making a drink compounded of rum, raisins, sugar, nutmeg, &c., with
biscuit,--all palatable to eat and drink. After being in the store four
weeks, I found myself admonished by my appetite of the approach of the
hour for indulgence. Thinking the habit might make trouble if allowed
to grow stronger, without further apology to my seniors I declined
partaking with them. My first resolution was to abstain for a week, and,
when the week was out, for a month, and then for a year. Finally, I
resolved to abstain for the rest of my apprenticeship, which was for
five years longer. During that whole period, I never drank a spoonful,
though I mixed gallons daily for my old master and his customers."[1]


The following advertisement is found in the Columbian Centinel (Boston),
June 8, 1805:--


_James Brazer_,

Would inform the public that having dissolved the Copartnership lately
subsisting between AARON BROWN, Esq. SAMUEL HALE and the subscriber; he
has taken into Copartnership his son WILLIAM F. BRAZER, and the business
in future will be transacted under the firm of

JAMES BRAZER & SON;

They will offer for sale, at their store in _Groton_, within six
days a complete assortment of English, India, and W. India GOODS, which
they will sell for ready pay, at as low a rate as any store in the
Country.