Part 27
"Away posted the Lady and purchased a piece of ground, just large enough to swing a Cat in, at the new burial ground in Mary-le-bonne. The charge was trifling, only two guineas; an Undertaker provided a coffin in miniature: _Grimalkin_, after having lain in state, and several of the frail sisterhood, friends of the Lady, partaken of wine and cake, of which plenty was provided; a Hearse with White Plumes drove to the door, and the Lady, a Chief Mourner, attended by her weeping friends, who filled several Mourning Coaches, followed Ralph to the grave last Tuesday week, like 'Niobe all in tears;' and after the body had been deposited in the earth, though with but 'maimed rites,' 'tis true, she returned slowly to the house of mourning.
"But now comes the sad Cat-astrophe--Whether the Undertaker who had _undertaken_ to keep the secret, had blabbed, or whether the spectators of this sad ceremony smelt, as the Cat had often done, a RAT, so it was, however, that the body had not remained an hour, quietly inurned, ere they burst open the hinges of its sepulchre, and parading with it to the place from whence it came, proceeded to break the windows of the afflicted fair one's house: and but for the timely interposition of the Magistrates, the Lady, as well as her house, in all probability would have been pulled to pieces!!!
"_N.B._--The above is strictly a matter of FACT."--(_Times, March 21, 1794._)
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"The access to Kensington Gardens is so inconvenient to the visitors, that it is to be hoped the politeness of those who have the direction of it will induce them to give orders for another door to be made for the convenience of the public--one door for admission, and another for departure, would prove a great convenience to the visitors. For want of this regulation the Ladies frequently have their cloaths torn to pieces; and are much hurt by the crowd passing different ways."--(_Times, March 28, 1794._)
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"Two Ladies were lucky enough to escape thro' the gate of Kensington Gardens, on Sunday last, with only a broken arm each. When a few lives have been lost, perchance then a door or two more may be made for the convenience of the families of the survivors."--(_Times, May 8, 1794._)
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"We noticed last year the nuisance at the door of Kensington Gardens, leading from Hyde Park, and was in hopes, those who have the care would attend to it. As the season is approaching when company frequent it, we again recommend that an additional door should be made, and an inscription put over it 'The company to go in at this gate, and return at the other,' by which means the press will be avoided, and directions given, that all servants do keep away from the doors, who behave with great impertinence to their superiors as the company go in. If the gardens are to be a public accommodation, surely so trifling an expence can be no object. A greater number of seats in the gardens is very desirable."--(_Times, April 24, 1795._)
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"The public in general, and the ladies in particular, are much obliged to the Ranger of Hyde Park, for having taken the hint given in this paper towards their accommodation, by ordering a new gate to be made, as an entrance into Kensington Gardens. This convenience was yesterday much noticed, as there is now one gate for the entrance, and another for leaving the gardens, which were extremely crowded. But so little regularity was observed in the procession of carriages, on the Park Road, that there was a general stoppage about four o'clock, for nearly an hour; in the throng, several carriages were overset, and many much injured. We never witnessed so much confusion on any similar occasion."--(_Times, May 4, 1795._)
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"After a very elegant dinner given by the Lord Mayor to the visitors at the Mansion House on Monday, there was a ball as usual, which was very numerously attended: and was honored by the presence of the Turkish Ambassador, several of the _Corps Diplomatique_ and many of our own Nobility. The harmony and gaiety of the Entertainment was, however, interrupted about two o'clock yesterday morning, by the intrusion of a number of Gentlemen in the Dancing Room, who had sacrificed too freely to the Jolly God, and seemed determined to kick up a riot. They had continued drinking till one o'clock in the Dining parlour, and on entering the Ballroom behaved in such an improper manner, as to make it necessary to call in the Peace Officers to turn them out. A terrible uproar ensued; and we understand that two or three of the Rioters were sent to the Poultry Compter: and we hope they remained there till they recovered their senses."--(_Times, April 23, 1794._)
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"City Extravagance.--During the Rout, we had almost said Riot, at the Mansion House on Tuesday Morning, several very prudent Citizens were observed to be out-running the Constable!"--(_Times, April 24, 1794._)
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"We are informed from Abbey Laddercroft, in Cumberland, that a woman called Jane Forrester, who lives in that parish, is now in the 138th year of her age. When Cromwell besieged the City of Carlisle, 1645, she can remember, that a horse's head sold for 2s 6d, before the garrison surrendered. At the martyrdom of King Charles I., she was nineteen years of age. At Brampton, about six years ago, she made oath before the Commissioners, in a Chancery suit, to have known an estate, the right of which was then disputed, to have been enjoyed by the ancestors of the present heir 101 years. She hath an only daughter living, aged 103. And we are further informed, that there are six women now living in the same parish where she resides, the youngest of whom is 99 years of age."--(_Times, May 16, 1794._)
Pidcock's Menagerie was the nearest substitute for our present Zoological Gardens, that London could boast of, and Exeter Change, where the Exhibition took place, stood on the site now occupied by the Gaiety Theatre.
