2023-03 HCA Auctions
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/8/2023
[MASSACHUSETTS.] Margaret Horton, Manuscript book, ca. 1821-1850s, Newburyport, Massachusetts. 154 pp., 111 of which have text, 6" x 8". Some pages missing, others torn or stained; boards and binding worn. This handwritten book was used for a variety of purposes across the nineteenth century. From 1821 to 1826, it recorded shipments of goods on board various ships, giving the date and destination, likely in the hand of Horton's father, merchant Nathaniel Horton who also did business with his brother James Horton. Several of the shipments reflect his business of manufacturing shoes and boots. At the other end of the volume are various accounts, signed by customers, likely also in the hand of Nathaniel Horton. Several of the accounts are for "skins," perhaps for use in manufacturing shoes. Other portions of the book include instructions for knitting and stitching various articles and recipes for various items, including mead; ice cream; various kinds of cakes, pies, puddings, and biscuits; and homemade medicines. Example excerpt, "Cure for sore throat. Gargle the throat with a solution of one teaspoonful of cayenne pepper two of fine salt cup of water, Swallow a spoonful once an hour put a poultice of mustard upon the throat keep the bowels open with rhubarb. To make castor oil pleasant boil with an equal quantity of milk sweeten with a little sugar stir it well and let it cool."
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