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+This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements,
+metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be
+in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES.
+
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+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #50507 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/50507)
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-The Project Gutenberg EBook of Eighteenth Century Waifs, by John Ashton
-
-This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most
-other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
-whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of
-the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at
-www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have
-to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook.
-
-Title: Eighteenth Century Waifs
-
-Author: John Ashton
-
-Release Date: November 20, 2015 [EBook #50507]
-
-Language: English
-
-Character set encoding: UTF-8
-
-*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK EIGHTEENTH CENTURY WAIFS ***
-
-
-
-
-Produced by Chris Curnow and the Online Distributed
-Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was
-produced from images generously made available by The
-Internet Archive)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-EIGHTEENTH CENTURY WAIFS.
-
-
-
-
- EIGHTEENTH CENTURY WAIFS
-
-
- BY
-
- JOHN ASHTON
-
- AUTHOR OF
- “SOCIAL LIFE IN THE REIGN OF QUEEN ANNE,”
- ETC., ETC.
-
- _IN ONE VOLUME._
-
-
- LONDON:
- HURST AND BLACKETT, PUBLISHERS,
- 13, GREAT MARLBOROUGH STREET.
-
- 1887.
-
- _All Rights Reserved._
-
-
-
-
-PREFACE.
-
-
-It was probably Solomon, who, in Ecclesiastes, cap. 12, v. 12, said,
-‘Of making many books there is no end.’ But, if this book had to have
-been written by him, he might, probably, have modified his opinion.
-
-I have read some books in my life-time, _re_ the sixteenth,
-seventeenth, and eighteenth centuries, and therefore was not taken
-aback when I was advised by a learned friend, whom I consulted as to
-the subject of a new book, to try the ‘Musgrave Tracts,’ in the British
-Museum. I thanked him, and wrote for them, when I was politely asked,
-‘Did I want them all?’ ‘Of course,’ was my reply; when I was told, with
-the courtesy that particularly distinguishes the establishment, that I
-had better come into an inner room, and have them down shelf by shelf.
-
-The books came in a continuous stream, until I asked if there were
-any more. ‘Oh, yes,’ was the reply; and, when I had finished my job,
-I found I had gone through more than 1760 volumes. Add to this over
-200 other books and newspapers used for reference, &c., and that will
-represent some amount of the labour employed in writing a book.
-
-I have strung together a series of chapters of different phases of
-social life and biography of the last century, none of which have (as
-far as I am concerned) appeared in any magazine, but which have all
-been specially written for this book. And this I have done so that the
-book may be taken up at any time, and laid down again at the end of
-an article; and perhaps the best reason for my publishing this book
-is, that it gives the reader a brief _resumé_ of each subject treated,
-taken from sources, thoroughly original, which are usually inaccessible
-to the general public, and known but to few students.
-
-They are diverse, to suit all tastes; and if this, my venture, is
-successful, I may bashfully hint that my store is not yet exhausted.
-
- JOHN ASHTON.
-
-
-
-
-CONTENTS.
-
-
- PAGE
-
- A FORGOTTEN FANATIC 1
-
- A FASHIONABLE LADY’S LIFE 17
-
- GEORGE BARRINGTON 31
-
- MILTON’S BONES 55
-
- THE TRUE STORY OF EUGENE ARAM 83
-
- REDEMPTIONERS 112
-
- A TRIP TO RICHMOND IN SURREY 131
-
- GEORGE ROBERT FITZGERALD 135
-
- EIGHTEENTH CENTURY AMAZONS 177
-
- ‘THE TIMES’ AND ITS FOUNDER 203
-
- IMPRISONMENT FOR DEBT 227
-
- JONAS HANWAY 254
-
- A HOLY VOYAGE TO RAMSGATE ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO 278
-
- QUACKS OF THE CENTURY 287
-
- CAGLIOSTRO IN LONDON 333
-
-
-
-
-EIGHTEENTH CENTURY WAIFS.
-
-
-
-
-A FORGOTTEN FANATIC.[1]
-
-
-One of the most curious phases of religious mania is that where the
-patient is under the impression that he is divinely inspired, and has
-a special mission to his fellow-men, which he is impelled to fulfil at
-all costs and under all circumstances.
-
-From the earliest ages of Christianity _pseudo-Christoi_, or false
-Christs, existed. Simon Magus, Dositheus, and the famous Barcochab were
-among the first of them, and they were followed by Moses, in Crete, in
-the fifth century; Julian, in Palestine, _circa_ A.D. 530; and Serenus,
-in Spain, _circa_ A.D. 714. There were, in the twelfth century, some
-seven or eight in France, Spain, and Persia; and, coming to more modern
-times, there was Sabbatai Zewi, a native of Aleppo, or Smyrna, who
-proclaimed himself to be the Messiah, in Jerusalem, _circa_ 1666.
-The list of religious fanatics is a long one. Mahomet, Munzer, John
-of Leyden, Brothers, Matthews, Joanna Southcott, ‘Courtenay,’ or
-Thomas, and Joe Smith are among them, and are well-known; but there
-are hundreds of others whose work has not been on so grand a scale, or
-whose influence has not been of the national importance of the above;
-and it is of one of these forgotten fanatics that I now treat.
-
-Well out in the Atlantic Ocean, far west, indeed, even of the Western
-Isles, stands the lonely island of St. Kilda, or Hirta, as it used to
-be called, from _h-Iar-tir_, the Gaelic for West land, or West country.
-Its rocky sides are inaccessible, except at one landing-place, at a bay
-on the south-east, and it is the home and breeding-place of millions of
-sea-birds, whose flesh and eggs form the main supply of food for the
-inhabitants, and whose feathers, together with a few sheep and cattle,
-and what little barley can be grown, or butter can be made, pay the
-trifling rent required, and help to provide the bare necessaries of
-civilized existence.
-
-The inhabitants are not healthy, so many dying, as young children, of
-a disease locally known as the ‘eight day sickness,’ a disease which
-generally attacks them on the eighth or ninth day after birth, and
-mostly proves fatal in the course of a day or two. From this and other
-causes, including falls from cliffs, the population has remained nearly
-stationary, as is evidenced by the fact that for the last hundred years
-the inhabitants have averaged under a hundred. Indeed, at one time, in
-1724, small-pox attacked the islanders, being imported by one of them
-on his return from a visit to Harris, and all the adults died except
-four, who were left to take care of twenty-six orphans, all that were
-left of twenty-four families.
-
-Lying out of the ordinary track of boats, even of yachts, it is, even
-now, seldom visited, and in the last century no one except the steward
-of Macleod (whose family have been the possessors of St. Kilda for
-hundreds of years), who made an annual pilgrimage to collect the rent,
-ever came near the place. Its loneliness was proverbial, so much so
-that it was an article of faith that the arrival of strangers brought
-with them a kind of influenza called boat-cough, which was sometimes
-fatal. This singular disease does not seem to be confined to St. Kilda,
-for Bates, in ‘The Naturalist on the River Amazon,’ mentions certain
-tribes near Ega who are gradually becoming extinct from a slow fever
-and cold, which attacks them after they have been visited by civilised
-people. And in the ‘Cruise of H.M.S. Galatea,’ in 1867-68, it says,
-‘Tristran d’Acunha is a remarkably healthy island; but it is a singular
-fact that any vessel touching there from St. Helena invariably brings
-with it a disease resembling influenza.’
-
-This belief is amusingly illustrated in Boswell’s ‘Journal of a Tour
-to the Hebrides.’ ‘This evening he (Dr. Johnson) disputed the truth
-of what is said as to the people of St. Kilda catching cold whenever
-strangers come. “How can there,” said he, “be a physical effect without
-a physical cause?” He added, laughing, “The arrival of a ship full of
-strangers would kill them; for, if one stranger gives them one cold,
-two strangers must give them two colds, and so on in proportion.” I
-wondered to hear him ridicule this, as he had praised McAulay for
-putting it in his book,[2] saying that it was manly in him to tell
-a fact, however strange, if he himself believed it. They said it
-was annually proved by Macleod’s steward, on whose arrival all the
-inhabitants caught cold. He jocularly remarked, “The steward always
-comes to demand something from them, and so they fall a-coughing. I
-suppose the people in Skye all take a cold when----” (naming a certain
-person) “comes.” They said he only came in summer. _Johnson_--“That is
-out of tenderness to you. Bad weather and he at the same time would be
-too much.”’
-
-The first printed account of this poor lonely island is, probably, in a
-little book by Donald Monro, High Dean of the Isles,[3] 1594. He there
-says, ‘The inhabitants therof ar simple poor people, scarce learnit in
-aney religion, but McCloyd of Herray,[4] his stewart, or he quhom he
-deputs in sic office, sailes anes in the zeir ther at midsummer, with
-some chaplaine to baptize bairns ther, and if they want[5] a chaplaine,
-they baptize their bairns themselfes.’
-
-At the end of the seventeenth century, when Roderick, the religious
-impostor, or fanatic, lived, things spiritual were somewhat improved,
-although they only had the annual clerical visit. There were three
-chapels on the island, to serve a population of one hundred and
-eighty. One was called Christ’s Chapel, hardly discernible from one of
-their dwellings, being built and thatched in a similar manner; but it
-contained one of their chief treasures, a brass crucifix, which lay
-upon an altar therein. They paid no adoration or worship to this, but
-it was their most precious possession, being used, as are the gospels
-elsewhere, for the purpose of solemn asseveration, and it was also made
-use of at marriages and the healing of strife.
-
-The people observed as Holy-days Christmas, Easter, Good Friday, St.
-Columba’s Day, and All Saints. They ceased all work at midnight on
-Saturday, and kept the Sabbath, in this respect, very strictly, only
-resuming their ordinary avocations on Monday morning. They believed in
-the Trinity, and in a future state of happiness and misery, and that
-God ordains all things. They took great care with their churchyard,
-which they fenced round with stone, so that no cattle should desecrate
-God’s Acre, and they had a peculiar belief in the embodiment of
-spirits, and fancied that they could, at will, incorporate themselves
-with the rocks, hills, etc.
-
-Of the three chapels, one only seems to have been used, and this, not
-being large enough to accommodate the islanders, the whole of the
-inhabitants would assemble, on every Sunday morning, in the churchyard,
-and there devoutly say the Lord’s Prayer, the Creed, and the Ten
-Commandments. This form of worship was simple enough; but it seems to
-have been of recent introduction--_i.e._, about the beginning of the
-seventeenth century; when, somehow or other, there was a man upon the
-island who passed for a Roman Catholic priest, but who was so ignorant
-that he did not know the Lord’s Prayer, the Creed, or the Decalogue
-correctly; and, consequently, he taught the poor people an incorrect
-version, but to him they owed the crucifix, and the observance of the
-Holy-days before mentioned, and with this teacher they were content
-until the year 1641, when one Coll McDonald, or Ketoch, fled from
-Ireland, and, with a few men, landed at St. Kilda, where he lived in
-amity with the inhabitants for nearly a year. He rebuked the so-called
-priest for his ignorance, and he taught the poor simple folk the
-correct version of the text of their very primitive worship--in fine,
-he was considered so far superior to the priest, that the natives would
-fain have deposed the latter; but this McDonald would not suffer.
-
-Martin Martin,[6] writing in 1698, describes the happy condition of the
-islanders at that date. ‘The Inhabitants of St. Kilda are much happier
-than the generality of Mankind, as being almost the only People in
-the World who feel the sweetness of true Liberty: What the Condition
-of the People in the Golden Age is feign’d by the Poets to be, that
-theirs really is; I mean, in Innocency and Simplicity, Purity, Mutual
-Love, and Cordial Friendship, free from solicitous Cares and anxious
-Covetousness; from Envy, Deceit, and Dissimulation; from Ambition and
-Pride, and the Consequences that attend them. They are altogether
-ignorant of the Vices of Foreigners, and governed by the Dictates of
-Reason and Christianity, as it was first delivered to them by those
-Heroick Souls whose Zeal moved them to undergo danger and trouble, to
-plant Religion here in one of the remotest Corners of the World.’
-
-This Eden, however, was doomed to have its Serpent, and these simple
-folk were fated to be led into error by a man who seems to have been
-physically above the average of the islanders, for he is described as
-‘a Comely, well-proportioned fellow, Red-hair’d, and exceeding all
-the Inhabitants of St. Kilda in Strength, Climbing, &c.’ Naturally he
-was illiterate, for the means of culture were altogether lacking in
-that lonely isle; but he was above his fellows, inasmuch as he was a
-poet, and, moreover, he claimed to have the gift of ‘second sight,’ a
-pretension which would naturally cause him to be looked up to by these
-Gaelic islanders. These qualifications which Roderick (for such was his
-name) claimed, naturally pointed to his becoming a leader of some sort;
-and he seems to have entered upon his vocation early in life, for, when
-we first hear of him in his public capacity, he was but eighteen years
-of age.
-
-We have read how strictly the islands kept the Sabbath, and Roderick
-seems to have been the first to break through their customs--by going
-fishing on that day. As, according to all moral ethics, something
-dreadful will surely overtake the Sabbath breaker, it is comforting
-to know that Roderick formed no exception to the rule. One Sunday he
-committed the heinous and, hitherto, unknown sin of fishing--and, on
-his return, he declared that, as he was coming home, a ‘Man, dressed in
-a Cloak and Hat,’ suddenly appeared in the road before him. Needless to
-say, this apparition frightened him, and he fell upon his face before
-the supernatural being, but the Man desired him not to be afraid,
-for he was John the Baptist, who had come specially from Heaven, the
-bearer of good tidings to the inhabitants of St. Kilda, and with a
-divine commission to instruct Roderick in religious matters, which
-instruction he was to impart to his neighbours for their spiritual
-welfare.
-
-Roderick diffidently objected to thus being made a medium, and alleged
-his incapacity to receive such revelations and act upon them; but the
-pseudo-saint cheered him, and bade him be of good courage, declaring
-that he would immediately make him fit for his predestined purpose,
-and, according to the poor fanatic’s account, gave him the following
-instructions:
-
-It was to be of primary importance, and as a visible sign of their
-belief, that his followers should observe Friday as a strict fast--so
-strict, indeed, that not a particle of food of any description must
-pass their lips on that day, nor might they even indulge in a pinch of
-snuff--a small luxury which they dearly loved. He next promulgated the
-comforting assurance that many of the deceased islanders were Saints in
-Heaven, and there interceded for those living; that everyone had his
-own particular advocate, and, on the anniversary of the day peculiar
-to each Saint, his _protégé_ on earth was to make a feast to his
-neighbours of the very best of his substance, such as mutton, fowls,
-&c., Roderick, of course, to be the chief and honoured guest on the
-occasion.
-
-A sheep was to be sacrificed on the threshold of each house by every
-family (presumably only once a year), and this was to be done in a
-specially cruel manner, for no knife was to touch it, but its throat
-was to be hacked with the crooked spades they used in husbandry, whose
-edges were about half-an-inch thick. This was to be done at night,
-but no one might partake of the mutton that night under penalty of
-similarly slaughtering a sheep the next day for every person that
-had eaten of it. It is difficult to see what was his object in these
-ordinances--except to make sure of good living at the expense of
-his poor dupes, who, if they turned refractory, and disobeyed his
-injunctions, were threatened with the most awful Judgment to come.
-
-That he was keen enough in his own interests is exemplified in one of
-his promulgations. He picked out a bush upon a rising ground, which he
-christened ‘John the Baptist’s Bush,’ for there, he declared, the Saint
-had appeared to him; and this he ordered should be holy ground, which
-must never be defiled by the tread of sheep or cattle. He also built a
-wall--certainly not a high one--round it: and should, by chance, any
-unhappy sheep, in the lightsomeness of its heart, or succumbing to the
-temptation of the herbage, overleap this wall, and dare to browse upon
-the sacred soil, it was staightway to be slain--and Roderick and its
-owner were to eat its carcase. But, as the Saint evidently foresaw that
-some stiff-necked, and not properly-converted proselyte, might object
-to this disposition of his personal property and might refuse to have
-the sheep slaughtered, he commanded that such a recusant should be
-ANATHEMA, cast out, and excluded from all fellowship, until such time
-as he saw the error of his ways, recanted, and expiated his sin by
-permitting the sacrifice.
-
-For discipline must be maintained in a religious body, as well as in
-a purely secular society; and Roderick had no intention of having his
-authority disputed. For minor offences he had a cheerful penance. No
-matter what was the weather, the sinner must strip, and forthwith walk
-or jump into the water, there to stand until the divinely-inspired
-one chose to release him, and, if more than one were thus punished at
-the same time, they were to beguile the moments, and somewhat increase
-their penance, by pouring cold water upon each other’s heads.
-
-He was for no half-measures. This new Divine revelation must thoroughly
-supersede and root out the old superstitions; so he forbade the use
-of the Lord’s Prayer, the Creed, and the Ten Commandments--the whole
-formulary of the islanders’ simple faith--and substituted forms of his
-own. His prayers are described as rhapsodical productions, in which, in
-spite of the abolition of the old form of worship, he introduced the
-names of God, our Saviour, and the immaculate Virgin, together with
-words unintelligible either to himself or his hearers, but which he
-declared to have received direct from the Baptist, and delivered to his
-hearers, as in duty bound.
-
-He kept up his connection with St. John, and used to assert that every
-night, when the people were assembled, he heard a voice, saying,
-‘Come you out, and then he lost all control over himself, and was
-constrained to go. Then would the Baptist meet him, and instruct him
-in what he was to say to the people. St. John evidently expected his
-disciple to exercise all his intelligence, for he would only say his
-message once, and never could be got to repeat it. On one occasion,
-Roderick could not understand it, or hardly remember a sentence; so
-he naturally inquired of the Saint how he was to behave. He got no
-comfort, however, only a brusque, ‘Go, you have it,’ with which he was
-fain to be content, and, wonderful to relate, on his return to his
-flock, he remembered every word he had been told, and could retail it
-fluently--but, as a rule, his discourses were discursive, and apt to
-send his auditors to sleep.
-
-Naturally the women flocked to him, and he took them specially (some
-said too specially) under his protection. To them he revealed that, if
-they followed him faithfully, eternal bliss should be their portion,
-and that they should go to heaven in glorious state, riding upon
-milk-white steeds. For them he exercised his poetic talents (for he
-composed long, rhapsodical rhymes, which he called psalms, and which
-were sung by his flock), and he taught them a devout hymn, called the
-‘Virgin Mary’s,’ which he declared she had sent specially to them, and
-that it was of such wonderful efficacy, that whoever could repeat it
-by heart would not die in child-bearing; but, of course, so valuable a
-gift could not be imparted gratis, so every scholar was mulcted in a
-sheep before she was instructed in the potent hymn.
