Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Library Research Report Series - 0192
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Library
Williamsburg, Virginia
1990
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Williamsburg, Virginia
August, 1988
Introduction | 1 |
Williamsburg Milliners | 15 |
Alice Ives, Milliner | 18 |
Glossary | 25 |
Sarah Packe Green, Merchant | 28 |
Advertisement | 37 |
Glossary | 38 |
Frances Webb, Milliner | 39 |
Ads | 44 |
Glossary | 48 |
Catherine Rathell, Milliner | 50 |
Ads | 65 |
Glossary | 91 |
Jane Hunter Charlton | |
Margaret Hunter, Milliners | 95 |
Ads | 115 |
Glossary | 91 |
Joanna MacKenzie, Milliner | 144 |
Sarah Garland Pitt, Merchant | |
with hired milliner | 147 |
Ads | 155 |
Glossary | 171 |
Mary Dickinson, Milliner and Mantua Maker | |
Ads | 181 |
Glossary | 194 |
Margaret Brodie, Mantua Maker | 196 |
Ad | 200 |
Glossary | 202 |
Mary Davenport, Merchant | 204 |
Ad | 207 |
Glossary | 208 |
Ann Neil, Merchant and Teacher | 210 |
Ads | 213 |
Glossary | 216 |
Elizabeth Carlos, Merchant and Dressmaker | 218 |
Lucy Harrison Randolph Necks, Milliner | 220 |
Ad | 228 |
Glossary | 229 |
Bibliography | 230 |
Page | |
Frontispiece | |
A Milliner's Shop (Diderot's Encyclopedia) | |
Mob Cap Making | 3 |
A Morning Ramble or The Milliners Shop | 5 |
Milliner (Book of Trades) | 8 |
Milliner (Galerie des Modes) | 10 |
A Man Millener | 12 |
Trade Card - Martha Wheatland | 14 |
The Unwelcome Customer (Shop) | 17 |
Linen-Draper's Shop | 19 |
Buttons | 21 |
Kerchief (The Martineau de Fleuriau Family) | 24 |
Shift, Stays and Petticoat | 27 |
Watches | 31 |
Black Hood (The Duchess of Nemours) | 36 |
Fan and Fan-Making (Diderot) | 41 |
Hoops and Stays (Bouffantes) | 49 |
The Toilette | 54 |
Shoes | 58 |
Trying on Shoes | 60 |
Tippet (The Young Debutant - Ladies Magazine) | 64 |
Collar and Knots (Mme. de Pompadour) | 66 |
Walking Sticks (Count Geich) | 69 |
Stomacher | 71 |
Gold bands, buttons, and loops (Illustration from Pamela) | 74 |
Therese (Galerie des Modes) | 80 |
Etuis | 83 |
Childbed Basket (Four Times of the Day: Night) | 90 |
Bodice (Jumps) | 94 |
Caps | 97 |
The Rival Milliners | 99 |
The Haberdasher | 102 |
Ribbon Merchant's Shop | 105 |
Margaret Hunter Shop | 110 |
Calash and Hats | 116 |
Cloaks | 121 |
Brooches | 126 |
Childbed Linens (Gerard Anne Edwards in His Cradle) | 131 |
Brooches (Sprigs) | 135 |
Waistcoat and Waistcoat Pattern | 137 |
Pudding Caps (Le Benedicite) | 143 |
A Millener's Shop | 146 |
Dressmaker and Apprentice | 149 |
Bracelet, Brooch and Necklace | 154 |
Umbrella (The Park) | 157 |
Mob Cap (Mrs. Williams-Hope) | 162 |
Earrings and Rings | 168 |
Saque (Gown) | 173 |
Mantua (Gown) | 175 |
The Haberdasher's Shop | 178 |
Cockades and Buckles | 180 |
Pearls, Ribbons and Feathers in Coiffure (Marie Antoinette) | 184 |
Aigrette and Brooches | 186 |
Turban and Muff (Gallery of Fashion) | 189 |
Jacob's Ladder (Trim on Gown - Galerie des Modes) | 192 |
Gown with Stomacher, Petticoat and Ruffles | 195 |
Brunswick Gown (Lady Mary Fox) | 197 |
Jesuit Gown (The English Ladies Pocket Book) | 199 |
Sultana Robes (Marquise de Saint-Maur) | 201 |
Robe de Cour (Marie Antoinette) | 203 |
The Ribbon Vendor | 206 |
Trade Card - Mary & Ann Hogarth | 209 |
Necklace and Earrings | 212 |
Lady's Riding Hat (Countess Sophia Maria de Voss) | 214 |
Aprons | 217 |
Trade Card - Sibbella Lloyd, Martha Williams & Elizabeth Storey | 219 |
The Charming Millener of _____ Street | 221 |
Bedgown (Girl Plucking a Turkey) | 227 |
A millinery shop was a place where one could not only see the latest fashions and purchase the finest materials and accessories, but it was also a place where one could meet friends and learn the latest gossip.
The eighteenth century was considered the most elegant period of all time, and many women would rather be "dead than unfashionable". Elegant and fashionable clothing was extremely important to "ladies of quality".
The entire education of girls was geared to render them as beautiful and accomplished as possible so that they could attract a suitable husband. Cooking, sewing, spinning, reading, writing, and arithmetic were combined with music, dancing and the social graces. Needlework skills were displayed through samplers, which were proudly displayed.
Women were expected to marry well, whether they were in love or not. Since job opportunities were almost non-existent and divorce was extremely rare, it was very important to make the right choice. A woman not only had to marry a man who would treat her good, but one who could support her and would take care of her money, as well. While married women did own shops, technically, unless there was a pre-marital agreement, her husband could squander everything she had and she had no legal recourse.
2Wealth was displayed by means of rich clothing, as well as by fine houses, furniture and carriages. It was important that everyone knew your position in society so they would treat you accordingly.
Fortunately, in this period, there were few major changes in styles before the 1770's, and then it was almost impossible for even the most dedicated to keep up with them.
Fashions in the first part of the century were fairly plain for the most part, and the main changes were in the styles of hoops and trimmings. It was simple enough to change the pleats in the skirts and the hemlines to go with the newer hoop styles, and to put new trimmings on a gown. It was also possible to have a gown dyed in a newer, more popular color. After making a new cap, shortening the apron, and changing the shape and trim of the hat, they were ready for a new season of routs, balls, visiting, etc.
A clever lady could turn a small wardrobe into a varied one by the judicious use of aprons, kerchiefs, caps and petticoats. Larger caps would be worn for "undress" and small caps or other decorations for "dress". Embroidered stomachers and petticoats were used for special occasions, and hoops added. Aprons could be discarded or exchanged for a lace or embroidered apron. Kerchiefs also gave variety.
With proper care, a good straw hat would last for 30 years, and could be re-shaped and re-trimmed many times. It could also be covered with silk and turned into a dress hat.
34
Many ladies saved money by making their own everyday gowns and having their best gowns made by dressmakers, sometimes called mantua-makers. They also did the embroidery work for their own clothing and that of their families. It gave them satisfying employment and enabled them to display their needlework talents to the world at the same time. Even Queen Charlotte and her daughters did fine needle-work, and were proud of it. It was quite common for women to take their fine sewing with them when they went visiting. The ladies could sew while someone read a novel to them or they could just sew and gossip. Fine needle-cases, pincushions and workbaskets were happily displayed.
Since sewing was an important part of every girl's education, millinery and dressmaking were natural choices for women who were forced to earn their own living. Sometimes little girls were apprenticed, but an older girl or a woman with a good education could be a milliner or dressmaker with little or no apprenticeship. She needed to be able to read, write and "cypher" in order to order goods and keep accounts, as well as to have good sewing skills and a talent for design.
Rose Bertin, a famous French milliner, apprenticed herself at the age of 16 after her father died, leaving the family destitute. Lucy Randolph Necks of London (formerly from Virginia) opened a shop after the death of her husband. Catherine Rathell came to Virginia from London to open a millinery shop because of "misfortunes", presumably the death of her husband.
5 6It is estimated that it took £100 to open a millinery shop, so unless a woman had money to start with, or someone willing to loan it to her, she needed to start out as an apprentice or a journeywoman or as a dressmaker. A dressmaker could go to ladies' houses to sew and have all of her living expenses paid while she worked.
A millinery shop could vary from the front room of a lady's house where she did some sewing and had a few goods for sale, to a large elegant establishment of two or more floors with many articles for sale, and a number of needleworkers. Rose Bertin of Paris employed as many as thirty-six seamstresses at one time. She provided the elite with gowns and head-dresses, as well as with hats and cloaks.
Definitions of the word "milliner" and of a milliner's work also varied. Samuel Johnson described milliner as:
"(I believe from Milaner, an inhabitant of Milan, as a Lombard is a banker) One who sells ribbands and dresses for women."1
Milan was the fashion center in the middle ages, and although the fashion center had shifted to Paris by the eighteenth century, importers of fashionable goods and fashion designers were still known as milliners.
Another contemporary definition of milliner is:
"A person who trades principally in women's toys, and gloves, ribbands, head clothes, &c. "27
"The Milliner is concerned in making and providing the Ladies with Linen of all sorts, fit for Wearing Apparel, from the Holland Smock to the Tippet and Commode…The Milliner furnishes them with Holland, Cambrick, Lawn, and Lace of all sorts, and makes these Materials into Smocks, Aprons, Tippits (sic), Handkerchiefs, Neckaties, Ruffles, Mobs, Caps, Dressed-Heads, with as many Etceteras as would reach from Charing-Cross to the Royal Exchange.
They make up Cloaks, Manteels, Mantelets, Cheens and Capucheens, of Silk, Velvet, plain or brocaded, and trim them with Silver and Gold Lace, or Black Lace: They make up and sell Hats, Hoods, and Caps of all Sorts and Materials; they find them in Gloves, Muffs, and Ribbons; they sell quilted Petticoats, and Hoops of all Sizes, &c. and lastly, some of them deal in Habits for Riding, and Dresses for the Masquerade; In a word, they furnish every thing to the Ladies, that can contribute to set off their Beauty, increase their Vanity, or render them ridiculous.
The Milliner must be a neat Needle-Woman in all its Branches, and a perfect Connoisieur in Dress and Fashion: She imports new Whims from Paris every Post, and puts the Ladies heads in as many in one Month as there are different Appearances of the Moon in that Space. The most noted of them keep an Agent at Paris, who have nothing else to do but to watch the Motions of the Fashions, and procure Intelligence of their Changes, which she signifies to her Principals, with as much Zeal and Secresy as an Ambassador or Plenip would the important Discovery of some political Intrigue."1
Speaking of the styles of 1782-83 in France, Louis-Sebastien Mercier said:
"Only the hands of the marchande de modes can give such variety to gauze, lawn and ribbon…Colbert said that fashion was to France what the mines of Peru were to Spain. The imagination of the marchandes de modes who invent new models is inexhaustible; a special journal gives details of all the many designs which differ, not only for Court, town, and country, but also for the salon, the boudoir, and the chaises longues. The marchandes de modes are artists who are as much superior to bonnet-makers as Voltaire is to Maisonneuve. The seampstresses who cut and sew the dresses and the tailors who make the stays and corsets are the masons of the edifice and the marchand de modes who creates the accessories that give the final graceful touches, is the architect and decorator. "28
9
Wealthy ladies could send word to the milliner that they wanted to see certain articles; and the milliner would take an assortment to the lady's home.
Colonel Goldsworthy was supposed to have his sister take some goods to Queen Charlotte to exam:
"Then he told us his great distress on account of a commission he had received to order some millinery goods to be sent by his sister from town — 'So I knew I could not remember one word about it, — garlands, and gauzes, and ribbons, — so I writ to my sister, and just said, "Pray, sister, please to send down a whole milliner's shop, and the milliners with it, for directions, because the Queen wants something." And so she did it, and tonight the Queen told me the things came quite right.'" 1
It was also interesting to go to the shop and examine the merchandise and see the work going on, as well as the latest fashions.
In 1781 Marie Antoinette's sister-in-law, the Grand-Duchess of Russia, ordered several gowns for parties being given in her honor. The Baroness Oberkirch was commissioned to superintend the making of these gowns. She wrote in her diary:
"According to the orders of the Grand-Duchess, I called on Mlle. Rose Bertin, the Queen's celebrated dressmaker, to inquire if her dresses were ready. The whole establishment was at work upon them; damask, dauphines, figured satins, brocades, and lace, were scattered in every direction. The Court ladies came to inspect them out of curiousity, but it was forbidden to imitate any of the models until they had been worn by the Princess."210
11
When women traveled they delighted in seeing the latest fashions in the large city shops. An English young lady taking the "Grand Tour" enjoyed her Visit to Paris in 1764:
"Madame de Brinoy escorted me in her coach to the Rue St. Honore to see the Marvellous Temple of Fashion there. This street is the home of the Marchand des Modes, and we occupied ourselves for near an hour admiring the little Dolls and mannequins decked out in the newest Modes. These are sent all over the World, even to Constantinople and other Barbaric spots."1
Fanny Burney was impressed with the London shops for a different reason:
"At the milliners, the ladies we met were so much dressed, that I should rather have imagined they were making visits than purchases. But what diverted (me) was, that we were more frequently served by men than by women; and such men! so finical, so affected! they seemed to understand every part of a woman's dress better than we ourselves; and they recommended caps and ribbands with an air of so much importance, that I wished to ask them how long they had left off wearing them!
The dispatch with which they work in these great shops is amazing, for they have promised me a compleat suit of linen against the evening."2
Milliners' trade signs reflected the diversity of their wares. Some of the signs used were: Feathers, Fan, Looking Glass, Hood and Scarf, Plume of the Black Prince, Dolphin and Comb, Child's Coat and Rose, and Spectacles, Scissors and Comb.
1213
Other signs used by milliners were the Acorn, Fleur de Lys, Hen and Chickens, Lamb, Seven Stars, Marigold, Sunflower, Goat and Tree, Unicorn, and Royal Widow.
Although the artichoke had no connection with the millinery trade it was also used, possibly because of its novelty.
"' Susannah Fordham, att the Hartichoake, in ye Royal Exchange, all sorts of fine poynts, laces, and linnens, and all sorts of gloves and ribbons, and all other sorts of millenary wares.'
'Lewis Harrindine of St. Clements (about 1666) was both Milliner and Laceman and he traded at the Artichoke.'"1
Martha Wheatland's trade card read:
"Martha Wheatland and Sister MILLENERS & HABERDASHERS At Queen Charlott's Head Near Wood Street, Cheapside LONDON Sell all Sorts of Haberdashery & Fancy Millenery Goods at the Lowest Price.14
NB. Great Variety of Italian Flowers and Egrets, With Necklaces and Ear-rings in the most Elegant Taste."2
Merchants in Williamsburg sold millinery goods and the milliners in turn sold materials, sewing notions, jewelry, accessories, stationery and blank books, false curls, patent medicines, and small household goods, so at times it is very difficult to distinguish between a millinery shop and a general store.
Some women who had shops were strictly merchants. Others were trained to make hats, cloaks and aprons, and to mount fans. One woman merchant, Anne Neill, was also a teacher of needlework and guitar, and made dentifrice. Some made dresses.
Most of the Williamsburg milliners came here from London. There was so much competition in London that it was easier to make a good living here. The women who came here had strong family ties and went back to England frequently to visit friends and buy new merchandise.
Ordering goods by mail was often very disappointing and frustrating. Catherine Rathell wrote many times about goods that weren't what she ordered, were too expensive, or just didn't come in on time. At one time she was out of shoes for several months. After a trip to England, she triumphantly advertised goods that were "chosen by herself".
While we don't know of any men milliners in Virginia, Edward Charlton helped his wife Jane with the merchandising and bookkeeping parts of the business, and when Frances Webb "removed to the country", her husband, John Pearson Webb, continued to run the merchandising end of the business and sent the fan-making and sewing orders to his wife.
16In 1774 the Association adopted an extreme policy for non-importation of British goods, threatening to publicly brand merchants who violated the agreement as "inimical to America." As a consequence, Margaret Hunter, Jane Charlton and Catherine Rathell had their last advertisements of newly imported goods in the fall of that year. Jane described her goods as, "Just imported, in the last ships from London…"1
In the spring of 1775, Catherine had a long list of goods to dispose of, so we assume they were left over from the year before, because she always kept a large supply on hand. At that time, she also announced her intention of going to England "till Liberty of Importation is allowed,"2 A mantua maker who worked out of her shop, Margaret Brodie, was left with the task of selling the rest of Catherine's goods and fixtures, after which she herself planned to go to Great Britain.
Edward and Jane Charlton tried to sell their house and furniture because they planned to go to England, but the house didn't sell. Margaret Hunter also announced her intentions to go to England, but didn't try to sell her house. In 1780, she had one more ad. It isn't known if she had goods left over from 1775 or if she bought some goods while in England.
17We have no knowledge of Mrs. Ives, other than her will and an inventory full of millinery goods. Mrs. Ives ordered all of her estate in Virginia and that of her daughter, Elizabeth, lately deceased, to be sold to pay their debts. Anything left was to go to her son, William Ives of Oxford, England. William was instructed to pay his sister, "Needham of Plymouth in South Brittian" £40 out of her estate.
Mrs. Ives inventory was appraised in Williamsburg by John Blair, Benjamin Weldon and Michael Archer on March 15 , 1722 . It included, besides furniture and household articles:
8 pieces of stript stuff (193 yards) @ 14d |
4 pieces of camlet (47¼ yards) -18 yds. @ 3/6, 4 @ 2/ 16 @ 2/9 and 9 yds. @ 2/6 |
1 piece of Scarlet camlet (4 yds.) @ 4/6 |
2 pieces of Norridge Crape (62 ¾ yds.) - 37 yds. @ 13 d and 25 3/4 yds. finer @ 16 d |
1 piece (11 yards) black Shalloone @ 20d |
2 pieces Duroy (25½ yds.) -20 yds @ 2ld and 5½ yds @ 20d |
2 pieces (20¼ yds) Silk Druggtt @ 3/ |
1 piece (28 yds) cherry colour and white drugget @ 3/6 |
4 pieces (76 yds ) Sattin @ 2/6 (28 yds. stript, 18½ yds. white, and 22 yds. black and white, and 7½ yds. green stript) |
3 pieces (17¼ yds.) Sattin @ 3/ (5 ¾ yds. "blew & wte", 6 yards black and white, 5½ yds. cherry and white |
1 piece (4 yds.) 3/8 broad sattin and 3/4 stript sattin @ 3/4 |
20 |
2 pieces (29 ¾ yds.) "manta" (mantua) silk @ 3/6 (23½ yds. yellow, 6¼ yds. "sky coloured" |
1 piece (10 ¾ yds.) manta silk at 3/ (yellow stript) |
3 pieces (47 ¾ yds.) persian @ 2/(29 ¾ yds. purple, 15 yds. black, 3 yds. 5/8 green) |
1 piece (5 yards) white Sarsenet @ 2/6 |
5 pieces (41 yds.) Lutestring @ 4/ (26 yds. ¾ stript, 15 yds. black |
1 piece (11 yds.) Allamode @ 2/4 |
1 piece (4½ yds.) fine Cambrick @ 4/ |
15 pairs Women's fine Silk Hose (@ 10/, 8/ and 7/) |
2 pairs Women's Slippers @ 4/6 |
1 "Work't Wastcoat & 1 Do. Cap" - £ 10.0 |
2 Stomachers @ 4/ |
10 pairs of Silver & gold Lace for shoes -15/ |
82 Silk Laces @ 9d |
3 Hanks of Silk @ 9d |
2 Remnants of Galloone - 3/6 |
1 piece of tape - 1/2 |
4½ oz. of coloured thread - 1/ |
8 pieces of bobban @ 6d |
55 ounces of Nun's thread (prices at 12d 15d 18d & 20d pr. oz. and 10/ per lb .) |
2 oz. ¼ flourishing thread @ 3/ |
10 Womens brass thimbles - 10d |
2 Womans fanns -£1.0.0 |
2 pr. Women Cloggs @ 4/ |
1 pr. mans shooes - 8/ |
22 |
1 Woms. Quilted Coat - 2/6 |
1 Girls Ditto (torn) |
Mans Coat (torn) |
1 mans Coat & Britches - £4. 0.0 |
1 Lead Scarf wth. Yellow falls - £3 .0.0 |
3 doz. horn button moulds - 1/ |
12 lb. Whale bone - 12/ |
22½ gross thread buttons @ 2/6 P Gr |
5 gross Coat buttons @ 5/6 |
4 gross 11 doz: brest 2/6 |
18 Oz: twist - 9d |
¼ lb. of Glue - 2d |
2 pr. money Scales & Weights - 12/ |
1 pr. Glove Sticks - 1/3 |
9 Lace patterns -1/6 |
5 Sutes Night Cloaths - £1 .5.0 |
3 Muslin hoods 1 old Silk Do. - 7/6 |
3 Muslin Hankercheifs & 7 Silk Do - 12/ |
4 Muslin Aprons - 17/ |
2 linnen Ditto - 6d |
4 pr. Ruffles - 4/ |
2 lace muffs - 2/ |
3 plain Do. & 5 Night Caps - 5/ |
7 Shifts - £1. l5 .0 |
23 |
3 pr. Mittens - 1 pr. thread, 2 pr. Wash leather - 6d |
3 pr. Kid Gloves - 2/6 |
2 old fans - 6d |
2 pr. Holland Sleeves wth. Ruffles - 1/ |
3 Quilted Scull Caps 9 half Caps - 2/ |
3 Wastcoats 1 Stomacher - 2/6 |
2 pr. Shooes 1 pr. Cloggs - 3/ |
1 Gown & petty Coat Ash Colour - £3 .0.0 |
1 Crape Gown & black petticoat - £1 .15.0 |
1 Stripe Sattin gown & black petticoat - £2 .0.0 |
1 Sik Gown - 15/ |
1 Stripe Camlet gown - 7/6 |
2 Quilted Coats - 7/6 |
1 red Stuff petticoat - 7/6 |
1 knit petticoat - 6d |
2 pr. Stays - 2/6 |
1 pr. Worsted & 3 pr. old hose - 3/ |
2 black Silk hoods - 12/6 |
1 furbelow Scarf old - 15/ |
2 Short Silk Aprons - 5/ |
1 Womans hatt - 2/6 |
1 Scarlet Cloak & Velvet hood - £2.0.0 |
1 Camlet Cloak & hood - £1 . 0. 0 |
Total Estate £153.14.11½ |
21
24
Sarah Packe (later Green) has often been listed as a milliner, but there is no indication that she was a trained milliner, only that she was a merchant who sold some millinery goods.
Her only advertisement was on March 1, 1738 -
"Bombazeens, crapes, and other Sorts of Mourning, for Ladies; also Hatband, and Gloves, for Gentlemen:
Sold by Sarah Packe,
in Williamsburg."1
The same Virginia Gazette gave a description of the illness and death of Queen Caroline, wife of King George II, of England. Mourning apparel was described as:
29"The Ladies full Dress; Black Bombazeen, broad hemm'd Cambrick Linen, Crape Hoods, Shammy Shoes and Gloves, and Crape Fans.
Their Undress; Dark Norwich Crape, and glaz'd Gloves.
The Gentlemen to wear Black Cloth, without Buttons on the Sleeves or Pockets, Cambrick Cravats, and Weepers, broad hemm'd, Shammy Shoes and Gloves, Crape Hatbands, Black Swords, Buckles and Buttons.
The Coaches and Chairs are likewise to be cover'd with Black Cloth. The Servants will be distinguised by wearing Shoulder-Knots of Black Silk Ribbon, and colour'd Ribbon, the same with that of Livery given them when out of Mourning.
The Mourning does not commence 'til Sunday the 4th of December; Servants and Coaches a Fortnight after.
The Deep Mourning is to be for Six Months; and Second Mourning for the same.
A great Number of Mourning Rings are order'd to be made against the Funeral."
Sarah Packe's accounts ran from 1731 to 1752. Some of her customers were: Matthew Walker, Daniel Macintosh, Matthew Peirce, Captain William Rogers, Agnes Hilliard, John Crawley, Mark Cosby and William Keith.
The following is a record of William Keith's account with her, presented to his estate after his death. Mr. Keith was a Williamsburg staymaker and tailor.
30
"Dr. The Estate of William Keith deceased in Account with Sarah Packe 1737 To Ballance due on Settlement £ ..3..0 November 22. To 1 pair Girls Shoes ..3..6 1738 May 13 To 1 lb Bohea Tea ..9..0 June 12 To 1 lb.. Ditto ..9..0 To your Assumption to pay for Dinner 1..4..0-1½ 1739 Decembr. 25. To 1 pair Shoes ..5..6 To your Assumption for John Cornelius .14..7½ 1740 April - 10. To your Assumption for George 1..4..10 July - 7. To ½ dozn. Milk Pans ..4..0 1742 April - 15. To 1 pair Stockings 8/ 1 Handkerchief 3/4 1 Do. 2/10 .14..2 May - 16. To 1 Wommans Hatt 18/ Hatband & Ribbon 4/6 1..2..6 Do. 26. To 1 lb brown Thread p. your Note ..3..4 July - 12. To 1 Box Candles 53 lb. Nett @ 7½ 1.13..1½ July 13. To 1 Gallon Rumm ..4..6 £8.14..1½
p Contra By 1 pair Stays £2..0..0 1741 1 pair Do. for my Daughter 2..0..0 1743 By 1 pair Childs Do. for Mrs Smith ..6..0 £5..8..0 Ballance Due 3..6..1½ £8.14..1½ Errors Excepted
1
P Sarah Packe.
1746 April 16th Sworn to by Mrs. Sarah Packe before me
Wm Parks."
Sarah was married to a Williamsburg watchmaker, Richard Packe, brother of Captain Graves Packe. They had at least three children. One daughter, Bettey Jacquelin, died in 1729.1
Richard Packe, Sarah's husband, died in 1730 or 1731, and her daughter, Mary, was apprenticed to a mantuamaker by the York County Court on May 17, 1731:
"It is the opinion of the Court that the Churchwardens of Bruton Parish bind Mary Packe daughter of Richard Packe dec to Joseph Davenport & Margaret his wife for the term of four years and that they be obliged to teach her the business of manteaumaking and provide her with necessaries and Cloaths to the value of three pounds a year."2
In 1741 Sarah purchased stays for a daughter from William Keith. It isn't known if they were for Mary or not, but since the Davenports were supposed to buy clothes for Mary, it is possible that Sarah had another daughter. Sarah was also closely related to Sarah Green Pitt, but it isn't known whether Sarah Pitt was Sarah's daughter or niece.
Sarah Packe's son, Graves Packe, godson of Captain Graves Packe, drowned in 1745.
