FRENCH EMIGRANTS.
We have seen how, at the outbreak of the French Revolution, the French came over here in thousands—escaping here as to a haven of refuge. For the most part they were of the better class; still there were, as in 1870, a large number of very suspicious characters (to use the mildest term) among them—and the government was compelled to keep a very jealous eye on their movements. Taken, however, as a whole, they behaved wonderfully well, and in no ways abused the asylum, and protection, they had sought.
"Government is ridding the country very fast of Jacobins: and in doing so, it is taking only a proper precaution during a time of war. Some hundreds have been already either expelled, or have quitted the country through apprehension; but many more still remain here: and we recommend very strongly to the notice of the Police Department, the general body of French Dancing Masters practising in London, who are the veriest Jacobins in existence. An exportation of some of these Hop Merchants, and certain French Milliners, whom we could name, might be permitted without a drawback, and without doing any injury to the Revenue."—(Times, Feb. 15, 1793.)
"The Maitre d'Hotel of the Duke of York was, on Saturday last, ordered to quit the country. We some time since remarked that there were several rank Jacobins in his Royal Highness's household."—(Times, Feb. 16, 1793.)
He was sent out of the Country either for theft or embezzlement.
"The Jermyn-Street Gun, which is filled with combustible matter, should be unloaded, and spiked, or it may become more dangerous than it is even at present. A clause ought to be added to the Alien Bill, interdicting Frenchmen to meet, either in public, or private, houses, in a greater number than 5, at one and the same time. We cannot be too strict at this moment: and, being sojourners here, as objects of public bounty, they cannot complain of any regulations which Government may deem necessary to make."—(Times, Feb. 16, 1793.)
"The French Emigrants.[17]
"Some of the papers have circulated very idle reports relative to the arrival, in London, of 140 French soldiers; the story is precisely as follows: These unfortunate Emigrants, most of them descended from opulent, and illustrious, families in France, having saved themselves, with the French Princes, from the daggers of assassins, were necessitated, at the end of the campaign, to enter the service of Spain. They embarked, on the 4th Dec., at Bois le Duc, for Rotterdam, and from thence, they sailed in the ship David and Abraham, commanded by Captain Riendirk. It would be impossible to describe the bad usage they received on board. Obliged to lay upon the bare deck, without a bed, and fed with mouldy biscuit, and beer, mixed with salt water; in this lamentable situation they remained five weeks. These miserable men were covered with vermin, most of them, dreadfully galled with sores, and ulcers. Some had not changed their linen for two years and an half: others had no linen of any kind, and the clothes of the whole troop were in tatters. There is reason to believe that the Captain of the vessel proposed to sell them as malefactors, to be sent to Batavia. The ship, however, was driven on our coast, and as soon as our Government was apprized that these poor men were at anchor in Sheerness, they took every measure to soften the rigour of their fate. Two of their countrymen were dispatched to bring them to London. The barbarous inhumanity of the Dutch Captain was notoriously conspicuous, and we hope some measures will be taken to bring him to justice, and make him an example to others, to avoid similar acts of inhumanity."—(Times, Feb. 28, 1793.)
"It is said that Lord Moira, notwithstanding the strange part he acts in domestic politics, distributes the amount of £10,000 annually amongst the French Emigrants, who are only known to him by their distresses."—(Times, Dec. 27, 1797.)
"A French Emigrant was, yesterday, examined before Mr. Ford, at the Duke of Portland's Office, on a charge of being a Spy. The circumstances adduced were on the information of a Journeyman Shoemaker, against his Master, a Mr. Deboo, for making a pair of boots with a Cavity between the Soles; covered with sheet lead to prevent the wet perforating, for letters of a secret nature. After a long examination, it was proved that he was employed by the Duke d'Harcourt, on a mission to the officers of his corps in Germany, and, his papers containing nothing improper, he was discharged: but, the maker of the boots having been, for some time, considered a disaffected person, is to be sent out of the Kingdom under the Alien Bill."—(Times, Jan. 6, 1798.)
"In order to obtain a correct information of all the Foreigners who reside in this vast metropolis, and whose numbers are said to amount to 80,000, and upwards, Government has ordered the parish Officers to go from house, to house, and to take down the name of any foreigner who resides in the parish. This measure, we conceive, would become still more efficacious, if every landlord, or tenant, of a house, who lets out lodgings, were obliged to inform the Justice of the Peace, of every Foreigner who comes to lodge in his house, or leaves it. None but suspicious persons will have to complain of the severity of these measures."—(Times, March 11, 1797.)
POLITICAL.
With Politics I had no intention of dealing, but the book would be incomplete if there were no indication of the party strife of the period, so that I have been tempted to make a few extracts principally of 1793-4, when party spirit ran very high. The revelations as to Elections, will, probably, somewhat astonish the next generation.
"The Marquis of Lansdowne's carriage conveyed the whole phalanx of opposition, in the house of Lords, to their respective homes, after the debate of Friday night: and even then, one corner of the coach was unoccupied.
"The opposition in the Commons, who are a little more numerous, were all bundled into Mr. Fox's coach, and that of Michael Angelo Turner, with the assistance of a hackney-coach for Jack Courtney, and Jekyll.
"Opposition, sunk to a minority that is insignificant in the extreme, was afraid to try the question, on Friday, in either House, well knowing that they could not reckon more than a dozen, in the Commons, and three in the House of Lords. Must not this convince the French of the unanimity of the people of England?"—(Times, Feb. 4, 1793.)
"All the Members of the Opposition, in both Houses of Parliament, are to have a grand civic feast on Saturday next. Dinner is bespoke for FOURTEEN!!!"—(Times, Feb. 5, 1793.)
"The Irish papers are full of information of indictments on the part of the Crown, against the printers of newspapers in Ireland. Thirty or forty names are mentioned in one of the latest Gazettes from thence."—(Times, Feb. 6, 1793.)
COUNTY OF LEICESTER.—Dec. 19, 1792.
"It appearing to be the unanimous opinion of all true friends of the Constitution, that, in order to prevent the mischievous consequences attending a misrepresentation of their sentiments, either at home, or abroad, some public avowal of their principles is become necessary; We, whose names are hereunto subscribed, adopting the resolutions of the Society, at the Saint Alban's Tavern, do hereby declare, that we are unanimously, and decidedly, of opinion, that, for the security and happiness of all classes of our fellow-subjects, for the maintenance of our own rights, and liberties, and, for the dearest interests of our posterity, it is, in the present moment, incumbent upon us to give to the Executive Government, a vigorous, and effectual, support, in counteracting the numerous efforts of sedition, in detecting, and bringing to legal punishment, the persons concerned therein, and in suppressing, in their beginning, all tumults, or riots, on whatever pretence they may be excited: do hereby publicly declare our determination to take all such steps for these purposes, as are within the limits of our duty, in the several stations in which the Constitution of our country has placed us, and to afford, by our individual exertions, that active assistance to the authority of the lawful Magistrate, and to the maintenance of the Established Government, which is at all times due from the subject of this realm; but which we feel to be more particularly necessary, under the circumstances of the present time.
"For these purposes, and to this intent, we are resolved, and do declare—
1. "That we will jointly, and individually, use our utmost endeavours to discover the Authors, Publishers, and Distributors, of all Seditious Writings, which shall be published, and distributed, within the County of Leicester, and particularly, all persons who shall be engaged in any illegal Associations, or Conspiracies, for the Publication, and Distribution, of such writings, or for the exciting Tumults, and Riots, within the said County.
2. "That, in order to carry the above resolutions into effect, we do hereby, mutually, bind ourselves to each other, that whenever it shall come to our Knowledge, that any person, or persons, have, within the said County, Published, or Distributed, Seditious Writings, or engaged themselves in such Associations, or Conspiracies, for the purposes aforesaid, we will do our utmost endeavours to put the laws strictly in force against him, or them.
3. "That we will, on every occasion, exert ourselves, on the first appearance of Tumult, or Disorder, to maintain the public peace, and to act in support of the civil authority, for suppressing all Riots, and for bringing the promoters of them to legal punishment.
"Those who agree in the principles here stated, are invited to set their names to this Declaration—Copies of which will be sent, for that purpose, to every town, and village, in the county, at the Banks of Boultbee & Co., and Bensley & Co., in Leicester, and at the Post Offices, in the several Market Towns of the county, Subscriptions will be received, from such persons, as may be willing to contribute, towards defraying the expenses, which may be incurred in carrying into execution the measures here stated, and in counteracting the mistaken, and pernicious, notions which are so industriously circulated."—(Times, Feb. 7, 1793.)
"ST. MARY, ISLINGTON, Mitre Tavern, opposite the Church, Jan. 23. We, the undersigned, being PUBLICANS within this Parish, from a sense of duty we owe to the present Constitution, and Government of this country; and, having a desire to preserve to the utmost of our Power, Peace, and Good Order, by preventing the assembling of Persons as Societies, or Clubs, for seditious purposes, in our several Houses—have this day met, and resolved, and, by this, do pledge ourselves, to give immediate Information to the Committee appointed at the Church, on the 8th Day of Dec. last, for the preservation of the Public Peace, &c., of any Person, or Persons, making use of disloyal Expressions or otherwise offending against the Peace of the Parish, whereby he, or they, may be brought to Punishment for the same. Agreed, That this Resolution be signed by as many Publicans within this Parish, as shall approve the same, and that it may be advertised in the daily Papers.
"N.B.—The signatures contain the whole Number of Publicans in this Parish."—(Times, Feb. 7, 1793.)
"It is rather extraordinary, that the Whig Club should forget to drink the Duke of Portland's health last Tuesday, and the House of Cavendish. There was a time, when the Whig Club was respectable; but that is over, and perhaps never to return. The last meeting was a-la-mode D'Egalité."—(Times, Feb. 7, 1793.)
"As the Members of the National Convention are so very fond of Pain, it cannot be deemed unfeeling to express a sincere wish that they all felt it."—(Times, Feb. 7, 1793.)
"Lady Dover's house, it is confidently said, was set on fire by a Frenchman. The person's name has been publicly mentioned. What may, and must, surprise a number of Britons is, that in most of the late Opposition families of eminence, the principal servants are Frenchmen:—and it is necessary to make public, that these foreigners, under the roofs of those who give them bread, utter the most treasonable blasphemies against the present Government of this country. As some new tax may be requisite, to assist the necessary resources of Government, a most heavy impost on French servants would be extremely popular. The Steward, the Butler, the Cook, the Valet, and the rest of the principal servants in one of the first families of Opposition, are French. Does this accord with national friendship?"—(Times, Feb. 8, 1793.)
"There are no patriotic gifts now made for carrying on the war in France!—no bodkins, scissors, thimbles, rings, and necklaces! The Army is left to shift for itself: and, if they cannot plunder a day's subsistence, they must fast."—(Times, Feby. 9, 1793.)
"In the year 1782, when Mr. Fox gave notice of motion on the state of the nation, the House was filled at an early hour to an overflow. But on a similar notice, from the same person, in 1793, there were not sufficient Members to make a House, and the Speaker adjourned to next day. Tempora mutantur."—(Times, Feb. 9, 1793.)
"Why is opposition like a stumbling horse?
Because it is broken down.
Why is Lord Lansdowne like a man with the gout?
Because his mind is engrossed by Paine.
Why is the National Assembly of France like a Crocodile?
Because it deceives, in order to destroy.
Why is Mr. Courtney like an apothecary's bill?
Because he is ditto repeated on all occasions.
Why is Mr. Erskine like the first two words of the beginning of the Eclogues of Virgil?
Because he commences with Ille Ego.
Why is Michael Angelo Taylor like a barrel organ?
Because any person can play upon him.
Why is Lord Courtney like Narcissus?
Because he is in love with himself.
Why is Mrs. Sturt like a young kitten?
Because she is fond of play.
Why is the Club at Brookes's like cannibals?
Because they prey one upon another.
Why is Mrs. Siddons like the late Sir Joshua Reynolds?
Because she deceives the public into a belief that art is nature.
Why is Lord Wycombe an advocate for peace?
Because his father made nothing until he put an end to the war.
Why are the Members of Opposition like the live stock of a Register Office?
Because they want places."—(Times, Feb. 9, 1793.)
"In days of yore, Lady Wallace would have been burnt for a witch from the prophecies, now verified, which she published a year ago, in a letter to her son:—She foretold that the Prince would soon throw off the corrupt ministers to his youthful pleasures, and shew himself the protector of that happy Government, which alone can insure the wealth, freedom, and glory, of England! She says, "he will emerge in all the splendour which attends the noon-day sun, after having dispersed the clouds exhaled from foul vapours beneath him." She foretold that the united forces would not succeed in their attack upon France: that England must inevitably be speedily involved in war, from the convulsed state of the Continent:—She said, that if foreign Powers would take no hostile part against the French, that they would prey like wolves upon each other, and do more towards a Counterrevolution, by their frenzy being vented in internal discord, than all Europe would ever force them to do. It was her Ladyship who first boldly exposed to a great personage, and society, Egalité's crimes, and foretold, that, after having washed his daggers in Royal blood at Paris, he would send his hireling ruffians to attempt like horrors here! truths which are well known now, although they appeared then incredible. Her information when on the Continent, and knowledge of foreign politics, are most accurate, and valuable."—(Times, Feb. 12, 1793.)
"The first speech Mr. Grey ever delivered in Parliament, was on the subject of the Commercial Treaty with France. At that time Mr. Grey expressed, in very forcible language, his abhorrence of any connexion whatever with the French, and, strongly insisting on their inbred hatred to this country, declared, they were a perfidious, and treacherous, people, and on no account to be trusted."—(Times, Feb. 14, 1793.)
"On Mr. Grey, being the only Man not in Mourning in the House of Commons, on a late melancholy occasion."—(Times, Feb. 14, 1793.)
"'Twas unfeeling forsooth,
Every Man in the House
Was in mourning, but one who drest gay;
As he would not be Black,
He'll be made to look Blue,
A mixture which forms a bad Grey."
"It is said that there have been one hundred and twenty-one Changes in the Peerage since the commencement of Mr. Hastings's trial in 1788."—(Times, Feb. 18, 1793.)
"An Expostulation with John Bull, in favour of the Marquis of L—nsd—n:—
"Of the Candidates John for thy favour of late,
Among all who are noble, and wish to be great,
Sure L—nsd—n, with reason may fairly complain,
That his merits could never your confidence gain!
The Moralists too, will confess with a tear,
That Virtue performs but a Pilgrimage here!
