[608]The Stamp Act (1712; 10 Anne, C. 19) put a duty of a halfpenny on every printed half sheet or less, and a penny on a whole sheet, besides twelve pence on every advertisement. This Act was repealed in 1855. Swift writes to Stella (August 7, 1712), "Do you know that all Grub Street is ruined by the Stamp Act."—Tr.
[609]The sale of the "Spectator" was considerably diminished through its forced increase of price, and it was discontinued in 1713, the year after the Stamp Act was passed.—Tr.
[610]"Spectator," No. 173.
[611]"Tatler," No. 108.
[612]"Guardian," No. 123.
[613]"Spectator," No. 198.
[614]"Guardian," No. 100.
[615]"Spectator," No. 45.
[616]Ibid. Nos. 317 and 323.
[617]"Spectator," No. 399.