"On Wednesday the 27th of March, towards the Evening, a small Schooner, belonging to Capt. Perrin, which sail'd out of York River that Morning, bound up the Bay, was unfortunately lost by a violent Gust of Wind, which sunk the Vessel, near Fleet's Bay, a little above the Mouth of Rappahannock; and all the Persons in her were drown'd. There were Two Passengers in her, viz. Mr. George Sibbald, and Mr. Graves Packe, Son of Mrs. Sarah Packe, of Williamsburg, a very hopeful Youth, of about 18 Years of Age. And as none of the Bodies are yet found, the Friends of the above mention'd unfortunate Persons request the Favour of all good Christians who may happen to find, or hear of their Bodies being cast ashore and found, that they may order them a decent Burial; and what Effects they have about them secur'd, and Notice given to the Printer of this Paper: And whatever Charge or Trouble they may be at, shall be by him thankfully paid. Mr. 3132 Sibbald was a middle-siz'd Man, aged about 50 Years; --- Mr. Packe was a thin, slender Youth; had on a Scarlet Great Coat, a new Green Cloth Wastecoat, with white Mettal Buttons, a new Pair of Leather Breeches, a new Pair of Boots; had a Silver Watch in his Pocket, the Maker's Name Bradford, of London, with a Silver Seal hanging to it; and a Mourning Ring on one of his Fingers. They Both had Money in their Pockets, and other Effects with them, of considerable Value." 1
Sarah Packe took in boarders. John Mercer, lawyer, notified his clients that he could be reached at Mrs. Packe's during the October Court in 1737 and again in 1738, and Edmund Pendleton, also a lawyer, advertised in 1747, at that location.2
For several years, Sarah was in a partnership with William Parks, owner of the Virginia Gazette. William Parks owned a book store, and Sarah Packe probably ran it.
A suit in York County Court between William Parks and Sarah Packe was dismissed on May 15, 1749, and in August the following agreement between them was signed:
"WHEREAS several dealings have subsisted for many Years between William Parks & Sarah Pack of Wmsburgh which have not been so exactly settled between them as they ought by reason of the great Variety of them therefore to prevent all Disputes that may happen after the Death of us the Subscribers or either of us, we do mutually agree as follows: That William Park's Estate shall pay to Sarah Pack or his Heirs or Executors in case he the said William dies before the said Sarah the Sum of five Hundred Pounds, that is to say One Hundred Pounds a year for five Years. And also that the said Sarah Pack in case of the Death of the said William shall have use & enjoy the Plantation of the said William near Williamsburgh called Thomas's Plantation for her natural Life and as long as She shall Live thereon together with the stock of cattle &c. thereon and three Negroes that use to work there Caesar excepted. In consideration whereof that the said Sarah Pack do fully release Discharge and acquit the said William Parks his Heirs Executors & Administrators from all Bargains Contracts Dues Debts and Demands whatsoever from & between them and shall also relinquish her Right & Title to any share of the Debts due on the store Book in Partnership 33 in Williamsburgh between them: Except such of the Debts now due in the said Book which the said Sarah is to have one half of and the said William the other half this to affect only the Store-Goods in Williamsburgh the goods that were sent from Williamsburgh, to my storehouse at Hanover Courthouse in the time of the small Pox in Williamsburgh are between us both and the said Sarah Pack is to receive one Half of the Debts for them & W Parks the other half, and W Parks is to pay one Half of the Debt due to Elizabeth Ballard, on Bond and Sarah Pack the other Half: This Agreement is made only in case of the Death of either Party that the Heirs, Executors or Administrators of both Parties may be concluded and determined thereby and that no vexations Troubles of Law's Suits may happen, after either of their Deaths, nevertheless, it is agreed, that if both the said Parties live & meet together again that unless both of them agree this shall continue and be binding to them and their Heirs Executors and Administrators that then it be void & have no Effect. IN WITNESS to this agreement we hereto mutually set our Hands and Seals this Nineteenth Day of August, 1749.
Wm Parks (L. S.)
(Recorded "At a Court for York County the 16th day of July 1750") "1
Sarah Packe (L.S.)
Sign'd Sealed acknowledged & Delivered
mutually each to the other in the
Presence of
Robert Stevenson
Jos Johnson
John Coulthard
An ad for the book store follows:
"JUST imported, and to be Sold by William Parks, in Williamsburg, a considerable Quantity and great Variety of Books, on Divinity, History, Physick, Philosophy, Mathematicks, School Books, in Latin and Greek, among which are some very neat Classkicks. A large Quantity of large Church and Family Bibles and Common Prayer Books, Sermons, Plays &c. too tedious to mention."2
William Parks died a few months after the agreement was signed. His estate paid Sarah Packe £100 on April 1, 1751, £100 in 1752, plus £118.11.3 "To a Judgment obtained by Sarah Packe". We assume the other three payments of £100 each were also made.3
Sarah filed several suits at court to collect accounts, and after her marriage to William Green, more troubles arose.
34On February 19, 1754, a few months before her marriage to William Green, Sarah Packe entered into an agreement with Dr. George Pitt, who was married to a close relative of Sarah's, probably either a daughter or niece. In this agreement, Sarah,
1sold to the Subscriber her Lot and Houses in Williamsburg, with all the Furniture therein, and also her Life in a Plantation, together with all the Stock on the Said Plantation; and seven Negroes, viz. Bridget, London, Lambeth, Robin, Sam, Sarah and Tom, and also all Debts of what Kind or Quality soever, that were then due to the said Sarah, all which, for the Consideration of Eleven Hundred Pounds current Money; for which sum, at the Request of the said Sarah, I gave a Bond, payable after her Death as to be directed by her Will, and to pay Fifty-Five Pounds per Annum Interest during her Life.
"Since Mr. Green's Marriage with the above Sarah Packe, I have demanded of him to carry this Agreement into Execution, (at the same Time tendering him one Year's Interest above) which he refused to do, and it having been hinted to me, That Mr. Green and Wife may sell every of the Premisses above-mentioned, and go for England."1
William Green did not intend to honor Sarah's agreement with George Pitt. He sold one piece of land in York County to Robert Drurey of Warwick,2 and placed an ad in the Virginia Gazette to the effect that any persons indebted to Sarah were to pay them to him and not to George Pitt.3
The Court evidently ruled in favor of George Pitt, because after Sarah's death in 1757, George Pitt advertised her house for sale; and in 1770, when George's stepson, John Packe Garland, died, he left money in his will to his mother, Sarah Pitt, and to two of his step-brothers. This money was described as "Money recovered of William Green in the General Court."4 35
"To Be SOLD at public Auction, before Mr. Wetherburn's Door, on Tuesday the 26th Instant,
An House and Lott, in the City of Williamsburg, very well situated, wherein Mr. Green, Merchant, now lives, late belonging to Mrs. Pack; with a Kitchen, Dairy, Outhouses and Garden; also a Store, with a Cellar, and several other very good Conveniences…
George Pitt."1
Sarah Green's inventory taken after her death didn't include any store goods, and there is no indication that she was in the merchandising business after her marriage to William Green.
Her belongings included some nice furniture and kitchen equipment, china, silver, linen and pictures. Her linens were listed as "old" and included "1 Silk Patch Work Quilt" worth 21/6.2 Her pictures included "12 Pictures of the Seasons" and two biblical pictures — "Solomon's Temple" and "Rachel & Leah." She also had a "Parcel of old Books."
Six slaves were listed, and they appear to be six of the seven slaves she had sold to George Pitt three years earlier.3
36
VIRGINIA GAZETTE
Hunter
March 1, 1738Bombazeens, Crapes, and other Sorts of Mourning, for Ladies; also Hatband, and Gloves, for Gentlemen:
Sold by Sarah Packe,
in Williamsburg.
Frances Webb was the first milliner in Williamsburg to advertise in the Virginia Gazette. Sarah Packe had one short ad for materials and accessories in 1738, but there is no indication that she was more than a merchant of millinery type goods.
Frances Webb didn't advertise anything except imported goods, either, until she "removed into the Country" — "The Subscriber having left off the Millinery Business."1 She also mounted fans, which was a craft often done by milliners.
Her first ad appeared in June, 1745:
"Just imported in the Ship Restoration, Capt. John Wilcox, from LONDON,2
A Quantity of Lace Cambricks, Holland Calicoes, Chintz's, printed Linnens, Kenting, Velvet Caps and Hoods, Women's Gloves, Silk Shoes, Glass Rings, and other Milinary Goods, which are to be sold by the Subscriber, at her House in Palace Street, Williamsburg: Also all Sorts of Roger's Earthen-Ware, as cheap as at York.
Frances Webb."
Her second ad appeared in March of the following year:
"Just Imported,40
A Choice Parcel of Lace, Cambricks, Ribbons, Gause Handkerchiefs, Velvet Hoods, lac'd and plain, Mantelets and Cloaks, Chintz, printed Linens, Calicoes, Silk Stockings, Fans and Fan-mounts, Children's quilted Caps, and other millinary Goods. Also, a curious Collection of Toys, and are to be Sold by the Subscriber, in Palace-Street, Williamsburg.
Frances Webb."3
A month later, she had received a new shipment of goods:
"Just imported in the Elizabeth, Capt. Coolidge, from London by the Subscriber in Williamsburg.
A Choice Collection of neat Gold Rings, set with various Stones, Snuff Boxes set with Lapis Lazuls, Onyx, Egyptian Pebble, and Philosopher Stones, neat Gold Seals plain and enamell'd, and set with Stones, Womens Shoe Buckles, and handsome Girdle Ditto, neatly set with fine Stones, Mens Shoe and Knee Buckles, curious Twesers in Metal and Gold, set with Philosopher Stones, &c. handsome Instrument Cases chas'd, and set with Stones, Womens Chains, nice Waistcoat Buttons well gilt, Silver Thimbles, Ditto with Steel Heads, Ditto lin'd with Silver, several Sets of the best polish'd Tea Spoons, Tongs, and Strainers in Cases; also a great Quantity of Mens, Womens, and Maids best Kid Gloves, with sundry others, by
Frances Webb."1
Mrs. Webb also took in boarders. In July, 1745 Mr. Berford inserted the following ad:
"WHEREAS many Causes in the General Court, wherein Mr. Jennings and the Subscriber are retained of Council meet with Delay, for want of full Instruction from their Clients, for the due framing of their Bills, Declarations and Pleadings: It is requested, that such Instructions may be sent the Subscriber, at Mrs. Webb's in Williamsburg, with convenient Speed, and their several Causes shall be forwarded with all Diligence, by2
Their humble Servant,
St. Lawrence Berford."
Mr. Berford was evidently a good friend of the family, because after his death in 1750, he directed that his real estate in Ireland be sold and the money be given to Frances Webb. The Rev. William Webb (minister and teacher) and John Pearson Webb (merchant), were his executors.3
4142
In October, 1751, Frances was having serious financial difficulties:
"WHEREAS many Persons indebted to me, have, contrary to their Promise, neglected to pay me at the Time agreed, and thereby subjected me to great Inconveniences and Loss, and most of my Creditors have insisted on Bonds, from me, which must go on Interest 'til People discharge their Debts; I hereby give Notice, that whatever Ballance, or Debts, remain unpaid at Oyer and Terminer next, must be put in Suit; and for the future, I shall deal only for ready money: To those Persons who will consider how great a Sufferer I am by paying Interest, for that very Money that they are indebted to me, and discharge their Accounts this Court, I shall always acknowledge myself
Their obliged humble Servant,
Frances Webb."1
In July, 1752, Frances' husband is listed as her partner:
"Williamsburg,
A CHOICE Assortment of Silks, consisting of India Damasks, Grosgroons, China Taffety, Tobine Lutestrings, white pealing Sattin, and English Persian; also fine Flanders Lace, Cambricks, clear, long, and printed Lawns, white and printed Calicoes, Muslins, Gullix, and Bag-Hollands, fine Tabby Stays, girls Hoops, Gloves, Velvet and Silk laced Bonnets, Hair Hats, Womens Calimanco and Silk and Childrens Morocco Shoes, and all Sorts of Milinary Goods, fine Green Teas, and a great Variety of Fans and Mounts. As all these Goods are of the best Kind, and at the lowest Prices, we hope those who have favoured us with their Custom will not take amiss our dealing for ready Money only.
Frances and John Pearson Webb."2
In 1757, Frances has left her husband in charge of the business:
"The Subscriber having left off the Millinery Business, and removed into the Country, desires all Persons indebted to her to pay their respective Balances to John Pearson Webb, and those who have any demands against her are desired to apply to the said Webb for Payment, in Williamsburg. Fans will be mounted as usual; and Orders left with the said John Webb, will be forwarded to Frances Webb." 343
John Pearson Webb died before August, 1764, leaving a mortgage of £150 on the house in Williamsburg, and Mrs. Webb rented the house to James Hunter, Merchant, in order to pay it off.
Frances Webb died in August, 1766, and the house was inherited by John Webb (probably her son). He was a lawyer from Halifax, North Carolina, and advertised the house for sale in 1774.1
VIRGINIA GAZETTE45
Parks
June 20, 1745 Just imported in the Ship Restoration, Capt. John Wilcox, from
LONDON,
A Quantity of Lace, Cambricks, Holland Calicoes, Chintz's, printed Linnens, Kenting, Velvet Caps and Hoods, Women's Gloves, Silk Shoes, Glass Rings, and other Milinary Goods, which are to be sold by the Subscriber, at her House in Palace Street, Williamsburg; Also all Sorts of Roger's Earthen-Ware, as cheap as at York.
Frances Webb.
VIRGINIA GAZETTE46
Parks
March 27, 1746 Just Imported,
A Choice Parcel of Lace, Cambricks, Ribbons, Gause Handkerchiefs, Velvet Hoods, lac'd and plain, Mantelets and Cloaks, Chintz, printed Linens, Calicoes, Silk Stockings, Fans and Fan-mounts, Children's quilted Caps, and other millinary Goods, Also, a curious Collection of Toys, and are to be Sold by the Subscriber, in Palace-Street, Williamsburg.
Frances Webb.
VIRGINIA GAZETTE47
Parks
July 31, 1746 Just imported in the Elizabeth, Capt. Coolidge, from London by the Subscriber in Williamsburg
A Choice Collection of neat Gold Rings, set with various Stones, Snuff Boxes set with Lapis lazuls, Onyx, Egyptian Pebble, and Philosopher Stones, neat Gold Seals plain and enamell'd, and set with Stones, Womens Shoe Buckles, and handsome Girdle Ditto, neatly set with fine Stones, Mens Shoe and Knee Buckles, curious Twesers in Metal and Gold, set with Philosopher Stones, &c. handsome Instrument Cases chas'd, and set with Stones, Womens Chains, nice Waistcoat Buttons well gilt, Silver Thimbles, Ditto with Steel Heads, Ditto lin'd with Silver, several Sets of the best polish'd Tea Spoons, Tongs, and Strainers in Cases; also a great Quantity of Mens, Womens and Maids best Kid Gloves, with sundry others, by
Frances Webb.
VIRGINIA GAZETTE
Parks
July 10, 1752 To be SOLD, at very reasonable Rates, by the Subscribers, in
Williamsburg,
A CHOICE Assortment of Silks, consisting of India Damasks, Grosgroons, China Taffety, Tobine Lutestrings, white pealing Sattin, and English Persian; also fine Flanders Lace, Cambricks, clear, long, and printed Lawns, white and printed Calicoes, Muslins, Gullix, and Bag-Hollands, fine Tabby Stays, Girls Hoops, Gloves, Velvet and Silk laced Bonnets, Hair Hats, Womens Calimanco and Silk and Childrens Morocco Shoes, and all Sorts of Milinary Goods, fine Green Teas, and a great Variety of Fans and Mounts. As all these Goods are of the best Kind, and at the lowest Prices, we hope those who have favoured us with their Custom will not take amiss our dealing for ready Money only.
Frances and John Pearson Webb.
Catherine Rathell was a widow who came to Virginia from London because of misfortune, possibly the death of her husband.
She was completely dedicated to her business. She moved from city to city to see where she could make the most money. She went back to England to purchase goods. When she had to order by mail, she gave very minute instructions about what she wanted and where it was to be found. She sent samples of ribbon and material to be matched, and when her orders came in with goods that weren't what she wanted or were too costly, she didn't hesitate to send them back.
Mrs. Rathell sold lottery tickets and tickets to plays, took in boarders, and worked evenings to sell goods on consignment. She sold goods out of a jewelry store in Annapolis, and had a mantua maker working out of her shop in Williamsburg.
Wherever she went, she was very careful to be back in Williamsburg during the April and October court sessions, when she evidently did most of her business. She was also very careful to have the best possible business locations.
On August 25, 1765, John Morton Jordan of London, sent the following letter to Robert Carter in Williamsburg:
"Sir51
Mrs Rathell the Bearer of this has been recommended to me, by some of my particular Friends, as a Person of very good Character & Family, but meeting with misfortunes, is the reason of her coming to Virginia with a view of setting up a Milliners Shop at Williamsburg, for which I understand she is well qualified—I shall be much oblig'd to you for whatever Countenance or Civilities You may shew her--"1
On April 18, 1766, Mrs. Rathell placed an advertisement in the Virginia Gazette:
"CATHERINE RATHALL,
MILLINER
LATELY arrived from London, at present in Fredericksburg, Virginia, has a large assortment of European and other goods, suitable for Ladies and Gentlemen, which she sells very cheap.
"Among other things she has…"1
She lists materials, laces, ribbons, fans, stomachers and knots, jewelry, caps, feathers, gloves and mits, hats, cloaks, stockings, Gentlemen's laced ruffles and bags for wigs, buckles, silver thimbles, pencils in cases, nutmeg graters, needles, stationery items and pills.
"She also makes all sorts of MILLINERY, in the best and newest taste, for the following prices: Full dress suits at 11s. 6d. laced do. at 9s. 6d. plain do. at 7s. 6d. also washes and makes up all laces and gauzes, so as to be little inferiour to new.
"As the said Catherine Rathall is but lately come into the country, and her continuance here very uncertain, she sells for ready money only, and at a very low advance; and as she is contented to make a reasonable profit, she assures those who shall favour her with their commands that the fall of the exchange shall be to their benefit. And she flatters herself her goods, and prices, will give general satisfaction; for as they were chosen by herself, and bought with ready money from the best hands, they are both good and reasonable."2
On February 19, 1767, Mrs. Rathell has another advertisement from Fredericksburg, and in addition to the articles listed in her first ad, she has breast flowers, velvet collars, Didsbury's shoes and pumps, skeleton and skein wires, table and teaspoons and sugar tongs. At the end she states: 52
"The present Scarcity of Cash induces her to attend a few Days at Williamsburg during the Sitting of the next Assembly, from whence it will be more convenient for many Ladies and Gentlemen to furnish themselves than from this Town. The several articles are so well chosen, and afford such a Variety, she ventures to recommend it to such Ladies and Gentlemen as want such for themselves or Friends to defer supplying themselves till her Arrival, when she flatters herself they will be no less pleased, than,
Their humble Servant,
CATHERINE RATHELL."1
In July she has received some new merchandise:
"Just imported in the last Ships from London, a new and well chose Assortment of Goods, among which are, …a large Quantity of Ladies Hats, Bonnets and Cloaks… striped Satin for Gentlemens Waistcoats, both black and white fine Beaver Hats for Ditto, a Parcel of exceeding good Irish Linens… with many other Articles in the Millinery and Jewellery Way, too tedious to mention. The above Goods were bought from the best Hands, and are to be sold at a reasonable Advance, but for ready Money only…"2
Mrs. Rathell's customers at this time included Alexander Spotswood and Mrs. Mercer.
Mrs. Dick, a friend of Mrs. Mercer's, was sent to Mrs. Rathell's shop to purchase lace and other items for Mrs. Mercer's daughter's wedding, but was afraid to make a choice, so Mrs. Rathell sent several things to Mrs. Mercer on approval by Mr. Mercer's Man, Christmas.
She enclosed the following list of articles sent:
53
"16 Yards of fine Broad lace at 19 Shillgs pr yard 11 Yards of Narrower kind at 12/6 pr Yd a Superfine pr of paste & firestone Clamps 6..0..0 White flowd Trimed Satin Cloke 4..15..0 2 pair of white Silk Stockgs at 20/ 2..0..0 1 Blond Hood Cap 1..5..0 1 Queens Fly with pink & white Egret 1..5..0 1 fly cap & Lapits with 29 pink Egret 1..7..0 1 Do Blue Eggret 1..9..0 1 pair of gentlemans Lace Ruffles 4..10..0 White fan 0..16..0 fine Carved & painted Do 1..10..0 2 pr. White Gloves 0..5..0 "Mrs. Dick has Chose the Gauze, I tell Miss Mercer if she likes them the Clamps 20 Shillings less than I would any one Else I beg Madam youl be so good as not to let them be tumbled or handled and to return what things you dont Chuse keeping, as I only send them for you to look at.
May all happiness & success attend this undertaking, and am most respectfully
Dr. Madam in a great Hurry
Mrs C: Rathell.Send word what sort of a Handkercheif Miss Mercer likes. I hope She will allow me the Honour of helping to Dress her the day of all Days."1
On the address side of the letter was written,
"The lace cannot be Cut."2
By May of 1768, Mrs. Rathell was in Williamsburg. An ad of May 12 for the play "The Constant Couple, or A Trip to the Jubillee" stated that tickets could be purchased at Mrs. Rathell's store.3
On May 19th she was selling tickets to "The Gamester", and on May 26, James Hamilton of Fredericksburg advertised a lottery with "Tickets to be had of Mrs. Rathell in Williamsburg, at the small price of 10 s. each."4
On the same day, she was selling tickets to "The Beggar's Opera" and "The Anatomist, or Sham Doctor."5
On October 6, 1768, she has an extremely long list of imported goods, followed by the notations: 54 55
"At the same place LODGINGS for six Gentlemen.
N. B. She has on hand a few dozen of large and small felt hats, and some pieces of German and British osnabrugs, which she would be glad to dispose of by wholesale."1
On April 13, 1769, Catherine Rathell again lists many imported goods for sale in Williamsburg, including, in addition to the articles mentioned in the former ads,
"… aprons… superfine silk pieces for Gentlemen's breeches, maccaroni waistcoats… combs… jumps… trimmings… ruffs… stocks… pocket handkerchiefs, light horsemen's caps for boys, Ladies riding sticks… thread for working, watch strings… garters, garlands, walking canes, sewing silks, and tapes of all kinds… black sticking plaister… Perkins's specific dentrifice… with sundry other articles too numerous to insert."
She ends with the following postscript,
"She has a few good pair of womens stays, tabby foreparts and fine ticking backs, which she would see cheap to any storekeeper, with some other articles. And as she hopes to have it in her power to go home after the June court, to purchase a cargo against the October court, is determined to sell, but for ready money only."2
Up until this time, Mrs. Rathell doesn't say where her shop is in Williamsburg, but presumably it is in the main part of town. On April 27, 1769, Freer Armston, Chandler and Soap Boiler from Norfolk, announces that he has opened a shop in Williamsburg "between Mr. Carter's great brick house and Mrs. Rathell's."3 Mr. Carter's brick house was on a corner of the Main Street, a block from the Capitol.
In April, she announces her intention to go to England:
"I INTEND for Great-Britain soon; and to return in a few months.56
CATHERINE RATHELL."4
From September 7, 1769 through November 2, 1769, she advertised in the Maryland Gazette that she,
"Has opened Shop at the House of Mr William Whetcroft, Jeweller, in West-Street near the Town Gate…"in Annapolis, and again has a long list of imported goods.1
Mrs. Rathell either had someone else to finish selling her goods in Annapolis, or left them with Mr. Whetcroft, because on March 29, 1770, the following ad was placed in the Maryland Gazette and Mrs. Rathell isn't mentioned.
"To be sold on very reasonable Terms, for ready Money or good Bills of Exchange, between Two and Three Hundred Pounds Sterling worth of European Goods, in very good Order, chiefly consisting of the following Articles, viz.
MUSLINS, Chintes, Clear Lawns, white Satin, Sewing Silks, Buck, Doe, Kid, Silk, and other Gloves, Ribbons, Fans, Threads, Tapes, some Millinery and several other Articles. An Invoice of the above Goods to be seen at Mr. Whetcrofts, Jeweller in Annapolis, who will treat with any one inclinabe to purchase.
N.B. A sober Woman inclinable to go to Dublin, may have her Passage paid, enquire as above."
2
Mrs. Rathell evidently had a nice long visit in England, because she doesn't have another ad until October 10, 1771, and her shop is "where Mr. Ayscough lately lived, opposite to the South Side of the Capitol" and she ends with the following postscript,
"As it was impossible to get a House on the main Street, the Subscriber hopes the little Distance will make no Difference to her former Customers."357
She also states that the merchandise,
"…A GENTEEL Assortment of MERCERY, MILLINERY, JEWELLERY, ETC."
was "chosen by herself, and purchased since July last, from the eminent Shops, and on the best Terms."
Her new goods included,
"…Bonnets wove in Imitation of Lace… Toupees and Curls, Childrens Sashes… Whisks and quilted Puddings, black Silk Aprons (much wore in London) white and coloured Satin quilted Coats, black and white Silk Breeches Patterns, Patent Net and other Hoods… Mens and Boys fine Hats of the newest Fashion, Wig Cauls, Silk Purses, thin Bone and Packthread Stays for Children of three Months old and upwards, Gentlemens Flannel Waistcoats faced with Satin, single and double Nightcaps, Silver bowed Scissors, Watches and Chains… neat Etwees, Toothpick Cases, Ivory and Tortoiseshell Toothpicks, Pocket Books with Instruments… Travelling Shaving Cases complete… Children's Toys of all Sorts." Also "PATENT MEDICINES and IVORY BLACKING CAKES, for Shoes… Shaving Powder."1
Looking for a new supplier, on November 16, 1771, Mrs. Rathell wrote to Mr. John Norton in London, stating that she had talked to Mr. Norton in York Town,
"and told me he believed you would have no objection provided I would be sure to be punctual in My Payments. Which you May depend I shall… As I have been So lately in England, I at present want but a few goods. and them chiefly from Messrs. Wooley & Hamings… I have sent them my directions, and Must beg you'll be so Obliging as to Send & Hurry them as Our Assembly meets in March, therefore must request of all things on Earth, you will by the very first Ship that Sails out of London Send me those Goods, or I shall at that time totaly Loose the Seal of them, & have them on hands for 12 Months longer… my greatest distress is for fear I should not have them in March, but this I must depend on you for a quick dis2patch, or it will be a very great loss to me…"258 59
Mr. Norton was extremely punctual, because the goods arrived in January of 1772, and on January 30 Mrs. Rathell inserted another ad listing a number of items for sale, including,
"… Teresas… Ladies neatest Thanet Riding Hats elegantly trimmed, with Turbans, Feathers, &c. Boys Beaver & Satin Whimsey Caps… new Musick for the Harpsichord, Flute & Violin, Writing, Paper, &c. &c ."1
She introduces the list by saying,
"Having received from London, on Commission, a parcel of neat goods, and as disposing of them in my Store will interfere with both my Time & Business, I purpose selling them every Evening, during the Sitting of the Assembly, till all are sold…
"She continues to sell, at her Store, as usual, a very neat Assortment of Millinery, Haberdashery, Hosiery, & Jewellery…"2
Mrs. Rathell places two more orders with Mr. Norton before this first one comes in — one on December 29, 1771 and one on January 17, 1772. In January, she is very upset —
"I this Moment was Informed of a great Disappointment I have met with in regard of fifty Pounds Worth of Shoes. I Expected from Dublin—Which of all things distresses me Much, I have now Wrote to a friend in London to request he would Send to you to forward with all the speed in your Power 6 Dozn. of Didsburys or Carpues best and Neatest Shoes, half of them Dress & the other half very Stout & Strong of Wax Leather for Wet Weather… I am quite out…" 3
On January 31, she tells of further woes —
"Sir60
I wrote to you the 17th Inst which I purposed Sending by a Ship then at the office for Liverpool, but an hour before My letters got to the ferry She had Sailed… I must observe that the gentlemen Now Call frequently for Shoes with long hind Quarters, and that Buckle Low on the foot, so beg you'll give orders to Send me some of them, if not the most part…"4
61
Later in the letter, Mrs. Rathell states,
"I now have got a store Exactly opposite the Raleigh Tavern, which I look on as the best Situation in Williamsburg, Where I hope to do three times the Business I ever did… As you Must know I Peique my self much on haveg the very best & most fashionable goods in Williamsburg, I left London myself but last July with a very large Cargo."1
She concludes the letter with a lengthy order, giving explicit directions on what she wants and how they are to be taken care of —
"3 pieces of Black plain Edged Sattin Ribbon for tieing hair… 4 White Quilted Peeling Child Bed Basket & Pin Cushions well and Safe Packed up or the Sattin will Mildue & spot…6 pound of Pigtail Tobacco in Small roles its for a Gentlemans Chewing must be the best & wrapped up very Carefully seperate papers… 200 of the very long Bonnet or Hat Pins yt are 6 Inches Long…
"All to be shipped & Sent to Mrs. Rathell by the very first oppertunity without fail if not this Invoice to be Sent to Coll Mercer who will have them Sent as a disappointment would totaly Ruin Cathn. Rathell."2
Catherine again advertises goods for sale on April 23 and May 14.3
On July 22, she again writes Mr. Norton —
"I Safely Recd at diferent times the Goods you Sent me, but cannot Say your Treads people Send them Either as Good or as Cheap as I have had from London…
"I found every Article of ye Goods Sent all right Except the Tupees from Lardner & Baratty, I sent for wool packes at 2/6 or 3/ a piece these with Curls, and he sends me 2 Dozn. Tupees from 6/6 to 12/ a price that would never Suffer me to sell them, even at first Cost, besides he made a Mistake in Charging them… This mistake as well as the high prices Obliges me to return to him…
62I hope Sir youll Excuse my giveing you so much trouble on the Subject, but I dar say you approve on being perticular as well as I do…"
She then orders some laces and edgings and flowered gauze for suits of linen,
"I shall Esteem it a very particular favor if Mrs. Norton will make Choice of them for me, and beg youll Send them by the very first Ship, as I have not one Single yard of Either in my Shop."
