It seems to have been the fashion in "old times" with people who had articles stolen from them to advertise in the papers, requesting the thief or thieves to make rest.i.tution. Probably this was the surest method of recovery, in the absence of the detective system. Joseph Tyler in the "Boston Gazette," Nov. 21, 1761, is inclined to be sarcastic, and Samuel Brazer, of Worcester, in 1802, is witty, but modest. As to stealing psalm-books, no one would dream of doing such a thing in these days. Our modern thieves are not interested in devotional books; they prefer "yellow-covered literature."

Joseph Tyler _desires the Person that borrowed his Surtout to return it, if it is not worn out_. 1767.

Taken out of the Pew, No. 59, in the Rev'd Mr. Barnard, senior's Meeting-House, about a Month since, a PSALM-BOOK. The Person is desired to return it, otherwise may depend upon being exposed.

_Ess.e.x Gazette_, Sept. 28, 1773.

_A MODEST REQUEST!_

THE two obliging _Ladies_, who on the night of Monday, the 29th ultimo, between six and seven o'clock in the evening, took from the Store of the Subscriber (_not by mistake_) FIVE BARCELONA HANDKERCHIEFS, are desired to return them immediately, _with satisfactory remuneration_, or the next notice they receive will come "_GREETING_."

SAMUEL BRAZER.

_Worcester_, December 8, 1802.

THE person who took six pair of SHOES, one day last week, under a false name, from a shop in Ess.e.x Street, would do well, if they wish to avoid difficulties, to return them immediately.

Salem, July 22.

_Salem Gazette_, 1800.

_The Person who yesterday, at dusk, took a piece of black_ VELVET _from the shop board of the Subscribers, is well known.

He has now an opportunity of returning it, and if not immediately done, shall suffer the penalty of the Law._

J. & I. NEWHALL.

Salem, Nov. 5, 1805.

Pictures like the following could be seen in the "Ess.e.x Gazette" in 1771 (May 14).

[Ill.u.s.tration]

Ran away from the Subscriber, on the 4th of May, a Negro Man named _Cato_, of a middling Stature, has lost the Sight of his left Eye, had on a kersey Jacket and leather Breeches. Whoever shall take up said Negro, and bring him to his Master in Salem, shall have Two Dollars Reward, and all Charges paid, by

_William Hunt._

Vessels were accommodated at "Rotting Row," in Salem, in 1812, and we presume there is room for some now.

SEVERAL BIRTHS for VESSELS are vacant at Rotting Row, the tides are favorable and the Dockage so extremely low, good and safe, as to make it an object for any one to haul his vessel there to winter. Salem, Nov. 20.

It used to be common in the early part of this century to see such goods as "Mamoodies," "Chittabully Baftas," etc., advertised in the Salem and Boston papers.

JOHN STONE,

_Has for sale,_ _Front street,_ ONE bale MUGGA MAMOODIES; 1 do. MADRAS PAT HANDKERCHIEFS; 1 do. ALEABAD MOWSANNAS; 1 do. do. MAMODIES; 1 do. CHITTABULLY BAFTAS; 1 do. JOLLOPOUR SANNAS; 1 do. BANDANNAS;

Imported in the ship Union, Capt. Osgood, from Calcutta, and of the first chop. _Sept. 24, 1811._

In another advertis.e.m.e.nt we notice "Guzzenahs, Allebad Emerty, Taundah Kha.s.sah, Mahge Gunge." These are all India cottons.

It seems strange to us now, when we see so many boot-blacks everywhere, to learn that in 1815 the "craft" advertised in the papers, as did "wood-sawyers," too, about the same time. As coal had not then been introduced into Salem, everybody burned wood, so that wood-sawing was an occupation of considerable importance. During the war of 1813 wood became rather scarce, and some people used dried turf, or peat, as it was called, for fuel.

Boots and Shoes Cleaned.

YORK MORRIS respectfully informs the Gentlemen of Salem, that he has taken the Shop one door west of the Sun Tavern, where he will be happy to clean their Boots and Shoes in the best manner, and at the shortest notice.----He will keep constantly for sale _LIQUID BLACKING_ of a very superior quality, in jugs and bottles. Also, a Composition, with which he cleans _Ladies'_ Walking Shoes. April 18.

This York Morris was father of the Boston colored lawyer, Robert Morris.

_Boots and Shoes Cleaned._

THOMAS JONES respectfully informs the Gentlemen of Salem, that he has taken the Shop (recently occupied by York Morris) two doors west of the Sun Tavern, where he will be happy to clean their BOOTS and SHOES in the best manner, and at the shortest notice.

Salem, June 13.

Wood-Sawing.

THE Subscriber, being under the interdict of a Non-Intercourse law, his horses and waggons hauled into dry dock, will no longer carry freight between Salem and Boston; but, "abandoning the ocean altogether," he respectfully offers his services to his federal friends, with his saw and wooden horse, and shall be obliged to them to call upon him when they have any wood to cut. Orders will be received at his dwelling, near the Court-house.

JOHN L. MATTHEWS.

--> Wanted to hire--two smart men. June 11 [1811].

Specific for a "religious hydrophobia" in 1819.

_Cochranism Delineated,_