M & S Rare Books

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“Philladelphia[!] May the 1 1772 Rec’d of Mr. James Wallace the sum of seven pounds fifteen shillings on aCount of nurshing a child at five shillings a week being thirtyn weeks in full of all aCounts... Andrew Cassil”.

Employment for women as wet nurses in pre and post revolutionary America was common. The Pennsylvania Gazette of August 29, 1771; “Wanted, several sums of money, on undoubted security; several boys as apprentices to different trades; negroe men, women, boys, and girls- wants places, several servant men, in different capacities, several wet nurses well recommended”.

Andrew Cassil/Cassel married Elizabeth Beck in Philadelphia in 1768 and his wife may have been providing her own services for hire. James Wallace may be the same individual whose ad appears in the August 29, 1771 Gazette: “Wanted, A middle aged woman, of good character, that understands managing a Dairy, and taking Care of a small Family and farm. Such a One, on Application to James Wallace, in Third Street, Philadelphia, will have suitable Encouragement.” A crisp and highly legible 18th century receipt in very good condition.