Historic Scenes

Observers

• Anonymous
  Boston, 1783
  "The Gay Young Muse salutes the opening year— Peace lead the front ! and Plenty bring the rear! Felicity shall glitter all compleat, And silver, and gold, and jewels, pave the street... Thus we, all fun, while faithful FRENCH defend us Titter and giggle at our INDEPENDENCE " No bio available
• Richard Price
  England, 1784
  "It seems evident that what first requires the attention of the United States is the redemption of their debts...Nor is it conceivable that they should meet with any great difficulty in doing this. They have a vast resource peculiar to themselves in a continent of unlocated lands possessing every advantage of soil and climate." No bio available
• Abigail Adams
  Boston, January 3, 1784
  "here is a method of laying out money to more advantage than by the purchase of land's, which a Friend of mine advised me to, for it is now become a regular merchandize. Dr. T-s [Tufts] has sold a Farm with a design of vesting it in this manner, viz in State Notes. Foreigners and monied Men have, and are purchaseing them at 7 shillings upon the pound, 6 and 8 pence they have been sold at." Bio available
• Charles Sigourney
  Boston, March 1, 1784
  "Upon closing my affairs I find have a much Larger Sums due me, then I had an idea of & far beyond my Capital, I am therefore oblig'd to call earnestly upon every one to make me payment as soon as possible...be aprised was not the State of things very difficult, I should not be so pressing." No bio available

Themes

• Getting By & Getting Ahead
  Consumer good purchases, real estate and other investments all played a part in the post-war economic boom...and bust.
  No essay available
• We the People
  The United States were in debt to the world; how they met those obligations was an important test of the new states, one which Massachusetts was determined not to fail.
  No essay available
• The Wider World
  Independence brought new rules and restrictions, as well as opportunities for American commerce.
  Essay available
• Everyday Life
  Whether it was a trip to the store, a loan to a neighbor or a real estate purchase, Americans relied on a credit-based system that allowed them to conduct business and track their finances despite a continual lack of "hard" currency.
  No essay available

Related To This Scene