_, truckman, wanted to purchase
a load of hay--went and tried to bargain with him for it, and
as he was going towards the hay, he perceived a man raise his
head on the top of the load, by the name of _Draper_, of said
town. He accordingly came to me and told me of it. I went in
pursuit of _Kingsbury_, and overtook him just before he got to
the Granary, and ordered him back to the scales to have his
load weighed again, which weighed one hundred and an half less
that it did before.--The several printers are requested to
insert the above, to prevent further impositions on the
publick.

HOPESTILL FOSTER, Hay-weigher.

_Boston, Dec. 15, 1789._

* * * * *

It seems to have been the fashion in "old times" with people who had
articles stolen from them to advertise in the papers, requesting the thief
or thieves to make restitution. Probably this was the surest method of
recovery, in the absence of the detective system. Joseph Tyler in the
"Boston Gazette," Nov. 21, 1761, is inclined to be sarcastic, and Samuel
Brazer, of Worcester, in 1802, is witty, but modest. As to stealing
psalm-books, no one would dream of doing such a thing in these days. Our
modern thieves are not interested in devotional books; they prefer
"yellow-covered literature."

Joseph Tyler _desires the Person that borrowed his Surtout to
return it, if it is not worn out_. 1767.

* * * * *

Taken out of the Pew, No. 59, in the Rev'd Mr. Barnard, senior's
Meeting-House, about a Month since, a PSALM-BOOK. The Person is
desired to return it, otherwise may depend upon being exposed.

_Essex Gazette_, Sept. 28, 1773.

* * * * *

_A MODEST REQUEST!_

THE two obliging _Ladies_, who on the night of Monday, the
29th ultimo, between six and seven o'clock in the evening,
took from the Store of the Subscriber (_not by mistake_) FIVE
BARCELONA HANDKERCHIEFS, are desired to return them
immediately, _with satisfactory remuneration_, or the next
notice they receive will come "_GREETING_."

SAMUEL BRAZER.

_Worcester_, December 8, 1802.

* * * * *

THE person who took six pair o