“Ipswich, the Agawam of the Indians, is a post-town and port of entry on both sides of Ipswich River, in Essex County, Massachusetts, 12 miles south of Newburyport, 10 north-east of Beverly, 32 NE by N. of Boston, and about a mile from the sea, The township of Ipswich is divided into 5 parishes* and contains 601 houses, and 4502 inhabitants.
“There is an excellent stone bridge across Ipswich River, composed of two arches, with one solid pier in the bed of the river, which connects the two parts of the town, executed under the direction of the late Hon. Judge Choate. This was heretofore a place of much more consideration than at present. Its decline is attributed to a barred harbor and shoals in the river. Its natural situation is pleasant, and on all accounts excellently well-calculated to be a large manufacturing town.
“The supreme judicial court, the courts of common pleas and sessions are held here once a year, on the 1st Tuesday of April; and from its central situation, it appears to be the most convenient place for all the courts and public offices of the county. The inhabitants are chiefly farmers, except those in the compact part of the township. A few vessels are employed in the fishery and a few trade to the West Indies.
“Silk and thread lace, of an elegant texture, are manufactured here by women and children, in large quantities, and sold for use and exportation in Boston, and other mercantile towns. In 1790, no less than 41,979 yards were made here, and the manufacture is rather increasing. Ipswich township was incorporated in 1634 and is 378 miles N.E. of Philadelphia. N. lat. 42°43”, W. long. 70° 50′.”
Read in the American Gazetteer.
*The five parishes were First Church, the South Congregational Church, Linebrook Parish, Chebacco Parish (which became the town of Essex in 1818), and the Hamlet Parish (which became the town of Hamilton in 1793).
Historic Ipswich 
I love Ipswich Lace!