WHEREAS by misfortunes, together with expenses of law suits, with honest pride I acknowledge I am not worth one cent in the world, and of course cannot pay my debts. But through the assistance of friends, I am now accommodated with a Shop, and necessary Tools to carry on my business, in _Cambridge-Port_; where I shall be happy to execute any kind of work for those I am indebted to, at the lowest cash price, on this condition--that I am paid one half of what the work comes to, in cash, when delivered. But if my creditors will allow me time, and my health is spared, I have no doubt I shall soon be able to pay twenty shillings on the pound to them, in cash. To those gentlemen I am not indebted to, I solicit of them a share of their work, assuring them, that whatever engagements I make, shall be executed punctually, and in a workmanlike manner, by their humble servant, RICHARD GRIDLEY. _Cambridge-Port_, sept. 10, 1806. --> The Printers of Newspapers in Boston are requested to publish the above, provided they will receive their pay in Smith's work. _Columbian Centinel._ * * * * * On the 11th of January, 1799, Mr. Briggs advertises in the "Salem Gazette" and thanks "the good people of the County of _Essex_ for their spirited exertions in bringing down the trees of the forest for building the frigate. In the short space of four weeks, the full complement of timber has been furnished." He ends by saying:-- "Next September is the time When we'll launch her from the strand, And our cannon load and prime With tribute due to Talleyrand." * * * * * The following advertisement appeared in the papers in 1798, in reference to the building of the frigate "Essex":-- The _Salem Frigate_. [Illustration] 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.