In 1737, Square Toed Shoes were going out of fashion; I
believe few or none were worn after 1737. Buckles instead of
Shoe Strings began to be used about the same time, but were
not universal in the country towns till 1740 or 1742. Very
broad brim'd Hats were worn as early as I remember. My
father had a beaver whose Brims were at least 7 inches;
which when he left off, I remember I used to wear in the
Garden, or in a shower, by way of Umbrella. They were all
cock'd triangularly. And pulling them off by way of
salutation was invariably the Fashion by all who had any
Breeding.

Boots were never worn except on horseback, or snowy or rainy
weather. They frequently had large broad Tops that reach'd
full half way up the Thigh. But Boots did not come into
general use till the close of the revolutionary war.

Funerals were extravagantly expensive. Gold Rings to each of
the Bearers, the Minister, the Physician, &c., were
frequently given when the family could but ill afford it.
White gloves in abundance, burnt wine to the company, &c.,
&c. This extravagance occasioned the enacting sumptuary
laws, which though they check'd did not entirely suppress
the complaints till the commencement of the revolutionary
war.

In 1749, it was reported the train band list of the town of
Marblehead was equal to that of the town of Salem. The
difference is now very great. I suppose Salem has at least
twice the number of Marblehead.