THE ROAD AND STREETS.
The Highways and Streets were in very far from good condition, the roads being full of ruts, and the streets when paved, were made of large "Cobble" Stones, and were full of holes, ofttimes very dangerous, as we shall see. The foot pavement, except in some of the best streets, which were flagged, was very narrow, and made of "Kidney" stones on end, such as may still be met with in the bye-ways of some country towns. Consequently no one stirred out more than they could help; the men always on horseback, if single—by "Post," if accompanied by ladies. It will have been noticed in "Men's dress" that they all wear boots, if not in the house, and the reason is plain—they had to be protected against the mud of the streets, and ready for the saddle. Every man had to learn to ride, and no doubt this laid the foundation of the Continental opinion, that every Englishman is a good horseman.
| "Young Gentlemen during their Holidays, are supplied with gentle pleasant Horses of all sizes, and the most careful Attendance and Instructions for | £2 12 6 | |
| A Horse to ride for Exercise in the House | 0 3 6 | |
| Twelve lessons when convenient | 2 7 6 | |
| Sixteen lessons in four weeks | 2 7 0 | |
| Single lesson | 0 5 0 | |
| Book of Instructions for Ladies | 0 5 6 | |
| Breaking a horse | 2 7 6 | &c." |
—(Morning Post, Jany. 2, 1788.)
"Advt.—A CAUTION to all Gentlemen who drive Jobb Horses by their own Coachmen, the Gentleman paying yearly wages to them: From a Gentleman who has had experience of it.—That the Coachmaster and Coachmen do agree, the one to give, the other to receive, annually, a certain sum of money, which can be for no other purpose than to defraud their employers, demanding so much more for the price of their horses, to bribe the said Coachmen to conceal defects in them, and to engage the said Coachmaster to recommend the said Coachmen: and so vice-versa to employ each other, if out of place or business. This is a most dishonest, but general practice of the Coachmasters. The writer of this, to avoid and discourage the practice of this Knavery, has purchased his own horses, persuaded no other means will be effectual. This is written merely to put Gentlemen on their guard, at the expense of the Advertiser, and will not be inserted again."—(Times, July 2, 1795.)
Of course those that could afford it travelled Post—which was charged one shilling per horse per mile, besides a gratuity to the "boy," but this was raised to fourteen pence in 1796, when food became so dear.
"So great is the itch of pleasure at this time of year, that on Sundays it is difficult to find post-horses in London. Last Sunday General Fox, and several other persons of Consideration, who had business out of town, were confined for want of them, though they sent as far as the extremity of Whitechapel."—(Times, Sept. 2, 1795.)
"The rate of Posting still continues at 14d. per mile, and nothing but the unanimous determination of the public to resist so extravagant a charge, can possibly do it away. Some few Post Masters have, it is true, advertised at 1s., but the general rate still remains at 14d. This charge took its rise from the scarcity, and, consequently, the high price of corn: but, at this moment, when corn has fell one third, nothing can justify the continuance of what may be justly reprobated as an imposition."—(Times, July 9, 1796.)
But it was not every one who could afford Posting or even the Stage Coach,—for them existed the "Stage Wagon"—a most cumbrous affair with very broad wheels—and some eight horses, the driver being mounted on a pony—so as to be able to ride round his team. The following is a very humorous story of a journey by Wagon:—
"A DELIGHTFUL RIDE,
"In the ten-wheeled Caravan, from Greenwich to London.
"We were twenty-four passengers within side, and nine without. It was my lot to sit in the middle, with a very lusty woman on one side, and a very thin man on the other. 'Open the window,' said the former, and she had a child on her lap, whose hands and face were all besmeared with gingerbread. 'It can't be opened,' said a little prim coxcomb, 'or I shall get cold.'—'But I say it shall, Sir,' said a Butcher, who sat opposite to him, and the Butcher opened it; but, as he stood, or rather bent forward to do this, the caravan came into a rut, and the Butcher's head, by the suddenness of the jolt, came into contact with that of the woman who sat next to me, and made her nose bleed. He begged her pardon, and she gave him a slap on the face that sounded through the whole caravan. Two sailors, that were seated near the helm of this machine, ordered the driver to cast anchor at the next public-house. He did so; and the woman next to me, called for a pot of ale, which she offered to me, after she had emptied about a pint of it, observing, that 'as how she loved ale mightily.' I could not drink, at which she took much offence; and said, 'I was mighty squeamish; but thank God, she was as good as I, and kept a lodging-house in Craven St., where she saw her betters every day, and so,' continues she, 'here's to you, my dear:' and she finished the pot. A violent dispute now arose between two stout looking men, the one a Recruiting Sergeant, and the other a Gentleman's Coachman, about the Rights of Man: and, having struck two or three blows in the Caravan, they got out into the road, to decide whether Tom Paine was an Atheist, or a Deist. In this contest, victory fell to the Sergeant, and the driver of the horses was so mauled by the leader of men, that he was lifted into the vehicle, where he sat in sullen silence all the rest of the journey.
"Another dispute afterwards arose about politics, which was carried on with such warmth, as to draw the attention of the company to the head of the Caravan, where the combatants sat wedged together like two pounds of Epping butter, whilst a child incessantly roared at the opposite side, and the mother abused the two politicians for frightening her babe. The heat was now so great that all the windows were opened, and with the fresh air, entered clouds of dust, for the body of the machine is but a few inches from the surface of the road.
"I trust, Mr. Conductor, you will give this journey to London, a place in your paper, and, I am, &c. &c.
"Lucy Treadneedle."
—(Times, Sept. 5, 1794.)
It will be noticed that then, as now, the Times, was a powerful organ for calling public attention to social grievances, and that people "wrote to" that paper as at the present time. We, in our time, know the little social inconveniences arising from staying at Hotels, where, not only does the proprietor charge for attendance, which we, no more than the writer of this letter, can understand is not included in his servants' wages—but we, also, if we want good attendance, have to "tip" the servants as well.
"To the CONDUCTOR of the TIMES.
"Sir,—Having frequent occasion to travel many of the principal roads of England, I have often witnessed the exorbitant demands of Inn-keepers, and the no less serious ones of their domestics, sanctioned only by custom, yet arisen to such a pitch as to become a burthen unable to be borne by the poor Tradesman who is obliged to travel to sell his goods, as well as an inconvenience to the person in middling circumstances of life, who, for his health, or otherwise, has occasion to travel. Grievances (the latter of which especially), are only suffered to exist from the disinclination people have to break through a custom, or to appear singular. Having hinted at the former, I shall only shew the nature, and point out a remedy for the latter. It is well known, that let an Innkeeper's bill be ever so exorbitant, you must not only comply with it, but also give the servants just as much as if it was reasonable: so that there is no end of the expence: for instance, if a man who has a horse, puts up at an inn, besides the usual bill, he must at least give 1s. to the waiter, 6d. to the chamber-maid, 6d. to the hostler, and 6d. to the jack-boot, making together 2s. 6d., and this to be repeated every night he lays on the road (I speak now of what's expected from those who appear in middling circumstances of life). The same expence in proportion occurs in the course of the day: at breakfast, you must give at least 6d. between the waiter and hostler. If the traveller only puts up to have a refreshment, besides paying for his horse's standing, he must give 3d. to the hostler: at dinner 6d. to the waiter and 3d. to the hostler: at tea 6d. between them, so that he gives away in the day 2s. 6d., which added to the 2s. 6d. for the night, makes 5s. per day on an average to servants. Thus he is putting his hand in his pocket from morning till night, not merely to satisfy the Landlord's demand, but to appease the croaking of domestics, who, it is well known, will let you see, or feel, their displeasure in some way or other if you do not, so that it is disagreeable to go to that inn the second time where you do not behave with profuseness at the first, and there is not only the above inconvenience, but also this, that after all your givings they are not satisfied, but often abuse you for your liberality. The following anecdote proves this:—Coming home from Colchester some time since, I put up at an Inn at Ingatestone, the Innkeeper's bill was as follows:—Supper 1s., beer 3d., bed 1s., horse and corn 1s. 7d.—together 3s. 10d. I gave away as follows: waiter 1s., chambermaid 6d., jack-boot 6d., hostler, the change out of 2s. I paid him for the horse, being 5d., together 2s. 5d., being 1s. 5d. less than the bill. Yet the hostler was so abusive, because I did not give him more than the odd 5d. change, that he actually threatened me that he would mark me if I came there again. I therefore did, what I wish every one would do in the like case, punish him on the spot for his insolence. I appeared to relent that I had not given him more, and desired him to give me the half-pence again that I might see for silver for him, which after he had done, I rode off, leaving him to repent he had not kept what I first gave him. It may be alleged that these servants have little or no wages, and therefore ought to receive liberally. Be that as it may, it is very hard that I am to pay wages to another man's servants. I pay the master his bill, in which he makes a charge sufficient to cover his servants' wages, and then he leaves me to pay his servants besides. If Innkeepers have nothing to pay for servants, their charges ought to be reasonable in proportion. But I would meet another objection that is likely to be made, which is, that what is given to servants at inns is not to be considered as wages, but as their perquisites. There are two answers to this, the one, that the very notion of perquisites, signifies something gotten over and above their usual wages, whereas it is notorious, that most Innkeepers allow their servants no wages: the other, that perquisites signify a gift, now a gift is free, and may be much, or little, as suits the inclination of the giver, but, according to the modern custom at inns, he is not permitted to use his discretion, but there must be a settled sum given to each servant, fixed as to the lowest quantum, though as much above that mark as he pleases, and, if he gives less than custom warrants, they have the impudence to tell him of it. Besides, why should Innkeepers, be exempted from paying their servants wages, any more than any other tradesman. If I go into a shop, to buy a few yards of any thing, I am not charged so much for the trouble of the shopman who cut it off. Tradesmen are contented to pay their servants out of the profit of their bills, without saddling it upon their customers: and I am fully persuaded, were travellers of all descriptions to withhold for a certain time their usual gifts to servants at inns, it would ultimately tend to the benefit of those servants themselves, as well as the comfort of travellers, for when the servants find their finances so low, they would insist upon, and would not hire themselves without stipulated wages, after which, travellers might again resume their former generosity, and what they then gave, would be looked upon in the light it ought, as a gift, and not a debt.
"A Constant Reader."
—(Times, Oct. 17, 1795.)
The following notices will show that, what with over-crowding, and bad roads, accidents were as frequent by road as they are now by rail—indeed, the per centage, considering the relative number of passengers, was much greater. The basket mentioned below, was a huge wicker work machine attached to the Coach, intended to carry parcels.
"Yesterday the driver of the Chelmsford and London Stage Coach, was convicted before the Magistrates at the Public Office, Whitechapel, in three separate penalties of 40s. each, for suffering more than six persons to ride on the roof of the said Coach.
"The owner and driver of the Bishop Stortford, and London, Stage Coach, was also convicted in the penalty of £4 for the same offence: and the driver of the Westham Stage Coach, in the same penalty, for suffering eight persons to ride on the roof of the said Coach."—(Times, Oct. 5, 1795.)
"In despite of continual and fatal accidents, not to mention the inferior consideration of pains and penalties, the Stage Coaches still continue to carry extra numbers on the outside. There were eleven on the coach, and box, of the Gosport Coach, beside the driver, and nine in the basket, on Thursday last."—(Times, Oct. 16, 1795.)
"The pavement in Bridge St. Blackfriars, which has been so long in a most dangerous state, has sunk near a foot more, within the last week, so that the roof of the main shore is every hour expected to give way."—(Times, Aug. 6, 1794.)
"On Wednesday afternoon, about four o'clock, the Boston Coach broke down, on the lowest part of Snow Hill, soon after it left the Saracen's Head Inn. The outside passengers, which were FOURTEEN in number, and mostly soldiers, were thrown with such violence on the pavement, that several were bruised, and one woman was taken to St. Bartholomew's Hospital, where she died, on Thursday night. The inside passengers, which were five, and a young child, were not much hurt.
"The frequent accidents which arise from the outsides of coaches being so overladen, calls highly for reprehension. The laws are either inadequate to remedy the evil, or they are not properly enforced: and we sincerely hope that the coachman, and those who are concerned, will be severely punished, as an example to prevent the same accidents in future. We think there should be a fresh Act of Parliament, and, if the inside passengers were empowered, after taking their seats, to hire a post-chaise where there was above a stipulated number (at the owner's expence), it would remedy the evil."—(Times, Aug. 8, 1795.)
"The pavement in Bridge St. Blackfriars, still grows worse, and worse, and not the least notice is taking of it by the Paving Committee. This is a most scandalous act of neglect; as, publicly, and privately, the parties have been applied to, who ought to make the necessary repairs. The ground has now sunk near three feet. In so well regulated a city, as that of London, this is a most disgraceful business."—(Times, Oct., 16, 1799.)
"A few days since, the axle-tree of a carriage was broken in descending the slope of Blackfriars Bridge, in consequence of the very large hole, at the bottom of it, on the Surry-side, which is in the highest degree dangerous. We are not certain that an indictment would not lay against the Trustees of the Surry Roads, for the scandalous manner in which they are kept. They vie with the Paviours, in some parts of the City, and we know not which are the worst of them. It is not to be conceived the number of horses that are foundered, by holes in the streets, and roads."—(Times, Oct. 5, 1799.)
"From the dangerous state of the pavement in some parts of London, it might be supposed that the Public paid nothing towards it. The thoroughfare about the New Church, in the Strand, is so bad, that two, or three, accidents have lately happened by horses tumbling down, from their feet catching in the holes."—(Times, Sept. 30, 1799.)
GAMING, &c.
We, in this Nineteenth Century of ours, are not so free from the vice of gambling, that we can afford the luxury of being particularly censorious over the habits of the last century. We have legislated against gambling, we are better educated, all our surroundings are refined, compared to those which our forefathers had to make the most of. Literature, Art, and Music, are all far more popular, and yet—are there not Clubs, thinly veiled indeed, but really, and truly, solely existing for card playing for high stakes, as much as Crockford's ever was? Have we not reduced the Turf to a science? and has it not come to such a pass, that an honest Nobleman like Lord Falmouth, will no longer run his race horses, because of the roguery on the Turf? Is not the Stock Exchange one huge Gamble? Therefore, in reading the notes about gaming, in "Old Times," let us remember the beams in our own eyes, before making a fuss about the motes, that used to be in the eyes of those that are dead and gone.
But, although Card playing was the rule at every house, in the evening, yet some did not play, and the utter weariness which is shewn in this little sketch of Gillray's, is extremely natural and vivid.
It is in 1789 that we first hear of Lady Archer, who, with Lady Buckinghamshire, figures so prominently in keeping gaming tables.
A lady at a Card Party who does not play.—1788.
"The Lady Archer, whose death was announced in this paper of Saturday, is not the celebrated character whose cosmetic powers have been long held in public estimation."—(Morning Post, Jan. 5, 1789.)
"It is said that the dealers in Carmine and dead white, as well as the Perfumers in general, have it in contemplation to present an address to Lady Archer, in gratitude for her not having DIED according to a late alarming report."—(Morning Post, Jan. 8, 1789.)
"A Kick up at a Hazard Table," by Rowlandson, is not only well drawn—but, doubtless, depicts a gambling affray, to the life.
Lady Archer, and Lady Buckinghamshire did not monopolise the gaming tables, there were other ladies in the field, and, as the game generally played, was Faro, these brelandieres were called Faro's Daughters.
"Mrs. Sturt's house, in St. James Square, was opened yesterday evening, for the first time this season, for public play. The visitors were numerous."—(Times, Feb. 5, 1793.)
"Many of our young sprigs of fashion, when the campaign opens, will have other game to attend to than the game of Faro. By risquing their persons they may serve their country; but by risquing their property, they can neither benefit the nation, nor do any good to themselves. Cocking a fire lock will redound more to their honour than cocking a card: and as they are fond of a game of Hazard, let them take the chance of the field, in preference to that of the gaming table:
"Some of the Faro Ladies have opened their play houses, and announced the Road to Ruin until further notice. The Gamesters was publicly rehearsed in St. James Square on Monday night."—(Times, Feb. 6, 1793.)
"The number of new gaming-houses, established at the West End of the town, is, indeed, a matter of very serious evil: but they are not likely to decrease while examples of the same nature are held forth in the higher circles of life. It is needless to point out any one of these houses in particular: it is sufficient for us to expose the tricks that are practised at many of them to swindle the unsuspecting young men of fortune who are entrapped into these whirlpools of destruction. The first thing necessary is, to give the guests a good dinner and plenty of wine, which many of these houses do, gratis. When they are sufficiently intoxicated, and, having lost all the money about them, their acceptance is obtained to Bills of Exchange to a considerable amount, which frequently are paid to avoid the disagreeable circumstance of a public exposition in a Court of Justice, which is always threatened, though the gamesters well know that no such measure durst be adopted by them.
"Should any reluctance, or hesitation, be shewn by the injured party, to accept these bills, he is shewn into a long room, with a target at the end of it, and several pistols lying about, where he is given to understand these sharpers practice a considerable time of the day in shooting at a mark, and have arrived to such perfection in this exercise, that either of them can shoot a pistol ball within an inch of the mark, from the common distance taken by duellists. A hint is then dropped, that further hesitation will render the use of the pistols necessary, and which will again be the case, should he ever divulge what he has seen, and heard.
"If further particulars, or proofs, are wanting, they may be known on application to certain Military characters, who have already made some noise in the world."—(Times, Feb. 14, 1793.)
The Illustration "Modern Hospitality, or a Friendly Party in High Life," is by Gillray, 31st Mar. 1792, and in it we see Lady Archer, and Lady Buckinghamshire, keeping a Faro Bank: and, as they are rather passées, the picture has the following, "To those earthly Divinities who charmed 20 years ago, this Honorable method of banishing mortifying reflections is dedicated. O, Woman! Woman! everlasting is your power over us, for in youth, you charm away our hearts, and in your after years you charm away our purses!"
Gambling—1792.
It is a pity we have not the key to the portraits of the bystanders, for portraits they, undoubtedly, are, because there is such individuality in the expression of their several countenances. The players we can easily recognise—Lady Archer, at the extreme left, has won largely, rouleaux of gold, and bank notes, are before her, and on her right hand are two heaps of loose gold;—with what a smiling countenance does the painted old gambler shew her cards, saying, "The Knave wins all!"
Her next door neighbour, the Prince of Wales, who has staked, and lost, his last piece, lifts his hands, and eyes, in astonishment at the luck. Lady Buckinghamshire has doubled her stake, playing on two cards, and is evidently annoyed at her loss—whilst poor, black muzzled Fox, laments the loss of his last three pieces.
"The profits of Faro are become so considerably reduced, that most of the Banks now lose almost every evening, after defraying the expences of the house, which are very considerable. Those public-spirited Ladies who give such frequent routes, do so at a certain gain: for the sum of TWENTY-FIVE guineas is regularly advanced by the bank holders towards the night's expences. The punters at Mrs. Hobart's, and Mrs. Sturt's, Faro Banks have dropped off considerably: and those who continue, are got so knowing, that heavy complaints are made that they bring no grist to the mill. There have not been above eight punters at Mrs. Sturt's bank, any night this season. The pigeons are all flown, and the punters are nothing better than hawks."—(Times, Feb. 10, 1793.)
"No less than six Faro Banks are held in Pall Mall, viz., Philips's, Nelson's, Curtis's, Hall's, Whitnoll's, and Bullock's."—(Times, Feb. 18, 1793.)
"It is become necessary to put our young men on their guard against the swindling tricks of some French ladies in this metropolis, of elevated rank, who have introduced assemblies in their lodgings, and houses, of an evening, for the purpose of attracting company, whose pockets are to be taxed by Gallic address, for the support of these nocturnal establishments.
"In one of these, the Lady who presides, has not yet lost her personal charms, nor those arts of seduction, and that address, for which her well-informed countrymen are so notorious. She, however, outwitted herself some day since, by employing one of her mitred attendants to dispose of a watch set with diamonds. This right reverend Father in God turned pedlar, in his extreme zeal to execute the orders of his fair hostess, offered the bauble to a gentleman who, the evening before, had been present at this splendid assemblage of Gallic Noblesse, and had seen the watch by the side of the lady herself. On finding that double the value was demanded for the trinket, he was at no loss to discover the ways and means by which this gaudy display of independence, comfort, and hilarity, was supported."—(Times, Feb. 27, 1793.)
"The Banking Ladies in St. James Square, do not see themselves much obliged to the Abbé de St. Farre, and his brother, for introducing so many noble Emigrants to their houses. These people come with their crown pieces and half-guineas, and absolutely form a circle round the Faro tables, to the total exclusion of our English Lords and Ladies, who can scarcely get one punt during a whole evening."—(Times, March 14, 1793.)
"The play at the Faro Banks is reduced to so low a standard, except where they punt on tick, that a rouleau of 20 guineas is quite a novelty."—(Times, March 19, 1793.)
A kick-up at a Hazard Table. (No.1)—1790.
"A principal Faro Bank was broken twice last week—on Monday night at Mrs. Hobart's, and on Wednesday at Mrs. Concannon's. On the first night it lost 2000, and, on the last, 600 guineas. Lord C. S******* is one of the keenest punters of the present day. Poor Mazzinghi, who deals the cards at Mrs. Sturt's Bank, was threatened on Tuesday night, by his Lordship, to have his bones broken, because he disputed the noble Lord's intention of cocking a card. The money was not deposited on the card in the regular manner, but the young Lord said he intended to stake on the winning card, and therefore claimed it as if he had actually done so. Something was muttered about the highway, but it was impossible it could allude to the circumstance in question."—(Times, April 29, 1793.)
"Mrs. G. is said to understand Faro better than any other Lady of the town, particularly in the art of doubling the corner of a card, so as to win triple stakes if it is successful. She has doubled the Faro Bank holders out of so much money, that they shrink at the sight of her presence. There is so much running upon tick with the Faro Tables, that, like the Country Banks, they are breaking every day. They will soon want some other assistance than Cards, and Wax Lights, to keep up some of the Establishments at the West end of the town.