-
-Yet, as with many another, a woman was the primary cause of his
-downfall. It was his behaviour to a woman that first opened the eyes of
-his deluded followers, and showed them that their idol was fallible,
-and that his feet were ‘part of iron, and part of clay.’ The wife
-of Macleod’s representative found favour in his sight; but, being a
-virtuous woman, she told her husband of the Prophet’s wicked advances;
-and these two laid a little trap, into which the unsuspecting, but
-naughty, Roderick walked.
-
-It was very simple: the husband hid himself until he judged proper to
-appear--confronted the guilty man--spoke burning words of reproof to
-him--thoroughly disorganised him, and brought him very low--made him
-beg his pardon, and promise he would never so sin again. But although
-a hollow peace was patched up between them, and the injured husband
-even gave the greatest sign of friendship possible, according to their
-notions (_i.e._, taking Roderick’s place as sponsor at the baptism
-of one of his own children), yet the story leaked out. The Prophet’s
-father plainly and openly told him he was a deceiver, and would come
-to a bad end; and the thinking portion of the community began to have
-serious doubts of the Divine origin of his mission.
-
-These doubts were further confirmed by one or two little facts which
-led the people to somewhat distrust his infallibility, especially in
-one case in which his cousin-german Lewis was concerned. This man had
-an ewe which had brought forth three lambs at one time, and these
-wicked sheep actually browsed upon the sacred bush! Of course we
-know the Baptist had decreed their slaughter, and Lewis was promptly
-reminded of the fact--but he did not see it in that light. His heart
-was hard, and his sheep were dear to him. He argued that, from his
-point of view, it was unreasonable to kill so many animals, and inflict
-such serious damage to their proprietor, for so trivial a fault--and,
-besides, he would not. Of course there was nothing to be done with such
-an hardened sinner but to carry out the law, and excommunicate him;
-which was accordingly done--with the usual result. The poor simple
-folk, in their faith, looked for a speedy and awful judgment to fall
-upon Lewis and his sheep.
-
- ‘But what gave rise
- To no little surprise,
- Nobody seem’d one penny the worse!’
-
-And then they bethought them that, if it were their own case, they
-might as well treat the matter as Lewis had done--seeing he was none
-the worse, and four sheep to the good; and so his authority over them
-gradually grew laxer and laxer: and, when the steward paid his annual
-visit in 1697, they denounced Roderick as an impostor, and expressed
-contrition for their own back-slidings.
-
-The chaplain who accompanied the steward, and who was sent over from
-Harris by Macleod, purposely to look into this matter, made the Prophet
-publicly proclaim himself an impostor, compelled him to commence with
-his own hands the destruction of the enclosure round the sacred bush,
-and scatter the stones broadcast--and, finally, the steward, whose
-word was absolute law to these poor people, took him away, never to
-return. The poor credulous dupes, on being reproved for so easily
-complying to this impostor, with one voice answered that what they did
-was unaccountable; but, seeing one of their own number and stamp in all
-respects endued, as they fancied, with a powerful faculty of preaching
-so fluently and frequently, and pretending to converse with John the
-Baptist, they were induced to believe in his mission from Heaven, and
-therefore complied with his commands without dispute.
-
-Of his ultimate fate nothing is known, the last record of him being
-that, after having been taken to Harris, he was brought before the
-awful Macleod, to be judged, ‘who, being informed of this Fellow’s
-Impostures, did forbid him from that time forward to Preach any
-more on pain of Death. This was a great mortification, as well as
-disappointment, to the Impostor, who was possessed with a fancy
-that _Mack-Leod_ would hear him preach, and expected no less than
-to persuade him to become one of his Proselytes, as he has since
-confessed.’ He was sent to Skye, where he made public recantation of
-his errors, and confessed in several churches that it was the Devil,
-and not St. John, with whom he conversed--and, arguing from that fact,
-he probably was docile, and lived the remainder of his life in Skye--a
-harmless lunatic.
-
- * * * * *
-
-In October, 1885, public attention was particularly directed to St.
-Kilda, and the story cannot be better told than by reproducing some
-contemporary newspaper paragraphs.
-
-_Morning Post_, October 9, 1885.--‘A letter has been received by
-Principal Rainy, Edinburgh, and has been forwarded to the Home
-Secretary from St. Kilda. The letter was found on the shore of Harris,
-having been floated from St. Kilda in a little boat made of a piece
-of plank. The letter was written by the clergyman of St. Kilda, by
-direction of the islanders, asking that the Government should be
-informed that their corn, barley, and potatoes were destroyed by
-a great storm, in the hope that Government would send a supply of
-corn-seed, barley, and potatoes, as the crop was quite useless.’
-
-_Ibid_, October 21, 1885.--‘The steamer from Glasgow, carrying supplies
-to the starving people of St. Kilda, reached the island on Monday,
-and safely landed the stores. The islanders were in good health, but
-their crops have been swept away, and, but for the supplies sent by
-the steamer, they would have been in very perilous straits for food.
-Intelligence of the distress of St. Kilda was first made known by
-bottles thrown into the sea.’
-
-_Times_, April 8, 1886.--‘A Parliamentary paper has been issued
-containing a report of Mr. Malcolm McNeill, inspecting officer of the
-Board of Supervision, on the alleged destitution in the island of St.
-Kilda, in October, 1885, with supplementary reports by Lieutenant
-Osborne, R.N., commanding officer, and by the medical officer of H.M.S.
-_Jackal_. The report shows that, news from St. Kilda having reached
-Harris by means of letters enclosed in a small boat a yard long, found
-on the shore, to the effect that the corn, barley, and potatoes of
-the inhabitants had been destroyed by a great storm that had passed
-over the island early in September, and that, in consequence, the
-crofters of St. Kilda were suffering great privations, a steamer, the
-_Hebridean_, was despatched from Glasgow to the island with stores on
-the 13th of October, and, by arrangement with the Admiralty, H.M.S.
-_Jackal_, conveying Mr. McNeill, left Rothesay Bay for St. Kilda on
-Wednesday, October 21, 1885. Mr. McNeill reported that, so far from
-being destitute, the inhabitants of the island were amply, indeed
-luxuriously, supplied with food, and in possession of sums of money
-said to average not less than £20 a family. Dr. Acheson, of H.M.S.
-_Jackal_, reported that the inhabitants of St. Kilda were well-clad and
-well-fed, being much better off in these respects than the peasants in
-many other parts of Great Britain.’
-
-Another newspaper paragraph not only confirms this, but adds to our
-knowledge of the island and its inhabitants. ‘Mr. Malcolm McNeill
-... reported on the 24th of October that the population of St.
-Kilda--seventy-seven souls in all--were amply, “indeed, luxuriously,”
-supplied with food for the winter. The supplies included sheep, fulmar,
-solan geese, meal, potatoes, milk, fish, tea, and sugar; and a large
-sum of money, said to average not less than £20 a family, was known to
-be hoarded in the island--a large profit being derived from tourists.
-Mr. McNeill states that a former emigrant, who returned from Australia
-for a few months in 1884, spread discontent among the people, who now
-showed a strong desire to emigrate, and in this he suggested that the
-Government should assist them. Dr. Acheson of the _Jackal_, reporting
-on visits paid both then and in 1884, notes that the people seemed
-to be better clad and fed than the peasants of many other parts of
-Great Britain. He was struck by the comparatively large number of
-infirm persons--by the large number of women compared with men, and
-by the comparatively small number of children. The food was abundant,
-but lacked variety; was rather indigestible, and was nearly devoid
-of vegetables for six months each year. He saw no signs of vinegar,
-pepper, mustard, pickles, or other condiments, but there was a great
-liking for tobacco and spirits. The diet he pronounces quite unfit for
-children, aged persons, or invalids; and, to remedy this, he suggests
-that an endeavour should be made to grow cabbages, turnips, carrots,
-and other vegetables on the island; that fowls should be introduced,
-and that pressed vegetables and lime juice might be issued when no
-fresh vegetables are procurable. Judging from the amount of clothing
-worn, the doctor thinks the people are more likely to suffer from
-excess than from the other extreme, for, on September 14th, 1884, with
-the thermometer sixty-eight degrees Fahrenheit in the shade, he found a
-healthy adult male wearing “a thick tweed waistcoat, with flannel back
-and sleeves, two thick flannel undervests, tweed trousers, a flannel
-shirt, flannel drawers, boots, and stockings, Tam o’ Shanter cap, and a
-thick, scarlet worsted muffler around his neck.” The furniture he found
-scanty, and very rough, and the houses very dirty. St. Kilda is not a
-desirable retreat, for Dr. Acheson reports that at present there are
-no games nor music in the island, and--strangest fact of all in this
-official document--“whistling is strictly forbidden.”’
-
-
-
-
-A FASHIONABLE LADY’S LIFE.
-
-
-There is a little poem by Dean Swift, published by him in Dublin, in
-1728, and reprinted in London, in 1729. Its price was only fourpence,
-and it is called, ‘The Journal of a Modern Lady, in a Letter to a
-Person of Quality.’ It is so small, that it is absolutely lost in
-the Dean’s voluminous works, yet it is very amusing, and, as far as
-I can judge (having made an especial study of the Social Life of
-the Eighteenth Century), it is not at all exaggerated; and for this
-reason I have ventured to reproduce it. It is borne out in similar
-descriptions both in the early and latter portions of the century; as,
-for instance, in ‘The English Lady’s Catechism,’ 1703, of which the
-following is a portion:
-
-
-HOW DO YOU EMPLOY YOUR TIME NOW?
-
-‘I lie in Bed till Noon, dress all the Afternoon, Dine in the Evening,
-and Play at Cards till Midnight.’
-
-‘How do you spend the Sabbath?’
-
-‘In Chit-Chat.’
-
-‘What do you talk of?’
-
-‘New Fashions and New Plays.’
-
-‘How often do you go to Church?’
-
-‘Twice a year or oftener, according as my Husband gives me new Cloaths.’
-
-‘Why do you go to Church when you have new Cloaths?’
-
-‘To see other People’s Finery, and to show my own, and to laugh at
-those scurvy, out-of-fashion Creatures that come there for Devotion.’
-
-‘Pray, Madam, what Books do you read?’
-
-‘I read lewd Plays and winning Romances.’
-
-‘Who is it you love?’
-
-‘Myself.’
-
-‘What! nobody else?’
-
-‘My Page, my Monkey, and my Lap Dog.’
-
-‘Why do you love them?’
-
-‘Why, because I am an English lady, and they are Foreign Creatures: my
-Page from Genoa, my Monkey from the East Indies, and my Lap Dog from
-Vigo.’
-
-‘Would they not have pleased you as well if they had been English?’
-
-‘No, for I hate everything that Old England brings forth, except it be
-the temper of an English Husband, and the liberty of an English Wife. I
-love the French Bread, French Wines, French Sauces, and a French Cook;
-in short, I have all about me French or Foreign, from my Waiting Woman
-to my Parrot.’
-
-‘How do you pay your debts?’
-
-‘Some with money, and some with fair promises. I seldom pay anybody’s
-bills, but run more into their debt. I give poor Tradesmen ill words,
-and the rich I treat civilly, in hopes to get further in their debt.’
-
-Addison, in the _Spectator_ (No. 323, March 11th, 1712), gives
-Clarinda’s Journal for a week, from which I will only extract one day
-as a sample.
-
-‘WEDNESDAY. _From Eight to Ten._ Drank two Dishes of Chocolate in Bed,
-and fell asleep after ’em.
-
-‘_From Ten to Eleven._ Eat a Slice of Bread and Butter, drank a Dish of
-Bohea, read the _Spectator_.
-
-‘_From Eleven to One._ At my Toilet, try’d a new Head.[7] Gave orders
-for _Veney_[8] to be combed and washed. _Mem._ I look best in Blue.
-
-‘_From One till Half an Hour after Two._ Drove to the Change. Cheapened
-a couple of Fans.
-
-‘_Till Four._ At Dinner. _Mem._ Mr. Frost passed by in his new Liveries.
-
-‘_From Four to Six._ Dressed, paid a visit to old Lady Blithe and her
-Sister, having heard they were gone out of Town that Day.
-
-‘_From Six to Eleven._ At Basset.[9] _Mem._ Never sit again upon the
-Ace of Diamond.’
-
-Gambling was one of the curses of the Eighteenth Century. From Royalty
-downwards, all played Cards--the men, perhaps, preferred dice, and
-‘Casting a Main’--but the women were inveterate card-players, until,
-in the latter part of the century, it became a national scandal, owing
-to the number of ladies who, from their social position, should have
-acted better, who kept Faro-tables, and to whom the nickname of _Faro’s
-Daughters_ was applied. There were Ladies Buckinghamshire and Archer,
-Mrs. Concannon, Mrs. Hobart, Mrs. Sturt, and others, whose houses
-were neither more nor less than gaming-houses. The evil was so great,
-that Lord Kenyon, in delivering judgment in a trial to recover £15
-won at card-playing, said that the higher classes set a bad example
-in this matter to the lower, and, he added, ‘They think they are too
-great for the law; I wish they could be punished. If any prosecutions
-of this kind are fairly brought before me, and the parties are justly
-convicted, whatever be their rank or station in the country--though
-they be the first ladies in the land--they shall certainly exhibit
-themselves in the pillory.’
-
-The caricaturists got hold of his Lordship’s speech, and depicted
-Lady Archer and others in the pillory, and Lady Buckinghamshire being
-whipped at a cart’s-tail by Lord Kenyon. With the century this kind of
-play died out; but some mention of it was necessary in order to show
-that Swift’s description of ladies gambling was not exaggerated.
-
-
-THE JOURNAL OF A MODERN LADY.
-
- SIR,
-
- It was a most unfriendly Part
- In you who ought to know my Heart;
- And well acquainted with my Zeal
- For all the Females’ Common-weal.
- How cou’d it come into your Mind
- To pitch on me of all Mankind,
- Against the Sex to write a Satire,
- And brand me for a Woman-Hater?
- On me, who think them all so fair,
- They rival Venus to a Hair:
- Their Virtues never ceas’d to sing,
- Since first I learn’d to tune a String.
- Methinks I hear the Ladies cry,
- Will he his Character belye?
- Must never our Misfortunes end?
- And have we lost our only Friend?
- Ah! lovely Nymph, remove your Fears,
- No more let fall those precious Tears,
- Sooner shall, etc.
-
-(_Here several verses are omitted._)
-
- The Hound be hunted by the Hare,
- Than I turn Rebel to the Fair.
-
- * * * * *
-
- ’Twas you engaged me first to write,
- Then gave the Subject out of Spite.
- The Journal of a Modern Dame,
- Is by my Promise what you claim;
- My Word is past, I must submit,
- And yet perhaps you may be bit.
- I but transcribe, for not a Line
- Of all the Satire shall be mine.
- Compell’d by you to tag in Rhimes
- The common Slanders of the Times,
- Of modern Times, the Guilt is yours
- And me my Innocence secures:
- Unwilling Muse, begin thy Lay,
- The Annals of a Female Day.
- By Nature turn’d to play the Rake well,
- As we shall shew you in the Sequel;
- The modern Dame is wak’d by Noon,
- Some authors say not quite so soon;
- Because, though sore against her Will,
- She sat all Night up at Quadrill.[10]
- She stretches, gapes, unglues her Eyes,
- And asks if it be time to rise.
- Of Head-ach and the Spleen complains;
- And then to cool her heated Brains,
- Her Night-gown![11] and her Slippers brought her,
- Takes a large Dram of Citron Water.
- Then to her Glass; and, Betty, pray
- Don’t I look frightfully to-Day?
- But, was it not confounded hard?
- Well, if I ever touch a Card;
- Four Mattadores, and lose Codill;
- Depend upon’t I never will!
- But run to Tom, and bid him fix
- The Ladies here to-Night by Six.
- Madam, the Goldsmith waits below,
- He says his Business is to know
- If you’ll redeem the Silver Cup
- You pawn’d to him. First, shew him up.
- Your Dressing Plate he’ll be content
- To take for Interest Cent. per Cent.
- And, Madam, there’s my Lady Spade
- Hath sent this Letter by her Maid.
- Well, I remember what she won;
- And hath she sent so soon to dun?
- Here, carry down those ten Pistoles
- My Husband left to pay for Coals:
- I thank my Stars they are all light;
- And I may have Revenge to-Night.
- Now, loitering o’er her Tea and Cream,
- She enters on her usual Theme;
- Her last Night’s ill Success repeats,
- Calls Lady Spade a hundred Cheats.
- She slipt Spadillo in her Breast,
- Then thought to turn it to a Jest.
- There’s Mrs. Cut and she combine,
- And to each other give the Sign.
- Through ev’ry Game pursues her Tale,
- Like Hunters o’er their Evening Ale.
- Now to another Scene give Place,
- Enter the Folks with Silks and Lace;
- Fresh Matter for a World of Chat,
- Right Indian this, right Macklin that;
- Observe this Pattern; there’s a Stuff,
- I can have Customers enough.
- Dear Madam, you are grown so hard,
- This Lace is worth twelve Pounds a Yard
- Madam, if there be Truth in Man,
- I never sold so cheap a Fan.
- This Business of Importance o’er,
- And Madam, almost dress’d by Four;
- The Footman, in his usual Phrase,
- Comes up with: Madam, Dinner stays;
- She answers in her usual Style,
- The Cook must keep it back a while;
- I never can have time to Dress,
- No Woman breathing takes up less;
- I’m hurried so, it makes me sick,
- I wish the dinner at Old Nick.
- At Table now she acts her part,
- Has all the Dinner Cant by Heart:
- I thought we were to Dine alone,
- My Dear, for sure if I had known
- This Company would come to-Day,
- But really ’tis my Spouse’s Way;
- He’s so unkind, he never sends
- To tell, when he invites his Friends:
- I wish ye may but have enough;
- And while, with all this paultry Stuff,
- She sits tormenting every Guest,
- Nor gives her Tongue one Moment’s Rest,
- In Phrases batter’d stale and trite,
- Which modern Ladies call polite;
- You see the Booby Husband sit
- In Admiration at her Wit.
- But let me now a while Survey
- Our Madam o’er her Ev’ning Tea;
- Surrounded with her Noisy Clans
- Of Prudes, Coquets, and Harridans;
- When frighted at the clamorous Crew,
- Away the God of Silence flew;
- And fair Discretion left the Place,
- And Modesty with blushing Face;
- Now enters over-weening Pride,
- And Scandal ever gaping wide,
- Hypocrisy with Frown severe,
- Scurrility with gibing Air;
- Rude Laughter seeming like to burst,
- And Malice always judging worst;
- And Vanity with Pocket-Glass,
- And Impudence, with Front of Brass;
- And studied Affectation came,
- Each Limb and Feature out of Frame;
- While Ignorance, with Brain of Lead,
- Flew hov’ring o’er each Female Head.