Else had L—nsd—n long since been possess'd of that pow'r
Which England took from him, in splenetic hour.
He was always a Friend to his Country's Cause,
The prop of her Church, the support of her Laws;
He ne'er with Republicans chose to accord,
And his Foes never call'd him the Levelling Lord.
He made the fam'd Peace of the year Eighty Three,
A Peace, John, as good for himself, as for thee.
In his speech he is open, and candid no doubt,
For which side he espouses, no man can find out;
Whether Whig, whether Tory, of High Church, or Low;
You may puzzle your brains, but you never will know.
As a proof that the Marquis is no Partizan,
Let the world call six persons his Friends—if it can.[18]
Great Jekyll, that man so renowned at the Bar,
More witty than Fielding, more learned than Parr,
Who punning despises, as L—nsd—n does place,
Says, his Patron's pure mind, is as fair as his face,
That his Bounty and Eloquence equally flow,
To comfort the Weak, and to succour the Low.
Yet this eloquent speaker, this statesman so just,
No Sect will confide in, no Party will trust;
And I speak it, alas! with reproach to mankind,
To his Merits and Virtue, his Country is blind!
And when full of honours and Years he shall die,
Ungrateful Britannia, will not heave a sigh;
Nay, perhaps with a sneer, she may scoffingly say,
The Sun of my Glory, is faded away!![19]
"ZTIF."
—(Times, Feb. 16, 1793.)
"No less than eighty four actions of bribery are brought on the business of the Stockbridge election; the penalties sued for amount to £42,000."—(Times, Feb. 28, 1793.)
"'Want of information is our bane,' says the female politician in the Humourist: but the following anecdote, which is a fact, will prove that want of information is not numbered among the wants of Administration. A Young Gentleman, Clerk in an Office under Government, in consequence of strong entreaties from a friend, accompanied him to a meeting of about thirty, at a tavern, when, after dinner, several very seditious toasts were given, the visitor was called on, and gave the King; this toast, however, being rejected, and all expostulations proving in vain, he left the company soon after, and the next day, by the advice of his friends, waited on Mr. Pitt, to tell his story. But, judge his surprise, when the Minister, interrupting him, produced a paper, in which was written the names of the parties, the order in which they sate, the toasts drank, and here, sir, added Mr. Pitt, observe your own name placed at the bottom!!!"—(Times, March 5, 1794.)
"Diamond cut Diamond.—Dr. Priestly, we will not say lately, gave 'the Sans Culottes of England' at a dinner party. A Clergyman of the Church of England, willing to get rid of politics, archly exclaimed—'Yes, with all my heart, I presume you mean the single ladies, for the married ones generally wear the breeches.' The wit being called upon in his turn, Dr. Priestley desired the President to be on his guard, for he saw plainly that the Clergyman, if presented with an INCH, would take an ELL. 'Thank you for the hint, Doctor,' replied the Clerical Humourist. 'Yes, I'll take three L's, so here's Liberty, Loyalty, and Lawn Sleeves!' The room, of course, was in a roar, and the Doctor, quite SHOCKED, went off like lightning without a CONDUCTOR."—(Times, March 4, 1794.)
"The late contest at Wycombe, between Sir F. Baring and Mr. Dashwood, was carried on to a very high pitch by the mob. Lord Wycombe was thrown down in the mud. Mr. Dashwood lost his hat in the affray, and all was confusion and riot. The Lansdowne interest, however, prevailed, and Sir Francis was returned."—(Times, Feb. 7, 1794.)
"Sir Francis Baring is elected Member for High Wycombe, in the room of Sir John Jervis. Sir Francis was opposed by Sir John Dashwood. The votes were, for Sir F. B. 29, Sir John D. 22."—(Times, Feb. 5, 1794.)
"The Society for Constitutional Information, held a meeting at the Crown and Anchor, in the Strand, on Friday last, where toasts of the most seditious tendency were drunk, and sentiments expressed which ought to send the speakers to Botany Bay. The number of seditionists who met on the above occasion, amounted to 300 persons; among whom were not to be found above three who possessed an acre of land in this country. They were men mostly in desperate circumstances, who had everything to gain, and nothing to lose, by a Revolution. They toasted success to the French, sung the Marseillois treasonable Hymn, and Ça ira, arraigned the justice of the law that had punished traitors in Scotland, Ireland, and England, and gave the health of those traitors. They abused and vilified the House of Commons, called the Royal Family, and the Nobility of Great Britain, beggars: said it was the interest of the people to join with those struggling in the cause against which our Country was fighting. In short they did everything short of active rebellion."—(Times, May 5, 1794.)
"On a lamp post, in the Westminster-Road, is a paper with the Title of Public Notice, respecting some parish business, and immediately underneath it, is Sir Joseph Mawbey's late speech at Epsom. Two sailors stopping on Sunday to read it, when one had began, the other cried out—'Stop, Jack: you're wrong, don't you see it is beneath Public Notice?' alluding to the paper above it: and they both walked away."—(Times, Nov. 3, 1794.)
A Reform Bill was sorely needed in the matters of Elections.
"Election for Launceston, Cornwall. Candidates, Hon. Mr. Rawdon, Mr. Brogden. The numbers were as follows:—
| Hon. Mr. Rawden and Mr. Brogden, | 12. |
| Dalkeith and Garthshore, | 11. |
"This contest here was a hard fought battle between the Duke of Northumberland and the Duke of Buccleugh. Both parties have spent a great deal of money: but the former has carried the day."—(Times, June 6, 1796.)
"Shrewsbury Election.—The state of the Poll on Monday was as follows:—Sir W. Pulteney, 1607; John Hill, Esq., 834; Hon. W. Hill, 832. The Election, it is thought, will cost Sir Richard Hill £100,000. The expence to each party is about £1000 per day."—(Times, June 9, 1796.)
"A certain new Member for a Borough in the West of England, is indebted to the family Jewels of his wife for bearing the expence of his Election. Not only her diamonds, but the greater part of her cloaths have been withheld. Those that were returned to her, would have disgraced her waiting woman."—(Times, July 4, 1796.)
"Yesterday conformable to an ancient ridiculous custom, came on the Election, at Wandsworth, for a Mayor of Garratt. The candidates were two—Sir George Cooke, Greengrocer and Inhabitant of Lambeth: and Sir Harry Dimsdale, a Muffin Baker. Sir George set off from his house in the morning, surrounded by all the appendages of grandeur, and placed in an open landau, drawn by six beautiful horses, with postillions on the first four, elegantly attired in red. A coach and four preceded him all the way in equal style.
"After he had arrived at the entrance of Wandsworth, his horses were taken out by the mob, and he was drawn by them to the Hustings, where he joined his opponent, who was little short of Sir George in point of etiquette. After a long preamble from each party, promising unremitting attention to the duties of the office, the honours of the day were conferred on Sir George Cooke."—(Times, Aug. 25, 1796.)
"Garrat Election.—Most of the Morning Prints of yesterday misstated this business. It was Sir Harry Dimsdale, and not Sir George Cooke, who was returned. Those who supported Sir George, did not even put him in nomination. He was drawn there, it is true, but he made no stand: he gave up the contest, and Sir Harry was crowned with a green bough, and the horses taken from his carriage by the populace, who drew him in triumph to the Bull, at East Sheen, to dinner, where above six hundred people sat down to a plentiful dinner. After dinner, it was proposed that Sir Harry should go, on Friday, in State, to the Royal Circus, in St. George's Fields, and this motion being carried, we understand the Muffin Knight will actually be there this evening."—(Times, Aug. 26, 1796.)
This was the last of these mock elections—and we may well pause for a while, and examine this curious institution—unique in its way—not thoroughly well-known—and whose origin, even, is in dispute.
Not far from Wandsworth, on the road to Tooting, is found the hamlet of Garrett, or Garrat, which, in the time of Queen Elizabeth, appears to have consisted of a single house, called "the Garvett." This was, at the time of its destruction, about the year 1760, in the possession of the Broderick family, and its grounds were then let to a market gardener. Lyson's, writing in 1792, says the hamlet consisted of about 50 houses—but it grew until it became incorporated into Wandsworth, and its site is still known by "Garret Lane," "Garret Green," "Garret Hill," &c.
As regards the curious mock election which took place here with each new Parliament, nothing certain is known, and opinions are divided, as to its origin. Dr. Ducarel, an antiquary, writing in 1754, tells us, that as far as he can find out, it began, some 60 or 70 years previously, with some Wandsworth Watermen, who went to a public house, called the Leather Bottle, at Garrat, to spend a merry day—and, it being a general election, they, in fun, chose one of their number as Member for Garrat.
Jeffrey Dunstan,—Ordinary Costume.
Another version is given in the "Gentleman's Magazine" for 1781, in which a writer says he was told, that about thirty years previously, several persons who lived near that part of Wandsworth which adjoins to Garrat Lane, had formed a kind of Club, not merely for the pleasures of the table, but to concert measures for removing the encroachments made on that part of the Common; and to prevent any others being made, for the future. When a sufficient sum of money had been subscribed amongst them, they brought an action against the encroacher, in the name of the president (or, as they called him, Mayor,) of the Club. They gained their suit, with costs, and, ever after, the president, was called "the Mayor of Garrat." This event happening at the time of a general election, the ceremony, which took place every new parliament, of choosing outdoor members for the borough of Garrat, was continued.
The earliest record of Members being chosen, is in 1747, when three Candidates for the honour appeared. Lord Twankum Squire Blow me down (Willis, a Waterman) and Squire Gubbins, (one Simmonds, a publican.) The "Clerk," and "Recorder," issued from an imaginary Town Hall. There were proper Hustings, at which an oath was administered to the electors which, according to Grose, was sworn on a brick bat—and the qualification was, that the juror had had an amour in the surrounding open fields.
There was a great deal of rough wit in the candidate's speeches, and Foote, Garrick, and Wilkes, were credited with writing their addresses. Foote even wrote a play, called "the Mayor of Garratt," which was produced at Drury Lane. There were elections in 1761, 1763, 1768, &c. That of 1781—was famous for the magnificence of its procession—having a real live man in armour. In 1784, Sir Jeffrey Dunstan (they all dubbed themselves knights) was elected to the honourable post, and he held it till his death in 1796.
This worthy needs a passing notice. His birth, and education, were but humble, for he was found, wrapped in a cloth, on the door step of a Church warden, of St. Dunstan's in the East—hence his name of Dunstan. He grew up deformed, and rickety, and, at the age of 12, was apprenticed to a greengrocer, for 9 years—but the servitude galled him, and he ran away, finding employment at Birmingham. He returned to London in 1776 and soon afterwards married—and had two daughters, who were really fine young women. He was squalid, and filthy, in his dress, and got his living by buying, and selling, old wigs. His humour, however, gained him his election for Garrett. The accompanying illustrations shew him in his ordinary dress, as "Old Wigs," and in the superb court suit which he sported at election times.
The Election, at last, led to such disgraceful scenes, that even the publicans, who were its chief mainstay, would no longer support it: and Sir Harry Dimsdale, holds the proud pre-eminence of being the last elected Member.
Sir Jeffrey Dunstan,—Court Dress.
ROYALTY.
Lives of the Georges, and their families, have been written ad nauseam, and I did not intend making any notes upon the Royal personages, then living—but I found some few paragraphs, which lie outside regular history, and may interest my readers.
"It was rather unfortunate for the Prince of Wales's proxy at the Court of Brunswick, that he should be attacked with the Gout, on the night of the marriage ceremony! Lord Malmesbury continued to be confined to his room when the last accounts came from Brunswick."—(Times, Dec. 15, 1794.)
"TO LORD MALMESBURY,
"On his being attacked by the Gout, the day he represented the Prince of Wales, in marriage with the Princess of Brunswick:—
"At such a time, the Gout to have,
Is much to be lamented,
What must the Royal Bride conceive
Of him you represented? CUPID."
—(Times, Dec. 16, 1794.)
"LORD MALMESBURY'S GOUT.
"His Lordship's sent to Brunswick's Court
By Proxy, there to wed
A Royal Princess: as Consort
To George, our Prince's, bed.
But charms like hers, in bloom of life,
Too strong for age to meet:
As he approached th' intended wife:
Deprived him of his feet."
—(Times, Dec. 17, 1794.)
"THE LAME LOVER, or BRITISH AND FRENCH SYNONIMY.
"With coach and six, with servants eight,
With liveries spic and span;
Too sure, alas! a wretched fate
Befel the splendid, happy man.
At such a time, as this, the Gout!
'Twas pity, Sirs, and yet 'tis true:
The Proxy's good, if Fame's not out—
His Royal Highness has a Gout."
—(Times, Dec. 18, 1794.)
"Her Majesty is very busily employed in embroidering a coat and waistcoat, for his Majesty, which are to be worn at the approaching nuptials of the Prince, and Princess of Wales. The coat is made of garter blue, broad cloth, and the waistcoat of white satin. The ornamental part is spoken of as being extremely beautiful."—(Times, Jan. 13, 1795.)
"The usual dress liveries of the Prince of Wales, while a bachelor, cost fifty guineas each: those, in which they will appear before the Princess, have cost one hundred guineas each."—(Times, March 17, 1795.)
"Amidst the curious bills which are daily being brought to light, under the investigation of the Prince's Trustees, is one of Mr. Layton the farrier, which, for the last seven years, amounts to no less than £17,500!"—(Times, Aug. 29, 1795.)
"The King being prevented, by the severity of the weather, from taking his usual diversion of hunting, at Windsor, his Majesty, with his usual suite, makes daily pedestrian excursions, some of which amount to a route little short of 20 miles."—(Times, Dec. 9, 1796.)
The Times of Jan. 17, 1798, contains a paragraph, showing the domesticity, and simplicity of life, in the Royal Family.
"The Princess of Wirtemberg expects to lie in, towards the latter end of next month; and her Majesty, and the Princesses, are very busily employed in making the childbed linen, which is to be a present from the Queen."
(The Queen's Birthday.)
"The BALL-ROOM. The Ball was the thinnest, in company, that we have ever witnessed, there being only two Ladies on the benches allotted for those who dance. Neither the Prince, nor Princess, of Wales, the Duke, or Duchess of York, were present. Soon after nine o'clock, their Majesties entered the Ball-room. The Duke of Clarence danced the two first minuets with the Princess Augusta, and two more with the Princess Elizabeth, which is very unusual. Prince William danced the next two with the Princess Mary, and two more with the Princess Sophia. Lord Morton then danced two dances with Lady Murray, daughter to the Duke of Athol, and two more with Lady M. Thynne. There were four country Dances, but only six couple. The Ball broke up soon after 11 o'clock."—(Times, Jan. 19, 1798.)
