THE HISTORIC TREES OF MASSACHUSETTS 



is silent, except in a few instances, concerning 

 where the trees were bought whose trunks 

 composed the old-time frigates. A white 

 oak near Danvers, known as "King George's 

 Whipping Post," because condemned per- 

 sons were often tied to a ring in its trunk 

 and flogged according to the seriousness of 

 the crime, was purchased for use in the con- 

 struction of the frigate Essex. It is said that 

 the iron ring was actually found in the trunk 

 of the tree when the timbers were hewed. 1 



The oldest white oak in Dedham bears 

 the distinction of having once been selected 



THE SALEM FRIGATE 

 TAKE NOTICE 



1 Ye Sons of Freedom ! all true lovers of the Liberty of your 

 Country! step forth, and give your assistance in building the 

 Frigate, to oppose French insolence and piracy. Let every 

 man in possession of a White Oak Tree, be ambitious to be fore- 

 most in hurrying down the timber to Salem, and fill the comple- 

 ment wanting, where the noble structure is to be fabricated, 

 to maintain your rights upon the Seas, and make the name 

 of America respected among the nations of the world. Your 

 largest and longest trees are wanted, and the arms of them for 

 Knees and Rifing Timber. Four trees are wanted for the 

 Keel, which all together will measure 146 feet in length, and 

 hew 1 6 inches square. Please to call on the Subscriber, who 

 wants to make contracts for large or small quantities, as may 

 suit best, and will pay the READY CASH. 



ENOS BRIGGS 



oa/em, Nov. 23, 1798 