"I must further request youll Send me as I am in Much distress for them, the undernaith Articles without fail…Ribbon…Shennell… Catgut… Scane wire… Hair Tupees, and curls. .1 for My Self 2 Curls…Thread hair Nets, Such as gentlemen Sleep in…"1
Mrs. Rathell received her goods on September 9, and on October 22, she again had a long ad, ending with:
"N. B. She purposes, if a House can be got, to reside at Petersburg from the End of this Court until Gentlemen who please to favour her with their Commands may be supplied with the above Articles."2
She is still looking for more suppliers, because the following letter was written on her behalf by Roger Atkinson:
63"Appamx Jas River Virga
March 1st 1773Dear Brother
Benson Fearon
…
Mrs Catherine Rathell, a Relation of my Wife's, has wrote to your house for some Goods — She is in ye Millenery way, & deals only for ready Money — is very industrious & frugal, and proposes to pay ye Money to Mr Hannson for his Bills, as She recovers it. I doubt not but She will be punctual to her Proposals,—wch I hope will be agreeable to you — …
Roger Atkinson"3
Mrs. Rathell advertises goods for sale on October 21, 1773 at "her Store opposite the Raleigh" in Williamsburg;1 also in May and October of 1774.2 A short ad is inserted in February, 1775,3 and another long one in April of 1775, ending with,
"As I purpose going to England as soon as I dispose of my Goods (till Liberty of Importation is allowed) I am under the Necessity of not parting with a single Shilling's Worth without Cash; and I request, as a Favour, that all who are indebted to me will pay off their Accounts this Meeting, and all Persons having demands against me are desired to call immediately for their Money."4
In October and November of that year, Margaret Brodie, mantua-maker, who shared Mrs. Rathell's shop from 1771 to 1775, advertised all of Mrs. Rathell's stock in trade, as well as,
"…a large BOW WINDOW, with Bars and Shutters, some SHOW GLASSES and GLASS CASES."5
An auction was to be held December 10 and 11, after which Miss Brodie was also planning to go to Great Britain.
In February, 1776, word reached Virginia that Mrs. Rathell was dead.
"Some letters by the above vessel advise, that the Peggy, Fisher, from Virginia, was cast away on the 26th of November last, in sight of Liverpool, and that only the Captain, and part of the crew, were saved. Mrs. Rathell, of this city, went passenger in the above vessel, and was one of the unfortunate persons that perished."664
VIRGINIA GAZETTE66
Purdie-Dixon
April 18, 1766CATHERINE RATHALL,
MILLINER,
LATELY arrived from London, at present in Fredericksburg, Virginia, has a large assortment of European and other GOODS, suitable for Ladies and Gentlemen, which she sells very cheap.Among other things she has the best flowered and plain satins, flowered and plain modes, sarcenets, and Persians flowered, striped, and plain English gauze, from 5s. 9d. to 12s. a yard, great variety of blond, minionet, thread, and black lace, joining blonds for Ladies caps and handkerchiefs, black and white gauze handkerchiefs, wedding and other fans from 4s. 6d. to 30s. ready made stomachers and knots, a great variety of ribands, French beads and earrings, Ladies caps from 2s. 6d. to 25s. fly caps and lappets, egrets of all sorts, silk and leather gloves and mits, summer hats and cloaks, cardinals, French tippets, black gauze and catgut love riband for mournings, silk, thread, and cotton stockings, for Ladies and Gentlemen, Gentlemen's laced ruffles from 30s. to 10 l. bags for wigs and solitaires, Irish linens and tapers in variety, garnet and gold brooches, a variety of silver shoe buckles, in the newest fashion for Ladies and Gentlemen, with knee buckles for the latter, silver thimbles with steel bottoms, pencils in silver cases, enamelled nutmeg graters, best needles sorted in due proportion from the finest cambrick to the largest darning needles, in such variety as never before imported; with some articles of STATIONARY, viz. Black legers, memorandum and pocket books in great variety, and sundry articles too tedious to mention.
She also makes all sorts of MILLINERY, in the best and newest taste, for the following prices: Full dress suits at 11s. 6d. laced do. at 9s. 6d. plain do. at 7s. 6d. also washes and makes up all laces and gauzes, so as to be little inferiour to new.
As the said Catherine Rathall is but lately come into the country, and her continuance here very uncertain, she sells for ready money only, and at a very low advance; and as she is contented to make a reasonable profit, she assures those who shall favour her with their commands that the fall of the exchange shall be to their benefit. And she flatters herself her goods, and prices, will give general satisfaction; for as they were chosen by herself, and bought with ready money from the best hands, they are both good and reasonable.
N.B. At the same place may be had the genuine Dr. Anderson's pills.
67
VIRGINIA GAZETTE68
Rind
February 19, 1767Just Imported from LONDON, and to be SOLD BY
Catherine Rathell,
MILLINER of FREDERICKSBURG,
A great Variety of
GOODS of LADIES and GENTLEMEN;
among which are,THREAD, blond, and black Laces; Gauzes, flowered and plain Satins; Cardinals; wedding and other Fans; a great Variety of Ribbands of the newest Patterns; Silk Gloves and Mits; Leather Gloves of all Sorts for Ladies and Gentlemen; superfine China Silk and India Cotton Hose for ditto; catguts, Italian and French Egrets; do Breast Flowers equal to Nature; Velvet Collars of all Colours; Gentlemens Lace Ruffles, fine Beaver Hats white and black, of the newest Fashion, with Gold Bands, Buttons, and double Loops; Hair Bags, and Solitaires; very neat stitched and bound Didsbury's Shoes and Pumps; Worsted and Cotton Hose from Children's Size to Men's; red, blue and black Pumps for Children from 1 to 10 years old; a large Quantity of neat white Skeleton and Scane Wires; Table and Tea Spoons, Sugar Tongs and Silver Buckles; with a Number of other Articles in Jewelry and Millinery too tedious to mention.
The present Scarcity of Cash induces her to attend a few Days at Williamsburg, during the Sitting of the next Assembly, from whence it will be more convenient for many Ladies and Gentlemen to furnish themselves than from this Town. The several Articles are so well chosen, and afford such a Variety, she ventures to recommend it to such Ladies and Gentlemen as want such for themselves or Friends to defer supplying themselves till her Arrival, when she flatters herself they will be no less pleased, than,
Their humble Servant,
CATHERINE RATHELL.
VIRGINIA GAZETTE69
Rind
July 23, 1767Fredericksburg, July 15, 1767
Just imported in the last Ships from London, a new and well chose Assortment of Goods, among which are,
RIBBANDS, Laces, Gauzes, Fly Caps and Lappets, Egrets, Silk and Leather Gloves and Mitts, a large Quantity of Ladies Hats, Bonnets and Cloaks, French Wax and Jet Bead Necklaces, red Morocco Leather Pocket-books, Silver mounted, with Instruments for Ladies and Gentlemen, fine printed Lawn Pocket Handkerchiefs, Variety of Silk Ditto, striped Satin for Gentlemens Waistcoats, both black and white fine Beaver Hats for Ditto, a Parcel of exceeding good Irish Linens, great Variety of Silver Shoe and Knee Buckles, Garnet and Bristol Stone Sleeve Buttons, with many other Articles in the Millinery and Jewellery Way, too tedious to mention. The above Goods were bought from the best Hands, and are to be sold at a reasonable Advance, but for ready Money only, by
CATHERINE RATHELL.
70
VIRGINIA GAZETTE71 72
Purdie-Dixon
October 6, 1768Just imported from London and selling by the Subscriber in Williamsburg, at a low advance, for ready money only, the following articles, viz.
FLOWERED, satin and spotted mode cardinals and cloaks, hats and bonnets, gauze and lace, plain, striped, and book muslin, fine thick cambrick and clear lawns, fine book muslin bordered handkerchiefs, a large and fashionable assortment of ribands, caps, egrets, plumes, feathers, and filets, exceeding fine lappet heads, a neat assortment of garnet and paste, hoop, and other rings, paste shoe, knee, and stock buckles, silver mounted morocco pocket books with instruments, and some very complete and secure with two locks, huswives for Ladies with instruments, boys satin caps of all sizes, white, black, and coloured, silk hose, fine India cotton do. different sorts of cotton and worsted do. boys and girls worsted do. Didsbury's best shoes and pumps for Gentlemen, red, blue, and yellow slippers, for do. Didsbury's best and neatest black and white satin and calimanco pumps for Ladies, a piece of exceeding good black paduasoy, a very neat and genteel assortment of wedding, mourning, second mourning, and other fans, bases for do. children's shoes of all sizes, artificial hair pins, breast flowers, equal in beauty to any ever imported, and so near resemble nature that the nicest eye can hardly distinguish the difference, coloured, white, and black silk French kid and lamb gloves and mits for Ladies, girls, and children, buck, doe, kid, lamb, Woodstock, wash leather, and white gloves for Gentlemen, black silk bags and roses for do. blond silk and cotton thread for working, sewing silks of all sorts, best English pound and paper pins, needles sorted, fine plaited stocks and stock tape, quilted petticoats, red cardinals, garlands and trimmings, walking sticks, canes and ratans, skeleton and skeign wire, three for a shilling, and many other articles too tedious to insert.
As all the above goods are fashionable, new and good, she hopes to meet with encouragement, which shall be most gratefully acknowledged by
CATHERINE RATHELL.⸫At the same place LODGINGS for six Gentlemen.
N.B. She has on hand a few dozen of large and small felt hats, and some pieces of German and British osnabrugs, which she would be glad to dispose of by wholesale.
VIRGINIA GAZETTE73
Rind
April 13, 1769Just imported and selling by the Subscriber, the following ARTICLES, viz. WHITE sattin and lutestring, India and other chintzes, callicoes and ginghams, striped and plain muslins, book ditto, bordered handkerchiefs, cat-gut, flowered gauze aprons, cloaks, cardinals, hats and bonnets, a large and fashionable assortment of caps, ribbons, egrets, filets and breast flowers, fine beaver hats for Gentlemen, youths and boys ditto, blue, green and white fine riding ditto for Ladies, feathers for ditto, all sorts of gold bands, buttons and loops, black, blue, and buff super-fine silk pieces for Gentlemen's breeches, maccaroni waistcoats, the very best black, white and coloured China silk hose, the finest spun silk ditto, superfine India cotton ditto, both for Ladies and Gentlemen, fine minionet lace, flounced and laced casting handkerchiefs, very genteel stomachers and knots, some very neat paste necklaces and earrings, ditto of different colours , handsome earrings set with margarets, French pearl drop ditto, crooked tortoiseshell combs set with paste, plain ditto, small tortoise-shell pocket combs in cases, fine box, ivory and tapering ditto, paste shoe, knee and stock buckles, double gilt and polished steel ditto in sets, paste pins, hoops and other stone rings, chased and plain silver nutmeg graters, very neat enamelled ditto, pocket books, and Ladies house-wifes, with instruments, falling pearl necklaces, mock garnet, and jet bunches, Ivory cases with smelling bottles, and ribband measures, both large and small kid, lamb, and silk gloves and mitts for Ladies, white silk , brown thread, and all kinds of leather gloves for Gentlemen, Didsbury's neatest shoes, pumps and slippers for ditto, with other good London made ditto, Ladies sattin ditto, childrens ditto of all sizes, French and English beads, ditto jumps, neat white trimmings, new fashion ribbed ruffs, very fine pleated stocks, fine pocket handkerchiefs, light horsemen's caps for boys, plain sattin ditto, ostrich feathers, wedding, mourning, second mourning, and other genteel fans, fan cases, crosses set with margarets for young Ladies, stock tapes, Ladies riding sticks, blond silk and cotton thread for working, watch strings, finest Irish garters, garlands, walking canes, sewing silks, and tapes of all kinds, black pattern silk mitts at 4s. 6d. a pair, black sticking plaister, the best Bell and Lisle thread, skeleton and skeine wire, Perkins's specific dentrifice, well known for its great efficacy in whitening the teeth, and infallibly curing the scurvy in the gums, with directions how to use it, price 5 s. the pot; with sundry other articles too numerous to insert.
As this last importation consists of the best chose, genteelest, and most fashionable assortment she ever had, hopes to meet with good encourage in disposing of them; which shall be most thankfully acknowledged by
CATHERINE RATHELL.P.S. She has a few good pair of womens stays, tabby fore parts, and fine ticking backs, which she would sell cheap to any storekeeper, with some other articles. And as she hopes to have it in her power to go home after the June court, to purchase a cargo against the October court, is determined to sell, but for ready money only.
Maryland Gazette74
Green
September 7, 1769CATHARINE RATHELL, Milliner, From LONDON, Has open'd Shop at the House of Mr. Wm. Whetcroft, Jeweller, in West-Street near the Town Gate, and has the following Goods to dispose of at a low Advance, for ready Money only, viz.
WHITE Sattin, India and other Chintzes, Calico, Ginghams, Muslin, Cat-Gut, flower'd Gauze Aprons, Cloaks, Cardinals, Hats, Bonnets, a fashionable Assortment of Caps, Egrets, Fillets, Breast Flowers, a large Assortment of fashionable Ribands, Hats for Youths and Boys, Riding Hats and Feathers for Ladies, Gold Bands, Buttons and Loops, Silk Pieces for Gentlemens Breeches, black, white, and coloured Silk Hose for Gentlemen, spun Silk ditto, superfine India Cotton ditto, both for Ladies and Gentlemen, Worsted and Cotton ditto for Children, a very neat Paste Necklace and Ear-Rings, French Bead Ear-Rings and Necklaces, Box and Ivory Combs, chased and plain Silver Nutmeg Graters, very neat enamelled ditto, Jet Bunches, Ivory Cases, with Smelling-Bottles, Riband Measurers, Kid, Lamb and Silk Gloves, and Mitts for Ladies, with all sorts of wedding, mourning and other Fans, Silk, brown Thread, Doe, Buck, Lamb, Woodstock, Wash-Leather, and white Gloves for Gentlemen, neat Children and Girls Shoes of all Sorts, white Trimmings, fashion'd Ribband Ruffs, very fine plaited Stocks and Stock Tape, Ladies Riding Sticks, Blond Silk, and Cotton Thread for Working, Watch Strings, Irish Garters, Garlands, Feather and other Muffs, Pocket Handkerchiefs, Sattin Caps for Boys, Sewing Silks, Threads and Tapes of all Kinds, Court Plaister, Skeleton and Skein Wire, with many other Articles .
75
MARYLAND GAZETTE76
Green
November 2, 1769CATHERINE RATHELL, MILLINER,
FROM LONDON,
Has open'd Shop at the House of Mr. Wm. Whetcroft, Jeweller, in West-Street near the Town Gate, and has the following Goods to dispose of at a low Advance, for ready Money only, viz.WHITE Satin, India and other Chintzes, Calico, Ginghams, Muslin, Cat-Gut, flower'd Gauze Aprons, Cloaks, Cardinals, Hats, Bonnets, a fashionable Assortment of Caps, Egrettes, Fillets, Breast Flowers, a large Assortment of fashionable Ribands, Hats for Youths and Boys, Riding Hats and Feathers for Ladies, Gold Bands, Buttons and Loops, Silk pieces for Gentlemens Breeches, black, white, and coloured Silk Hose for Gentlemen, spun Silk ditto, superfine India Cotton ditto, both for Ladies and Gentlemen, Worsted and Cotton ditto for Children, a very neat Paste Necklace and Ear-Rings, French Bead Ear-Rings and Necklaces, Box and Ivory Combs, chased and plain Silver Nutmeg Graters, very neat enamelled ditto, Jet Bunches, Ivory Cases, with Smelling-Bottles, Riband Measures, Kid, Lamb and Silk Gloves, and Mitts for Ladies, with all Sorts of wedding, mourning, and other Fans, Silk, brown Thread, Doe, Buck, Lamb, Woodstock, Wash-Leather, and white Gloves for Gentlemen, neat Shoes and Pumps for ditto, Childrens and Girls Shoes of all Sorts, white Trimmings, new fashion'd Riband Ruffs, very fine plaited Stocks and Stock Tape, Ladies Riding Sticks, Blond Silk, and Cotton Thread for working, Watch Strings, Irish Garters, Garlands, Feather and other Muffs, Pocket Handkerchiefs, Sattin Caps for Boys, Sewing Silks, Threads and Tapes of all Kinds, Court Plaister, Skeleton and Skein Wire, with many other Articles.
Maryland Gazette77
Green
March 29, 1770To be sold on very reasonable Terms, for ready Money or good Bills of Exchange, between Two and Three Hundred Pounds Sterling worth of European Goods, in very good Order, chiefly consisting of the following Articles, viz.
MUSLINS, Chintes, Clear Lawns, white Satin, Sewing Silks, Buck, Doe, Kid, Silk, and other Gloves, Ribbons, Fans, Threads, Tapes, some Millinery and several other Articles. An Invoice of the above Goods to be seen at Mr. Whetcrofts, Jeweller in Annapolis, who will treat with any one inclinable to purchase.
N.B. A sober Woman inclinable to go to Dublin, may have her Passage paid, enquire as above.
VIRGINIA GAZETTE78
Purdie-Dixon
October 10, 1771Just IMPORTED from London, and to be SOLD for ready Money only, at the cheapest Rates, by the Subscriber, at her Shop where Mr. Ayscough lately lived, opposite to the South Side of the Capitol,
A GENTEEL Assortment of MERCERY, MILLINERY, JEWELLERY, &c. (Part of which consists of the under named Articles) of the newest Fashion, being chosen by herself, and purchased since July last, from the eminent Shops, and on the best Terms.White Satins and Lustrings, with Trimmings suitable, Satin Cloaks and Bonnets wove in Imitation of Lace, plain and trimmed Silk Cloaks and Hats, the greatest Variety of Caps, Egrets, Plumes, and Fillets, Dresden Ruffles, Ranelagh Ruffs, Italian Flowers, Stomachers and Knots, Toupees and Curls, Childrens Sashes, Bonnets, Whisks and quilted Puddings, black Silk Aprons (much wore in London) white and coloured Satin quilted Coats, black and white Silk Breeches Patterns, Patent Net and other Hoods, from five Shillings to twelve and Sixpence, Ditto Aprons, Patent Net in the Piece for Ruffles and Handkerchiefs, Minionet Lace, white and coloured Head and Breast Flowers, Cambricks, narrow Edgings for Trimmings, a great Variety of Velvet, Silver, and other Ribands, Wires, Didsbury's Leather, coloured, Satin, and Stuff Shoes, white Satin and Queen's Silk Ditto, black, white, and coloured Silk Hose for Ladies and Gentlemen, Cotton Ditto, Mens and Boys fine Hats of the newest Fashion, Wig Cauls, Silk Purses, thin Bone and Packthread Stays for Children of three Months old and upwards, Gentlemens Flannel Waistcoats faced with Satin, single and double Nightcaps, furred Gloves, plain Ditto for Ladies and Gentlemen, Paste, Garnet, and Bead Earrings, Gold Wires, Paste, Mocho, and Garnet Necklaces and Roses, Silver and Pinchbeck Shoe and Knee Buckles, Ditto and Garnet and Silver Stock Buckles, Paste, Tortoiseshell, and Horn crooked Combs, plain and set Lockets, Paste, Garnet, and Gold Brooches, Paste Stay Hooks, Ditto and Garnet Sprigs and Pins, Silver bowed Scissors, Watches and Chains, Silver Teaspoons, Sugar Tongs, Nutmeg Graters, and Thimbles, neat Etwees, Toothpick Cases, Ivory and Tortoiseshell Toothpicks, Pocket Books with Instruments, Ass Skin Ditto, Travelling Shaving Cases complete, with Razors, Glass, &c. Jubilee Knives and Forks, Silver Cork Screws, Decanter Corks with Labels, Coral and Bibs, Silver Pap Boats, Silver Shoe Clasps for Children, Ivory Pocket Rules, Childrens Toys of all Sorts, Gold and Silver Hat-bands, Tooth Brushes, Ivory and Box Combs, Paste Combs from twelve and Sixpence upwards, Black Pins, Walking Sticks and Sword Canes, Riding Whips, a very great Variety, &c. &c.
Also several PATENT MEDICINES, particularly Hemet (Dentist to his Majesty) his Essence of Pearl, and Pearl Dentrifice, for preserving and cleaning both Teeth and Gums; an Ointment for the Itch, and all scorbutick Disorders of ever so long Standing, without Confinement or Regimen; likewise fine IVORY BLACKING CAKES, for Shoes, in universal Repute, Shaving Powder, with many other Articles too numerous to mention.
CATHERINE RATHELL.⸫ As it was impossible to get a House on the main Street, the Subscriber hopes the little Distance will make no Difference to her former Customers.
VIRGINIA GAZETTE79
Purdie-Dixon
January 30, 1772Williamsburg, January 30, 1772
Having received from London, on Commission, a parcel of neat goods, and as disposing of them in my Store will interfere with both my Time and Business, I purpose selling them every Evening, during the Sitting of the Assembly, till all are sold. They consist chiefly of the neatest and newest fashioned flowered, spotted, and plain Cloaks, Hats, and Bonnets, of different Sizes and Colours, white and coloured Silk quilted Coats fine black Calimanco Ditto, fine India Chintz, Pattern Calicoes and Cottons with or without Borders, Book Muslins, Teresas, a large Assortment of handsome new fashioned Silver, Gold, flowered, and plain Riband, French Bead Necklaces and Earrings, Mens fine Hats, Satin Shoes, Ladies neatest Thanet Riding Hats elegantly trimmed, with Turbans, Feathers, &c. Boys Beaver and Satin Whimsey Caps, quilted Satin Puddings for Children, Ivory, Box, Tortoiseshell, and Horn Combs by the Dozen, Silk Laces, Pins, Powder Bags and Puffs, with new Musick for the Harpsichord, Flute and Violin, Writing Paper, &c. &c.
She continues to sell, at her Store, as usual, a very neat Assortment of Millinery, Haberdashery, Hosiery, and Jewellery, the Goodness and Fancy of which she hopes will be a sufficient Recommendation to her former Friends and Customers; to whom she returns her most grateful Acknowledgements for the extraordinary Encouragement she has hitherto met with, and shall make it her Study to merit a Continuance of their Favours, by importing the newest and best Goods to sell at a reasonable Advance, by their obedient Servant,
Catherine Rathell.
VIRGINIA GAZETTE80
Rind
February 6, 1772WILLIAMSBURG, January 23, 1772.
I HAVE just received from London a parcel of neat GOODS on commission, and as disposing of them in my store will interfere too much with both my time and business, I purpose selling them by auction every evening during the sitting of the Assembly, till all are sold. They consist of the neatest Flowered, spotted, and plain, white and coloured satin cloaks, hats and bonnets of different sizes, white and coloured silk quilted coats, fine calimanco ditto, fine real India calicoes and cottons, with and with-out borders, and beautiful colours, some handsome plain and coloured terezas, a large assortment of gold, silver, flowered and plain ribbands, French bead necklaces and ear-rings, mens fine hats, satin shoes, Ladies neatest Thanet riding hats, elegantly bound and trimmed, quilted satin puddings for children, ivory, box, tortoiseshell and horn combs, by the dozen, silk laces, pins, powder bags and puffs, with some new music, songs, country dances, and cotillions, set for the harpsichord, flute, and violin, writing paper, with many other articles.
She continues to sell in her store, as usual, a very neat assortment of millinery, haberdasher, hosiery, and jewellery, the goodness and fancy of which she hopes will be a sufficient recommendation to all her former friends and customers; to whom she begs leave to return her most grateful acknowledgments for the extraordinary encouragement she has hitherto met with, and shall make it her study to merit a continuance of their favours by importing the newest and best goods, to sell at a reasonable advance, by their obedient humble servant.
C. RATHELL.
81
VIRGINIA GAZETTE82 VIRGINIA GAZETTE
Purdie-Dixon
April 23, 1772Just imported from LONDON, and selling by the Subscriber,
A LARGE Assortment of MILLINERY, and other GOODS, consisting of the neatest Hats, Cloaks, Bonnets, Teresas, and Whisks, Caps, Hoods, and Fillets, worked Linen, white Satin, and Lustring Stomachers and KNots, Italian Flowers, Sashes and quilted Puddings for Children, black and white Silk Aprons, white and coloured Satin and Sarcenet quilted Coats, Patent Net Hoods, flowered Patent Aprons and Pieces for Ruffles and Handkerchiefs, equal in Beauty to joining Lace, fine white and black Silk and Worsted Breeches Patterns, Breast Flowers, Muslin, Cambrick, Gauze, and Catguts, white and coloured Satin, Queen's Silk and Stuff Shoes, white and coloured Silk Hose, ribbed Thread and Cotton Do. Gloves and Glove Strings, Silk Mits at 4s. a Pair, and new fashioned Hair Collars, Boys trimmed Satin Caps, Ladies newest fashioned riding Hats bound and trimmed with Turbans and Feathers, new Musick, both Dances and Songs, Gentlemens fine Beaver Hats, thin Bone and Packthread Stays, fine Night Caps, French Beads and Bugles, Stone, Silver, Pinchbeck, and gilt Buckles, set Combs, plain Do. of all Sorts, Stone and Gold Brooches, Stone and other Pins, Marcasite Lockets, Silver bound Scissors, Silver Teaspoons, Tea Tongs, Pap Boats and Spunge Eggs, Etwee Cases and Pocket Books, Travelling Shaving Cases and Shaving Powder, Silver Screws and Shoe Clasps, Fruit Knives, Pocket Rules, Gold and Silver Hatbands, Canes and very neat Riding Whips, Toys for Children, Bead and Marcasite Earrings, Paste Do, with and without Drops, plaited Shoe Buckles, bordered and spotted Gauze Handkerchiefs, Hair Nets and Powder Bags, Watch Papers, Fillagree Trinkets, Inkpots, Fiddle Strings, with many other Articles too numerous to mention.
