A Constant Reader."
—(Times, Dec. 25, 1795.)
Sir George Young and Lady.
Lord Amherst
"We trust that the measure, which was, last year, so laudably attempted by the Brewers, Bakers, and Publicans, for the abolishing Christmas-Boxes, will not only be continued by them, but will also be followed up by the other trades, who have hitherto been compelled, by custom, to continue a practice so destructive to the lower orders of people."—(Times, Dec. 17, 1794.)
Advt.—"CHRISTMAS BOXES.—The BUTCHERS, resident within the Parish of HACKNEY, beg leave respectfully to inform their Customers, and the Public, that, on account of the excessive high price of Provisions, they find it impossible to continue the practice of giving CHRISTMAS BOXES to the servants of their customers, without sustaining, on the one hand, a deduction from their profits, which the trade will not allow, or, on the other hand, increasing their charges: they have, therefore, unanimously resolved to discontinue the practice, in time to come, and hope that their conduct, on this occasion, will not be deemed improper, or disrespectful."—(Times, Dec. 9, 1795.)
The following Advertisements, which are only a few out of many, shew how common was the sale of Government appointments:—
"Place under Government. £2000 or £3000 or more will be presented to any Gentleman, who has interest to procure for the Advertiser, a Place in any of the Public Offices, of respectability, and an adequate income. No Agent, or Broker, will be attended to. Letters to be addressed &c., &c."—(Times, March 13, 1793.)