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strides, Medford rose in wealth and increased in numbers; and, in 1805, there were many stores opened, where the necessaries and conveniences, and even the ornaments and luxuries, of life could be obtained at as cheap a rate as in Boston.
The fourth period of trade in Medford extends from 1805 to the present time.
The ship-building, the introduction of steam, the Middlesex Canal, the immigration of Bostonians to this place,--these all helped to open new avenues to wealth, and increase the facilities of supply.
Within this period, more than half the present number of houses have been built; and there are now five public highways where there was one fifty years ago. The whole course of trade has changed from barter to cash payments or credits; and one trader now can do as much in a year as three could at the beginning of this century.
The number of gentlemen who reside here, and do business in Boston, is very large, and they are multiplying every month.
The cars on both railroads are filled every morning,--the earliest with laborers, the next with merchants and the last with ladies.
During the embargo, in 1808, an old black schooner came up Mystic River with a deck-load of wood and bark.
A custom-house officer from Boston took possession of her as a suspected smuggler.
The captain invited the officer to take supper with him in the cabin.
They sat and ate together; and the captain asked to be excused a moment while he gave an order to his men. No sooner had he arrived on deck than he turned and fastened the cabin door.
Extempore Indians were ready to unload the hold of the schooner, which was full of English goods, wire, &c., from Halifax.
During half the night, horse-wagons were passing to Boston from the old wharf, owned by Francis Shed, below the ship-yard.
Some teams went to Malden, and some to West Cambridge.
The amounts were very large, and the goods of the costliest kinds.
The planting of that night produced a rich harvest.
The goods were never discovered; but the vessel was condemned and confiscated.
How soundly the officer slept is not known.
John Wilson and son. 22 School Street. Boston. 1855.
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