"The Faro Bank holders now lose money almost every evening. The punters are now becoming the rooks, and the bankers the pigeons. The Ladies understand the game so well, and play so keen, that it requires the eyes of Argus to detect all their tricks. As little Quick says in the play, a greenhorn has only to put down his money, and he is sure to find some one to take it up for him."—(Times, May 1, 1793.)
"A Banking Lady, in St. James Square, is about to commence a prosecution, because it is said, that there was much filching at her Faro table. The house was quite in an uproar on Tuesday night, in consequence of a paragraph that appeared in a Morning Paper of the preceding day. The Lady vows she will call in the aid of an Attorney to support her reputation: and observes, that the credit of her house will suffer if such reports are permitted to go unpunished. The Faro Ladies are, in the sporting phrase, almost done up. Jewels, trinkets, watches, laces, &c., are often at the pawnbrokers, and scarce anything is left to raise money upon, except their pads. If justice is to be hoodwinked, and gambling, and sharking, permitted, why not make it an article of revenue, as in foreign countries, and lay a heavy tax on it. A tax on excessive gaming would, in the course of a year, produce as much as would fit out a 50 gun ship."—(Times, May 2, 1793.)
"The war has lessened the receipt of the Faro Tables, insomuch, that they can barely allow lemonade.
"The Faro Tables now really come within the true meaning of plundering shops. They are attended by a gang of sharpers, who talk of knocking down the Croupiers if any offence is taken at the most barefaced frauds. Surely the Police may now make forcible entry into the Houses, fashionable, or unfashionable, which hold out a bait for the purpose of robbery."—(Times, May 3, 1793.)
"The Faro Bank holders at the fashionable routs are nearly done up; for what with the punters running away with their winnings, and never paying when they lose, and the 25 guineas per night, paid to the fashionable landladies for the use of their houses, the profits are pared down to a very nothing."—(Times, March 28, 1794.)
"Lord Hampden's Faro Bank is broken up for the present season. Lady Buckinghamshire, Mrs. Sturt, and Mrs. Concannon alternately divide the Beau monde at their respective houses. Instead of having two different hot suppers, at one and three o'clock in the morning, the Faro Banks will now scarcely afford bread and cheese, and porter.
"One of the Faro Banks in St. James Square lost 7000£ last year by bad debts. A young son of Levi is a considerable debtor to one of them; but not finding it convenient to pay what is not recoverable by law, he no longer appears in these fashionable circles."—(Times, April 2, 1794.)
A kick-up at a Hazard Table. (No.2)—1790.
"A Card.—The Lady Gamblers at the West end of the town, present their compliments to several Ex noble Emigrés, who frequent their card routs, and inform them, through the channel of this paper, that their absence would be more agreeable than their company. They beg leave to suggest that hot suppers, and French wines, brilliant illuminations, cards, and other expences, cannot be afforded out of the profits of such peddling play as staking an ecu, or half a guinea, on the turn up of a card, and they beg leave to observe, that it is not considered as a mark of their good breeding, to engross the whole round of the Faro table, which might be turned to so much better advantage, by the pluckings of a few rich young Lords, and Commoners, who would wish to sport their rouleaus. It is hoped this hint may be attended to, as it may prevent further observation."—(Times, April 3, 1794.)
"It is impossible to conceive a more complete system of fraud and dishonour than is practised every night at the Faro Banks. Though every table has four croupiers, yet the Bank holders find, that double the number are necessary to watch all the little tricks, and artifices, of some of the fashionable punters. But Mrs. G—— beats all her associates in the art of doubling, or cocking a card."—(Times, April 4, 1794.)
"The Faro Banks being no longer a profitable game, certain Ladies in St. James' Square have substituted another instead of it, called Roulet: but it is in fact only the old game of E.O. under a different title. Roulet is now therefore the order of the night."—(Times, June 25, 1794.)
"The late King was passionately fond of Masquerades, where there was always a Pharo Bank prepared for his entertainment. Upon one occasion the crowd was so great in all parts of the Theatre, that the late Mr. Crawford was called for, and ordered to stop the further admission of company at the door: in which, however, he found so much difficulty, that 2700 guineas were forced into his pocket, whilst he stood purposely to advertise the public that there was no more room."—(Times, April 13, 1795.)
"The two gambling houses in St. James's Square are in despair. The suppers are ordered with great caution: and of things that will keep. The two last companies have been composed, literally, of the privileged wives, and of foreigners."—(Times, Dec. 2, 1795.)
"It is to the credit of the rising generation of females, that they have unanimously quitted those infamous meetings, called Private Pharoes, where some of their shameless Mammas, and the faded reputations of the present age, still expose their vices, and cheat the boys who have not been long enough in the army, to wear out their first cockades."—(Times, Dec. 30, 1795.)
"To the CONDUCTOR of the TIMES.
"Sir,—London is certainly an eligible place for persons who have nothing but their labour to depend on, to get forward in life, provided they steer clear of the many snares, and temptations, which hover in every alley, street, winding, and corner.
"The mischief is, however, that the generality of young men, the moment they set foot in town, or, if brought up in the Metropolis, directly they enter the world on their own account, are hurried away, thoughtlessly, with the stream of error, and dissipation. If he happens to be a young man possessed of a moderate independence, without the suggestion of prudence, the caution of experience, the councils of wisdom or the restraint of authority, his whole conduct is then influenced by the passion with which he is actuated, which becomes at once, whether good or bad, his impulse, and his guide.
"The Play-house is the first place of resort, which from the frequency of his visits, instead of being an instructive amusement, or a moral lesson, turns out a rendezvous of intrigue, and intemperance, where he soon acquires an intimacy with the idle, the profligate, the gambler, and the prostitute, who eye him as their lawful prey, and with all that ease, dexterity, and artifice, which a knowledge of the town, and its vicissitudes, has furnished them with, they imperceptibly lead him from one crime to another, till at length he becomes extravagant, and irregular, callous, and abandoned. Bagnios, gaming-tables, horses, and black-legs, are now his only wish, theme, and delight, and, so long as his pocket will endure the burden, so long, and no longer, is he duped, flattered, caressed, and encouraged, by those who surround him. But everything must have an end, and enormous expenditures cannot keep pace with that income which should be managed with care and frugality. The young Gentleman runs short, as it is termed, and, on his first embarrassment, is advised to apply for the assistance of some friendly advertising money lender, who, upon proper security, has the modesty to procure him from time to time, sums of money, at the equitable premium of 100 per cent. A repetition so involves him, that, by degrees, his estate falls into the hands of Mr. Usurer, who takes an absolute assignment of his estate, for a consideration less than half its true value: and reflection never once enters his head, but he unfortunately squanders the last shilling: but it is, now, he conceives, a folly to repent, or retreat: consequently he gets into debt, is arrested, carried to a spunging house, and from thence is removed to the King's Bench, or Fleet Prison.
"Far be it from me to throw any odium on an unfortunate class of people immured in the walls of either of those places, there are no doubt, imprisoned, as worthy, and as good a set of people, as any in society. But the young spark I am speaking of, being mortified at his late companions standing aloof, and resigning him to his fate, becomes loaded with obloquy, associates with characters equally as vicious as himself, smoaks, swears, and carouses, and, all at once, is wholly lost, as it were to himself, and to the world.
"R. K—y."
—(Times, Dec. 31, 1795.)
Modern Hospitality.
"Capt. H. of the Guards, the nephew of the Banker, who a short time since lost 13,000 guineas at one sitting, at Backgammon, to an Irish Gambler, revenged himself last week for this loss, by winning the enormous sum of 45,000 Guineas, at Billiards, in one night, of Mr. B. S. of the Guards. It is said that £25,000 of the money was paid him the next day."—(Times, March 16, 1796.)
"It is said to be the intention of some of the leading circles in the Fashionable World, to abolish the tax of Card-money,[4] as an imposition upon hospitality. This would prove the return of good sense, inasmuch as it tends to substantiate the truth—that when one person invites another to partake of the conviviality of his house, he should not lay an impost upon him, even more exorbitant than that which he would pay, were he to attend a Tavern Club. When a friend is invited, it is an insult to friendship to make that friend pay for his entertainment."—(Times, Dec. 17, 1794.)
"The tabbies at Bath are in a state of insurrection, in consequence of an example set by Lady Elcho, who neither visits, nor receives, company that pay for Cards: the laudable reformation is adopted so generally, that many of the Dowagers, who have so long fed upon Card-money, are turning their thoughts to some more creditable means of earning their livelihood."—(Times, March 22, 1796.)
"We hope the Ladies in London, who stand upon a nice point of honour, will follow the example of the Bath Ladies, and exclude the odious, and pitiful, custom of taking card-money at their houses. It is a meanness, which no persons who pretend to the honour of keeping good company, ought to allow. We are afraid that many a party is formed, rather to derive benefit from the Card tables, than for the sake of hospitality."—(Times, March 24, 1796.)
"We hope, now that the business of informations against the Gambling Houses has found its way into the Court of King's Bench, that we shall hear of some effectual measures being taken to suppress them. What other than the most unworthy considerations could have suffered these houses to be open night after night, in defiance of every law, and to the destruction of young women, whose parents are so profligate, as to take them thither. If certain Mammas have no regard for their reputation, surely they should consider that their daughters are yet to be provided for.
Dividing the Spoil, St. James's.—1796.
"We state it as a fact, within our own knowledge, that two Ladies of Fashion who keep open houses for Gaming, at the West End of the Town, have lately paid large douceurs, to ward off the hand of justice."—(Times, Apr. 23, 1796.)
"The Gambling-houses in and about Oxenden St., live in a stile of unprecedented luxury, and dissipation. It was stated some time ago, in the Court of King's Bench, that their dinners amounted to £150,000 per annum."—(Times, May 27, 1796.)
These two illustrations are almost Hogarthian in their contrast, and preach a homily, better than pages of text would do, on the similarity of plunder. St. James, with Lady Archer and Lady Buckinghamshire quarrelling over gold, bank notes, a sword, and an Order. One other lady, probably Lady Mount Edgcumbe, scrutinising a bill—whilst the fourth, with a pile of gold, and notes, before her, looks calmly on. The artist (who, unfortunately, is anonymous,) shows what very little difference there is between that, and the woman of St. Giles—who, to the accompaniment of Gin, are dividing their spoil, a pipe, a foot rule, a razor, &c.—little things reft from working men—on a very common deal table.
It was about this time that special attention was called to this gaming mania, and Gillray (?) on the 16th May, 1796, published a Caricature called "Faro's Daughters, or the Kenyonian blow up to gamblers." Here we see the Lady Archer, and Mrs. Concannon, placed together in the pillory, and mutually upbraiding each other.
The motif for this picture was a speech of Lord Kenyon's, who, at a trial to recover £15, won at gaming, on Sunday, at a public house—commented very severely on the hold, the vice of gaming had, on all classes of society, from the highest, to the lowest. The former, he said, set the example to the latter—and, he added, "They think they are too great for the law; I wish they could be punished,"—and then continued, "If any prosecutions of this kind are fairly brought before me, and the parties are justly convicted, whatever be their rank, or station, in the country—though they be the first ladies in the land—they shall certainly exhibit themselves in the pillory."
"A new stratagem has been hit on to gain early intelligence of the drawings of the ensuing Irish Lottery. As Pigeons are found sometimes not to fly quick enough, some of our speculating Lottery Rooks have been for some time past trying experiments on high eminences in North Wales, by exhibiting rockets about seven o'clock in the evening. It is to be seen whether this mode of communication can be rendered sufficiently intelligible, to answer the purposes of fraud."—(Times, Nov. 4, 1796.)
"It is said, and we hope with truth, that the Archbishop of Canterbury, at the head, and with the concurrence of the Episcopal Lords, means to introduce a Bill into Parliament to prevent gambling on a Sunday. An act at present does exist against this pernicious practice; but the penalty amounts to a fine, that the Groom-porters at Hazard, or the Dealer at Faro, can with ease pay by the profits of an hour. The punishment for the offence of playing any game of chance on a Sunday is, by this new intended Bill, to be transportation for seven years to Botany Bay. The owner of the house, by a particular clause, is more severely dealt with. He, or she, permitting such gambling, shall be transported for life."—(Times, Feb. 13, 1797.)
Dividing the Spoil, St. Giles's.—1796.
"PUBLIC OFFICE, MARLBOROUGH St. FARO BANKS. On Saturday came on to be heard, informations against Lady Buckinghamshire, Lady Elizabeth Luttrell, Mrs. Sturt, and Mr. Concannon, for having, on the night of the 30th of last January, played at Faro, at Lady Buckinghamshire's house, in St. James's Square, and Mr. Martindale was charged with being the proprietor of the table.
"The evidence went to prove that the Defendants had gaming parties at their different houses by rotation, and that when they met at Lady B.'s, the witnesses used to wait upon them in the gambling room, and that they played at E.O., Rouge et Noir, &c., from about eleven, or twelve, till three, or four, o'clock in the morning. After hearing Counsel, the Magistrates convicted Hy. Martindale in the penalty of £200, and each of the Ladies in £50. The Information against Mr. Concannon was quashed, on account of his being summoned by a wrong Christian name."—(Times, Mar. 13, 1797.)
The Magistrates were not quite so severe as Lord Kenyon had promised to be, should he ever get any of these ladies into his clutches: perhaps they had heard of the recent loss of Lady Buckinghamshire's, when in Feby. her Faro Bank was stolen, or, at least, she said it had been. Gillray caricatured it very cleverly—as also he did in the accompanying illustration, "Discipline à la Kenyon"—in which the Lord Chief Justice, is administering a sound flogging to Lady Buckinghamshire, whilst Lady Archer, and Mrs. Concannon, stand in the pillory, guarded by a stalwart constable.
"The expence of entertainments at a Gaming House of the highest class, in St. James' Square, during the eight months of last season, has been said to exceed 6000 Guineas! what must be the profits to afford such a profusion?"—(Times, March 21, 1797.)
"The Pharo Trade is likely to experience a more severe check from the recent refusal of some fashionable Gamesters to liquidate their debts, than from the accumulated terrors of Police persecution. If the punters won't pay, the dealers may as well shut up shop."—(Times, Sept. 23, 1797.)
"If a man should happen, in a Cockpit, to make a bet which he is not able to answer, he is put into a basket, and pulled up to the ceiling, where he remains suspended during the sport. It is recommended to the Pharo Bankers to institute some such punishment for the Lady 'Levanters.'"—(Times, Sept. 23, 1997.)
"To such a height has the spirit of gambling arisen, that at some of the great Tables it is not uncommon to see the stake consist wholly of property in kind. A house of furniture was last week lost to a Lady in the neighbourhood of Pall Mall.
"The successful party had played against it, the stock of a farm in the County of Essex."—(Times, Sept. 25, 1797.)
"At some of our first Boarding Schools, the fair pupils are now taught to play whist, and cassino. Amongst their winning ways, this may not be the least agreeable to Papa and Mamma.
"It is calculated, that a clever child, by its cards, and its novels, may pay for its own education."—(Times, Nov. 2, 1797.)
"At a boarding-school in the neighbourhood of Moorfields, the mistress complains that she is unable to teach her scholars either Whist, or Pharo. However, she says, they play perfectly well at Kissino, and all-fours."—(Times, Nov. 2, 1797.)
"So completely has gambling got the better of dancing, that at a private Ball, last week, a Gentleman asking a young Lady, from Bath, to dance the two next dances, she very ingenuously replied,'Yes, if you will play two rubbers at Cassino.'"—(Times, Dec. 22, 1797.)
Faro's Daughters.
"Gaming, that hydra of calamities, has again made its appearance with its black catalogue of horrors. Notwithstanding the late interference of the Police, there are at present, exclusive of subscription tables, no less than 18 public gambling houses, at the West End of the Town. The golden table in Leicester Square takes the lead in guilty pre-eminence. The gaming crimps are already very numerous. They dress well, frequent the most fashionable taverns, and coffee houses, and, having succeeded in insinuating themselves into company, take an opportunity of introducing a card, or bill of fare, of their respective establishments."—(Times, Sept. 13, 1798.)
"Last week 1272 packs of cards, unstamped, pretended to be made for exportation, but really intended for home consumption, were burned in the High Street of Shoreham, by order of the Commissioners."—(Times, Dec. 6, 1798.)
"In every part of the Metropolis, that most destructive game of E. O.[5] is now in high practice, but more particularly so in the neighbourhood of S. James's Street, Pall Mall, and what is called the fashionable end of the town. The Tables, even if they were fairly constructed, must be the ruin of all adventurers; because, in the course of one hour, they play at a game where the Table has clearly one hundred and twenty-four chances to one in its favor within that hour. If this does not rouse the Magistracy, Justice may then be announced to be in a somniferous state—occasioned probably, by a yellow mineral application."—(Times, June 22, 1795.)
"It is impossible that the Magistrates can be ignorant of the number of E. O. Tables, now held at the West end of the town. At one of these, established close to King's Place, a young man lost, on Sunday, £1500."—(Times, June 20, 1795.)
"PRIVATE LOTTERIES.
"Amongst the various species of Gaming that have ever been practised, we think none exceeds the mischiefs, and calamities, that arise from the practice of private Lotteries, which at present are carrying on, in various parts of the town, to very alarming extents, much to the discredit of those whose province it is to suppress such nefarious practices, as they cannot be ignorant of such transactions. 'The little go,' which is the technical term for a private Lottery, is calculated only for the meridian of those understandings, who are unused to calculate, and discriminate, between right, and wrong, and roguery, and fair-dealing; and, in this particular case, it is those who compose the lower order of society, whom it so seriously affects, and on whom it is chiefly designed to operate. No man of common sense can suppose that the Lottery Wheels are fair, and honest, or that the proprietors act upon principles anything like honor, or honesty; for, by the art, and contrivance, of the Wheels, they are so constructed, with secret springs, and the application of gum, glue, &c., in the internal part of them, that they can draw the numbers out, or keep them in, at pleasure, just as it suits their purposes; so that the insurer, robbed, and cajoled, by such unfair means, has not the most distant chance of ever winning: the whole being a gross fraud, and imposition, in the extreme. We understand the most notorious of these standards of imposition are situated in Carnaby Market, Oxford Road, in the Borough, Islington, Clerkenwell, and various other places, most of which are under the very nose of Magistracy, in seeming security, bidding defiance to law, and preying upon the vitals of the poor and ignorant.
"We hope the Magistrates of each jurisdiction, and those who possess the same power, will perform their duty on behalf of the poor, over whom they preside, and put a stop to such a growing, and alarming, evil, of such pernicious, and dangerous tendency: particularly, as the Proprietors are well-known bad characters, consisting of needy beggars, desperate swindlers, gamblers, sharpers, notorious thieves, and common convicted felons, most of whose names stand recorded in the Newgate Calendar for various offences of different descriptions."—(Times, July 22, 1795.)
"The term of little goes for the private lotteries is apt enough, for the poor devils who risk their property there, have but little, and that little goes to nought.
"If the wheels of fortune, and the cash, seized at the private lotteries, become the property of the police runners, the old adage will be strongly verified, 'What is got over the devil's back, will be spent under his belly.'"—(Times, Aug. 13, 1795.)
"On Friday night last, in consequence of searching warrants from the Parochial Magistrates of St. James's, Westminster, upwards of 30 persons were apprehended at the house of one M'Call, No. 2, Francis St., near Golden Square, and in the house of J. Knight, King St., where the most destructive practices to the poor were carrying on, that of Private Lotteries (called Little Goes.) Two wheels, with the tickets, were seized on the premises. Upon examination of those persons, who proved to be the poor deluded objects that had been there plundered, they were reprimanded, and discharged.
"The wives of many industrious mechanics, by attending these nefarious houses, have not only been duped out of their earnings (which ought to have been applied to the providing bread for their families) but have even pawned their beds, wedding rings, and almost every article they were possessed of for that purpose."—(Times, Aug. 11, 1795.)
But nothing was said against the big State Lotteries—which were going on without let, or hindrance—and, absolutely, educating the people in the taste for gambling. Here are two anecdotes of the lottery:—
"Dr. B., a physician at Lime (Dorset), a few days since, being under pecuniary embarrassment, and his house surrounded by bailiffs, made his escape by a window, into a neighbour's house, from whence he fled to London. The furniture was seized, and the sale actually commenced, when it was stopped by a letter, stating that the Doctor, upon his arrival in London, found himself the proprietor of the £20,000 prize. We guarantee the truth of this fact."—(Times, Dec. 27, 1797.)
"The £20,000 prize, drawn on Friday, is divided amongst a number of poor persons: a female servant in Brook St., Holborn, had a sixteenth; a woman who keeps a fruit-stall in Grays-Inn-lane another; a third is possessed by a servant of the Duke of Roxburghe's; a fourth by a Chelsea Carrier of vegetables to Covent Garden; one eighth belongs to a poor family in Rutlandshire, and the remainder is similarly divided."—(Times, Mar. 19, 1798.)
Of Horse Racing we do not hear much—the prizes were small—and gambling on the Turf was not reduced to a Science as it is now-a-days. Even when attending races, the chief losses were at the gaming tables which accompanied them.
"Poor Newmarket is completely done up! The Spring Meeting boasts so few bets in the calendar of gambling, that the chance will not pay post-chaise hire to the black legs. Thus falls the destructive sport of the Turf—and, as that is the case, it would do honour to his Majesty to change the King's Plates into rewards for the improvement of Agriculture."—(Times, April 17, 1794.)
Discipline à la Kenyon.—1797.
"The Duke of Queensberry was a principal loser at Epsom Races. The Noble Duke had his vis-a-vis, and six horses, driving about the course, with two very pretty emigrées in it. The Duke was in his cabriolet. The Duke of Bedford, Lords Egremont, and Derby, were also on the course. Several carriages were broken to pieces: and one Lady had her arm broken.
