The Olden Time Series: Vol. 2: The Days of the Spinning-Wheel in New England | Page 6

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