- Why should I ask of thee, my Muse,
- An Hundred Tongues, as Poets use,
- When, to give ev’ry Dame her due,
- An Hundred Thousand were too few!
- Or how should I, alas! relate,
- The Sum of all their Senseless Prate,
- Their Inuendo’s, Hints, and Slanders,
- Their Meanings lewd, and double Entanders.[12]
- Now comes the general Scandal Charge,
- What some invent, the rest enlarge;
- And, Madam, if it he a Lye,
- You have the tale as cheap as I:
- I must conceal my Author’s Name,
- But now ’tis known to common Fame.
- Say, foolish Females, Old and Blind,
- Say, by what fatal Turn of Mind,
- Are you on Vices most severe,
- Wherein yourselves have greatest Share?
- Thus every Fool herself deludes,
- The Prudes condemn the absent Prudes.
- Mopsa who stinks her Spouse to Death,
- Accuses Chloe’s tainted Breath:
- Hircina, rank with Sweat, presumes
- To censure Phillis for Perfumes:
- While crooked Cynthia swearing, says,
- That Florimel wears Iron Stays.
- Chloe’s of ev’ry Coxcomb jealous,
- Admires[13] how Girls can talk with Fellows,
- And, full of Indignation, frets
- That Women should be such Coquets.
- Iris, for Scandal most notorious,
- Cries, Lord, the world is so censorious;
- And Rufa, with her Combs of Lead,[14]
- Whispers that Sappho’s Hair is Red.
- Aura, whose Tongue you hear a Mile hence,
- Talks half a day in Praise of Silence:
- And Silvia, full of inward Guilt,
- Calls Amoret an arrant Jilt.
- Now Voices over Voices rise;
- While each to be the loudest vies,
- They contradict, affirm, dispute,
- No single Tongue one Moment mute;
- All mad to speak, and none to hearken,
- They set the very Lap-Dog barking;
- Their Chattering makes a louder Din
- Than Fish-Wives o’er a Cup of Gin;
- Not School-boys at a Barring-out,
- Raised ever such incessant Rout:
- The Shumbling (_sic_) Particles of Matter
- In Chaos make not such a Clatter;
- Far less the Rabble roar and rail,
- When Drunk with sour Election Ale.
- Nor do they trust their Tongue alone,
- To speak a Language of their own;
- Can read a Nod, a Shrug, a Look;
- Far better than a printed Book;
- Convey a Libel in a Frown,
- And wink a Reputation down;
- Or, by the tossing of the Fan,
- Describe the Lady and the Man.
- But, see the Female Club disbands,
- Each, twenty Visits on her Hands:
- Now, all alone, poor Madam sits,
- In Vapours and Hysterick Fits;
- And was not Tom this Morning sent?
- I’d lay my Life he never went:
- Past Six, and not a living Soul!
- I might by this have won a Vole.
- A dreadful Interval of Spleen!
- How shall we pass the Time between?
- Here, Betty, let me take my Drops,
- And feel my Pulse, I know it stops:
- This Head of mine, Lord, how it Swims!
- And such a Pain in all my Limbs!
- Dear Madam, try to take a Nap:
- But now they hear a Foot-Man’s Rap;
- Go, run, and light the Ladies up;
- It must be One before we Sup.
- The Table, Cards, and Counters set,
- And all the Gamester Ladies met,
- Her Spleen and Fits recover’d quite,
- Our Madam can sit up all Night;
- Whoever comes, I’m not within,
- Quadrill the Word, and so begin.
- How can the Muse her Aid impart,
- Unskill’d in all the Terms of Art?
- Or, in harmonious Numbers, put
- The Deal, the Shuffle, and the Cut?
- The Superfluous Whims relate,
- That fill a Female Gamester’s Pate:
- What Agony of Soul she feels
- To see a Knave’s inverted Heels;
- She draws up Card by Card, to find
- Good Fortune peeping from behind;
- With panting Heart and earnest Eyes,
- In hope to see Spadillo rise;
- In vain, alas! her Hope is fed,
- She draws an Ace, and sees it red.
- In ready Counters never pays,
- But pawns her Snuff-Box, Rings, and Keys.
- Ever with some new Fancy struck,
- Tries twenty Charms to mend her Luck.
- This Morning when the Parson came,
- I said I could not win a Game.
- This odious Chair, how came I stuck in’t?
- I think I’ve never had good Luck in’t.
- I’m so uneasy in my Stays:
- Your Fan, a Moment, if you please.
- Stand further, Girl, or get you gone,
- I always lose when you look on.
- Lord! Madam, you have lost Codill;
- I never saw you play so ill.
- Nay, Madam, give me leave to say
- ’Twas you that threw the game away;
- When Lady Tricksy play’d a Four,
- You took it with a Matadore;
- I saw you touch your Wedding-Ring
- Before my Lady call’d a King.
- You spoke a Word began with H,
- And I know whom you mean to teach,
- Because you held the King of Hearts;
- Fie, Madam, leave these little Arts.
- That’s not so bad as one that rubs
- Her Chair to call the King of Clubs,
- And makes her Partner understand
- A Matadore is in her Hand.
- Madam, you have no Cause to flounce,
- I swear I saw you twice renounce.
- And truly, Madam, I know when
- Instead of Five you scor’d me Ten.
- Spadillo here has got a Mark,
- A Child may know it in the Dark:
- I Guess the Hand, it seldom fails,
- I wish some Folks would pare their Nails.
- While thus they rail, and scold, and storm,
- It passes but for common Form;
- Are conscious that they all speak true,
- And give each other but their due;
- It never interrupts the Game,
- Or makes ’em sensible of Shame.
- Time too precious now to waste,
- The Supper gobbled up in haste:
- Again a-fresh to Cards they run,
- As if they had but just begun;
- Yet shall I not again repeat
- How oft they Squabble, Snarl, and Cheat:
- At last they hear the Watchman Knock,
- _A frosty Morn ... Past Four a-clock_.
- The Chair-men are not to be found,
- Come, let us play the t’other Round.
- Now all in haste they huddle on
- Their Hoods, their Cloaks, and get them gone;
- But first, the Winner must invite
- The Company to-morrow Night.
- Unlucky Madam left in Tears,
- Who now again Quadrill forswears,
- With empty Purse and aching Head,
- Steals to her sleeping Spouse to Bed.
-
-
-
-
-GEORGE BARRINGTON.
-
-
-There is much and curious food for reflection, in the tendency that
-mankind has ever shown to sympathise with the daring and ingenious
-depredators who relieve the rich of their superfluity, which may
-possibly be owing to the romantic adventures and hair-breadth escapes
-which the robbers, in their career, have undergone. But, be the cause
-what it may, it is certain that the populace of all nations view with
-admiration great and successful thieves: for instance, what greater
-popular hero, and one that has been popular for centuries, could be
-found than Robin Hood?
-
-Almost every country in Europe has its traditional thief, whose
-exploits are recorded both in prose and poetry. In England, Claude
-Duval, Captain Hind, Dick Turpin, Jonathan Wild, and Jack Sheppard have
-each in their turn occupied a prominent place in the annals of crime;
-whilst in France, amongst the light-fingered heroes that have, from
-time to time, extorted respect from the multitude, Cartouche and Vidocq
-take first rank. Germany is proud of its Schinderhannes, the Robber of
-the Rhine, the stories of whose generosity and courage still render
-his memory a favourite on the banks of that river, the travellers
-on which he so long kept in awe. In Italy and Spain, those homes of
-brigands and banditti, the inhabitants have ever-ready sympathy for the
-men whose names and exploits are as familiar among them as ‘household
-words.’
-
-Cartouche, however, is the only rival to Barrington in their particular
-line, and Barrington, certainly, was no mere common pick-pocket, only
-fit to figure in the ‘Newgate Calendar,’ but he possessed talents
-which, had they been properly directed on his first setting out in
-life, might have enabled him to have played a distinguished part either
-in literature or in business. But, unfortunately, very early in his
-youth, poverty led him to adopt theft as his professed vocation; and,
-by his ingenuity and constant practice, he contrived to render himself
-so expert, as almost to have conducted his depredations on systematic
-rules, and elevated his crime into a ‘high art.’ Barrington, too, by
-his winning manners, gentlemanly address, and the fair education he
-contrived to pick up, was a man eminently fitted (if such an expression
-may be allowed) for his profession! his personal appearance was
-almost sufficient to disarm suspicion, and this, in all probability,
-contributed greatly to the success which he met with in his career.
-
-George Barrington, or Waldron (for it is not known which was his right
-name), was born on the 14th of May, 1755, at the village of Maynooth,
-county Kildare, in Ireland, now famous for the Royal College of St.
-Patrick, which is there situated. His reputed father was Henry Waldron,
-who was a working silversmith, and his mother, whose maiden name was
-Naish, was a dressmaker, or mantua-maker, as it was then called (also
-occasionally acting as midwife), in the same village; but, whether they
-had ever been legally united, is a matter open to doubt.
-
-To have their parentage disputed is a fate which the great ones of the
-earth have frequently to undergo, and George Barrington, or Waldron, is
-an instance of this, for more than one of his historians assert that he
-was the son of a Captain Barrington, an officer in a marching regiment
-quartered at Rush, and the date of his birth is given as 1758; but the
-most trustworthy evidence places it on record as above stated.
-
-His parents’ characters stood high among their neighbours for integrity
-and industry, but they were, unfortunately, always behindhand with
-the world, and never able to extricate themselves from the state of
-abject poverty in which they were sunk, in consequence of unsuccessful
-litigation with a wealthy relation. This want of means prevented them
-from giving George any education until he was seven years of age, when
-he was sent to the village school, and there was taught to read and
-write. A benevolent surgeon in the neighbourhood afterwards instructed
-him in arithmetic, geography, and grammar; but, if the anecdote related
-of him is true, he repaid the kindness by the blackest ingratitude in
-stealing some coins from his benefactor’s daughter.
-
-Young Waldron was lucky enough to attract the notice of the Rev.
-Dr. Westropp, a dignitary of the Church of Ireland, who placed him,
-when he was sixteen years of age, at a grammar-school in Dublin, and
-this patron proposed that he should fit himself for the university.
-But fate had decreed otherwise and he enjoyed the benefits of this
-gentleman’s kindness but a short time, for, in a moment of passion,
-when quarrelling with another boy, he stabbed his antagonist with a
-pen-knife, wounding him severely. Instead of making the matter one
-for legal investigation, the boy received a thorough good flogging, a
-degradation he could by no means forgive, and he resolved to run away
-from school, and leave family, friends, and all his fair prospects
-behind him. But, previous to carrying his plan of escape into action,
-he found means to appropriate ten or twelve guineas belonging to
-the master of the school, and a gold repeating-watch, which was the
-property of his master’s sister. Not content with this booty, he took a
-few shirts and pairs of stockings, and safely effected his retreat, one
-still night in 1771, starting off for Drogheda.
-
-There happened to be staying at the obscure inn at which he put up,
-on his arrival at Drogheda, a set of strolling players, whose manager
-was one John Price, who had once been a lawyer’s clerk, and had been
-convicted of some fraud at the Old Bailey. He soon wormed the boy’s
-whole story out of him, and persuaded him to join the theatrical
-company, which he did, and he applied himself to study so diligently
-that he was cast for the part, and played, four days after his
-enrolment, Jaffier in Otway’s tragedy of ‘Venice Preserved,’ in a barn
-in the suburbs of Drogheda. Both he and Price were of opinion that it
-would be dangerous for him to remain so near the scene of his late
-depredations, but were unable to move for want of money. To overcome
-this difficulty, Waldron, who had assumed the name of Barrington, gave
-Price the gold repeater he had stolen, which was sold for the benefit
-of the company, and they set out for Londonderry.
-
-But it was found that the expenses of travelling for so numerous a
-body, with their _impedimenta_, were too great to be balanced by the
-receipts of rural audiences, and, on their arrival at Londonderry,
-their finances were found to be at a very low ebb indeed. Under these
-circumstances, Price insinuated that Barrington, with his good address
-and appearance, could easily introduce himself to the chief places of
-resort in the city, and, by picking pockets, might refill their empty
-exchequer. This scheme he at once put into practice, with such success
-that, at the close of the evening, he was the possessor of about forty
-guineas in cash, and one hundred and fifty pounds in Irish bank-notes.
-
-The picking of pockets being a crime almost unknown in that part of
-Ireland, the town took the alarm, and a great stir was made over the
-matter; but it being fair-time, and many strangers in the city, neither
-Barrington nor Price were suspected; still they thought it but prudent
-to leave as soon as they could with propriety, and, after playing a few
-more nights, they moved to Ballyshannon. For some time he continued
-this vagabond life, travelling about the North of Ireland, acting every
-Tuesday and Saturday, and picking pockets every day in the week, a
-business which he found more lucrative and entertaining than that of
-the theatre, where his fame was by no means equal to the expectation he
-had raised.
-
-At Cork, Price and he came to the conclusion never to think any more
-of the stage, a resolution which was the more easily executed, as
-the company to which they originally belonged was now broken up and
-dispersed. It was settled between them that Price should pass for
-Barrington’s servant, and that Barrington should act the part of a
-young gentleman of large fortune and of noble family, who was not yet
-quite of age, travelling for his amusement. They carried out their
-scheme well, purchasing horses and dressing up to their parts, and,
-during the summer and autumn of 1772, they visited all the race-courses
-in the South of Ireland, making a remarkably successful campaign.
-Pocket-picking was a novel experience to the Irish gentry, and their
-unsuspicious ways made them an easy prey to Barrington’s skill and
-nimble fingers; so much so that when, at the setting-in of winter, they
-returned to Cork, they found themselves in possession of a large sum
-of money (over £1,000), having been fortunate enough to have escaped
-detection or even suspicion.
-
-At length their partnership was rudely dissolved, as, at the close of
-winter, Price was detected in the very act of picking a gentleman’s
-pocket at Cork, and for this offence he was sentenced to be transported
-to America (as was customary then) for seven years. Barrington
-immediately converted all his moveable property into cash, and beat
-a precipitate flight to Dublin, where, for a time, he lived a very
-private and retired life, only stealing out occasionally of a dark
-night to visit some gaming-house, where he might pick up a few guineas,
-or a watch, etc., a mode of life which was by no means congenial to
-his ambitious nature, and he again frequented the race-courses. He
-met with his first check at Carlow, where he was detected in picking
-a nobleman’s pocket. It was a clear case; the stolen property was
-found on his person, and immediately restored to its owner, who did not
-prosecute, preferring to let the rascal receive the treatment known as
-‘the discipline of the course,’ a punishment very similar to that meted
-out to ‘Welchers’ at the present day. But Ireland was getting too warm
-for him, and, having realised his property, he set sail for London,
-where he arrived in the summer of 1773, a remarkably precocious youth
-of eighteen.
-
-On his voyage across the Channel, he became acquainted with several
-persons of respectability, with one of whom he travelled post to
-London, having gulled him with a specious tale about his family and
-fortune; and, having gained his confidence, he procured by his means
-introductions into the politest circles, from whom, for a long time, he
-extracted abundant plunder. But, in order to do this, he had to dress
-well, and live extravagantly, so that he very soon had to cast about
-for the means wherewith to supply his needs. Among the earliest visits
-he paid, after his arrival in London, and in his friend’s company,
-was, of course, Ranelagh, where he found two of his acquaintance on
-the Irish packet talking to the Duke of Leinster. Bowing to them, and
-stationing himself near them, he soon eased the duke of above eighty
-pounds, a baronet of five-and-thirty guineas, and one of the ladies of
-her watch; and, with this plunder, he rejoined his party as if nothing
-had happened out of the ordinary course of things.
-
-But his proceedings had been watched by another member of the thieving
-fraternity, who was in the gardens, and who took a speedy opportunity
-of letting Barrington know that he had witnessed his crime, and
-threatened to denounce him to the plundered parties, unless a division
-of the spoil was made between them. His manner being very impressive,
-left Barrington no alternative but to comply; and the lady’s watch
-and chain, with a ten-pound note, fell to his share. The two supped
-together, and it ended with their entering into a mutual alliance,
-which, for the time, suited Barrington well, as his companion knew
-town much better than he did, and was especially well-informed in the
-knowledge of those places where the plunder could be disposed of: but
-this partnership only continued for a short time, in consequence of
-their quarrels, there being nothing in common to bind these two rogues
-together save their crime.
-
-In the course of his depredations, he visited Brighton, or, as it was
-then called, Brighthelmstone, which was beginning to be the resort of
-the wealthier classes, but, as yet, had not dreamed of the rise it was
-to take under George the Magnificent--and no conception could have been
-formed of the present ‘London-on-the-Sea.’ Here, thanks to his pleasant
-manners and address, as well as to the company he frequented, he became
-acquainted, and intimate, with the Duke of Ancaster, Lord Ferrers,
-Lord Lyttleton, and many other noblemen, who all considered him as a
-man of genius and ability (which he certainly was), and were under the
-impression that he was a gentleman of fortune and family.
-
-His manners were good, and he had a pleasant wit--so that it is not
-difficult to imagine that his society was welcome. As a specimen of
-his wit, I may relate an anecdote told of him when on a visit to
-Chichester from Brighton. In company of several noblemen, he was
-shown the curiosities and notable things in the town and cathedral.
-In the latter, their attention was directed to a family vault for the
-interment of the Dukes of Richmond, which had been erected by the late
-duke, and which was inscribed ‘Domus ultima’ (the last house). On this
-inscription he is said to have written the following epigram:
-
- ‘Did he, who thus inscribed this wall,
- Not _read_, or not _believe_, St. Paul?
- Who says, “There is, where e’er it stands,
- _Another_ house, not made with hands;”
- Or shall we gather, from the words,
- That _House_ is not a _House_ of Lords.’
-
-After living at the expense of the pockets of his new-found friends
-as long as he deemed it prudent, he returned to London, and began a
-dissolute and profligate career; but, though his time was pretty well
-employed between his infamous occupation and his amusements, he yet
-found opportunity for intervals of study and literary pursuits, and
-composed several odes and poems, which are said to have been not devoid
-of merit.
-
-As before stated, he broke with his partner, who retired to a
-monastery, where, in all probability, he ended his days in penitence
-and peace. But, in the winter of 1775, Barrington became acquainted
-with one Lowe, whom he first employed in the useful capacity of
-receiver of stolen goods, and afterwards went into partnership
-with. This Lowe was a singular character. Originally he had been a
-livery-servant, and after that he kept a public-house for some time,
-when, having saved some money, he turned usurer or money-lender, in
-which business he accumulated a small fortune, when he assumed the
-character of a gentleman, and lived in a genteel house near Bloomsbury
-Square, then a fashionable neighbourhood. Here he passed for a very
-charitable and benevolent person, and was appointed treasurer or
-manager of a new hospital for the blind in Kentish Town, in which
-capacity, it is said, he contrived to become possessed of some five
-thousand pounds, when he set fire to the institution. Being suspected
-thereof, he was apprehended at Liverpool, in 1779, when he committed
-suicide by taking poison, and was buried at a cross-road, in the
-neighbourhood of Prescott in Lancashire.
