Popular opinion was against the Earl of Halifax, however, and when the old sign-board was touched up, the name of William Pitt, the friend of America, appeared on the sign.
The portion of the old Earl of Halifax or Stavers Inn which is still standing is shown in its forlorn old age on the opposite page.
Mr. George Davenport, of Boston, a lineal descendant of old William Davenport, owns one of the most interesting tavern bills I have ever seen. It is of the old Wolfe Tavern at Newburyport. To those who can read between the lines it reveals means and methods which were calculated to arouse enthusiasm and create public sentiment during the exciting days of the Stamp Act. The bill and its items read thus:--
"Dr. Messrs. Joseph Stanwood & Others of the Town of Newburyport for Sunday expences at My House on Thirsday, Septr. 26th, A.D. 1765. At the Grate Uneasiness and Tumult on Occasion of the Stamp Act.
To William Davenport Old Tenor To 3 Double Bowls punch by Capt. Robud's Order £3, 7, 6 To 7 Double Bowls of punch 7, 7, 6 To Double Bowl of Egg Toddy 14 To Double Punch 22/6 Single bowl 11/3 1, 13, 9 To Double Bowl Punch 22/6 Double bowl toddy 12/ 1, 14, 6 To Bowl Punch 11/3 Bowl Toddy 6/ 17, 3 To Double Bowl Toddy 12/ bowl punch 11/3 1, 3, 3 To Double Bowl punch 22/6 Nip Toddy 3/ 1, 5, 6 To Mug Flip 5/ To a Thrible Bowl Punch 33/9 1, 18, 9 To Double Bowl Punch 22/6 To a Thrible Bowl Ditto 33/9 2, 16, 3 To Double Bowl Punch 22/6 1, 2, 6 To a Double Bowl Punch 22/6 1, 2, 6 To Thrible Bowl Punch 33/9 Double Bowl Ditto 22/6 2, 16, 3 To Double Bowl Punch 22/6 Bowl Ditto 11/3 1, 13, 9 To Double Bowl Punch 22/6 To Double Ditto 22/6 Bowl 2, 5 To 6 Lemons 15/ To Bowl of Punch 11/3 1, 6, 3 To 2 Double Bowls Punch 2, 5 To Double Bowle Punch 22/6 bowl Punch 11/3 1, 13, 9 To 2 Double Bowles punch 1/5 To bowl punch 11/3 2, 16, 3 To bowl Punch 11/3 To bowl punch 11/3 1, 2, 6 To the Suppers which were cooked Hot 2, 5 To 8 Double Bowles Punch after Supper 9 To Double Bowl Toddy 12/ Bowl Punch 11/3 1, 2, 6 To Bowl Egg Toddy 7/ 7 To 6 pintes and 1/2 of Spirits @ 10/ per pint 3, 5 To a Breakfast of Coffee for Sd Company 2, 5 ----------- 59, 17, 3 Lawful Money 7, 19, 7-1/2
Newbury Port 28 Sept. 1765. Errors excepted William Davenport."