THE INSTITUTION OF OUR SPECTRE OF CHELSEA.
The following "Pastoral" has been published by an obscure individual, who pretends to adopt a certain episcopal style.
To the Inhabitants of Chelsea, Brompton, Fulham, Kensington, and the Neighbourhood, Health and Good Digestion.
Respectable and Intelligent,—From the Apparition of Giles Scroggins of tuneful memory, to that of the Head of the Woolly Quadruped which manifested itself to William White, there was no want of spectral appearances sufficient to convince the enlightened British Public of the existence of Ghosts. Not to mention the unfortunate Miss Bailey, who, after suspension by the cincture of her own stocking, revisited an unprincipled Captain Smith, nor to say more than is necessary of the Ghost of Cock Lane, it may suffice to cite the instance of the Hammersmith Ghost which, as is well known, appeared to, and terrified a great many people. And now lately, in this very place, which is not far from that, there has appeared a Ghost, which has frightened multitudes; as countless thousands among you are able to testify.
But the incredulous—insensible to the force of table rappings, disbelieving the prodigies of clairvoyance, and deriding the wonderful visions of the Crystal—who, in short, ascribe all the supernatural events of the day, which are very numerous, to imagination or fraud, will doubtless, after a short time, by the lapse whereof the recollection of the fact shall have been weakened, dispute or deny the truth of the Chelsea Ghost, and attribute the authentic narrative thereof to the incredible Walker.
Lest, therefore, the memory of this so wonderful Apparition should perish, and in order that, on the contrary, its fame may endure for ages, we have decreed to erect a Spirituous Establishment, in the immediate vicinity of the house wherein it took place, namely, in Pond Street, Chelsea, to be called and known by the name and sign of the Ghost and Goblet, which all are invited to frequent, and partake of the refreshment of spirits.
Beneath the edifice to be reared under these auspices, there will be provided a subterranean retreat, bearing the name of The Shades, in further allusion to the miracle which it is intended to commemorate.
A confraternity of the Ghost and Goblet has already been formed for the purpose of celebrating with an appropriate banquet the approaching Festival of Michaelmas. Additional Members may be enrolled at 6d. per week each.
The following indulgences are promised to those who repair to the Hostelry of the Ghost and Goblet with the usual dispositions:—
Unlimited indulgence in Roast Goose, on the aforesaid Festival of Michaelmas, which will also be the Anniversary of the Foundation, on condition of eating with the goose an optional quantity of mashed turnip, in order to signify the demolition of that Lantern to which profane scepticism would refer supernatural appearances.
Indulgence in brandy, gin, rum, Hollands, and whiskey; in superior ale, porter, and stout; and in genuine foreign wines and liqueurs—to any extent, on condition of ringing the bell, or calling the waiter, and repeating the proper order for the liquor as often as may be requisite.
Indulgence in tea and shrimps.
Indulgence in tobacco for any term of hours; the hostelry remaining open.
Indulgence of the same duration in the amusement afforded by a good dry skittle ground.
Indulgence above stairs in the exercise of dancing; on condition of executing the proper movements to the tune of "Pop goes the Weasel," or whatsoever other measure may be prescribed by popularity.
Indulgence in the delights of harmony in the Shades below: on condition of expressing a desire for refreshment.
To secure the full benefit of these Indulgences it will be only necessary, further, to pay for them; and that this may the more conveniently be done they will be supplied on the most liberal scale of charges.
In addition to the Skittle Ground, there will be provided a Bowling Green, surrounded with a Ghost's Walk, adorned with Winking Statues, Bleeding Pictures, and other objects of like nature calculated to edify the faithful in such matters. In conclusion, Respectable and Intelligent, as touching liquor, we profess ourselves ever ready to supply you
In Your Own Jugs, Brummagem Brompton.
Two of the most Extraordinary Occurrences of the Day—The Appearances at Salette and Chelsea.