C. RATHELL.
Just IMPORTED, in the Unity, Captain Goosley, a large Assortment of fine GOODS, and to be sold by the Subscriber, namely:83
PASTE Necklaces and Earrings, fine Paste Stomacher and Sleeve Knots, Buttons in Sets, Paste Sprigs, Garnet set in Gold, plain Gold and Paste Lockets, plain Gold and Paste Stock Buckles, Paste Shoe Buckles, Mocho Buttons set in Gold, plain and labelled Decanter Corks, Silver mounted chased and plain Corals and Bells, Tortoiseshell Toothpick Cases, Smelling Bottles in Ditto, neat Paper Snuff Boxes, fine Steel Scissors, Silver Pencil Cases, Silver Shoe Buckles, Silver Thimbles, plain Gold and Pebble Sleeve Buttons, Sword Canes, Shoes, Wax Tapers on Brass Frames, very useful for Merchants, and many other Articles too tedious to insert.
C. RATHELL .
84
VIRGINIA GAZETTE85
Purdie-Dixon
October 22, 1772Just IMPORTED in the last Ships from London, and to be SOLD by the Subscriber at her Store opposite the Raleigh in Williamsburg,
A VERY large and neat Assortment of MILLINERY AND JEWELLERY, consisting of white Satin and Lustrings, Trimmings for ditto, black and coloured Hats and Bonnets, Silk Petticoats, Wedding Fans and Breast Flowers, Queen's and Satin Shoes, a new Assortment of Patent Net Hoods, Muslin, Gauze, Catgut and Wire, Dresden worked Linen, quilted Satin Childbed Baskets and Pincushions, a large Assortment of Ribands, ribbed and plain Silk , Cotton, and Thread Hose, Childrens small Cotton ditto , Patent Net Aprons, and Pieces for Ruffles, &c., Silk Gloves and Mits Ladies Dress Tuppees and Curls, Necklaces and Earrings, Garnet ditto set in Gold, Paste Sprigs and Pins, Paste Combs, Garnet, Paste, and plain Gold Lockets, Ladies Paste Breast Buttons and Stay Hooks, Garnet Stock Buckles set in Gold, plain Gold, Paste, and Silver ditto, exceeding neat Shoe and Knee Paste, gilt, plaited, Pinchbeck, and Silver ditto, enamelled and plain Gold Sleeve Buttons, Mocho and Pebble ditto set in Gold and Silver, plain and labelled Silver topped Decanter Corks, chased and plain Corals and Bells, Smelling Bottles with Silver mounted Tortoiseshell Cases, Toothpick Cases in Ditto, Silver Pencil Cases, Paste Bows and Crosses, Silver fluted Butter Ladles, plated Soop ditto, plated Candlesticks, Chamber ditto with Extinguisher, &c. Tutenague Salt Cellars, Snuffers and Snuff Pans, plated ditto, plated Table Crosses Silver Salt Shovels, Ladies Silver and other Etwees with Instruments, neat Riding Glasses set in Mother of Pearl, Tortoiseshell, and Silver, Tambour, Gold, and coloured Sword Knots, Looker's Razors, Gold and Silver Hatbands, Boys Silk and Beaver Caps, Ladies and Gentlemens fine Beaver Hats, Riding Whips for ditto, Silver Fruit Knives and Thimbles, Silver and Ivory Bodkins and Toothpicks, Watch Trinkets, Hunting Knives and Forks, Irish Penknives, Silver Teaspoons, Tea Tongs and Nutmeg Graters, gilt Leather for Doors, a very great Variety of Morrocco and Velvet newfashioned Pocket Books, Soap Boxes and Brushes, a large Quantity of Didsbury's Mens, Womens and Childrens Shoes, Flannel under Jackets laced with Satin, Toys, Buck, Doe, Kid, Lamb, and Fawn Gloves and Mits of all Sizes, Sashes for Children, fine India working Cotton, Hemet (Dentist to her Majesty) his Essence of Pearl and Pearl Powder for the Teeth and Gums, with proper Brushes, Nail Nippers, Ivory and Box Combs, Shaving Powder, Sword Canes and Walking Sticks, Travelling Razor Cases, Childrens Stays and quilted Puddings, with a Number of other Articles, which will be sold on reasonable Terms by
C. RATHELL.N.B. She purposes, if a House can be got, to reside at Petersburg from the End of this Court until April, where Ladies and Gentlemen who please to favour her with their Commands may be supplied with the above Articles.
VIRGINIA GAZETTE86
Purdie-Dixon
October 21, 1773Just IMPORTED, and SElLING by the Subscriber, at her Store opposite the Raleigh, a large Assortment of MILLINERY and JEWELLERY, &c. on the most reasonable Terms, namely,
WHITE Satins and Lustrings, Satin Cloaks and Bonnets, Dresden Ruffles, Stomachers and Knots, Italian Flowers, Rolls and Curls, quilted Puddings, black and white Silk Aprons, Satin and Sarcenet quilted Petticoats, Patent Net Aprons and Hoods, Breast Flowers, Lawns and Cambricks, Silk Breeches Patterns, Ribands, a great Variety of Didsbury Shoes, white and coloured Silk Hose, Silk and Leather Gloves, Mens and Boys Hats, Silk Purses, Childrens Stays, Flannel under Waistcoats, under Stockings, Nightcaps, Boys Hussar Caps and Feathers, Irish Garters, Wafers, Freemasons Sashes, Satin and Queen's Silk Shoes, Tambour Sword Knots, Table Crosses and Salts, Paste Stay Hooks, bordered Cambrick and India Silk Pocket Handkerchiefs, Buck, Woodstock, Silk, and other Gloves, Trimmings of all Sorts, Gauze Catguts, Blond and Thread Lace, Thread and Cotton Hose, Christening Baskets, Childrens Shoes and Stockings, white and other Fans.
Paste and Bead Necklaces and Earrings; Gold Wire; Stone, Silver, London gilt, and black and blue Shoe and Knee Buckles; Gold, Paste, Silver, and black Stock Buckles; Combs, Lockets, Paste and Garnet Sprigs and Pins, Soup Ladles, Salt Shovels, Knives, Scissors, Steel Watch Chains, Pocket Books with Tweezer Cases, Toothpick Cases and Brushes, Decanter Corks with Labels, Corals and Bells, Shoe Clasps for Children, black Pins, Sword Canes, Riding Hats and Feathers, Pugh's famous Eye Water for weak or sore Eyes, Snuff Boxes, Shaving Boxes, Sewing Silks, &c. &c. with a Number of other Articles too tedious to insert.
C. RATHELL.
VIRGINIA GAZETTE87
May 5, 1774 — Purdie DixonJust imported from London, and sold by the Subscriber, at her Store opposite the Raleigh in Williamsburg, on reasonable Terms, for ready Money only,
A WELL chosen Assortment of the neatest Goods, consisting of fine Thread and Blond Lace white Satin and Lustring, blue Satin and Sarcenet Petticoats, white Do. for Weddings, Satin and Queen Silk Shoes, Muslin, Gauze, Catgut, and Wire, worked Linen, Ribands, plain and ribbed Silk, Cotton and Thread Stockings, small Do. for Children, Patent Net Aprons, equal in Beauty to Joining Lace, Silk Gloves and Mits, Rolls and Curls, Tambour Sword Knots, Boys Beaver and Hussar Caps, Ladies Riding Hats, Feathers, and Whips, Childrens Sashes and Stays, a large Quantity of Didsbury's Shoes, Sheneal, fine Chip and Cane Hats, Fans, Cloaks, Gauze Handkerchiefs, Purses, Bags and Puffs, Pearl for Work, Tureen, Punch, and Pap Ladles, Stone, Silver, Gilt, and Pinchbeck Buckles, both Shoe and Knee Paste, Garnet, Gold, and Black Stock Do, India Plate Salts, Do. Snuffers and Snuff Pans, Silver Tea Spoons, Tea Tongs, Salt Shovels, Do. Coral and Bells, Paste, Marcasite, Pearl, and Bead Necklaces and Earrings, Gold Wires, Silver bowed Scissors and Silver tipped Sheaths, Lancet Cases, Watch Chains and Keys, Combs, Pocket Books and Etwee Cases, Freemason and other Brooches, Paste Sprigs and Pins, Tooth Brushes, fine Irish Wafers, Sword Canes and Pen Knives, black Bags and Roses, black Pins, Stay Hooks, Thimbles, Silver Shoe Clasps, Fruit Knives, Dolls and other Toys, with many other Articles too numerous to insert
. C. RATHELL.N.B. At the same Place may be had an exceeding fine SILVER WATCH, capped, and runs on Diamonds, also a beautiful GOLD WATCH, with Gold Hands, and an engraved Case.
VIRGINIA GAZETTE88
Purdie-Dixon
October 20, 1774 SupplementJust Imported, and to be SOLD by the Subscriber in Williamsburg, the following Articles, viz.
IRISH Linens, Dark Grounded fine Irish Calicoes, White Satin, Minionet, Blond, and Black Lace, Silk Petticoats, Satin, Stuff, and Leather Didsbury's Shoes, Gauze, Catgut, and Ribands, Silk, Cotton, and Thread Stockings, Sheneal of all Colours, Net Hoods, Patent Net Do. and Aprons, Rolls and Curls, Ladies and Gentlemens Gloves, Tambour and Sword Knots, Gilt and other Writing Paper, Under Worsted and Thread Stockings, a large Assortment of Ladies elegant Caps, fine Irish Garters and Wafers, Black Silk Patterns, Violet Hair Powder, Powder Puffs and Hair Pins, Fine Lawn and Silk Pocket Handkerchiefs, Wash Balls, White and Coloured Trimmings for Ladies Sacks, Freemason Sashes and Brooches, Satin Cloaks, Hats and Bonnets, Dresden Worked Ruffles, Children's Stockings, Shaving Powder, Fans, French Beads, Silk Gloves and Mits, Childrens Shoes and Stays, Flannel Waistcoats, New Rose Bags, Paste Necklace, Earrings, Sprigs, and Pins, Pearl, Garnet, Paste, and Plain Gold Lockets, Sets of Paste Buttons for Ladies Stomachers and Sleeve Knots, Foilstone, Paste, Silver, Pinch-beck, and Mourning Buckles Paste and Silver Stock and Knee Buckles, Gold and Pebble Sleeve Buttons, Coral and Bells, Silver Teaspoons, Salt Shovels, Punch Ladles, Tea Tongs and Thimbles, Ladies Riding Hats and Whips, Tooth-pick Cases, Inside and Outside Tooth Brushes, Pruning, Office, Pen and Travelling Knives Printing Types with double Sets of Letters and Figures, Seals and Trinkets, Watch Chains, Strings, and Keys, Diamond Pencils, Sword Canes and Rattans, Violins, Ass Skin Memorandum Books, Pocket Books with Instruments, Silk Purses, Cotton Night Caps and Hair Nets, Silk Laces, Dolls, Toys, and many other Things too numerous to insert. The above Goods are to be sold on reasonable Terms, for ready Money, by
C. RATHELL.
VIRGINIA GAZETTE89
Dixon [and Hunter]
February 25, 1775Just come to Hand, and to be Sold at my Store in Williamsburg, for Cash only,
A large and well chosen ASSORTMENT of
IRISH Linens, Ladies' black and other coloured Silk quilted Petticoats, Didsbury's neat black Calamanco Pumps; some white figured and striped Lustrings; Ladies' and Gentlemen's Silk, Thread, and Cotton Stockings; Men's spun Silk, gray Thread, and Worsted Ditto; some Pieces of Beautiful coloured Irish Muslins; fine Buff coloured Dimity, suitable for Ladies' Riding Dresses; with many other Articles not enumerated.
C. RATHELL.N.B. At the same Place may be had a Parcel of LOAF SUGAR.
VIRGINIA GAZETTE90
Dixon — April 22, 1775
Pinckney — April 20, 1775To be SOLD by the Subscriber, at her Store in Williamsburg,
A large and well chosen Assortment of
GOODS,
WHICH CONSIST AS FOLLOWS, VIZ.
MINIONET and blond Lace and Edgings, white Satin and Lustring, a number of black, white, and other coloured Silk Petticoats, Patent Net Aprons and Hoods, superfine Fancy and Dress Caps, Stomachers and Knots, Tambour Muslin, Waistcoats and Sword Knots, white, coloured, and raw Silk Stockings, brown Thread and Cotton Stockings, black Silk ditto, Cane and Silk Hats, French Flowers for trimming ditto, Silk Gloves and Mits, Leather and brown Thread ditto, fine stamped Irish Muslins for Ladies Gowns, which are remarkable for their beautiful Colours, Silk and Lawn Pocket Handkerchiefs, Salmon coloured plain and striped Dimities, Ladies Riding Hats and Feathers, Silk Purses, Wire Gauze, and ribbed Catgut, Boys Caps and Feathers, India Cotton for Work, Rolls and Curls, Children's Shoes and Stockings, Satin Cloaks and Teresas, Fans, Garnet set in Gold, plain Gold and Paste Brooches and Lockets, set Combs, Paste Bows, Crosses, Sprigs, and Pins, plain Gold, Paste, and Silver Stock Buckles, Marcasite and Paste Necklaces and Earrings, Gold Wires, Diamond and other Pencils, Silver bowed Scissors and French Sheaths, Thimbles, Watch Chains, Lancet Cases, Silver Shoe Clasps, Tea Tongs and Salt Shovels, a Silver Tea-spoon, Tray, and Pap Boat, an exceeding good Silver Watch to be sold at 50 per Cent. Men's fine Hats and Didsbury's Shoes, Boxes of Printing Types and Ink for marking Books, and Linen, black, Pinchbeck, and Silver Shoe Buckles, Ass Skin Memorandum Books, Morocco Pocket ditto, Pocket Knives and Forks, Pruning and Pen ditto, a second Hand Guittar, Children's Stays and Sashes, Watch Seals, Keys, and Strings, black Bags and Roses, Tureen and Punch Ladles, Sword Canes, Stocks, and Picktooth Cases, a large Quantity of Irish Linen, with some Table Cloths and Towels, Wash Balls, a few Dozen of neat flowered Wine Glasses, Patent Blacking, Dolls and other Toys, with many other Articles.At the same Place may be had a Parcel of LOAF SUGAR.
As I purpose going to England as soon as I dispose of my Goods (ill Liberty of Importation is allowed) I am under the Necessity of not parting with a single Shilling's Worth without Cash; and I request, as a Favour, that all who are indebted to me will pay off their Accounts this Meeting, and all Persons having demands against me are desired to call immediately for their Money.
CATHERINE RATHELL.
Jane Hunter came to Williamsburg from London sometime before October, 1766, and her sister Margaret joined her in 1767. Both were trained milliners. In her first ad, Jane states:
"Fans mounted and all sorts of Millinery made up in the newest fashion."1
A year later, she writes,
"The subscriber having a sister just arrived from LONDON, who understands the millinery business, she hopes to carry it on to the satisfaction of those who shall favour them with their commands. They have imported all the materials for making hats and bonnets, in the newest taste; where Ladies may be supplied on the shortest notice, by
Their humble servants,
M. & J. HUNTER."2
The Hunter sisters also advertised a wide variety of imported goods, including: caps and hats, materials, ribbons, feathers and other trimmings, Sewing notions, jewelry, accessories, and,
"a great variety of fan mounts."3
No location is given, but it is thought that they might have rented the building on lot 52 near the Raleigh Tavern, which Jane was using in 1770, and which Margaret subsequently purchased.
Jane Hunter listed some newly imported goods for sale again in October, 1768, but in April, 1769, she announced that she would be going back to England in May: 96
"MY ill state of health makes it necessary for me to go to England. I hope to return in the fall … I have just now arrived an assortment of goods in my way. The business will be carried on in my absence by my sister."1
On August 21, 1769, Miss Anne Blair of Williamsburg, writes to her sister, Mrs. Mary Braxton of "Newington,"
"A messenger has just return'd from Miss Hunter that the Cap she promised to finish to go by this opportunity, is not done. Tell Fanny Bayler she had none ready made, but that she can make them equal to the English and I will endeaver to send it as soon as possible. "2
On August 25, Anne writes,
"I send Betsey's Letr to you wch thro mistake was left out of my pacquet — also Fanny Bayler's cap, it came today(?). Money she gave me…"3
On September 4th Anne writes her sister,
"In a ramble down Street met Mr Price, who I fancy is getting Wedding geer for his Betsey … if this said Mr Price be not too deeply loadn'd (for he was Buying a World of things of Missrs Hunter & Pitt) will get him to take up those Bath Clogg's I promised you…"4
Jane Hunter was back from England by June 4, 1770, at which time she signed a four year lease with Dr. George Gilmer and his wife Lucy for the brick house on lot 52 near the Raleigh Tavern.5 A deed of release was recorded on August 20, 1770,6 and sometime between then and October 4, 1771, Jane married Edward Charlton, a barber and wigmaker of Williamsburg.7
9798
In May, 1771, Margaret Hunter placed her first advertisement:
"The Subscriber carries on the MILLINERY Business at her Shop next Door to Mr. Robert Anderson's Tavern, and has for Sale a great Variety of Articles in that Way, with TOYS, Strasburgs, Rappee, Weston's and Scotch SNUFF, &c. &c.
⸫ She makes Ladies Hats, Bonnets, Cloaks, and Cardinals: and mounts Fans, in the neatest Manner.
MARGARET HUNTER."1
Robert Anderson was then located at Wetherburn's, directly across the street from her sister's shop. A month later she,
"Hereby informs her friends and Customers that she is removed to the Corner Store in Doctor Carter's Brick House, where she carries on the Millinery Business in all its Branches … Orders from the Country will be faithfully and punctually executed, on the most reasonable Terms."2
On October 24, 17 71, Margaret Hunter and Jane Charlton run the first of several ads opposite each other. It looks like they sent their orders together. Both ads start:
"Just IMPORTED in the NANCY, Captain BARRON, and to be SOLD on the most reasonable Terms, by the Subscriber…"3
This is followed by a long list of imported goods, many of them similar. Jane Charlton states that she is "in Williamsburg." It isn't known if she is in the same location or not, because she has relinquished her deed to Lot 52 and she and Edward hadn't yet bought the house across the street.
Margaret Hunter 's ad states that she is,
"…at the Shop lately occupied by Doctor Andrew Anderson",which was in Dr. Carter's brick house, the same location as her last ad.
In April, 1772, Jane and Edward Charlton purchased a large house beside Wetherburn's Tavern, which is directly across from her old shop.
99100
Sometime between October, 1771 and November 15, 1774, Margaret Hunter had purchased the brick building on Lot 52 which her sister Jane had previously rented.
On November 15, 1774, William Russell purchased the other half of Lot 52, and his deed read:
"…bounded … on the East by the Lots or parts of lots of James Craig and Margaret Hunter …"1
Every spring and fall from 1771 through 1774, Jane Charlton and Margaret Hunter ran long advertisements listing imported goods, including materials, trimmings, accessories, jewelry and other small articles, and occasionally reminding their customers that they still made hats, cloaks and other millinery, as well as mounting fans.
In 1773 Jane Charlton presented the following bill to Mrs. Carey:
2
"Mrs. Carey Jr. To J. Charlton 1773 June 26 To 1 yd Mode 5/, lining 1 cane /4d, love ribd 2/ £0..8..4 Making Bonnet 2/6 making of Crepe Cloak 5/ ..7..6 £.15.10"
On November 14, Jane Charlton states:
"As I find it necessary to go for England in the spring, it is hoped those ladies and gentlemen who have favoured me with their orders, and have not discharged them, will be kind enough to make payment as early as possible, that I may be enabled to put my designs in execution; which will greatly add to the many obligations already conferred on their humble servant…"3
On April 29, 1775, Edward and Jane Charlton again indicate their intentions of going to England, asking their customers to please pay their bills, and also advertise their house for sale: 101
"The GOODS they have on Hand will be sold cheap for Cash; and as their continuance here is uncertain, it makes such a Notice necessary. The HOUSE they live in, which is situated in the most public Part of the City, and well calculated for any public Business, to be sold on long Credit, with Interest from the Date of the Deed, or on an Annuity, with approved Security…"1
The house wasn't sold, but James Anderson rented it for £25 in July, 1775, for an undetermined length of time.
Margaret Hunter evidently planned to go with them, because on March 4, 1775, she also announced her plans to go to England:
"IT being necessary for me to go to England this Spring, I shall esteem it a particular Favour if those who are indebted to me would be as early as possible in discharging their Accounts, without which it will not be in my Power to accomplish my Intention, and will not only be a great Disappointment, but a Disadvantage to me in my Business …"2
Margaret evidently planned to come back, because she did not place her house for sale. She probably expected her niece and her husband, Betsy and William Russell,3 to look after it, since they lived next door.
Margaret and Jane still had a sister in London — Elizabeth (Mrs. Benjamin) Farrow, Betsy Russell's mother. Elizabeth Farrow also had a son, William.
Edward Charlton also had two sisters, Phillis, and Jane. In 1794 Phillis married a man named Wear, and later married a Mr. Jordon. Jane married a Mr. Tunney, and they had three children: Thomas, John and Jane (who later married a Mr. Davidson).
102103
It isn't known if Margaret, Jane and Edward went to England or not, but nothing more is heard from them until May 22, 1778, when Edward again advertised his house for sale or rent:
"…The terms of payment will be made agreeable to any who choose to purchase … If more agreeable, it may be had on an annuity for two lives."1
Jane Charlton didn't advertise millinery goods for sale any more after 1775, but according to the following accounts, she was in business, at least from 1778 until 1799. Edward seems to have been her partner, at least part of the time:
104
"Mr. Tazewell To Edw. Charlton 1788 To Acct. Delivered £13..12..8 April 12 yd. Ribd for Masr Littleton 1/3 ..1..3 30 Pair shs Miss Nancy ..5.. Pair shs Mrs Fanning 7/6 pr buck, Miss Polly 1/3 ..8..9 May 6 Hat Mr Littleton ..6.. £14..13..1 1788 May 19 By Docr Pasteur £4..4 By Cash pr. Mr. Graves 9..12 13..16 13..16.. £..17..8 31 Miss Nancy pr shs 7/ pr bucks 3/ ..10.. £1..7..8 July 7 Cash p. Note to Mr Polagrove 3..0..0 22 Mr. Littleton pair knee buckles ..2..6 Augst 11 Do a Penknive ..1..6 Sepr 19 ½ lb tea ..8..4 Octr 13 1 lb Do 16/8 .16..8 £5..16..8 Novr 19th Recd the above Acct. in full
2
Edw Charlton"
"Henry Tazewell Esqre To Edw Charlton 1788 Nov. 22 To 5 yds durants 12/6 Dec. 26th pair gloves 2/6 £ .. 15.. 1789 May 6th Pair shs Masr Ln 10/6 ..10..6 April 15 Miss P. Hay 6½ yds calico 27/7½, 1½ yd linen 2/2¼ 1..9..9 ¾ 4½ yds durants 10/7½ silk 6d ..11..1½ Augst 11 Pair Morocco shs Miss By Tazewell 14/ do Miss Nancy 8/ 1..2..0 26 Hat 27/6 Pair shs 12/ 1..19..6 Septr 1st Pens Mastr Littn 1/6, 5th 5½ yds calico Miss Nancy 22/ 1..3..6 Decr 5th 5 yds blue durts 12/6, hk silk 6d ..13.. £ 8..4..5¼ To Mr Byrd's Order on You 18..9.. To Mr Hart's Do 3..1.. 6 £29..14.11¼ 1789 Octr 12th By Cash 15..0..0 14..14.11¾ Decr 16th Pair shs Mr Littleton ..12.. 1790 Janry 29 To Do Do Ribi 3/6 ..15..6 16..2..5¼
1790 Janry 13th By Cash £11..13..8 June 4th Do 4..8..9 £16..2..5 Reed the above in full
1
Edwi Charlton"
105 1062
"Mr. Prentis to J. Charlton. 1791 July 6 oz. Gum guiacun ..7..6 1792 August 31st 16 yds. Bombazeen @ 4/2 3..6..8 Oct. 24th 1 yd. Mode .13..9 £4..7.11"
"Mr. J. Prentis To J. Charlton Dr. 1795 July 15 To 2 Hkrs 15/au. 1 & ½ yd. Persian 2/3 .17..2 To l yd. Ribbon 10d 1 yd Do. 6d. Silk 6d .1.10 1796 July 6 To ½ yd. Persian 2/3 ..2..3 £ .21..4 By Cash 4/7 .4.. 7 £ .16..9 1798 Recd the above in full.
1
Jane Charlton"
107
"1793 May 7 Mrs Tucker Bought of J. Charlton pr Slippers 13/ pr gloves 5/6 £ .18..6 fan .7..6 By Cash recd the Contents £ 6 1795 Mrs Tucker to J Charlton July 11th pr Sandles 13/ 5 yds ribbon 7/6 plume 10/ 1..10..6 6 yds ribbon 4/6 1 yd Muslin 10/6 1 yd Do 8/ 6 1..3..6 pr Slippers 11/6 pr Stockings 60/ tape 7/ 3..18..- needles 1/ pins l/3 Marking thrd 6d ..2..9 £6..14..9 S. G. Tucker requests to know if a draft on Mr Browne of Richmond for the above amt will accommodate Mrs Charlton equally as well as The Money paid her.
J. Charlton"2
1795 Novr 2 Recd of Mr. Tucker the sum of £8..5 in full of all demands.
J. Charlton"1
"1796 Mrs Tucker to Jane Charlton March hatt 6/ flower 10/6 fan 6/5 sandles 12/ Do 13/ £ 1..15..6 6 Yds ribbon 9/ hatt 4/6 6 Yds ribbon 9/ 1..2..6 April 2 2 Yds ribbon 3/ ..3.. 12 Recd the Conts in full
Jane Charlton"
1796 Augst 5 Mrs Tucker to J. Charlton 3 Handk 27/ 3 Do 15/ £ 2..2.. - 4½ yds Muslin 40/ 1 yd persian 4/6 2..5..- 5½ Yds edging 9/2 4½ Do 5/ ..13..8 2 fans 16/ 1 Do 5/ 1..1..- 3 yds ribbon 3/9 3 Do 1½ ..4.10½ 1 paper pins 1/6 Do ½ Do ½ ..2..6 1798 Mrs Tucker to Jane Charlton Feby 6th 6 Yds Muslin £3..12..- Hatt 13/ 2½ yds ribbons 3½ yds Do .18.10½ 3 Yds ribbon 3/ 1½ yds lawn 8/3 .11..3 … February 15 Recd the above in full £5..2..1½
June 22nd (edging, muslin, gloves, shoes, fan, &c.) 3..15..6
"Recd the contents in full Jane Charlton"1
"1799 Mrs Tucker to Jane Charlton Jan 30 To 6 pr Stockings" July 12 (persian, silk, needles, ribbon, gloves, thread) £ 3..14..4½
Margaret Hunter didn't advertise from 1775 until 1780, when a short ad appeared: 108
"I HAVE for SALE at my store opposite to Mr. Ambrose Davenport's tavern, in this city, an elegant assortment of the most beautiful calico and chintz patterns, black and white gauze, small quantity of the best soap.
