EARLY PHILADELPHIA DIRECTORIES.
The first Philadelphia Directories were published in the year 1785, when two appeared: White's and M'Pherson's. The latter is a duodecimo volume of 164 pages, and contains some things worth making a note of.
Some persons do not seem to have comprehended the object of the inquiries made of the inhabitants as to their names and occupations; supposing, perhaps, that they had some connexion with taxation. The answers given by such are put down in the Directory as the names of the respondents. Thus:
"'I won't tell you,' 3. Maiden's Lane."
"'I won't tell it,' 15. Sugar Alley."
"'I won't tell you my name,' 160. New Market Street."
"'I won't have it numbered,' 478. Green Street."
"'I won't tell my name,' 185. St. John's Street."
"'I shall not give you my name,' 43. Stamper's Alley."
"'What you please,' 49. Market Street."
In the errata are the following:
"For Cross Woman read Cross Widow."
"For Cox Cats read Cox Cato."
The alphabetical arrangement of a Directory is as great a leveller as the grave. In the Directory for 1798, after—
"Dennis, Mr., Taylor, Pewter Platter Alley."
appears the following:
"Dorleans, Messrs., Merchants, near 100. South Fourth Street."
These were Louis Philippe and one of his brothers, who lived at the north-west corner of Fourth and Princes Streets, in a house still standing, and now numbered 110.
Talleyrand and Volney lived for some time in Philadelphia; but, not being house-keepers, their names do not appear in any of the Directories.
Uneda.
Philadelphia.