Advt. "Elephants.--Lately arrived in the Rose East Indiaman, a most wonderful living Male Elephant, and to be seen in a commodious room, over Exeter Change, in the Strand. Admittance 1s each. Likewise is lately added to the Grand Menageries, as above, two very singular and most astonishing Kanguroos, male and female, from Botany Bay. Admittance 1s. Also, just arrived, and to be seen in a commodious apartment, under the Great Room, as above, three stupendous living Pelicans of the Wilderness, two males and a female. Admittance 1s. The three Exhibitions may be viewed for 2s 6d. each person. Foreign Birds and Beasts bought, sold, &c., by G. Pidcock."--(_Times, May 22, 1794._)
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Advt. "FOREIGN BIRDS.--Just arrived at No. 1 Coventry St., opposite the Haymarket, among which is, that renowned Bird the Ostrich, described in ancient and modern History, to be the largest in the world, it measures 9 feet high, and can admit of two young Ladies or Gentlemen to ride on its back at a time. This Bird exceeds, also, in strength, swiftness, and running, all the feathered tribe in the Creation; it has the best plumage ever seen on an Ostrich, in this country, for many years. There is also a very extraordinary Bird, whose feathers resemble hair, and which has very much the appearance of a beast, weighing near 200 lbs. weight. The Great Horned Owl, described as the inhabitant of Babylon: the Royal crowned Crane of Africa, and other curious and uncommon Birds: also a very singular Animal resembling a Spider, called the Bush Devil; it makes use of its Tail as other Animals do their paws. Admittance 1s. each, Children and Servants 6d."--(_Times, Jan. 5, 1795._)
We get a very vivid description of how illuminations after a great victory, were managed and received--in those which took place after Lord Howe's "Glorious first of June."
Earl Howe's Victory.
"Several mobs paraded about the streets, at one, and two o'clock, yesterday morning, breaking the windows of those who had already shown their good wishes to the general cause, by illuminating their windows, but had retired to rest. Other houses again, belonging to the Quakers, were damaged because no lights were put forth. Such acts are contrary to the way of thinking of this very respectable class of Citizens. In this outrageous manner did several mobs proceed during the early part of yesterday morning, to the very great inconvenience of domestic comfort, and infringement on public tranquillity."--(_Times, June 13, 1794._)
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"The Lord Mayor requests the Inhabitants of the City to discontinue the Illuminations which have taken place since the News received of the very glorious Victory obtained by the British Fleet, under the command of Lord Howe. The Lord Mayor hopes, that the Public will be satisfied with the general Joy which has been so conspicuously expressed, and thinks that a further display of it will tend to disturb the peace and good order of the Metropolis."--(_Times, June 14, 1794._)
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"Illuminations.--The very idea of the horrors attending the cry of 'Put out your lights,' made a poor Loyal German, in Bedfordbury, watch his little farthing rush-lights, on Wednesday last, till a late hour. At length he ventured really to put out his lights: prudently pasting up at his door the following notice in capitals: 'Two o'clock--gone to bed. If I am to light again, pray be so obliging as to ring the bell.'"--(_Times, June 19, 1794._)
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"Mr. Wilkes bears the loss of his fine windows with that pleasant humour so peculiar to him, and absolutely refuses to prosecute any of the mob--'They are only,' said he, 'some of my pupils now set up for themselves.'"--(_Times, June 21, 1794._)
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Mr. Editor.
"A Gentleman of a village near town, in his zeal for illuminating on the late joyful Victory by Lord Howe, placed so many candles in his windows, and that in so negligent a manner, that by two in the morning, three or four of his sashes were burnt. A Constant Reader will be favoured by your making room for the following on the occasion:--
"Village Illuminations.
"Quoth Dick, I scorn such mean display As rush-lights, sixes and such trash is; I show my zeal in a nobler way-- I d--n the French and burn my sashes."
--(_Times, July 14, 1794._)
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"The following circumstance occurred last week at Long Milford near Bury St. Edmund's: Three young Ladies of that place, one of whom is very much celebrated for her mental, as well as personal, accomplishments, agreed a few days since, to bathe in a river about half a mile distant from the town, there being no private accommodation for that purpose in the neighbourhood.
