From this advertisement may be deduced many things. In the first place, such an inventory of stock would not be sneered at by a music dealer of the present day; we may be sure then that the people were musical and that there was a demand for the things advertised. We should suppose that violins and German flutes were the most popular instruments and were in great demand; while there was certainly more than one player--perhaps many--of the above, common flute, French horn, ’cello, and guitar; and of course there were organists and harpsichord players. Thus we are certain, that, in a few years that the people must have progressed rapidly in music, and probably now it was considered a necessary part of every young lady’s and young gentleman’s education. Music paper, too, is advertised by Hillegas. This may have been used in copying compositions of other writers as we know Hopkinson did,[132] or, perhaps, there were composers at that time of whom there is no record. The song-books, cantatas, and songs imported would be those in favor in London, as musical taste at this period in Philadelphia was a reflection of English taste. The name of Michael Hillegas will live as long as the United States hold together, as he was an important figure in the early history of our country. Michael Hillegas[133] was born April 22, [O. S.]----in Philadelphia of German parents. The tradition runs in the Hillegas family that their ancestors were French. They had a coat of arms containing three musical staves. However that may be Michael’s parents came from Baden and settled in Philadelphia, where Michael Sr. was naturalized April 11, 1749. He was a merchant, and was interested in real estate and prospered exceedingly. At his death Oct. 11, 1749, his property was valued at £40,000 of which his son Michael had two shares. Michael Jr. now carried on the business of his father. He was popular, devoted to music and a skilful player on the flute and violin, and a composer of “An Easy Method for the Flute.”[134] As early as 1753, he advertises a church or house organ.[135] Politically he was important, held various offices in Philadelphia, and upon the adoption of the constitution became treasurer--the first treasurer of the United States--an office which he held throughout the war.[136]