"There was much private business done in the swindling way at the last Epsom races. One black legged fellow cleared near a thousand pounds by the old trick of an E.O. Table. Another had a faro table, and was on the eve of doing business, when he was detected with a palmed card: almost the whole of what may be justly styled 'vagabond gamblers' of London were present.
"Mr. Bowes, half brother to the Earl of Strathmore, was robbed of a gold watch, and a purse, containing 30 guineas, at Epsom races, on Thursday last. Many other persons shared a similar fate, both on the same evening, and Friday. Upwards of 30 carriages were robbed coming from the races."—(Times, May 25, 1795.)
"Never since racing was patronised by the Merry Monarch, has the Turf been so much on the decline as at this period. His Grace of Bedford is the only person who retains a considerable stud. Lord Grosvenor has disposed of nearly the whole of his, with the reserve of two, or three, capital horses, and some few brood mares."—(Times, Sept. 8, 1797.)
"A Mr. Marston, of the Borough, has laid a bet of 2000 guineas, that he will, in the course of the ensuing week, go into one of the great wheels of the water-works at London Bridge, while it is in its swiftest motion with an ebb-tide, stay there five minutes, and come out again with safety, though not without accident, in a different part from that in which he went in: and afterwards walk one mile within an hour, on condition that the lower bucket of the wheel is two feet distance from the river bottom."—(Times, Sept. 11, 1797.)
These water-wheels which were situated where Fishmongers Hall now stands, were commenced in 1582, by a Dutchman, named Peter Moritz, or Morrice, with one wheel. Hatton, in his "New View of London," published in Queen Anne's time, says, "besides the old work erected by Mr. Morris, the New, placed in the 4th Arch of the Bridge, consists of 2 Wheels with 7 Engines, set up about the year 1702, so that there are in all 13 engines. They are the contrivance of that great English Engineer Mr. Sorocold, whereby the Thames Water is raised from the N. end of the Bridge, to a very great altitude, by which means, many parts of the City, &c., are served with the Thames Water."
THE THEATRE.
Our forefathers were fond of the Theatre, and patronised it nightly. They were exacting as to the quality of the acting represented before them, and that very exigeance procured them what they wanted.
In the years of which I treat, there were, in London, the following Theatres:—The King's (now Her Majesty's) in the Haymarket—Drury Lane—Covent Garden—The Theatre Royal, Haymarket—Royalty Theatre, Wells Street, Goodman's Fields—Royal Circus, St. George's Fields—Sadler's Wells—The Royal Grove, and Amphitheatre (Astley's) Westminster Bridge—afterwards Astley's Royal Saloon—and still later called, Astley's Amphitheatre of Arts. Whilst at the Lyceum in the Strand, there were Musical Entertainments, and a New Circus.
It was an age of good actors, and, taking them haphazard, we have only to glance at the following names, to prove the assertion, were it needed. Suett, who drank himself to death in 1805. John Kemble, the best tragic actor since Garrick. From an education for the priesthood, to performing with a strolling company, was a great leap—but his success was assured when, in 1783, he made his début, at Drury Lane, as Hamlet. He retired from the stage in 1817, and died in 1823. Baddeley was not a first rate actor, and I but mention him because of his bequest of Cake, and Wine, to be partaken of, annually, by the Company, in the Green room of Drury Lane, every Twelfth night. Quick was irresistibly comic—and none could see him act without laughing. He lived to a good old age (acting up to 1813), above 83—dying in the year 1831.
Edmund Kean was born in 1787, and went on the stage as soon as he could walk.—After his education at Eton, he went on the provincial boards—not playing in London, until 1814, when he played Shylock, at Drury Lane. Died 1833. Macklin, "the Jew, that Shakespeare drew," acted until he was 90—appearing, for the last time, on the occasion of his benefit, May 7, 1789. After he was dressed for Shylock, he went into the Green Room, and, seeing Mrs. Pope there, said "My dear, are you to play to-night?" "To be sure I am, Sir," she replied, "do you not see I am dressed for Portia?"—"Ah! very true; I had forgotten—but who is to play Shylock!" They got his poor old feeble mind, at last, to grasp the situation, and he went on the stage—but, after two, or three, speeches, he was obliged to give it up, and had to ask the indulgence of the audience, and beg of them to accept Mr. Ryder, as his substitute. He lived some years afterwards, till 11th July 1797—when he died, at the age of 98.
Bannister began his theatrical career at the early age of 12. At his engagement at Drury Lane, in 1779, he played tragedy, but, after the death of Edwin, he supplied his place, and played Comedy. He died 8th Nov. 1836, aged 76. Incledon was the sweetest singer of his time, and made his debut at Covent Garden in 1790—Died 1826. Elliston first appeared in London, at the Haymarket in 1796. Although he was not a famous actor, he cannot be omitted from a list of theatrical celebrities. Then, too, among the lesser stars, were Barrymore, Ryder, Johnstone, Pope, Holman and Munden—not even forgetting Delpini the famous Clown, and Scaramouch.
The Theatre.
Among the chief actresses, was Mrs. Jordan, whose real name was Dorothy Bland, who became a decided favourite, with a London audience, at her first appearance at Drury Lane, in 1785. Her connection with the Duke of Clarence, afterwards William 4th, is well known. They lived very happily together, and had ten Children, but the connection was broken off in 1811—and she was left to shift for herself. She died in 1816.
The name of Sarah Siddons is too well known to elicit any remark; as a tragedian, her equal has, probably, never been seen on an English Stage. She had a long career—from her début, at Drury Lane, in 1775, till her last appearance, in London, in 1816. Died 1831—aged 76.
Miss Farren, was a most lady-like, and elegant actress. She was tall and slim, and was caricatured as being positively scraggy—but she captivated the then Lord Derby, who, in physique was her complete antithesis, having short legs, a very corpulent body, and a hydrocephalous head. She retired from the stage before her marriage, in 1796.
Mrs. Crouch, and Mrs. Billington, the rival songstresses, were actresses, but they generally had parts assigned them, in which they could exercise their vocal powers, and they sang at Oratorios, and Concerts. Mrs. Billington did not retire from her profession until 1800. She died in 1817.
Mrs. Frances Abington first appeared before a London audience on 21st Aug. 1755, and played, with few intermissions, until 1798. After Mrs. Clive, she was the best comic actress on the English stage, and could equally play Lady Teazle, Lady Betty Modish, a Chambermaid, a Romp, or a Country girl—Died, 1815.
Mrs. Bellamy, can just claim a notice, because she died in 1788, but she left the stage in 1785. She was a tragic actress, and was reckoned equal to Mrs. Cibber.
Chief among the next rank of actresses, we must place Miss Brunton, Mrs. Martyr, and Mrs. Pope.
Thinking it would interest my readers, I have taken some portraits of the chief Actors, and Actresses, of the time, from a very rare book, and they are interesting to the present generation, as shewing the Costumes in which the plays were acted, and, which, I suppose, satisfied the æsthetic, and archæological, taste of our grandfathers.
Both audience, and press, were very outspoken in their criticisms, and, indeed, in those days, dramatic criticism was real, and had not been reduced to a fine art, as now. Take the following instance:—
"Theatre, Covent Garden. Hoadley's agreeable Comedy of The Suspicious Husband, was, last night, in general, presented here with spirit, and attended by a considerable audience. The Character of most prominent merit, as to performance, was Strickland, which Farren supported with strong emotion, and probable impression. Mrs. Abington would have represented Clarinda with more effect, if she had not directed all her share of the dialogue entirely to the audience. Pope was the Frankly, but he must take great pains before he will acquire the ease necessary for genteel Comedy. Lewis's Ranger was not sufficiently marked by the appearance of that airy dissipation which the part demands. Mrs. Wells' Jacintha was only distinguished for rustic dialect, and awkward deportment. Mrs. Bernard had the merit of being decent in Mrs. Strickland."—(The Morning Post, Jan. 3, 1788.)
The Theatre, was, then, as now, a passion with some people, and amateur theatricals were in high favour.
Mr. Macklin, as Shylock. Mr. Holman, as Richard.
"At the Blenheim Theatre, her Grace the Duchess of Marlborough attended her guests in person, and superintended the refreshments of Sandwiches, fruit and wines, which were distributed in profusion."—(Morning Post, Mar. 28, 1788.)
The Newspapers gave Theatrical Gossip—as the following, all from the Morning Post, Jan. 15, 1789, shews:—
"It has lately been a practice with one, or two, of the female performers at Drury Lane Theatre, to refuse appearing on the stage, though much after the time of commencing the play, because the boxes may not happen to be filled with fashionable visitors, regardless of any disapprobation which may arise from the impatience of the audience.
"When the New Theatre is erected for the Managers of Old Drury, it is in contemplation to fix a Clock over the Stage, where the inscription is now placed, that, if the performance should be improperly delayed, and the audience become clamorous, the Public may be informed to whom the blame should be applied."
"A whimsical incident happened the other night, at the reading of Cumberland's new Comedy. The Author, who read the piece himself, began with the Dramatis Personæ, thus, 'The Impostor, by Mr. Palmer:' A laugh occurring at this, the Author became embarrassed on seeing Mr. Palmer in the room, but, recovering himself, he added, 'being his first appearance in that character.'"
"Mrs. Jordan and Kemble, according to Green Room report, are not upon the most amicable footing. It is supposed that the lady takes advantages of her popularity to be ill when she pleases, and has refused to perform in a farce when Mrs. Siddons appears in the play, and for this modest reason, 'that she will not fill the house, and let Mrs. Siddons run away with the reputation of it.'"—(Morning Post, Mar. 10, 1789.)
We come across a curious glimpse of Mrs. Robinson—the "Perdita," (deserted by her "Florizel,") in the Morning Post, March 11, 1789.
"Perdita, the once beautiful Perdita, parades, every day, along Pall Mall, in her carriage, from which she frequently
'Casts a longing ling'ring look,'
in hopes that her charms, which, formerly, commanded the grave and the gay, may revive an attachment long since extinguished. This unhappy beauty had better try Hyde Park, if she must have a little morning air—such a daily excursion would be more serviceable to her health, than an anxious ride through Pall Mall, can be gratifying to her pride."
Theatrical Salaries were not very high—for, teste, the Morning Post, of March 13, 1789:—
"It is said that Mrs. Jordan has but Six Pounds a week. Who will venture to say, that, considering the present attraction of her talent, this is an adequate recompense?"
The Morning Post, Oct. 27, 1798, has the following two paragraphs as to behaviour at the theatres:—
"Two men in the pit at Drury Lane Theatre, last night, were so turbulent, and riotous, during the last act of Henry the Fifth, that the performance was interrupted upwards of a quarter of an hour. The audience, at last, asserted their power, and turned them disgracefully out of the Theatre. This should always be done to crush the race of disgusting puppies that are a constant nuisance at the playhouse every night."
"A box lobby puppy having insulted a gentleman at Covent Garden Theatre, on Friday night, received a very suitable drubbing. When this necessary chastisement was completed, the beater demanded satisfaction. 'Have I not thrashed you to your heart's content?' said the gentleman. The other replied, with great simplicity, 'Sir, that is no satisfaction to me.'"
Mr. Pope, as Hotspur. Mr. Johnstone as Apollo.
Fancy our modern Royal Family, on their visits to the Theatre—joining heartily in the choruses, and witnessing slang dances: yet so it was in 1793.
"The very pleasant Comedy of Notoriety was, yesterday evening, performed before their Majesties, the three elder Princesses, and a very brilliant house. Some well-timed songs introduced into the pantomime of Harlequin's Museum, gave the audience an opportunity of testifying their loyalty to the King, and attachment to both her Majesty, and her family, who joined heartily in the choruses. We never saw them better entertained. But surely the Slang dance which is introduced might be very properly omitted:—it is too vulgar for so elegant, and well conducted, a theatre."—(Times, Feb. 5, 1793.)
"The private boxes at the Haymarket Theatre are so thinly partitioned, that we are surprised any person should deem them proper places to recapitulate domestic bickerings."—(Times, Feb. 6, 1793.)
The following is apropos of Mrs. Jordan:—
"Performers at the Theatres are now paid more liberally than heretofore. We are sorry when their public conduct gives reason for complaint. As the frequenters of them are their support, it will ever be necessary, in the public, to bring them to a proper sense of their situation. It is only by this means the conductors of our entertainments can have any sway over them."—(Times, Mar. 10, 1793.)
"Brandenburgh House Theatricals.
"The opening of the New Theatre, belonging to the Margrave of Anspach's Villa, at Hammersmith, took place on Thursday evening, with an entertainment the most costly, and at the same time, the most tasty, and elegant, we ever remember to have witnessed. The Prince of Wales, who was present, declared he had never seen anything more splendid, and handsomely conducted. The Theatre is built at a short distance from the house, between which there is a communication by means of a colonnade. The outside appearance rather resembles an old Gothic building, than a Temple devoted to the Muses. The inside is prettily fitted up, but the ceiling is too low for the size of it.
"The performance opened by a prelude: after which a little piece was represented, entitled Fanfan and Colas, the characters by the Margravine, young Keppel Craven, Mons. and Medame Texier, and Count d'Alet, Lord High Chamberlain of the Household. The third petite piece was a very humorous dialogue called Le Poulet, between Mrs. Hobart, as an English servant maid, and Mons. Le Texier, as a French Valet. Both were inquisitive after news: the one told all the chit chat of the town in her English dialect: the other told the great exploits going forward in France, in French. Mrs. Hobart played her part to admiration, and very aptly introduced, among other things, the story of her own public Fete, last summer, at Ham, where the torrents of rain poured down, in such abundance, as to turn all her fine creams into poor milk and water.
"The supper, after the play, was magnificent in the extreme, and consisted of a profusion of all the delicacies of the season. Besides Soups, and every dainty meat, there were pine apples, new grapes, cherries, strawberries, &c.
"After the supper, there was a Masquerade, and Ball, which was quite unexpected to the Company. The Margravine had provided new dresses for all the company, and the Ladies, and Gentlemen, each dressed in separate rooms. The Duke of Clarence changed his dress seven different times, and greatly added to the hilarity of the entertainment. The Prince was in a domino."—(Times, April 27, 1793.)
"It having been observed, in some public prints, that the Hon. Mrs. Twisleton was the first female of fashion who had made the stage her profession, it is but justice to notice, that Mrs. Holman (the ci-devant Mrs. Hughes) who made her debut in Dublin, some years since, has a priority to public notice on this account: if real rank by birth, education, and fortune, give a title to distinction, if admission to the first orders of fashionable society have pretensions, the friends of that Lady have certainly a right to enter her claims on this subject."—(Times, Feb. 13, 1794.)
Mr. Quick as Scrub; Mr. Ryder as Falstaff.
Kemble, as Hamlet; Kemble, as Lear.
OPENING OF NEW DRURY.
"Public curiosity, which has long been on the tip-toe of expectation, was yesterday gratified by the opening of this superb edifice, under the immediate management of Mr. Kemble, whose approved talents well entitle him to so flattering a mark of distinction. Of this Theatre, language must be inadequate to give even a faint idea of the effect it produces on the spectator, at his entré: nor does the first impression in the least diminish from a more minute examination into its structure, and decorations: the whole forming a happy combination of the gay, and the grand. The Stage, fitted as it was for an Oratorio, presented a nouvelle, and pleasing, prospect. The representation of a Gothic Cathedral, with the 'Long sounding Isle,' and
'Storied windows richly dight
Casting a dim religious light,'
was admirably adapted to suit with the solemnity appertaining to sacred selections.
"From the opening of the doors, to the first crash of the band, most able in all its movements, the satisfaction and delight of the audience was expressed by repeated, and increasing, plaudits—encouraged not a little by the care, and attention, evinced by the Proprietors, for the convenience of the public, in the approaches to the House—in every respect answering to the magnificence, and accommodation, within. Independent of the attraction, long, very long, to be expected from the novelty, as well as beauty, of the New Drury, some credit ought to be given to that which must ever have its weight with the people at large, as well as amateurs—a numerous, and well appointed, set of vocal performers. The names of Harrison, Storace, Kelly, Crouch, and Dignum, are too proverbial for excellence in their several lines, to need our eulogium. Miss Leake, whose unaffected correctness of style, and melody of tone, must shortly place her deservedly high in her profession, may also be deemed almost as powerful an acquisition as Miss Parke, at the other House. Mr. Meredith, from Liverpool, possesses a fine deep volume of voice, which he exerted to great advantage. This Gentleman, we recollect some years since at Ranelagh, and, if we are not very much mistaken, at the Little Theatre, as the Prodigal Son of Dr. Arnold's charming Oratorio.
"Giornovici's Concerto would have gone off much better, had the subject not been so tedious. This is a fault we have too often cause to find with Concerto Performers, who frequently give us too much of a good thing. His mode of introduction was particularly awkward—some other might be contrived than pitching him upon a plank, brought in at the hazard of discomfiting the head dresses, or breaking the noses of the ladies in the Orchestra.
"The sound was rather too redundant, in general, and the language of the Gods, now and then, too plainly heard in the pit; but, as it arises merely from the freshness of the building, this inconvenience will gradually be amended.
"The Prince of Wales was with Mrs. Fitzherbert, and Mr. Sheridan, in the box appropriated to his Royal Highness. Lord Thurlow sat, apparently well pleased, in the box beneath. Mr. and Mrs. Kemble, Mrs. Siddons, and Sir Francis Bourgeois, saw that all was well, in one of the orchestra boxes.
"From the frequent encores, the Selection was not over till a late hour. The usual cry of 'take care of your pockets' on quitting the Theatre, was superfluous: for Townsend attended to keep a 'wary eye;' so the pickpockets, of course, found it impracticable to make any 'palpable hits.'"—(Times, March 13, 1794.)
Mrs. Bellamy, taken at the Age of 30; Mrs. Abington as Lappet.
"Miss Farren has left London for Dublin where she is to perform 12 nights. The terms of her engagement, are £500, and a clear benefit. It is not true that she takes Derby in her route."—(Times, June 26, 1794.)
"The high demands made by some Actresses on the Management of Theatres, are so exorbitant, that we trust they will not be complied with. Mrs. Jordan, and Storace, have demanded, the first, £30, and the latter, £20, a night. Much as we admire the abilities of each on the stage, yet we know, from experience, that the higher the salaries of some performers are, the more they are prone to disrespect the public, and to give themselves insufferable airs."—(Times, Oct. 4, 1794.)
Storace has come down to the terms of her last engagement, and they are adequate to her abilities. The ci-devant Princess of Petersham still holds out: but it is thought that want of ammunition will occasion her soon to capitulate. When the theatre was opened in Goodman's fields a first rate actress thought herself amply paid with forty shillings per week: but, now, a first rate actress has the conscience to demand forty pounds Per night."—(Times, Oct. 9, 1794.)
"Mrs. Jordan has at last condescended to descend to her former situation in the Theatre, at her former salary."—(Times, Oct. 18, 1794.)
"The popular Dramatist, in his rage for hunting down the follies of the day, we hope will not forget to be in at the death of our masculine women of fashion. Their hunting, shooting, driving, cricketing, faroing, and skating, present a monstrous chaos of absurdity, not only making day, and night, hideous, but the sex itself equivocal. Lady men, or men ladies, 'you'll say 'tis Persian, but let it be changed.'"—(Times, Oct. 18, 1794.)
"Much has been said upon the Bath Fracas, but the circumstance has never yet been explained. It is briefly this: The Hon. Mrs. Twisleton was at the Ball-room, and stood up to dance: she stickled a little for precedence as an Honorable: the Master of the Ceremonies began to object to her dancing at all, as a Public Performer. Her partner instanced a Performer, M. Yanievitz, who was in the constant habit of appearing there. The Master of the Ceremonies went up to this amiable, and distinguished, foreigner, and intimated that his appearance there was thought too frequent, by the Subscribers. Mr. Yanievitz, demanded who had given the Master of Ceremonies this intimation: a satisfaction which was refused. Next morning Mr. Yanievitz wrote a proper letter to the M. C. expressive of his sentiments upon this occasion.
"A meeting of subscribers was called, and they resolved, that, in future, no Public Performer, of any description, should be permitted to appear in any of the Public rooms."—(Times, March 4, 1795.)
"Annual tickets, and orders are accompanied with a very great inconvenience: the side boxes are filled, at present, with butlers, and valets-de-chambre. It is not that these persons conduct themselves amiss, but they deter gentlemen from entering, whose appearance might prove distressing to them."—(Times, Sept. 26, 1795.)
"On an information being likely to be made against many of the performers in both Theatres, on the Act against profane cursing, and swearing—it became a question, as the Act is a discriminating one, whether they swore as gentlemen: when it was decided that they should be treated according to the Character they personified."—(Times, Dec. 17, 1795.)
"The Theatres were shut on Saturday evening, to commemorate, with the greater solemnity, the Martyrdom of King Charles."—(Times, Feb. 1, 1796.)
Drury Lane Theatre has not experienced a riot so wild, and unappeasable, as that of Tuesday evening, since the Blackamoor Washed White, of famous memory. The Entertainments advertised for the night's amusements were three. The Smugglers, having nothing contraband on board, was not only suffered to pass, but was hailed with three cheers:—The Virgin Unmasked had her admirers—but the Deserter was mauled most dreadfully—for Young Welsh had permitted a new Skirmish to make his debut, as Suett phrased it: and, being a miserable wretch, when the audience expressed a disapprobation, the Performers, to shorten the ridicule, shortened the scenes, which on such occasions, is usual, and prudent—but, the curtain dropping at ten minutes past ten, created a violent burst of indignation. Kelly first attempted to enquire the wishes of John Bull, and expressed himself, in the name of the Performers, ignorant of how he was disobliged. All striving to be heard, none, of course, could be so, and he retired. Uproar still increased, and, after near half an hour of this din, Suett made his appearance, and apologised for the badness of the stage struck hero, but he was soon given to understand, that that was not the cause of the Row, but that the audience expected to have the "Deserter" played wholly over again. Mr. S., after "looking as queer as a quartern of soap after a week's wash," expressed his concern that many of the Performers were gone, and the stage lights out, but this was the cause of fresh howlings, and as somebody cried out, 'God save the King,' he promised to send as many of the Orchestra, as could be found. In five minutes this popular hymn was received with acclamation. The curtain drew up, and all the Performers in the Theatre sung it. The curtain again dropt amid violent tumults which continued, and increased. Again Mr. Suett appeared, and declared 'how much hurt the Proprietors were at any part of the Performance being omitted: that it was without their concurrence, or even knowledge, and that such a circumstance should never happen again.' This rather mollified the audience, and many dispersed at a quarter past 11. Almost the whole of the lights in the house had been long extinguished: and some of the benches were torn up."—(Times, May 13, 1796.)