-
-On forming his partnership with Lowe, it was resolved on between
-them that Barrington should repair to Court on the Queen’s birthday,
-disguised as a clergyman, and there endeavour not only to pick the
-pockets of the company, but, what was a far bolder and more novel
-attempt, to cut off the diamond stars of the Knights of the Garter,
-Bath, or Thistle, who on such days generally wore the ribands of their
-respective orders over their coats. In this enterprise he succeeded
-beyond the most sanguine expectations that could have been formed,
-either by himself or his partner; for he managed to take a diamond star
-from a nobleman, and to get away from St. James’s unsuspected. But this
-prize was too valuable to dispose of in England, and it is said to have
-been sold to a Dutch Jew, who came over from Holland twice a year on
-purpose to buy stolen goods, for eight hundred pounds. This haul only
-whetted his appetite for yet more profitable plunder, and a chance of
-his skill shortly presented itself.
-
-In the course of the winter of 1775, Prince Orloff, a Russian nobleman
-of the first rank and consequence, visited England. The splendour in
-which he lived, and the stories of his immense wealth, were frequently
-noticed and commented on in the public prints, and attention was
-particularly drawn to a gold snuff-box, set with brilliants, which was
-one of the many marks of favour showered upon him by Catherine, Empress
-of Russia, and which was generally valued at the enormous sum of
-between thirty and forty thousand pounds. This precious trinket excited
-Barrington’s cupidity in an extraordinary degree, and he determined to
-exert himself, in order, by some means or other, to get it into his
-possession.
-
-A favourable opportunity occurred one night at Covent Garden Theatre,
-where he contrived to get near the prince, and dexterously conveyed
-the treasure from his excellency’s waistcoat pocket (in which,
-according to Russian custom, it was usually carried) into his own.
-This operation was not, however, performed with sufficient delicacy to
-escape detection, for the prince felt the attack that was so impudently
-made upon his property, and, having reason to entertain some suspicion
-of Barrington, he immediately seized him by the collar. During the
-confusion that naturally ensued upon such an unusual scene, Barrington
-slipped the box into the hand of the prince, who, doubtless, was only
-too rejoiced to recover it with so much ease. The thief, however, was
-secured, and committed to Tothill Fields Bridewell.[15]
-
-When examined before Sir John Fielding, Barrington trumped up a story
-that he was a native of Ireland, of an affluent and respectable family;
-that he had been educated for the medical profession, and had come to
-England to improve himself by means of his connections. This story,
-which was told with extreme modesty and many tears, induced the prince
-to think of him more as an unfortunate gentleman than a guilty culprit,
-and he declined to proceed against him, so that he was dismissed,
-with an admonition from Sir John to amend his future conduct; and he
-must have left the court congratulating himself on his narrow, but
-lucky, escape. The publicity which was given to this attempt lost him
-the society of most of his friends, as he was held up to view in the
-disgraceful light of an impostor; and it also was the means of giving
-him a further taste of prison discipline.
-
-In the pursuit of his peculiar industry, he frequented both Houses of
-Parliament, where he acquired considerable plunder. Some weeks after
-the Covent Garden affair, he was in the House of Lords during an
-interesting debate that attracted a great number of people, amongst
-whom was a gentleman who recognised Barrington, and who informed the
-Deputy Usher of the Black Rod of his probable business there. That
-official promptly ejected him, though, perhaps, not with the gentleness
-that he considered his due, and he uttered such threats of vengeance
-against his accuser that the latter made application to a magistrate,
-who granted a warrant to take Barrington into custody, and to bind him
-over to keep the peace. But his credit was now sunk so low that none of
-his former companions would come forward with the necessary sureties,
-and Barrington, in default, was relegated to his former place of
-detention, Tothill Fields Bridewell, where he remained a considerable
-time before he was released.
-
-During his incarceration, the story of his misdeeds was industriously
-circulated, and his character as _bon camarade_ was completely
-destroyed, so that the entry to all decent company was absolutely shut
-against him, and from this time forward he was obliged to abandon
-the _rôle_ of a ‘gentleman’ pickpocket, and descend to all the mean
-artifices of a common pilferer. Even in this humble branch of his
-infamous industry, his good fortune seems to have deserted him, for he
-was detected in picking the pocket of a low woman at Drury Lane Theatre
-in December, 1776, and, though he made a remarkably clever speech in
-his defence, he was sentenced to three years of ballast-heaving, or
-hard labour in the hulks at Woolwich. Here, herded with the vilest
-of the vile, he kept as much as possible from them, and, by his good
-conduct, attracted the attention of the superintendents of convicts,
-and by their intervention he was set free, after having sustained an
-imprisonment of somewhat less than twelve months.
-
-On his liberation, he lost no time in re-commencing his vicious
-occupation, under various disguises, sometimes as a quack doctor, or
-as a clergyman; or he would assume the character of a grave commercial
-traveller, only to appear, a few days later on, as the keeper of a
-gambling-house, and he had many a narrow escape from capture.
-
-Justice, however, again laid her hands upon him, for, less than six
-months after his liberation, he was detected in picking the pocket of
-one, Elizabeth Ironmonger, of a watch, was convicted on the clearest
-evidence, and, in spite of the very eloquent and skilful defence he
-made, he was a second time sentenced to the hulks with hard labour,
-this time for five years. His speeches to the court, which were
-remarked in the public prints, as well as the letters that he wrote
-seeking mitigation of his punishment, display such talent that it is a
-matter of great regret that it was not turned to more honest account.
-On one occasion, when tried for stealing Sir G. Webster’s purse at the
-opera, in February, 1784, he was able, by his eloquence, to influence
-the jury to return a verdict of not guilty; and a similar piece of good
-fortune was vouchsafed to him a year after, when arraigned for the
-robbery of a gentleman’s watch at Drury Lane Theatre, when his most
-ingenious and well-chosen address to the jury resulted in his acquittal.
-
-He could not stand his second imprisonment on the hulks, and to end
-it he attempted suicide by stabbing himself in the breast with a
-pen-knife. Medical aid was at hand, and the wound slowly healed, but
-he still continued to linger in a miserable state, until he came
-under the notice of a gentleman of position, who used his influence
-with the government so successfully that he obtained Barrington’s
-release, subject to the condition that he should leave the country.
-His benefactor also gave him money for that purpose, and he was
-soon on the Chester coach, _en route_ for Ireland. When he arrived
-in Dublin, he found his character had preceded him, and he was so
-closely watched that it was not long before he was again arrested,
-and acquitted only from want of evidence. The judge admonished him
-most seriously, which gave Barrington an opportunity of airing his
-eloquence, and he delivered an oration on the unaccountable force of
-prejudice that existed against him; but, when once he got away, he came
-to the conclusion that the Irish capital was not a desirable place of
-residence for him, so he travelled northwards, and ultimately reached
-Edinburgh.
-
-However, the police of that city knew all about him, and were more
-vigilant than their _confrères_ in London and Dublin, so that
-Barrington, finding himself both suspected and watched, came to the
-conclusion that the air of Scotland was not good for him, and turned
-his face southward. Unmindful of the terms of his liberation, or
-careless as to the result of his return, he again sought London,
-where, once more, he frequented the theatres, the opera-house, and the
-Pantheon, for some little time, with tolerable success--but he was now
-too notorious to be long secure; he was closely watched, and well-nigh
-detected at the latter of these places; and, such strong suspicions of
-his behaviour were entertained by the magistrates, he was committed to
-Newgate, though on his trial he was acquitted.
-
-But he only escaped Scylla to be engulphed in Charybdis, for one of
-the superintendents of convicts had him detained for violating the
-conditions under which he was liberated, and the consequence was that
-he was made what was called ‘a fine in Newgate,’ that is, he had to
-serve out his unexpired term of imprisonment there. This punishment
-he duly suffered, and when he was once more set free, he at once
-re-commenced his old practices, and lived a life of shifts and roguery,
-until, in January, 1787, he was detected in picking the pocket of a
-Mrs. Le Mesurier, at Drury Lane Theatre, and was at once apprehended.
-He was given in charge of a constable named Blandy, but by some means,
-either by negligence of his custodian, or by bribing him, he made his
-escape.
-
-For this he was outlawed, and, whilst the offended majesty of the law
-was thus seeking to vindicate itself, he was making a progress of the
-northern counties under various disguises, sometimes appearing as a
-quack doctor, or a clergyman, then in connection with a gaming-table,
-and occasionally playing the _rôle_ of a rider (as commercial
-travellers were then called) for some manufacturing firm. Although
-frequently meeting with people who knew him, he was never molested
-by them, until he was recognised at Newcastle (whilst being examined
-in the justice-room there, regarding a theft he had committed) by a
-gentleman from London as being ‘wanted’ for the robbery at Drury Lane
-Theatre, and he was promptly despatched to Bow Street once more. On
-his arrival, he was committed to Newgate as an outlaw, and, miserable
-and dejected, his spirits sank within him. His friends, however (for
-even he had friends) made up a purse of a hundred guineas for his
-defence. His trial took place in November, 1789, when he conducted his
-own defence, as usual, with extraordinary ability, arguing the various
-points of law with the judge with surprising acuteness and elegant
-language, till, eventually, being aided by the absence of a material
-witness, he made such an impression upon the court that a verdict of
-acquittal was recorded.
-
-All these escapes, however, seem to have had no deterrent effect upon
-him, and he again set off for Ireland, where he joined an accomplice
-named Hubert, who was speedily apprehended, in the act of picking a
-pocket, and sentenced to seven years transportation. Dublin after this
-was far too hot for Barrington, so he adroitly made his escape to
-England, where, after rambling about the country for some time, he
-re-appeared in London. But he had not been in the metropolis very long
-before he was apprehended, as his indictment says, for ‘stealing on
-the 1st of September, 1780, in the parish of Enfield, in the county of
-Middlesex, a gold watch, chain, seals, and a metal key, the property of
-Henry Hare Townsend.’ The case was very clear, but Barrington defended
-himself very ingeniously, and with a certain amount of oratory, of
-which the following is a sample:
-
-‘I am well convinced of the noble nature of a British Court of Justice;
-the dignified and benign principles of its judges, and the liberal and
-candid spirit of its jurors.
-
-‘Gentlemen, life is the gift of God, and liberty its greatest blessing;
-the power of disposing of both or either is the greatest man can
-enjoy. It is also adventitious that, great as that power is, it cannot
-be better placed than in the hands of an English jury; for they will
-not exercise it like tyrants, who delight in blood, but like generous
-and brave men, who delight to spare rather than destroy; and who,
-forgetting they are men themselves, lean, when they can, to the side
-of compassion. It may be thought, gentlemen of the jury, that I am
-appealing to your passions, and, if I had the power to do it, I would
-not fail to employ it. The passions animate the heart, and to the
-passions we are indebted for the noblest actions, and to the passions
-we owe our dearest and finest feelings; and, when it is considered, the
-mighty power you now possess, whatever leads to a cautious and tender
-discharge of it, must be thought of great consequence: as long as the
-passions conduct us on the side of benevolence, they are our best, our
-safest, and our most friendly guides.’
-
-But all his eloquence was thrown away on a jury of practical men, and
-they found him guilty. His trial took place on the 15th of September,
-1790, and on the 22nd of September he received his sentence, which was
-seven years’ transportation. He took his leave dramatically, and made a
-speech lamenting his hard fate throughout life.
-
-‘The world, my Lord, has given me credit for abilities, indeed much
-greater than I possess, and, therefore, much more than I deserved; but
-I have never found any kind hand to foster those abilities.
-
-‘I might ask, where was the generous and powerful hand that was ever
-stretched forth to rescue George Barrington from infamy? In an age
-like this, which, in several respects, is so justly famed for liberal
-sentiments, it was my severe lot that no nobleminded gentleman stepped
-forward and said to me, “Barrington, you are possessed of talents which
-may be useful to society. I feel for your situation, and, as long as
-you act the part of a good citizen, I will be your protector; you will
-then have time and opportunity to rescue yourself from the obloquy of
-your former conduct.”
-
-‘Alas, my Lord, George Barrington had never the supreme felicity of
-having such comfort administered to his wounded spirit. As matters
-have unfortunately turned out, the die is cast; and, as it is, I bend,
-resigned to my fate, without one murmur or complaint.’
-
-Thus ended his life in England, which he was never to see again, and it
-is with pleasure that we can turn to a brighter page in his history.
-
-In his account of his voyage to New South Wales, he says that it was
-with unspeakable satisfaction that he received orders to embark,
-agreeably to his sentence; and it is pleasing to observe that, under
-his adverse circumstances, the friends he had made in his prosperity
-did not forsake him in his adversity, for many of them came to bid him
-adieu, and not one of them came empty-handed; in fact, their generosity
-was so great, that he had difficulty in getting permission to take all
-their gifts on board.
-
-His account of their embarkation gives us an extremely graphic
-description not only of the treatment of convicts, but of the unhappy
-wretches themselves.
-
-‘About a quarter before five, a general muster took place, and,
-having bid farewell to my fellow-prisoners, we were escorted from the
-prison to Blackfriars Bridge by the City Guard, where two lighters
-were waiting to receive us. This procession, though early, and but
-few spectators, made a deep impression on my mind, and the ignominy
-of being thus mingled with felons of all descriptions, many scarce a
-degree above the brute creation, intoxicated with liquor, and shocking
-the ears of those they passed with blasphemy, oaths, and songs, the
-most offensive to modesty, inflicted a punishment more severe than the
-sentence of my country, and fully avenged that society I had so much
-wronged.’
-
-And there is little doubt but that the moral repugnance to his
-miserable, and vicious companions was mainly the cause of the
-reformation which took place in him.
-
-The condition of convicts at that day was not enviable. There were two
-hundred and fifty of them in the ship with Barrington, all packed
-in the hold, their hammocks being slung within seventeen inches of
-each other: being encumbered with their irons, and deprived of fresh
-air, their condition was soon rendered deplorable. To alleviate their
-sufferings as much as possible, they were permitted to walk the deck
-(as much as was consistent with the safety of the ship), ten at a time;
-and the women, of whom there were six on board, had a snug berth to
-themselves. But, in spite of this humane and considerate treatment,
-thirty-six of them died on the voyage.
-
-Barrington, however, was not in such evil case, for a friend had
-accompanied him on board, and, by his influence and exertions, had
-not only procured stowage for his packages, but also liberty to walk
-the deck unencumbered with irons. Nor did his help stop here, for
-he prevailed upon the boatswain to admit him into his mess, which
-consisted of the second mate, carpenter, and gunner, on condition that
-he paid his proportion towards defraying the extra requisites for the
-mess during the voyage. The boatswain, too, had his hammock slung next
-to his own, so that his life was made as comfortable as it could be,
-under the circumstances, and he had not to herd with the convicts.
-
-Soon after leaving the Bay of Biscay, these gentlemen began to give
-trouble. The captain, very humanely, had released many of the weaker
-convicts of their galling chains, and allowed them to walk on deck, ten
-at a time. Two of them, who were Americans, and had some knowledge of
-navigation, prevailed upon the majority of their comrades to attempt to
-seize the ship, impressing upon them that it would be an easy task,
-and that when captured, they would sail to America, where every man
-would not only obtain his liberty, but receive a tract of land from
-Congress, besides a share of the money arising from the sale of the
-ship and cargo.
-
-The poor dupes swallowed the bait, and the mutineers determined that
-on the first opportunity, whilst the officers were at dinner, those
-convicts who were on deck should force the arm-chest, which was kept
-on the quarter-deck, and, at the same time, would make a signal to
-two of them to attack the sentinels, and obtain possession of their
-arms, while word was passed for those below to come on deck. And, as
-they planned, so they carried out the mutiny: when the captain and
-officers were below examining the stowage of some wine--a cask, in the
-spirit-room, being leaky--and the only persons on deck were Barrington
-and the man at the helm.
-
-Barrington was going forward, but was stopped by one of the Americans,
-followed by another convict, who struck at him with a sword, which
-luckily hit against a pistol that the American had pointed at him.
-Barrington snatched up a handspike, and felled one of them, and the
-steersman left his wheel and called up the captain and crew. For a few
-moments Barrington kept the mutineers at bay, when assistance came--and
-a blunderbuss being fired amongst the convicts, wounding several, they
-retreated, and were all driven into the hold. An attempt of this kind
-required the most exemplary punishment; and two of the ring-leaders,
-with very short shrift, were soon dangling at the yard-arm, whilst
-others were tasting the cat-o’-nine-tails at the gangway.
-
-The mutiny having been thus quelled, and the convicts re-ironed, the
-captain had leisure to thank Barrington, and to compliment him on his
-gallant behaviour in the emergency. He assured Barrington that, when
-they arrived at the Cape, he would reward him, and that, meanwhile,
-he was to have every liberty; and orders were given to the steward to
-supply him with anything he might have occasion for during the voyage.
-As Barrington observes:
-
-‘I soon experienced the good effects of my late behaviour; as seldom
-a day passed but some fresh meat or poultry was sent to me by the
-captain, which considerably raised me in the estimation of my
-messmates, who were no ways displeased at the substitution of a sea-pie
-of fowl or fresh meat to a dish of lobscouse, or a piece of salt-junk.’
-
-On the ship’s arrival at the Cape, the captain gave Barrington an order
-on a merchant there for one hundred dollars, telling him he might at
-any time avail himself of the ship’s boat going ashore, and visit the
-town as often as he pleased, if he would only tell the officers when
-he felt so inclined. It is needless to say he fully availed himself of
-his privilege, and laid out his money in the purchase of goods most in
-demand in New South Wales.
-
-On reaching Port Jackson, in consequence of the captain’s report, he
-had a most gracious reception from the governor, who, finding him a
-man of ability and intelligence, almost immediately appointed him
-superintendent of the convicts at Paramatta: his business being chiefly
-to report the progress made in the different works that were carried
-on there. Here he had ample leisure and opportunities of studying
-the natives and their habits and customs, and in his ‘History of New
-South Wales,’ he gives an interesting account of the aborigines of
-Australia, now so rapidly approaching extinction. The governor, Philip,
-made unceasing efforts to win their friendship, and even went to the
-extent of forcing his acquaintance on them, by the summary method
-of capturing a few, and keeping them in friendly durance; hoping
-thus to gain their good-will, so that, on their release, they might
-report to their friends that the white man was not so bad as he was
-represented. But it was all in vain; for, beyond a very few converts to
-civilisation, the savage remained untameable.