M. HUNTER.N.B. I still carry on the milliner's business, and would willingly take goods on commission, at a moderate advance."1
On September 28, 1779, Edward Charlton placed the following advertisement in the Virginia Gazette:
"To be SOLD at publick sale for ready money, on Thursday, the 7th of October.
A VARIETY of household and kitchen furniture, among which are handsome looking glasses, a mahogany desk and book case, ditto chest of drawers, do. dressing table, and other tables of different kinds, chairs, a handsome suit of curtains with a walnut bedstead, ivory handled knives and forks, silver ditto, Queen's china plates and dishes, with a great many other useful articles. Likewise two horses, one of them an exceeding fine saddle horse, a chair and harness, a cart with harness for two horses, two milk cows. Also a small collection of books…"2
In October, 1779, a close relative of Edward's (probably a brother), Richard Charlton, died. Richard was originally a barber and wigmaker, but had been a tavern keeper since 1767. George Washington often stayed at Richard's tavern between 1772 and 1775, and Richard's wife, Sarah, who was a mantua-maker, may have made some gowns for Mrs. Washington. At least there were several charges paid to Mrs. Charlton for Mrs. Washington.
Edward evidently owed Richard a lot of money at the time of his death, because a trust deed was signed on March 13, 1784, turning the house over to Richard's wife, Sarah, and it mentioned an indenture signed in October, 1779.3 Sarah Charlton and her two children, Edward and Jane, evidently moved into the house soon after the deed was signed.
109It isn't known where Edward and Jane moved from there. It is possible that they moved in with Margaret then, or that they went back to England for awhile. At any rate, they were in Williamsburg in 1787.
On December 30, 1781, Mary Braxton Burwell writes her daughter, Eliza Whiting:
"Wmsburg 30th Decr 81 -
Dr Betsey
Obed. returning gives me an opportunity of letting you know we had a most favorable journey to this place. Yr most affectionate Reception of Most of my Old Acquaintance shewed the greater Demonstrations of Joy at seeing me once more. Particularly neighbour Cocke, who is still cheerful, tho never well. Mrs. Hay, Mr. Craig, shewed a particular regard, indeed did many others. Mr. Charleton & Lady Mrs. Hunter &c. &c. &c…"1
On January 6, 1787, John Blair, Jr. writes his sister, Mary Braxton Burwell:
"…I should have answered your letter while in Richmond; but I was so full of employment of one sort or another as not to leave me the opportunity. While there, Mr. Braxton shewed me a receipt of Russell's for money which he paid Mrs Hunter on your account & which he said you had disputed, amounting to twelve, or thirteen pounds (I forget now which) nineteen shillings & four pence half penny — Among the receipts which Mrs Hunter gave you an account of, is there one for that sum?…"2
Margaret Hunter's last advertisement appeared on March 8, 1787:
"To be Sold;
A VALUABLE
NEGRO WOMANShe is a good WASHER, IRONER, and clear STARCHER, an excellent PASTRY COOK and is capable of all kinds of HOUSEHOLD BUSINESS ALSO HER CHILD a girl about seven years old…"3
Seven months later, Margaret is dead. The Virginia Gazette for October 4, 1787 lists under deaths: 110 111
"Mrs. MARGARET HUNTER of the city of Williamsburg, After a few days illness."1
Evidently Margaret hadn't been successful in selling her slave, because on October 11, 1787, her brother-in-law, Edward Charlton, executor of her estate, placed the following ad trying to sell her house, and the same slave is listed:
"To be Sold,
On the premises in Williamsburg, on Monday, the 12th of November
THE BRICK HOUSE the property of the late Mrs. Hunter, situated in the most public part of the city, well calculated for a store or dwelling house, in very good repair, it has a flush cellar, laid with flag stones, and a very convenient kitchen; also two very likely NEGRO WOMEN, both exceeding good house servants, one is also an excellent washer, ironer, and clear starcher, and a good pastry cook; one of the women has four fine children who will be sold with their mother, the other has two very likely girls, they will be sold either with their mother or separately; likewise the household and kitchen furniture among which are a handsome chest of drawers, and a desk and book case, both mahogany, with several very useful articles for a kitchen, particularly a very good jack, with everything compleat…"2
Since the Capitol had moved to Richmond seven years before this, real estate wasn't moving very fast. Eight years later, Jane was still in possess ion of the building.
Edward Charlton died in 1792, and in 1795 Jane bought her sister's half of the property, and became the sole owner:
"July 14, 1795.
Farrow, Elizabeth
112
of London (widow)
to
Hornsby, WilliamPower of attorney to sell to her sister Jane Charlton her half interest in a certain brick dwelling house and premises situate and being in the Main Street of the city of Williamsburg, formerly the property of her late sister Margaret Hunter, spinster, deceased. Jane Charlton and Elizabeth Farrow being joint heirs of Margaret Hunter."1
It is probable that Jane and Edward were living with Margaret at the time of her death.
In September, 1786, Edward Charlton paid Humphrey Harwood, a local handyman, for lime and for mending a grate.
In December, 1787, one month after the proposed public sale of Margaret Hunter's house, extensive repairs were begun, lasting through September, 1788. These included: replacing four window frames (two for the cellar), whitewashing, plastering, replacing bricks, repairing steps and cellar cap, repairing doors, laying front steps, and contracting labourers for the kitchen chimney.
In August, 1789 , Mr. Harwood sold Mr. Charlton 8 bushels of lime and 312 bricks and mended the brickwork of the well.
In January, 1790, Harwood rubbed bricks and mended the brickwork of the fireplaces. Later he mended several other things, and did a lot of whitewashing.
After Edward Charlton's death in 1792, Jane hired Jerry, one of Harwood's workers, once a year for half a day, to do whitewashing.2
Jane Charlton died in August, 1802. Her estate was valued at $6,955.59. She had left legacies of £600 to Edward's sister Phillis and to the children of his deceased sister, Jane. She also left £600 to her sister, Elizabeth Farrow, with the provision that it go to Elizabeth's 113 two grandchildren after Elizabeth's death. Unfortunately, Elizabeth also died in 1802.
Jane also left a small annuity to her friend, Mary Cook, which was paid every year until Mary's death in 1808. Jane's estate also bought clothes for Mary in 1803, and paid for her coffin when she died.
The rest of Jane's estate:
"I desire may be sold and equally divided between my two nieces Elizabeth Robinson and Jane Russell daughters of William Russell by his first wife, my niece Elizabeth Farrow, and it is my express will and desire that the said William Russell shall not have any concern whatever with any part of my estate so left to his daughter, Jane, but that part of my estate shall be paid to Adam Craig esquire for the use of my niece Jane until her marriage and the money placed out … receiving the interest regularly towards her more comfortable support till her marriage … "1
Jane freed her two slaves at her death, and gave each of them a "good large new blanket."2 She also stipulated that Nanny was to receive £6 and Sally £3,
"these sums to be paid to them immediately on my decease."3
Her executor bought the former slaves a three months supply of meal for food. Jane also provided for the slaves' children:
"Having already freed my two mulatto children Aggy now in her seventh year, and Charlott in her fifth year, 'tis my will and desire that they shall both receive their freedom at the age of eighteen and that my niece Elizabeth Robinson, on my decease, shall take Aggy under her care and protection until that period,… if my niece Jane Russell should marry and settle that she will take Charlott under her care after my decease till she arrives to the age of eighteen and trust they will be kind to them for my sake and that my two nieces Elizabeth Robinson and Jane Russell when the time of their servitude is expired will cloath them decently, and that they may not be sent out naked, pennyless and unprotected to 114 an unfeeling World, tis my desire they be each furnished out of my estate with a large new good blanket and each to receive at the age of eighteen ten dollars, and this I desire my friend Anthony Robinson to see duly and truly performed."1
Virginia Gazette (Purdie-Dixon)116
October 10, 1766JUST IMPORTED, And sold by the subscriber in WILLIAMSBURG, A GENTEEL Assortment of MILLINERY GOODS, viz. Fashionable caps, Italian caps, egrets and fillets, breast flowers, turbans and tippets, best French bead, pearl and jet necklaces, earrings, minionet and blonde lace, blond net, yard and yard and half wide book muslins, fine thick muslin, plain and spotted gauze, fashionable ribands and trimmings, black love ribands, handkerchiefs, and egrets, black fans, black mittens, French and glazed kid and lamb gloves and mittens, white fans and white shoes, floss and netting silk, cotton thread, skeleton and skein wire, calash bonnets, &c.
JANE HUNTER⸫Fans mounted and all sorts of Millinery made up in the newest fashion.
117
118Just IMPORTED, and to be SOLD at the lowest prices,
A GENTEEL ASSORTMENT OF
MILLINERY,
CONSISTING OF
FASHIONABLE ribands, suits of blond lace, caps, fillets, stomachers and sleeve knots, tippets, breast flowers, egrets, India pearl, French bead, and jet necklaces, earrings and egrets, fine edgings, pearl, Jacob's ladder, doubled edged joining, and other minionet laces, blond and black do. plain and figured gauzes, parisnet, fine catgut, white crape, great choice of fine thick and book muslins, lawns, cambrick, long lawn, fashionable trimmings, white and coloured fans, black silk gloves and mittens, leather do. fine cotton and French thread, skeleton and skeign wire, paste hair pins and shoe buckles, calash and other bonnets and hats. Also a great variety of fan mounts.The subscriber having a sister just arrived from LONDON, who understands the millinery business, she hopes to carry it on to the satisfaction of those who shall favour them with their commands. They have imported all the materials for making hats and bonnets, in the newest taste; where Ladies may be supplied on the shortest notice, by
Virginia Gazette
Their humble servants,
M. & J. HUNTER.
Purdie and Dixon
October 1, 1767.
Virginia Gazette (Purdie-Dixon)119
October 20, 1768 Just imported in the Bristol, Capt. Young, from London, and sold by the Subscriber in Williamsburg,
A GENTEEL assortment of MILLINERY, consisting of fine minionet laces, edging, joining, a double edged and Lappet do. blond and black do, purl and Jacob's ladder, real garnet, best French wax, wax pearl, India pearl and jet necklaces, earrings and egrets. Italian and silver do. best Italian and white breast flowers, paste and artificial pins, stomachers and sleeve knots, a variety of fashionable caps and ribands, plain, flowered, and striped gauzes, fashionable trimmings, catgut, black silk, and leather gloves and mittens, white, coloured, and black fans, white satin shoes, white lustring, plain and sprigged cloak satins, white sprigged modes, fringe for mourning, black, white, and coloured bugles, great choice of muslins, white silk stockings, a variety of fan mounts and toys, and many other things too tedious to mention.
JANE HUNTER.
Virginia Gazette (Purdie-Dixon)120
October 24, 1771 Just IMPORTED in the NANCY, Captain BARRON, and to be SOLD on the most reasonable Terms, by the Subscriber, in Williamsburg,
A GENTEEL Assortment of MILLINERY, SILKS, and JEWELLERY. Fine Mechlin, Brussels, Minionet, Blond, and black Lace and Edgings, joining and double edged Ditto, cheap Thread Edgings for Trimmings, flowered, white, and coloured Satin Petticoats, a great Variety of set Necklaces, Earrings, Sprigs, Lockets, Buckles, and Combs, Paste, Shell, Marcasite, plain Tortoiseshell, and Horn Combs, a great Variety of fashionable Ribands, Caps, Fillets, Stomachers, and Fans, French Pearl Wax, Pearl, Jet, Garnet, Coral, and Agate Necklaces, Earrings and Sprigs, fine Italian Flowers, Breast Ditto, Ladies and Gentlemens Silk and Leather Gloves of various Sorts, Gold Bands, Buttons, and Loops, striped and plain Muslin Handkerchiefs, plain and figured Gauze, Gauze Aprons, fine dark grounded Cottons, Hats and Bonnets, Satin Shoes, Mens Gresham's Ditto, Etwee Cases, Silver Thimbles, Ladies white Silk and Cotton Hose, Gentlemens white, black, and coloured ribbed and plain Ditto, Hair Rolls, Net Hoods, a great Variety of Tapes, a Piece of fine Cotton Bed Furniture, Chintz Colours, &c. &c.
JANE CHARLTON.
VIRGINIA GAZETTE121
Purdie-Dixon
May 7, 1772 Just IMPORTED in Captain WOODFORD, and to be SOLD on reasonable Terms by the Subscriber, in Williamsburg,
A NEAT Assortment of JEWELLERY and MILLINERY, namely, Paste Shoe Knots, Ditto Shoe, Knee and Stock Buckles, Marcasite and Paste Necklaces and Earrings, French Bead and Jet Ditto set with Marcasite, enamelled, Garnet set in Gold, plain Gold and Marcasite in Silver, Lockets, Paste and Marcasite Crosses, Paste Cocque de Pearl and Marcasite Sprigs, Gold Wire Earrings, French Bead, Pearl, Agate, and Garnet Necklaces and Earrings, fine Minionet, Brussels, Mechlin, and Blond Lace, Italian Flower and Riband Stomachers and Sleeve Knots, Suits of Childbed Linen, Egrets, Breast Flowers, Nosegays, Fancy, laced and Gauze Caps, Cambrick, Lawn, Gauze, Catguts, fine Book and thick Muslin, Gauze Aprons and Handkerchiefs, Gold Bands, Buttons, and Loops, set Combs, Plain Tortoiseshell and Horn Ditto, Gresham's white and coloured Satin Pumps, white and black Silk Gloves and Mits, Kid and Lamb Ditto, Boys blue Satin Caps, white and coloured Silk Hose, Cotton Ditto, white Satins and Silks, coloured Silks, Trimming for Ditto, &c. &c.
JANE CHARLTON.
"Cloaks…made in the newest Fashion."122
Virginia Gazette (Purdie-Dixon)123
October 15, 1772Just imported in the last Ships from London, and to be Sold on reasonable Terms by the Subscriber in Williamsburg.
A Great Variety of fashionable figured white Lustrings, rich plain white Satin, flowered ditto, Brocades, striped and plain Lustrings, white and coloured Persians, white and black Cloak Satin, ditto Bonnets and Cloaks, ditto Mode, white and coloured Satin Petticoats, black Calimanco ditto, Gresham's white and coloured Satin Shoes, black Calimanco ditto, Blond Dress Caps, Fancy ditto, plain Gauze ditto, Suits of Blond Lace, Brussels, Mechlin, and Minionet Lace, Thread and Blond Edgings, Lappet Lace, white and black Blond Lace, of various Kinds, Riband Stomachers and Sleeve Knots, Italian Flowers ditto, Patent Net, ditto Hoods, rich Suits of Dresden Work, fine Suits of Childbed Linen, Robes, James, white Satin Baskets, India Dimity ditto, Pincushions and Lines, a large Assortment of fashionable Ribands, Ladies and Gentlemens Silk and Cotton Hose, Paste Necklaces and Earrings. French Bead, Jet, and Garnet ditto, Shoe, Knee, and Stock Paste Buckles, Paste Sprigs, Marcasite and Shell ditto, Paste Combs, plain Tortoiseshell and Horn ditto, plain Gold Earrings, Garnet ditto, plain Gold Lockets, Garnet ditto, Ladies white and coloured Kid and Lamb Gloves and Mits, black and White Silk ditto, Childrens Cotton Hose, ditto white, black and blue Caps, white Feathers for ditto, red Morocco Shoes, white and coloured Fans, fine Book Muslin, thick ditto, striped bordered Muslin Handkerchiefs, flowered and striped Gauze Aprons, plain Gauze, long Lawns, Cambrick, fine dark grounded Cottons, white and coloured Trimmings, Cotton Thread, Lisle and Ounce ditto, Tapes, Bindings, Bobbin, &c.
JANE CHARLTON⸫Cloaks, Bonnets, and all Sorts of Millinery, made in the newest Fashion.
VIRGINIA GAZETTE124
Purdie-Dixon
April 22, 1773Just IMPORTED from London, and to be SOLD by the Subscriber, in Williamsburg,
A NEW Assortment of MILLINERY of the most fashionable Kind, namely: Caps, Stomachers, Suits of Blond, Fans, Ribands, Gloves, and Minionet and Brussels Lace and Edgings, Blond and black Do, Joining Do. a Variety of genteel white Lustrings figured and plain, white flowered Satin, coloured, plain and striped Lustring, black Mantua, Satin Petticoats, Ladies and Gentlemens Gresham and Didsbury Shoes, Childrens Shoes, Silk and Cotton Stockings, Childrens Do. Boys black and blue Caps, Ladies Cloaks, Bonnets, and Hats. Yard wide fine Book Muslins, Yard and a Half wide Do. fine Jackanet Do. of both Kinds, striped Border Muslin Handkerchiefs, Gauze Aprons and Handkerchiefs, plain and flowered Gauzes and Catgut, Paste Bows, Necklaces, and Earrings, Shoe, Knee, and Stock Paste Buckles, Paste and Marcasite Sprigs, Paste Combs, plain Do. plain Gold and set Lockets, French Bead Necklaces and Earrings, Gold Bands, Buttons and Loops, Silver Stomachers and Sleeve Knots, Silver-Blond Lace, India Persians, Net Hoods, Cambricks, Lawns, and Long Lawns, fine Childbed Linen, Baskets and Chimney Linens, Diaper and Corded Dimity, Purl, Cotton Thread, French Do. Hair Rolls and Curls, &c. &c.
JANE CHARLTON.⸫ All Kinds of MILLINERY made in the NEWEST FASHION.
Virginia Gazette (Rind)125
October 21, 1773 Just imported, and to be SOLD by the subscriber in Williamsburg,
A NEW assortment of MILLINERY, and other goods, viz. white satting and lustring, coloured lustrings, striped ditto, Brussells, minionet, and blond laces, edgings, caps, stomachers, fans, gloves, and ribbands, a variety of muslins, gauze, and catgut, sattin shoes, calimanco ditto, sattin and calimanco petticoats, fine suits of childbed linen, baskets, pincushions, chimney lines, blankets, corded dimity and diaper, silk and cotton stockings, Gentlemens Didsbury's shoes, Ladies riding hats, fashionable bonnets, rolls and curls, a variety of JEWELLERY, French necklaces and earrings, with sundry other articles.
JANE CHARLTON.
Virginia Gazette (Purdie-Dixon)126
May 5, 1774 Just Imported, and to be Sold by the Subscriber, on very reasonable Terms, in Williamsburg,
A GENTEEL Assortment of MILLINERY in the newest Taste, Mechlin, Brussels, and Minionet Lace, Blond Ditto, a Variety of White and Coloured Silks, Plain, Striped, and Sprigged Muslins, Jewellery, Childbed Linen, Robes, Ladies and Gentlemens Silk and Cotton Hose, Didsbury's Shoes, Gresham's Satin and Calimanco Ditto, Ladies Black and White Riding Hats, and many other Articles.
JANE CHARLTON.
Four Centuries of European Jewellery by Ernie Bradford 127
Virginia Gazette (Pinckney)128
November 14 [4], 1774 A GENTEEL assortment of MILLINERY, LACES, Dresden SUITS, SILK, JEWELLERY, and sundry other articles, all in the newest fashion°
JANE CHARLTON .
Virginia Gazette (Purdie-Dixon)129
May 2, 1771Williamsburg, May 2, 1771
The Subscriber carries on the MILLINERY Business at her Shop next Door to Mr. Robert Anderson's Tavern, and has for Sale a great Variety of Articles in that Way, with TOYS, Strasburgs, Rappee, Weston's, and Scotch SNUFF, &c. &c.
⸫She makes Ladies Hats, Bonnets, Cloaks, and Cardinals; and mounts Fans, in the neatest Manner.
MARGARET HUNTER .
Virginia Gazette (Purdie-Dixon)130
June 20, 1771 MARGARET HUNTER,
MILLINER, Williamsburg,
Hereby informs her Friends and Customers that she is removed to the Corner Store in Doctor Carter's Brick House, where she carries on the Millinery Business in all its Branches; also makes Ladies Hats, Bonnets, Cloaks, and Cardinals, and mounts Fans in the neatest Manner. — She has for Sale a great Variety of MILLINERY, TOYS, Strasburg, Rappee, Weston's, and Scotch SNUFF, &c., &c. Orders from the Country will be faithfully and punctually executed, on the most reasonable Terms.
Virginia Gazette (Purdie-Dixon)131
October 24, 1771 Just Imported in the Nancy, Captain Barron, and to be Sold on reasonable Terms by the Subscriber, at the Shop lately occupied by Doctor Andrew Anderson, in Williamsburg,
A Fresh Assortment of Millinery, White Satin, plain and flowered Lustrings, Bath, Brussels, Minionet, and Edging Lace, Blond, black, and joining Ditto for Hoods, black, white, and blue Satin for Cloaks, Didsbury's Satin Shoes, Ditto Shoes and Pumps for Gentlemen and Children, Paste Buckles, Paste, Marcasite, Garnet, Pearl, and Wax Necklaces, Earrings, Sprigs, Crosses and Lockets, blue and white Satin Coats, Child Bed Linen, Baskets and Cushions, large Bags for Gentlemen at 7s. 6d. Rose Ditto at 3s. 9d. Mens, Womens, and Childrens white and coloured Gloves, black and white silk Ditto for Ladies, Silk, Cotton, and Worsted Hose, Cane and Chip Hats, Childrens blue and black Caps, Hats, and Feathers, Hair Rolls, coarse, fine, and Apron Book Muslin, Cambrick and Lawn, Ivory Bodkins, Smelling Bottles cased with Ivory, and a Variety of curious Toys, &c., &c. Fans neatly mounted, and Cloaks and Bonnets made by
MARGARET HUNTER.
132
Virginia Gazette (Purdie-Dixon)133
July 9, 1772Just Imported from London, and to be Sold by the Subscriber, in Williamsburg,
A Complete Assortment of MILLINERY, &c. Paste Necklaces and Earrings; Marcasite Ditto, Wax Ditto set round with Marcasite; French Wax, Coral, Garnet, and Agate Ditto; Paste Buckles, Combs, Lockets, and Crosses; Silver Corals; Garnet Earrings set in Gold; Tortoiseshell, Ivory, Box, and Horn Combs, fashionable Paper Snuff Boxes; japanned Silver Thimbles; Childrens Clasps and Lockets; Tea Boards and Waiters; rich white Satin; flowered and plain Lustrings; figured, black, blue, and white Satin for Cloaks; Bath, Brussels, and Minionet Lace and Edgings; Blond and black Lace for Cloaks; joining Ditto for Hoods and Handkerchiefs; Silk, Cotton, Thread, and Worsted Stockings; Silk, Kid, and Lamb Gloves and Mits for Ladies; a Variety of neat Gloves and Didsbury's Shoes for Gentlemen; Calimanco, Silk, Satin, and embroidered Shoes for Ladies; Suits of Childbed Linen, Cradle Quilts and Robes; white Satin and Dimity Baskets; Lines and Pincushions; Chip Hats; white Bonnets; Satin Quilts; striped, plain, and flowered Muslin; Book Ditto for Aprons; Long Lawn; Cambrick; flowered, spotted, and plain Gauze; bordered Gauze Handkerchiefs and Aprons; Patent Net Hoods; Pieces of Ditto for Handkerchiefs and Ruffles; white Sarcenet; black, white, and blue Persian; Silver Blond for Stomachers and Sleeve Knots; Italian Ditto; Riband Ditto; Silver and Italian Breast Flowers; black, white, coloured, and India Fans; Dimity for Robes; Lace and Fringe for trimming Ditto; Fringe for Suits; Hair Rolls and Ear Curls, Silk Purses; Pocket Books; Smelling Bottles; and a Variety of Toys for Children; Silk Bags for Gentlemens Hair; fine Hyson Tea; Rappee and Scotch Snuff; with a great Number of other Articles.
MARGARET HUNTER.⸫ Bonnets and Hats made in the newest Fashion; also Fans neatly mounted.
Virginia Gazette (Purdie-Dixon)134
October 15, 1772Imported in the PLANTER, Captain MILLER, and to be SOLD by the Subscriber in Williamsburg, on Reasonable Terms,
A NEAT Assortment of MILLINERY, &c. viz. Caps dressed and undressed, Stomachers, Sleeve Knots, Silver Blond for making Do. and for trimming, Bath, Brussels, and Minionet Lace, Joining Do. for Hoods and Handkerchiefs, Net and Patent Hoods, Pieces of Patent Net for Handkerchiefs and Ruffles, Black and Blond Lace, Joining Do. for Hoods, Thread and Blond Edging, fine and coarse Catgut, Jacob's Ladder, Suits of Dresden Work, Hats and Bonnets, black, blue, white, and figured Satin for Cloaks, Lace Satin for Do., Chip Hats, blue marking Thread, spotted, flowered, and plain Gauze Handkerchiefs and Aprons, white and coloured Fans with Ivory and Bone Sticks, rich white Satin, flowered, striped, and plain Lustrings, black, white, blue, and Pink Persians, Paste Necklaces and Earrings, Gold Lockets, Do. with Garnets, Paste, Garnet, and Foil Stone Crosses, Paste Combs and Buckles, Marcasite, Paste and Coque de Pearl Sprigs, Fancy Wax Necklaces, Wax, Coral, Agate, and real and mock Garnet Beads, Smelling Bottles, Paste Drop Earrings, Silver Toothpick Cases, plain and chased Corals, an Assortment of Thread, Ladies black, white, and blue Satin Hussars, black and white Beaver Hats for Do. Satin Hussars and Ostrich Feathers for Children, Silk, Kid, and Lamb Gloves and Mits, Pins and Needles, blue, white, and red Satin, and black Stuff quilted Coats, Hair Rolls and Curls, black Pins, Cane for Bonnets, Bunch, Skeleton, and Cork Screw Wire, Hardham's Rappee No. 9, Weston's Scotch Snuff, Suits of Childbed Linen, Satin and Dimity Baskets, Pincushions and Lines, striped, plain, flowered, Book, and Yard and a Half wide thick Muslins, Dimity, Lace, Fringe, and Muslin, for Childrens Robes, Diaper Clouting, long Lawn, a Variety of Ribands, Wax Top and Drop Earrings, black and coloured Velvet Collars, Italian Breast Flowers, white and coloured Satin, embroidered, Queen's Silk, and Stuff Shoes for Ladies, Silk, Cotton, Thread, and Worsted Stockings, Didsbury's Shoes, Buckskin Gloves for Gentlemen, a Variety of Toys, dressed and undressed Babies, green Silk Purses, &c.
MARGARET HUNTER⸫ Hats, Bonnets and Cloaks, made in the neatest Manner and newest Fashion.