Here is a specimen of Royal economy, which was certainly unpopular:—
"Some of the cream-coloured horses formerly attached to the Royal Coach, and which were only used on state days, are now employed in the daily drudgery of hackney coaches. The present proprietor values them very highly, and thinks, from their great receipt of custom, that they will draw him into an easy fortune."—(Times, Aug. 10, 1796.)
"To the CONDUCTOR of the TIMES.
"Sir,—Among many others, I was yesterday a spectator of what you notice in your paper of this morning. A pair of those noble animals, which, for several years, have drawn his Majesty's State Coach, degraded to a hack. The spectacle really gave me concern, and must certainly reflect disgrace somewhere. It necessarily suggests two considerations, one relative to the dignity of Majesty itself, the other to the natural emotions of sensibility. What! say the vulgar, are the King's State Horses come to this? Oh! what a pity! says the man of sensibility, that these poor creatures recently, and habitually, so caressed, and pampered, should experience such a lamentable reverse! How fallen, how abused, how galled! I assure you, Mr. Editor, they are literally, and grievously, galled. Surely his Majesty must be a stranger to all this: and it would be of no dis-service to him, to let the Public know that he is so. Those who love him, cannot but feel for his horses, nor refrain from thinking that his sensibility, as a man, must be hurt, at hearing of the sufferings of those stately animals, which once contributed to his most magnificent public appearance.
A Dutiful Subject."
—(Times, Aug. 12, 1796.)
Here is a bit of Satire on the Prince of Wales, who was notoriously at variance with both his father and mother.
"An illustrious Personage is now engaged in making a collection of the profile likenesses of his friends. The number already collected is stated to amount to fifty. His friends are certainly more numerous than those of almost any Prince we ever heard of, except our own Sovereign. The wealthy Crœsus had but one friend, and that was his son."—(Times, Nov. 6, 1799.)
VARIETIES.
The year 1788 begins well, with an account of a coming of age, which seems to have been conducted in the classical taste peculiar to this period.
"The late celebration of Miss Pulteney coming of age, bore much the appearance of idolatrous sacrifice. The procession headed by an ox, adorned with flowers, his horns painted blue, and tipped with gold, preceded by a band of music, and afterwards offered up, were all so much in character, that could the High Priest, himself, of Rome been present, and beheld the charming object of their veneration, he would have mistaken her for a Venus, and joined the throng, with all that ardour the immediate presence of a divinity ought to inspire."—(Morning Post, Jan. 1, 1788.)
The following advertisement from the Morning Post of March 13, 1788, gives us perhaps the earliest glimmer of reform on the old tinder box, flint and steel, and matches, Lucifer Matches not being generally used till 1834:—
"For Travellers, Mariners, &c.
"Promethean Fire and Phosphorus.
"G. Watts respectfully acquaints the public, that he has prepared a large variety of machines of a portable, and durable kind, with Promethean fire, paper and match inclosed, most admirably calculated to prevent those disagreeable sensations, which frequently arise in the dreary hour of midnight, from the sudden alarm of thieves, fire, or sickness; as, by procuring an instantaneous light, the worst calamities and depredations might often be prevented in families. Experience has likewise proved this invention to be of the first utility to the traveller, mariners, and those people who frequently rise in the night-time, as they can, with one of these matches procure light instantly, without the great expence, and danger, of burning a lamp or candle."
Anything that illustrates the Social Life of "Old Times," must needs be of interest, even though, as in the accompanying engraving, the subject be painful. It is by Rowlandson, and shews, better than words can convey, the then treatment of that saddest of all human maladies—mental aberration.
Chained by the neck to a wall—scantily clothed—barefoot, and with but straw to lie on, was hardly the usage by which the alienated intellect could be restored to its proper tone—yet so it was, in too many cases, that mad people were treated: the whip, and even harsher punishment following, should they show any signs of rebellion.
"The bet of his Grace of Bedford, that Lord Barrymore will not eat a live Cat, is not without precedent on the records of sporting. On a wager of fifty pounds, a fellow who lived near the race-course of Kildare, in Ireland, devoured five fox cubs, and literally began eating each while alive. It is, however, to be observed, that the devourer was a natural fool, having been born deaf, dumb, and without a palate."—(Morning Post, Mar. 15, 1788.)
"A fine topaz sold at Tenducci's sale for seven guineas; the finest in the kingdom: is the property of Mrs. More of Stockwell, and what, perhaps, would increase its value in the estimation of many people, this topaz once belonged to Queen Anne. It is near an inch in diameter, and of most uncommon brilliancy."—(Morning Post, Ap. 17, 1788.)
That Agriculture was not neglected, we can well imagine, for England had to be almost self contained, as regarded food for her population—but few know to what a pitch of perfection sheep breeding was carried—nor the enormous prices paid for the hire of stud rams.
Treatment of Lunatics.
"Mr. Bakewell, the famous grazier, has lost one of his most remarkable rams. It was of such value, that he let it out to hire, and received £400 for the season."—(Morning Post, Sept. 12, 1788.)
This was the far famed agriculturist. Robert Bakewell—who brought his father's famous "Dishley" sheep to such perfection, that in 1787, he let three rams, for a year, for £1250, and was offered, but refused, £1050 for twenty ewes. When we think of the difference of the value of Currency, then, and now, these prices are fairly staggering. These Dishley sheep had good qualities, they were quiet—they fattened quickly, and well—and they had small bones. But Bakewell, even in his cattle, as well as his sheep, always kept in view, what, even now, are the guiding principles in our Cattle shows—Perfection of form—the most meat from the least food—the least offal—and large joints with small bones.
"The following is a copy of a hand bill, which was a few days ago distributed in the city of Edinburgh:—
"'Thou shalt not steal—All persons whom it may concern are desired to take notice, that steel traps of the largest sort, for catching breakers of the eighth Commandment, are, every night, placed in the garden at St. Bernard's, between Stockbridge and the Water of Leith, on the North side of the water: That spring guns are set to rake the Walls with shot, upon a touch of a wire; and, that a tent, having in it an armed Watchman, is pitched in the middle, with orders to fire without mercy.
"'If, therefore, any evil disposed unhappy person or persons, shall attempt to break into the ground of St. Bernard's, their blood be upon their own heads.
"'Of the fruit of the garden thou shalt not eat; for in the day that thou eatest thereof, thou shalt surely die,'" Gen. 2. 27.—(Morning Post, Sept. 17, 1788.)
"One day last week a Sub distributor of Stamps, who resides a few miles from London, and who is also a Glover, was convicted in the penalty of Eighty Pounds, before the Sitting Magistrates at the Public Office, in St. Martin's Lane, for selling Four Pair of Gloves without Stamps." Probably under 25 Geo. 3, cap. 55. (1785.)—(Morning Post, Oct. 20, 1788.)
The following singular inscription is literally taken from a sign in the vicinity of Reading:—
"Beards taken off and registered.
"By Isaac Fac-totum.
"Barber, Peri-wig maker, Surgeon, Parish Clerk, Scool master, and Man midwife.
"Shaves for a penne, cuts hare for toopense and oyld and powdird into the bargain—Young Ladys genteely edicated, Lamps lited by the hear or quarter. Young Gentlemen also taut their Grammer Langwage in the neetest maner and great cear takin of their Morels and Spelin—Also Saline singing and horse Shewin by the real maker! Likewise makes and mends all sorts of Butes and Shoes, Teches the Ho-boy and Jews-harp, Cuts corns bledes and blisters on the lowes Terms; Glisters and purgis at a penne apiece. Cow-tillions and other dances taut at home and abrode. Also deals holesale and retale pirfummery in all its branchis. Sells all sorts of Stationary wair twogether with blackin balls red herrins gingerbred Coles scrubbin brushes traycle mouce traps and other swetemetes.
"Likewise Godfathers Cordiel red rutes Tatoes Sassages and all other gardin stuff. N.B.—I teches joggrafy and those outlandish kind of things—A Bawl on Wensdays and Fridays all pirfomed god willin by me Isaac Factotum."—(Morning Post, Nov. 19, 1788.)
"An Impromptu on Mr. Domford's Piety.
"So pious was Josiah's care
He sacred would keep one day,
And in the gutter threw his beer
For Working on a Sunday."
—(Morning Post, Jan. 6, 1789.)
Who can say after reading the following that our grandfathers were not a match for the Americans, at telling a "tall" story:—
"Natural History.
"A very curious incident happened near Edmonton last week, to account for which we are unable, and leave the explanation to botanical and Chirurgical professors.
"A farmer requested some lettuces from a gentleman in the neighbourhood, who permitted the farmer's maid to gather what she wanted; she gathered likewise some Cucumbers, and near them were glasses covering sensitive and humble plants, which the wench gathered as small sallad.
"The farmer eat heartily of these, and the effect was, that after dinner, tho' he is a very fat man, a slight touch from another person made him shrink at least five stone; but, towards the evening, he recovered gradually his usual bulk and weight; and, when he had evacuated the sallad and mimosa, he retained his corpulency as if nothing extraordinary had happened.
"This we insert as a caution to persons not to mix this plant with other pot herbs."—(Morning Post, Aug. 31, 1789.)
Gillray, Oct. 4, 1791, gives us the accompanying extremely graphic illustrations—shewing the difference of behaviour at the Opera and at Church—the vivacity of the one, and the somnolence of the other.
"A Card
"Addressed to those among the female sex, whose desires are neither Romantic nor Extravagant, who stand in need and wish for such an opportunity as is now offered.
"A SINGLE GENTLEMAN who is blest with an Independence, adequate to every real comfort in life, and having none to provide for, prefers permanent friendship and protection to a Lady possessing the following requisites: age not exceeding 35, person well shaped, teeth sound and regular, good voice, a stranger to the hackneyed tricks of the town: good temper, constancy, a social disposition, engaging manners, a turn to economy, and a knowledge by experience of domestic concerns, a taste for simplicity and elegance in dress, spruce in her person, and attentive to neatness in others; free from incumbrance, affectation and unpleasant habits: a pleasing countenance, if the face should neither be beautiful nor pretty—musical talents, vocal and instrumental—and she who may be the greatest proficient on the pianoforte or harpsichord, or what is still more irresistible, the harp, if in other respects equal, will claim the preference. The Lady, of course, must be totally at her own disposal: if a native of Britain, a Knowledge of French so as to speak it fluently; if a foreigner, capable of speaking and writing the English language with ease and propriety: and both native, and foreign, habituated to the English Customs in every point of cleanliness and delicacy.
"Should she be conversant with Italian, with a genius for painting, poetry, astronomy, botany, &c., she would be the more acceptable. Not only the utmost regard to decorum will be observed upon this occasion, but that respect which the delicacy of the sex demands, shall be manifested as early as possible. He hopes, therefore, since his motives are so obvious, that those whose sentiments are congenial with his own, who mean to notice this address will do it speedily, as the Author will soon be going to the Continent on an extensive tour.
"For this and other cogent reasons, which hereafter may be specified, Principals only will be treated with. Such communications, and positively no other, as are written in the Party's own hand, at once explicit respecting situation, intention and expectation, &c., shall according to their merits be duly acknowledged, and the necessary steps in consequence will be pointed out to bring the matter with safety to an immediate issue.
"Should an object whose person, talents, and accomplishments, &c., are superior to the generality of females, be discovered with proofs of serious intention, a marriage may be the result. The want of pelf, if of a respectable connection, should with the Author, be no impediment thereto, being, with prudence, amply provided for. The Advertiser forbears saying any more of himself, than that his person, age, qualities, &c., would probably suit such a Lady as he has described: and as a well cultivated mind, united with the requisites above stated, would be preferred to the consideration of either family, or fortune, he hopes some credit will be allowed him for his good intentions.
"Letters free of postage will be received if addressed to G. A. S., at the Recorder Printing Office, No. 12 Duke St. Drury Lane."—(Times, Feby. 7, 1793.)
"ELEGANT PRIZE FOR LADIES.
"Marriage Ceremonies, Science of Match-Making, Names Qualifications and Fortunes, of Heirs and Heiresses—Copious and Alphabetical List of Marriages in Great Britain and Ireland—New and Chaste Love Epistles—Matrimonial Bon Mots—Art of Tormenting—New and predominant Fashions, delineated by the Pen and Pencil,—And a new Cassino Fan, by way of reward, to the Lady who shall best answer the prize Enigma, Charade, or Puzzle.
"This day is published, price 6d, embellished with—1. Ludicrous representation of a Foreign Marriage Ceremony.—2. Exact sketches of the newest and most prevailing Male and Female Dresses.—3. A new Matrimonial Song set to Music.
Number 1. (to be continued monthly) of
"THE MATRIMONIAL MAGAZINE for January 1793. To contain, besides what is above enumerated, original Essays, Biographical Sketches, Dramatic Tales, Tales humorous and pathetic, alike calculated for the Maid, the Widow, and the Wife, the Stripling and the Greybeard. Wit will be combined with decency, and humour with sense.
"London: Printed for H. D. Symonds, No. 20 Paternoster Row."—(Times, Feb. 15, 1793.)
"Advt.—BOLD STROKE FOR A WIFE.
"A person who has been six months deprived of what he calls Heaven's chiefest blessing, domestic happiness, is not ashamed of thus avowing his intention of again endeavouring to regain, by Marriage, that solid felicity he so much regrets the loss of, and hopes this way to become acquainted with some Maiden Lady, who has a soul superior to vulgar prejudices, and who will venture to go a little out of the beaten road, in order to form a truly rational plan for that sociable happiness which is only to be found in the Marriage State. The writer of this has no children, his age is between 40 and 50: he has acquired, by trade, £20,000, has a house at the West end of the town, another in Kent, and a Coach to take him from one to the other: so that he thinks himself deserving of a Lady of equal fortune: the more so, as he will permit her to make it over to herself or her relations: and if she should not possess more than half that sum, 'he'd ne'er quarrel for that.'—A line, addressed to W. W., No. 32 Snow Hill, by any Lady, or her friends, will be considered as a mark of good sense, and treated with the respect that is due from a man of sense to the fair sex."—(Times, March 10, 1794.)