-
-By the purchases which Barrington had made at the Cape, as well as the
-presents he had brought from England, he was enabled to furnish his
-house in a rather better style than his neighbours, and, moreover,
-he managed to collect around him a few farm-yard animals, which,
-together with his great love for horticulture, made his life far from
-unendurable. His position, as peace-officer of the district, was no
-sinecure; for the criminal population over whom he had jurisdiction
-gave him very considerable trouble, more especially after the
-introduction into the settlement, by some American vessels, of New
-England rum, the baneful effects of which were very soon apparent: the
-partiality of the convicts for it being incredible, for they preferred
-receiving it as the price of their labour to any other article, either
-of provisions or clothing.
-
-Barrington’s tact and good management in the numerous disturbances
-that arose, as more convicts were poured into the station, were very
-conspicuous, and his conduct was altogether such as compensated, in a
-great measure, for his former misdeeds. His domestic matters improved
-by degrees, so that his situation was equal, if not preferable, to
-that of most of the settlers there, and, to crown all, in September,
-1799, the Governor--Hunter--presented him with an absolute pardon,
-complimenting him on his faithful discharge of the duties which had
-been entrusted to him, and the integrity and uniform uprightness of
-his conduct, and, furthermore, said that his general behaviour, during
-his whole residence, perfectly obliterated every trace of his former
-indiscretions.
-
-Barrington was further appointed a principal superintendent of the
-district of Paramatta, with a permanent salary of £50 per annum (his
-situation having been, hitherto, only provisional) and, eventually,
-the confidence he inspired was such that he was raised to the office
-of Chief of the constabulary force of the Colony, on the principle, it
-may be presumed, of ‘setting a thief to catch a thief.’ In this post he
-gave great satisfaction, and died, much respected by all who knew him,
-at Botany Bay.
-
-He wrote ‘The History of New South Wales,’ &c. London, 1802; a most
-valuable and interesting book. ‘An Account of a Voyage to New South
-Wales,’ London, 1803. ‘The History of New Holland,’ London, 1808; and
-a book was published with his name as author, ‘The London Spy,’ which
-went through several editions.
-
-
-
-
-MILTON’S BONES.
-
-
-In the first series of _Notes and Queries_, vol. v. p. 369 (April 17,
-1852), is a note from which the following is an extract: ‘In vol. v,
-p. 275, mention is made of Cromwell’s skull; so it may not be out of
-place to tell you that I have handled one of Milton’s ribs. Cowper
-speaks indignantly of the desecration of our divine poet’s grave,
-on which shameful occurrence some of the bones were clandestinely
-distributed. One fell to the lot of an old and esteemed friend, and
-between forty-five and fifty years ago, at his house, not many miles
-from London, I have often examined the said rib-bone.’
-
-The lines of Cowper’s to which he refers were written in August, 1790,
-and are entitled
-
-
-STANZAS
-
-_On the late indecent Liberties taken with the remains of the great
-Milton. Anno 1790._
-
- ‘Me too, perchance, in future days,
- The sculptured stone shall show,
- With Paphian myrtle or with bays
- Parnassian on my brow.
-
- But I, or ere that season come,
- Escaped from every care,
- Shall reach my refuge in the tomb,
- And sleep securely there.’[16]
-
- So sang, in Roman tone and style,
- The youthful bard, ere long
- Ordain’d to grace his native isle
- With her sublimest song.
-
- Who then but must conceive disdain,
- Hearing the deed unblest,
- Of wretches who have dared profane
- His dread sepulchral rest?
-
- Ill fare the hands that heaved the stones
- Where Milton’s ashes lay,
- That trembled not to grasp his bones
- And steal his dust away!
-
- O ill-requited bard! neglect
- Thy living worth repaid,
- And blind idolatrous respect
- As much affronts thee dead.
-
-Leigh Hunt possessed a lock of Milton’s hair which had been given to
-him by a physician--and over which he went into such rhapsodies that he
-composed no less than three sonnets addressed to the donor--which may
-be found in his ‘Foliage,’ ed. 1818, pp. 131, 132, 133. The following
-is the best:--
-
-
-TO ---- ---- MD.,
-
-_On his giving me a lock of Milton’s hair_.
-
- It lies before me there, and my own breath
- Stirs its thin outer threads, as though beside
- The living head I stood in honoured pride,
- Talking of lovely things that conquered death.
- Perhaps he pressed it once, or underneath
- Ran his fine fingers, when he leant, blank-eyed,
- And saw, in fancy, Adam and his bride
- With their heaped locks, or his own Delphic wreath.
- There seems a love in hair, though it be dead.
- It is the gentlest, yet the strongest thread
- Of our frail plant--a blossom from the tree
- Surviving the proud trunk;--as if it said,
- Patience and Gentleness is Power. In me
- Behold affectionate eternity.
-
-How were these personal relics obtained? By rifling his tomb.
-Shakespeare solemnly cursed anyone who should dare to meddle with his
-dead body, and his remains are believed to be intact.
-
- ‘Good friend, for Jesus’ sake, forbear
- To dig the dust inclosed here:
- Blest be the man who spares these stones,
- And cursed be he who moves my bones.’
-
-But Milton laid no such interdict upon his poor dead body--and it
-was not very long after his burial, which took place in 1674, that
-the stone which covered it, and indicated his resting-place, was
-removed, as Aubrey tells us in his ‘Lives’ (vol. iii, p. 450). ‘His
-stone is now removed. About two years since (1681) the two steppes to
-the communion-table were raysed, Ighesse, Jo. Speed,[17] and he lie
-together.’ And so it came to pass that, in the church of St. Giles’,
-Cripplegate, where he was buried, there was no memorial of the place
-where he was laid, nor, indeed, anything to mark the fact of his burial
-in that church until, in 1793, Samuel Whitbread set up a fine marble
-bust of the poet, by Bacon, with an inscription giving the dates of
-his birth and death, and recording the fact that his father was also
-interred there.
-
-It is probable that Mr. Whitbread was moved thereto by the alleged
-desecration of Milton’s tomb in 1790, of which there is a good account
-written by Philip Neve, of Furnival’s Inn, which is entitled, ‘A
-NARRATIVE of the DISINTERMENT of MILTON’S coffin, in the Parish-Church
-of ST. GILES, Cripplegate, on Wednesday, August 4th, 1790; and the
-TREATMENT OF THE CORPSE during that and the following day.’
-
-As this narrative is not long, I propose to give it in its entirety,
-because to condense it would be to spoil it, and, by giving it _in
-extenso_, the reader will be better able to judge whether it was really
-Milton’s body which was exhumed.
-
-
-A NARRATIVE, &c.
-
-Having read in the _Public Advertiser_, on Saturday, the 7th of August,
-1790, that _Milton’s_ coffin had been dug up in the parish church of
-St. Giles, Cripplegate, and was there to be seen, I went immediately
-to the church, and found the latter part of the information to be
-untrue; but, from conversations on that day, on Monday, the 9th, and on
-Tuesday, the 10th of August, with Mr. Thomas _Strong_, Solicitor and
-F.A.S., Red Cross Street, _Vestry-Clerk_; Mr. John _Cole_, Barbican,
-Silversmith, _Churchwarden_; Mr. John _Laming_, Barbican, _Pawnbroker_;
-and Mr. _Fountain_, Beech Lane, Publican, _Overseers_; Mr. _Taylor_, of
-Stanton, Derbyshire, _Surgeon_; a friend of Mr. _Laming_, and a visitor
-in his house; Mr. William _Ascough_, Coffin-maker, Fore Street, _Parish
-Clerk_; Benjamin _Holmes_ and Thomas _Hawkesworth_, journeymen to Mr.
-Ascough; Mrs. _Hoppey_, Fore Street, _Sexton_; Mr. _Ellis_, No. 9,
-Lamb’s Chapel, comedian of the Royalty-theatre; and John _Poole_ (son
-of Rowland Poole), Watch-spring maker, Jacob’s Passage, Barbican, the
-following facts are established:
-
-It being in the contemplation of some persons to bestow a considerable
-sum of money in erecting a monument, in the parish church of _St.
-Giles_, Cripplegate, to the memory of _Milton_, and the particular
-spot of his interment in that church having for many years past been
-ascertained only by tradition, several of the principal parishioners
-have, at their meetings, frequently expressed a wish that his coffin
-should be dug for, that incontestable evidence of its exact situation
-might be established, before the said monument should be erected. The
-entry, among the burials, in the register-book, 12th of November,
-1674, is ‘_John Milton_, Gentleman, consumption, _chancell_.’ The
-church of St. Giles, Cripplegate, was built in 1030, was burnt down
-(except the steeple) and rebuilt in 1545; was repaired in 1682; and
-again in 1710. In the repair of 1782, an alteration took place in the
-disposition of the inside of the church; the pulpit was removed from
-the second pillar, against which it stood, north of the chancel, to
-the south side of the present chancel, which was then formed, and
-pews were built over the old chancel. The tradition has always been
-that _Milton_ was buried in the chancel, under the clerk’s desk; but
-the circumstance of the alteration in the church, not having, of late
-years, been attended to, the clerk, sexton, and other officers of the
-parish have misguided inquirers, by showing the spot under the clerk’s
-desk, in the present chancel, as the place of _Milton’s_ interment.
-I have twice, at different periods, been shown that spot as the place
-where _Milton_ lay. Even Mr. _Baskerville_, who died a few years
-ago, and who had requested, in his will, to be buried by _Milton_,
-was deposited in the above-mentioned spot of the present chancel, in
-pious intention of compliance with his request. The church is now,
-August, 1790, under a general repair, by contract, for £1,350, and Mr.
-_Strong_, Mr. _Cole_, and other parishioners, having very prudently
-judged that the search would be made with much less inconvenience to
-the parish at this time, when the church is under repair, than at any
-period after the said repair should be completed, Mr. _Cole_, in the
-last days of July, ordered the workmen to dig in search of the coffin.
-Mr. _Ascough_, his father, and grandfather, have been parish clerks
-of _St. Giles_ for upwards of ninety years past. His grandfather,
-who died in February, 1759-60, aged eighty-four, used often to say
-that _Milton_ had been buried under the clerk’s desk in the chancel.
-John _Poole_, aged seventy, used to hear his father talk of Milton’s
-person, from those who had seen him; and also, that he lay under the
-common-councilmen’s pew. The common-councilmen’s pew is built over
-that very part of the old chancel, where the former clerk’s desk
-stood. These traditions in the parish reported to Mr. _Strong_ and
-Mr. _Cole_ readily directed them to dig from the present chancel,
-northwards, towards the pillar, against which the former pulpit and
-desk had stood. On Tuesday afternoon, August 3rd, notice was brought
-to Messrs. _Strong_ and _Cole_ that the coffin was discovered. They
-went immediately to the church, and, by help of a candle, proceeded
-under the common-councilmen’s pew to the place where the coffin lay.
-It was in a chalky soil, and directly over a wooden coffin, supposed
-to be that of _Milton’s_ father; tradition having always reported that
-_Milton_ was buried next to his father. The registry of the father of
-_Milton_, among the burials, in the parish-book, is ‘_John Melton_,
-Gentleman, 15th of March, 1646-7.’ In digging through the whole space
-from the present chancel, where the ground was opened, to the situation
-of the former clerk’s desk, there was not found any other coffin, which
-could raise the smallest doubt of this being _Milton’s_. The two oldest
-found in the ground had inscriptions, which Mr. _Strong_ copied; they
-were of as late dates as 1727 and 1739. When he and Mr. _Cole_ had
-examined the coffin, they ordered water and a brush to be brought, that
-they might wash it, in search of an inscription, or initials, or date;
-but, upon its being carefully cleansed, none was found.
-
-The following particulars were given me in writing by Mr. _Strong_, and
-they contain the admeasurement of the coffin, as taken by him, with a
-rule. ‘A leaden coffin, found under the common-councilmen’s pew, on
-the north side of the chancel, nearly under the place where the old
-pulpit and clerk’s desk stood. The coffin appeared to be old, much
-corroded, and without any inscription or plate upon it. It was, in
-length, five feet ten inches, and in width, at the broadest part, over
-the shoulders, one foot four inches.’ Conjecture naturally pointed out,
-both to Mr. _Strong_ and Mr. _Cole_, that, by moving the leaden coffin,
-there would be a great chance of finding some inscription on the wooden
-one underneath; but, with a just and laudable piety, they disdained to
-disturb the sacred ashes, after a requiem of one hundred and sixteen
-years; and having satisfied their curiosity, and ascertained the fact,
-which was the subject of it, Mr. _Cole_ ordered the ground to be
-closed. This was on the afternoon of Tuesday, August the 3rd; and, when
-I waited on Mr. _Strong_, on Saturday morning, the 7th, he informed
-me that the coffin had been found on the Tuesday, had been examined,
-washed, and measured by him and Mr. _Cole_; but that the ground had
-been immediately closed, when they left the church;--not doubting that
-Mr. _Cole’s_ order had been punctually obeyed. But the direct contrary
-appears to have been the fact.
-
-On Tuesday evening, the 3rd, Mr. _Cole_, Messrs. _Laming_ and _Taylor_,
-_Holmes_, &c., had a _merry meeting_, as Mr. _Cole_ expresses himself,
-at Fountain’s house; the conversation there turned upon _Milton’s_
-coffin having been discovered; and, in the course of the evening,
-several of those present expressing a desire to see it, Mr. _Cole_
-assented that, if the ground was not already closed, the closing of it
-should be deferred until they should have satisfied their curiosity.
-Between eight and nine on Wednesday morning, the 4th, the two overseers
-(_Laming_ and _Fountain_) and Mr. _Taylor_, went to the house of
-_Ascough_, the clerk, which leads into the church-yard, and asked for
-_Holmes_; they then went with _Holmes_ into the church, and pulled the
-coffin, which lay deep in the ground, from its original station to the
-edge of the excavation, into day-light. Mr. _Laming_ told me that, to
-assist in thus removing it, he put his hand into a corroded hole, which
-he saw in the lead, at the coffin foot. When they had thus removed it,
-the overseers asked _Holmes_ if he could open it, that they might see
-the body. _Holmes_ immediately fetched a mallet and a chisel, and cut
-open the top of the coffin, slantwise from the head, as low as the
-breast; so that the top, being doubled backward, they could see the
-corpse; he cut it open also at the foot. Upon first view of the body,
-it appeared perfect, and completely enveloped in the shroud, which was
-of many folds; the ribs standing up regularly. When they disturbed
-the shroud, the ribs fell. Mr. _Fountain_ told me that he pulled hard
-at the teeth, which resisted, until some one hit them a knock with a
-stone, when they easily came out. There were but five in the upper
-jaw, which were all perfectly sound and white, and all taken by Mr.
-_Fountain_; he gave one of them to Mr. _Laming_; Mr. _Laming_ also took
-one from the lower jaw; and Mr. _Taylor_ took two from it. Mr. _Laming_
-told me that he had, at one time, a mind to bring away the whole
-under-jaw, with the teeth in it; he had it in his hand, but tossed it
-back again. Also that he lifted up the head, and saw a great quantity
-of hair, which lay straight and even behind the head, and in the state
-of hair which had been combed and tied together before interment; but
-it was wet, the coffin having considerable corroded holes, both at
-the head and foot, and a great part of the water with which it had
-been washed on the Tuesday afternoon having run into it. The overseers
-and Mr. _Taylor_ went away soon afterwards, and Messrs. _Laming_ and
-_Taylor_ went home to get scissors to cut off some of the hair: they
-returned about ten, when Mr. _Laming_ poked his stick against the head,
-and brought some of the hair over the forehead; but, as they saw the
-scissors were not necessary, Mr. _Taylor_ took up the hair, as it lay
-on the forehead, and carried it home. The water, which had got into
-the coffin on the Tuesday afternoon, had made a sludge at the bottom
-of it, emitting a nauseous smell, and which occasioned Mr. _Laming_ to
-use his stick to procure the hair, and not to lift up the head a second
-time. Mr. _Laming_ also took out one of the leg-bones, but threw it in
-again. _Holmes_ went out of church, whilst Messrs. _Laming_, _Taylor_,
-and _Fountain_ were there the first time, and he returned when the two
-former were come the second time. When Messrs. _Laming_ and _Taylor_
-had finally quitted the church, the coffin was removed from the edge
-of the excavation back to its original station; but was no otherwise
-closed than by the lid, where it had been cut and reversed, being bent
-down again. Mr. _Ascough_, the clerk, was from home the greater part of
-that day, and Mrs. _Hoppey_, the sexton, was from home the whole day.
-Elizabeth _Grant_, the grave-digger, who is servant to Mrs. _Hoppey_,
-therefore now took possession of the coffin; and, as its situation
-under the common-councilmen’s pew would not admit of its being seen
-without the help of a candle, she kept a tinder-box in the excavation,
-and, when any persons came, struck a light, and conducted them under
-the pew, where, by reversing the part of the lid which had been cut,
-she exhibited the body, at first for sixpence, and afterwards for
-threepence and twopence each person. The workers in the church kept the
-doors locked to all those who would not pay the price of a pot of beer
-for entrance, and many, to avoid that payment, got in at a window at
-the west end of the church, near to Mr. _Ascough’s_ counting-house.
-
-I went on Saturday, the 7th, to Mr. _Laming’s_ house, to request a
-lock of the hair; but, not meeting with Mr. _Taylor_ at home, went
-again on Monday, the 9th, when Mr. _Taylor_ gave me part of what hair
-he had reserved for himself. _Hawkesworth_ having informed me, on the
-Saturday, that Mr. _Ellis_, the player, had taken some hair, and that
-he had seen him take a rib-bone, and carry it away in paper under his
-coat, I went from Mr. _Laming’s_ on Monday to Mr. _Ellis_, who told me
-that he had paid 6^d. to Elizabeth _Grant_ for seeing the body; and
-that he had lifted up the head, and taken from the sludge under it a
-small quantity of hair, with which was a piece of the shroud, and,
-adhering to the hair, a bit of the skin of the skull, of about the size
-of a shilling. He then put them all into my hands, with the rib-bone,
-which appeared to be one of the upper ribs. The piece of the shroud was
-of coarse linen. The hair which he had taken was short; a small part of
-it he had washed, and the remainder was in the clotted state in which
-he had taken it. He told me that he had tried to reach down as low as
-the hands of the corpse, but had not been able to effect it. The washed
-hair corresponded exactly with that in my possession, and which I had
-just received from Mr. _Taylor_. _Ellis_ is a very ingenious worker
-in hair, and he said that, thinking it would be of great advantage to
-him to possess a quantity of Milton’s hair, he had returned to the
-church on Thursday, and had made his endeavours to get access a second
-time to the body; but had been refused admittance. _Hawkesworth_ took
-a tooth, and broke a bit off the coffin; of which I was informed by
-Mr. _Ascough_. I purchased them both of _Hawkesworth_, on Saturday the
-7th, for 2^s.; and he told me that, when he took the tooth out, there
-were but two more remaining; one of which was afterwards taken by
-another of Mr. _Ascough’s_ men. And _Ellis_ informed me that, at the
-time when he was there, on Wednesday, the teeth were all gone; but the
-overseers say they think that all the teeth were not taken out of the
-coffin, though displaced from the jaws, but that some of them must have
-fallen among the other bones, as they very readily came out, after the
-first were drawn. _Haslib_, son of William _Haslib_, of Jewin Street,
-undertaker, took one of the small bones, which I purchased of him, on
-Monday, the 9th, for 2^s.
