Newburyport, June [blank] 1811. To the selectmen of the town of [blank] Gentlemen, Under the direction of the town of Newburyport, we address you on the subject of the late desolating fire, to represent to you the sufferings of our brethren, and to solicit for them such aid as your benevolence may suggest (s.n, 1811)
Appeal by selectmen of Newburyport, Mass., for aid following the devastating fire of May 31, 1811. "As selectmen of the town we are authorized to receive all benefactions and hold them subject to the disposal of a large and responsible committee, appointed for the purpose of applying them, as the distresses of the sufferers shall require. - Shaw & Shoemaker, 23561