reluctance we feel at calling your attention to the particular interests of this town. We feel a peculiar embarassment in pleading a cause where interest may be suspected of having a prevalent influence that nothing can remove but the fullest conviction of a real grievance. In the late valuation we esteem ourselves rated much too high. We do not wish to conceal or extenuate anything, and if in this determination we are unfortunate we are extremely unhappy, for we can- not deviate from it. You will not fail to call attention to the honorable house to the terms of the memorial on the subject presented by the honor- able members of the town to which we cannot refrain from adding that if we are a respectable commercial Town yet we are very far from being the greatest in extent or property; many of our inhabitants were employed in the business of ship building by the languishing or rather expiring of which they are left destitute, or to seek new employ. The prompt atten- tion of this town to the public interest engaged them in some expensive works for the defence of this harbour as well as their neighbours, which the honorable general court, on the report of their respectable committee, approved as a measure prudent and necessary for the public safety. The charges remain unsatisfied. We will not reiterate but refer you to the petition on that subject, the prayer of which we humbly think is equally founded on precedent and justice. We charge you to regard the consti- tution and laws of this commonwealth with a religious solemnity and care- fulness. Your constituents esteem them invaluable possessions and look to you for their preservation and protection.I
1 Newburyport Town Records, vol. I., pp. 467-471.
88
HISTORY OF NEWBURYPORT
Societies were organized in Newburyport, Boston and else- where to check the importation of foreign mechandise and encourage the manufacture of cotton and woolen goods. Young men drank American porter and beer and wore American broadcloth. Young women, dressed in homespun calico, exhibited their skill at the spinning-wheel.
The Essex Journal and New Hampshire Packet, a news- paper published in Newburyport, Wednesday, April 11, 1787, gives the following account of a social gathering at the resi- dence of Rev. John Murray, pastor of the First Presbyterian church.
Early on Wednesday last a number of ladies belonging to the Presby- terian society assembled at the parsonage house with their spinning wheels and other utensils of industry, designing to improve them there for the day to the benefit of their minister's family in the labors of cotton and linen manufacture.
The labors of the day were concluded about five o'clock when the fair laborers presented Mrs. Murray with cotton and linen yarn of the best quality amounting to 236 skeins. An example worthy of being copied by all who love their ministers in this hard and difficult day, and by all who wish the revival of industry and manufactures, without which all our talk about liberty is vox et preterea nihil.
Before the company separated refreshments were served and Rev. John Murray delivered a discourse from Exodus, ch. XXXV, v. 25. " And all the women that were wise hearted did spin with their hands."
SHAYS REBELLION.
In December, 1786, Governor Bowdoin ordered several reg- iments of cavalry and infantry to assemble under the command of General Lincoln, at Worcester, to attack and disperse an armed force of twelve hundred men, headed by Daniel Shays, that had burned and destroyed much valuable property near that town and subsequently attempted to capture the federal arsenal at Springfield. A company of infantry, under the command of Capt. Ezra Lunt, was raised and equipped in Newburyport for service in this expedition.
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SHAYS REBELLION
I very well remember, says a contemporary and relative [Henry Lunt of Boston], seeing this company paraded, the day they took up their march, being at the head of Church lane [Market street] and directly opposite to Bishop Bass's church. Captain Lunt, just before marching, made a very suitable and soldier-like address to his officers and men, on this novel and unexpected service ; enforcing in set terms the necessity of military discipline and due obedience to those who were in lawful au- thority over them. The whole company responded to the address in loud and cheerful huzzas. The word " Forward-March " was given, but before they had reached a great distance they got the news that the rebels had dispersed, much to the satisfaction of all, for a campaign in a civil war was not fully liked.‘
The statement that the rebels had dispersed soon after the company commanded by Captain Lunt had left Newburyport is evidently erroneous. Daniel Shays and one hundred and fifty of his men were taken prisoners at Petersham, Sunday morning, February 4, 1787, but some of his followers continued to plunder and annoy the inhabitants of Berkshire county for several months after that date.
Captain Lunt had command of two companies in the cam- paign against the insurgents. The names of the officers and men who served in the first company, from January eighth to February 23, 1787, and in the second company, from Febru- ary twenty-third to July 2, 1787, are as follows :-
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