Advt.—"Matrimony. A Gentleman of small independent Fortune, occupying a Farm in a retired Part of the Country, within 20 miles South West of London, takes this public method of addressing any Lady, who may feel happy, and disposed to place herself under the protection of such a person. He is a Widower, 28 years of age, with an only child, who is amply provided for. On the part of the Lady, it will be expected that her person be fair, her mind amiable, and well-informed, her disposition feminine. In return, the conduct of the Gentleman will be found to be in every respect manly, honourable, and sincere. A line by way of introduction, addressed to Mr. Amiens, Epsom, will be paid every attention to, and it is particularly entreated, that no other, but of the above description, will give themselves that trouble."—(Times, Novr. 26, 1798.)
The French were very badly off for clothing, and as war was on the very eve of commencement—(diplomatic relations between the two Countries having ceased, and the French already having begun open hostilities)—clothing, naturally, was considered "Contraband of War:" hence the following:—
"A vessel loaded with cloathing, to the amount of £120,000, was on Tuesday stopped in the River. She was bound to a port in France."—(Times, Feb. 7, 1793.)
"The Earl of Bute's grand Orrery was sold yesterday for the trifling sum of sixty guineas, and the celebrated annual clock, regulating the revolutionary movements of two globes, and of an orrery for twenty-six guineas."—(Times, Feb. 9, 1793.)
"Tuesday as Mrs. Fitzherbert, (George 4th's wife) attended by Miss Bell Pigott, was riding in her carriage in Pall Mall, the carriage of Colonel Strickland came in close contact with that of the ladies, by which they were both overturned.
"On Mrs. Fitzherbert and Miss Bell Pigott's overturn—
"What ups and downs a Woman feels
In almost every station;
Down went our Heads, up came our Heels
'Talk of a Coronation!!!'
"Cœtera desunt."
—(Times, Feb. 28, 1793.)
"On the late INUNDATION in OLD PALACE YARD.
"On one side Duke Norfolk[20] pushed forward with strife
For he never liked Water throughout his whole life."
—(Times, March 1, 1793.)
"The Duke of Norfolk is attacked by the Hydrophobia, he can't bear the sight of water. His Physicians have prescribed Wine. The Marquis of Stafford, Marquis of Bath, and Lord Thurlow who were present, sanctified this prescription with their most hearty consent."—(Times, Feb. 17, 1794.)
"A new way to travel expeditiously and safely.
"The Duke of Luxembourg, wishing to return to his family at Lisbon, and being apprehensive of going in one of the common packets, which, if taken by the French, would probably cost him his life, lately applied to Lord Chatham, for a passage in an English frigate going to Lisbon. His Lordship very obligingly acquiesced, and a few days since the Duke sailed in her from Portsmouth. It turns out, however, that this frigate has been ordered to cruise for six weeks before she makes for Lisbon: and thus is the unfortunate Duke exposed to the risk of the elements and the hazard of an engagement, from having employed his influence to procure a safe passage."—(Times, May. 10, 1793.)
"There was a rapid trade between Birmingham and France, of base coin, carried from the former to the latter in Folkstone vessels, and with this coin great part of the Army was paid, but the whole is now stopped, and the French Soldiers are paid in paper."—(Times, May 10, 1793.)
"The Duke of Bedford has just completed at Wooburn a Dog-Kennel, that far exceeds his Grace of Richmond's in all points of extent and magnificence: independently of the immense suite of canine apartments, it has baths, coffee rooms, billiard room, &c., and in the centre is a most spacious riding house, &c., for the equestrian amusement of his friends in bad weather."—(Times, Jan. 31, 1794.)
"We know not the Nobleman or Gentleman alluded to lately in the House of Commons, as contracting at £800 a year for supplying his Dog-Kennel; but we have heard it said on very good authority, that there are two kennels, not far from Brighton, in Sussex, which cost very little short of this sum. The Duke of Bedford's Dog-Kennel is a mere nothing to either of those alluded to."—(Times, April 13, 1796.)
"THE FUNERAL!!
"It was not a Tom Cat, for its melodious squalls plainly proved it had long been qualified for the Opera.—It was, however, a prodigious favourite with its Mistress. Long had it lived upon the fat of the land, in Charlotte St., Queen Anne St., where it took great care of Number One! For the space of six years and three months did its Mistress indulge it with 'Rivers of Milk;' and besides it was a sad Cat, for the matter of that, in skimming the cream off everything worth skimming. But as Cats, though they may have nine lives, are not immortal, poor Ralph fell sick and died—without giving time even for a consultation of Physicians! His Mistress, after the first transports of grief were subsided, sent for a Surgeon, who opened the body. He reported that poison was not the cause, as suspected, of his death, but that he was literally killed with kindness. In plain English, he died of a Plethora, for he was fat at heart.
"Away posted the Lady and purchased a piece of ground, just large enough to swing a Cat in, at the new burial ground in Mary-le-bonne. The charge was trifling, only two guineas; an Undertaker provided a coffin in miniature: Grimalkin, after having lain in state, and several of the frail sisterhood, friends of the Lady, partaken of wine and cake, of which plenty was provided; a Hearse with White Plumes drove to the door, and the Lady, a Chief Mourner, attended by her weeping friends, who filled several Mourning Coaches, followed Ralph to the grave last Tuesday week, like 'Niobe all in tears;' and after the body had been deposited in the earth, though with but 'maimed rites,' 'tis true, she returned slowly to the house of mourning.
"But now comes the sad Cat-astrophe—Whether the Undertaker who had undertaken to keep the secret, had blabbed, or whether the spectators of this sad ceremony smelt, as the Cat had often done, a RAT, so it was, however, that the body had not remained an hour, quietly inurned, ere they burst open the hinges of its sepulchre, and parading with it to the place from whence it came, proceeded to break the windows of the afflicted fair one's house: and but for the timely interposition of the Magistrates, the Lady, as well as her house, in all probability would have been pulled to pieces!!!
"N.B.—The above is strictly a matter of FACT."—(Times, March 21, 1794.)
"The access to Kensington Gardens is so inconvenient to the visitors, that it is to be hoped the politeness of those who have the direction of it will induce them to give orders for another door to be made for the convenience of the public—one door for admission, and another for departure, would prove a great convenience to the visitors. For want of this regulation the Ladies frequently have their cloaths torn to pieces; and are much hurt by the crowd passing different ways."—(Times, March 28, 1794.)
"Two Ladies were lucky enough to escape thro' the gate of Kensington Gardens, on Sunday last, with only a broken arm each. When a few lives have been lost, perchance then a door or two more may be made for the convenience of the families of the survivors."—(Times, May 8, 1794.)
"We noticed last year the nuisance at the door of Kensington Gardens, leading from Hyde Park, and was in hopes, those who have the care would attend to it. As the season is approaching when company frequent it, we again recommend that an additional door should be made, and an inscription put over it 'The company to go in at this gate, and return at the other,' by which means the press will be avoided, and directions given, that all servants do keep away from the doors, who behave with great impertinence to their superiors as the company go in. If the gardens are to be a public accommodation, surely so trifling an expence can be no object. A greater number of seats in the gardens is very desirable."—(Times, April 24, 1795.)
"The public in general, and the ladies in particular, are much obliged to the Ranger of Hyde Park, for having taken the hint given in this paper towards their accommodation, by ordering a new gate to be made, as an entrance into Kensington Gardens. This convenience was yesterday much noticed, as there is now one gate for the entrance, and another for leaving the gardens, which were extremely crowded. But so little regularity was observed in the procession of carriages, on the Park Road, that there was a general stoppage about four o'clock, for nearly an hour; in the throng, several carriages were overset, and many much injured. We never witnessed so much confusion on any similar occasion."—(Times, May 4, 1795.)
"After a very elegant dinner given by the Lord Mayor to the visitors at the Mansion House on Monday, there was a ball as usual, which was very numerously attended: and was honored by the presence of the Turkish Ambassador, several of the Corps Diplomatique and many of our own Nobility. The harmony and gaiety of the Entertainment was, however, interrupted about two o'clock yesterday morning, by the intrusion of a number of Gentlemen in the Dancing Room, who had sacrificed too freely to the Jolly God, and seemed determined to kick up a riot. They had continued drinking till one o'clock in the Dining parlour, and on entering the Ballroom behaved in such an improper manner, as to make it necessary to call in the Peace Officers to turn them out. A terrible uproar ensued; and we understand that two or three of the Rioters were sent to the Poultry Compter: and we hope they remained there till they recovered their senses."—(Times, April 23, 1794.)
"City Extravagance.—During the Rout, we had almost said Riot, at the Mansion House on Tuesday Morning, several very prudent Citizens were observed to be out-running the Constable!"—(Times, April 24, 1794.)
"We are informed from Abbey Laddercroft, in Cumberland, that a woman called Jane Forrester, who lives in that parish, is now in the 138th year of her age. When Cromwell besieged the City of Carlisle, 1645, she can remember, that a horse's head sold for 2s 6d, before the garrison surrendered. At the martyrdom of King Charles I., she was nineteen years of age. At Brampton, about six years ago, she made oath before the Commissioners, in a Chancery suit, to have known an estate, the right of which was then disputed, to have been enjoyed by the ancestors of the present heir 101 years. She hath an only daughter living, aged 103. And we are further informed, that there are six women now living in the same parish where she resides, the youngest of whom is 99 years of age."—(Times, May 16, 1794.)
Pidcock's Menagerie was the nearest substitute for our present Zoological Gardens, that London could boast of, and Exeter Change, where the Exhibition took place, stood on the site now occupied by the Gaiety Theatre.
Advt. "Elephants.—Lately arrived in the Rose East Indiaman, a most wonderful living Male Elephant, and to be seen in a commodious room, over Exeter Change, in the Strand. Admittance 1s each. Likewise is lately added to the Grand Menageries, as above, two very singular and most astonishing Kanguroos, male and female, from Botany Bay. Admittance 1s. Also, just arrived, and to be seen in a commodious apartment, under the Great Room, as above, three stupendous living Pelicans of the Wilderness, two males and a female. Admittance 1s. The three Exhibitions may be viewed for 2s 6d. each person. Foreign Birds and Beasts bought, sold, &c., by G. Pidcock."—(Times, May 22, 1794.)
Advt. "FOREIGN BIRDS.—Just arrived at No. 1 Coventry St., opposite the Haymarket, among which is, that renowned Bird the Ostrich, described in ancient and modern History, to be the largest in the world, it measures 9 feet high, and can admit of two young Ladies or Gentlemen to ride on its back at a time. This Bird exceeds, also, in strength, swiftness, and running, all the feathered tribe in the Creation; it has the best plumage ever seen on an Ostrich, in this country, for many years. There is also a very extraordinary Bird, whose feathers resemble hair, and which has very much the appearance of a beast, weighing near 200 lbs. weight. The Great Horned Owl, described as the inhabitant of Babylon: the Royal crowned Crane of Africa, and other curious and uncommon Birds: also a very singular Animal resembling a Spider, called the Bush Devil; it makes use of its Tail as other Animals do their paws. Admittance 1s. each, Children and Servants 6d."—(Times, Jan. 5, 1795.)
We get a very vivid description of how illuminations after a great victory, were managed and received—in those which took place after Lord Howe's "Glorious first of June."
Earl Howe's Victory.
"Several mobs paraded about the streets, at one, and two o'clock, yesterday morning, breaking the windows of those who had already shown their good wishes to the general cause, by illuminating their windows, but had retired to rest. Other houses again, belonging to the Quakers, were damaged because no lights were put forth. Such acts are contrary to the way of thinking of this very respectable class of Citizens. In this outrageous manner did several mobs proceed during the early part of yesterday morning, to the very great inconvenience of domestic comfort, and infringement on public tranquillity."—(Times, June 13, 1794.)
"The Lord Mayor requests the Inhabitants of the City to discontinue the Illuminations which have taken place since the News received of the very glorious Victory obtained by the British Fleet, under the command of Lord Howe. The Lord Mayor hopes, that the Public will be satisfied with the general Joy which has been so conspicuously expressed, and thinks that a further display of it will tend to disturb the peace and good order of the Metropolis."—(Times, June 14, 1794.)
"Illuminations.—The very idea of the horrors attending the cry of 'Put out your lights,' made a poor Loyal German, in Bedfordbury, watch his little farthing rush-lights, on Wednesday last, till a late hour. At length he ventured really to put out his lights: prudently pasting up at his door the following notice in capitals: 'Two o'clock—gone to bed. If I am to light again, pray be so obliging as to ring the bell.'"—(Times, June 19, 1794.)
"Mr. Wilkes bears the loss of his fine windows with that pleasant humour so peculiar to him, and absolutely refuses to prosecute any of the mob—'They are only,' said he, 'some of my pupils now set up for themselves.'"—(Times, June 21, 1794.)
Mr. Editor.
"A Gentleman of a village near town, in his zeal for illuminating on the late joyful Victory by Lord Howe, placed so many candles in his windows, and that in so negligent a manner, that by two in the morning, three or four of his sashes were burnt. A Constant Reader will be favoured by your making room for the following on the occasion:—
"Village Illuminations.
"Quoth Dick, I scorn such mean display
As rush-lights, sixes and such trash is;
I show my zeal in a nobler way—
I d—n the French and burn my sashes."
—(Times, July 14, 1794.)
"The following circumstance occurred last week at Long Milford near Bury St. Edmund's: Three young Ladies of that place, one of whom is very much celebrated for her mental, as well as personal, accomplishments, agreed a few days since, to bathe in a river about half a mile distant from the town, there being no private accommodation for that purpose in the neighbourhood.
"An early hour, at which they would be the least liable to be discovered by strangers, was determined on, and at four o'clock in the morning, they proceeded from home to the appointed place. As they walked through the town, they were espied by a blacksmith, who, about the same hour, usually gets up to his work. Curiosity prompted him to find out whither the fair ones were bound: but he did not discover himself to them till they were in the river, the perfect images of their mother Eve; when perceiving him approach, they screamed out, and prudently sat down in the water. The Modern Vulcan, dead to the distresses of the Venus's, determined to divert his uncouth fancy by carrying off their clothes, with which he did not return. In this pitiable situation they were obliged to remain for near an hour, when a poor woman passing that way, on hearing the rude behaviour they had experienced, and their consequent embarrassment, procured them such necessary articles of apparel, as enabled them to get home.
"The blacksmith has since made a public boast of his exploit, saying it was a fine piece of sport: and, owing to his unfeeling and brutish conduct, the young Ladies have ever since been ashamed to be seen, even by their relations."—(Times, Aug. 8, 1794.)