"An early hour, at which they would be the least liable to be discovered by strangers, was determined on, and at four o'clock in the morning, they proceeded from home to the appointed place. As they walked through the town, they were espied by a blacksmith, who, about the same hour, usually gets up to his work. Curiosity prompted him to find out whither the fair ones were bound: but he did not discover himself to them till they were in the river, the perfect images of their mother _Eve_; when perceiving him approach, they screamed out, and prudently sat down in the water. The Modern _Vulcan_, dead to the distresses of the Venus's, determined to divert his uncouth fancy by carrying off their clothes, with which he did not return. In this pitiable situation they were obliged to remain for near an hour, when a poor woman passing that way, on hearing the rude behaviour they had experienced, and their consequent embarrassment, procured them such necessary articles of apparel, as enabled them to get home.
"The blacksmith has since made a public boast of his exploit, saying it was a fine piece of sport: and, owing to his unfeeling and brutish conduct, the young Ladies have ever since been ashamed to be seen, even by their relations."--(_Times, Aug. 8, 1794._)
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"The three _water nymphs_ at Bury have preferred an indictment against the blacksmith who stole their cloaths, and this may probably turn out a very serious affair, and make poor _Vulcan_ pay for his _peeping_."--(_Times, Aug. 9, 1794._)
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"Bath Charter.--A further degree of power, to be vested in the Magistrates, being deemed necessary, a new charter was a short time since granted for that purpose. It was sent by the Mail Coach, and for want of care in the packing, the impression of the Great Seal was knocked to atoms. It was presented to the Lord Chancellor to be resealed: but this his Lordship refused unless the Mayor and Corporation would petition the Court setting forth the reasons. The Charter of Bath conveys the exclusive privilege of electing _two Members_ to the British House of Commons to the select Corporation of 26, excluding ALL the other inhabitants."--(_Times, Aug. 9, 1794._)
We have seen, in the Historical Summary attached to this book, how gallantly, year after year, Wilberforce attacked slavery. In England, we see, they euphemised the word _slave_, and called them _Indented Black Servants_, the same as those poor wretched white slaves, the "Redemptioners" who sold themselves into bondage in the Plantations. See the following Advertisement.
"Absconded from his master's service at Cheltenham, on Friday night the 8th August, between the hours of 9 and 10, an INDENTED BLACK SERVANT LAD, named TONEY, aged about 19 or 20 years. He is very black, and slender made, but with remarkably long feet. He went off in a striped dressing jacket, nankeen waistcoat and breeches, ribbed cotton stockings, shoes and plated buckles. He is articled for 5 years, from the 21 April last; and upwards of £30 has been laid out upon him, in having him taught to shave and dress, cloathing, and other necessaries for him. A reward of TEN POUNDS will be paid to any person who shall apprehend, and deliver him, to Mr. Coningham, Sherborne Lane, London; or lodge him in any Gaol in this Kingdom, and give notice thereof as above. There is every reason to believe, that great art, and industry, have been used to seduce, and spirit away, the lad; otherwise that he would not have formed a thought of quitting his master. If, therefore, any person will give such information, and evidence, as shall be sufficient to convict any responsible person of having enticed, seduced, or carried away, the negro lad above described, a reward of TWENTY GUINEAS will be paid to the person so informing, and giving evidence."--(_Times, Aug. 13, 1794._)
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"On Tuesday last, the corpse of a Gentleman, as it was proceeding in a hearse to the Burial Ground, was arrested by a Sheriff's officer and his followers, under a warrant as usual granted against the _body_. The friends who followed, immediately left their coaches, and told the officer, if he chose, he was welcome to the body, but he should have neither _coffin_, _shroud_, nor any particle in which the body was enveloped; and if he took them by force, he should be indicted for a _highway robbery_, as those matters were the property of the Executors; nay, they went further, and said, that as the deceased had, by his will, bequeathed his body to the Executors, no _execution_ would hold good against the corpse, the process must be against them. The Bailiff, very properly being persuaded that the spirit of the law meant a _living_, and not a dead _body_, marched off without insisting on the _legality of his capture_. This is the first instance of the kind that has happened since the arrest of the dead body of a Sheriff of London, not many years since."--(_Times, Sept. 5, 1794._)
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"_To the_ CONDUCTOR _of the_ TIMES.
"Sir,--Leaving a shop in the City a few days ago, I fell into a reverie with the thoughts of what trade would come to next century: how it would be conducted, and by what description of persons: as in the shop I had just left, one servant said to another, 'Do you know were _Master_ S---- is gone'? Another answers, _Mr._ R---- (which was an apprentice) knows: _ask him_. Presently came down stairs a maid servant, to enquire whether all the _gentlemen_ (meaning the shopmen) would come to dinner. Half these _gentlemen_ were booted, as if going to take a morning's ride. O tempore! O mores!"--(_Times, Sept. 30, 1794._)
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"The Glove Manufacturers in the different counties, will no doubt make the most of the Princess of Wales's delicate hand: but there is something more than ordinarily ludicrous in the extravagant anticipation of a Shopkeeper, at the West End of the Town, who puts up in Roman characters, "Wedding-ring maker to the Princess Caroline of Brunswick."--(_Times, Nov. 15, 1794_.)
