It is not often that thefts can be narrated which are calculated to excite a smile; and yet I am much mistaken if the reader doth not relax his risible faculties, when he is informed of a singular method of stealing wigs, practised in 1717. This I present him verbatim from the Weekly Journal of March 30. "The Thieves have got such a villainous way now of robbing gentlemen, that they cut holes through the backs of Hackney coaches, and take away their wigs, or fine head-dresses of gentlewomen; so a gentleman was served last Sunday in Tooley-street, and another but last Tuesday in Fenchurch-street; wherefore, this may serve for a caution to gentlemen or
gentlewomen that ride single in the night-time, to sit on the fore-seat, which will prevent that way of robbing."
The first notice of Mr. Law, the chief Director of the Royal Bank at Paris, that I have met with, was in August 1717; when it was said he had betted that the French State-bills would not fall 10 per cent. within a year, and given 10 Louis to receive 100 if he won; he offered the earl of Stair 100 for 1000 in the same way, which was refused; and the event proved, that the bills fell 50 per cent.
Gaming was dreadfully prevalent in 1718. This will be demonstrated by the effect of one night's search by the Leet Jury of Westminster, who presented no less than 35 houses to the Justices for prosecution.
The Society for the Reformation of Manners published the ensuing effects of their labours for one year, ending in December 1718.
Prosecuted for lewd and disorderly practices, 1253.
Keeping of bawdy and disorderly houses, 31.
Exercising their trades or callings on the Lord's-day, 492.
Profane swearing and cursing, 202.
Drunkenness, 17.