"The three water nymphs at Bury have preferred an indictment against the blacksmith who stole their cloaths, and this may probably turn out a very serious affair, and make poor Vulcan pay for his peeping."—(Times, Aug. 9, 1794.)
"Bath Charter.—A further degree of power, to be vested in the Magistrates, being deemed necessary, a new charter was a short time since granted for that purpose. It was sent by the Mail Coach, and for want of care in the packing, the impression of the Great Seal was knocked to atoms. It was presented to the Lord Chancellor to be resealed: but this his Lordship refused unless the Mayor and Corporation would petition the Court setting forth the reasons. The Charter of Bath conveys the exclusive privilege of electing two Members to the British House of Commons to the select Corporation of 26, excluding ALL the other inhabitants."—(Times, Aug. 9, 1794.)
We have seen, in the Historical Summary attached to this book, how gallantly, year after year, Wilberforce attacked slavery. In England, we see, they euphemised the word slave, and called them Indented Black Servants, the same as those poor wretched white slaves, the "Redemptioners" who sold themselves into bondage in the Plantations. See the following Advertisement.
"Absconded from his master's service at Cheltenham, on Friday night the 8th August, between the hours of 9 and 10, an INDENTED BLACK SERVANT LAD, named TONEY, aged about 19 or 20 years. He is very black, and slender made, but with remarkably long feet. He went off in a striped dressing jacket, nankeen waistcoat and breeches, ribbed cotton stockings, shoes and plated buckles. He is articled for 5 years, from the 21 April last; and upwards of £30 has been laid out upon him, in having him taught to shave and dress, cloathing, and other necessaries for him. A reward of TEN POUNDS will be paid to any person who shall apprehend, and deliver him, to Mr. Coningham, Sherborne Lane, London; or lodge him in any Gaol in this Kingdom, and give notice thereof as above. There is every reason to believe, that great art, and industry, have been used to seduce, and spirit away, the lad; otherwise that he would not have formed a thought of quitting his master. If, therefore, any person will give such information, and evidence, as shall be sufficient to convict any responsible person of having enticed, seduced, or carried away, the negro lad above described, a reward of TWENTY GUINEAS will be paid to the person so informing, and giving evidence."—(Times, Aug. 13, 1794.)
"On Tuesday last, the corpse of a Gentleman, as it was proceeding in a hearse to the Burial Ground, was arrested by a Sheriff's officer and his followers, under a warrant as usual granted against the body. The friends who followed, immediately left their coaches, and told the officer, if he chose, he was welcome to the body, but he should have neither coffin, shroud, nor any particle in which the body was enveloped; and if he took them by force, he should be indicted for a highway robbery, as those matters were the property of the Executors; nay, they went further, and said, that as the deceased had, by his will, bequeathed his body to the Executors, no execution would hold good against the corpse, the process must be against them. The Bailiff, very properly being persuaded that the spirit of the law meant a living, and not a dead body, marched off without insisting on the legality of his capture. This is the first instance of the kind that has happened since the arrest of the dead body of a Sheriff of London, not many years since."—(Times, Sept. 5, 1794.)
"To the CONDUCTOR of the TIMES.
"Sir,—Leaving a shop in the City a few days ago, I fell into a reverie with the thoughts of what trade would come to next century: how it would be conducted, and by what description of persons: as in the shop I had just left, one servant said to another, 'Do you know were Master S—— is gone'? Another answers, Mr. R—— (which was an apprentice) knows: ask him. Presently came down stairs a maid servant, to enquire whether all the gentlemen (meaning the shopmen) would come to dinner. Half these gentlemen were booted, as if going to take a morning's ride. O tempore! O mores!"—(Times, Sept. 30, 1794.)
"The Glove Manufacturers in the different counties, will no doubt make the most of the Princess of Wales's delicate hand: but there is something more than ordinarily ludicrous in the extravagant anticipation of a Shopkeeper, at the West End of the Town, who puts up in Roman characters, "Wedding-ring maker to the Princess Caroline of Brunswick."—(Times, Nov. 15, 1794.)
The Lady Lade, here mentioned, once rode a race on horseback at New Market—but lost it:—
"Lady Lade and Mrs. Hodges are to have a curricle race at Newmarket, at the next Spring Meeting, and the horses are now in training. It is to be a five mile course, and great sport is expected. The construction of the traces is to be on a plan similar to that by which Lord March, now Duke of Queensbury, won his famous match against time. The odds, at present, are in favour of Lady Lade. She runs a grey mare, which is said to be the best horse in the Baronet's stables."—(Times, Dec. 20, 1794.)
"The following circumstance is extraordinary beyond parallel:—On Tuesday se'nnight died, on her return from Bath, Miss Henrietta Dickenson, the fourteenth daughter of the late John Dickenson, Esq. of East Place, in Yorkshire, having attained precisely that age at which each of her 13 sisters died."—(Times, Dec. 22, 1794.)
"Crosthwaite Church, in the Vale of Keswick, Cumberland, hath five chapels belonging to it. The Minister's stipend is five pounds per annum, and goose grass, or the right of commoning his geese: a whittle gate, or the valuable privilege of using his knife for a week at any time, at any table in the parish; and lastly, a hardened sark, or a shirt of coarse linen: whereas the Rectory of Winweck, a small village in Lancashire, is the richest living in England. The Rector is Lord of the Manor, and has a glebe of £1400 annual rent. The whole living is worth £3000 a year."—(Times, Dec. 26, 1794.)
"At Hanworth Booths, a public-house near to Lincoln, a few days ago, a man dropped a Boston Bank Bill, value five guineas, which momentarily disappeared, and a strict search was made without producing any favourable effect. At length a woman present recollected a playful whelp chewing something apparently white. This observation consigned the life of the poor dog to an immediate sentence and he was instantly hanged, and his thorax opened, wherein the lost bill was found in a mangled state: but nevertheless the purport of the paper was evidently discoverable, and cash to the amount was got for it at the Boston Bank."—(Times, Jan. 14, 1795.)
"In the various researches made throughout the house of Langleys, the seat of John Jolliffe Tuffnell, Esq. in Essex, two caskets of family Jewels have been found concealed amongst old linen, and near £150,000 in specie, behind the books in the library, the chief part of which sum he is supposed to have sold out of the funds, with a view of purchasing some advertised estates in that county."
"It is worthy of remark, that the number of deaths in this metropolis, within the last few months past, amounts to double what it ever has been, within the same space of time, since the plague, which desolated London in the last century."—(Times, Feb. 20, 1795.)
"So great has been the mortality in the metropolis, that the Undertakers, like the distressed Prompter we read of, have been obliged 'to mow away brown.' A hearse with bay horses was actually observed in one of the many melancholy processions in the course of last week."—(Times, March 7, 1795.)
"We are informed there is a Cask now building at Messrs Meux and Co.'s Brewery, in Liquor-pond Street, Grays Inn Lane, the size of which exceeds all credibility, being designed to hold twenty thousand barrels of porter; the whole expense attending the same will be upwards of £10,000."—(Times, April 1, 1795.)
"Numbers, it is said, have gone into the King's Bench and Fleet Prison, under an idea that there would be an Act of Grace, on account of the Prince's marriage—but no such act is to take place."—(Times, April 27, 1795.)
"In the absence of our Reporter, we understand that Mr. Mainwaring, on Monday, presented a Petition to the House of Commons signed by above 10,000 Livery Servants, against the Employing of Foreigners in that capacity; which not being seconded, was not received."—(Times, April 30, 1795.)
Advt.—ASTROLOGY. Mrs. NEWTON respectfully informs her friends and the Public, that she continues at No. 111 in Wardour St. Soho, where she may be consulted on Planetary Influence, as it relates to, involves, and guides all the Events and Occurrences, as Marriages, Legacies, Possession of Wealth, Attainment of any particular Desire, the State of an Absent Friend by Sea or Land, or whatever can interest our Hopes, or agitate our Fears. The private Door in Portland St., and the Name under the one-pair-of-stairs window."—(Times, May 6, 1795.)
Medicinal Waters were in great repute, and if there were any spring, at all charged with mineral matter, near the Metropolis, it was a good thing for the proprietor. They existed at the Beulah Spa, Norwood—Spa fields, Bermondsey—Hampstead—Clerkenwell—Holywell Street, and at this "Duck and Dog" St. George's Fields. This was a famous suburban publichouse—much as the Welsh Harp is nowadays—where shooting matches at small birds was a favourite pastime.
"Advt.—DOG AND DUCK SPA AND BATH, St. Georges Fields.—J. Hedger respectfully informs the Public, that the Gardens of the above Spa are open for the reception of those who wish to drink the Waters on the spot, at the usual terms of 3d. each person. The general salubrity of this Spa is well known: and its happy medicinal effects in Scorbutic, Scrophulous, and eruptive Complaints: as well as in the Gravel, and several other Disorders, have been long and incontestibly established. It will be sent to any part of the town in bottles, corked and sealed at the pump, on receiving orders as above. The Bath and Bowling Green are also open to Subscribers."—(Times, May 26, 1795.)
The Mr. Brothers mentioned in the following paragraph had been a Lieutenant in the Navy—and held most extravagantly visionary religious views—he pretended to have revelations from the Deity, and set up as a Prophet. He was imprisoned in 1794 for fear he should create some political disturbance.
"Many persons were yesterday not a little terrified by St. Paul's clock striking 10 three times within an hour, expecting every moment, that Mr. Brothers's prophecy was about to be fulfilled, which had appointed some dreadful calamity to befal the City of London before the 4th day of June instant."—(Times, June 4, 1795.)
In the next paragraph, we must bear in mind the difference in the value of the Currency then and now.
"It is with infinite pleasure we hear, that the Bishops in their respective dioceses, in conjunction with the opulent pluralists and other beneficed Clergy, are advancing the stipends, and making contributions, for their necessitous Curates, in these times of scarcity. A liberality (or rather an act of justice) which most probably originated with the Bishop of London, who declared in his Charge to the Clergy of his dioceses, as long since as the year 1790, that he would licence no Curate to a single church under £50, nor to two under £70 per an."—(Times, Aug. 13, 1795.)
"That practical bulls are not confined to Ireland, take the following specimen: A tradesman of this city, out of charity, took a French boy into his family, who was sent out one evening in a great hurry for butter. His haste threw him into the kennel, butter and all. This was an unfortunate mishap: the dirt he could scrape off, but that partial adhesion of water to grease could not so easily be removed. At last he hit upon an experiment: The maid was bawling out for the butter—'Well, well,' quoth Jaques, 'you shall have it quickly. I had the misfortune to wet it, and have just hung it up on a string, before the great stove—it will be dry in a moment, for it dripped before I came away.'"—(Times, Aug. 21, 1795.)
"What would our forefathers have thought to see a board with this inscription:—'With the nicest taste, and by men most exquisite for their professional abilities' over a Barber's shop?"—(Times, Aug. 21, 1795.)
"EPIGRAM. In utramque paratus.
"How shall we Dr. Drawl obey,
His different counsel keep:
Whose Text advises 'Watch and pray,'
Whose Sermon bids you 'Sleep.'"
—(Times, Aug. 27, 1795.)
"In an advertisement addressed to a young lady who has eloped, she is most earnestly requested to return to her most disconsolate parents: but it is added, that if she does not choose to come herself, she is most particularly desired to send the key of the tea chest!"—(Times, Sept. 4, 1795.)
"The grand match of Cricket, for one thousand guineas, between Kent and All England, was some days since terminated at Dandelion,[21] in favour of Kent."—(Times, Sept. 15, 1795.)
"A Clergyman in Essex, who had long farmed his tythes alternately among his parishioners, began at last to suspect that the rogues endeavoured to keep the income of his small living still less, and so determined, this year at least, to take his tythes in kind. To 'Cheat the Parson' is one of the oldest jokes in the history of agriculture, and stands on the same authority with the wittier malevolence of distressing him. These gentlemen, determined not to be behindhand with their predecessors: and, in the last harvest, sent to the Parson to take away his hay the moment it was cut down, alleging, that as soon as it was cut into swathes, it was no longer grass, and that he might turn it, and cook it, himself. Rather than 'go to law' the Parson submitted, and took his next Sunday's text on brotherly kindness, beginning thus—'Brotherly kindness may be divided into three parts—domestic affection—social love—and charity: from all which proper inferences may be drawn for instruction. Thus brethren, I give you a sermon in swathes—you may turn it, and cook it, yourselves.' The plan succeeded; his parishioners doubled the income, acknowledging it even then less than it should be: and thus, what justice, and law, might have kept from him for years, was given up to a clerical joke."—(Times, Sept. 19, 1795.)
"A curious circumstance occurred here (Brighton) yesterday. Sir John Lade, for a trifling wager, undertook to carry Lord Cholmondely, on his back, from opposite the Pavilion, twice round the Steine. Several ladies attended to be spectators of this extraordinary feat of the dwarf carrying a giant. When his Lordship declared himself ready, Sir John desired him to strip. 'Strip!' exclaimed the other: 'why surely you promised to carry me in my clothes!' 'By no means,' replied the Baronet. 'I engaged to carry you, but not an inch of clothes. So therefore, my Lord, make ready, and let us not disappoint the ladies.' After much laughable altercation, it was at length decided that Sir John had won his wager, the Peer declining to exhibit in puris naturalibus."—(Times, Oct. 2, 1795.)
What would the writer of the following have thought if he could only have seen Girton and other cognate female Colleges?
"Nobody can doubt of the use and advantage of Boarding-Schools in an immense capital like this. When a Tradesman's daughter is taught to jump a dance, to play a tune, and spit French, she is fit for any thing—but a wife."—(Times, Oct. 17, 1795.)
"An amiable great lady, though very accomplished in the English language, now and then makes some innocent mistakes. She lately asked Lady Jersey if her child would not like new milk?"—(Times, Nov. 23, 1795.)
"A Gentleman lamenting the robbery committed at Mr. Erskine's house last week, after enquiring the particulars, said, he 'hoped none of the Family were alarmed?' 'No,' replied Mr. E., 'but I wish they had.'"—(Times, Dec. 23, 1795.)
"The name of Merchant of London will be as common in London as in France. A fellow who keeps a caricature shop in Oxford-Road, has the impudence to write in large characters against his house, Caricature Merchant.
"We think the Magistrates are deficient in their duty, when they permit such a number of obscene prints to be exposed in their windows. It is well known that some of them have likewise rooms in their houses, where they expose those prints to debauch the rising generation, and have agents at the public seminaries, where they introduce them among the boys."—(Times, Dec. 25, 1795.)