Mrs. Siddons as Andromache; Mrs. Jordan as Viola.
"On Thursday last a ludicrous fracas took place in one of the boxes of the first circle, at Drury Lane Theatre. A gentleman, finding himself much incommoded by the heat, had recourse to his smelling-bottle. One of the fighting lobby loungers, who stood close to him, took offence at the scent, and desired him to put it up. The demand not being obeyed, an altercation ensued, which ended with the customary etiquette of Boabdil's presenting his card, and desiring his antagonist's, in return. The card was accepted, but the only notice taken of it, was a formal offer of the smelling-bottle. This retort completely disconcerted the would-be Duellist, who found himself so unexpectedly taken by the nose, and the affair concluded with a general laugh at the impertinence of the offender."—(Times, Oct. 7, 1797.)
"The indecent behaviour of the Box-lobby loungers, becomes, every day, more disorderly, and offensive. Two of this contemptible class, who frequent the Theatre, merely to interrupt the performance, and disturb the audience, quarrelled, on Tuesday night, at Drury-Lane house, and, regardless of every kind of decorum, stripped in the lobby, and decided their dispute à la Mendoza. We trust that the timely interference of peace officers will prevent, for the future, a conduct so degrading to society, and so reproachful to public manners."—(Times, Oct. 18, 1798.)
Cant phrases, and catch words, have been in use on the stage for many years, Paul Bedford's sonorous "I believe you my Bo-o-o-o-y," and Lionel Brough's "That's the sort of man I am," being illustrations of the fact. Something like these, tickles the fancy of the audience, and, in very little time, the phrase is all over the town, and in everybody's mouth.
"Knight's cant phrase of 'That accounts for it,' is pleasantly made use of in the new Farce at Covent Garden. Bond St. Bobbies have, all, their different cant phrases, indeed, they must say something, and have no other talents for conversation, so 'that accounts for it.'"—(Times, Dec. 5, 1798.)
Mrs. Billington, as Rosetta; Mrs. Martyr, as Euphrosyne.
"Cant Phrases.
"Our Dramatic Authors have lately amused themselves, and the Public, with cant phrases, instead of character, 'That's your fort'—'Keep moving'—&c. Young Dibdin, in his Jew and Doctor, seems to have hit upon the happiest cant, imaginable; 'That accounts for it,' which seems applicable in almost all cases.
"There is no opposition to Government, in the House of Commons—for a change of Ministry would ruin the country—that accounts for it.
"A very great Personage pays no regard to Lovers' Vows: he has been disgusted with a German translation—that accounts for it.
"Buonaparte wishes to return to Paris, though he should go thither as naked as the back of his hand; he prefers soup-maigre to water melons—that accounts for it.
"Women complain of the want of Gallantry in men, though the modern dress shows more than enough to excite passion, but—that accounts for it.
"This cant phrase would comprehend all the science of Logic, if properly used, and appropriately designed. It might be amplified, in the present instance, to any length of space, but exemplification breaks off because ne quid nimis—that accounts for it."—(Times, Dec. 14, 1798.)
"The mania of private acting, rages with more fury than ever. There are, at present, no less than six Private Theatres, in the Cities of Westminster, and London. This is a kind of amusement which, on the ground of morality, should be 'more honoured in the breach than the observance,' and calls for the interference of the Magistracy."—(Times, Dec. 26, 1798.)
"During the representation of the play of Macbeth, at a Provincial Theatre, some nights since, an incident occurred, which totally disconcerted all the gravity of the Tragic Muse. In the Banquet Scene, Banquo's murderer was, by some untoward accident, missing, and the business of the drama was threatened with suspension, when in the exigency of the moment, an ignorant candle-snuffer was pushed forward to tell the horrible tale:—on seeing him, Macbeth, who had been motionless with confusion, and embarrassment, burst from his state of torpor, and exclaimed, 'There's blood upon thy face!' 'Is there by G—,' cried the astonished clown, and clapping his hands to his cheek, with a mixture of anger, and alarm, continued, 'Then that domn'd blunt razor has cutten me agen.'"—(Times, Jan. 7, 1799.)
A notice of the Stage, of this time, would be incomplete, if Ireland's impudent forgery of "Vortigern and Rowena," were not mentioned. It was supposed to be an undiscovered play of Shakespeare's, and, with many other Shakespearean forgeries, was fabricated by W. H. Ireland, who is classed as follows:—
"Four forgers born in one prolific age,
Much critical acumen did engage:
The first[6] was soon, by doughty Douglas, scar'd,
Tho' Johnson would have screen'd him, had he dar'd.
The next had all the cunning of a Scot;[7]
The third, invention, genius,—may, what not?[8]
Fraud, now exhausted, only could dispense
To her fourth son, their threefold impudence."
Sheridan believed in the play, and engaged with Samuel Ireland, the father of the forger, to pay down £300, and half the profits of the first 60 nights. It was produced at Drury Lane Theatre, on 2 Ap. 1796, Kemble, playing Vortigern. He was an unbeliever in the authenticity of the MS., and, certainly, did not attempt to uphold it by his acting. In fact he burst the bubble, altogether, in the fifth Act, by emphasising, with much meaning, the words, "And when this solemn mockery is o'er," that the audience caught at it, and, amidst a chorus of yells, and hisses, the play was utterly condemned. W. H. Ireland soon afterwards confessed all his forgeries.
Miss Brunton, as Juliet; Miss Field, as Ariel.
OPERA AND BALLET.
If there were good Actors, in those days, there were also good singers, traditions of whom have lasted until our time. Of course, they were fewer than the Actors, because there was but one Opera—and the operas, then in vogue, required but a very limited number of artists.
Still, the names of several of the prime donne are yet remembered, and the names of Mara, Storace, and Crouch will always live in the annals of song.
Elizabeth Mara, whose maiden name was Schmelling, was born at Cassel in 1750. She commenced her musical education by playing on the violin, but, subsequently, finding she had a good voice, she devoted herself to its cultivation, and so far succeeded, as even to earn unqualified approbation, and applause, from Frederick the Great—who was, as a rule, absolutely indifferent to Music. She first came to England, in 1784, and chiefly resided here till 1802; when she retired to Moscow, where she had property, which, however, was destroyed at the French Invasion, and destruction of the city, in 1812, and she was reduced to poverty. She then went to reside at Revel, where her old friends kindly helped to support her. She came once more to London, in 1819, and gave a Concert—but her voice was gone, and this was her last effort. She went back to Revel, where she died, in 1833, aged 84.
At the Opera; At Church.
The Celebrated Mademoiselle G—m—rd,
or Grimhard from Paris.
Anne, Selina Storacé, was born in England, and was sister of the celebrated Composer. She was an excellent actress, a beautiful singer, and was universally popular. She died in 1814.
Of Mrs. Crouch, née Phillips, I have already written, slightly, as an Actress. She was born in 1763, and went early on the stage, making her début, at Drury Lane, in the play of "The Lord of the Manor," in 1780, so that she was but 17. In 1784, she went to Ireland, where her admirers were numerous, and some most passionate. One young man, whose affection she did not return, declared he would shoot both her, and himself—and went to the theatre, ostensibly to carry out his threat, but he was ejected from the building, and, ultimately, left the country.
But there was, about this time, a very romantic episode in her life. She was loved by a young man, heir to a title, and fortune, and she returned his love. Naturally, under the circumstances, his family had higher matrimonial aims for him, so the young people had no other course open to them, than a clandestine Marriage. They were even before the Altar, of a Roman Catholic Chapel, but the priest refused to marry them, on hearing the name of the bridegroom, unless he had his father's consent. No priest could be found to marry them, for the lover was under age, so the love lorn couple eloped, hoping, at some seaside port to find a ship for Scotland. They were followed by both irate fathers, Mr. Phillips having informed the other. The lovers were separated, but history is silent as to whether they ever met again.
After she got over this disappointment, which took some time, she married Lieutenant Crouch of the Navy,—good looking, but dissipated, and spendthrift.—Of course the marriage was not a happy one, and they parted:
Her voice was exquisitely sweet, and she was a most graceful actress. She kept her hold on the public, and was on the stage until a short time before her death, in 1805.
The names of Incledon, and Braham, have only to be mentioned, to recall their vocal triumphs.
Benjamin Charles Incledon, was the son of a surgeon—and was born at St. Keveran, in Cornwall, in 1764. He made his first appearance, in London, in 1790—when he played in "The poor Soldier." He, at once, became a public favourite, and so continued until his retirement from the stage, which was some time before his death, in 1826. His acting was clumsy, and ungraceful, but his sweet voice rendered him unequalled in ballad singing, which was his especial forte.
John Braham, (or more correctly Abraham,) was born of Jewish parents, in London, A.D. 1774. Early left an orphan, he was brought up by Leoni, a celebrated Italian Singer, and so well taught by him, was he, that he came out, as a public vocalist, before he was eleven years old, when he sang bravura songs, which had been written for Madame Mara. After singing, both in English, and Italian, Opera, he went to Italy—and, after his return, he appeared at Covent Garden, in 1801. He died in 1856.
Michael Kelly was both composer, and singer, but he cannot take rank with either Incledon, or Braham. He made his first appearance on the stage of the Metropolis, at Drury Lane, in 1787. He composed elegant, and pretty, airs, and he sang nicely, but many of his compositions are said to have had their origin in Italian, and German, sources. This gave rise to a bon mot of Sheridan's, when he heard that Kelly had turned wine merchant—he suggested that, over his door, should be painted, "Michael Kelly, composer of wine, and importer of music." Died 1826.
Ballet at the King's Theatre,—Pantheon,—1791.
Far more eminent than he, as composers, were Arnold, Shield, Storacé, Linley, and Jackson.
Samuel Arnold, Mus. Doc., was born in 1740—and had the advantage of studying music under Nares. He was, during his lifetime, both organist to the King, and to Westminster Abbey, wrote several Oratorios, and published selections of sacred music—but it is as a composer for the theatre, that we have to consider him. When only twenty-three years of age, he was appointed composer to Covent Garden Theatre, and his earliest operas were there produced. In 1776, he filled the same position with regard to the Haymarket, and this versatile genius composed Operas, and Oratorios, until his death in 1802.
William Shield (born in 1754) carved his own way up to the eminence, which he enjoyed, in his profession. Apprenticed to a boatbuilder, he gave up that business, as soon as he was out of his time: and, being musical, and, playing well on the violin, he soon obtained a situation at Scarborough, as leader of Concerts there, and gained such a reputation, that he was offered, and accepted, the position of first Viola, at the Italian Opera House. His first theatrical work was composing the Music, (in 1778), to "The Flitch of Bacon." He wrote the music for many other plays—and, on the death of Sir W. Parsons, he gained the appointment of "Master of his Majesty's Musicians in ordinary." He died in 1829.
In spite of his foreign name, Stephen Storacé, was born in England, although of Italian parentage. He was early sent to Italy, and studied at the Conservatorio of St. Onophris, at Naples, in 1787, being then 24 years of age. He returned to England, and, soon afterwards, was appointed Composer to Drury Lane; and, up to his death, in 1796, he was actively engaged on Operas, &c.
Thomas Linley received his musical education from Chilcott, the organist at Bath. One of his daughters, Eliza, married Sheridan, and, soon after the production of his first theatrical essay, "The Duenna," he became joint patentee, with his son-in-law, in Drury Lane Theatre, and, leaving Bath, went to reside in London. There, he wrote for the Stage, and composed many operas, besides songs, madrigals, &c. He received a severe shock, when his son was drowned, in 1778—and, although he lived till 1795, he never recovered from it.
William Jackson (whose Te Deum is, or was, such a favourite), was born, at Exeter, in 1730, and was afterwards Organist to the Cathedral of that city. He did not write much for the Stage, preferring sacred music, songs, and canzonets.
The following paragraph shows a curious state of things at the Opera:—
"When the Gallery at the Opera House, on Saturday night, expressed its disapprobation of the crowded stage, Sir John Gallini!!![9] who was part of that crowd, very modestly declared, that, unless the gentlemen behind the scenes left the House, there would be no Opera.—But, upon being asked where the half guineas should remain, if the gentlemen retired, this shark for words recanted his former assertion, and, very composedly, swallowed the gilded pill."—(Morning Post, Apr. 10, 1788.)
The Operatical Finale to the Ballet of "Alonzo e Caro."
The same paper (15 Ap. 1788) in its Notice "to Correspondents" rather injures him with its forbearance. "The various articles sent to this paper against Mr. Gallini, previous to his Benefit, we have uniformly refused to insert, being unwilling to injure a POOR MAN, at so important a period."
"How we are ruined! Bruni, the new singer, has 1400 guineas, Mara 1000, and a benefit, and Millerd, 1000 for the present Opera season."—(Times, Febr. 16, 1793.)
"Haymarket Opera. Almost all the subscribers, in Town, graced the Boxes, with the Prince of Wales, and Duke of Clarence, at the head of the list. The Pit had some pretty, as well as well dressed, women; but we were sorry to observe several of the gentlemen in round hats, and many of them slovenly to a degree, descending even to boots. This ought not to be permitted."—(Times, Jan. 13, 1794.)
OPERA.
"Il Capriccio Dramatico, considerably curtailed, on Saturday, again introduced Signora Negri, and her reception was again most flatteringly favorable. The Burletta has to boast some very beautiful music, and the Finale in particular is much indebted to the exertions of the performers. So far, all was peace, and harmony. Would we could say the same of Don Giovanni, whose reception was, throughout, disapproved. So determined an opposition to this kind of entertainment we have never witnessed: and, indeed, some of the occurrences were so peculiarly striking, as to baffle all description. Several blows passed in the pit; and one gentleman, who was remarkably forward in having a slap at Don Juan, got a slap in the face from an enraged amateur, who, perhaps, would have been better employed in beating time. In short, till the fall of the curtain, Morelli's pretty Venetian Ballad, excepted, which gained an encore, all was noise and uproar; and the scene of Hell, magnificent, and terrific, as it was, had so far the characteristic accompanyment of groans, not of the damned, but of those troubled spirits who wished to torment the Manager.
"The Procession was totally omitted, and several other judicious alterations made, but, as the sense of the subscribers, as well as the public, seems decidedly against a repetition of this Opera, we have no doubt but the Manager will submit, respectfully, to their fiat—comforting himself with the reflection, that his liberal exertions deserve—though it is not always in the power of mortals to command—success.
"The Opposition to the new Opera of Don Giovanni, on Saturday night, is said to have been preconcerted: and it was known in the morning of that day that there was to be a riot. In one part of the Pit, the disturbance became so serious, that two Gentlemen called each other out, and agreed to meet, as yesterday morning. Sir W. H. was at the head of the opposition party. In justice to the Manager of the Opera, it should be recollected by those who are dissatisfied with the present company of performers, that the same unprecedented circumstances which prevented several Dancers from leaving France, also deterred several singers from coming from Italy, as they must pass through a part of France. This inconvenience is only of a temporary nature, and cannot be prevented. In the meantime, the subscribers, and the public, have the most magnificent, as well as the most commodious, theatre in Europe to resort to."—(Times, Mar. 10, 1794.)
"Tweedle dum, and Tweedle twee—the Soprano, and Tenor, of the Italian Opera are objects equally important, no doubt, in the eye of the public. Instead of high notes they have gone to high words. Signor Tenor, not having taken the precaution to soap his nose,—Signor Soprano got fast hold, and gave it a musical shake, not perfectly in unison with the feelings of the tenor, who, now, if he wishes to sleep in a whole skin, will, no doubt, alter the tenor of his conduct!!"—(Times, Jan. 14, 1795.)
"The Opera.—The Public are acquainted, that on Saturday se'nnight there was a violent disturbance at the Opera House, in consequence of the Subscribers shewing great dissatisfaction at the want of novelty in the Performances. The Manager, having understood that the greatest clamour came from the Boxes of the Countess Spencer, and Mr. Pole, Mr. Taylor (a few days since) sent a letter to her Ladyship, and Mr. Pole, saying, that as they were not satisfied with the Performances, he desired to return them their subscription money, which he did. The Subscribers have taken up this business, which they consider as a gross affront, and disrespect, and yesterday there was a meeting of them at the Thatched House Tavern, the result of which we have not learnt. We are sorry that there should be any misunderstanding respecting an Entertainment, where harmony only ought to prevail: and, we are equally concerned, that the Manager should, so indiscreetly, send such a letter to Lady Spencer, who is the last person in the world who would be suspected of any impropriety of behaviour, for, a Lady of greater accomplishments, and more unaffected manners, is not to be found in the whole circle of Nobility."[10]—(Times, Febr. 20, 1795.)
"The excuse for the rows, in a certain box, at the Opera, is, that the Gentlemen come in tipsy. This is an excuse, (whether good, or bad, we will not determine) for the Gentlemen. But, as we take for granted the Ladies are not tipsy, pray what excuse is to be offered them?"—(Times, Dec. 26, 1796.)
Mdlle. Parisot.
The Ballet does not receive so much attention in the public press, as the Opera—and, as far as I know, there are no means of getting at the biographies of the premieres danseuses.
The first of note during this period is Mdlle. Guimard, who was then playing in the ballet of "Ninette." It is just possible that there may be a suspicion of caricature in the illustration.
The Ballet was a special feature at the Pantheon Theatre (the site of which is now occupied by Messrs. W. & A. Gilbey of Oxford Street), which was built as a counter attraction to Carlisle House, then popularly conducted by Madame Cornelys, of whom more anon.
"The Pas Trois, introduced into the Ballet at the Opera House on Tuesday night, for the first time, had a very pretty effect. It goes to the tune of 'God save the King,' and is intended as a compliment to his Majesty."—(Times, Feb. 16, 1793.)
"Simonet, the dancer, and Grenier, who keeps the hotel in Jermyn Street, were, last week, ordered to depart the kingdom."[11]—(Times, March 26, 1793.)
The centre figure in this illustration is M. Didelot—and the danseuse on the left, is Miss Rose, an English-woman, who was not bewitchingly handsome, though a good ballerina. The lady on the right is probably Mdlle. Parisot.
"The OPERA.—The mania of expectation was, on Saturday night, at the very acme of curiosity. The Pit was so crowded even before the drawing up of the curtain, that it was not possible to edge another face into the area. Stars, garters, feathers, and turbans, were so jumbled, and intermixed, at the doors, that all sex and identity were indistinguishable. The stage itself was crammed on all sides, and in such a manner, as to render the shifting of the scenery 'a work of labour, and a service of danger.' So eager, indeed, was the desire of seeing Didelot and Rose, that the wings were crowded with Ladies. Amongst those Ladies who thus made their first appearance on the stage, we heard some very respectable, and titled names.
"The new Ballet of Les Trois Sultanes taken from Marmontel Hillisberg, is the 'Cock-nosed English-woman,' yet while we remember Abingdon and Jordan in Roxalana, with all the roguishness of language, mere action must appear dull, and unentertaining. It were injustice, to be sure, to decide what effect the Ballet might have produced, could it have been fairly exhibited: but the stage was so very full, that figure dancers could scarce round a horse-shoe to trip in, and no performer could make an exit. Didelot and Rose appeared again in the Ballet, lugged in without character, merely to shew themselves. We hope that some Ballet will be got up wherein they may display the fulness of those powers, and talents, which the great world allow them to possess."—(Times, Feb. 22, 1796.)
"The Stage at the Opera is so crowded, that Madame Rose, in throwing up her fine muscular arm into a graceful attitude, inadvertently levelled three men of the first quality at a stroke."—(Times, May 9, 1796.)
Durham Mustard too powerful for Italian Capers—1798.
Mdlle. Parisot.
The length of Mdlle. Parisot's skirts would have delighted the Bishop of Durham (Shute Barrington), who was much exercised in his mind, in 1798, as to the brevity of those worn by the ladies of the ballet. He seems to have entered into a crusade against the ballet, before he made his memorable speech in the House of Lords, on 2nd March, 1798—for the next illustration is dated January in that year.
It was, however, on the occasion of the second reading of Esten's divorce bill, that the wrath of the Right Reverend Father in God, fairly boiled over, and the Times of 3rd March, reports him to have spoken thus. "He considered it a consequence of the gross immoralities, imported of late years, into this kingdom, from France; the Directory of which country, finding that they were not able to subdue us by their arms, appeared as if they were determined to gain their ends by destroying our morals. They had sent over persons to this country, who made the most indecent exhibitions on our Theatres; exhibitions which would not have been allowed even in France; and which, so far from being allowable in a Christian Country, would have disgraced the ancient Theatres of Athens and Rome.
"It was his intention to move, on some future day, that an Address be presented to his Majesty, beseeching him to order all such persons out of the Kingdom, as people who were likely to destroy our morality, and religion; and who were very probably, in the pay of France."
This tirade made him a fitting subject for the Caricaturists, and they did not forget him.
In a picture by Gillray, 14th Mar. 1798, "Operatical Reform, or La Danse à l'Evêque," we recognise Miss Rose, on the extreme right of the three ladies, who have little other covering for their bodies but the episcopal apron and lawn sleeves. At the foot, is this verse—
"'Tis hard for such new-fangled orthodox rules,
That our Opera troupe should be blamed;
Since, like our first Parents, they only (poor fools!)
