At the time of the War of 1812, there was no single national paper currency. The U.S. treasury issued "notes," but so did state-chartered banks and even states. And in August 1814, the government's finances were in such a shambles that the public credit collapsed - no one would lend the government money. On December … Continue reading War of 1812: Money issues, and issuing money
Author: historylive
Next item of King Philip’s War research
Here's a sample of the next batch of documents I'm going to be looking at. They actually start out well before King Philip's War and only go to 1670, but we're looking into the possibility that some of these haven't been transcribed before. Plus, we believe they do cover the period of the Pequot War, … Continue reading Next item of King Philip’s War research
Brigadier Cushing surprises me.
On 6th November, the Brigadier responded to an earlier letter from Col. Elisha Tracy, who was in charge of purchases at Norwich. Much of what he said was routine and unsurprising. It's the bit at the end that startled me. On my return to this place from New Haven last evening, I received your favour … Continue reading Brigadier Cushing surprises me.
Dictionary 1881: A to Abolish
The other day (while looking for something else) I ran across our copy of A High-School Dictionary of the English Language, published in 1881 (abridged, it says, from a recent edition of Webster's dictionary). And illustrated with 300 wood engravings. So, what words did the editors of this dictionary believe high-schoolers of the 1880s would … Continue reading Dictionary 1881: A to Abolish
Brimfield Haul, Part 5: Presto and Pillsbury
I think "The Presto Book of Menus & Recipes" by Della Thompson Lutes (published by Cupples Company, St. Louis, MO) is my favorite of all my pamphlets so far. Internet research indicates that it was published between 1928 and 1930, based on the publication dates of Lutes' books and the fact that the magazine Modern … Continue reading Brimfield Haul, Part 5: Presto and Pillsbury
The tribulations of Brig. Gen. Cushing, continued
Things did not improve for the Brigadier General between September and October 1814, although at least there was no British assault or serious threat of one during that time. On the 11th, he wrote to William Jones, Governor of Rhode Island, as follows: Your Excellencys letter of the 10th instant was received this morning, and … Continue reading The tribulations of Brig. Gen. Cushing, continued
Kristen Noble Keegan, Historical Geographer 