"The Confectioners begin to tremble from the fear that there will not be frost enough to enable them to lay in a stock of ice sufficient for the consumption of the ensuing summer. Ice is become so much a necessary of life in this climate, that the Island has not always produced a sufficient quantity for the supply of the inhabitants, and many vessels sent to Norway have returned freighted with this new luxury. How would Queen Elizabeth's Maids of Honour have stared at iced oranges after a hot dinner? They would probably have given them the same emphatical appellation with a late English Admiral—painted snow balls."—(Times, Jan. 22, 1796.)
"The vast estate of the Duke of Portland, in Marybone, cost his ancestors, about 100 years ago, but £9000; and the estate of Mr. Berners, (all the streets about the Middlesex Hospital) now £6000 a year, were in the year 1730, at a rental of £330 a year."—(Times, Jan. 25, 1796.)
"The Balls at Southampton are exceedingly lively, and well-attended. The young Ladies are particularly favourable to a German Dance, called the Volse: for squeezing, hugging, &c., it is excellent in its kind, and more than one Lady has actually fainted in the middle of it."—(Times, Feb. 19, 1796.)
"Thirteen thousand, five hundred vessels, freighted with property, to the value of between 60, and 70, millions sterling, sailed from, and arrived at, the port of London, in the course of a year."—(Times, Aug. 29, 1796.)
"Campus Nautica may be sailor-latin for a pleasant exhibition, though not quite concordical. A sailor at Oxford some time ago, wished to prove the whole University to be sailor-like, and he managed it in this way. 'The Gownsmen are Puppes, the Tradesmen are Naves, and the women are nautœ.' What though the puns don't quite spell, they are not less true for all that."—(Times, Feb. 29, 1796.)
"Lately died, in Scotland, James Anderson, a well-known itinerant tinker, at the astonishing age of 114, after carrying his budget since his 14th year."—(Times, March 12, 1796.)
"We learn from Chester, that the Grand Jury at Conway Assizes found an Indictment against the Bishop of Bangor, his Agent, Chaplain, and two other Divines, for a riot; and also another Bill against the Bishop for an assault!!!"—(Times, April 5, 1796.)
"There was a Bank Note came into the Bank the other day, the interest of which, calculated from the time it had been in circulation, amounted to more than £4300."—(Times, April 26, 1796.)
"Mrs. Mills had fourteen rooms open at her famous Rout and Supper, in Piccadilly, the other night. The bill for green-peas was seventy-five pounds."—(Times, May 18, 1796.)
"At one of Lady B——'s elegant Entertainments at Ham-Common, amongst other amusements provided for her refined company, were a pig with a soaped-tail and a smock-race. A Great Number of young women were collected by curiosity, but none of them could be prevailed upon to contend for the last prize. They declared ingenuously, that they only came for curiosity, as they thought her Ladyship and her Company were to run for it."—(Times, June 29, 1796.)
"'I should like to be an emigré,' said Mr. V——n the other day. 'Why so?' answered a gentleman present. 'Because,' he replied, 'the emigrants are the only people in town who know how to amuse themselves.'
"And surely nothing can exceed the refined elegance of the balls given by some of the emigrated Ladies, where the widows of twenty guillotined poor souls, trip the merry country-dance with all the swiftness of a fairy. We must, however, observe that these eminent dancers disdain the name of emigrées, and call themselves Americaines, from the property they possess in the West Indies, in order to avoid the reproach of thus squandering the superfluities of their incomes, which would be better employed in comforting so many unfortunate families, driven from their own country."—(Times, Aug. 1, 1796.)
"A DAY AT MARGATE.
"Rose at seven; went to Sayer's Bathing House, set my name down on the slate: took a walk on the Pier. Came back and waited a quarter of an hour, then bathed. Not a little delighted with the idea of realising in some degree la theorie des sentimens agreables by dipping in the same ocean with the sea nymphs from the City. Returned to my lodgings to dress for breakfast. Finding nobody in the Coffee-room, went back to the Pier, arrived at the happy moment, just as a hoy was vomiting out its sick: witnessed, as Peter Paragraph says, the Queen of France abuse, like a drab of Drury, one of the passengers. The case seemed a strong one, and well made out on the part of the Lady, but produced, as far as I saw, no conviction.
"Went to breakfast at Benson's, having first called at the Post-Office, and found not sorted on the door: eat my shilling's worth, one buttered roll, one dry toasted, and one cold ditto: heard who had won, or lost, at whist, and billiards, the night before; read the newspapers, and wrote a letter. Went over the way to Silver's library, who at my request gave me the choice of three rides, observing, that I might take a little of each by going round by Kingsgate, the North Foreland, and Broadstairs to Ramsgate, then crossing over to the Camp, and figuring in by Dandelion. 'What a charming General' (said I) 'spoilt in a Toyman. How you understand tactics, Mr. Silver!' 'Used to it all my life, Sir,' (said he with a pleasing flippancy) 'plan rides for the company daily all over the Island.' Set out with the carte du pays in my pocket: visited all the places in it, and finished with the cricket match, and the place of the public breakfast. Heard a lady say she had won two lotteries, and saw Tom Lord run without winning a notch. Went to the ordinary in the gardens at 6s. 6d. a head, for cold chicken, and roast lamb, with a haunch of venison given by a Noble Lord, who, very kindly, having helped himself to the first slice, sent it on. The heat on the cricket ground was intense. I was sorry I did not bring my white hat: but a remedy was at hand, as I learnt afterwards, if I had been ingenious enough to have tied a white handkerchief round the crown of my black one. Having finished my second breakfast, I rode home to dine at Margate. The green where the breakfast was, was much cooler than the burning cricket field, having the advantage of being shaded by the trees in the garden at its back; but I found I was out of luck, as there was no dancing, and, indeed, at the public breakfast, it sometimes happens, that the wagtails, and the yellow-hammers from the Capital are so numerous, and frisky, that the humming birds, the cockatoos, and the birds of Paradise of the higher order won't always hop with them. Got back to Margate on my pony, for which I was to pay 18d. a side, and thought as I rode along on the sands, where I should dine. The boarding houses were all open to me, on paying for a week, or one guinea. This was a great temptation: but having been offered a party at the Bowling green, on Prospect Place, I conceived this to be a better thing, on account of the humours of the loaded pigeon, and the fun of the canting machine, and the fireworks at night. I accordingly rode to my lodgings to dress, and went immediately to dinner. After dinner proceeded to the libraries, where the raffling lists were filling fast: was induced to throw in my shillings at Silver's and Were's: from thence passed on to Wood's, Surflen's, and Garner's. At Surflen's heard music, and several favourite glees: from thence to the playhouse, where I was invited to the rehearsal of a new piece, which was to be full of good things, if it had been suffered to be represented. It was now time to go to supper: I accordingly returned to the Coffee House, and from thence to the Billiard Room, where there was a violent cry of swindler, black-legs, and pickpocket, at which Mrs. Benson interfered, whilst her husband walked coolly up and down the Piazza, not venturing to intrude. The obnoxious person being turned out, and order restored, I retired at one o'clock in the morning.
EPHEMERIS."
—(Times, Oct. 2, 1795.)
Fancy seeing an advertisement like the following, in the Times nowadays:—
Advt.
"A MARE'S to be SOLD,
About six years old,
That's warranted perfectly sound:
Her height's fourteen hands,
And an inch as she stands,
And will trot freely all the way round.
The Mare's to be seen
Any time that's between
The hours of twelve, and of three,
At the Inn called One Bell,
In the Strand they will tell,
Price twenty-five Guineas and three."
—(Times, June 17, 1796.)
"RAMSGATE. (Extract of a letter.)
"Our early season has already begun, and those who are fond of cheap lodgings, have made their appearance hirundine primâ. I assure you, we have City Misses here at this moment, each of whom, in the vain idea of rising 'A new born Goddess from the Sea' sowces into salt water every morning. Our company is of the greater sort. We have Mrs. Deputy Plumb, with her naked daughters, who have scarce more cloathing than a fig leaf on them, and imitate their great grand-dame Eve in much more even than that. Then we have Mrs. Pop from Whitechapel. She came down in state in her own job-coach, which was loaded so full with unredeemed Articles for family wear, that her dear pledges of domestic Love, her daughters, who are the very duplicate of herself, in delicacy and beauty, were forced to come in the Hoy. But she vows it is so shocking to her feelings, that they never shall ride down no more in that nasty sort of water conveyance, though she should spend upon their luxury and elegance ten, out of that thirty per cent., which she grinds from the necessitous miseries of hard-earned industry. Then we have three learned Ladies, who, after the great fatigues of novel-writing in the winter, have retired hither to display themselves to the vast pleasure, and edification, of some ancient enamoratus, who would not yield to Old Q himself in pretensions to gallantry. In truth, we begin to look gaily, early as it is: and I would that the salt-water, for the benefit of the Pops, and the Plumbs, who frequent our watering places, could as easily wash away the mud of vulgarity, and affectation, from their hearts, as it does the rouge from their faces."—(Times, July 8, 1796.)
"BRIGHTON.—The Prince and Princess of Wales's arrival has been talked of much in London; but as yet we have no signs of it here. The Duke and Duchess of Marlborough pass their time in a very retired manner indeed. His Grace walked for some time yesterday evening upon the Steyne; the company consisted chiefly of opulent Jews, needy fortune hunters, broken-down Cyprians, fishermen's daughters, and several fat city-dowdies, from the environs of Norton Folgate. Her Grace commands the Play on Friday evening, which will be her first appearance in public here for this season. The Officers of the Blues are the great dashers of the place: they associate with no one but their own Corps. The most of them keep their blood-horses, their curricles, and their girls. At one o'clock they appear on the parade, to hear the word of command given to the Subaltern Guard: afterwards they toss off their goes of brandy, dine about five, and come about eight to the Theatre, Vivent L'Amour et Bacchus."—(Times, July 13, 1796.)
"Yesterday a curious cricket match was played at Montpelier Gardens, between 11 of the Greenwich Pensioners, wanting an arm each, against the same number of their fellow sufferers with each a wooden leg. Not fewer than 5000 people were assembled on the occasion, who were highly entertained with the exertions of the old veterans of the ocean, who never acted against their most inveterate enemy with more energy, each party striving to quit the field victorious. The evening coming on, the contest could not be decided, but it was so much in favour of the Timber toes, as never to be recovered by the dint of Arms."—(Times, Aug. 10, 1796.)
"On Wednesday morning the 11 men with one arm, and 11 men with but one leg, were brought by three Greenwich stages engaged for that purpose, to the new Cricket Ground, the back of the Montpelier Tea Gardens, Walworth, when the match was played out, and the men, with one leg, beat the one arms, by 103 runnings. After the match was finished, the eleven one-legged men ran a race of 100 yards distance, for 20 Guineas, and the first three had prizes."—(Times, Aug. 12, 1796.)
"A new embankment of the River, on the Middlesex shore, from Westminster to Chelsea, is just commencing, to prevent the encroachments which are making almost daily."—(Times, Aug. 20, 1776.)
"On Tuesday morning, a young whale came up the River as far as Rotherhithe, and was killed near Execution Dock after having overset two boats. It measured 19 feet in length."—(Times, Aug. 25, 1796.)
"This day, the Publicans in the Metropolis, and its vicinity, have, conformable to an agreement amongst themselves, withdrawn from the Public the accommodation of finding them Pewter Pots, agreeable to a long established custom, which will, of course, occasion great inconvenience to workmen of every description, who are employed in raising buildings, repairing houses, &c.; as well as lodgers, and, even, to many respectable families. The profits upon Porter, for a length of time, have been very considerable, which proves itself beyond a doubt, by their acknowledging, in a Bill left at the houses of their customers, that they, collectively, sustain a loss, annually, of; £100,000 per annum, in Pots, which, by no means, could have been afforded, were not their returns somewhat enormous. Under that idea, it is presumed, having availed themselves of an opportunity, no longer to be liable to losses of that kind, in future, they will, as a recompence to the Public, make a reduction in price of the necessary article of Porter."—(Times, Sept. 2, 1796.)
"The late determination of several of the Publicans, to alter the established mode of serving their outdoor customers, with quart, and pint pots, seems to have been copied from an old resolution of a certain Borough, which ran thus: 'Resolved, that the best means of preserving our lamps from being broken, is to take them down by night, and put them up in the day.' Such of the Publicans as have come into this new regulation, seem to estimate the loss of a few pots, beyond that of the most respectable of their customers. It is, however, very probable, that the Small-Beer Brewers will profit by this circumstance, as table-beer may be ordered in by those who cannot be served any longer in the usual manner."—(Times, Sept. 21, 1796.)
"The university of Oxford has lately printed, at its own expence, to be distributed gratis among the French Clergy who have taken refuge in Great Britain (ad Usum Cleri Gallicani in Anglia exulantis, as the title states) 2000 copies of the Vulgate of the New Testament, which is the Latin version used by the Roman Church in all Public Prayers.
"The Marquis of Buckingham, distinguished for his munificence towards the Clergy, has likewise caused to be printed at his expence, 2000 copies at the same press, and for the same use. The University of Oxford has sent its copies to the venerable Bishop of St. Pol de Leon, for distribution, accompanied by a letter, analogous to the generous sentiments which dictate this honourable mark of esteem for the French Clergy, who are fully sensible of the value of the gift."—(Times, Oct. 25, 1796.)
"Christmas Eve, 1796, will be recorded hereafter, as the Frost was more rapid, and more rigorous, it is supposed, than in 1739-40, or any degree of cold ever experienced in England: the quicksilver in a thermometer in Somerset-place sunk from 28 to 4 degrees above 0 in 12 hours, 3 degrees below the depression of the Mercury in 1794 and 28 degrees below the freezing point, while it must necessarily have been still lower in the country."—(Times, Dec. 28, 1796.)
Bartholomew fair was first held A.D. 1133, and it was then the principal mart for the vendors, and buyers, of cloth: in fact the name of a street, contiguous to Smithfield, where the fair was held, and which has come down to us,—"Cloth fair," proves it, were there any need. Of late years it got a nuisance, and public opinion demanded its dissolution. The shows were discontinued in 1850, and the fair was proclaimed, for the last time, in 1855. We see by the following paragraph, from the Times, what was thought of it by decent-minded people, as far back as 1796.