Virginia Gazette (Purdie-Dixon)135
April 29, 1773 Just IMPORTED, and to be SOLD by the Subscriber, in WILLIAMSBURG, A NEW Assortment of MILLINERY of the most fashionable Kinds, namely, Caps, Hats, Bonnets, and Cloaks, Suits of Blond, Stomachers, Gloves, Ribands, Fans, Minionet and Brussels Lace and Edgings, Blond and Black Ditto, joining Ditto, rich white Satin, plain and figured Lustrings, Ladies Riding Hats, Boys black and blue Hats and Caps, Ladies and Gentlemens Gresham and Didsbury Shoes, Cotton, Silk, and Thread Stockings, fine Jackanet Muslin, Yard and Yard and a Half wide fine Book ditto of both Kinds, striped Border Muslin Handkerchiefs, Gauze Handkerchiefs and Aprons, flowered and plain Gauzes, flowered Muslin, striped Ditto, fine Suits of Dresden, fine Childbed Linen, Ditto Baskets, Pincushions, and Lines, Diaper for Clouting, fine India Earrings, Lockets and Crosses, Silver Corals, Toothpick Cases Ditto, a Variety of Rings, green silk Purses, Smelling Bottles, French Wax Necklaces and Earrings, Garnet, Coral, and Agate Necklaces, Hair Rolls, fine Italian Breast Flowers, small Ditto, Japan Teaboards, fine and coarse Chip Hats, Stuff Quilts, black, white, and blue Persians, black Mode, white Sarcenet, black Satin for Cloaks, Lace Satin for Ditto, Cradle Quilts, Comb Brushes, Shennel of all Colours, Powder Boxes and Puffs, scented and plain Powder, Pocket Books, Toys of all Sorts, Cotton Thread, French Ditto, Umbrellas, and dressed and undressed Babies, &c.—
All Sorts of Millinery made by
MARGARET HUNTER.
Four Centuries of European Jewellery by Ernle Bradford 136
VIRGINIA GAZETTE137
Purdie-Dixon
October 14, 1773 Just IMPORTED, and to be SOLD,
By M. HUNTER, in WILLIAMSBURG,
A GENTEEL Assortment of MILLINERY and other GOODS, consisting of Suits of Blond, Blond Caps, fancied enamelled Stomachers, Italian Ditto, Bath, Brussels, Minionet, and Blond Laces and Edgings, black Laces and Edgings, Silver Blond, Coxcomb Ditto, a Variety of plain and flowered Ribands, white Lustrings, flowered and plain Patent Net, a rich black Patent Net Apron, Patent Net Hoods, Book Muslin Yard and Yard and a Half wide, flowered Ditto, striped and flowered Muslin Yard and Yard and a Half wide, thick Ditto; black, blue, and white Satin for Cloaks; black, blue and white Persian Ditto; black Mode, white Sarcenet, Suits of Dresden Work, suits of Childbed Linen, Baskets, Pincushions, Lines, Robes, Cradle-Quilts, Paste Necklaces and Earrings, Sprigs and Pins Ditto, Lockets set with Garnets, plain Ditto, Gold and Silver Lockets for Necklaces, Paste and Marcasite Crosses, Foil Stone Ditto, Wax Necklaces and Earrings, Paste and plain Tortoise Shell and Horn Combs, Silver Corals, Paste Buckles, mock and real Garnets; Wax, Coral, and Agate Beads; Ladies Riding Hats, Childrens Beaver Hats, black and blue Satin Caps, quilted Puddings for Children, white and coloured Bone and Ivory Stick Fans, Filagree Toothpick Cases, Silver and Tortoise Shell inlaid with Silver Ditto, white and brown Thread Stockings, ribbed Ditto, Ladies and Gentlemens white Silk Stockings, coloured Ditto, Gresham's Ladies Calimanco Shoes, green and purple Ditto, Ladies black and white Silk Gloves, white and coloured Kid and Lamb Ditto, Mens white Silk Gloves, Wash Leather Ditto; blue, Pink, and white Satin Coats; blue, Pink, white Satin, and Queen's Silk Shoes; Tortoise Shell and Glass Smelling Bottles, Gentlemens and Ladies Pocket Books, Rings, Silver, Thimbles, Italian Breast Flowers, small Ditto, Models of Lord Hyson and Bohea Teas, Chip Hats, Cane Ditto, Bonnets, Stuff Petticoats, spotted Gauzes, Apron Ditto, Calicoes and Cottons, Babies of all Prices, a Variety of Toys, green Silk Purses, India Fans, black Pins, Snuff Boxes, Strasburg and Weston's Snuffs, Coal Seals, Cottons, Threads, and Tapes.
138
Virginia Gazette (Purdie-Dixon)139
May 12, 1774 Just imported, and to be Sold by the Subscriber, on very reasonable Terms, in Williamsburg,
A GENTEEL Assortment of MILLINERY in the newest Taste, Brussels, Minionet, and Blond Lace, a Variety of Coloured and White Silk Stockings, Thread and Cotton Do. Plain, Striped, and Sprigged Muslins, Jewellery, Childbed Linen, Robes, Didsbury's Shoes, Gresham's Satin and Calimanco Do. Ladies Riding Hats, Childrens Do. with Feathers, Satin Quilts, Gentlemens Embroidered Waistcoat Patterns, White Quilting for Ladies Petticoats, very fine Hyson Tea, Busts of the late Lord Botetourt, and many other Articles.
MARGARET HUNTER.
Virginia Gazette140
(Purdie-Dixon) October 27, 1774 Just imported, in the Bland, Captain Denby, and to be Sold by the Subscriber, in Williamsburg, a Fresh Assortment of MILLINERY, consisting of Bath, Brussels, and Minionet Laces, Blond and Black Laces, Edgings of all Sorts, Stomachers and Sleeve Knots, Caps of all Kinds, also a Compleat Assortment of Jewellery, Silks and Satins, White and Coloured Gentlemens fashionable Silk Hose, Childbed Linen, Baskets, Pincushions, and Cradle Quilts, Ladies Riding Hats, Childrens Do., Gresham's best Calimanco and Satin Shoes, Suits of Dresden Work, and a Number of other Articles, all new.
M. HUNTER.
Virginia Gazette
(Dixon-Nicolson)
February 3 [4], 1780Williamsburg, Feb. 3, 1780.
I HAVE for SALE at my store, opposite Mr. Ambrose Davenport's tavern,in this city, an elegant assortment of the most beautiful calico and chintz patterns, black and white gauze, and a small quantity of the best soap.
M. HUNTER.N.B. I still carry on the Milliners business, and would willingly take goods on commission, at a moderate advance.
Joanna Tyler McKenzie was the daughter of John and Elizabeth Jarrett Tyler. Her father, John Tyler, built the Powder Magazine in Williamsburg, as well as two wings of Bruton Parish Church, and finished building the Governor's Palace, which had been started by Henry Cary.1
Joanna had three sisters: Elizabeth Lowe, Mary, and Edith. Her brother, John Tyler, was marshal of the Vice Admiralty Court, and was the father of John Tyler, Governor of Virginia from 1808 to 1811; he was also the grandfather of John Tyler, President of the United States from 1841 to 1845.
Joanna married Dr. Kenneth McKenzie in February 1738. The Virginia Gazette gave the following account of their wedding:
"Yesterday, Dr. _____ McKenzie, of Charles-City County, was marry'd to Miss Johanna Tyler, eldest Daughter of Mr. John Tyler, late of James-City County."2
President Tyler, speaking of the Tyler family, said:
"He is mentioned as John Tyler, Esq: of James City — his daughter Joanna is spoken of as accomplished and beautiful, and the Bride-groom was Doctor (Kenneth) McKenzie of Charles City. Portraits of the Doctor and his Bride are still preserved in the family, and that of the Bride fully justified the encomiums bestowed upon her… "3145
Joanna and Kenneth McKenzie had three children: Anne, born April 10, 1739; William, born April 10, 1746; and Mary, born April 14, 1748 and died June 16 of the same year.1 William was also a physician, studying under Anne's husband, Dr. David Black, of Blandford. He had a daughter named Joanna.
Kenneth McKenzie died in 1755. Although his inventory showed assets worth £438..13..7, over half of it was comprised of "Medicines & Shop Utensils" and slaves. He had 7 slaves, three of them children. There were also a number of books, mostly relating to his work, as well as many surgical instruments. His house was mortgaged to James Carter, and he was also deeply in debt. He ordered that all of his personal estate, except his slaves, was to be sold.
It is probably after her husband's death that Joanna started her millinery business.
In 1763 George Washington recorded the following entry in his records:
2
"George Washington Dr 1763 April By Mrs. McKenzie--Millinery------- £6.6"
Joanna's will was probated on January 19, 1767, and in it she mentions her millinery trade:
"It is my will and desire that my whole estate both real and personal be sold as soon after my death as conveniently may be for the payment of my just debts, excepting…all my ribbon and cap wire and other things belonging to my Milenary… which things above excepted I do give and bequeath to my daughter Anne… "3146
Sarah Pitt also sold millinery goods, but was not herself a milliner, although in December, 1769 and again on April 9, 1770, she advertised that she had a milliner "come in."1
There is a strong possibility that Sarah Pitt was a daughter or niece of Sarah Packe Green. There was definitely a very close relationship of some sort between the two. Sarah's second husband, George Pitt, purchased Sarah Packe's house, lots, furniture, and her lifetime rights to a plantation outside of Williamsburg, including the seven slaves on it, for £1100; but at the time of Sarah Green's death, she had possession of six of the seven slaves mentioned in the agreement, and George Pitt advertised her house, furniture and slaves for sale, even though William Green was living in the house at the time.2
Sarah (Packe?) was born in 1725, and married John Garland, who was a Justice of the Peace in Hanover in 1746.3 In 1750, John Garland was appointed to help settle the accounts of William Parks' estate for Sarah Packe (later Green).4 Sarah Packe and William Parks had been partners in a bookstore.
Sarah and John Garland had two children, Elizabeth, and John Packe. It isn't known when John Garland died, but Sarah married Dr. George Pitt on December 16, 1753, and George had himself appointed guardian of Sarah's children.5
148George and Sarah Pitt had seven children, besides the two from Sarah's first marriage. The oldest, Richard Floyd, was born November 15, 1754. The others were: William, Thomas, George, Mary, Matthew, and one whose name is not known.1
Sarah Pitt advertised goods for sale in the 13 times between 1767 and October, 1772, just before she died. Her first ad indicates that she had already been in business for some time, because after listing her merchandise,
"a valuable assortment of millinery, and other goods…"she concludes with,
"She takes this opportunity to acknowledge the favours of her good customers, and hopes for a continuance of them."
She includes a long list of goods, including materials, ribbons, jewelry, sewing notions, combs, powder and toys.
Accessories listed included:
"womens satin hats and bonnets, girls do, boys silk hats and caps with feathers…"
At the very end of the ad she wishes,
"to inform her friends concerned that her lottery is now completed, and will be drawn on Monday the 23rd instant."2
Two weeks later she advertised that her last lottery was so successful that she was having another one. Most of the prizes were to be merchandise from her store, but the first prize was, 149 150
"to consist of a very likely Negro wench, named Doll, 16 years old, who has been brought up to all kinds of house business, is a semptress, and can be recommended for her honesty: with her male child, named Jonathan, now 11 months old."1
Later ads included much longer lists of goods, and included spices, patent medicines, soap, chocolate, loaf sugar, and saltpetre, as well as the goods mentioned before.
On September 4, 1769, Miss Anne Blair of Williamsburg writes her sister, Mrs. Braxton of "Newington", and mentions the millinery shops of Sarah Pitt and Margaret Hunter:
"Dr. Sisr.
In a ramble down Street met Mr Price, who I fancy is getting Wedding geer for his Betsey, he tells me he goes out of Town this Evening — it is now past one …Our Goods are come in & if this said Mr Price be not too deeply Loadn'd (for he was Buying a World of things of Missrs Hunter & Pitt) will get him to take up those Bath Clogg's I promised you…"2
In December, 1769, Sarah ends her ad with the following announcement:
"N .B. As she has an assistant just arrived from London, who understands the millinery business, which she proposes to carry on, mounting fans, and making cardinals and bonnets, she hopes for a continuance of the ladies custom, which shall be acknowledged as a favour."3
The milliner is mentioned again in April, 1770, but no name is given —
"N.B. As she has got a millener come in, she carries on the millenery business; also making of cardinals, bonnets and hats, and mounting of fans, &c."4
Her next ad is in July of the same year, but no more mention is made of the milliner.5
151The following is an account of goods purchased by "The Honble Robt Carter Esqur":
Received the Above
"1770 Jany 19th To 1 sett painted Tea Toys, were 2/6 £..2..- To 1 pr Mugs 1/- 1 Cream boat 4d 1..4..- To 1 pr Salts 4d 1 pr Candlesticks 1/3 1..7..- To 1 Sett Oval Dishes 2..-..- To 1 doz of plates 2..6..- To 1 Turin and Dish 1..6..- £10:10:11
Sarah Pitt1
May 14 To 1 pr Crown Thread Hose 3/6 ..3..6 23rd To 2½ yds. Sheneal Ribbn @ 1/6 ..3..6 June 29th To 6 lb Hyson Tea @ 18/ 5..8.. - £5.15..3"
In November, 1770, Sarah Pitt apologizes for her imported goods:
"The above goods were sent for before the association took place, and there has not been time for counter orders."2
Sarah receives another shipment of goods in December, and continues receiving imported goods until just before her death in November, 1772.
The following notice appeared in the Virginia Gazette on November 12, 1772:
"Last Monday morning died, in the 47th year of her age, Mrs. SARAH PITT, whose many virtues through every varied scene of private life did honour to the principles she professed. Taught, by early experience, that afflictions and disappointments were the lot of humanity, her constant study was to rise 152 superior to them by a humble acquiescence to the dispensations of Providence. Her bosom "tremblingly alive" to every tender sentiment of connubial and material affection, she discharged the duties of the wife and mother in such a distinguished manner as must make her memory revered, and her loss forever regretted, by each of those relations. Prudence guided every action of her life, and blessed with an uncom"1(next page lost).
One of the afflictions referred to was the death of her son, John Packe Garland, in 1770. John's will leaves his
"dearest Mother Sarah Pitt" £300 which is
"part of the Money recovered of William Green in the General Court also the sum of One hundred and eighty Pounds devised me by my Father." He also leaves her
"my Negro Woman Sall and her Child."2
Purdie and Dixon's Virginia Gazette also gave Sarah a glowing obituary.
"Williamsburg, November 12. Last Monday died Mrs. Sarah Pitt, Spouse to Doctor George Pitt, of this City; who bore a tedious illness with much Christian Patience & Resignation, and was a Lady of a very amiable Character."3
The following year, Dr. George Pitt returned from a trip to England, and attempted to dispose of the remainder of Sarah's goods:
"THE subscriber has on hand about eight or nine hundred pounds sterling worth of GOODS, which he will of dispose of on reasonable terms. — It will be taken kind in those who have neglected paying their balances to my attornies during my being in England, if they will now pay them to me, as I have suffered much by such neglect. No further indulgence can be expected.153
GEORGE PITT."4
The following spring George Pitt was still trying to sell his wife's goods:
"WILLIAMSBURG, April 26, 1774.
THE subscriber being under a necessity of returning to England the ensuing summer, will sell off his remaining STOCK OF GOODS at a low advance to a wholesale purchaser; and desires all persons indebted to him to pay off their respective balances immediately, that his affairs may be properly adjusted before his departure.
GEORGE PITT"1
Dr. Pitt was the Muster Master General and was Master or Keeper of the Magazine in Williamsburg. Since 1768 he had been taking dispatches to England for the Governor.
In 1775 Dr. Pitt was ordered by the Virginians to surrender the Magazine and its ammunition supplies to them, but he refused. He was subsequently declared a traitor and forced to flee to England with his children. He died a few months later.2
154
Four Centuries of European Jewellery by Ernle Bradford
VIRGINIA GAZETTE Purdie-Dixon November 12, 1767156WILLIAMSBURG, Nov. 9, 1767
THE subscriber has imported in the Argyle, from London, a valuable assortment of millinery, and other goods, which she sells at a low price, for ready money only, viz.
Six quarter and yard wide book muslin, cambricks, fine and coarse pocket handkerchiefs, black and white Barcelona and lawn bordered do. womens satin hats and bonnets, girls do. boys silk hats and caps with feathers, ribbands, a great variety of agate, wax, French and pearl necklaces, earrings and sprigs, French and Italian egrets and breast flowers, skeleton wires, Scotch threads, flourishing cotton do. tapes, black and coloured ostrich feathers, womens, girls, and childrens shoes and pumps of all sorts, cotton hose, black silk mits, pins, milliners needles, common do. womens and girls coloured and plain kid gloves and mits, flowered lawn aprons, fans, India do. pearl fish and counters, silver thimbles, paste pins, ivory, tortoise shell, and horn combs, violet powder, powder boxes and puffs, toys, and several other articles.
She takes this opportunity to acknowledge the favours of her good customers, and hopes for a continuance of them; and to inform her friends concerned that her lottery is now completed, and will be drawn on Monday the 23rd instant.
SARAH PITT
VIRGINIA GAZETTE157
Purdie-Dixon
October 27, 1768 Just imported from London in the Jordan, Captain Woodford, and to be sold by the subscriber in Williamsburg, at a very low advance, for ready money, the following articles, viz.
WOMENS calimanco pumps, girls do. womens leather pumps, girls do. children's morocco sorted, womens white worsted hose, childrens spotted do. men and womens cotton hose, childrens do. of different sizes, womens black silk gloves and mitts, purple kid gloves and mitts, girls do. satin bonnets plain and trimmed, womens and girls cloth cardinals; superfine ivory combs, horn combs with and without cases, knives sorted, neat scissors with sheaths, milliners needles, darning do. netting do. a great variety of figured and plain ribands, white and coloured fans, black and coloured sewing silks, a great assortment of threads, Balladine and Coventry do. for marking, superfine shaded cruels in grain, Jacob's ladder, powder boxes and puffs with powder, black hair plumes, white and coloured feathers, silver thimbles, a great assortment of paste pins, a great variety of the most fashionable pearl, French, and jet necklaces, earrings and sprigs, Italian egrets and breast flowers, flower hair pins, fashionable stomachers and sleeve knots, ivory pomatum eggs, Ladies small size Morocco letter cases clasps, Morocco etwee cases with instruments complete and plated locks, do. with instruments and silver locks, a variety of pocket handkerchiefs, long lawn, pistol lawn, yard and half yard wide muslin, cambrick, diaper and Holland tape, pins, bobbin, cottons and persians, snuff boxes, blue, nutmegs, mace, cloves, and cinnamon, a new assortment of toys, tea sets complete, soap, chocolate, loaf sugar, saltpetre, white ginger, Pitt's bitters and bitter ingredients, hair lines, and many other articles too tedious to mention.
SARAH PITT
158
VIRGINIA GAZETTE159
Purdie-Dixon
May 18, 1769Just imported in the Jenny, Capt. Fearon,
A VERY genteel assortment of millinery, and other goods, which she proposes to sell at a very low advance, for ready money only, viz.
Ivory thimbles, bodkins do. plain smelling bottles, engraved do. different sorts of sleeve buttons and studs, ivory and bone toothpick cases, toothpicks do. ivory eggs, teacups and saucers, coffee do. sprig nankeen blue, steel watch chains, scissors, japanned waiters, buck wire, bows do. net hoods, purple collars and earrings, a new assortment of fashionable ribands, glossy gauze, ell wide do. dressed figured do. horn pole combs, tortoiseshell do. fine box do. tupee do. paste do. milliners needles, darning do. common do. black and white bugles, green and blue do. bugle collars, a large assortment of necklaces and earrings in the newest fashion and taste, a great variety of head and breast flowers, Italian fillets, plumes do. suits of gauze laced and plain, plain gauze caps, ruffs, tuckers, and ruffles, complete, lappet caps do. Denmark do. riband stomachers, blond lace, do. with flowers, silver do. silver egrets, snail trimmings, French do. womens and girls calimanco shoes and pumps, girls morocco do. India fans, white and coloured do. mens and boys gloves, womens kid and glazed lamb do. womens worsted and cotton hose, one ounce and two ounce glass tea canisters, threads, tapes, silk laces, plain and figured stocks, Bath and brass thimbles, pearl and shell penknives, tortoiseshell do. marbles, allies, pinchbeck, Bath and steel buckles, very genteel pocket books dressed and undressed dolls, a great variety of paste pins, silver thimbles, cambricks, muslin, pistol lawn, long lawn, Persians, sewing silks, Chinese netting do. worsteds, black and white Barcelona handkerchiefs, womens hats and bonnets, toys, a great variety of pocket handkerchiefs, hair lines for clothes, powder boxes and puffs, umbrellas, and many other things too tedious to mention.
SARAH PITTN.B. As the goods are new and well chosen, I flatter myself that the Ladies will favour me with their custom, which will be gratefully acknowledged by
Their humble servant,
S .P.
VIRGINIA GAZETTE160
Rind
October 26, 1769WILLIAMSBURG, October 25, 1769
Just imported in the Two Sisters, Capt. Taylor,
from London,
a NEW assortment of Millinery and other goods, to be SOLD, at a very low advance, for ready money only, viz.
a very genteel assortment of caps, ribband and chenille stomachers, a large assortment of necklaces, earrings, and sprigs, paste, pearl, and French ditto, fancy hair pins very prettily executed, gauze ruffles, tuckers, and ruffs, a variety of egrets, flower caps and feathers, artificial and basket breast flowers, a genteel assortment of fans, paste, tortoiseshell and horn combs, ivory and box ditto, smelling-bottles, ivory bodkins, a very handsome assortment of paper boxes, pomatum eggs, and nutmeg graters, white cardinals, shades ditto, black and white bonnets, black satin cardinals, black, purple, crimson and scarlet cloth ditto, cottons, white callico and hum-hums, a large assortment of fashionable ribbands, satin and calimanco pumps, childrens Morocco ditto, boys shoes, silk and cotton hose, childrens ditto, silver thimbles, pins, needles, threads, tapes, bobbin, silk laces, black and white Chinese netting silk, purple, kid and lamb gloves, plaited stocks, silk handkerchiefs, bow and bunch wire, worsteds in grain, china tea-cups, coffee-cups and saucers, Queen's ditto, double jointed spectacles in fish-skins, Irish linens, cloves, mace, nutmegs, raisins, white ginger, saltpetre, toupee irons, scates, trunks and band boxes, and many other articles.
SARAH PITTN.B. I expect by the first vessels, a larger assortment of gauzes, muslins, lawns, &c. &c.
VIRGINIA GAZETTE161
Purdie-Dixon
November 2, 1769Just imported in the Two Sisters, Captain Taylor, from London, a new assortment of MILLINERY, and other goods, to be sold at a very low advance, for ready money only,
A VERY genteel assortment of caps, ribands, and sheneal stomachers, a large assortment of necklaces, earrings, and sprigs, paste do. pearl and French do. fancy hair pins very pretty, gauze ruffles, tuckers, and ruffs, a variety of egrets, flower caps and feathers, artificial and basket breast flowers, a genteel assortment of fans, paste tortoiseshell, and horn combs, ivory and box do. smelling bottles, ivory bodkins, a very handsome assortment of paper boxes, pomatum eggs, and nutmeg graters, white cardinals, shades do. black and white bonnets, black satin cardinals, black, purple, crimson, and scarlet cloth, do. cottons, white calico and humhums, a large assortment of fashionable ribands, satin and calimanco pumps, childrens morocco do. boys shoes, silk and cotton hose, childrens do. silver thimbles, pins, needles, threads, tapes, bobbin, silk laces, black and white Chinese netting, silk, purple, kid, and lamb gloves, plaited stocks, silk handkerchiefs, bow and bunch wire, worsted in grain, china tea cups, coffee cups and saucers, Queen's do. double jointed spectacles in fishskins, Irish linens, cloves, mace, nutmegs, raisins, white ginger, saltpetre, toupee irons, skates, trunks and banboxes, and many other articles too tedious to mention.
SARAH PITTN.B. She expects a fuller assortment in the next ship of gauzes, muslins, lawns, and many other articles .
VIRGINIA GAZETTE162
Purdie-Dixon
December 14, 1769Just imported in the INDUSTRY, Captain LOWES, from LONDON, and to be SOLD at a very low advance, for ready money only,
BLACK and coloured bugles, a great variety of white, red, blue and green agate, and other necklaces of different sorts and fashions, mock garnet and bead egrets, rolls for Ladies hair, fancy coloured egrets, sultan do. shaded flowers, childrens morocco pumps, black do. boys do. yard wide glossy gauze, ell wide do. muslin do. undressed do. dressed figured do. a variety of new jubilee ribands, rich black alamode, yard wide white do. Final cotton holland, tortoiseshell and horn crooked combs, paste do. shapes, ornaments, and mottoes for desserts, of different sorts and figures, womens and girls fans, flower norishers, womens silk mits, kid and lamb do. boys worsted hose, fine hair powder, boys hats, cotton and silk laces, blue harrateen for curtains, an assortment of rich black lace, white do. picket gauze parisnet, white catgut, green and coloured silk purses, balladine silk, white blond thread, floss silk, fine cap wire, crimping do. a great variety of pocket handkerchiefs, lawn do. striped muslin, huckaback, ell wide Russia linens , pistol lawns, demi cambricks of different prices, very beautiful japan waiters of different sizes, a great variety of Queen's china for children, sets complete, very good hyson and bohea tea, a variety of other articles imported in the April court.
SARAH PITT.N.B. As she has an assistant just arrived from London, who understands the millinery business, mounting fans, and making cardinals and bonnets, she hopes for a continuance of the ladies custom, which shall be acknowledged as a favour .
163
VIRGINIA GAZETTE164
Purdie-Dixon
April l9, 1770 Sup.Just imported, in the Jenny, Capt. Woodford, a large assortment of MILLENERY, and other GOODS, at a low advance, for ready money only, viz. CALLICOES, chintzes, persians, catgut, India chintzes, lawn handkerchiefs, coloured pullicat ditto, figured ditto, gauze mobs, crimp'd caps with lappets, gauze fillets, neat dressed caps, puffed ditto, laced ditto, large dressed fillets and flowers, small ditto, pink and blue lined childrens caps, lace and flower caps, Italian caps, common ditto, boys black silk hats, Ostrich feathers, blue, green, and white satin caps, gold and velvet pocket books, gold pincushions, silk and cotton laces, narrow pink, sheneal, paduasoy, and rich fashioned ribbands, nice silk purses, tapes, holland and diaper, ribband and lace stomachers, pink and white ditto, white and blue feathers, tortoise-shell combs set in paste, horn ditto in paste, ditto set in garnet, ditto in marquiset, plain horn and tortoiseshell combs of several sorts, ivory ditto, marquiset crosses and hearts set in silver, half moon, pearl and marquiset fancy pins, garnet ditto, pink beads, black ditto, seed wax ditto, oval ditto, wax pearl ditto, black, white, blue and green bugles, agate ditto, black bead and bugle collars, mother of pearl collars and earrings, dressed ditto, smelling bottles in carved and plain cases, ivory thimbles, Bath metal ditto with steel tops, very handsome steel watch chains, dandriff combs, comb brushes, gilt oval sleeve buttons, pearl buttons and studs, penknives, large and small scissars, milleners common and darning needles, minikins, short whites and corking pins, large and small naked dolls, dressed ditto, toy tea sets, and a large variety of other toys, Ladies black furred riding hats, feathers for ditto, mens beaver and castor hats, childrens ditto laced and plain, womens, girls, mens, and boys white gloves glazed and in grain, callimanco pumps, leather ditto, and shoes, womens and childrens black leather and Morocco shoes and pumps, Didsbury's mens white and brown ditto, bohea and hyson tea, single and double refined sugar, check, oznabrug, and many other articles too tedious to mention.
SARAH PITT.N.B. As she has got a milliner come in, she carries on the millenery business; also making of cardinals, bonnets and hats, and mounting of fans, &c.
VIRGINIA GAZETTE165
Rind
July 12, 1770WILLIAMSBURG, June 27, 1770
Just imported in the Golden Fleece, Capt. Gooseley, from London,
A VERY genteel and large assortment of MILLINERY and other goods, which, on account of the association, she intends selling at a very low advance, for ready money only.