-
-With respect to the identity of the person; anyone must be a skeptic
-against violent presumptions to entertain a doubt of its being that
-of _Milton_. The parish traditions of the spot; the age of the
-coffin--none other found in the ground which can at all contest with
-it, or render it suspicious--_Poole’s_ tradition that those who had
-conversed with his father about _Milton’s_ person always described
-him to have been thin, with long hair; the entry in the register-book
-that _Milton_ died of consumption, are all strong confirmations,
-with the size of the coffin, of the identity of the person. If it be
-objected that, against the pillar where the pulpit formerly stood, and
-immediately over the common-councilmen’s pew, is a monument to the
-family of _Smith_, which shows that ‘near that place’ were buried, in
-1653, _Richard Smith_, aged 17; in 1655, _John Smith_, aged 32; and in
-1664, _Elizabeth Smith_, the mother, aged 64; and in 1675, _Richard
-Smith_, the father, aged 85; it may be answered that, if the coffin
-in question be one of these, the others should be there also. The
-corpse is certainly not that of a man of 85; and, if it be supposed
-one of the first named males of the _Smith_ family, certainly the
-two later coffins should appear; but none such were found, nor could
-that monument have been erected until many years after the death of
-the last person mentioned in the inscription; and it was then placed
-there, as it expresses, not by any of the family, but at the expense of
-friends. The flatness of the pillar, after the pulpit had been removed,
-offered an advantageous situation for it; and ‘_near this place_,’
-upon a mural monument, will always admit of a liberal construction.
-_Holmes_, who is much respected in that parish, and very ingenious and
-intelligent in his business, says that a leaden coffin, when the inner
-wooden-case is perished, must, from pressure and its own weight, shrink
-in breadth, and that, therefore, more than the present admeasurement of
-this coffin across the shoulders must have been its original breadth.
-There is evidence, also, that it was incurvated, both on the top and
-at the sides, at the time when it was discovered. But the strongest of
-all confirmations is the hair, both in its length and colour. Behold
-_Faithorne’s_ quarto-print of _Milton_ taken _ad vivum_ in 1760, five
-years before _Milton’s_ death. Observe the short locks growing towards
-the forehead, and the long ones flowing from the same place down the
-sides of the face. The whole quantity of hair which Mr. _Taylor_ took
-was from the forehead, and all taken at one grasp. I measured on Monday
-morning, the 9th, that lock of it which he had given to Mr. _Laming_,
-six inches and a half by a rule; and the lock of it which he gave to
-me, taken at the same time, and from the same place, measures only
-two inches and a half. In the reign of _Charles_ II. how few, besides
-_Milton_, wore their own hair! _Wood_ says _Milton_ had light-brown
-hair, the very description of that which we possess; and, what may
-seem extraordinary, it is yet so strong that Mr. _Laming_, to cleanse
-it from its clotted state, let the cistern-cock run on it for near a
-minute, and then rubbed it between his fingers without injury.
-
-_Milton’s_ coffin lay open from Wednesday morning, the 4th, at 9
-o’clock until 4 o’clock in the afternoon of the following day, when the
-ground was closed.
-
-With respect to there being no inscriptions on the coffin, _Holmes_
-says that inscription-plates were not used, nor invented at the time
-when _Milton_ was buried; that the practice then was to paint the
-inscription on the outside wooden coffin, which in this case was
-entirely perished.
-
-It has never been pretended that any hair was taken except by Mr.
-_Taylor_, and by _Ellis_ the player; and all which the latter took
-would, when cleansed, easily lie in a small locket. Mr. _Taylor_
-has divided his share into many small parcels; and the lock which I
-saw in Mr. _Laming’s_ hands on Saturday morning, the 7th, and which
-then measured six inches and a half, had been so cut and reduced by
-divisions among Mr. _Laming’s_ friends, at noon, on Monday, the 9th,
-that he thus possessed only a small bit, from two to three inches in
-length.
-
-All the teeth are remarkably short, below the gums. The five which
-were in the upper jaw, and the middle teeth of the lower, are perfect
-and white. Mr. _Fountain_ took the five upper jaw teeth; Mr. _Laming_
-one from the lower jaw; Mr. _Taylor_ two from it; _Hawkesworth_ one;
-and another of Mr. _Ascough’s_ men one; besides these, I have not been
-able to trace any, nor have I heard that any more were taken. It is
-not probable that more than ten should have been brought away, if the
-conjecture of the overseers, that some dropped among the other bones,
-be founded.
-
- * * * * *
-
-In recording a transaction which will strike every liberal mind with
-horror and disgust, I cannot omit to declare that I have procured
-those relics which I possess, only in hope of bearing part in a pious
-and honourable restitution of all that has been taken; the sole
-atonement which can now be made to the violated rights of the dead; to
-the insulted parishioners at large; and to the feelings of all good
-men. During the present repair of the church, the mode is obvious and
-easy. Unless that be done, in vain will the parish hereafter boast a
-sumptuous monument to the memory of _Milton_; it will but display their
-shame in proportion to its magnificence.
-
-I collected this account from the mouths of those who were immediate
-actors in this most sacrilegious scene; and before the voice of charity
-had reproached them with their impiety. By it those are exculpated
-whose just and liberal sentiments restrained their hands from an act of
-violation, and the blood of the lamb is dashed against the door-posts
-of the perpetrators, not to save, but to mark them to posterity.
-
- PHILIP NEVE.
-
- Furnival’s Inn,
- 14th of August, 1790.
-
-This Mr. Neve, whose pious horror at the sacrilegious desecration of
-the poet’s tomb seems only to have been awakened at the eleventh hour,
-and whose restitution of the relics he obtained does not appear, was
-probably the P.N. who was the author, in 1789, of ‘Cursory Remarks
-on some of the Ancient English Poets, particularly Milton.’ It is a
-work of some erudition, but the hero of the book, as its title plainly
-shows, was Milton. Neve places him in the first rank, and can hardly
-find words with which to extol his genius and intellect, so that,
-probably, some hero-worship was interwoven in the foregoing relation
-of the discovery of Milton’s body; and it may be as well if the other
-side were heard, although the attempt at refutation is by no means as
-well authenticated as Neve’s narrative. It is anonymous, and appeared
-in the _St. James’s Chronicle_, September 4-7th, 1790, and in the
-_European Magazine_, vol. xviii, pp. 206-7, for September, 1790, and is
-as follows:
-
-
-MILTON.
-
- _Reasons why it is impossible that the Coffin lately dug up in
- the Parish Church of St. Giles, Cripplegate, should contain the
- reliques of_ MILTON.
-
-_First._ BECAUSE _Milton_ was buried in 1674, and this coffin was found
-in a situation previously allotted to a wealthy family, unconnected
-with his own.--See the mural monument of the _Smiths_, dated 1653, &c.,
-immediately over the place of the supposed MILTON’S interment.--In
-the time that the fragments of several other sarcophagi were found;
-together with two skulls, many bones, and a leaden coffin, which was
-left untouched because it lay further to the north, and (for some
-reason, or no reason at all) was unsuspected of being the _Miltonic_
-reservoir.
-
-_Secondly._ The hair of MILTON is uniformly described and represented
-as of a light hue; but far the greater part of the ornament of his
-pretended skull is of the darkest brown, without any mixture of
-gray.[18] This difference is irreconcilable to probability. Our hair,
-after childhood, is rarely found to undergo a total change of colour,
-and MILTON was 66 years old when he died, a period at which human
-locks, in a greater or less degree, are interspersed with white. Why
-did the Overseers, &c., bring away only such hair as corresponded with
-the description of _Milton’s_? Of the light hair there was little; of
-the dark a considerable quantity. But this circumstance would have been
-wholly suppressed, had not a second scrutiny taken place.
-
-_Thirdly._ Because the skull in question is remarkably flat and small,
-and with the lowest of all possible foreheads; whereas the head of
-MILTON was large, and his brow conspicuously high. See his portrait so
-often engraved by the accurate _Vertue_, who was completely satisfied
-with the authenticity of his original. We are assured that the surgeon
-who attended at the second disinterment of the corpse only remarked,
-‘that the little forehead there was, was prominent.’
-
-_Fourthly._ Because the hands of MILTON were full of chalk stones.
-Now it chances that his substitute’s left hand had been undisturbed,
-and therefore was in a condition to be properly examined. No vestige,
-however, of cretaceous substances was visible in it, although they
-are of a lasting nature, and have been found on the fingers of a dead
-person almost coeval with MILTON.
-
-_Fifthly._ Because there is reason to believe that the aforesaid
-remains are those of a young female (one of the three Miss _Smiths_);
-for the bones are delicate, the teeth small, slightly inserted in the
-jaw, and perfectly white, even, and sound. From the corroded state
-of the pelvis, nothing could, with certainty, be inferred; nor would
-the surgeon already mentioned pronounce _absolutely_ on the sex of the
-deceased. Admitting, however, that the body was a male one, its very
-situation points it out to be a male of the _Smith_ family; perhaps
-the favourite son _John_, whom _Richard Smith_, Esq., his father, so
-feelingly laments. (See Peck’s ‘_Desiderata Curiosa_,’ p. 536).[19]
-To this darling child a receptacle of lead might have been allotted,
-though many other relatives of the same house were left to putrefy in
-wood.
-
-_Sixthly._ Because MILTON was not in affluence[20]--expired in an
-emaciated state, in a cold month, and was interred by direction of his
-widow. An expensive outward coffin of lead, therefore, was needless,
-and unlikely to have been provided by a rapacious woman who oppressed
-her husband’s children while he was living, and cheated them after he
-was dead.
-
-_Seventhly._ Because it is improbable that the circumstance of MILTON’S
-having been deposited under the desk should, if true, have been so
-effectually concealed from the whole train of his biographers. It was,
-nevertheless, produced as an ancient and well-known tradition, as soon
-as the parishioners of Cripplegate were aware that such an incident
-was gaped for by antiquarian appetence, and would be swallowed by
-antiquarian credulity. How happened it that Bishop _Newton_, who urged
-similar inquiries concerning MILTON above forty years ago in the same
-parish, could obtain no such information?[21]
-
-_Eighthly._ Because Mr. _Laming_ (see Mr. _Neve’s_ pamphlet, second
-edition, p. 19) observes that the ‘sludge’ at the bottom of the coffin
-‘emitted a nauseous smell.’ But, had this corpse been as old as that
-of MILTON, it must have been disarmed of its power to offend, nor
-would have supplied the least effluvium to disgust the nostrils of
-our delicate inquirer into the secrets of the grave. The last remark
-will seem to militate against a foregoing one. The whole difficulty,
-however, may be solved by a resolution not to believe a single word
-said on such an occasion by any of those who invaded the presumptive
-sepulchre of MILTON. The man who can handle pawned stays, breeches,
-and petticoats without disgust may be supposed to have his organs of
-smelling in no very high state of perfection.
-
-_Ninthly._ Because we have not been told by _Wood_, _Philips_,
-_Richardson_, _Toland_, etc., that Nature, among her other partialities
-to MILTON, had indulged him with an uncommon share of teeth. And yet
-above a hundred have been sold as the furniture of his mouth by the
-conscientious worthies who assisted in the plunder of his supposed
-carcase, and finally submitted it to every insult that brutal vulgarity
-could devise and express. Thanks to fortune, however, his corpse
-has hitherto been violated but by proxy! May his genuine reliques
-(if aught of him remains unmingled with common earth) continue to
-elude research, at least while the present overseers of the poor of
-Cripplegate are in office. Hard, indeed, would have been the fate of
-the author of ‘Paradise Lost’ to have received shelter in a chancel,
-that a hundred and sixteen years after his interment his _domus ultima_
-might be ransacked by two of the lowest human beings, a retailer of
-spirituous liquors, and a man who lends sixpences to beggars on such
-despicable securities as tattered bed-gowns, cankered porridge-pots,
-and rusty gridirons.[22] _Cape saxa manu, cape robora, pastor!_ But an
-Ecclesiastical Court may yet have cognisance of this more than savage
-transaction. It will then be determined whether our tombs are our own,
-or may be robbed with impunity by the little tyrants of a workhouse.
-
- ‘If charnel-houses, and our graves, must send
- Those that we bury back, our monuments
- Shall be the maws of kites.’
-
-It should be added that our Pawnbroker, Gin-seller, and Company, by
-deranging the contents of their ideal MILTON’S coffin, by carrying away
-his lower jaw, ribs, and right hand--and by employing one bone as an
-instrument to batter the rest--by tearing the shroud and winding-sheet
-to pieces, &c., &c., had annihilated all such further evidence as might
-have been collected from a skilful and complete examination of these
-nameless fragments of mortality. So far, indeed, were they mutilated
-that, had they been genuine, we could not have said with Horace,
-
- ‘Invenies etiam disjecti membra Poetæ.’
-
-Who, after a perusal of the foregoing remarks (which are founded on
-circumstantial truth), will congratulate the parishioners of St. Giles,
-Cripplegate, on their discovery and treatment of the imaginary dust
-of MILTON? His favourite, _Shakespeare_, most fortunately reposes at
-a secure distance from the paws of Messieurs _Laming_ and _Fountain_,
-who, otherwise, might have provoked the vengeance imprecated by our
-great dramatic poet on the remover of his bones.
-
-From the preceding censures, however, Mr. _Cole_ (Churchwarden), and
-Messrs. _Strong_ and _Ascough_ (Vestry and Parish Clerks), should,
-in the most distinguished manner, be exempted. Throughout the whole
-of this extraordinary business, they conducted themselves with the
-strictest decency and propriety. It should also be confessed, by those
-whom curiosity has since attracted to the place of MILTON’S supposed
-disinterment, that the politeness of the same parish officers could
-only be exceeded by their respect for our illustrious author’s memory,
-and their concern at the complicated indignity which his nominal ashes
-have sustained.’
-
-Now it was hardly likely that Mr. Neve, with the extremely plausible
-case that he had, would sit still and see his pet theory knocked on the
-head, so he issued a second edition of his pamphlet with this
-
-
-POSTSCRIPT.
-
-As some reports have been circulated, and some anonymous papers have
-appeared, since the publication of this pamphlet, with intent to induce
-a belief that the corpse mentioned in it is that of a woman, and as
-the curiosity of the public now calls for a second impression of it,
-an opportunity is offered of relating a few circumstances which have
-happened since the 14th of August, and which, in some degree, may
-confirm the opinion that the corpse is that of _Milton_.
-
-On Monday, the 16th, I called upon the overseer, Mr. _Fountain_, when
-he told me that the parish officers had then seen a surgeon who, on
-Wednesday the 4th, had got through a window into the church, and who
-had, upon inspection, pronounced the corpse to be that of a woman.
-I thought it very improbable that a surgeon should creep through a
-window, who could go through a door for a few half-pence; but I no
-otherwise expressed my doubts of the truth of the information than by
-asking for the surgeon’s address. I was answered ‘that the gentleman
-begged not to have it known, that he might not be interrupted by
-enquiries.’ A trifling relic was, nevertheless, at the same time
-withholden, which I had expected to receive through Mr. _Fountain’s_
-hands; by which it appeared that those in possession of them were,
-still tenacious of the spoils of the coffin, although they affected to
-be convinced they were not those of _Milton_. These contradictions,
-however, I reserved for the test of an inquiry elsewhere.
-
-In the course of that week I was informed that some gentlemen had, on
-Tuesday, the 17th, prevailed on the churchwardens to suffer a second
-disinterment of the coffin, which had taken place on that day. On
-Saturday, the 21st, I waited on Mr. _Strong_, who told me that he had
-been present at such second disinterment, and that he had then sent
-for an experienced surgeon of the neighbourhood, who, upon inspection
-and examination of the corpse, had pronounced it to be that of a man.
-I was also informed, on that day, the 21st, by a principal person of
-the parish, whose information cannot be suspected, that the parish
-officers had agreed among themselves that, from my frequent visits and
-inquiries, I must have an intention of delivering some account of the
-transaction to the world; and that, therefore, to stop the narrative
-from going forth, they must invent some story of a surgeon’s inspection
-on the 4th, and of his declaration that the corpse was that of a woman.
-From this information it was easy to judge what would be the fate of
-any personal application to the parish officers, with intent to obtain
-a restitution of what had been taken from the coffin I, therefore, on
-Wednesday, the 25th, addressed the following letter to Mr. _Strong_:--
-
- * * * * *
-
-‘DEAR SIR,
-
-‘The reflection of a few moments, after I left you on Saturday,
-clearly showed me that the probability of the coffin in question being
-_Milton’s_ was not at all weakened, either by the dates, or the number
-of persons on the _Smiths’_ monument; but that it was rather confirmed
-by the latter circumstance. By the evidence which you told me was given
-by the surgeon, called in on Tuesday, the 17th, the corpse is that of a
-male; it is certainly not that of a man of eighty-five; if, therefore,
-it be one of the earlier buried _Smiths_, all the later coffins of that
-family should appear, but not one of them is found. I, then, suppose
-the monument to have been put there because the flat pillar, after
-the pulpit was removed, offered a convenient situation for it, and
-“_near this place_” to be open, as it is in almost every case where it
-appears, to very liberal interpretation.
-
-‘It is, therefore, to be believed that the unworthy treatment, on the
-4th, was offered to the corpse of _Milton_. Knowing what I know, I must
-not be silent. It is a very unpleasant story to relate; but, as it has
-fallen to my task, I will not shrink from it. I respect nothing in
-this world more than truth, and the memory of _Milton_; and to swerve
-in a tittle from the first would offend the latter. I shall give the
-plain and simple narrative, as delivered by the parties themselves.
