The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle

Not long ago a man came to this town, who said he was a captain of a ship from Jamaica, which was sold, it is not recollected where. While he remained here he undertook to stamp linnen at one shilling per yard, and had full employment. He stamped with a purple colour, and carefully told his employers that if they wash'd the linen before a set time (which was near the time he removed) the colour would disappear. After and even before he went off, it was discovered, that the colour was very apt to vanish, after a few washings, which many are ready to testify. The linnen of several people whom he deceived is now fitted to take a lasting colour because the temporary one is lost with their money. Whether this man was more ignorant than knavish, the publick may judge.