05/13/2026
He must have been an optimist! In August 1777, Philadelphians were worried what would happen if the British took the city. Anyone who could, even the Continental Congress, was thinking about how to leave.
James Butland was making a different kind of move.
Having recently dissolved his business partnership, Butland chose this moment of absolute chaos to establish his own independent shop on Front Street. While others were packing wagons to flee the city, he was placing ads in the Pennsylvania Gazette—vowing to supply the Continental Army with gold and silver trimmings at "short notice".
Was it optimism, bravery or just a very stubborn business plan?
"James Butland, Fringe and Lacemaker, informs the public that he has moved his lace manufactory from Second Street to Front Street, between Market and Chestnut Streets. He manufactures all types of uniforms for the army in gold, silver, silk, or worsted wool. He can supply entire battalions with trimmings for hats and clothing, made to any pattern or color on short notice. He also provides all types of girth-webbing and trimmings for saddlers, coachmakers, and upholsterers, including livery, laces, and bindings. August 20, 1777.
N.B. (Note Well): Good wages are offered to workmen skilled in making garters or tapes on twelve- or twenty-four-shuttle looms, as well as livery lace, orrifs, or fringe. Weavers and worsted spinners are also needed."
The publisher of the Pennsylvania Gazette, Hall and Sellers, got out of town and resumed publication December 20th, 1777.