The Lady Lade, here mentioned, once rode a race on horseback at New Market--but lost it:--
"_Lady Lade_ and _Mrs. Hodges_ are to have a _curricle race_ at Newmarket, at the next Spring Meeting, and the horses are now in training. It is to be a _five mile course_, and great sport is expected. The construction of the traces is to be on a plan similar to that by which _Lord March_, now Duke of Queensbury, won his famous match against time. The odds, at present, are in favour of _Lady Lade_. She runs a _grey mare_, which is said to be the _best_ horse in the _Baronet's stables_."--(_Times, Dec. 20, 1794._)
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"The following circumstance is extraordinary beyond parallel:--On Tuesday se'nnight died, on her return from Bath, Miss Henrietta Dickenson, the fourteenth daughter of the late John Dickenson, Esq. of East Place, in Yorkshire, having attained precisely that age at which each of her 13 sisters died."--(_Times, Dec. 22, 1794._)
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"Crosthwaite Church, in the Vale of Keswick, Cumberland, hath five chapels belonging to it. The Minister's stipend is five pounds per annum, and _goose grass_, or the right of commoning his geese: a _whittle gate_, or the valuable privilege of using his knife for a week at any time, at any table in the parish; and lastly, a _hardened sark_, or a shirt of coarse linen: whereas the Rectory of Winweck, a small village in Lancashire, is the richest living in England. The Rector is Lord of the Manor, and has a glebe of £1400 annual rent. The whole living is worth £3000 a year."--(_Times, Dec. 26, 1794._)
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"At Hanworth Booths, a public-house near to Lincoln, a few days ago, a man dropped a Boston Bank Bill, value five guineas, which momentarily disappeared, and a strict search was made without producing any favourable effect. At length a woman present recollected a playful _whelp_ chewing something apparently white. This observation consigned the life of the poor dog to an immediate sentence and he was instantly hanged, and his thorax opened, wherein the lost bill was found in a mangled state: but nevertheless the purport of the paper was evidently discoverable, and cash to the amount was got for it at the Boston Bank."--(_Times, Jan. 14, 1795._)
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"In the various researches made throughout the house of _Langleys_, the seat of John Jolliffe Tuffnell, Esq. in Essex, two caskets of family Jewels have been found concealed amongst old linen, and near £150,000 in specie, behind the books in the library, the chief part of which sum he is supposed to have sold out of the funds, with a view of purchasing some advertised estates in that county."
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"It is worthy of remark, that the number of deaths in this metropolis, within the last few months past, amounts to double what it ever has been, within the same space of time, since the plague, which desolated London in the last century."--(_Times, Feb. 20, 1795._)
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"So great has been the mortality in the metropolis, that the Undertakers, like the distressed Prompter we read of, have been obliged 'to mow away brown.' A hearse with bay horses was actually observed in one of the many melancholy processions in the course of last week."--(_Times, March 7, 1795._)
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"We are informed there is a Cask now building at Messrs Meux and Co.'s Brewery, in Liquor-pond Street, Grays Inn Lane, the size of which exceeds all credibility, being designed to hold twenty thousand barrels of porter; the whole expense attending the same will be upwards of £10,000."--(_Times, April 1, 1795._)
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"Numbers, it is said, have gone into the King's Bench and Fleet Prison, under an idea that there would be an Act of Grace, on account of the Prince's marriage--but no such act is to take place."--(_Times, April 27, 1795._)
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"In the absence of our Reporter, we understand that Mr. Mainwaring, on Monday, presented a Petition to the House of Commons signed by above 10,000 Livery Servants, against the Employing of Foreigners in that capacity; which not being seconded, was not received."--(_Times, April 30, 1795._)
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Advt.--ASTROLOGY. _Mrs._ NEWTON respectfully informs her friends and the Public, that she continues at No. 111 in Wardour St. Soho, where she may be consulted on Planetary Influence, as it relates to, involves, and guides all the Events and Occurrences, as Marriages, Legacies, Possession of Wealth, Attainment of any particular Desire, the State of an Absent Friend by Sea or Land, or whatever can interest our Hopes, or agitate our Fears. The private Door in Portland St., and the Name under the one-pair-of-stairs window."--(_Times, May 6, 1795._)
Medicinal Waters were in great repute, and if there were any spring, at all charged with mineral matter, near the Metropolis, it was a good thing for the proprietor. They existed at the Beulah Spa, Norwood--Spa fields, Bermondsey--Hampstead--Clerkenwell--Holywell Street, and at this "Duck and Dog" St. George's Fields. This was a famous suburban publichouse--much as the Welsh Harp is nowadays--where shooting matches at small birds was a favourite pastime.