Danced naked, and were not ashamed."
And there was yet another amusing Caricature of the Prelate, in connection with this subject. In July 1798, Gillray published a picture of "More short Petticoats, or the Highland Association under Episcopal Examination." The Bishop is accompanied by Lord Salisbury, the then Lord Chamberlain, and inspects the Kilts of three Highlanders, who assure him "You'll find them exactly according to the rules of the Highland Association." But the Bishop's modesty is blushing violently, and he replies "Don't tell me of rules, I say it's abominable! It's about half a foot too short according to the opera Standard. Bring the large breeches directly; why, the figurantes would be ashamed of it."
Ecclesiastical Scrutiny.—or—the Durham Inquest on Duty.—1798
MASQUERADES, CONCERTS, &c.
Masquerades were introduced into England by Henry 8th, but, perhaps, at no time were they so fashionable, as during the latter half of the 18th Century, although they do not always seem to have been successful. The Morning Post, Feb. 6, 1788, speaks of a Masquerade at the Opera House, thus:—"The Supper and Wines were consistent with the well known parsimonious principle of the conductor, the provision being very unequal to the appetite, and number, of the guests. The music was very indifferent." Thus we see that these amusements were not of equal quality, and the Critics did not fear to say what they thought of them.
"Pantheon, Jan. 26, 1788. The Nobility and Gentry are respectfully acquainted that the First Masqued Ball, at this place, will be on Thursday next, the 31st Instant. There will be a Supper as usual, with Wines, &c. Tickets at One Guinea each may be had at the Office."—(Morning Post, Jan. 26, 1788.)
This Masquerade seemed to be very popular.
"The Prince's visit to the Brandenburgh-house Masquerade was to have been in female habiliments; but the shortness of the notice did not allow time for preparing them, and neither the shoes, corsette, nor robe, of Mrs. Vanneck, for which his Royal Highness sent, could be made capacious enough for a momentary covering. The sailor's habit was, therefore, adopted without any preparation for the character. The Margravine's Masqued Ball produced many whimsical events, but none more than that from a character representing Acteon, who, in brandishing a huge pair of antlers, run full butt against a French looking-glass of 300 guineas value, and smashed it to pieces. The Margrave being near, endeavoured to give the accident a pleasant turn, by remarking in German 'that there could be no jollity where they let the glass stand.'"—(Times, March 1, 1794.)
"The MASQUERADE.
"The entertainment given by the Manager of the Opera House, on Monday night, was the best attended of any we have seen for many years, and fully answered the expectations that had been formed of it. The space allotted, however, large as it was, with the addition of the new room, and another above stairs, was by no means sufficient for so large a company: and the pressure of the crowd rendered the rooms insufferably hot, as well as prevented the masks from appearing to advantage. For so large an assembly, there were fewer masks than usual, but the hilarity of the company made amends for this deficiency. The Prince of Wales was in a black domino, arm-in-arm with Captain Churchill, and Lord George Conway; the Duke of Clarence was the whole evening with Mrs. Jordan in a private box upstairs. Michael Angelo Taylor was dressed in women's cloaths, but was less talkative than usual. The supper was extremely well conducted, and the provisions better than usual. The refreshments were also liberally supplied. There were about 2700 persons in the rooms, and among them some of the prettiest women in town."—(Times, March 5, 1794.)
"MASQUERADE AT THE OPERA HOUSE.
"On Thursday night, for the first time this season, there was a grand masquerade at this House, which was very numerously attended, as every room was crowded, and the numbers computed at about 1600. A party of Bon-vivans, unmasked, came into the rooms about two o'clock, who had evidently made too free use of the juice of the grape. The primitive dress of one of them, who appeared to be a Quaker, did not quite accord with his manners, which were more prone to the flesh than the spirit. Although the new regulations in price is in favour of Masquerades, yet the freedom of conversation which is allowed in these motley meetings, became, on this occasion, indecent ribaldry, and licentiousness. The lowness of the price of admission was in a great measure the cause of introducing many low visitors, who made themselves obnoxious to delicacy, and good manners, by the coarsest language."—(Times, Feb. 17, 1798.)
Madame Cornelys.
There is a paragraph in the Times of August 23, 1797, whereby "hangs a tale"—
"The miserable death of Mrs. Cornelys, in the Fleet Prison, adds another melancholy instance to the catalogue of vicissitudes in what is generally termed fashionable life. She was formerly the law-giver of the circles of dissipation, and gaiety, yet closed her existence in the hospital room of the prison, in which she had obtained permission to reside, by the kindness of the Warden."
The history of Teresa Cornelys is very singular, showing how a nobody—for no one knows even from what part of Germany she came—could come here, and, by her business qualities, and tact, become a person absolutely indispensable to Society. All we know of her is that she was supposed to be a German, who had been a public singer, both in France, and Germany, and that she came over here about 1756 or 1757. Whether there was a Herr Cornelys alive, we have no knowledge—but she had a son, and daughter. That she was not bad looking, is evidenced by her portrait, which must have been taken in her declining years: that she must have been shrewd, business-like, and possessed of much savoir faire, is undeniable—for she held "Society" in her grasp, and, for a time, made it do just what she wanted.
What she did for the first five, or six years, after her coming to England is not known, but she must have been possessed of some Capital, or she could not have taken, as she did, Carlisle House—a mansion in Soho Square. Here she started a sort of fashionable Social Club, called "The Society," either in 1762, or 1763, and this was its programme. "The subscription is seven guineas for twelve nights, one ticket each, which introduces only one person, whether gentleman, or lady; but there are frequent subscriptions in the year, and two ladies may be admitted six nights on one subscription. No person can be admitted a Subscriber to this Society, but through the recommendation of a subscriber. Four ladies of quality, having each of them a book, have the joint management, direction, and choice, of the subscribers; every one's name must be entered in one of those ladies' books.
"A non-subscriber can only be admitted by a subscriber's ticket, writing his, or her name on the back; in consequence of which rule, and to avoid the possibility of improper company, their names are, immediately after the night is over, printed, and hung up in the outer room.
"The doors are opened, at 9 o'clock, of the lower rooms, which consist of six, each superior to the other; few people, however, assemble before 10, and those who profess themselves of the genteelest order, not till eleven, when they walk about, and amuse themselves with accosting their acquaintance, and forming themselves into select parties for the evening; then regaling with jellies, syllabubs, cakes, orgeat, lemonade, fruits, &c., prepared in a kind of arched shelving all round the hangings of the tea room.
"At ten, the upper flight of rooms open, which consist of two large rooms, besides a very large ball room, furnished, and hung, in the most superb taste, with an exceeding good band of music in an orchestra erected at the upper end, and rows of benches, down the sides, placed one above the other. In this room they dance country dances, but no minuets at all.
"At half-past eleven, the company in general repair to tea, and have small round tables for their separate parties.
"At twelve, the Cotillion gallery opens, with another range of seven rooms underground, which, from the vast variety of furniture and ornaments, the grandeur, and magnificence, of some, the elegant simplicity of others, together with the amazing beauty of the lights, one of the principal excellencies of the whole, form a view, on descending a perpendicular flight of stairs most sumptuously, and pleasingly, striking.
"In these lower range of rooms, the company finish the evening, the young in dancing cotillions, the others in looking on; for there are no cards, nor gaming, of any kind. At one, the company begin to separate, and continue going till four, but the major part break up about two."
By which set of rules we see that Madame Cornelys, started her establishment in the strictest propriety, whatever became of it afterwards; and these rules were strictly carried out. The rooms, on off nights, were used for other purposes; for instance, she, knowing the power of the class, gave a servants' ball; and the Old Westminster scholars held their Anniversary Meeting in her rooms.
Her prosperity excited envy, and many were the rumours set afloat, to her detriment. For instance, in 1766, it was said she owed her late cook £50, and that she had run away from her ruined creditors, to France, with many thousand pounds.
She had to contradict these reports, and said that she had, within thirteen months, spent £11,000, on the house, &c.
Concerts, both instrumental and vocal, were given at Carlisle House, and the tickets for them, which survive, are very beautiful, many of them being drawn by Cipriani, and engraved by Bartolozzi.
The Royal Family used to patronise her soirées, as did also the King of Denmark, when he visited England in 1768.
Early in 1770, she gave her first Masquerade, which immediately lowered the tone of her establishment, and was the precursor of her downfall. This was under the patronage of the "Tuesday Night's Club," and the Dukes of Gloucester, and Cumberland—besides numbers of the aristocracy of both sexes, were present, and it was a very brilliant affair.
She had another grand Masquerade on 6 February 1771, to which the price of admission was two and a half guineas. The same Royalty was present, and also the leading Nobility—Among the masques were five devils, a bear, and, worst of all bad taste, a shrouded corpse in a coffin, (said to be a brother of Colonel Luttrell), but he was, after a short time, ejected by some pseudo sailors.
The Female Coterie.
From this time her fortunes declined—she was twice fined £50 for performing Operas, under the guise of harmonic meetings, and Guadagni, her principal vocalist, had been fined £50 for singing in the same, and these musical performances were put a stop to.
But, in spite of all her enemies could do to her, she still had some friends, if we can believe the London Chronicle, 19-21 February 1771.
"A certain D——s, who is a principal promoter of the New Opera House, declared, lately, she would persist in support of Mrs. C., whatever was the consequence, 'for,' said she, 'I hate the thoughts of mixing with any body merely because they have half a guinea in their pocket; and that such scums should sit on the same bench, and think themselves on a level with the first nobility!' 'I agree with you' (says Lady A——r), 'and am grieved to think that we are, one day or other to mix in heaven with the dregs of the people.' 'God forbid' (says the D——s), 'I should ever be in such company.'"
The Subscription balls, and Masquerades still went on—and she instituted a society called "the Coterie," which had not the reputation of insisting on the strictest morality on the part of its members.
This coterie broke up. The Pantheon was built, and opened, in opposition to her. Perhaps she was extravagant, but, anyhow, from some cause or other, she became bankrupt, and was so gazetted on the 9th Nov. 1772, as a "chapwoman, and dealer in gloves." Her goods were sold in Dec. 1772, and it must have been a famous sale, as the Catalogues, to admit two, were five shillings each.
She, herself, was taken to a debtor's prison, where she could not have stopped very long, as there are advertisements of Masquerades conducted by her, at Carlisle House, in the spring and summer of 1773.
She was again a bankrupt in Dec. 1774, and Carlisle House was advertised to be sold. Still, somehow or other, she must have found friends, with money, to help her, for she issued an advertisement, 15 January 1776. "Mrs. Cornelys most respectfully takes the liberty to acquaint the nobility, and gentry, that, through the kind assistance of her friends, she is again reinstated in Carlisle House, on her own account."
But nothing could bring back her old patrons, and the social status of her masked balls got lower and lower. Worse than all, the refreshments were not so plentiful as of old, as we may see in the "Citizen's Complaint to the Priestess of Soho," which concludes thus—
"Yet fairy scenes and preparations,
With all your novel decorations,
Are diet fitter, let me tell ye,
To feed the Fancy than the Belly."
In 1778, Carlisle House was again to be sold, but still Madame Cornelys, somehow, kept her clutches on it. She established an "Academy of Sciences and Belles Lettres"—a Library with Newspapers, &c.—and a debating society, open to both Sexes. This "School of Eloquence" collapsed in 1781. Scientific lectures, Joseph Borouwlaski, the Polish Dwarf, and some more Masquerades, were all tried, but without avail, to resuscitate her fallen fortunes. It was said that she gave four and a half Masquerades, the half being accounted for, by the fact that no license had been taken out, and the masquers were ejected.
After 1782 Carlisle House seems to have been shut up; on 28 June 1785, Christie sold the furniture, China, and other effects; and in 1788 the old Mansion was pulled down, and what was the grand Saloon has been altered into a Roman Catholic Chapel, St. Patrick's, Soho.
There is no record of Madame for some years, but we know from Newspaper notices, that in 1792 she took a large house and grounds in Knightsbridge Road, formerly occupied by a dealer in Asses milk, and converted it into a "female archery."
Luck was against her, this failed; she was very old, had fought her fight, and now the refuge for the remainder of her days was the Fleet Prison. There, however, she met with kindness from friends, and help from her daughter, who was very accomplished, and no more is heard of her, until the paragraph in the Times, which heads this memoir.
"Masquerade at Marlboro House.
"At the Duchess of Marlborough's Gala, on Wednesday evening, one of the principal ornaments was the statute of Precedency, elegantly illuminated, in variegated lamps over the grand entrance. Lyon, Clarencieux, and Garter, Kings-at-Arms, in their coats of office, were stationed in the hall, and marshalled the guests upon their arrival. Upon the first landing place, were Her Grace's Vice-Chamberlain, and three Masters of the Ceremonies, attended by deputy Masters, and the Pages of the Presence, and back staircase. In the antechamber, covers were provided for the Lord Mayor, and Sheriffs of London, whose pease were said to be served cold, but his Lordship eat his peaches without hazarding any remarks. His Mace was thought to be one of the finest pieces of sculpture ever executed in pastry. It contained a fine pine-apple in the capital, with a beautiful crown in Naples-biscuit, and his chair was entirely composed of barley sugar drops. In the next room were the Barons and Baronesses, the newly created ones next the door, and the premier Baron very near, but not in contact with the lowest Viscount, in the corridor of the third chamber. The Lord Chamberlain, the Lords of the Bedchamber, the Gold and Silver Sticks, &c., had their wands of the best double refined sugar, excepting the Gold Stick, whose staff was of barley-sugar, or as some say sugar-candy.
"In the inner rooms, according to their rank, and date, were placed the Earls, Marquisses, and Dukes of England. The premier Duke, and E. M., nearest to the Noble Hostess. The Lords on the cross bench were served with some difficulty by Beefeaters, who were obliged to move like the Knights at Chess, which had a very pretty effect. It added to the liveliness, and gaiety of the meeting, that every mask had for its neighbour, on both hands, the same individual it conversed with so frequently at Mr. Hasting's trial, which made the 'I know you,' and 'Who are you?' exceedingly facetious and happy. The Lords of the Bedchamber were in high glee, and spirits, but were discovered by their jokes, some of which were remembered upon former occasions. The Maids of Honour were in perfect character and detected in an instant."—(Times, June 21, 1799.)
Music was much in vogue both publicly and in private. Concerts were plentiful, the most aristocratic, perhaps, being held in Willis's Rooms, of which I will give one Advertisement, relating to a ball.
Advt.—"Assembly Rooms, King Street, St. James's Square.
"Willis humbly begs leave to acquaint the Nobility, and Gentry, Subscribers, that the first Ball, this season, commences This Day.
"The Rooms will be lighted at Ten, and the Ball will be opened at Half-past Ten o'clock, precisely.
"N.B.—By order of the Ladies (Directresses), no person whatever will be admitted without producing their ticket, and no ticket but those of the night, can possibly be admitted.
"The Nobility and Gentry are most earnestly requested to order their Coachmen to set down, and take up, with their horses' heads towards St. James's Street.
"The side doors are for chairs only."—(Morning Post, Feb. 14, 1788.)
A Country Concert, or, An Evening's Entertainment in Sussex.
This refers only to the subscription Balls, which were so famous, and so select—but, as I said above, this was the chiefest Concert Hall. A greater libel against the English nation never was uttered, than when it was said they were not a musical nation—and it was, essentially, in Chamber music, glees, madrigals, ballads—small home concerts in which a few friends met together and spent a pleasant evening—in which the harpsichord, or pianoforte (for that instrument was then in vogue), joined with the cello, violin, and flute, in pretty, and harmonious, quartets.
This Illustration shows Mrs. Billington and the Duke of Sussex, with two friends, thus engaged, and an exceedingly home-like group it is.
It was an unusual thing for ladies, then, to play on any other instruments than the harpsichord, or piano, and the harp, or guitar; this latter coming specially into vogue, some twenty years later, after the Peninsular War, so Mrs. Billington created some surprise.
"Mrs. Billington who is solicitous for musical distinction in any respect, as far as her talents can extend, is now applying, with very great diligence, to the violin; and, from the present state of her progress, it is supposed she will hereafter figure amongst the most shining performers on that instrument."—(Morning Post, Feb. 16, 1788.)
Judging by this illustration, the ladies of 1799 were not at all restricted in their choice of instruments.
Apropos of Concerts, we get several paragraphs about them from one Newspaper, the Morning Post of Jan. 15, 1789.
"Since the illness of a certain Great Personage,[12] Lady Young has entirely surmounted her religious qualms, and is determined, once more, in defiance of the proclamation, to fix her Concerts on the Sabbath Day. Thus, Politics and religion, and music, go hand in hand."
"Lord Hampden, Lord Cholmondeley, the Duke of Queensbury, Lady Petres, the Duchess of Bolton, Lady Bridget Tollemache, &c., &c., will have their alternate concerts, as usual."
"The dissensions continually subsisting between the different performers and directors of the Tottenham Street Concert,[13] added to the present indisposition of its Royal Patron, and the daily decrease of subscribers, will, it is feared, reduce that light amusement to its primitive obscurity."
"Should Cramer quit the above Concert, it will be a loss not to be repaired, as they might as well attempt to proceed without Harrison, as without that incomparable leader. Mr. Bate may conduct, but he cannot lead; every man may blow the bellows, but it is certainly more difficult to play the organ."
"Lord Uxbridge's new Music Room in Vigo Lane, will be opened in the course of this season; the time is not yet fixed, but it is supposed it will be as magnificent a Gala, as music can afford. The extreme care taken that nothing should obstruct the sound, has nearly answered every purpose, and it certainly promises to be the best private room for music in London;—we hope, when filled with company, the small reverberation at present remaining, will be entirely dispelled."
It is sad to read of such a case of reverse of fortune as the following:—
"A French Marchioness, who a few years since, possessed a fortune of £5000 a year, is engaged to sing before their Majesties at the Concerts of Antient Music, which commence on Wednesday next."—(Times, Feb. 1, 1794.)
Savoyards of Fashion—1799.
Of Pictorial Art, we hear but little in Old Times—but the Art Critic of the Morning Post, May 20, 1788, did not fear to speak out, and give his opinion freely.
"Royal Academy.
"235. Theseus receiving the Clue from Ariadne. H. Fuseli.—Poor Theseus, with a broken leg, is endeavouring to support Ariadne, whose figure suggests more the idea of a sick ideot, than a beautiful woman. Whilst we pity the situation of these two lovers, we cannot forbear laughing at the little cock-tailed Minotaur, galoping about, for amusement, in the distance. The design, however, has some merit, but Theseus appears as if he had left his skin behind him, and, indeed, some of his muscles are not in their proper places.
"181. Portraits of three Children. P. Reinagle, A.—The Colouring of this picture is Currant Jelly and Chalk. The glare of crimson and red, confines the eye, in such a manner, that it is difficult to find out what the subject is meant for. This picture (like most of this Artist's works) is an imitation of the stile of some other master, which is certainly very commendable in a painter who possesses no genius of his own; but as we do not think this is the case with Mr. Reinagle, we recommend him, as before, to look at nature.
"175. Portrait of a young Gentleman, and his brother, flying a Kite. W. R. Bigg, A.—We cannot determine on the likeness of these portraits; we are also at a loss to say, whether the figures, or the Kite, are drawn with most taste and elegance."
Fuseli opened a Gallery for the display of a series of his paintings illustrating "Paradise lost."
Advt.—"The general impression felt by all kinds of people, on entering the Milton Gallery, is, this is unlike everything we have seen before. The old nurses stories about the devil are properly confuted by the exhibition of a figure that is bold, daring, and majestic, and a model of muscular strength and gigantic symmetry. 'I have often wondered,' said a Lady, 'how Eve could have been tempted to transgress by such a hideous monster, as Satan has been represented to me: but, if he was, in reality, such a being as Mr. Fuseli paints him, why—That accounts for it.'"[14]—(Times, June 17, 1799.)
Advt. "CURIOUS NEEDLEWORK.
"VIEWS in EMBROIDERY will begin to be exhibited THIS DAY at No. 11, New Bond St., consisting of three views of Constantinople, two of Egypt, one of Switzerland, one of Weymouth, one of the Tower, and London Bridge, and of Blackfriars, &c., taken from the top of the Albion Mills, the same as has been seen at the Panorama.—Admittance 2s. 6d. An Explanation, with a sketch of the above Views, will be given gratis, at the place of Exhibition."—(Times, April 13, 1795.)
Advt. "DAY EXHIBITIONS.
"The convenience of Day Exhibitions must be obvious to the Polite Circles, who are otherwise engaged in the evening.
"At the MECHANIC THEATRE, No. 38 Norfolk Street, Strand, will be exhibited the
"ANDROIDES.
"Doors open every day at half-past 12, and begins at 1, and every Evening doors open at half-past 7 and begins at 8.
"These much-admired Pieces of Mechanism, which not only imitate human actions, but appear to possess rational powers, consist of, 1st—
"The Writing Automaton.—A Figure, about the size of a Boy of four years old, which will be brought to a table, and set to write any word, words, or figures required, in a round legible hand. 2nd—
"The Fruitery—the model of a neat rural mansion, and contains the following figures: first, the Porter, which stands in the gate, and, on being addressed, rings a bell, when the door opens, the Fruiteress comes out, and any Lady, or Gentleman, may call for whatever fruit they please, and the figure will return, and bring the kind required, which may be repeated; and the fruit varied as often as the company pleases: it will likewise receive flowers, or any small articles, carry them in, and produce them again, as called for. As the Fruits are brought out, they will be given in charge to a Watch Dog, which sits in front of the house, and on any person taking away, or touching them, will begin to bark, and continue to do so until they are returned. The next figure belonging to this piece is, the Little Chimney Sweeper, which will be seen coming from behind the house, will enter the door, appear at the top of the chimney, and give the usual cry of 'Sweep' several times, descend the chimney, and come out with its bag full of soot.—Third,
"The Liquor Merchant and Water Server. These are on a platform of about two feet square, which (as the former pieces) will be placed on a table. The Liquor Merchant stands at a small cask from which it will draw every kind of spirits, wine, &c., required. The Water Server stands at a pump, and will fill a tumbler with water as often as called for.—Fourth,
"The Highland Oracle: a Figure in the Highland Dress, stands on a Time-piece, and gives the Hour and Minutes whenever asked, by striking its Sword on a Target: it gives a rational Answer (by Motion) to any Question proposed: it calculates Sums in Arithmetic, and gives the amount instantly of any number of pounds, yards, &c., at any given price, beats time to music, &c.