SARAH PITT.
VIRGINIA GAZETTE166 VIRGINIA GAZETTE
Rind
November 8, 1770Just IMPORTED in the NEPTUNE, Captain WHITE,
A NEAT and genteel assortment of GOODS, viz.
half moon pearl and marquiset sprigs, blue and white ditto; paste ditto, blue and white pearl agate, and marquiset necklaces with drops, and French bead ditto, ditto on velvet, India pearl necklaces, velvet ribband for collars, blue agate, pearl French bead, marquiset, and garnet earrings, with and without drops, very neat marquiset hoop rings, white stomachers, breast flowers, egrets, coloured ditto, neat pincushion housewives with looking-glasses, trunks ditto, silver stomachers and egrets, minionet and blond lace, sprigged, striped, and plain muslins, cambricks, pistol lawns, flowered and plain gauze, flowered ditto, and lawn aprons, white and coloured lustring, laced and worked ruffles, India chintzes, purple, coloured, and white calicoes, very fine humhums, mens, womens, boys and girls coloured and white gloves and mits, paste buckles, pinchbeck and steel ditto, womens and girls Russell's quilts, womens black sattin cardinals, crimson cloth ditto, womens and childrens ditto, fans, mens Didsbury's pumps and shoes, womens calamanco and leather ditto, womens and childrens wove stays, paste and plain combs, marquiset ditto, black tammy, cloth colours ditto, blue and white ditto, pink in grain ditto, figures stuffs, green durants, white flannel, white swanskin, red ditto, striped flannels, Dutch blankets, spotted rugs, thick ditto, coloured ferret, worsteds, key rings, and rings for necklaces, fluted and plain scates with and without leather, cocoa and bone bilbo catchers, fiddles, iron coal scuttles, canvas for marking, silk for ditto, pins, needles, threads, refined sugar, bohea tea, ginger, pepper, copperas, cotton, and Clothier's cards, saltpetre, marbled and plain washballs, hungary water, tooth powder and brushes, lip salve, best anchovies, capers and olives, and very good flower of mustard.Those Ladies and Gentlemen who may please to favour her with their custom, may depend on her selling on the most reasonable terms; and she is obliged to be punctual in her remittances, must sell for ready money only. The above goods were sent for before the association took place, and there has not been time for counter orders.
SARAH PITT.
Just IMPORTED in the Two Sisters, Captain Taylor, from London,167
WOMENS, girls, and childrens bonnets, net hoods, ivory pomatum eggs, tortoise-shell rings lined with gold, chip hats, mens and womens cotton hose, black pins for Ladies hair, best Poland starch, blues, and Madden's oil. Also a great variety of womens, girls, and childrens fashionable caps and filets, best mahogany Hadley's quadrant with an ivory arch, Nonice's division in a wainscot case, a full case of instruments for navigation with steel joints, a southern and West-India pilot, and many other articles too tedious to mention. Likewise a parcel of medicines, which I will sell for less than can be imported; Squire's elixir at 2ls. per dozen, British oil at 13s. per dozen, refined at 2ls. per dozen, Anderson's pills at 15s. per dozen, Godfrey's cordial at 6s. per dozen, Hooper's female pills at 15s. per dozen, Balderson's wormcakes at 15s. per dozen, and Turlington's balsam at 27s. per dozen.
SARAH PITT
VIRGINIA GAZETTE168
Purdie-Dixon
May 16, 1771 Just IMPORTED, in the ANNE & MARY, Captain POWER, from LONDON
A NEAT and genteel Assortment of GOODS suitable for the Season. Those Gentlemen and Ladies who have been so kind as to give her their Custom, she hopes, will still favour her with a Continuance of it; and as she is obliged to sell for ready Money, they may depend upon being supplied on the most reasonable Terms.
SARAH PITT.
Four Centuries of European Jewellery by Ernie Bradford 169
VIRGINIA GAZETTE170
Rind
October 10, 1771WILLIAMSBURG, October 10, 1771
Just imported in the JUNO, Captain M'Cunn,
a neat and genteel assortment of GOODS, to be sold very reasonable for ready money; consisting of paste shoe, stock, and knee buckles, plain and figured lustrings of the newest fashion, a variety of Ladies and Gentlemens Morocco pocket books, with and without instruments, with silver locks and clasps, paste, marquiset, and French beads, wax, pearl, jet, and other kinds of necklaces, paste combs, sprigs, and pins, with birds and other figures, plain, gold, garnet, and silver ear-rings, black russell and durant, quilts, sattin cardinals and bonnets, mode do. marquiset lockets, stomachers and knots, gimp and other trimmings, shennell, fine figured pattern net hoods, plain do. chintz, cotton, and coloured calicoes, white do. taffeties and persians, womens callimanco and leather pumps, girls do. childrens red and blue Morocco do. black leather do. youths and boys pumps and shoes, mens Didsbury's do. green, blue, black and white bugles, glossy gauze, muslin do. dice do. white net, dressed striped gauze, dressed figured do. blue and red pocket handkerchiefs, large and small naked babies, with glass eyes, and hair wigs, pewter toy tea sets, Turnbridge do. alabaster do. sets of tea spoons and strainers, ribbands, muslins, tammies, shalloons, flannels, mens, womens, and girls gloves, mens, womens, boys, and girls cotton and worsted hose, Dutch blankets, blue and green plains, threads, tapes, penknives, needles, pins, combs, and writing paper, striped hollands, best flour of mustard, and a variety of other articles. I expect another assortment by Capt. White and hope for the further continuance of those Ladies and Gentlemen who have been so kind as to favour me with their custom.
SARAH PITT.
VIRGINIA GAZETTE
Rind
October 15, 1772 Just imported, in the Fanny, Capt. Barron, and to be SOLD, by the subscriber, on reasonable terms, for ready money only,
A LARGE assortment of GOODS, consisting of very handsome paste necklaces and earrings, marcasite, wax, and coal ditto, handsome paste collars, solitaires and sprigs, paste sleeve buttons, gilt ditto, sets of buttons for stomachers, silver papboats, coral and bells, garnet and marcasite hoops, lockets ditto, childrens watches and equipages, curious watch trinkets for Ladies, very genteel dress and undress fancy caps, and others, hair rolls, drop curls, &c. very fine point, blond point, mecklenburg, and minionet laces, striped and figured sattins and lustrings for sacks and coats, ditto for bonnets, silver blond for trimmings, childrens fillets and quarter caps, womens blue, green, and red morocco turned pumps, womens and girls black leather shoes and pumps, fashionable stomachers and breast flowers, garnet, coal, and Italian egrets, gold loops, bands, and buttons, smelling bottles, pincushion trunks, and Gentlemens pocket books, of all prices, a large quantity of womens and girls quilts, a variety of pretty cottons and callicoes, copperplate and fancy chintzes, Chinese and other handkerchiefs, very fine bohea hyson tea, the famous Norris's drops, hungary, Madden's oil, capers, ginger, spices, blue, hair powder, cloth cardinals, ditto sattin, with and without bonnets, Gentlemens lace and worked ruffles, Ladies ditto, and many other articles.
SARAH PITT.
Mary Dickinson had eight long advertisements of imported goods between April, 1770 and May, 1774. Two of them were from Annapolis, Maryland. The others were from various locations in Williamsburg. She carried a complete line of millinery goods.
Unfortunately, our copy of her first ad in the Virginia Gazette has been torn, and is incomplete. Her note at the end of the ad mentions —
"…on MANTUAMAKING
… and would take linen to make
… as please to favour her with
…g their work done in the most
…nner."1
It is possible that she not only was a milliner, but a dressmaker, as well, but she doesn't mention mantuamaking in her later ads. Several times she thanks her customers —
"…N. B. She returns those Gentlemen and Ladies who have honoured her with their custom her most cordial thanks; and as the above will be sold on lower terms than the former, she hopes it will be an inducement for a continuance of their favours, which will be gratefully acknowledged by…"2
"…She assures those Ladies and Gentlemen who may honour her with their Custom, that they are as fashionable, genteel and elegant an Assortment as she ever imported from London…"3
"…N. B. As the Goods are well bought and nicely chosen, she flatters herself it will be an Enducement for their future Favours; and also returns the Ladies and Gentlemen her most cordial Thanks for the extraordinary Encouragement they have given her."4175 176
"…N. B. She returns those gentlemen and ladies, who have favoured her with their custom, her most cordial thanks; particularly her good friends in the country; and as it shall ever be her study to give satisfaction, they may rely on their orders being attended to with the strictest care, by their much obliged and very humble servant…"1
In addition to her —
"…LARGE, brilliant, elegant and fashionable Assortment of Jewellery, Millinery, and other Goods…"2
She also listed:
"…I have on Hand a small Assortment of CLOTHS, and proper TRIMMINGS, which I would sell Wholesale on low Terms, for Cash or short Credit…" 3
In April 19, 1770, Mary Dickinson's shop is "at Mr. William Holt's Store",4 and in November it is listed as "the Store next door to the POST OFFICE"5. This is probably the same building, since the store between the two buildings wasn't built until 1772.
In March, 1771, she has lost a shipment of goods:
"WILLIAMSBURG March 14, 1771
IMPORTED in the CHATHAM Frigat, Captain Anderson, a BOX of GOODS marked M D, No. A, which has never come to Hand. I will be obliged to any One who will let me know where it is; and if Captain Anderson has not already sent it, he is desired to take Notice of this Advertisement.
MARY DICKINSON."6
In September, 1771, Mary Dickinson is in Annapolis, Maryland "at Mrs. Allom's, opposite Mr. Ball's Ordinary,"7
177Less than a month later, Mary Dickinson is back in Williamsburg for the October Court. This time her shop is "next Door to Mr. JAMES GEDDY'S Shop, near the Church, in Williamsburg."1
In April, 1772:
"MARY DICKINSON informs the Publick that she has removed to the Store above the Coffeehouse, near the Capitol…"2
In September, she is again in Annapolis:
"next Door to Mr. Hewitt the Barber…"3
Her next ad in Williamsburg is a year later, October 14, 1773. She is again "next Door above the Coffee House."4 She advertises again in May, 1774, but doesn't specify a location, so is presumably in the same place.5
Two years later, she reports a robbery and has slaves for sale:
178"WILLIAMSBURG, April 12, 1776.
TAKEN out of a drawer in my store on Sunday the 24th of March, a red morocco instrument case, with a plain lock, containing upwards of 200£. paper currency, many of the bills marked on the back with the number of pounds, also a promissory note of John Hatley Norton, esqr's, for 150£. sterling, a bond filled up in James Pride's name, of James City, for 18£. 1s. 6d. with sundry other papers. Whoever will deliver the said instrument and contents safe to me shall have a reward of 40 dollars, and 10£ on conviction of the thief. Col. Mason col. Blackburn, mr. David Ross, and mr. Robert Matthews, will greatly oblige me by informing me of the numbers of the 12£ and 8£ bills I received from them.
M. DICKINSON.N.B. I have a couple of YOUNG NEGROES to dispose of, a boy and girl, which have been brought up to household work; the girl is an excellent sempstress. Whoever inclines to purchase may know the terms by applying as above."6
179
On November 21, 1772, the estate of Joseph Scrivener paid Mary Dickinson £16..14..9 ¾ for mourning apparel.1
Details of her private life are unknown. There were two Mary Dickinsons in Williamsburg at this time. One was born in 1746, and was the daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Dickinson.2
The other Mary was married, and was the daughter of William and Mary Moody.3
180
Virginia Gazette
(Purdie-Dixon)
April 19, 1770 SupplementJust imported in the RANDOLPH, Captain WALKER, and to be sold by the Subscriber at Mr. William Holt's Store, at a very low advance, for ready money.
RICH white lustrings, striped do. best Persian taffeties, nice white trimming, fine white calicoes and humhums, striped and plain muslins, book do. cambricks and lawns, plain gauze, figured, spotted, and striped ell wide do. a very genteel fashionable assortment of millinery, complete suits full trimmed, lace fronts, Ranelagh and lace crimped do. flower caps, cockades, egrets, best Italian breast flowers and nosegays, do. feathers, do. very pretty newest fashioned ribands,
[…] narrow shenneal, paduasuay do. lace dress fillets, riband
[…] handsome half moon marcasites, pearl and fancy
[…] common do. to pin hats, crooked
[…] paste, plain and best horn do. great
[…] rings, very fashionable marcasites set
[…] pink French co. seed wax
[…] and and sleeve knots quite in the taste
[…] fans, wedding do. rich blue satin
[…] pink, and black do. jubilee
[…] womens kid and lamb gloves
[…] boys do. cotton and thread
[…] shoes, wh ite satin do., black
[…] sewing silk of all kinds, best
[…] bow wire, skeign do. and
[…] MARY DICKENSON[…] on MANTUAMAKING,
[…] and would take linen to make
[…] as please to favour her with
[…]g their work done in the most
[…]nner.
([…] = torn off)
182Virginia Gazette184
(Purdie-Dixon)
November 22, 1770 SupplementJust imported from LONDON, in the TWO SISTERS, Captain TAYLOR, and to be SOLD by the Subscriber, at the Store next door to the POST OFFICE, on the most reasonable terms, for ready money, a very large and fashionable assortment of MILLINERY, and other goods suitable for the season, viz.
VERY rich China tafetas of all colours, white lustring, fine chintz printed cottons, linens, and calicoes ell wide, book muslin, striped and thick ell wide do. long lawns, cambricks, clear lawns, plain ell wide and yard wide gauze, striped, flowered, and sprigged do. catgut, parisnet, new fashioned teresas, laced and flounced casting handkerchiefs, checked gauze do. spotted, striped, bordered, and flowered do. yard wide black silk handkerchiefs, striped bordered lawn do. beautiful flower caps, egrets, plumes with leaves, single do. lace and gauze caps, fashionable suits of gauze, genteel puffs, great variety of ribands, new fashioned figured and plaited do. silver stomachers, shenell, riband, lace, and flowered do. best Italian nosegays and breast flowers, shenell in bunches, very nice hair rolls and tates, single and double curls, woolpacks, paste combs, plain, hollow backed, tortoise-shell, and horn do. paste sprigs, marcasite and pearl birds, marcasite and pearl half moons, very large French paste sprigs, do. star pins and fancy do. union and thistle sprigs in close work, do. in form of leaves, real garnet do. marcasite, &c. a genteel assortment of necklaces, fine French, shot, and oval wax, agates, jet and common do. real and mock garnet do. pearl and set necklaces, do. earrings, bugles, fine stone buckles, London gilt do. insets, bath, pinchbeck, and common do. all sizes of velvet collars, beaded do. all sorts of wedding, second mourning, and ivory fans, in cases, common do. plain and bordered lawn, minionet and blond laces, floss to work muslin with, Lyle's and other threads, needles, pins, tapes, silver thimbles, ivory, and common do. earpicks, toothpicks, childrens blue caps and feathers, waiting boys do. Ladies riding hats and feathers, gloves for do. cap wire, Gentlemens very fine furred hats, watch strings, purses, thread gloves, white silk, buckskin, beaver, yellow wash, and black shamois do. Ladies black and white silk gloves and mits, nice grained kid, coloured lamb, childrens black and blue bonnets, gloves for do. mens best spun silk hose, do. raw silk, marble do. fine worsted do. white, gray and black do. for women, boys and girls do. plain and flowered satin cloaks and bonnets, Denmark hats, Gentlemen and Ladies Morocco pocket books and glasses, ivory combs, plain do. in cases, tortoiseshell do. buffalo sliding knives and forks, tortoiseshell penknives, common do. black calimanco russel quilts, double camblets, flannels and checks, fashionable broadcloths, trimmings suitable for do. Babt coating, Irish and other linens, scissors, snuff boxes, toys, Queen's china and 183 confectionary of all sorts, with a multiplicity of other articles too tedious to enumerate.
MARY DICKINSON.N.B. She returns those Gentlemen and Ladies who have honoured her with their custom her most cordial thanks; and as the above will be sold on lower terms than the former, she hopes it will be an inducement for a continuance of their favours, which will be gratefully acknowledged by
Their very humble Servant.
M.D.
185
MARYLAND GAZETTE186
Green
September 26, 1771 Just imported, and to be sold by the Subscriber, at Mrs. Allom's, opposite Mr. Ball's Ordinary,
A NEAT and elegant Assortment of Jewellery, Millinery and other Goods, viz, Paste Necklaces and Earrings, blue Agate set with Marcasites, Pink Wax, Falling ditto and white Wax ditto, Earing suitable to all, &c, best French Wax, Seed and Pearl ditto, real Garnets and mock ditto, and various Kinds of Agates, genteel striped Velvet Collars of all Colours, beaded ditto, best French Ribband plated and flowered with Silver, Jubely ditto, &c. the newest Taste, handsome Ribband Ruffs, Ribband and best Italian Shenell and Silver Stomachers, Knots and Sprigs ditto, which are vastly genteel, beautiful large Hair Sprigs of all Sorts, viz. best French and English Paste, real Garnets ditto, and pretty Half Moons, Marcasite and Pearl, also small Paste Pins for ditto, Paste Combs genteelly set in double and single Rows ditto, Gentlemens Set Stock and Knee Buckles, Silver Thimbles, black Fans, ditto white, and coloured Ivory, in Cases, elegantly mounted after the French and China Taste, nice Woolpacks with drop Curls, genteel Flies , handsome Lappets, and all Kinds of Blond Lace Caps, also Mens Stock Tape pleated, &c. Egrets, Flower Caps, Plumes with Leaves and single ditto, plain and flowered Gauze Caps, complete Suits of Blond Lace and Gauze ditto, all the newest Taste, various Sorts of Ladies and Gentlemens, Youths and Maids Mitts and Gloves, Mens fine China Hose, Cotton and Thread ditto, Bags and Roses for ditto, finest Book Muslins, strip'd and thick ditto, plain, figured, flowered and black Gauzes, genteel flowered and bordered Gauze Aprons, ditto black Alamode, trimmed genteely in the Fashion, fine netted Hoods, Shenel of all Colours, Bunches, in black Ostrich Feathers and Ladies Hat ditto, and riding Gloves, Jacob's Ladder, Blond and Minionet Laces, white and blue Sattin Quilts, white, blue and black Bonnets and Sattin Cardinals, white Sattin Shoes, and Calimanco ditto, with a Multiplicity of other Articles too tedious to mention. She assures those Ladies and Gentlemen who may honour her with their Custom, that they are as fashionable, genteel and elegant an Assortment as she ever imported from London, and they map depend on having them upon the best Terms,
From their very humble Servant,
MARY DICKINSON.
187
Virginia Gazette188
(Purdie-Dixon)
October 17, 1771 Just IMPORTED in the JUNO, McCUNN, and NEPTUNE, WHITE, from L0NDON, and to be SOLD by the Subscriber, next Door to Mr. JAMES GEDDY'S Shop, near the Church, in Williamsburg, at a low Advance, for ready Money,
A VERY elegant Assortment of MILLINERY, JEWELLERY, and other Goods, well chosen, and of the latest Fashions. Striped, flowered, and plain Lustrings, best striped and flowered Mantua Silks, plain and striped China Tafetas, India Chintz Callicoes and Cottons, worked Aprons, white and blue figured and spotted Cloaks and Bonnets, Ladies Riding Hats and Feathers neatly dressed, Ladies Silk and Morocco Pocket Books with Instruments, black, white, and blue Satin Pumps, Calimanco Ditto, scented Hair Powder, double and single black Hair Pins, Powder Puffs, Wash Balls, Gentlemens Buck, Doe, Norway Doe, Beaver, Silk, Lamb and Thread Gloves, Blond and Minionet Lace, black Lace and Edging, black Gauze Shades and fashionable Teresas, plain, figured, and Silver Riband, black Gloves, Patent Mits, Lace Ruffles, Kid and Lamb Gloves and Mits for Children and grown Persons, Morocco Shoes, Didsbury's Shoes, plain, Tortoiseshell, and Horn Combs, Paste Combs, Marcasite and Garnet Hoops, Lockets and Crosses, Childrens blue and black Satin Caps, beaded Collars, Solitaires, Paste Shoe, Knee, and Stock Buckles, London gilt and Pinchbeck Shoe Buckles, Garnet Necklaces, Earrings, Sprigs and Pins, Paste Cluster Necklaces and Earrings, a great Variety of Sprigs, Pins, and Earrings, Agate Necklaces set in Marcasite, Pearl and Wax Do. set Marcasites, Buffalo and Ivory sliding Knives and Forks, Gold and Silver Buttons, Loops, and Bands, Shagreen, Tortoiseshell, and Ivory Memorandum Books, ribbed China Silk Hose, plain and coloured Ditto, India Cotton Ditto, Thread and Worsted Ditto, Gentlemens Gold and Scarlet Sword Suits, Suits of Blond Lace, Lace Ruffles and Tippets, Patent Net Gauze, Catgut, plain and striped Muslin, Book Ditto, Cambricks, striped and plain Lawn, green and white Sarcenet, black Mode Persian, Shenell, chased Silver Cruets, French Beads, Silver, Steel topped and Ivory Thimbles, Ivory Nutmeg Graters, large and small undressed Dolls, sprigged and striped Handkerchiefs, a great Assortment of Egrets, Caps, Fillets, Stomachers, Ribands, Lace, and Italian Breast Flowers and Plumes, Net and Patent Hoods, Russell Quilts, Horn Snakes, Cruels and Marking Canvas, Ostrich Feathers, &c., &c.
MARK DICKINSON
Virginia Gazette189
(Purdie-Dixon)
April 30, 1772 MARY DICKINSON informs the Publick that she has removed to the Store above the Coffeehouse, near the Capitol, and has just imported, from LONDON, a fresh Assortment of JEWELLERY, MILLINERY, and other GOODS, namely, Lustrings, Tafetas, Chintzes, &c. various Sorts of Necklaces, Earrings, large Sprigs and Paste Pins, plain and set Combs, Lockets and Crosses, Garnet and Marcasite Hoops, Ditto Tortoiseshell lined with Gold, many little curious Watch Trinkets, set Shoe, Knee, and Stock Buckles, Gold Bands, Buttons and Loops, Sword Knots, fine China Hose, &c. Ladies Riding Hats, Boys blue and black Satin Caps and Feathers, Satin Cloaks and Bonnets, blue and white Satin Pumps, white and blue Satin Quilts, Blond and Minionet Laces, Gentlemen's fine Minionet Lace Ruffles, complete Suits of Ditto for Ladies, Ribands, Riband Lace, Italian and Silver Stomachers and Knots, true Italian Fancy Caps, Nosegays and Breast Flowers, Egrets and Plumes, fine striped bordered Muslin and Lawn Handkerchiefs, laced and flounced Ditto, Cambricks, fine Book and thick Muslins, Gauzes, Catgut, Queen's Net-worked Muslin Aprons, Lawn and Gauze Ditto, Gentlemen and Ladies Silk, Kid, and Lamb Gloves, Woolpacks with Drop Curls, netted Hoods, Gauze and laced Caps, and many other Articles too tedious to mention.
190
Maryland Gazette191
September 24, 1772Just imported from LONDON, and selling by the Subscriber, the next Door to Mr. Hewitt the Barber, at a Low Advance, for ready Money,
A LARGE, brilliant, elegant and fashionable Assortment of Jewellery, Millinery, and other Goods, viz. Beautiful large real Garnet, blue Agate, Marcasite, French Paste, Pearl and Jet Sprigs and Paste Pins; Pearl, Agate and French Wax Necklace and Earrings, set round with Marcasite Paste, and Wax Bows and Solitaires, on Velvet Collars, quite the Taste; real and mock garnet Pink Wax, Wax, Pearl and Paste Necklaces and Earrings; blue Agate, Marcasite, Bead Paste and French Paste Branch Earrings; set and plain bent Combs cluster Paste Lockets; plain Gold and real Garnet ditto; Garnet and Paste Crosses; Gold Rings and Marcasite Hoops; set Buckles, Watch Trinkets, and Scarlet, Crimson and Gold Sword Suits; Gold Bands, Buttons and Loops; Gentlemens fine Minionet Lace Ruffles; China Hose, silk Gloves, sliding Knives and Forks, and Morocco Pocket Books with Instruments; Ladies Silk and Moroco ditto; Pincushing Housewives and Dandyprats; fashionable true Italian, Silver, Blond Lace, Ribband and Shenel Stomachers and Knots; very handsome Italian fancy Caps, Puffs, Whims, Egrets, Baves, Plume, Sultans, Dap and Ranelagh Fillets; compleat Suits of Blond Lace; Gauze and Lace Caps; Ladies most fashionable white Riding Hats and Feathers, with Gold Lace Turbans; Ostriches Feathers, Velvet Collars and Ribbands; Minionet and Blond Laces; white flowered Lutestrings; Pink, Straw, changeable and striped ditto; black short Aprons; worked Book Muslin and striped ditto; flounced Handkerchiefs and Teresas; best Sort of French mounted Fans; smelling Bottles with Measures; Denmark Hats and Boys Caps; Cambricks, Muslins and Gauzes; and many other Articles too tedious to mention. Those Ladies and Gentlemens, who will condescend to favour me with their Custom, may depend on having their Goods on very reasonable Terms, by their very Humble Servant,
M. DICKINSON.N.B. As the Goods are well bought and nicely chosen, she flatters herself it will be an Enducement for their future Favours; and also returns the Ladies and Gentlemen her most cordial Thanks for the extraordinary Encouragement they have given her.
Virginia Gazette192
(Purdie-Dixon)
October 14, 1773Just IMPORTED, in the latest Vessels from London and SELLING by the Subscriber, next Door above the Coffee House, for ready Money, A GENTEEL and very elegant Assortment of JEWELLERY and MILLINERY, &c. consisting of fine Blond Hoods, Italian and Lace Muffs, Fancy Caps, Egrets, Breast Flowers, Fillets, Lace and Gauze Caps, &c. handsome Agate Necklaces and Earrings set with Marcasites, Paste, Ditto, French Wax Bows and Solitaires, Wax Pearl, real Garnets, Jet Ditto, Velvet Collars, Paste Pins of various Kinds, Sprigs suitable to all, which are beautifully set, Paste and plain Combs, set Shoe Buckles; Garnet, Marcasite, Paste, and plain Gold Lockets and Crosses; Italian and Blond Lace; Fancy, and Silver Stomachers; Ribands, Fans, Bobbins, Tapes: Gentlemens and Ladies Silk, and other Gloves, Gresham's Pumps, Sewing Silk, Cotton Thread, Book Muslin, thick Ditto, Cambricks, Lawns, Gauzes, black and white Sarcenets, casting Handkerchiefs and Teresas, Lawn, Muslin, Pocket, and Gauze Ditto, worked Book Muslin Aprons, Lawn and black flounced Ditto, Gauze Shades, Boys Satin Caps with Feathers, Hats, Bonnets, Cloaks, Ladies fashionable Riding Hats, with black, blue, and white Ostrich Feathers for them, and Gloves suitable; complete Suits of Gauze, and Blond Lace; Gentlemens Lace Ruffles, Minionet and Blond Laces; rich white, flowered, striped, and plain Lustrings; plain, and striped Tafetas; Persians, black Mode, Chintzes, Calicoes, Gentlemens Bags and Roses; Silk, Cotton, Thread, and Worsted Hose; Morocco, and Silk Pocket Books, with or without Instruments; Tortoise Shell, and other Sorts of Memorandum Books; Washballs, undressed Dolls, Childrens Tea Sets; Silk, and fine black Russel Quilts; very fine Bombasin, and Crape. Also a Variety of other Things too tedious to insert.
