I believe the following curious advertisement to have been the production of the Lady Hamilton, widow of the Duke killed by Lord Mohun: "I Elizabeth duchess dowager of Hamilton acknowledge I have for several months been ill in my health, but was never speechless, as certain penny authors have printed; and so, to confute these said authors and their intelligence, it is thought by my most intimate friends, it is the very last thing that will happen to me. I am so good an Englishwoman that I would not have my countrymen imposed on by purchasing false authors; therefore, have ordered this to be printed, that they may know what papers to buy and believe, that are not to be bribed by those who may have private ends for false reports. The copy of this is left in the hands of Mr. Berington, to be shewn
to any body who has a curiosity to see it signed by my own hand.
E. Hamilton[423:A]."
Another, published in September 1732, was inclosed by a deep border of black, and is strongly demonstrative of religious eccentricity, or, if you please, religious frenzy.
"Just published, Divine Inspiration; or a Collection of Manifestations to make known the Visitation of the Lord, and the Coming of his Kingdom in great power and glory, according to the Scripture promise, by the preaching of the everlasting Gospel, as Rev. xix. &c.
"Also, that the righteousness of God in his express sovereign power, wisdom, and love, may be known in the Divine word, the Sent of God to manifest and execute Divine will both in mercy and judgment, the two great witnesses, the messengers of God in this approaching day of the Lord upon us.
"Lastly, this is the earnest prayer of them that have known and tasted the power of the Divine word, and who, as a testimony of their knowing God, in his out-speaking word immediately revealing, and from universal love and charity wishing true knowledge may descend, and increase and multiply in and upon man of every order and every degree, and to be the voice and word of God, do here give and set their
hands, believing he that now speaks will come, and that suddenly, according as hath been the voice of the Spirit of the Holy Ghost, the Comforter in the Anointed, saying, So come, O Lord."
This strange effusion is signed by twelve persons, four of whom were women.
"By the mouth of Hannah Wharton at Birmingham and Worcester."