"The Table the different Pieces will be played on, contains an Organ, on which the Proprietor introduces a few Notes: also
"The Machine or (self-playing) Organ, will play occasionally several Pieces of Music, Airs, Country Dances, &c.
"Mr. Hadcock flatters himself the Androides will be found more curious than anything of the kind ever before offered to the Public, as the principles of Action are entirely new. The Theatre is neatly fitted up, and everything calculated to give satisfaction to a polite and discerning Audience.
"Boxes 4s., Gallery 2s. Admittance, after the Two First Parts, Half Price. Exhibition lasts nearly Two hours."—(Times, Jany. 15, 1796.)
If there was little mention of "Art," in the old newspapers, there was still less of "Literature," except in the advertisement of new books.
"What is Jemmy Boswell about? where is his Life and Adventures of the great Lexicographer, the Atlas of obscure sentiment, and pompous phraseology? Mrs. Piozzi's last work hath been read, and re-read, with avidity, and admiration. If the men doth not look sharp, the women will run off with all the biographic laurels."—(Morning Post, June 12, 1788.)
Mrs. Thrale's book, "Letters to and from S. Johnson," was published in 1788, and her "Anecdotes of S. Johnson, during the last twenty years of his life," in 1786. Boswell's "Life of Samuel Johnson," &c., was published in 1791.
"The last exit of the celebrated Mr. Gibbon, was attended with some very extraordinary circumstances. He was sitting with an intimate friend, on the evening of his death, and remarking of himself, that he thought there was a probability of his enjoying thirteen, or fourteen, more years of life. He had not been long in bed, before he was seized with excruciating pains. He endeavoured to swallow some brandy, but in vain. He then made a signal to his valet to leave the room, and in a few minutes expired. He has left everything indiscriminately to a young Swiss gentleman, to whom he was attached, and who accompanied him last year to this country."—(Times, Jany. 27, 1794.)
"Four thousand and seventy three Novels are now in the Press, from the pens of young Ladies of Fashion. At Mrs. D——'s School all the young Ladies write Novels, in the fourth class!! and those whose parents are rich, or honourable, are at the expense of printing them. Lady L. G. and Lady C. C. are busily employed upon two rival Novels, which are the favourite work for Young Ladies at present: and the lawful successors of bell-ropes, coronet cushions, and painted flower-pots. Lady G.'s is entitled—'Duke or no Duke,' Lady Charlotte's 'All for Nothing.' Those who have seen the latter, are loud in the praise of its beauties: the plot of the former is not thought to have been well laid."—(Times, April 18, 1796.)
MONETARY.
We are apt to think that among the other advantages of progressive Civilisation which we possess in this latter part of the 19th Century, Commercial failures and stoppage of Banks are peculiarly our own, but it was not so; the years 1793 and 1796—the former especially—were times of severe mercantile depression—the tale of which is best told in the language of the times.
"The late considerable failures in the City are no longer to be concealed; public credit cannot therefore, suffer the more by our publishing the fact. Four very considerable mercantile Houses have stopped payment within the last ten days: they are principally engaged in American West India Brokerage, and Insurance concerns. One house, alone, has failed for £800,000, and another for £500,000. It is feared that many more persons will become involved in these failures—as there has been a very extensive circulation of paper. The failures already known, are estimated at three millions, and it is conjectured that they will extend to two millions more. They have, naturally, created a great scarcity of cash in the City, and the Bank, as well as the Bankers, are extremely shy of discounting."—(Times, Feb. 28, 1793.)
"Some more very considerable failures have taken place in the City, within the last two or three days. A very large African house, at Bristol, has likewise stopped payment, and the letters from thence advise, that it is feared many more will follow."—(Times, March 10, 1793.)
"The Bankers, in the City, have refused to discount any more paper, for the present. The alarm on the Royal Exchange, is beyond conception to those who are not in business."—(Times, March 26, 1793.)
"At the Meeting, on Monday, of the Noblemen, and Gentlemen, belonging to the County of Northumberland, we understand that £340,000 was subscribed, to support the Newcastle Banks, the Proprietors of which, are gentlemen of the first landed property, and known to be worth many hundred thousand pounds.
"The commercial stoppages, we are sorry to learn, have at length reached Manchester, and the most serious inconveniencies are to be dreaded, if some effectual support is not given to that town. The mischief is so much dreaded, that a committee of Gentlemen, of that town, have come to London, to offer securities to the Bank, provided it will afford a temporary relief to the manufacturers who reside there."—(Times, April 18, 1793.)
"Public Credit.
"The very depressed state of the public credit of the country, is now so universally known, and felt, that it cannot suffer any additional injury by our stating the fact, and the means which are about to be carried into effect, as an experiment of relief. We daily hear of new stoppages among persons, many of whom have ever been considered as men of large real property: on a very minute, and fair, enquiry into the truth of this supposition, we have the best reason to believe that the fact is so; and that a very large proportion of mercantile houses, which have been, lately, obliged to suspend their payments, is still solvent, and well able to pay every demand, in the course of time. At Manchester, Liverpool, and other large trading towns, particularly at the former, this fact is well authenticated; but the failures at the country banks have stopped the circulation of money so suddenly, that present engagements have not been able to be fulfilled. To adopt a remedy, if possible, at this very alarming state of public credit, a meeting was held at Mr. Pitt's house, in Downing Street, on Monday last, to consult on the business. The grievance being explained to Mr. Pitt, he assured the Gentlemen of his anxiety, and readiness to give every assistance, in his power, to the mercantile interest, and he requested they would consult among themselves, and form some specific proposition, for his consideration. A meeting was accordingly held, yesterday morning, at the Mansion-house, to consider of the plan which should be proposed to Mr. Pitt. The number of gentlemen was reduced to 11, as being more convenient: and, at nine o'clock last night, they waited on the Minister, to obtain his approbation.
"We do not take upon us to state, OFFICIALLY, the nature of the plan which has been proposed, but we are led to believe that the outlines of it are as follows: 'That four millions of Exchequer Bills should be issued for the support of public credit, as a loan to the mercantile interest; that the security required, should be on goods actually warehoused, and the advance to be made on two-thirds of their value. Commissioners to be appointed to superintend the securities, and the value of the merchandise. The Exchequer Bills to be called in as they become redeemed. The borrowers to be answerable for any loss in the discount of them.' The plan was left for Mr. Pitt's consideration, who is to give his answer this morning. Should he approve of it, it is probable he will propose some resolution upon it, this day, in the House of Commons, to the end that the relief may be as speedy as possible."—(Times, April 24, 1793.)
"The Funds continued falling yesterday, and Consols were below 60, for money. We shall be very much surprised if there were not some very considerable failures before the next settling day. Some persons connected with French Houses are known to be great losers."—(Times, July 15, 1796.)
"We yesterday mentioned our expectation that there would be considerable failures among persons connected with French Houses, before the next settling day. A principal Stockbroker, immediately connected with a Gentleman, formerly a Member of the Legislative Assembly, in France, was, yesterday declared a defaulter at the Stock Exchange. His differences are upon near half a million of Stock, which he had purchased at 67 and 68. This failure is the commencement of exposing that destructive system of gambling, called continuations. The Consols were done yesterday at 59, for money."—(Times, July 16, 1796.)
"Notwithstanding the enormous failures of two Stock brokers, whose differences amount to full £100,000, the desperate game of Continuation still continues nearly as strong as ever. Bargains for time, in Stock, were yesterday made for the next settling day, at a rate of 20 per cent., Interest."—(Times, July 20, 1796.)
"A very extraordinary fluctuation took place, yesterday, in the Funds, which, after having fallen in the early part of the day, to 53-1/4, rose, towards the close of the market, to 56-7/8 for the October settling. The reason alleged, for this sudden rise, was, that Mr. Hammond having been unsuccessful at Berlin, had gone from thence to Paris. Such was the report!"—(Times, Sept. 7, 1798.)
"The Chancellor (Irish) has declared from the Bench, that, in the present period of distress, no person shall be made a Bankrupt."—(Times, June 12, 1796.)
The following is but a foreshadowing of our Railway Mania:—
"Canal Shares, which at one time rose to £180, are now down to £40. The Mania is over; and this earth-cutting business, in a great measure, at a stand."—(Times, Aug. 16, 1796.)
In 1796, there was an extraordinary scarcity of silver, which taxed severely, the resources of the Government to meet. The difficulty was met, to some extent, by the issue of Spanish Dollars, taken from Prizes, and stamped at the Tower, where the Mint then was, with a small head of the King.—These were issued at 4s. 9d. each—The same scarcity arose in 1803-4, and the same expedient was resorted to—only then the dollars were issued at a price over their value, so as to offer no premium for their destruction.
"So great is the scarcity, and high price of silver, that the silver smiths give 5s. 3d. for a crown piece, and a premium is given for shillings."—(Times, Jan. 7, 1796.)
"Silver is so exceedingly scarce, that there is not a sufficient quantity, for exchange, in the channels of business, either good, or bad, and yet we are sorry to observe (which we have repeatedly) the number of unfortunate victims who are, every Session, brought to trial, for coining. Surely the wisdom of the Legislature might prevent this evil, by issuing a sufficient quantity for the purposes of circulation."—(Times, Sept. 15, 1796.)
"The distress for want of Silver, is daily, more and more felt among the trading parts of the Metropolis. These are put to the greatest inconvenience, for want of a greater circulation; and, we understand that those who have many men in their employ, are obliged to give one per cent., to procure it. The many complaints which are made, on this subject, induces us to hope that the issue of a fresh coinage, from the Mint, will speedily take place. The want of it has another bad effect, as it increases the coining of base half-pence."—(Times, Sept. 29, 1796.)
"Yesterday, the Committee of Bankers had another Meeting at Mr. Pitt's, to request his interference in procuring them a certain quantity of specie, for the demands of their business. The Minister returned for answer, that he could only assist them, at present, with 50,000 guineas: which, being divided among all the Bankers, will not amount to 1000 guineas for each House.
"We hope that the Bank, instead of issuing dollars at 4s. 6d., will place a value of 5s. on them, in order that they may not become an object of traffic: their intrinsic worth is above 4s. 6d., and they should, therefore, be issued at some higher price, in order that they may not be hoarded.
"There can be no doubt whatever, but that large sums of specie have been drawn out of the Bank, and concealed in the houses, or gardens, of private persons. As this stoppage of general circulation is highly prejudicial to the Public Weal, we have only to observe to such persons, that their extreme, and foolish timidity, may produce, to themselves, the very consequences they seek to avert: and that, instead of being richer, they may fall the first victims of their alarms. Wherever large sums of money are privately deposited, except it is with those whose occupation it is to hold it, such persons are likely to be the first objects of popular revenge. The Bank, or the houses of Bankers, are the only secure places of deposits."—(Times, March 3, 1797.)
"According to letters received, on Wednesday, in town, the Banks at Norwich, and at Bath, have stopped payment in specie. Since the news reached the country, of the Bank of England stopping payment, not a guinea is to be had, in exchange for Bank-notes, on any of the Public roads."—(Times, March 3, 1797.)
"On Saturday, a small quantity of one, and two, Pound Notes were issued from the Bank, principally for the use of the country. A very large issue will be made in the course of this day, and to-morrow."—(Times, March 6, 1797.)
"This day, the Governors of the Bank will issue a quantity of dollars, to which the Tower Stamp is affixed, in order to relieve the present embarrassment arising from scarcity of specie."—(Times, March 6, 1797.)
"Sterling Silver was done, on Saturday, as high as 5s. 8d. per ounce, and Gold at £4, 8s. The price of Silver, is 5d. per ounce, above the rate at which coined silver passes, and the price of Gold 10s. per ounce, above the current price of the Guinea!"—(Times, March 8, 1797.)
"Yesterday, the Bank began to issue Dollars at 4s. 9d. each. There is the Mint Stamp affixed to each, which consists of the King's Head, marked on the King of Spain's neck. We trust that this issue of Dollars is intended to make room for a new importation from some rich Spanish prizes, which we hope to see in some of our ports."—(Times, March 10, 1797.)
"Several German Hard Dollars, or four-gold-pieces, nominally worth 4s. 8d. have been issued from the Bank, in the same manner as the Spanish Dollar."—(Times, March 27, 1797.)
"The Dollars now issuing at the Bank, are those which were taken on board the St. Jago prize ship."—(Times, March 17, 1797.)
"A very serious inconvenience has occurred to many people, from the multiplicity of forgeries in the stamps on the dollars, which, from being issued by the Bank, at a price so far above their real value, has tempted the coiners to forge the Mint Stamp, which it is impossible for a common observer to detect. Since their first issue, many chests of dollars have been imported into this country, for the sole purpose of forging the stamp. As they are circulated at 4s. 9d., and their value is only 4s. 2d., it has afforded too great a temptation to be resisted. Besides the vast number of copper dollars coined, it is supposed that more than half of those in circulation, are counterfeited in the stamp, though the dollars are good. When taken to the Bank they are refused, which has caused a deal of ill humour."—(Times, Sept. 4, 1797.)
"In consequence of the great quantity of bad Dollars, in circulation, the Bank Directors gave notice, in the Gazette of last night; that they mean to issue Gold coin, to the amount of the Dollars now in circulation, and which have been stamped at the Tower."—(Times, Sept. 27, 1797.)
"The Dollars having been taken out of circulation, there is now such a scarcity of silver, as to impede the ordinary negotiation of business very materially. It would be a public convenience if the new 7s. gold coin was put in circulation."—(Times, Oct. 5, 1797.)
"The new gold coinage of seven shilling pieces is to be issued from the Bank, this day."—(Times, Dec. 1, 1797.)
Up to this time forgeries of Bank of England notes had been very rare.
"Last week a man was apprehended at Manchester, on a charge of forging Bank of England notes. On searching his house, was found a plate, with a one pound note engraved, on one side of it, and a two pound note, on the other; together with a number of notes just struck off, but not filled up. On his examination he confessed the fact, and thereby impeached his brother, who, he said, was then in Yorkshire: and acknowledged that they had practised it about six months, during which time they had disposed of about 200."—(Times, March 30, 1798.)
"A small delivery of Mr. Boulton's 2d. pieces, was, on Friday, made at the Treasury; the likeness of the King is much better executed than in the 1d. pieces: they are full twice their thickness, weighing rather better than two ounces each."—(Times, Feby. 12, 1798.)
"The trade of counterfeit halfpence, though it got a temporary check within the last five weeks, is again getting forward. The turnpike men, coffee-house waiters, haberdashers' shops, fruit women, and porter houses, are at their old work. The turnpike men will give bad, but not take them at present. If the traveller objects, he is abused and kept waiting, perhaps ten minutes, for change of 6d.: the coffee-house waiters say they have no others, and that they give and take; the haberdashers fold the change up in a clean bit of paper, which when opened, contains the worst of counterfeit halfpence: and the fruit women and porter houses say 'they give what they take.'"—(Times, Oct. 2, 1794.)
"Bad shillings are sold to chandlers shops, turnpike men, and waiters at coffee-houses and taverns, at the rate of twenty shillings for five and sixpence. No wonder they are in such general circulation."—(Times, Nov. 29, 1794.)
"At this season the Jew fruitmen should be particularly guarded against. They care not at how small a price they sell, so the quantum reaches to silver. In that case it is their custom 'to hope you will give them good silver, as the gardeners are very particular.' They then rub it with both thumbs, dexterously contriving to fillip up your shilling, and drop down another, which they beg you to change, protesting that they believed it good but are not certain. Serving you the same a second or third time, and you are induced through an appearance of great civility, and apparent ignorance, to indulge them. The silver you receive as your own is speciously good: but it changes black in a few hours. The writer of this bought his experience at the price of three succeeding shillings."—(Times, July, 30, 1795.)
"BAD HALFPENCE.
"To the Master of the Mint—
"The Petition of more than Ten Millions of bad Halfpence,
"Most humbly showeth,
"That your Petitioners, for a number of years, have given bread to thousands of his Majesty's subjects, called Coiners: and that they have been long in uncontrouled circulation:
"That your Petitioners have enabled Waiters at Taverns, and other houses, to wear hair-powder, to the manifest increase of his Majesty's Stamp-duties.
"That your Petitioners have been the means of the Turnpike Tolls increasing in value, on account of the Toll-takers being obliged to put off a certain quantity of your Petitioners, each week, at a stipulated price from the Renters.
"That your Petitioners have long been a fine bonus to the Paymaster Serjeants of the different Regiments, who bought your Petitioners at the rate of 30s. for 20s., thereby making those brave fellows to live more comfortably, than their regular pay would allow them to do:
"That your Petitioners have, for a series of time, been of infinite service to those industrious men, the Tribes of Levi, and Manassa, who distributed your Petitioners, in the most plentiful manner, to their own great advantage:
"That your Petitioners have, in some manner, been the means of peopling Botany Bay, as numbers of persons, who were first in the habit of forming your Petitioners, afterwards mounted to the honour of making shillings, and sixpences:
"That your Petitioners, with great sorrow, perceive, by the effect of a new coinage of Penny, and Twopenny Pieces, that their existence is rapidly on the decline:
"Your Petitioners therefore pray that their grievances may be taken into consideration: and they will, as in duty bound, ever pray.
Bad Halfpence."
—(Times, Aug. 17, 1795.)
"FALSE COINAGE.
"The numerous evils arising from the now general circulation of Base Money, are too well known, to make it necessary that they should be dwelt on by us. We have always considered the different Administrations of this Country, as highly blameable for not paying more attention, than they have done, to prevent the nefarious practices which are introduced in the introduction of almost every species of Counterfeit Coin into the circulation of the country, because it certainly has the means in its own power, of lessening the mischief, by issuing a new coinage, particularly of Halfpence, which are, now, so generally bad, and so profligately circulated, that scarce a good halfpenny is to be seen.... The vast increase, and the extensive circulation, of base Money, particularly of late years, ... almost exceeds credibility, and the dexterity, and ingenuity, of these criminal people have enabled them to finish the different kinds of counterfeit Money, in so masterly a manner, that it has become extremely difficult, for the common observer, to distinguish the base Coin, now in circulation, from the worn out Silver, from the Mint. And, so systematic has this nefarious traffic become, that the great dealers, who in most instances are the employers of the Coiners, execute orders for the Town, and Country, with the same regularity as other manufacturers in fair branches of trade. Scarce a waggon, or coach, departs from the metropolis, that does not carry boxes, and parcels, of base coin, to the camps, seaports, and manufacturing towns, insomuch, that the country is deluged with counterfeit Money. In London, regular markets, in various public, and private, houses, are held by the principal Dealers, where Hawkers, Pedlars, fraudulent Horse-dealers, Unlicensed Lottery Office Keepers, Gamblers at Fairs, Itinerant Jews, Irish Labourers, Servants of Toll Gatherers, and Hackney-Coach Owners, fraudulent Publicans, Market Women, Rabbit Sellers, Fish Cryers, Barrow Women, and many who would not be suspected, are regularly supplied with counterfeit Copper, and Silver, with the advantages of nearly 100 per cent. in their favour: and thus it happens, that through these various channels, immense quantities of base Money get into circulation, while an evident diminution of the Mint Coinage, is apparent to every common observer.... Discoveries have been recently made, of no less than 120 persons, in the metropolis, and the country, who are employed, principally, in coining, and selling, Base Money: and this, independent of the numerous horde of utterers, who chiefly support themselves by passing it at its full value.
"It will scarcely be credited, that of these criminal people who have either been detected, prosecuted, or convicted, within the last seven years, there stand upon the register of the Solicitor of the Mint, no less than 608 names! and yet the evil increases rapidly. And when it is known, that two persons can finish from £200, to £300, in base silver, in six days, and that three people, within the same period will stamp the like amount, in Copper, and when the number of known coiners are taken into the calculation, the aggregate in the course of the year must be immense!"—(Times, Oct. 5, 1796.)
LAW AND POLICE.
In treating the above heading, I have no wish to introduce the "Newgate Calendar" element into this book. Let those who like such literature, consult that work—and, doubtless, they will be rewarded for their pains; but, in going through these old papers, much that is curious is met with, which throws light on the manners, and customs, of our forefathers.
Of Police, as we understand the word, there was none—and the parochial Constables, and watchmen, who were supposed to guard the premises of the rate payers, and to keep the peace, were veritably of the Dogberry and Verges type—utterly useless for the detection, or suppression, of crime, and only fit to "comprehend all vagrom man," or lead some roysterer home.
All day long they were not; but, at night, they came out with the bats, and owls, armed with a long staff, and a lantern, periodically droning out the hour of the night, and the state of the weather. This was done with the laudable intention of shewing their vigilance, but it must equally have acted in an opposite direction, for every thief must have had due warning of the watchman's whereabouts. They had temporary shelters, larger than the Military Sentry box, and the wild spirits of those days delighted to catch a watchman napping, and overturn his box, thus temporarily incapacitating him from giving an alarm, or following their flight. For the former purpose they used huge rattles, smaller specimens of which were carried, for the same purpose, by our own Metropolitan Police, until 1884.
Each parish looked after its own interests, had its own watch and ward, and was mightily jealous of interference from another parish—an arrangement evidently very much to the advantage of a thief. People were always grumbling—but the state of things was never altered. Hear what they said about it in 1788:—
"The Decrepid old Dotards, to whose vigilance the different Vestries have confined their fellow Citizens, are likely to profit from the order of nature being reversed by the life of our modern nobility, who, rising at two, dining at eight, and paying afternoon visits at midnight, have superseded the necessity of having watchmen, and are, in fact, with their servants, a much better patrole than any of the Bow Street Justices could furnish."—(Morning Post, April 21, 1788.)