"The various troops of itinerant Comedians, Showmen, Ropedancers, Jugglers, Conjurors, Fortune Tellers, Giants, Dwarfs, wild Beasts, learned Beasts, and every lusus naturæ that can be collected throughout the Kingdom, with all the appendages of immorality, and vice, were on Saturday put in legal possession of Smithfield, as the theatre of their achievements. When we add to these, the numerous tribe of pickpockets, ring-droppers, and sharpers of every description, we cannot but sincerely regret, that a scene, productive of so much idleness, and debauchery, should be sanctioned by the letter of the law, while the spirit of it shudders at the toleration of such excesses.
"The purposes for which this fair was held by its original tenure were of a nature directly opposite to those to which it is now prostituted. They went to the encouragement of industry by the previous manufacture, and subsequent sale, of necessary articles; but they are now made subservient to corrupt the public mind by the most abandoned, and dissolute, manners. The motley multitude that infests the fair, are the more audacious in their conduct, from knowing that they are warranted in their proceedings, at least by the appearance of law, which sanctions this annual ribaldry.
"We seriously lament, that this 'congratulation[22] of living vapours' so foul and pestilential to society, should be suffered to exist in the metropolis, and that the Chief Magistrate of the City of London should be annually compelled to degrade his dignity as the principal guardian of the public peace and morals, by going in state, to license a scene, which constantly terminates in the most fatal abuses."—(Times, Sep. 5, 1796.)
"At the general Meeting of the Magistrates for the division of Kensington, on Saturday last, complaints were made not only by the Bishop of London, as Lord of the Manor, but by other respectable inhabitants thereof, of a nuisance that has prevailed from time to time on Wormholt Scrubs by bull-baiting, to the great annoyance of the neighbourhood, and the disturbance of the public peace, when the Magistrates came to the laudable resolution of issuing warrants to the High, and Petty, Constables of the Division, requiring them to exert their utmost endeavours to prevent the same in future. And, having understood that many Publicans within their division had conveyed beer, and other liquors, from their respective houses to Wormholt Scrubs, where they had retailed it during such bull-baiting, they determined not to renew their licences."—(Times, Sept. 8, 1796.)
"A few days ago some villains broke into the Lea Church, Gloucestershire, and stole a quantity of money, the property of a company of singers belonging to the said church. A reward of £20 was immediately offered for discovering the offenders, accompanied by a threat that application would be immediately made to a conjuror, who lived not far off, to tell who the robbers were. The sacrilegious rascals, being convinced that the Devil would betray them, by informing the cunning man who they were, went in the night to the church, and pushed all the money they had taken through a slit in the door, where it was found the next morning."—(Times, Oct. 4, 1796.)
"An ingenious artist has invented a new Coffin, for which he has taken out a Patent. In his advertisements he says, he thinks no family would like to be without one, and that all who have made trial of them, prefer them to anything in that way, and recommend them to their friends."—(Times, Nov. 2, 1796.)
"We hope the Corporation of Bath will avoid a similar mistake as happened when the Duke of York was there last year, when the gold box was presented to the Duke, but somehow or other, it was forgotten to put the freedom into it."—(Times, Nov. 28, 1796.)
The gushing, and eloquent, George Robins could hardly exceed the following:—
Advt. "RUS in URBE PULCHERRIMAM. To be LET furnished, the FIRST, SECOND and third Floors with a Kitchen, altogether the most convenient and beautiful little Dwelling in Europe. Satisfactory references will be required. Enquire at Messrs &c."—(Times, Oct. 14, 1796.)
"Lady E. being lately complimented upon her excellent complexion, assured her friend it was owing to her custom of dipping into cold water every morning. 'But I see,' said she, 'you don't believe me.' 'Pardon me,' said the Gentleman, 'if your Ladyship said you bathed in the Red Sea, I should have believed you.'"—(Times, Nov. 24, 1796.)
"Last Sunday, agreeable to his sentence in the Ecclesiastical Court, a Butcher of Newport Market, did penance in St. Ann's Church, for scandalizing a neighbour's character."—(Times, Dec. 2, 1796.)
"There is a Club in St. James St. called the Transalpine. To be a Member, it is indispensable that you have crossed Mont Cenis. One of the advantages of modern travelling is, to be entitled upon your return to waste your time at home, with those who have wasted their's abroad. This is the reward of what is called seeing the world: namely, seeing those who have seen it too."—(Times, Jan. 25, 1797.)
"A noble Viscount has instituted a Club, called the Ubiquarians—the Club is ambulatory, and held, in turn, at as many chop-houses as there are parishes in the capital. The dinner is at half-a-crown, but it costs as much more to those who are not good walkers to get at it."—(Times, Jan. 25, 1797.)
"It is a very curious fact, that the Turkish custom of taking opium is beginning to prevail in what are called the first circles of London. This dissipation is spreading wide amongst female fashion."—(Times, Feb. 10, 1797.)
"The Gentlemen of the Rainbow (footmen), whose only wear is motley, have within these few days, shewn evident symptoms of uniting. They declare their wages are very inferior in value to their services, and threaten their masters with a revolution in their conduct. When pampered valets claim an increase of salary, on the ground of meritorious service, a general discharge would certainly be the most effectual way of quieting their complaints."—(Times, June 6, 1797.)
"We are pleased to be able to commend one change of fashion, at least, that which has deprived the servants of Officers of the cockade in their hats: and we hope to see it spread, till it becomes as singular, as it is absurd, to dress up a Domestic in the characteristics of the field!"—(Times, June 10, 1797.)
"On Sunday, for the first time, the Civil Power interested itself in breaking up what was called Cooper's Fair in the Spa Fields, in consequence of the weekly holdings forth of a variety of Enthusiasts: such as Mystics, Methodists, Quaking Jews, &c. One of the latter description being eager for persecution, insisted upon going into confinement, and was conveyed to Clerkenwell Bridewell."—(Times, July 20, 1797.)
"On the 25th of February, died in the Barony of Ivereagh, in the County of Kerry, Ireland, in the 112th year of his age Daniel Bull Macarthy Esq. He had been married to five wives: he married the fifth, who survives him, when he was 84 and she 14, by whom he had twenty children, she bearing a child every year. He was very healthy: no cold could affect him: and he could not bear the warmth of a shirt in the night time, but put it under his pillow, for the last seventy years. In company he drank plentifully of rum, and brandy, which he called naked truth; and when, out of complaisance to other gentlemen, he took claret, or port, he always drank an equal glass of rum, or brandy, to qualify those liquors: this he called a wedge. He used to walk eight, or ten, miles in a winter's morning with greyhounds, and finders, and seldom failed to bring home a brace of hares."—(Times, Aug. 5, 1797.)
"On Sunday morning, about five o'clock, ten Police officers came to Norwood in three hackney-coaches, threw down all the gypsey tents, and exposed about 30 men, women, and children, in the primitive state of man. They carried them to prison, to be dealt with according to the Vagrant Act.
"It appears that they have made good harvest, this summer, of female credulity, and have often gained a guinea on a Sunday. Not only young girls, panting for matrimony, have been their dupes, but the well experienced dames, curious to trace the steps of their dear spouses, have paid liberally for discovery, as the following story will prove: On Thursday, as two Gentlemen, who dined at Norwood, were looking out of a window, they observed a respectable, well-dressed woman in deep consultation, for a sum paid to the old gypsey. They observed the good woman greatly agitated, and heard her ask 'If she was sure it was true'? On being answered 'As sure as God was in heaven' she gave the gypsey a further sum, and made further enquiry, and at last gave her a good pocket-handkerchief, and departed seemingly full of vengeance. The gentlemen, curious to learn the nature of the good woman's consultation, sent for the old gypsey, who candidly told them, that she enquired of her if her husband was continent, and that she answered he was not, and thereby obtained three presents instead of one."—(Times, Aug. 22, 1797.)
Partridge shooting began on 14th September then, instead of the 1st as now.
"FOURTEENTH OF SEPTEMBER.
"Bemired up to the knees, wetted from head to foot by the incessant rain, fatigued and disappointed, the Cocknies yesterday returned from their annual field-sport, with very little game indeed. A detachment from Cheapside, which had filed off early in the morning, toward Hampstead, with the locks of their fowling-pieces wrapped up in their handkerchiefs, were so galled by the rain, that they got no further than Old Mother Red Cap's, where they diverted themselves all day with firing from a window at some Dutch-pins in the skittle ground. One of these pins was mortally wounded in the belly by Ensign Tight Breeches, a man milliner's foreman, who drove a ball into it, at the amazing distance of two yards, without letting the gun fall out of his hand.
"Six journeymen weavers, from Spital-fields, who went in a chaise cart, to Ealing, with two guns, were rather more fortunate, in respect to Game. They killed a lame hen at Acton, shot one goose on the Common, wounded a large sow, and filled their pockets and Game-bags with turnips, and cabbages. They imagined they sprung a pheasant near Gunnersbury House,—but it proved to be an old turkey-cock. At Eleven, they returned, very wet, and very drunk, having lost one of their guns, and broke the stock of the other, by flinging it at a tame rabbit, in a farmer's yard.
"Four gentlemen from Leadenhall-Market, who went on the long-coach to Woolwich, as there are partridges in that part of Kent, killed two crows in Hanging-Wood Lane, blinded a jackass near the Warren, and wounded a sparrow, several feathers being perceived to drop from its wings. They had tolerable good sport with a bat, their terriers being of an excellent breed, and having worried a flock of ducks in a ditch, and killed one, they returned from Partridge shooting about nine at night, very much fatigued indeed.
"Five gentlemen who went sporting from Kent Bar to Lewisham, notwithstanding the wetness of the day, had tolerable good luck.
"They belonged to the Trained Bands, and depended more upon their bayonets, than their guns. At the Half-Way-House they killed a fine buck-cat, as he was watching a chaffinch. From the Half-Way-House to New-Cross Turnpike, every sparrow was affrighted by the noise of their guns: but the rain by this time having completely wetted the locks, and damped the powder, they were obliged to charge with bayonets, and every tree bore marks of their prowess, to the Lion and Lamb at Lewisham, where they dined, got drunk, killed two hogs, and a Chinese sow, and, in the evening, were carried home by the Lewisham stage.
"St. George's Fields, once the mart of London sportsmen, being now almost covered with houses, very few prentice-boy gunners were seen there. The birds which now inhabit that quarter, are many of them jail-birds, and if the new Magistrates were to sport their authority a little more than they do, they might bring down some of the most dangerous game with which a neighbourhood was ever infested.
"Very few were the sportsmen on Blackheath, to the great joy of sheep and jackasses, and to the safety of stage-passengers, who were often endangered by the random shot of those one-day sportsmen. As to partridges, their lives were in no danger, not one of those sportmen out of fifty knowing the difference between a partridge and a crow; besides, as their dogs are generally of the bull-dog kind, of the terrier, or the fox breed, the game are in very little danger of injury from their ability."—(Times, Sept. 15, 1797.)
"There will be more Powder expended to-day against the innocent Partridges, than would drive Buonaparte and his crew out of Asia. The Bank Clerks, India House Jemmies, Men Milliners, and tippy Apprentices, most loudly complain against the enclosures of that Cockney Manor, St. George's Fields, bewailing the loss of their sport, and lamenting that there is not a sparrow left to exercise their prowess upon."—(Times, Sept. 14, 1798.)
"So great is the rage for watering places, that the Margate Packet had, the week before last, one hundred and fifty-two passengers on board, who were 27 hours on their passage; during the greater part of the time, it rained so as to drive them under deck, and made them as comfortable as the people in the black hole at Calcutta."—(Times, Sept. 16, 1797.)
"On Thursday evening last, one George Kent, a Callender, in New Compton St., St. Giles's, eat, for a trifling wager, the enormous quantity of 30 boiled eggs, a two-penny loaf, and a quarter of a pound of butter, in the short space of 27 minutes, being three minutes less than the time given to perform it."—(Times, Oct. 2, 1797.)
(Advt.) "GUILDHALL.
"THREE GUINEAS will be given for a Gentleman's Ticket to Dine this Day at Guildhall, by sending it before 12 o'clock, to Mr. Short, Hair Dresser, Bearbinder-lane, near the Mansion House."—(Times, Nov. 9, 1797.)
"Never could any Country boast an equal respect, and even partiality, for age, with our own. Our favourite Sultanas are grandmothers, at the least: the Actresses that charmed our grandfathers return to the stage in the full bloom of their wrinkles: and we have boys of seventy, and fourscore, in our regiments."—(Times, Nov. 15, 1797.)
"Amongst the great, and worthy, pluralists of the Church, few can equal, and none exceed, in spiritual, and temporal, fortune, young Dr. Price, nephew to Bishop Barrington;[23] he is Canon, and Prebendary, of Salisbury, worth £300 per annum, Golden Prebendary of Durham, worth £1200 per annum: and Rector of Milksham, worth £1000 per annum, and is possessed of a temporal fortune of between 2 and £3000 per annum!
"Dr. Moss, a lately appointed Residentiary of St. Paul's, worth £1200 per annum, is Chancellor of the Diocese of Wells, Prebendary of Wells, Westminster, and Salisbury, and also Canon Residentiary of the latter, to which he was elected when he was about 24 years of age, on the resignation of his father. In addition to the above preferments, Dr. Moss is also rector of Newington in Oxfordshire, worth £600 per annum. The present Bishop of Wells, with his family, it is computed has received upwards of £100,000 out of the Cathedrals of Salisbury and Wells. He strongly insisted that his son should continue his Canonry of Salisbury, which Mr. Pitt would not allow."—(Times, Nov. 17, 1797.)
"In investigating a trivial cause yesterday, at Bow-Street, arising from an infamous practice, which we hope will be represented to Lord Kenyon, of issuing Marshalsea Court Writs for debts of 8s. or 12s., a fraud of some importance was discovered. It appears that it was the custom of Publicans, when they want to let their houses, to get a number of people together, whom they treat with beer.
"They call them show-men, and this is done for the purpose of deceiving the persons who come to view their house, and to make them suppose it has good custom."—(Times, Nov. 23, 1797.)
Advt. "PROCESSION TO ST. PAULS.[24]
"To BE LET, a DRAWING-ROOM about 20 feet long, the windows nearly level with his Majesty's Carriage. Twenty Persons may be comfortably accommodated. It is wished by the Proprietor of the above Premises, that the Party may be of their own selection: a strange mixture of Company on these occasions is unpleasant to most Families who wish to enjoy their own society. Price 20 Guineas. Enquire at Salmon's Goldsmith, No. 49 facing Old Round Court, Strand, between York buildings and the Adelphi."—(Times, Dec. 8, 1797.)
