A century ago a favorite method of raising money for public enterprises was by lottery, and Amoskeag Canal was no exception, as seen by reference to the newspapers of the time.
Incidentally it may be stated that no other class of advertisements were written so pointedly as these, of which the following are samples:—
Merchants, Mechanics, Traders! Notice is hereby given, To all perfons who are in the habit of doing good, That a little sweet oil is immediately wanted on Amofkeag Canal, in order to make the wheels flide glib and complete the fame—as Boston folks are longing to have it finifhed, it would be well for them to apply to S. Gilbert, Centinel Office, State Street, who can afsist them by felling Tickets in the 6th Clafs of faid Canal Lottery at two dollars each, with the profpect of gaining eight thousand dollars.
Reader, fail not (if you pleafe) to apply before the 24th inft. when this 6th Clafs commences drawing. June 11th.
Ye that are in the habit of drawing blanks remember This.