There were amateur thief catchers like Jonathan Wild, men who would be the companions, and confederates, of Highwaymen, Housebreakers, and Thieves, drawing Money from them until they were sucked dry, and then sacrifice them without an atom of remorse.
And there were the detectives of that time, the Bow Street Runners, or Robin Red breasts as they were called, from their wearing red waistcoats. Peter Pindar sang of them, especially of the three that were detailed for the protection of the Royal family at the time of the French Revolution.
".........
What a bright thought in George and Charlotte,
Who to escape each wicked Varlet,
And disappoint Tom Paine's disloyal crew,
Fixed on Macmanus, Townsend, Jealous,
Delightful company, delicious fellows,
To point out, every minute, who is who!
To hustle from before their noble graces,
Rascals with ill looks, designing faces,
Where treason, murder, and sedition dwell;
To give the life of every Newgate wretch,
To say who next the fatal cord shall stretch,
The sweet historian of the pensive cell."
Seen home by the Watch.—1792.
Townsend, was undoubtedly the sharpest of the three, but he was a pushing, boastful fellow, and never hid his light under a bushel. He was, however, courageous, and never heeded where he went, or what odds were opposed to him; so that the criminal classes began to respect him, and, at last, never thought of opposing him. He was extremely natty in his dress, and his flaxen wig was as well known, as his short stout figure, and his red face—
"Of all the wigs in Brighton Town,
The black, the gray, the red, the brown,
So firmly glued upon the crown,
There's none like Johnny Townsend's;
It's silken hair, and flaxen hue,
It is a scratch, and not a queue,
When e'er it pops upon the view,
Is known for Johnny Townsend's."
It was by his means, that the famous pickpocket, Barrington, was convicted, and transported, a fact which was very much to Barrington's advantage, for he helped to put down a mutiny on board, whilst on his passage out, for which he was well rewarded, and, by his good conduct, he rose from step to step, always in the Colonial police—until he died Chief of the Constabulary in New South Wales.
The laws were then frightfully severe in their punishments, but this severity did not act as a deterrent to crime. The punishment of death, (and hanging was the punishment for many trivial crimes) seems to have had no terror—for we read in the Morning Post, July 11th 1788, "The number of Capital Convicts at present in Newgate is eighty-one!" Of course, these were not all executed, some having their sentences commuted to transportation for life. Let us take a few cases from one Newspaper only, the Morning Post, September 11, 1788. It was the Sessions at the Old Bailey, 9th September:—
"John Dancer, was put to the bar, and tried before Judge Grose, for a burglary, and robbery, in the empty dwelling-house of Daniel Dancer,[15] a farmer, near Uxbridge. This offence is made capital by the 39th Elizabeth. The jury brought in a verdict, guilty, of the value of £5.—Death.
"John Crawford, for a burglary in the house of Francis Bias. The crime being fully proved.—Guilty—Death.
"William Johnson, for a burglary and robbery of poultry, in the dwelling house of Margaret Allen, at Hampstead.—Guilty—Death.
"Thomas Jones, for a highway robbery of a watch &c. He was taken in the manier—i.e. with the watch upon him.—Guilty—Death.
"Several other prisoners were tried and acquitted for various offences, particularly one for a rape—his crime was only Seduction!"
"Monday evening, as a lady was passing along Long-Acre, she was jostled into a Court by a number of those abandoned wretches, who to the disgrace of our police and magistrates, infest every corner of the Metropolis, where they stripped her of her cloak, bonnet, and of almost everything she had on, besides grossly insulting her. The Public Offices of Justice are every morning full of these women of the town, who have been taken up for their disorderly behaviour. But, while the connection between them and the Watchmen subsists, the evil must still remain. It is an evil of the most serious and alarming nature, and peculiarly calls for the interposition of the Legislature."—(Morning Post, Sept. 26, 1788.)
"There are at this time, in Newgate, upwards of Seven Hundred prisoners, the greatest number ever known to be in that place of confinement, at the same time."—(Morning Post, Dec. 5, 1788.)
"Kelly who was pilloried at Reading, brings actions against those who pelted him. This is a new cause of trial, but clearly a legal one."—(Morning Post, Dec. 23, 1789.)
Here, they evidently "caught a Tartar." The pelting could have been no part of the man's sentence—but what was the issue of his appeal to law, I know not.
About the year 1790, occurs a most singular police episode, so singular, and so comparatively unknown, that I cannot refrain from somewhat enlarging upon it.
In the early spring of 1790, murmurs began to be heard of ladies being attacked, and stabbed, by a monster in human form. The murmurs were low at first, and "monster" was printed with a small "m;" but, very shortly, they grew into a roar, and no capitals were found too large for THE MONSTER.
Indeed, even before that, and as far back as May, 1788, a Mrs. Smith had been stabbed in the upper part of her thigh by a man in Fleet Street, and was even followed by him to a house in Johnson's Court, to which she was going, and watched by him until she was let in. In May, 1789, a Mrs. Godfrey was similarly stabbed in Boswell Court, Fleet Street; and another lady was left wounded at her door. In March, 1790, a Mrs. Blaney, of Bury Street, was stabbed at her door after she had knocked. Dr. Smith, seeing an account of this outrage in a newspaper, inserted a notice in the Morning Herald, and that journal, having made some severe remarks on the matter, public opinion began to be awakened, and numerous letters were written, on the subject, to the newspapers of the day. The thing began to be talked of in the higher circles. A young lady named Porter had been stabbed whilst, in the company of her sisters, returning from the Drawing Room at St. James's, on the 18th of January, the Queen's Birthday; and since that time, several people had been wounded by this miscreant, who, fortunately, always failed in doing serious injury to his victims.
Mr. John Julius Angerstein (whose name will ever be associated with the commencement of our National Gallery) was very active, and inaugurated a subscription at Lloyd's, to which the guineas flowed merrily, for the capture, and conviction of the "Monster." The police began to bestir themselves, and they, too, issued placards. One will serve as a type of all:—
"Public Office, Bow Street,
Thursday, April 29, 1790.
"One Hundred Pounds Reward.
"Several ladies having, of late, been inhumanly cut, and maimed, by a person answering the following description, whoever will apprehend him, or give such information to Sir Sampson Wright, at the above office, as may be the means of his being apprehended, shall immediately upon his committal to prison, receive fifty pounds from Mr. Angerstein of Pall Mall, and the further sum of fifty pounds upon his conviction. N.B.—He appears to be about thirty years of age, of a middle size, rather thin make, a little pockmarked, of a pale complexion, large nose; light brown hair, tied in a queue, cut short and frizzed low at the sides; is sometimes dressed in black, and sometimes in a shabby blue coat; sometimes wears straw-coloured breeches, with half boots, laced up before: sometimes wears a cocked hat, and at other times a round hat, with a very high top, and generally carries a Wangee cane in his hand.
"All servants are recommended to take notice that if any man has stayed at home without apparent cause, within these few days, during the daylight. All washerwomen and servants should take notice of any blood on a man's handkerchief, or linen, as the wretch generally fetches blood when he strikes. All servants should examine if any man carries sharp weapons about him, and if there is any blood thereon, particularly tucks; and maid-servants are to be told that a tuck is generally at the head of a stick, which comes out by a sudden jerk. All cutlers are desired to watch if any man answering the above description is desirous of having his weapon of attack very sharp."
The MONSTER cutting a lady.—1790.
All baker's men were asked to give notice at every house they called at, of the above reward, and Mr. Angerstein promised twenty pounds to any man by whose instrumentality the Monster was discovered.
Additional publicity was, moreover, given by other means. The Morning Herald of April 27th says:
"A new musical piece was produced last night at Astley's called The Monster, and being brought forward at a time when the attention of all London was engaged in discovering him, cannot fail of producing full houses. Astley seems to have taken up the matter very seriously, as the piece abounds with much satire against the Monster. The songs also are well adapted: the chorus of one concluding as follows,
'When the Monster is taken in the fact
We'll have him tried by the Coventry Act,[16]
The Black Act
The Coventry Act,'
produced unbounded applause. This piece will certainly be a good acquisition to Astley, who is said to be the author."
One lady (Mrs. R. Walpole) was fortunate enough to escape being wounded, owing to her having an apple in her pocket: an incident which gave rise to some poetic effusions:
"Eve, for an apple, lost immortal life:
From you an apple turn'd the Monster's knife!
Can greater proof, since Eve, be given
Of diabolic strife,
Or interposing Heaven?"
"The apple was, in days of yore,
An Agent to the Devil,
When Eve was tempted to explore
The sense of good and evil;
But present chronicles can give
An instance quite uncommon,
How that which ruined Mother Eve
Hath saved a Modern Woman."
The Monster was even made a party to Anti-slavery agitation, for at the Westminster Forum in Panton Street, Haymarket, "by desire of several ladies," was debated the question: "Which is the greater disgrace to humanity, the ruffian who drags the female African from her family, her kindred, and her native country, or the Monster who has lately wounded, or terrified, many ladies in this metropolis?" The result of this discussion is not handed down to posterity.
Still the Monster kept steadily at his work, and almost every day brought its tale of some woman being stabbed: and, one being injured in St. Pancras Parish, a meeting of the inhabitants was called at the Percy Coffee House, on May 7th, and an association was formed "to nightly patrol the streets of the south division of Saint Pancras, from half-an-hour before sunset, till eleven at night, for the public safety, and especially to guard that sex which a Monster, or Monsters, in opposition to the dictates of nature, and humanity, have dared to assault, and wound, with wanton, and savage, cruelty."
The idea that these outrages were not done single-handed, was on the increase, and the indefatigable Mr. Angerstein again issued a placard, and "informs the public, that from information he has received of the person who, since Friday last, has assaulted and wounded several women, there is great reason to fear that more than one of these wretches infests the streets: it is therefore thought necessary to give the following description of one, who, within this week, has committed many acts of cruelty upon women," and gives four descriptions of the man's dress, which would lead to the inference that the Monster was in possession of a very extensive wardrobe.
People were now gradually getting into a state of ferment, and the Monster was the engrossing topic of public interest. Of course, then as now, the wrong people were arrested occasionally. One "Walter Hill, was brought before the Magistrate at Litchfield Street on suspicion of being one of the wretches who have cut several women; he was apprehended in Windmill Street, Tottenham Court Road, near the place where two women were cut, though Miss Porter, and several other ladies, declared the prisoner was not the person who wounded them." Nothing could be proved against him, and, ultimately, he was discharged.
Even the light-fingered fraternity entered into the spirit of the times, for The World of May 11th has—"Public Office, Bow St., before Sir Sampson Wright. Yesterday evening, about half after seven o'clock, a gentleman of family and fortune, was surrounded in Holborn by a number of pickpockets, who, after hustling him, and robbing him of his watch, money, and hat, called out: 'That is the Monster, he has just cut a woman.' A vast number of people immediately pursued the gentleman, some calling 'The Monster!' others, 'Stop thief,' till at length he was knocked down, and surrounded by near a thousand people, by whom he was very ill-treated, and, probably, would not have escaped with life, had he not been, by some gentleman, taken into Gray's Inn Coffee House; from whence he was conveyed to the Brown Bear, in Bow Street, in a hackney-coach; where the mob were so exasperated that they broke the windows of the house, and, could they have got at him, would, no doubt, have massacred him: by stratagem he was, at nine o'clock, brought to this office. When the above facts appeared, Sir Sampson Wright lamented that it was not in his power to punish the perpetrators of this daring, and alarming, assault, but did all he could, by giving that gentleman his protection until the mob dispersed."
Accounts of mock assaults were written to the papers, one of them extremely circumstantial, telling how a courageous lady drew a pistol "from her pocket and discharged it into the wretch's neck, immediately under the ear, who instantly left her, uttering the most dreadful imprecations." This, it is needless to say, was denied, and exposed next morning.
Imposture, of course, took advantage of such a golden opportunity, and we find that "the account which appeared in all the newspapers of Miss B. of Marylebone Street, having been twice wounded by the Monster, proves to be a fabrication, for the purpose of exciting compassion, and money, and has, in some degree, answered the purpose. The above discovery has been made, by an investigation of this business, by the Select Vestry of Marylebone Parish. This is a new kind of Monster!"
The Oracle of May 17th tells the following little story:—"Tuesday, about nine o'clock, as Mr. Heather was crossing Tower Hill, he observed a well-dressed woman upon the ground: when he went to her, she said a very tall man had just wounded her with some sharp instrument, and begged his assistance to get to the Minories to a coach, which he readily complied with, upon observing blood in several places upon her gown and apron. However, the coach had not been gone ten minutes, before he found she had picked his pocket of his watch, and about three guineas."
Although there was now a cessation of real attacks by the Monster, the public feeling rose to very fever height. As one newspaper remarked: "The Monster is now a mischief of more than common magnitude. Inhuman himself, the villainy is visited upon all who are of the same sex: alike the source of apprehension, terror, and flight. It is really distressing to walk our streets towards evening. Every woman we meet regards us with distrust, shrinks sidling from our touch, and expects a poignard to pierce what gallantry, and manhood, consider as sacred. There must be a very criminal supineness somewhere, or these execrable villains would, with greater speed, expiate with their lives, the insulted humanity of being."
As an example of the pitch to which the excitement was wrought, the following case may be taken. A man met a girl, and went with her into a public-house. They sat down, and he showed her an artificial bouquet, or nosegay, as it was then called, which he had in his hand, and begged her to accept it. The girl, in taking hold of it, felt something prick her, and it made her hand bleed. She went away, and told the story to some of her friends, who immediately insisted that it must be the Monster, and that a dagger was certainly concealed in the nosegay. The man was in consequence arrested, and kept all night in the watch-house. On enquiry in the morning, it was found that the girl's hand had only been pricked by the wire used to bind the flowers together, and the poor man was, of course, discharged.
But Nemesis was at hand. One of his victims—that Miss Porter, who was stabbed after the Drawing Room, on the Queen's birthday—was walking with Mr. John Coleman, in St. James's Park, on Sunday, June 13th, and the Monster passed her. She at once recognised him, and, her agitation being remarked by Mr. Coleman, she said, "There is the wretch who wounded me." Mr. Coleman left her in charge of her friends, and followed the man, who walked very fast—evidently feeling he had been noticed, and endeavoured to dodge about from Spring Gardens, to Admiralty Passage, back again to Spring Gardens, and up Cockspur Street, to Pall Mall: thence to St. James's Street, and Bolton Street, where he knocked at the door of a house, and was let in. He stayed there about five minutes, and then went to Piccadilly, and St. James's Street, where he knocked at another house, and asked the servant some question. Leaving there, he went to Bond Street, Mr. Coleman endeavouring to insult him, by walking before and behind him, and staring him in the face. He then went to Oxford Street—then called Oxford Road—and Vere Street, where he knocked at an empty house. Then Mr. Coleman spoke to him, and asked him what was the use of knocking so violently at a house palpably empty; and he replied that he knew the people of the house, named Pearce, and knocked again for three or four minutes. He then crossed to South Molton Street, knocked at a house, and was admitted. Mr. Coleman asked the master of the house, Mr. Smith, for information as to the man, but he refused to give any, unless some reason was assigned. Mr. Coleman replied that the other had insulted some ladies under his protection, and that he demanded satisfaction. The Monster offered to meet him at any coffee-house, and gave his address as Fifty-two Jermyn Street. Mr. Coleman then let him go, but upon second thoughts hurried back, and again met him in St. James's Street; and looking at him, told him he did not think he was what he described himself, and asked him to come with him to Mr. Porter's house, which was not far off. He consented, and on seeing him, two of the Miss Porters immediately fainted, but upon recovery unhesitatingly declared him to be "the wretch." He turned to Mr. Coleman and asked: "Do the ladies suspect me to be the person advertised? Am I suspected?"
He was given into custody, and on the 15th of June, the newspapers gave full accounts of his capture and examination.
He proved to be a native of Wales, named Renwick (or Rhynwick) Williams, aged about twenty-three, who was sent young to London, where he was bound apprentice to Sir John Gallini, with a view to his becoming a dancer on the stage. A misunderstanding, as to the disappearance of a watch, severed this connection, and he then led a very loose life. For some little time, about two months, he was a lawyer's clerk, but this employment being only temporary, he was reduced to difficulties, until he met with Mr. Aimable Michell, of Dover Street, who taught him artificial-flower making, and with whom he remained until his arrest.
He was dressed very respectably, in a blue coat, lined, and edged, with buff, buff waistcoat, and black satin breeches.
He was fully identified by the Misses Porter, Miss Frost, Miss Baughan, and Mrs. Franklin, whilst numerous ladies who had been wounded could not identify him. He was of course, remanded. Royalty, in the person of the Duke of Cumberland (afterwards King of Hanover), was present at his examination, and great difficulty was experienced in preserving the prisoner from the fury of the exasperated mob.
On the 16th of June he was again brought up, was identified by two more ladies, and confronted with others, who could not be sure he was the man who had wounded them. The Dukes of York, and Cumberland, and Prince William of Gloucester, besides several peers, were present.
He was brought before the magistrates once more, when another lady identified him, and he was committed for trial.
Renwick Williams.—1790.
Owing to the novelty of the crime, great difficulty was experienced as to his indictment, but it was at last settled that he should be tried under the statute 6th Geo. I. c. 23, s. 11, which made it felony, punishable with transportation, for seven years, to assault any person in the public streets, with intent to tear, spoil, cut, burn, or deface, the garments, or clothes, of such person, or persons, provided the act be done in pursuance of such intention.
On Thursday, the 8th of July, Williams was tried at the Old Bailey, before Mr. Justice Buller, charged with making an assault upon Ann Frost, spinster, on the 9th of November last, in Jermyn Street, St. James's, and wickedly, wilfully, and maliciously, tearing, and spoiling, her garments, to wit, the gown, petticoats, and shift, of the said Ann, against the statute in that case provided.
He was also indicted for the commission of a similar offence in Holborn, on the 5th of May, on Sarah, the wife of John Davis. The same on Sarah, the wife of John Godfrey, on the 13th of May, in St. Marylebone. The 26th of September, on Mary Forster, in Maxwell Street. The 6th of December, on Elizabeth Baughan, in Parliament Street. For a like act, on the same day, in the same street, on Frances Baughan. For a like act, on Ann Porter, on the 18th of January, in St. James's Street.
He pleaded not guilty, and was defended by counsel. The case of Miss Porter was then gone into, and the evidence, as already detailed, was adduced. For the defence, he called his master, Mr. Michell, who swore that he was at work till twelve, on the night of the 18th of January, and did not quit his house till after supper at half-past twelve, which was also substantiated by the witness of his sister, Miss Michell, Catherine, and Molly Harmond, and two of the workwomen, besides a customer: and ten witnesses were called as to character. The judge summed up very favourably for the prisoner, but the jury, without hesitation, found him guilty. The judge said, as this was a new case, and he had some doubts as to the indictment, he would respite judgment until he had laid the case before the twelve judges. So this, and the other indictments, were put off until the December Sessions.
There were many accounts of the trial, and numerous portraits were published of Williams, who was by no means bad-looking, thin and pale, with powdered hair "en queue."
The caricaturists took the matter up, and treated the matter as a joke, recommending ladies to have copper petticoats, &c.
But the most awful picture is that of "The Monster going to take his afternoon luncheon," where he is depicted as a terrible being about to devour a pretty girl—but the caricaturist shows us, kindly, "the Monster disappointed of his afternoon luncheon," in which engraving, he has a double shot—one at the somewhat delicate subject of the "dress improver" of the day, and the other, how this fashion might be utilised to baffle the Monster of his intended meal.
There was the usual newspaper correspondents' wrangle, in which, of course, it was unpopular to advance any argument in favour of the Monster. Indeed, The World, of October 16th, says: "Writing a defence of the Monster carries with it more serious consequences than people are at first aware of, because it would appear as if publishing accounts, in the newspapers, or otherwise, could really justify atrocious acts. As Junius has said: 'The people at large are never mistaken in their sentiments, and, if they have formed an opinion, there is no taking them out of it by misrepresentation.'" That there was an opinion in his favour is not only evidenced by this, but at the City Debates, Capel Court, Bartholomew Lane, the question was debated on July 12: "Did the late extraordinary conduct ascribed to Renwick Williams (commonly called the Monster) originate in an unfortunate insanity, a diabolical inclination to injure the fair part of the creation, or the groundless apprehension of some mistaken females?"
Protection from the MONSTER.
But the man kept up the feeling against him, by his own conduct, and could not be quiet in prison. The Oracle, of August the 20th, has the following account of "The Monster's Ball":—"The depravity of the times was manifested last week, in an eminent degree, in Newgate. The Monster sent cards of invitation to about twenty couple, among whom were some of his alibi friends, his brother, sisters, several of the prisoners, and others, whom we shall take a future opportunity to notice.
"At four o'clock the party sat to tea; this being over, two violins struck up, accompanied by a flute, and the company proceeded to exercise their limbs. In the merry dance, the cuts, and entrechats, of the Monster were much admired, and his adroitness in that amusement must be interesting, from the school in which he acquired this branch of his accomplishments.
"About eight o'clock the company partook of a cold supper, and a variety of wines, such as would not discredit the most sumptuous gala, and about nine o'clock departed, that being the usual hour for locking the doors of the prison."
Williams gradually faded away from public notice until early in November, when eleven of the judges met in Serjeants' Inn Hall, and consulted on his case, which had been reserved. The questions were: First, whether his having an intention to cut the person of Miss Porter, and, in carrying that intention into execution, cutting the garments of that lady, is an offence within the statute of 6th Geo. I. c. 23, s. 11, on which he was convicted; the jury having, in their verdict, found that in cutting her person he had thereby an intention to cut her garments? Secondly, whether the statute being in the conjunctive, "that if any person shall assault with an intent to cut the garment of such person, then the offender shall be guilty of felony," and the indictment, in stating the intention, not having connected it with the act by inserting the words that he "then and there" did cut her garment, could be supported in point of form?
