“John Behrent, Joiner and Instrument Maker living in Third street continued in Campington, directly opposite Coate’s Burying-ground, Has just finished for sale, an extraordinary fine instrument, by the name of Piano Forte, of Mahogany, in the manner of an harpischord, with hammers, and several changes: He intends to dispose of it on very reasonable terms: and being a master of such sort of work, and a new beginner in this country he requests all lovers of music to favour him with their custom, and they shall not only be honestly served, but their favours gratefully acknowledged, by their humble servant, John Behrent.”[142] Evidently the War of the Revolution interrupted any further progress in musical development, as nothing more of importance is found during this period. FOOTNOTES: [130] See above, p. 29. [131] _Pa. Gaz._, Dec. 13, 1759. [132] See below, p. 48. [133] Oldest reliable spelling is Hilde-gras. [134] Advertised in _Pa. Gaz._, June 19, 1776. [135] _Pa. Gaz._, Aug. 9, 1753. [136] Material for this sketch taken from “_Michael Hillegas and His Descendants_” by Emma St. Clair Whitney; also, “_A Memoir of the First Treasurer of the U. S._,” by M. R. Minnich. [137] _Pa. Gaz._, Jan. 5, 1764. [138] Cf. _Pa. Gaz._, Feb. 4, 1762, also _Pa. Jour._, Dec. 15, 1763. [139] _Pa. Gaz._, Nov. 10, 1763. [140] _Pa. Jour._, Nov. 17, 1768. [141] _Pa. Gaz._, Feb. 17, 1773. [142] _Pa. Pack._, Mar. 13, 1775. CHAPTER VI. CONCERT MUSIC. In a previous chapter it was shown that a kind of subscription concert was given as early as 1744, and although there is no record of public or private concerts being given for sometime after that, it is only natural to suppose that at least private chamber concerts were given. We may be sure that bands were a feature at an early date, and no doubt added somewhat to the musical life of Philadelphia. It is not until 1755, however, that there is any mention of such an organization. However in that year we learn that a “Band of Musick” headed a procession of Masons on St. John’s Day.[143] How important this procession was considered by the onlookers is seen from the testimony of Daniel Fisher who writes in his diary: “I should observe that on St. John the Baptist Day (June 24) there was the Greatest Procession of Free Masons to the Church and their Lodge, in Second Street that was ever seen in America. No less than 160 being in the Procession in Gloves, Aprons, etc., attended by a band of Music.”[144] This band probably was not like those of the present time, but may have been satisfactory to the inhabitants of old Philadelphia. We may assume it was similar to a drum and fife corps, although this assumption may do injustice to the musical taste of that time. Anyway we have the year following a more detailed description of a procession including music.