The following advertisement appeared in the papers in 1798, in reference to the building of the frigate "Essex":—
THE
Salem
TAKE NOTICE!
Ye Sons of Freedom! all true lovers of the Liberty of your Country! ſtep forth, and give your aſſiſtance in building the Frigate, to oppoſe French inſolence and piracy. Let every man in poſſeſſion of a White Oak Tree, be ambitious to be foremoſt in hurrying down the timber to Salem, and fill the complement wanting, where the noble ſtructure is to be fabricated, to maintain your rights upon the Seas, and make the name of America reſpected among the nations of the world. Your largeſt and longeſt trees are wanted, and the arms of them for Knees and Riſing Timber. Four trees are wanted for the Keel, which all together will meaſure 146 feet in length, and hew 16 inches ſquare. Pleaſe to call on the Subſcriber, who wants to make contracts for large or ſmall quantities, as may ſuit beſt, and will pay the READY CASH.
ENOS BRIGGS.
Salem, Nov. 23, 1798.
CASH GIVEN FOR