I have on Hand a small Assortment of CLOTHS, and proper TRIMMINGS, which I would sell Wholesale on low Terms, for Cash or short Credit. —I take this Opportunity to return Thanks to those Gentlemen and Ladies who have favoured me with their Custom, and to assure them they shall be served upon the most reasonable Terms by their much obliged humble Servant,
MARY DICKENSON.
193
Virginia Gazette — Rind
May 12, 1774Just imported from London, and to be disposed of by the subscriber, at a low advance, for ready money only,
A NEAT and elegant assortment of MILLINERY, JEWELLERY, and other GOODS, which are exceeding well chose, and in the newest taste, viz. Patent, net, and blond lace hoods, rich suits of ditto, puffs, whims, fancy, true Italian, and gauze caps, ditto nosegay and breast flowers, sultains, egrets, fillets, baves, plumes, minionet lace, blond ditto, and thread edging, gentlemens laced ruffles, ladies tupees and French curles, blue, black, and white ostrich feathers, riding hats, suitable gloves to ditto, Jacob's ladder, velvet collars, locket, crown taste, and a great variety of other ribbands, true Italian lace, ribband, fancy and silver stomachers, silver corals and bells, plain and set combs, paste buckles, bows and soletaires, various kinds of sprig and paste pins, blue agate set round with marcasite, pinch wax, real garnet and mock, paste, white wax and wax pearl necklaces and earrings, cluster, garnet, plain gold, and marcasite lockets and crosses, black pins, earring and stay hooks, paste ditto, gold bands, buttons, and loops, watch strings, keys, seals, and trinkets, smelling bottles, tortoiseshell dandy prats, pocketbooks with instruments, fine India cotton thread, floss, and sewing silk, green silk purses, needles, pins, bobbins and tapes, single and double black pins, curling tongues, and hair powder, patent, ribbed, and white China hose, fine cotton and thread ditto, Didsbury's shoes, Gresham's pumps, pink, blue, and white sattin ditto, pink, blue, and white sattin quilts, black russell ditto, beautiful wedding and French mounted fans, second mourning, black, and common ditto, rich white flowered and plain lustring, shot and striped ditto, plain and striped taffeties, India chintzes and callicoes, fine Irish linen, super fine India dimity, black bombazeen, grained kid, lamb, silk gloves and mits, boys caps and feathers, chipped and cane hats, bonnets and cloaks, book and thin muslins, cambricks, lawns, white and black gauzes, catgut and queen's nett book muslin and lawns, needle worked aprons, black, white and coloured flowered casting handkerchiefs, muslin, lawn, gauze, and checked ditto; rich sword suits, undressed dolls, very nice brass mounted trunks, either for chariot or chaise; and a multiplicity of other articles, too tedious to enumerate.
M. DICKERSON.N. B. She returns those gentlemen and ladies, who have favoured her with their custom, her most cordial thanks; particularly her good friends in the country; and as it shall ever be her study to give satisfaction, they may rely on their orders being attended to with the strictest care, by their much obliged and very humble servant,
M. D.
Margaret Brodie, Mantua-Maker, worked out of Catherine Rathell's Shop. She had two advertisements in the Virginia Gazette in October, 1771, when she first came here, and then evidently had enough customers that she didn't need to advertise again until she advertised Mrs. Rathell's "Stock in Trade."
"M BRODIE
Just arrived from LONDON,
Makes and trims, in the newest Taste, Sacks and Coats, Gowns and Petticoats, all Sorts of Ladies Brunswick and Jesuit Dresses, Sultana Robes, Robedecores, &c. She served her Time, and was Successour, to the original Makers, at their Warehouse in Pall Mall; her Partner still continues to carry on the Business in London, by whose Assistance, and that of the Queen's Mantua-maker, she is every three months to be supplied with the Fashions. This, added to great Diligence, and a strong Desire to please, she hopes will be a sufficient Recommendation to the Ladies to favour her with their commands, which she will most thankfully acknowledge, by showing a punctual Observance to their Time and Orders. Ladies whom it may not suit to come to Town may be fitted by sending her a Pattern. She lodges, till a more convenient House can be got, at Mrs. Rathell's Store, where Mr. Ayscough formerly lived, on the south Side of the Capitol, Williamsburg."1
After Catherine Rathell left for England in 1775, Miss Brodie advertised Mrs. Rathell's stock and fixtures for sale.
197"WILLIAMSBURG, November 24, 1775.
ALL Mrs. RATHELL'S Stock in Trade, which were advertised for Sale at the Meeting of the Merchants, will be sold by Vendue, for ready Money, on the 10th and 11th of December next. I most earnestly request all those indebted to the said Mrs. Rathhell, will immediately pay off their Accounts to John Tazewell, Esq; of this City, or the Subscriber, who are authorised to receive such Debts, as I intend for Great Britain immediately.
M. BRODIE.N. B. At the same Time will be sold a large BOW WINDOW, with Bars and Shutters, some SHOW GLASSES and GLASS CASES."2
198
Miss Brodie evidently didn't go to England. It's possible that the death of Catherine Rathell at sea made her think twice about the perilous voyage. She married William Peter Mathew, a merchant, and moved to Hampton.
Years later, after the death of her husband, Margaret Brodie filed a loyalist petition. The testimony of Col. John Hamilton stated,
"…he remembers Mrs. Mathews sevl years before the War when she was a Miss Bradie in the Shop of a Mrs Wrathall a Milliner in Williamsburg whose Store was always well furnished with goods in the Millinery Silk & Jewellery way—and it was generally reported, on Mrs Wrathalls being drowned which was in 1775 that all these fell to Miss Bradie and that she then acquired a handsome propy Mr Mathews was by Report possessed of sevl Vessels—and the House they lived in at Hampton was reputed to be their own."1 199
Virginia Gazette201
Purdie-Dixon
October 24, 1771 M BRODIE
Just arrived from LONDON,
Makes and trims, in the newest Taste, Sacks and Coats, Gowns and Petticoats, all Sorts of Ladies Brunswick and Jesuit Dresses, Sultana Robes, Robedecores, &c. She served her Time, and was Successour, to the original Makers, at their Warehouse in Pall Mall; her Partner still continues to carry on the Business in London by whose Assistance, and that of the Queen's Mantua-maker, she is every three months to be supplied with the Fashions. This, added to great Diligence, and a strong Desire to please, she hopes will be a sufficient Recommendation to the Ladies to favour her with their commands, which she will most thankfully acknowledge, by showing a punctual Observance to their Time and Orders. Ladies whom it may not suit to come to Town may be fitted by sending her a Pattern. She lodges, till a more convenient House can be got, at Mrs. Rathell's Store, where Mr. Ayscough formerly lived, on the south Side of the Capitol, Williamsburg.
Mary Davenport only had one advertisement of millinery goods, and there is no indication that she was a trained milliner.
Just imported, and to be SOLD by the Subscriber, near the Capitol, Williamsburg,
RICH white Satins, plain and flowered, plain white Lustrings, striped and flowered ditto, striped and spotted ditto, coloured ditto, Shot ditto, black ditto, coloured rich Ducapes, coloured Sarcenets for Summer Wear, fine white and coloured grounded Cottons, Trimmings of all Sorts, both Silk and Thread, Silver ditto, rich Satin quilted Petticoats, best Bombazeen, best Norwich Crape, Hat ditto, black Fans, white Silver-mounted Ivory and coloured ditto, Best Gresham's white, coloured, and black Satin Pumps, ditto Everlasting and Calimanco, Children's ditto, white Silk Stockings, fine Cotton ditto, white and black Silk Gloves and Mits, white and coloured Kid ditto, Pocket Handkerchiefs, Pantheon Bonnets, Caps, Net Hoods, Purple and white Calicoes, Threads, Tapes, Silk Laces, Silk Ferrets, Persian Linings, black Gauze Riband, Lustring ditto, &c &c.
MARY DAVENPORT."1
George Washington records several payments to Miss Davenport while in Williamsburg for his wife and step-daughter. There is no explanation for them:
2052
"December 2, 1769 Miss Davenport for Mss Custis £2..13..8 for Mrs W ..10.. July 19, 1771 Miss Davenport 3..4..6 April 3, 1772 Miss Davenport's (Miss Custis) 23..15..3"
1
"June 18, 1774 Miss Davenport's (Mrs. Washington) £1..3..3 (Mr. Custis) 1..15..3"
Edward Ambler, Burgess from Jamestown, 1768, and his estate listed accounts with Miss Davenport:
2
"Miss Mary Davenport (for Mrs. Mary Ambler) £2..18..6 Miss Davenport 35..18.."
On January 13, 1769 Robert Carter Nicholas wrote from Williamsburg to John Norton in London:
"You are already advised of all the Bills I have drawn, except the last to Miss Mary Davenport for £100 Stg. which I don't doubt you'll give due Honor to."
On February 20, he wrote him again:
"I have wrote to you several Letters lately advising of my Draughts to Miss Ludwell for £100, Miss Molly Davenport for £100 and Mr. Greenhow for £400 Stg, which I dont doubt you will duly honour. "3
A Mary Davenport was married to William Balsam on December 18, 1784 but it isn't known if it was the same person or not. There were several Mary Davenports in Williamsburg during the 18th century.
In 1734 Mary Packe was apprenticed for four years as a mantua-maker to Joseph and Mary Davenport.5
Later in the century, a Rev. Joseph Davenport, son of Joseph and Margaret Davenport, married Mary Hunter, daughter of William Hunter the printer. The first Joseph Davenport was evidently married twice, because his will mentions a daughter in England, who was not one of Margaret's children.
206
Just imported, and to be SOLD by the Subscriber, near the Capitol, Williamsburg,
RICH white Satins, plain and flowered, plain white Lustrings, striped and flowered ditto, striped and spotted ditto, coloured ditto, Shot ditto, black ditto, coloured rich Ducapes, coloured Sarcenets for Summer Wear, fine white and coloured grounded Cottons, Trimmings of all Sorts, both Silk and Thread, Silver ditto, rich Satin quilted Petticoats, best Bombazeen, best Norwich Crape, Hat ditto, black Fans, white Silver-mounted Ivory and coloured ditto, Best Gresham's white, coloured, and black Satin Pumps, ditto Everlasting and Calimanco, Children's ditto, white Silk Stockings, fine Cotton ditto, white and black Silk Gloves and Mits, white and coloured Kid ditto, Pocket Hand-kerchiefs, Pantheon Bonnets, Caps, Net Hoods, Purple and white Calicoes, Threads, Tapes, Silk Laces, Silk Ferrets, Persian Linings, black Gauze Riband, Lustring ditto, &c. &c.
MARY DAVENPORT. Virginia Gazette (Purdie-Dixon)
November 12, 1772.
Mrs. Ann Neill, merchant and teacher, came to Williamsburg from Gloucester in 1777. She had lived in Colonel Lewis's family there for several years, probably instructing his children.
In December, 1776, she proposed opening a boarding school here for young ladies based on the English schools, where she would find room and board for them in town, and she would instruct them in reading, tambour and other kinds of needlework. She would also teach guitar, and would hire masters to teach dancing and writing. The price would be one guinea entrance fee and 30 pounds a year for the full course; or one could pay separately and take one or two subjects.
"As Nothing tends more to the Improvement of a Country than proper Schools for the Education of both Sexes, she humbly hopes her Scheme will meet with Encouragement, and the Approbation of the Ladies and Gentlemen of this State; and that those who choose to send their Children will please to let her know as soon as possible, that she may provide accordingly for their reception…"1
On July 2, 1777, she announces that she is now living on Palace Street in Williamsburg, and that she will teach reading and needlework to young ladies in the mornings, and also teaches guitar.2
By November, 1777, she has given up the idea of teaching and has opened up a general store. On May 8, 1778, she advertises goods for sale at "NEILL'S Commission Store."3
Mrs. Neill advertised materials, jewelry, gold and silver lace, small household wares, flutes, guitars, backgammon table, household furniture, ladies riding hats and feathers, suits of lace, pocket handkerchiefs, 211 stockings, buttons, and a ladies riding dress and hat.
She also has such things as pocket pistols, rum, wine and brandy; also spices, sugar, tea, coffee, writing paper, and ladies saddle and saddle cloth.
In December, 1779, Mrs. Neill had her last ad:
"DENTRIFRICE for the teeth and gums, equal to Dr. Baker's, made by Anne Neill. The public may, always be supplied by her, and at Mr. Brands, Williamsburg.212
N.B. Mrs. Neill will allow two dollars for all the empty dentifrice pots that are returned."1
214November 14, 1777.
THE SUBSCRIBER begs Leave to inform the Public in general, and her Friends in particular, that she has opened a Store opposite Mr. John Greenhow's, near the Market Square where she purposes to sell all kinds of European Goods on Commission. They may be assured there shall be the greatest Care and Assiduity to execute their Commands with Dispatch and Punctuality. She has now on Hand the following Articles, for ready Money only, viz. — Elegant Paste Necklaces, Earrings, Shoe and knee Buckles, Pinchbeck Watches, Men and Womens Watch Chains, Keys, Seals, and Crystals, a few Materials for Watchmakers, Sleeve and Coat Buttons, Silver Toothpick Cases, Gold and Silver Lace, Pocket Pistols, best Ivory Handle Knives and forks, Cut Glass Casters, with Silver Tops, ornamental, Tea and Table China Bowls, &c. Glass and Queen's Ware, a neat Tea Urn, with a Mahogany Stand, a Mahogany Tea tray, German Flute, Guitar, Backgammon Table, Table Linen, Osnaburgs, Virginia Cloth, Cambrick, Lawn, Calicoes, Virginia Counterpanes, Ladies Riding Hats and Feathers, Velvet Collars, Feather Muff, Wearing Apparel, Household Furniture, &c. &c. Old Peach and Apple Brandy, old Jamaica Spirits, Holland Geneva, fine Stomachick Cordial, old Madeira and old Bourdeaux Claret in Bottles, Chocolate, &c. &c. with many other Articles too tedious to enumerate.
Virginia Gazette Dixon and Hunter — November 14, 1777.
ANN NEILL.
215
For Sale at NEILL'S Commission Store, in Williamsburg,
An assortment of silks, Irish linens, muslins, suits of lace, India chintz, pocket handkerchiefs, checks, osnabrugs and Negro cloth, camlets, gold and silver appellets, silver buttons, worsted and silk stockings, black feathers, paste shoe, knee, and hat buckles, best paste necklaces and earrings, silver spoons and tea tongs, hair sprigs, silver blond lace, Ladies saddle and saddle cloth, watch keys and chains, Jamaica spirits, Barbados rum, Holland geneva, Batavia arrack, brandies, cordials, old Madeira and claret in casks and bottles, loaf and brown sugar, rice, black pepper, pimenta, china and glass ware, starch, needles, pins and threads, household furniture, wearing apparel, Ladies riding dress and hat, watch maker's materials, decanter lables, India stripes for gowns, nankeens, green tea in pound and half pound canisters, India handkerchiefs, French lawns, coffee, sewing silks, checks, writing paper, &c ., &c., &c. Virginia Gazette Dixon [and Hunter] — May 8, 1778
Little is known about Elizabeth (Betty) Carlos, except that she owned a small house on Waller Street from 1772 until 1777, and probably rented part of that building to Mary Dickinson, another milliner, in 1773.1
Although Miss Carlos never advertised, it appears from the following account that she was a milliner or mantua maker:
2
"Mrs Fitzhugh's to Eliza Carlos 1777 to 16 yds of Bumbazean at 5/6 a yd £4. 8. 0 to 12 yds of Crape a 3/2 per yd 2. 0. 0 to a moade Cloak trimmed with Love Ribbon 1. 1. 0 to a pair of Silk gloves 9/ 0. 9. 0 a fine Black cloath Cloak 3. 0. 0 one yd & three quarters of Lutesberg at 12/ 1. 1. 0 5 yd hat crape at 2/6 8 hanks silk at 10 0. 17. 6 10 Linen for two gowns 4/9 per net 3/9 0. 8. 6 to 4 yd of ribbin at 1/2 03 cotten thread at 3/ 0. 10. 0 to a (?) hem to miss Poly 9/ 2 pair Boys hose at 5 0. 19 . 0 one Boys hatt with a gould button & coard 0. 18. 0 to making Bumbazean gown & cout 0. 10. 0 to Do a Crape 6/ to making apron 9/6 0. 10. 6 £16. 7. 6"
Elizabeth Carlos died in November, 1803.3
219
Lucy Harrison, a fifth generation Virginian, was born at Berkeley Plantation in Charles City County, Virginia c. 1728. Her father was Benjamin Harrison IV and her mother was Anne Carter, daughter of Robert "King" Carter.
Mr. and Mrs. Harrison had eleven children, seven boys and four girls. Lucy was named for a maternal aunt, Lucy Carter.
Lucy's younger brother, Henry, died about 1736 when he was only two years old, and her mother died unexpectedly in 1744 or 1745.
In July, 1745, tragedy again struck the family:
"Last Friday Evening (July 12) a most terrible Accident happened in Charles City County; when a violent Thunder Gust arose, and Lightening struck the House of Col. Benjamin Harrison, of Berkley, which kill'd him, and his two youngest Daughters. He lived some Minutes; but tho' a Vein was opened by Dr. Monger (who happened to be on the Spot, and was knock'd down by the Lightning, but received little Damage), it proved in vain, and he expired without speaking a Word. His two Daughters died instantly. This most melancholy Affair has given a general Concern, and particularly to all who were acquainted with the Deceased. Col. Harrison had been many Years a worthy Representative of his County in Assembly, and First in the Commission of the Peace; and his Daughters very promising young Ladies. "1
Since Lucy was the next to youngest daughter (her sister Hannah was born around 1730), it was generally thought that Lucy was one of those killed; but either only one daughter was killed, or there was another daughter, of which we have no record.
221222
By 1746 Lucy's sister Anne had married William Randolph III of Wilton, and her sister Elizabeth had married his brother, Peyton Randolph. Lucy's oldest brother, Benjamin, inherited the plantation, and later became Governor of Virginia.
In the late 1740's, Lucy Harrison married Edward Randolph, Jr., a cousin of her sisters' husbands. Her dowry consisted of £800 sterling and three slaves. Edward was a ship's captain, and was several years older than Lucy. His voyages were between England and Virginia, but they lived in Middlesex County, England. Edward and Lucy had two children: a son, Harrison, and a daughter named Lucy. Lucy Randolph and her children visited Virginia in 1755, visiting relatives and friends. Soon after her return to England, her husband died while at sea, leaving all his possessions to her.
By 1757 Lucy had moved to London and her children moved to Virginia in the 1760's. She probably never saw them again. About the same time her children moved, Lucy was living with a man named Papley, and had a child named Betty.
It was also in the 1760's that Lucy went into the millinery business. Even though her shop was in London, she put an ad in the Virginia Gazette and at least some of her relatives and friends here purchased goods from her. Her customers included her cousin, Mrs. William Armistead; Mrs. Mann Page, and Mrs. Frances Horrocks, wife of the president of the College of William and Mary.1
223In June, 1770, Lucy placed the following ad in the Virginia Gazette:
"LUCY RANDOLPH,1
of London, at the Three Angels, No. 9, Long Walk, Cloysters, UNDERSTANDING that her friends in Virginia being unacquainted with the business transacted by her, takes this method to inform them that she makes and sells all sorts of MILLINERY, viz. Brussels, Mecklin, and minionet laces; blonds and black lace, gauze and catguts; plain and worked muslins and long lawns; black and white crape, and black love handkerchiefs; fine threads, cotton, thread and tapes; silk purses, gloves, mits, and ferrets; stay, silk, lace, cotton, thread, and ferret laces; bobbins, pins, and needles; head and breast flowers, Italian and French; skeleton and bunch wire; muffs and tippets, feather and fur; leather gloves, mits, and silk pocket books; Gentlemens bags and roses; childrens shoes, stockings, bone and packthread stays; boys silk and satin caps, ostrich and cock feathers; Ladies and boys satin and beaver hats with do. hair rolls, tates, curls, and silk rolls; ribands, riband and flower stomachers and knots; shenneals, garlands, and gown trimmings; quilted and puckered girls caps, white and black; coloured and black fans, velvet and silk collars, beaded or plain; Gentlemens stocks and stock tapes; childbed linen, baskets, cushions, and lines; wax beads, French and English, India and wax pearl; horn and tortoiseshell combs, plain or set; set necklaces and earrings, fancy paste pins, &c . flannels and dimities of all sorts, dimity and calico bed gowns; modes, satins, persians, sarsenets of all widths, figured and plain; mantuas 3-4 and half ell, and all sorts of silks in pieces; russels, calimancoes, durants, and taminies, coarse and fine; scarlet cloths and duffels, in cardinals or by the yard; satin and silk cardinals, cloaks, hats, and bonnets; satin, silk, and stuff cardinals, cloaks, hats, and bonnets; satin, silk, and stuff quilts, of all prices; with all kinds of childrens ready made clothes, wholesale and retail, on the lowest terms."
Sometime between 1770 and 1773, Lucy married another ship's captain, Robert Necks, who also made regular voyages to Virginia. However, he didn't live long, after the ceremony took place.
224In October, 1773, the announcement was made that:
"Last Wednesday Morning sailed from York Town, for London, the Liberty, Captain Burton, Captain Necks being so very ill that he could not proceed in the Ship."1
In December, Captain Necks started putting his business affairs in order:
"WILLIAMSBURG, December 23, 1773.
THE Subscriber, intending very soon for London gives this public Notice, that he has appointed Benjamin Harrison, Junior, Esq; of Berkeley, and Mr. Emmanuel Jones, of this City, his Attornies; with whom he requests the Favour of all Persons indebted to himself, or Mrs. Necks, to settle their Accounts at the next Meeting of the Merchants, to prevent them being put into a Lawyer's Hands, which Necessity will oblige him to do, as many, too long in Arrears have often, on his leaving the Colony, promised to pay his Attorney , which he is sorry to find they were not so kind as to comply with. If they now fail, they can only blame themselves, and not their humble Servant,
ROBERT NECKS."2
The following September, he was dead.
225"WILLIAMSBURG, September 29
Deaths) Captain ROBERT NECKS, at Norfolk, who lately came Passenger from London with Captain Danby, and had been very ill for some Weeks before his Arrival. He was a Commander in the Virginia Trade for many Years, and few were more generally esteemed. The many Passengers that have crossed the Atlantick with him will always venerate his Memory, for that more than ordinary Kindness and Attention he payed to all under his care, as well as for his constant good Humour and Gaiety. All his Acquaintances know him to have been an honest and worthy man."3
Lucy's millinery business evidently wasn't doing very well, and because of the war she was unable to get money from Virginia, either from her inheritance or from her business. Her husband, Robert Necks, had willed her all that he had, but because of his being sick for so long, it prob ably wasn't much. Her daughter, Betty, was sickly, as well.
By 1781, Lucy petitioned the British Government for relief as a Loyalist, stating that because of the war she wasn't able to get any money from her inheritance. In despair, she wrote Lady North:
"I am overwhelmed with misfortunes and driven to the last degree of distress, having parted with every thing that cou'd raise money, such as plate &c: and have now nothing left but my Furniture, which must be sold likewise, unless timly relievd."1
She made several petitions, trying first the Treasury, which denied her request since she had been living in England for several years, and therefore, could not qualify as a refugee. She then wrote Lord North, the first lord of the Treasury. When he ignored her, she wrote Lady North, who merely passed her letters on to Lord North. In 1782 she petitioned the new first lord of the Treasury, the Marquis of Rockingham, and then another claim on the Treasury, but all were denied. She mentioned her "Advanced Age" and her sick daughter, stating that her fortune of £7000 in Virginia had all been confiscated. She was asking for £100 to relieve her distress until help could come from relatives in America.
Lucy remained in England and was in business as late as 1788, although still in dire financial straits. She died before December, 1793.2
226Lucy Neck's sister, Betty Randolph of Williamsburg, widow of Peyton Randolph, died in February, 1783. She had no children, and left most of her estate to her nieces and nephews. One niece, Elizabeth Harrison, was living with her at the time of her death.
Lucy wasn't mentioned in her sister's will, but her children were:
"I give to my Niece Lucy Randolph Daughter of my Sister Necks a Molatto girl named Charlotte to her use and after her death to her Heirs… my Books to his Sister Lucy Randolph."1
Harrison received a large portion of Betty Randolph's estate, either because he was a favorite of hers, or because she felt he needed it more than his cousins did. He was to receive half of the money left after her house, lots and furniture were sold, while the other half was divided into six parts to be given to her other nephews. If there was any money left in the house or treasury after everything was paid, he was also to receive that. She also gave him,
"the Silver Cruet frame Table Spoons, Soup ditto, Punch Strainer ladle the four old Silver Candlesticks, 2 old Silver Salt cellars the Cross the China Bowls the Tea set of India China all the House Linnen and Half the Beds with Blankets &c.… I give to my Nephew Harrison Randolph a Negro Woman named Lucy, and her Children, to him and his Heirs forever."2
In a codicil she states,
"I have lent Charlotte to my Nephew Harrison Randolph during my life, As he will perhaps be at some expence in raising & maintaining other Children she may have as a gratuity I give to him & his Heirs forever her son called Thomas Prouce"3
Mrs. Randolph also leaves Harrison her share in the Williamsburg Manufactory, a cloth making factory, just outside of town. It operated from about 1776 until 1784, and was a joint venture of several prominent Williamsburg men.
227
VIRGINIA GAZETTE
Purdie-Dixon
June 14, 1770 LUCY RANDOLPH,
of London, at the Three Angels, No. 9, Long Walk, Cloysters,
UNDERSTANDING that her friends in Virginia being unacquainted with the business transacted by her, takes this method to inform them that she makes and sells all sorts of MILLINERY, viz.
Brussels, Mecklin, and minionet laces; blonds and black lace, gauze and catguts; plain and worked muslins and long lawns; black and white crape, and black love handkerchiefs; fine threads, cotton, thread and tapes; silk purses, gloves, mits, and ferrets; stay, silk, lac cotton, thread, and ferret laces; bobbins, pins, and needles; head and breast flowers, Italian and French; skeleton and bunch wire; muffs and tippets, feather and fur; leather gloves, mits, and silk pocket books; Gentlemens bags and roses; childrens shoes, stockings, bone and packthread stays; boys silk and satin caps, ostrich and cock feathers; Ladies and boys satin and beaver hats with do. hair rolls, tates, curls, and silk rolls; ribands, riband and flower stomachers and knots; shenneals, garlands, and gown trimmings; quilted and puckered girls caps, white and black; coloured and black fans, velvet and silk collars, beaded or plain; Gentlemens stocks and stock tapes; childbed linen, baskets, cushions, and lines; wax beads, French and English, India and wax pearl; horn and tortoiseshell combs, plain or set; set necklaces and earrings, fancy paste pins, &c. flannels and dimities of all sorts, dimity and calico bed gowns; modes, satins, persians, sarsenets of all widths, figured and plain; mantuas 3-4 and half ell, and all sorts of silks in pieces; russels, calimancoes, durants, and taminies, coarse and fine; scarlet cloths and duffels, in cardinals or by the yard; satin and silk cardinals, cloaks, hats, and bonnets; satin, silk, and stuff cardinals, cloaks, hats, and bonnets; satin, silk, and stuff quilts, of all prices; with all kinds of childrens ready made clothes, wholesale and retail, on the lowest terms.