-If it sit heavy on any of their shoulders, it is a burthen of their
-own taking up, and their own backs must bear it. They are all, as I
-find, very fond of deriving honour to themselves from _Milton_, as
-their parishioner; perhaps the mode, which I have hinted, is the only
-one which they have now left themselves of proving an equal desire
-to do honour to him. If I had thought that, in personally proposing
-to the parish officers a general search for, and collection of, all
-the spoils, and to put them, together with the mangled corpse and old
-coffin, into a new leaden one, I should have been attended to, I would
-have taken that method; but, when I found such impertinent inventions
-as setting up a fabulous surgeon to creep in at a window practised, I
-felt that so low an attempt at derision would ensure that, whatever I
-should afterwards propose, would be equally derided, and I had then
-left no other means than to call in the public opinion in aid of my
-own, and to hope that we should, at length, see the bones of an honest
-man, and the first scholar and poet our country can boast, restored to
-their sepulchre.
-
-‘The narrative will appear, I believe, either to-morrow or on Friday;
-whenever it does, your withers are unwrung, and Mr. _Cole_ has shown
-himself an upright churchwarden.
-
-‘I cannot conclude without returning you many thanks for your great
-civilities, and am, &c.’
-
-The corpse was found entirely mutilated by those who disinterred it
-on the 17th; almost all the ribs, the lower jaw, and one of the hands
-gone. Of all those who saw the body on Wednesday, the 4th, and on
-Thursday, the 5th, there is not one person who discovered a single hair
-of any other colour than light brown, although both Mr. _Laming_ and
-Mr. _Ellis_ lifted up the head, and although the considerable quantity
-of hair which Mr. _Taylor_ took was from the top of the head, and that
-which _Ellis_ took was from behind it; yet, from the accounts of those
-who saw it on the 17th, it appears that the hair on the back of the
-head was found of dark brown, nearly approaching to black, although all
-the front hair remaining was of the same light brown as that taken on
-the 4th. It does not belong to me either to account for or to prove the
-fact.
-
-On Wednesday, September the 1st, I waited on Mr. _Dyson_, who was the
-gentleman sent for on the 17th, to examine the corpse. I asked him
-simply, whether, from what had then appeared before him, he judged it
-to be male or female? His answer was that, having examined the pelvis
-and the skull, he judged the corpse to be that of a man. I asked what
-was the shape of the head? He said that the forehead was high and
-erect, though the top of the head was flat; and added that the skull
-was of that shape and flatness at the top which, differing from those
-of blacks, is observed to be common and almost peculiar to persons
-of very comprehensive intellects. I am a stranger to this sort of
-knowledge, but the opinion is a strong confirmation that, from all the
-premises before him, he judged the head to be that of _Milton_. On a
-paper, which he showed me, enclosing a bit of the hair, he had written
-‘_Milton’s hair_.’
-
-Mr. _Dyson_ is a surgeon, who received his professional education under
-the late Dr. _Hunter_, is in partnership with Mr. _Price_, in Fore
-Street, where the church stands, is of easy access, and his affability
-can be exceeded only by his skill in an extensive line of practice.
-
-Mr. _Taylor_, too, who is a surgeon of considerable practice and
-eminence in his county, judged the corpse, on the 4th, to be that of a
-male.
-
-A man, also, who has for many years acted as grave-digger in that
-parish, and who was present on the 17th, decided, upon first sight of
-the skull, that it was male; with as little hesitation, he pronounced
-another, which had been thrown out of the ground in digging, to be that
-of a woman. Decisions obviously the result of practical, rather than
-of scientific knowledge; for, being asked his reasons, he could give
-none, but that observation had taught him to distinguish such subjects.
-Yet this latter sort of evidence is not to be too hastily rejected; it
-may not be understood by everybody, but to anyone acquainted with those
-who are eminently skilled in judging of the genuineness of ancient
-coins, it will be perfectly intelligible. In that difficult and useful
-art, the eye of a proficient decides at once; a novice, however, who
-should inquire for the reasons of such decision, would seldom receive
-a further answer than that the decision itself is the result of
-experience and observation, and that the eye can be instructed only by
-long familiarity with the subject; yet all numismatic knowledge rests
-upon this sort of judgment.
-
-After these evidences, what proofs are there, or what probable
-presumptions, that the corpse is that of a woman?
-
-It was necessary to relate these facts, not only as they belonged to
-the subject, but lest, from the reports and papers above mentioned, I
-might, otherwise, seem to have given either an unfaithful or a partial
-statement of the evidences before me; whereas now it will clearly be
-seen what facts appeared on the first disinterment, which preceded, and
-what are to be attributed to the second, which succeeded the date of
-the narrative.
-
-I have now added every circumstance which has hitherto come to my
-knowledge relative to this extraordinary transaction, and conclude with
-this declaration, that I should be very glad if any person would, from
-facts, give me reason to believe that the corpse in question is rather
-that of _Elizabeth Smith_, whose name I know only from her monument,
-than that of _John Milton_.
-
- P. N.’
-
- ‘8th of September, 1790.’
-
-
-
-
-THE TRUE STORY OF EUGENE ARAM.
-
-
-The only knowledge which very many people possess of the life and crime
-of Eugene Aram has been derived from the popular romance bearing his
-name, written by the late Lord Lytton. And this nobleman, influenced
-by his individual bias, has so woven fiction with a small modicum of
-fact, as to render the story, as a history of a celebrated crime,
-totally unreliable. Stripped of the gloss Lord Lytton has given it,
-and revealed in its bare nakedness, it shows Eugene Aram in a very
-different light from the solitary scholar, surrounded by books, with
-high, romantic aspirations and noble thoughts, winning the love of a
-pure and lovely girl; it shows us instead a poor country school-master,
-clever, but self-taught, married to a common woman, whose very faith
-he doubted, struggling with poverty, and heavily weighed down with
-several children; it paints him as a man whose companions were sordid
-and dishonest, whilst he himself was a liar, a thief, and a murderer,
-a selfish man who scrupled not to leave wife and children to shift for
-themselves, a man untrustworthy in his relations of life.
-
-Eugenius, or Eugene Aram was born in the year 1704,[23] at Ramsgill, a
-little village in Netherdale, Yorkshire, and his father was a gardener,
-as he says, of great abilities in botany, and an excellent draughtsman,
-who served Dr. Compton, Bishop of London, and, afterwards, Sir Edward
-Blackett, of Newby, and Sir John Ingilby, of Ripley. When he was five
-or six years of age, the family removed to Bondgate, near Ripon, his
-father having purchased a little property there. Here he was sent to
-school, and was taught in a purely elementary manner to be capable of
-reading the New Testament, and this was all the education his parents
-gave him, with the exception of about a month’s schooling some long
-time afterwards with the Rev. Mr. Alcock of Burnsal.
-
-When about thirteen or fourteen, he joined his father at Newby, till
-the death of Sir Edward Blackett, and, his father having several
-books on mathematics, and the boy being of a studious turn of mind,
-he mastered their contents, and laid the foundation of his future
-scholarship. When about sixteen years of age, he went to London to
-be in the counting-house of Mr. Christopher Blackett as bookkeeper;
-but he had not been there more than a year or two when he caught
-the small-pox, and, on his recovery, went home into Yorkshire. His
-native air soon restored him to health, and he studied hard at poetry,
-history, and antiquities. He thus fitted himself for keeping a school,
-which he opened in Netherdale, and continued there for many years
-teaching and studying. There he married, as he says, ‘unfortunately
-enough for me, for the misconduct of the wife which that place afforded
-me has procured for me this place, this prosecution, this infamy, and
-this sentence.’
-
-During these years he read the Latin and Greek authors, and obtained
-such a name for scholarship that he was invited to Knaresborough to
-keep a school there. He removed thither in the year 1734, and continued
-there until about six weeks after the murder of Daniel Clark. In the
-meantime he had mastered Hebrew, and when he went to London he got a
-situation to teach Latin, and writing, at a school in Piccadilly, kept
-by a Monsieur Painblanc, who not only gave him a salary, but taught
-him French. There he remained over two years, then went to Hays as a
-writing-master, after which he wandered from situation to situation, at
-one time earning his living by copying for a law-stationer. At last,
-somehow, he found himself an usher at the Free School at Lynn, where he
-lived until he was arrested for the murder of Daniel Clark.
-
-This man was a shoemaker at Knaresborough, and was an intimate visitor
-at Aram’s house--too intimate, indeed, Aram thought, with his wife,
-hence the reference to his wife previously quoted. He was a man of
-bad character, and was more than suspected of having, in company of
-another vagabond named Houseman, murdered a Jew boy, who travelled the
-country for one Levi as a pedlar, carrying a box containing watches and
-jewellery. The poor lad was decoyed to a place called Thistle Hill,
-where he was robbed, murdered, and buried. This was about the year
-1744, and his bones were not found until 1758.
-
-Richard Houseman, who was born the same year as Aram, was a near
-neighbour of the latter’s--in fact, he lived next door, and his
-occupation was that of a heckler of flax, when he gave out to the women
-of the village to spin for him. But, according to his own statement, he
-was a most unscrupulous black-guard.
-
-Another intimate of Aram’s was a publican, named Terry, but he only
-played a subsidiary part in the drama, and nothing was ever brought
-home to him.
-
-In January, 1745, Clark married a woman with a small fortune of about
-two hundred pounds, and, immediately afterwards, this little nest of
-rogues contrived and carried out the following swindle. Clark, as he
-was known to have married a woman of some little money, was to obtain
-goods of any description from whomsoever would part with them on
-credit; these goods were to be deposited with, and hidden by, Aram and
-Houseman, and, after plundering all that was possible, Clark was to
-decamp, and leave his young wife to do the best she could. This was the
-scheme in which the noble and refined Eugene Aram of Lord Lytton was
-to, and did, bear his full part.
-
-Velvet from one man, leather from another, whips from a third, table
-and bed linen from a fourth, money lent by a fifth--all was fish that
-came to their net; and, when obtained, they were hidden on the premises
-either of Aram or Houseman, or else in a place called St. Robert’s
-Cave, which was situated in a field adjoining the Nid, a river near
-Knaresborough. When this source was thoroughly exploited, a new scheme
-was hit on by this ‘long firm.’ Clark should pretend to be about to
-give a great wedding-feast, and he went about gaily, borrowing silver
-tankards, salvers, salts, spoons, &c., from whoever would lend them.
-Indeed, so multifarious were his perquisitions, that, according to one
-contemporary account, he got, among other goods, the following: ‘three
-silver tankards, four silver pints, one silver milk-pot, one ring set
-with an emerald, and two brilliant diamonds, another with three rose
-diamonds, a third with an amethyst in the shape of a heart, and six
-plain rings, eight watches, two snuff-boxes, Chambers’ Dictionary, two
-vols. folio, Pope’s “Homer,” six vols., bound.’
-
-Having got all that could be got, it was now high time that Clark
-should disappear. He was last seen on the early morning of the 8th
-February, 1745, and from that time until August 1, 1758, nothing
-was heard of him. He was supposed to have gone away with all his
-booty--and yet not all of it, for suspicion was aroused that both Aram
-and Houseman, from their intimacy with Clark, were accomplices in his
-frauds. And so it clearly proved, for, on Aram’s house being searched,
-several articles were found the produce of their joint roguery, and
-in his garden were found buried, cambric and other goods, wrapped
-in coarse canvas. Still, neither he, nor Houseman, nor Terry were
-prosecuted,[24] but Aram thought it prudent to change his residence;
-so one fine day he left his wife and family, and wandered forth. We
-have seen the roving life he led, restless, and always changing his
-abode; yet, during those thirteen years of shifting exile, it must be
-said, to his credit, that no breath of scandal attached to him; he was
-studious, somewhat morose, yet he was so liked by the boys at the
-grammar-school at Lynn, that, when he was taken thence by the officers
-of justice, they cried at losing him.
-
-Whilst at Lynn, he was recognised in June, 1758, by a horse-dealer,
-and this recognition eventually led to his apprehension; for, during
-that summer, a labourer, digging for stone or gravel at a place
-called Thistle Hill, near Knaresborough, found, at the depth of two
-feet, a skeleton, which appeared to have been buried doubled up. The
-remembrance of Clark’s disappearance was at once awakened, and the body
-was set down as being his.
-
-A country town has a keen recollection of anything which has occurred
-disturbing its equal pace, and the connection of Aram and Houseman
-with Clark was duly remembered. Aram was away, but Houseman still
-lived among them, and he was ordered by the coroner to attend the
-inquest. The principal witness was Anna Aram, Eugene’s wife, and she
-had frequently, since her husband’s departure, dropped hints of her
-suspicion that Clark had been murdered. Her evidence is clear. She
-said that Daniel Clark was an intimate acquaintance of her husband’s,
-and that they had frequent transactions together before the 8th of
-February, 1744-5, and that Richard Houseman was often with them;
-particularly that, on the 7th of February, 1744-5, about six o’clock
-in the evening, Aram came home when she was washing in the kitchen,
-upon which he directed her to put out the fire, and make one above
-stairs; she accordingly did so. About two o’clock in the morning of the
-8th of February, Aram, Clark, and Houseman came to Aram’s house, and
-went upstairs to the room where she was. They stayed about an hour.
-Her husband asked her for a handkerchief for Dickey (meaning Richard
-Houseman) to tie about his head; she accordingly lent him one. Then
-Clark said, ‘It will soon be morning, and we must get off.’ After which
-Aram, Houseman, and Clark all went out together; that, upon Clark’s
-going out, she observed him take a sack or wallet upon his back, which
-he carried along with him; whither they went she could not tell. That
-about five o’clock the same morning her husband and Houseman returned,
-but Clark did not come with them. Her husband came upstairs, and
-desired to have a candle that he might make a fire below. To which she
-objected, and said, ‘There was no occasion for two fires, as there was
-a good one in the room above, where she then was.’ To which Aram, her
-husband, answered, ‘Dickey’ (meaning Richard Houseman) ‘was below,
-and did not choose to come upstairs.’ Upon which she asked (Clark not
-returning with them), ‘What had they done with Daniel?’ To this her
-husband gave her no answer, but desired her to go to bed, which she
-refused to do, and told him, ‘They had been doing something bad.’ Then
-Aram went down with the candle.
-
-She, being desirous to know what her husband and Houseman were doing,
-and being about to go downstairs, she heard Houseman say to Aram,
-
-‘She is coming.’
-
-Her husband replied, ‘We’ll not let her.’
-
-Houseman then said, ‘If she does, she’ll tell.’
-
-‘What can she tell?’ replied Aram. ‘Poor simple thing! she knows
-nothing.’
-
-To which Houseman said, ‘If she tells that I am here, ‘twill be
-enough.’
-
-Her husband then said, ‘I will hold the door to prevent her from
-coming.’
-
-Whereupon Houseman said, ‘Something must be done to prevent her
-telling,’ and pressed him to it very much, and said, ‘If she does not
-tell now, she may at some other time.’
-
-‘No,’ said her husband, ‘we will coax her a little until her passion be
-off, and then take an opportunity to shoot her.’
-
-Upon which Houseman appeared satisfied and said, ‘What must be done
-with her clothes?’ Whereupon they both agreed that they would let her
-lie where she was shot in her clothes.
-
-She, hearing this discourse, was much terrified, but remained quiet,
-until near seven o’clock in the same morning, when Aram and Houseman
-went out of the house. Upon which Mrs. Aram, coming down-stairs, and
-seeing there had been a fire below and all the ashes taken out of the
-grate, she went and examined the dung-hill; and, perceiving ashes of
-a different kind to lie upon it, she searched amongst them, and found
-several pieces of linen and woollen cloth, very near burnt, which had
-the appearance of belonging to wearing apparel. When she returned into
-the house from the dung-hill, she found the handkerchief she had lent
-Houseman the night before; and, looking at it, she found some blood
-upon it, about the size of a shilling. Upon which she immediately went
-to Houseman, and showed him the pieces of cloth she had found, and said
-‘she was afraid they had done something bad to Clark.’ But Houseman
-then pretended he was a stranger to her accusation, and said ‘he knew
-nothing what she meant.’
-
-From the above circumstances she believed Daniel Clark to have been
-murdered by Richard Houseman and Eugene Aram, on the 8th of February,
-1744-5.
-
-Several witnesses gave evidence that the last persons seen with Clark
-were Aram and Houseman, and two surgeons gave it as their opinion that
-the body might have lain in the ground about thirteen or fourteen years.
-
-During the inquiry Houseman seemed very uneasy: he trembled, turned
-pale, and faltered in his speech; and when, at the instigation of the
-coroner, in accordance with the superstitious practice of the time,
-he went to touch the bones, he was very averse so to do. At last he
-mustered up courage enough to take up one of the bones in his hand;
-but, immediately throwing it down again, he exclaimed: ‘This is no more
-Dan Clark’s bone than it is mine!’ He further said he could produce a
-witness who had seen Clark after the 8th of February; and he called on
-Parkinson, who deposed that, personally, he had not seen Clark after
-that time, but a friend of his (Parkinson’s) had told him that he had
-met a person like Daniel Clark, but as it was a snowy day, and the
-person had the cape of his great-coat up, he could not say with the
-least degree of certainty who he was.
-
-Of course, this witness did not help Houseman a bit, and then the
-suspicion increased that he was either the principal, or an accomplice
-in Clark’s murder. Application was made to a magistrate, who granted a
-warrant for his apprehension. At his examination he made a statement,
-which he would not sign, saying, ‘He chose to waive it for the present;
-for he might have something to add, and therefore desired to have time
-to consider of it.’ This confirmed former suspicions, and he was
-committed to York Castle.
-
-On his way thither he was very uneasy, and, hearing that the magistrate
-who committed him was at that time in York, he asked him to be sent
-for, and he made the following statement:
-
-
-_The examination of Richard Houseman, of Knaresbrough, flax-dresser._
-
-‘This examinant saies that true it is that Daniel Clark was murdered by
-Eugene Aram, late of Knaresbrough, schoolmaster, and, as he believes,
-it was on Friday morning, the 8th of February, 1744, as set forth by
-other informations, as to matter of time; for that he, and Eugene Aram
-and Daniel Clark were together at Aram’s house early in the morning,
-when there was snow on the ground, and moonlight, and went out of
-Aram’s house a little before them, and went up the street a little
-before them, and they called to him to go a little way with them; and
-he accordingly went with them to a place called St. Robert’s Cave, near
-Grimble Bridge, where Aram and Clark stopt a little; and then he saw
-Aram strike him several times over the breast and head, and saw him
-fall, as if he was dead, and he, the examinant, came away and left them
-together, but whether Aram used any weapon or not to kill him with, he
-can’t tell, nor does he know what he did with the body afterwards, but
-believes Aram left it at the Cave’s mouth; for this examinant, seeing
-Aram do this, to which, he declares, he was no way abetting, or privy
-to, nor knew of his design to kill him at all. This made the examinant
-make the best of his way from him, lest he might share the same fate;
-and got to the bridge-end, and then lookt back, and saw him coming from
-the Caveside, which is in a private rock adjoining the river; and he
-could discern some bundle in his hand, but does not know what it was.
