The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle

To the PRINTERS.

IN this time of great distress and grievous complaining, among tradesmen, about dullness of trade, and uncommon scarcity of money, it would be extremely beneficent if the wealthy & money'd men of all denominations, would call for their tradesmen's bills, and pay those sums which to them are trifling and inconsiderable, but to the poor industrious tradesman, the needy mechanic, and all men of narrow circumstances, are of great consequence; especially considering, that in the course of trade and business, a little remains here, a little there, and many of these littles collected together, would amount to such a sum as would set the needy man in a free and easy situation, enable him to pay his way, and so the money would circulate from hand to hand until it soon reverted to the same benevolent hands that had kindly put it in motion. These little payments coming spontaneously from the great, would do the poor man infinite service; yet such may be his condition,that he dare not ask for one of these sums thro' fear of offending his rich employer, and through him many others connected with him by friendship and interest, consequently ruining his trade. Thus are many worthy men circumstanced at this day, on every side threatened with impending ruin: pressed hard by their creditors on the one side, afraid to demand their own on the other, and I fear, very frequently repulsed by some of these wealthy customers, where they are hardy enough to solicit payments with threats of feeling their keen resentments for presuming to dun them. Hard alternative! either to disoblige his customers or go to goal for them! Perhaps both; endeavouring to call in this money to pay his just debts, he fails in his enterprize, incurs the displeasure of his Customers, and at last goes to goal to oblige them. Consider this, ye great! Appropriate some small share of your money to pay your tradesmen's bills,you will thereby rejoice their desponding hearts, revive their drooping spirits, give them fresh life and vigour in their several occupations, and do a greater act of charity (if I may so term it) than if you was to subscribe large sums towards some pompous charitable institution. I have no doubt but many noble generous spirits will readily take this public hint in good part, and shew their approbation by a ready compliance, and prompting one another to call for their bills and pay them with cheerfulness.

Yours,

PROBUS.