In the early part of the present year I addressed letters to several gentlemen who figure in the list of patrons to the advertising Spectacle quacks, and enclosed a copy of the advertisements in which their names had appeared as giving unqualified approval to the trickster’s invention.
From the specimens I have given of such advertisements it is unnecessary to give a verbatim copy again here; and as the truths which this correspondence elicits apply to one and all of the puffing tribe, I have omitted the names of the individuals particularly alluded to, my object being to expose a system of villainy, and not to denounce one or two rapacious creatures, while the rest of the clique escape detection.
Therefore, although many of the remarks in these pages may seem to have only a local or particular reference, they are applicable to the whole tribe of locusts, and describe the species too definitely to admit of mistake. The characters sketched are not caricatures, but, unfortunately for the eyes of her majesty’s lieges, really exist in propriâ personâ.
Feeling assured that the Duke of Wellington would rejoice to see an exposure of such tricksters, I forwarded to him a copy of Spectacle Secrets, and the following acknowledgment was promptly returned:—
Walmer Castle, Nov. 11, 1838.
The Duke of Wellington presents his compliments to Mr. Cox, and has received his letter and the work referred to: he is much obliged to Mr. Cox for the communication.
Copy of a Letter to Frederick Tyrell, Esq.
Sir,—The advertisement enclosed frequently appears in the daily and weekly newspapers, to which, as your name is attached, I beg to direct your attention, and solicit an answer to the following questions at your earliest convenience.
1st.—Have you proved the superior efficacy of the Spectacles, (as stated in the advertisement), and consider they merit your unqualified approbation?