Nine out of the eleven judges were of opinion that the offence, notwithstanding the finding of the jury, was not within the statute, and that the indictment was bad in point of law.
This decision reduced the Monster's crime to a misdemeanour.
On Monday, December 13th, he was brought to trial at the Sessions House, Clerkenwell Green, and, as a proof of the interest it created, even the names of the jury are recorded. The trial began at ten, A.M., and was inaugurated by the prisoner reading a paper declaring his innocence. He was indicted for assaulting Miss Porter, with intent to kill, and murder her: there was a second count which stated, that he, "holding a knife in his right hand, did wilfully give the said Ann Porter a dreadful wound, of great length and depth on the right thigh and hip; to wit, of the length of nine inches, and the depth of four." A third count charged him with a common assault. The evidence was similar to that in the former trial, and, after a trial, lasting thirteen hours, he was found guilty.
He was afterwards found guilty of other assaults, and was finally sentenced to two years' imprisonment in Newgate, for each assault on Miss Porter, Elizabeth Davis, and Miss E. Baughan, and at the end of the six years, he was to find bail for good behaviour for seven years, himself in the sum of two hundred pounds, and two sureties in one hundred pounds each.
What finally became of him is not known. Mr. Angerstein offered the reward to Miss Porter, as it was by her instrumentality that the Monster was captured, but she refused it.
The recollection of the Monster, did not quickly fade away, for we read in the Times, 20 Dec. 1799, "Another new Monster on Wednesday, made his appearance in town. His passion is for biting the Ladies' toes and finger ends. They say his name is Frost."
Food riots, the natural outcome of an almost starving and ignorant population were rife; but, in the following paragraph, there is a curious allusion, that the grain was intended to be shipped to France, with which nation we were then at war.
"Several towns in Cornwall were last week visited by large bodies of Miners, from the different works, in search of concealed corn, which they insist upon is intended for exportation to France. At Wadebridge, they found about 25,000 bushels in store, which they obliged the Owners to sell at reduced prices. At Looe upwards of 6000 bushels of grain were stopped by them from being shipped, but we do not hear of their committing any other outrage. Part of the first regiment of dragoons is gone from Devonshire, to assist the magistrates in restoring peace."—(Times, Feb. 6, 1793.)
Highway robberies were of daily occurrence, so much so, that they are not worth chronicling, unless some special circumstance occurs in connection with them.
"The pickpockets are all turned highwaymen. Thus far the metropolis has been delivered from these free-booters: and the relief is certainly owing to the new Police Bill."—(Times, March 9, 1793.)
"At Oxford, a person was convicted of having robbed the Worcester and Oxford Coach, near Woodstock, of a portmanteau, and this peculiar circumstance attended it:—The man committed the offence, was taken, indicted, tried, and convicted, within twelve hours after the commission of the crime. He was indicted for petty larceny only."—(Times, March 28, 1793.)
"Mr. Burdon, the Member for the County of Durham, had 25,000 guineas in his chaise when he was stopped, the other evening by footpads, who robbed him of 25 guineas only. Mr. Burdon was carrying down this sum, for the relief of the Durham Bank."—(Times, April 26, 1793.)
A shocking trade had sprung up, which was not long in developing. As Science grew, so was a knowledge of Anatomy becoming of more vital importance to the medical profession—but subjects for operation were scarce. True, those malefactors who were hanged, and had no friends, were given over to the Surgeons for dissection, but this means of supply, fell far short of the demand—which, however, was met, by the ghastly device of robbing the grave-yards of their newly buried dead. Here are some contemporary records of the doings of these ghouls:—
"Friday, a gang of persons, called Resurrection men, were apprehended between two, and three, o'clock in the morning, near the Churchyard at Hampstead; they had dug up the body of a Mr. John Lloyd, who had been buried the day before, put it into a sack, and a hackney-coach was waiting to receive it; but, by the vigilance, and resolution, of the watchmen, they lost their prey; for, having stopt the coach, they found the body in it, and two men, whose names are Tom Paine, and Peter Mackintosh, together with their shovels, and tools, for opening the coffin. They were both carried before Master Montague, together with John Peach, the driver of the Coach, and were committed to gaol upon the fullest evidence. There were two others of the party, who made their escape. One of them had the appearance of a Gentleman, and is supposed to be a surgeon."—(Times, March 15, 1794.)
"On Monday evening, a set of Resurrectionists, were apprehended at a house near the Turnpike, Mile end. That morning, a coach was observed to stop at this house, and an ill looking man came out of it with a sack; containing as it was supposed, a body, which he carried into the house, and returned immediately with a large hamper:—they then drove off to a neighbouring public-house, when, after a short stay, they took up some others, and were traced to the Launch, at Deptford. In the meantime, the parish officers were informed of the circumstance. About six in the evening, the coach again returned with a similar lading, which was deposited in the house. Some constables, accompanied by a number of people, surrounded the house, and forcing an entrance, they found two men, and a woman, drinking tea on a bench, at one end of which lay the bodies of two children. They were secured: and, on entering an adjoining room, the bodies of six adults were discovered, unmutilated; besides which, the floor was strewed with limbs, in a state too shocking for public description."—(Times, March 20, 1794.)
"A very particular account has been sent to this Paper, of the late shocking discovery of dead bodies at Mile-End: but we deem it unfit for publication, as the circumstances are too horrid to meet the public eye. Every room in the house was a scene of the most shocking brutality, and it is supposed there were upwards of 100 bodies, some whole, others mangled. The remains found at this house have since been removed to Bethnal Green church-yard, for a second interment. We most sincerely hope that his Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury will move for a bill in Parliament, making it death to rob a church yard."—(Times, March 22, 1794.)
(Adv.) "Robberies in Churchyards and Burial Grounds.
"Some persons having been discovered, on the evening of the 8th February last, conveying dead Bodies in Sacks, from the Burial-Ground belonging to the Parish of St. Mary, Lambeth, and who, upon the alarm being raised, made their escape; a reward of One hundred Pounds, for apprehending them, was immediately offered by the Churchwardens, to be paid upon their conviction: and the first opportunity was taken of assembling the Parishioners in Vestry, in order to consider by what means they might secure the offenders, bring them to punishment, and prevent, in future, such depredations. A Committee was accordingly appointed for this purpose, and discoveries of similar robberies in Church-yards, and Burial-grounds, in, and near, this Metropolis, have been made, the recital of which, together with an account of the horrid traffic in which many have been long engaged, with impunity, cannot fail to excite the indignation of the Public, and which it is intended, in a short time, to give them, taken from Affidavits made before Magistrates, and from other evidence procured on this melancholy occasion. It will be needless to say, that the Relatives, and Friends, of those who have been lately buried there, before this discovery, have suffered great anguish of mind, and it is not doubted but that all will concur in adopting measures, which may effectually check such abominable practices. For this desirable end, an application to Parliament, early in the next Session, is deemed highly necessary, as, at present, the punishment is found to be by no means sufficient to prevent the crime. The Parishes therefore, within the Bills of Mortality, and near London, will, it is hoped, approve of such application, and it is intended that a Circular Letter shall be sent to them, to invite them to join in it. In the meantime, the Committee of the Parish of Saint Mary, Lambeth, will be glad to receive any communications from any other Parishes, on this subject, under cover, directed to Thomas Swabey, Vestry Clerk, Lambeth."—(Times, April 21, 1794.)
"Early on Tuesday Morning, some suspicion being entertained that the Pesthouse burial-ground, in Old-Street-Road, had been frequently violated, the parish watchmen were ordered to keep a good look out, when a hackney coach was observed, waiting near the spot. Upon the watchman's approaching it, he was assaulted, and beaten, by three men, who then made off: but afterwards, springing his rattle, the assistants took the coachman into custody, who had three sacks in his coach, two of them containing the body of a man each, and the other, three children. Several other bodies, which had been dug up for the purpose of carrying away, were found under the wall of the burying-ground: and, it is generally believed, that almost all the bodies deposited therein, for 5 weeks past, have been stolen, which, upon an average, must have been 15 per week. The hackney-coachman, who owned he was to have had ten guineas for his night's fare, was committed to the New Prison, Clerkenwell. This fellow, it should seem, was hardened to his business: for, though put into the cage with the bodies he was carrying off, he slept so sound, that it was with some difficulty he was awakened by the visit of a brother-whip, previous to his going before a Magistrate."—(Times, Dec, 23, 1796.)
Sentence of death was passed on Criminals for offences we should now think totally inadequate to that punishment—but although sentenced, those convicted of the lighter offences—were almost all respited, and transported for life.
"At the Assizes for York and County, the following prisoners received sentence of death, viz., T. Jewitt, for stealing four heifers: Saml. Bathurst, for privately stealing in a shop; Wm. Atkinson, and Hannah Hobson, for riotously assembling and pulling down the house of John Cooper, of Whitby: John Holt and Richard Watson, for house breaking, and three others for sheep-stealing."—(Times, March 30, 1793.)
"A petition from Wm. Brunskill, (commonly called Jack Ketch) was presented to the Court of Aldermen, stating that he was the public executioner, and, on that account, could not get any other employment: that he was obliged to keep an assistant, though his allowance was so small, and his income so trifling, as to be insufficient to maintain himself, and family, and praying relief.—The Court referred the same to the Sheriffs."—(Times, Jan. 30, 1794.)
The next paragraph, which is very brief, tells its own story.
"There is now a man confined for debt in Newgate, who has been a prisoner there, over fifteen years, for a debt, the original sum of which does not exceed forty-five shillings."—(Times, April 25, 1793.)
In Dec. 1794, and Jan. 1795, there was a terrible frost—and, in the latter month, we hear that seven men, attempting to pass over the ice, to a Collier, by Ratcliffe Highway—were drowned—and how—two days afterwards—two watchmen were frozen to death at Bloomsbury. Hard indeed must have been the lot of the poor debtors, and we may fancy the anxious scrutiny of the box, which the debtor whose turn it was, would rattle outside the bars of Ludgate, making the while his monotonous, and melancholy, whine, "Pity the poor debtors; pity the poor debtors." Some hearts were softened towards them, and they were sensibly grateful for such seasonable assistance.
"Advt.—The unfortunate DEBTORS in LUDGATE PRISON beg leave, thus publicly, to return their grateful Thanks to LADY TAYLOR, of Spring Gardens, for her munificent Benefaction of 149 lbs. of Beef, 21 half Peck Loaves, 21 sacks of Coals, and 66 lbs. of Cheese, each Article being of the best quality.
"At the same time, they entreat the LORD MAYOR to accept their unfeigned Thanks, for his kind present of a Guinea, which was equally divided among the unfortunate Debtors.
"N.B. The smallest Benefaction from their fellow Citizens and other liberal minded persons, will at all times be thankfully received, particularly at this inclement season of the year."—(Times, Dec. 29, 1794.)
"The unfortunate DEBTORS, in Ludgate Prison, beg leave to return their grateful Thanks, to the Right Hon. the LORD MAYOR, for 448 lbs. of Beef and Mutton of the best sort, which he has sent them since the 10th day of Nov., also for two Chaldron, and an half, of Coals sent yesterday."—(Times, Jan. 1, 1795.)
"As the Debtor and Creditor Bill comes on to-morrow, it is recommended to its noble framer, to try the pulse of the Law Lords, by introducing a clause which shall interdict the Marshal of the King's Bench, and the Warden of the Fleet, from taking a shilling per week from each debtor for his bed, unless as the very foundation, and cause of this fee originally was, that the Keeper of the Prison furnishes the Debtor with furniture to the amount of £30. The Keepers have very handsome salaries, and therefore, there should be no exactions from the prisoners. Indeed the nature of their imprisonment interdicts such a practice, for how is the insolvent man to find money? ex-nihilo, nihil fit."—(Times, May 8, 1793.)
"Were any one Lord in the House of Peers to move that the Royal Assent to Acts of Parliament should be given in plain English, and not in old Norman French, the House would unanimously adopt the idea of banishing, in future, the barbarous language of that Country."—(Times, May 10, 1793.)
"A curious matter was heard yesterday before the Borough Police, respecting the wife of a gentleman at Sheerness, who had eloped with a black servant. They were pursued to the Nags Head in the Borough on Sunday, where Blackey fired a pistol at his pursuers, for which he was taken up and committed. The Lady had two children by her husband. The matter, we understand is made up."—(Times, Feb. 11, 1794.)
"The manner in which the Black business was settled, in the Borough, was this:—The husband took her two children, and all the property he found in the coach, desired his wife to go where she pleased, (after she said she'd live with no one but the Black) and Mungo was taken by a press gang, and put on board the tender."—(Times, Feb. 12, 1794.)
"Monday last two Bailiff's followers made a seizure for rent at a house in Kingswood, near Bristol: an alarm being given, they were surrounded by a number of colliers, who conveyed them to a neighbouring coal-pit, and let them down, where they were suffered to remain till about two the next morning, when they were had up, and, each having a glass of gin, and some gingerbread, given him, were immersed again into the dreary bowels of the earth, where they were confined, in all, near twenty four hours. On being released they were made to pay a fine of 6s. 8d. each, for their lodging, and take an oath never to trouble, or molest, any of them again."—(Times, April 25, 1795.)
"The friends of an apprentice to a stocking-weaver, at Lambeth, brought the lad to this office (Public Office, Bow St.) to shew one of the modes of punishment adopted by the master, when the boys committed any fault. It consisted of an iron collar, fastened round the neck, by a padlock. The lad said that he had worn it for above a month, and that he understood it was his master's intention he should wear it till he was out of his time. The master living in the county of Surrey, Mr Bond could not interfere in the business, but advised the parties to go to Union-Hall, in the Borough. The master of the apprentice alluded to, we understand, has got between 60 and 70 boys, most of whom he has had from the different workhouses in the county of Surrey."—(Times, Aug. 27, 1795.)
"Owing to the high price of victualling, the demand for shipping and risque of capture, or the price of insurance, the contract for conveying the last convicts from Great Britain, and Ireland, to Botany Bay, was £80 per man; and the expence exceeding all the good that could arise to either country, from the banishment, or the evil that could arise from the continuance in either country, of the miscreants.
"It is a known fact, that so far are the miscreants, who usually come under sentence of transportation, from considering it a punishment, that they laugh at the joke, and consider it a very great benefit.—Adventurous spirits like those, averse to all manner of industry, insensible to ignominy, and totally unconscious of any such feelings as the amor patriæ, delight in nothing more, than shifting the scene, and being conveyed to a distant country, from that in which they have no hope of existing, but at the perpetual risk of the gallows.
"It is more than probable that severe flagellation, such as military codes prescribe, would prove infinitely more formidable in detering villainy: and it is, at least, worth the experiment of a statute, which costs nothing, to try whether the penalty of 500, or 1000 lashes, which would not cost the country one shilling, would not prove a stronger barrier against larcenies, and clergyable felonies, than transportation to Botany Bay, at the enormous expense of £60 or 80 per man, which operates in reality as a heavy penalty on the Republic of honest men, and a bounty on villainy. Besides, have we not copper mines, coal mines, canals, and other such places of employment, at home, for those criminals, which, at present, alienate the husbandmen, and honest labourers of the country, from the business of agriculture. The labour of criminals, in this way, would prove a benefit to the country, and some compensation to the State, their crimes had injured."—(Times, Sept. 9, 1795.)
"The Calamities of War. Amongst the distresses it has occasioned, it is a lamentable fact, that five Attornies have been deprived of an honest livelihood, and have actually entered as foremast men, on board a frigate in the Thames."—(Times, Nov. 2, 1795.)
"The Lord Chancellor was occupied on Friday, and Saturday, with hearing an important cause. Earl Pomfret v. Sir Ch. Turner.
"It respects a very valuable lead mine, in the vale of Arkinghall, Yorkshire. Such is the expedition of our laws, that this cause has lasted only ninety three years, being first instituted in the year 1703!!!"—(Times, Apr. 12, 1796.)
"The King v. Middleton.
"The defendant was convicted of enticing a number of Artificers from this country, to go to Kentucky in America; a rule was afterwards obtained, to shew cause why the judgment should not be arrested, for reasons, which appeared insufficient to the Court. That Rule therefore, was discharged, and the Defendant received judgment according to the Statute, that is, he was ordered to pay a fine of £500, and to be confined in Newgate for the space of one year."—(Times, June 10, 1796.)
"On Saturday John Paviour (one of these persons called Bullock Hunters) was tried at the Old Bailey—for driving a bullock out of Smithfield Market, early on the morning of the 23rd May last and was found guilty—DEATH. It is hoped therefore, that this prosecution will greatly check, if not wholly put an end to that pernicious practice, by which not only the Property, but the lives of the Public are so much endangered, in and about this metropolis."—(Times, June 28, 1796.)
"The trial which was to have come on at the Assizes in York, concerning estates in Cleveland, for which a Special Jury was to be summoned, of four Knights, and their twelve Esquires, girt with swords, is deferred until next Assizes."—(Times, July 27, 1796.)
"Yesterday, a Jew was convicted at the Public Office Bow Street, for selling a hat, in the street, without a stamped lining, contrary to the late Act of Parliament, and was sentenced to be imprisoned for two months, in the House of Correction. Hatters selling Hats, without a stamped lining, are liable to the penalty of £10. In the above case, imprisonment is the only mode of punishment."—(Times, Sept. 3, 1796.)
"Certainly the number of Lawyers, which is only computed to be 20,000 in Great Britain, is not so much their fault, as our own. We can neither marry, nor die, without them: but then there is no living for them."—(Times, Sept. 28, 1796.)
"The number of Attornies posted up for admission next term, outside the Court of King's Bench, are eighty-two. Surely some stop should be put to this growing evil, for there is not a doubt, but that, with an increase of Attornies, must consequently follow an increase of litigation. For where the numbers surpass all reasonable bounds, they will have recourse to the most desperate means to excite business."—(Times, Jan. 31, 1797.)
"The convict who was lately executed at Leicester, and who adopted the singular mode of travelling, in a post chaise, to the place of execution, was no less remarkable for his crimes, than a copious fund of low humour. He got the following notice put up in the most frequented houses in the town, 'Wanted an agreeable companion, in a post chaise, to go a journey of considerable length, and upon equal terms. Enquire for particulars at the Castle.' It is almost superfluous to mention that upon the terms being made known, the gentleman could not find a partner."—(Times, Sept. 8, 1797.)
The following is a somewhat curious Police Case (Times, Jan. 17, 1798): "Robert Richards, and William Packer, were indicted on a charge of assaulting Ryan Thackars, on the 30th of December, and robbing him of half a guinea, a 7s. piece, and 1s. 6d., in silver, his property.
"The Prosecutor was a Jew, and a common informer, in which character he had gone, on the above mentioned day, to the Fleet Prison, to serve the wife of Mr. Richards, with a notice to answer to an information for wearing hair powder without a licence. On his serving the Notice, Mr. Richards called him back, but he refusing to return, the other assaulted him, threw him down upon his back, said he knew him very well, that he was a damned informer, and that he should be pumped. Then the two Prisoners dragged him to the pump, and, with the assistance of others, kept pouring water upon him, for a quarter of an hour. A pail of water was afterwards thrown, by somebody, on his face. His clothes were all torn: and, when they let him go, he missed his money. Being asked by the Court if he could charge the Prisoners with having robbed him, he answered he could not; nor was the money found on them when apprehended. The Recorder then told the Jury, that as no charge was made out against the prisoners, they must acquit them.—Not Guilty."
"BASE COIN FINISHED AT NEWGATE.
"A very singular circumstance occurred a few days ago at the gaol of Newgate: One of the Magistrates of Police having received information that a person of the name of Pullen, a notorious offender who was sentenced to a year's imprisonment for dealing in base money, had been carrying on his former trade, while in confinement: that the base money of the similitude of a shilling, being previously prepared of blanched copper, with King William's head faintly impressed on one side, and plain on the other, was brought into the prison privately by Agents whom he employed: that after the Cells were locked up, this adroit Coiner prepared a liquid in which very thin pieces of silver were mixed, which, being rubbed upon the Copper shillings, instantly give them the appearance of worn down coin of the Mint: that he was assisted in the operation by several of the prisoners in the same ward, some of whom were his associates in iniquity, and convicted of offences against the Mint Laws: That his customers came regularly to the prison, and purchased the base money so finished at two for one, paying sixpence for each shilling, although intrinsically not worth a halfpenny: that the dies, and some other implements for coining belonging to these delinquents, had been actually lodged in their trunks at Newgate, and they were brought there privately, on every alarm of danger from officers of justice, as a place of greater security. This information having been communicated to Sir William Staines, one of the present Sheriffs of London and Middlesex, with the zeal for the public good which characterises the active Magistrate, he went alone to Newgate, early in the morning, before the cells were unlocked, and caused the trunks, and boxes, belonging to the persons convicted of offences against the Mint Laws, to be searched; and, in a trunk concealed under Pullen's bed, were found no less than £107, 2s. of base money, of the similitude of shillings, ready for circulation, and a machine for rounding, or milling, the edges of half crowns; and in another trunk belonging to an associate of Pullen, were found two plain dies, and two others for halfpence, and farthings. It would appear that some other dies for halfcrowns, and shillings, which had been deposited for some time in a trunk belonging to Pullen, were removed, together with the book he kept for entering the names of his customers who visited him, for the purpose of purchasing base money for the town, and country, circulation.... The Lord Mayor and Sheriffs have investigated the means by which these nefarious practices have been carried on, and, we are happy to learn, that it arose entirely from the arts, and devices, so familiar to criminals, without the knowledge, or privity, of the Turnkeys. The result is, that the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs are taking immediate steps for establishing such rules, as will probably prevent a repetition of the same evil."—(Times, Nov. 29, 1796.)