What was advertised in a revolutionary American newspaper 250 years ago today?

“GEORGE HAUGHTON,, UPHOLSTERER … makes and sells every article in the military way.”

In January 1776, George Haughton, an upholsterer in Philadelphia, placed an advertisement in the Pennsylvania Gazetteto remind the public that he “CONTINUES to make all kinds of Upholstery furniture.”  A year earlier, he introduced himself as an “UPHOLSTERER, lately from LONDON,” in a notice in the January 30, 1775, edition of the Pennsylvania Journal.  Like other newcomers, he realized that prospective customers did not know him like reputation.  “He being a stranger,” Haughton declared, “has no recommendation but his skill in his profession, which he hopes the Public will give him an opportunity to shew.”  The upholsterer underscored that he “had the advantage of serving a regular apprenticeship to that trade in one of the most capital shop in London, and working in most of the others” distinguishing him from other upholsterers in Philadelphia.

In his new advertisement, Haughton tried a new marketing appeal.  He targeted customers who needed military equipment, proclaiming that he “makes and sells every article in the military way.”  That included “drums, colours [or flags and pennants], camp bedsteads and furniture, camp chairs, stools, tables, and mattrasses of all sorts.”  Fashion mattered, even during times of war, so Haughton assured prospective customers that he produced his wares “in the genteelest manner,” yet they did not overcharge.  He sold these items “at the most reasonable rates.”  Haughton addressed “the several Committees [of the] Military Gentlemen,” hoping to “recommend himself” to them to supply “markees [marquees (officers’ field tents)] and all sorts of tents, on the most approved method and quickest dispatch.”  Quality and efficiency mattered, as did providing officers and soldiers with exactly what they needed whether they appeared at his shop in person or sent orders from a distance.  “All orders from the country,” Haughton pledged, “strictly complied with.”  The Revolutionary War presented new business opportunities for some entrepreneurs.  Haughton hoped to turn the situation to his advantage with an advertisement in one of Philadelphia’s most popular newspapers.