Advt. "ROYAL PROCESSION.
"One of the grandest sights since the days of Queen Anne, and in all probability we shall never see the like again. Those Ladies and Gentlemen who are desirous of being accommodated with one of the best views in the City to see the procession (not only as it passes by, but of seeing the Company go into Church), will apply to No. 28 Ludgate-Street, the corner of Ave Maria-Lane, next the Churchyard. The Front Seats in the Dining Room are only 2 Guineas, the second seats 1-1/2 guinea, third seats 1 Guinea: seats in the shop, which is very pleasant 1 Guinea each: a two pair front room, with 3 windows, for a large party, at 20 Guineas for the day, an excellent prospect. Also a 3 pair of stairs front room which has a capital view of the Churchyard, for 12 Guineas. Ladies and Gentlemen will be accommodated with sight of the procession at the west end of the Town, where they may have small rooms, or large, on moderate terms, that is to say, a very handsome dining-room for 15 Guineas, a small room adjoining for 5 Guineas, large room, 2 pair, for 10 Guineas, small room adjoining for 4 Guineas, by applying to Mr. Farrance, Pastry Cook, the Corner of Spring Gardens, Charing Cross."—(Times, Dec. 12, 1797.)
"The eight cream-coloured horses belonging to the King's State-Coach, are every morning drove to St. Paul's Church to train them to the flags in Queen Ann's Church-yard."—(Times, Dec. 14, 1797.)
"In England the amount of French prisoners is 23,600. In France the British do not exceed 1500."—(Times, Dec. 14, 1797.)
In an article of half a column length (Times, Jan. 8, 1798), treating of the French Prisoners of war—the following is the concluding paragraph:—
"In respect to the quantity of their allowance, we state, on the most certain authority, that their subsistence is a pound of bread, and half a pound of good fresh beef, every day in the week, together with a full proportion of vegetables. A subsistence which thousands of our own poor would be glad to have."
"The firm conduct of our Government in refusing any longer to make advances for the maintenance of French Prisoners, has had the good effect of obliging the Executive Directory to come forward with the necessary supplies, and as the French agents have now the whole management of this concern, we shall no longer be subject to their odious calumnies against the humanity of this country.
The number of French prisoners in England, amounts to about 22,000; the Dutch prisoners are about 2,500. The daily cost of these men, since the French agents had the charge of them, has been £1,370 sterling a day (about 1s. 1d. each): and their annual expence is upwards of One Million sterling. The number of English prisoners in France does not exceed 4000."—(Times, Feb. 27, 1798.)
"Southampton was thrown into consternation on Saturday morning, by an event which was variously reported by different narrators in the course of the day; but, 'ere night, all ideas of French spies, false Emigrants, &c., subsided, and the event turned out to be 'that three French prisoners from Porchester, had made their escape to Southampton.' A party of pleasure had engaged Wassell's vessel to go to the Isle of Wight. At an early hour on Saturday morning, on repairing to the Quay, the man could not discover his pleasure boat. Every one was concerned for his loss, and many hours elapsed before any tidings could be heard of her, when some fishing boats gave information that they had met her near Calshot Castle, about three o'clock in the morning, but had no suspicion she had been run away with. In the evening, news arrived, that in steering, to keep as far from Spithead as possible, the Frenchmen were near running on shore at Ride. This circumstance convinced the pilots that Wassell was not on board when they went to her assistance, secured the three French men, and saved the vessel for the owner."—(Times, July 2, 1799.)
"'To which university,' said a lady, some time since, to the late sagacious Dr. Warren, 'shall I send my Son?'—'Madam,' replied he, 'they drink, I believe, near the same quantity of port in each of them.'"—(Times, Feb. 19, 1798.)
It was in this year that Jenner first wrote on Vaccination. The following paragraph refers to Inoculation, which was introduced into England, circa 1718, by Lady Mary Wortley Montague, who had seen it practised in Turkey:—
"Memento narare multis officium alterius.—Mr. W. Holt, Surgeon, of the parish of Tottenham High Cross, has generously undertaken (within the last two months) to inoculate the poorer part of the inhabitants of the parish, for the small pox, which he has done (and that gratis) to the amount of some hundreds, the whole of which number have done well, not one patient excepted. The above act is praiseworthy, and will redound much to Mr. Holt's honour. It is to be hoped the above example will be followed by other Medical Gentlemen, if so, in a few years we shall not see, as we now daily do, the ill-effects of that dreadful disease, the small pox, in the natural way."—(Times, March 28, 1798.)
"Previous to the Humane Society's Procession (at the London Tavern, next Tuesday) of those who have been restored to life this year, an Introductory Dialogue, written after the manner of Virgil's pathetic and beautiful pastorals, by John Gretton Esqre, will be spoken by two young Gentlemen. Rising genius was fully experienced at the last Anniversary. What then must not be the gratification to a British heart, where to the solemn scene of our resuscitated brethren,[25] is superadded the efforts of these able advocates in the cause of humanity, and the sublime views of this most excellent Institution?"—(Times, April 14, 1798.)
"ANECDOTE.
"It is a fact of which we can assure our readers, that the following extraordinary Letter was sent to a worthy Baronet not a hundred miles from Whitehall. It was tied round the neck of an unfortunate animal, who, we are sorry to say, appears to have been made the victim of party malice, and the unfeeling passions of men:
"THE RATS LETTER.
("Health and Fraternity.)
"Sir,—I am a desperate Rat, gratified indeed in the present opportunity of congratulating you, though lately separated from my family and connexions, having been caught in the grating of Mr. Pitt's cage, in Downing St., prostrate at his feet, I escaped death, and even castration, in the consideration that I belong to your worthy fraternity, and upon condition that I should inform you of certain truths, however grating. Since the discovery of the conspirators, your orations have not been underated, for they have not been rational. If your treaty with them has been ratified, you will be well scratched, and so forbear prating for the present. Besides it is a desideratum that you should have nothing to say to Mr. Grattan, and that you should not Co-operate with the Irish-Marats. Let your narrations concerning Ratisbon, or Ratstadt, be moderate, and endeavour to make reparation for all the nonsense you have talked, and the mischief you have not operated. Sequestrate yourself with your venerated old Aunts, and deal out rations of oatmeal, and cheese, to your prating brats, whom everybody commiserates, and arbitrate between cowherds, and bullock drivers. Demonstrate that you are a wise man in your generation: Exempli gratia, this year, having been beat blind by the bulk of bullocks, try next to run down your successor in a race of ameliorated Rats. Full of admiration, and great gratitude, I give you the fraternal hug, and rate myself, with great consideration, without alteration. Your grateful Frater (Gratis)
"Democrat."
—(Times, June 4, 1798.)
"We are sorry to hear that the Rat that wrote the famous letter, was cruelly murdered by the enraged servants. The Rat is now said to have been over-driven, and made mad in Downing St., in order that he might scratch the Knight into the Cat-aphobia. He anxiously expects the cat-astrophe. The Rat's letter has very much exasperated the Worthy Baronet to whom he addressed it."—(Times, June 8, 1798.)
"Colonel Twiss, and other officers of the engineers, have been employed by government to examine a proposition made by a Mr. Dodd, for forming a tunnel under the River Thames, from Gravesend, to Tilbury."—(Times, July 16, 1798.)
"Tower Hill is soon to lose that name, and, in compliment to the Trinity House, it is in future to be called Trinity Square."—(Times, July 16, 1798.)
They knew how to puff—in those days:—
"Advt.—Thirty Thousand Pounds gained for Five shillings, without a Lottery. A Gentleman of the Navy had, for some time, been paying his addresses to a Lady of Fortune, and gained her affections: being suddenly ordered off to the West Indies, the marriage was deferred until his return. On arriving at St. Domingo, he was attacked by the Yellow Fever, which appeared externally in scabby eruptions, arising from living in too free a manner in that destructive climate, which disfigured his face so much, that, on his return to England, the Lady was disgusted, and broke off the match. This turn so affected the Gentleman that a slow nervous fever resulted, which reduced him so low that his recovery was despaired of. Fortunately, an officer of the Guards, his intimate friend, calling on him, told him he thought the perusal of Dr. Brodum's Guide to Old Age would be of service: and, in consequence, purchased a Guide for five shillings, which, with the aid of the Dr.'s Botanical Syrup, completely restored him, and on calling on the Lady after his recovery, she was so well-pleased at his healthy appearance, as to immediately consent to unite herself with him, and make over a fortune of £30,000."—(Times, Nov. 20, 1798.)
"A story is told at Brighton of a certain Baronet having been most cruelly imposed upon by some young Bucks, at that place, who sent him a pretended letter from the wife of a Dentist, requesting a tender interview. The Baronet flew to her lodgings on the wings of love, but the first person he met was her husband. The Baronet, with a ready attention to professional circumstances, said he came to ask advice for the toothache: the operator rejoined, that an extraction was the most certain cure, and the unfortunate Baronet actually submitted to an incision in his jaw, to save the rest of it from being broken."—(Times, Nov. 30, 1798.)
"This being the first day of May, Mrs. Montague will give her annual entertainment of roast beef, and plum-pudding, to the Chimney-sweepers of the Metropolis, in the court yard of her house in Portman Square, in commemoration of discovering her child among them, long after it had been trepanned away."—(Times, May 1, 1799.)
"The donations given by Mrs. Montague, of Portman Square, every May-day, proceed from pure benevolence towards the distressed poor. The story, which has been generally believed, of her having once lost a child, who was trepanned from her house, is wholly unfounded."—(Times, May 2, 1799.)
"The Lady Mayoress is in the straw, and the Bambino, according to the customs of the City, is to be rocked in a cradle of solid silver. This is a very ancient privilege, and, as it costs the City about Five Hundred Pounds, the Aldermen will probably look twice, before they elect family men again with their wives in the family way."—(Times, July 1, 1799.)
What occasioned the following?
"Such senseless extravagance as eating Bank notes has not been known since the French Courtezan, who curled her hair with them: or the days of Cleopatra, who swallowed a jewel as a rich repast."—(Times, Aug. 22, 1799.)
The singular belief that used to obtain, and still is prevalent, especially among the lower classes, that a man might sell his wife to any bidder, provided that he did so in open market, and with a halter round her neck, was in full force at the latter end of the 18th Century. That this belief has not died out may be seen in an article on "Wife Selling," by my brother, in "All the year Round" 20th Dec. 1884, in which he cites cases as recently as 1862, 1870, 1881—and two in 1882—in one of which, the wife was sold for a glass of ale, and the other, for a penny and a dinner.
"By some mistake, or omission, in the report of the Smithfield Market, we have not learned the average price of wives for the last week.
"The increasing value of the fair sex is esteemed by several eminent writers as the certain criterion of increasing civilization. Smithfield has, on this ground, strong pretensions to refined improvement, as the price of Wives has risen in that market from half a guinea, to three guineas and a half."—(Times, July 22, 1797.)
"An Hostler's wife, in the country, lately fetched twenty-five guineas. We hear there is to be a sale of wives soon at Christie's. We have no doubt they will soon go off well."—(Times, Sept. 19, 1797.)
"On Friday a butcher exposed his wife to sale in Smithfield Market, near the Ram Inn, with a halter about her neck, and one about her waist, which tied her to a railing, when a hog-driver was the happy purchaser, who gave the husband three guineas, and a crown, for his departed rib. Pity it is, there is no stop put to such depraved conduct in the lower order of people."—(Times, July 18, 1797.)
"On Saturday evening last, John Lees, steel-burner, sold his wife for the small sum of 6d. to Samuel Hall, fell-monger, both of Sheffield. Lees gave Hall one guinea immediately, to have her taken off to Manchester the day following by the coach: she was delivered up with a halter round her neck, and the clerk of the market received 4d. for toll. It would be well if some law was inforced to put a stop to such degrading traffic!! (Sheffield Register)"—(Times, March 30, 1796.)
"At the last sale of wives there was but a poor show though there were plenty of bidders. One alone went off well, being bought by a Taylor, who outbid eight of his competitors."—(Times, Dec. 2, 1797.)
Advt. "To the Curious. J. Harrison begs leave to inform his Friends, and the Public, that he has, for sale, a great variety of grafted Gooseberry Plants, in pots, with red, white, and black Currants growing on each, the fruit of the finest flavour: and handsome standard Currant Trees, 5 feet high, with red, white, and black, fruit on each, likewise dwarf Apple Trees, handsome plants, suitable for the borders of pleasure gardens, being full of fine fruit. Gentlemen and Ladies are invited to come and view his plants, now the fruits are on them, at his Nursery, opposite the Turks Head, half-way to Deptford Upper Road."—(Times, Aug. 9, 1799.)
"When the order for the embargo was received at Gravesend, two hoys, the one for Margate, the other for Ramsgate, lay off the town, and were immediately subjected to the restriction. One had nearly 200 persons on board, the other, upwards of 150; they were obliged to land, and the place not affording accommodation for so large, and unexpected, an influx of company, a whimsical scene of confusion, disorder, and embarrassment, ensued: some in carts, &c., got on to Rochester, and Canterbury: but, owing to the march, and embarkation of troops, all the carriages, and horses, on the road were engaged, and several days elapsed before these unfortunate people reached the place of their destination."—(Times, Aug. 19, 1799.)
"Lately died at Lynn, in her 78th year Miss Mary Breese. She never lived out of the parish she was born in, was a remarkable sportswoman, regularly took out her shooting license, kept as good greyhounds, and was as sure a shot, as was in the county. At her desire, her dogs, and her favourite mare, were killed at her death, and buried in one grave."—(Times, Oct. 8, 1799.)
"Late on Sunday evening last a beautiful Circassian arrived at the Turkish Ambassador's Hotel. She was brought from Smyrna in the 'Princess,' Capt. W. Lee, as a present from the Grand Seignior to his Excellency the Ambassador. She is peculiarly elegant, and beautiful, and was escorted hither by six black eunuchs. The Ambassador showed great attention to Capt. Lee on account of the care he had taken of his mistress."—(Times, Dec. 19, 1799.)
"The fair Circassian has not yet made her appearance in public. A very splendid equipage is now building in Long Acre for her. Several of our dashing young men of fashion have offered themselves as drivers to the Eastern beauty."—(Times, Dec. 24, 1799.)
I have not been able to trace the fate of this lady—she was only a nine days' wonder in fashionable society.