-On which he, this informant, made the best of his way to the town,
-without joining Aram again, or seeing him again till the next day, and
-from that time to this, he has never had any private discourse with
-him.’
-
-After signing this statement, Houseman said that Clark’s body would be
-found in St. Robert’s Cave, in the turn at the entrance of the cave,
-its head lying to the right; and, sure enough, in the spot described,
-and in that position, was a skeleton found, with two holes in its
-skull, made apparently with a pickaxe or hammer.
-
-A warrant was at once issued for the apprehension of Aram, and duly
-executed at Lynn. When first questioned, he denied ever having been at
-Knaresborough, or that he had ever known Daniel Clark; but when he was
-confronted with the constable from Knaresborough, he was obliged to
-retract his words. On the journey to York, Aram was restless, inquiring
-after his old neighbours, and what they said of him. He was told
-that they were much enraged against him for the loss of their goods.
-Whereupon he asked if it would not be possible to make up the matter?
-and the answer was, perhaps it might be, if he restored what they had
-lost. He then said that was impossible, but he might, perhaps, find
-them an equivalent.
-
-On his arrival at York, he was taken before a magistrate, to whom he
-made a statement, which was a parcel of lies. He was committed to York
-Castle, but had not gone more than a mile on his way thither when he
-wished to return and make a second statement, which was as follows:
-
-‘That he was at his own house on the 7th of February, 1744-5, at night,
-when Richard Houseman and Daniel Clark came to him with some plate;
-and both of them went for more, several times, and came back with
-several pieces of plate, of which Clark was endeavouring to defraud his
-neighbours; that he could not but observe that Houseman was all night
-very diligent to assist him to the utmost of his power, and insisted
-that this was Houseman’s business that night, and not the signing any
-note or instrument, as is pretended by Houseman; that Henry Terry,
-then of Knaresborough, ale-keeper, was as much concerned in abetting
-the said frauds as either Houseman or Clark; but was not now at Aram’s
-house, because as it was market-day--his absence from his guests might
-have occasioned some suspicion; that Terry, notwithstanding, brought
-two silver tankards that night, upon Clark’s account, which had been
-fraudulently obtained; and that Clark, so far from having borrowed
-twenty pounds of Houseman, to his knowledge never borrowed more than
-nine pounds, which he paid again before that night.
-
-‘That all the leather Clark had--which amounted to a considerable
-value--he well knows was concealed under flax in Houseman’s house, with
-intent to be disposed of by little and little, in order to prevent
-suspicion of his being concerned in Clark’s fraudulent practices.
-
-‘That Terry took the plate in a bag, as Clark and Houseman did the
-watches, rings, and several small things of value, and carried them
-into the flat, where they and he’ (Aram) ‘went together to St. Robert’s
-Cave, and beat most of the plate flat. It was thought too late in the
-morning, being about four o’clock, on the 8th of February, 1744-5, for
-Clark to go off, so as to get to any distance; it was therefore agreed
-he should stay there till the night following, and Clark, accordingly,
-stayed there all that day, as he believes, they having agreed to send
-him victuals, which were carried to him by Henry Terry, he being judged
-the most likely person to do it without suspicion; for, as he was a
-shooter, he might go thither under the pretence of sporting; that the
-next night, in order to give Clark more time to get off, Henry Terry,
-Richard Houseman, and himself went down to the cave very early; but he’
-(Aram) ‘did not go in, or see Clark at all; that Richard Houseman and
-Henry Terry only went into the cave, he staying to watch at a little
-distance on the outside, lest anybody should surprise them.
-
-‘That he believes they were beating some plate, for he heard them make
-a noise. They stayed there about an hour, and then came out of the
-cave, and told him that Clark was gone off. Observing a bag they had
-along with them, he took it in his hand, and saw that it contained
-plate. On asking why Daniel did not take the plate along with him,
-Terry and Houseman replied that they had bought it of him, as well as
-the watches, and had given him money for it, that being more convenient
-for him to go off with, as less cumbersome and dangerous. After which
-they all three went into Houseman’s warehouse, and concealed the
-watches, with the small plate, there; but that Terry carried away with
-him the great plate; that, afterwards, Terry told him he carried it to
-How Hill, and hid it there, and then went into Scotland and disposed of
-it; but as to Clark, he could not tell whether he was murdered or not,
-he knew nothing of him, only they told him he was gone off.’
-
-Terry, being thus implicated, was arrested and committed to gaol; but
-the prosecutors for the crown, after the bills of indictment were
-preferred against all three, finding their proof insufficient to obtain
-a conviction at the coming assizes, prevailed on the judge to hold
-the case over until the Lammas Assizes. There was not enough outside
-evidence to convict them all; evidence, if any, could only be furnished
-by the criminals themselves. There was sufficient to convict either
-Aram or Houseman singly, if one or other would tell the truth, and all
-he knew; so after many consultations as to the person whom it was most
-advisable and just to punish, it was unanimously agreed that Aram,
-who from his education and position was the worst of the lot, should
-be punished, and in order to do so it was necessary to try to acquit
-Houseman, who would then be available as evidence against Aram. The
-case against Terry was so slight, that he was, perforce, let go.
-
-On Friday, 3rd of August, 1759, the trials took place, and Houseman
-was first arraigned, but there being no evidence against him he was
-acquitted, to the great surprise and regret of everyone who was not
-behind the scenes.
-
-Then Aram was put in the dock to stand his trial, and deep, indeed,
-must have been his disgust, when he found his accomplice, Houseman,
-step into the witness-box and tell his version (undoubtedly perjured)
-of the murder. His evidence was, except in a few minor particulars,
-similar to his previous statement. Sweet innocent! When he saw Aram
-strike Clark, he made haste home, and knew nothing of the disposal of
-the body until the next morning, when Aram called on him, and told him
-he had left it in the cave, and dire were his threats of vengeance
-should Houseman ever disclose the dread secret of that eventful night.
-
-After this sensational evidence the other witnesses must have seemed
-very tame. Clark’s servant proved that his master had just received
-his wife’s little portion, and that Aram was perfectly cognizant
-thereof. Another witness deposed to seeing Houseman come out of Aram’s
-house about one o’clock in the morning of the 8th of February. A
-third deposed to the recovery of some of his own goods of which Clark
-had defrauded him, and which were found buried in Aram’s garden. The
-constable who arrested him had a few words to say, and the skull was
-produced in Court, when a surgical expert declared that the fractures
-must have been produced by blows from some blunt instrument, and could
-not possibly proceed from natural decay.
-
-Aram was then called upon for his defence, and he produced a manuscript
-of which the following is a copy. It is, as will be perceived, a
-laboured and casuistical defence, not having a true ring about it, and
-not at all like the utterance of a perfectly innocent man.
-
- * * * * *
-
-‘MY LORD,
-
-I know not whether it is of right or through some indulgence of your
-Lordship that I am allowed the liberty at this Bar and at this time to
-attempt a defence, incapable, and uninstructed as I am to speak. Since,
-while I see so many eyes upon me, so numerous and awful a concourse,
-fixed with attention, and filled with I know not what expectancy, I
-labour, not with guilt, my Lord, but with perplexity. For having never
-seen a Court but this, being wholly unacquainted with law, the customs
-of the Bar, and all judiciary proceedings, I fear I shall be so little
-capable of speaking with propriety in this place, that it exceeds my
-hope, if I shall be able to speak at all.
-
-I have heard, my Lord, the indictment read, wherein I find myself
-charged with the highest crime, with an enormity I am altogether
-incapable of, a fact to the commission of which there goes far more
-insensibility of heart, more profligacy of morals, than ever fell to my
-lot. And nothing, possibly, could have admitted a presumption of this
-nature, but a depravity not inferior to that imputed to me. However, as
-I stand indicted at your Lordship’s Bar, and have heard what is called
-evidence induced in support of such a charge, I very humbly solicit
-your Lordship’s patience, and beg the hearing of this respectable
-audience, while I, single and unskilful, destitute of friends, and
-unassisted by counsel, say something, perhaps like an argument, in my
-defence. I shall consume but little of your Lordship’s time; what I
-have to say will be short, and this brevity, probably, will be the best
-part of it. However, it is offered with all possible regard, and the
-greatest submission to your Lordship’s consideration, and that of this
-honourable Court.
-
-_First._ My Lord, the whole tenor of my conduct in life contradicts
-every particular of this indictment. Yet I had never said this, did
-not my present circumstances extort it from me, and seem to make it
-necessary. Permit me here, my Lord, to call upon malignity itself,
-so long and cruelly busied in this prosecution, to charge upon me
-any immorality, of which prejudice was not the author. No, my Lord,
-I concerted not schemes of fraud, projected no violence, injured no
-man’s person or property. My days were honestly laborious, my nights
-intensely studious. And I humbly conceive my notice of this, especially
-at this time, will not be thought impertinent or unreasonable, but, at
-least, deserving some attention. Because, my Lord, that any person,
-after a temperate use of life, a series of thinking and acting
-regularly, and without one single deviation from sobriety, should
-plunge into the very depth of profligacy, precipitately, and at once,
-is altogether improbable and unprecedented, and absolutely inconsistent
-with the course of things. Mankind is never corrupted at once; villainy
-is always progressive, and declines from right, step after step, till
-every regard of probity is lost, and all moral obligation totally
-perishes.
-
-Again, my Lord, a suspicion of this kind, which nothing but malevolence
-could entertain, and ignorance propagate, is violently opposed by my
-very situation at that time, with respect to health. For, but a little
-space before, I had been confined to my bed, and suffered under a very
-long and severe disorder, and was not able, for half a year together,
-so much as to walk. The distemper left me, indeed, yet slowly, and in
-part; but so macerated, so enfeebled, that I was reduced to crutches,
-and was so far from being well about the time I am charged with this
-fact, that I never to this day perfectly recovered. Could, then, a
-person in this condition take anything into his head so unlikely, so
-extravagant? I, past the vigour of my age, feeble and valetudinary,
-with no inducement to engage, no ability to accomplish, no weapon
-wherewith to perpetrate such a fact; without interest, without power,
-without motive, without means.
-
-Besides, it must needs occur to everyone that an action of this
-atrocious nature is never heard of, but, when its springs are laid
-open, it appears that it was to support some indolence or supply some
-luxury, to satisfy some avarice or oblige some malice, to prevent some
-real, or some imaginary want; yet I lay not under the influence of any
-one of these. Surely, my Lord, I may, consistent with both truth and
-modesty, affirm thus much; and none who have any veracity, and knew me,
-will ever question this.
-
-In the second plea, the disappearance of Clark is suggested as an
-argument of his being dead; but the uncertainty of such an inference
-from that, and the fallibility of all conclusions of such a sort, from
-such a circumstance, are too obvious and too notorious to require
-instances; yet, superseding many, permit me to produce a very recent
-one, and that afforded by this castle.
-
-In June, 1757, William Thompson, for all the vigilance of this
-place, in open daylight, and double-ironed, made his escape, and,
-notwithstanding an immediate inquiry set on foot, the strictest search,
-and all advertisements, was never seen or heard of since. If, then,
-Thompson got off unseen, through all these difficulties, how very
-easy was it for Clark, when none of them opposed him? But what would
-be thought of a prosecution commenced against any one seen last with
-Thompson?
-
-Permit me next, my Lord, to observe a little upon the bones which have
-been discovered. It is said, which, perhaps, is saying very far, that
-these are the skeleton of a man. It is possible, indeed it may; but is
-there any certain known criterion which incontestably distinguishes
-the sex in human bones? Let it be considered, my Lord, whether the
-ascertaining of this point ought not to precede any attempt to identify
-them.
-
-The place of their deposition, too, claims much more attention than is
-commonly bestowed upon it. For, of all places in the world, none could
-have mentioned anyone wherein there was greater certainty of finding
-human bones than an hermitage, except he should point out a churchyard.
-Hermitages, in times past, being not only places of religious
-retirement, but of burial, too, and it has scarce or never been heard
-of, but that every cell now known, contains, or contained, these relics
-of humanity, some mutilated and some entire. I do not inform, but give
-me leave to remind, your Lordship, that here sat solitary sanctity, and
-here the hermit, or the anchoress, hoped that repose for their bones,
-when dead, they here enjoyed when living.
-
-All this while, my Lord, I am sensible this is known to your Lordship,
-and many in this Court, better than I. But it seems necessary to my
-case, that others, who have not at all, perhaps, adverted to things
-of this nature, and may have concern in my trial, should be made
-acquainted with it. Suffer me, then, my Lord, to produce a few of many
-evidences that these cells were used as repositories of the dead,
-and to enumerate a few, in which human bones have been found, as it
-happened in this in question, lest, to some, that accident might seem
-extraordinary, and, consequently, occasion prejudice.
-
-1. The bones, as was supposed, of the Saxon, St. Dubritius, were
-discovered buried in his cell at Guy’s Cliff near Warwick, as appears
-from the authority of Sir William Dugdale.
-
-2. The bones, thought to be those of the anchoress Rosia, were but
-lately discovered in a cell at Royston, entire, fair, and undecayed,
-though they must have lain interred for several centuries, as is proved
-by Dr. Stukeley.
-
-3. But our own country, nay, almost this neighbourhood, supplies
-another instance; for in January, 1747, was found by Mr. Stovin,
-accompanied by a reverend gentleman, the bones in part of some recluse,
-in the cell at Lindholm, near Hatfield. They were believed to be those
-of William of Lindholm, a hermit, who had long made this cave his
-habitation.
-
-4. In February, 1744, part of Woburn Abbey being pulled down, a large
-portion of a corpse appeared, even with the flesh on, and which bore
-cutting with a knife, though it is certain this had lain above two
-hundred years, and how much longer is doubtful, for this abbey was
-founded in 1145, and dissolved in 1558 or 1559.
-
-What would have been said, what believed, if this had been an accident
-to the bones in question?
-
-Further, my Lord, it is not yet out of living memory that a little
-distance from Knaresborough, in a field, part of the manor of the
-worthy and patriotic baronet who does that borough the honour to
-represent it in Parliament, were found, in digging for gravel, not one
-human skeleton alone, but five or six, deposited side by side, with
-each an urn placed at its head, as your Lordship knows was usual in
-ancient interments.
-
-About the same time, and in another field, almost close to this
-borough, was discovered also, in searching for gravel, another human
-skeleton; but the piety of the same worthy gentleman ordered both pits
-to be filled up again, commendably unwilling to disturb the dead.
-
-Is the invention[25] of these bones forgotten, then, or industriously
-concealed, that the discovery of those in question may appear the
-more singular and extraordinary? whereas, in fact, there is nothing
-extraordinary in it. My Lord, almost every place conceals such remains.
-In fields, in hills, in highway sides, and in commons lie frequent
-and unsuspected bones. And our present allotments for rest for the
-departed, is but of some centuries.
-
-Another particular seems not to claim a little of your Lordship’s
-notice, and that of the gentlemen of the jury; which is, that perhaps
-no example occurs of more than _one_ skeleton being found in _one_
-cell, and in the cell in question was found but _one_; agreeable, in
-this, to the peculiarity of every other known cell in Britain. Not
-the invention of one skeleton, then, but of two, would have appeared
-suspicious and uncommon.
-
-But then, my Lord, to attempt to identify these, when even to identify
-living men sometimes has proved so difficult--as in the case of Perkin
-Warbeck and Lambert Symnel at home, and of Don Sebastian abroad--will
-be looked upon, perhaps, as an attempt to determine what is
-indeterminable. And I hope, too, it will not pass unconsidered here,
-where gentlemen believe with caution, think with reason, and decide
-with humanity, what interest the endeavour to do this is calculated to
-serve, in assigning proper personality to those bones, whose particular
-appropriation can only appear to eternal omniscience.
-
-Permit me, my Lord, also, very humbly to remonstrate that, as human
-bones appear to have been the inseparable adjuncts of every cell, even
-any person’s naming such a place at random as containing them, in this
-case, shows him rather unfortunate, than conscious prescient, and that
-these attendants on every hermitage only accidentally concurred with
-this conjecture. A mere casual coincidence of _words_ and _things_.
-
-But it seems another skeleton has been discovered by some labourer,
-which was full as confidently averred to be Clark’s as this. My
-Lord, must some of the living, if it promotes some interest, be made
-answerable for all the bones that earth has concealed, and chance
-exposed! and might not a place where bones lay, be mentioned by a
-person by chance, as well as found by a labourer by chance? Or, is it
-more criminal accidentally to _name_ where bones lie, than accidentally
-to _find_ where they lie?
-
-Here, too, is a human skull produced, which is fractured; but was
-this the _cause_ or was it the consequence of death--was it owing to
-violence, or was it the effect of natural decay? If it was violence,
-was that violence before or after death? My Lord, in May, 1732, the
-remains of William, Lord Archbishop of this province, were taken up by
-permission, in this cathedral, and the bones of the skull were found
-broken; yet certainly he died by no violence offered to him alive, that
-could occasion that fracture there.
-
-Let it be considered, my Lord, that upon the dissolution of religious
-houses, and the commencement of the Reformation, the ravages of those
-times affected the living and the dead. In search after imaginary
-treasures, coffins were broken up, graves and vaults broken open,
-monuments ransacked, and shrines demolished; your Lordship knows
-that these violations proceeded so far, as to occasion parliamentary
-authority to restrain them; and it did, about the beginning of the
-reign of Queen Elizabeth. I entreat your Lordship, suffer not the
-violence, the depredations, and the iniquities of these times to be
-imputed to this.
-
-Moreover, what gentleman here is ignorant that Knaresborough had a
-castle, which, though How a ruin, was once considerable, both for its
-strength and garrison. All know it was vigorously besieged by the arms
-of the Parliament. At which siege, in sallies, conflicts, flights,
-pursuits, many fell in all the places around it; and where they fell
-were buried. For every place, my Lord, is burial-earth in war; and
-many, questionless, of these yet rest unknown, whose bones futurity
-shall discover.
-
-I hope, with all imaginable submission, that what has been said will
-not be thought impertinent to this indictment, and that it will be
-far from the wisdom, the learning, and the integrity of this place to
-impute to the living what zeal, in its fury, may have done; what nature
-may have taken off, and piety interred; or what war alone may have
-destroyed, alone deposited.
-
-As to the circumstances that have been raked together, I have nothing
-to observe; but that all circumstances whatsoever are precarious,
-and have been but too frequently found lamentably fallible; even
-the strongest have failed. They may rise to the utmost degree of
-probability, yet they are but probability still. Why should I name
-to your Lordship the two Harrisons, recorded in Dr. Howel, who both
-suffered upon circumstances, because of the sudden disappearance of
-their lodger, who was in credit, had contracted debts, borrowed money,
-and went off unseen, and returned again a great many years after their
-execution. Why name the intricate affair of Jaques du Moulin under King
-Charles II., related by a gentleman who was counsel for the Crown.
-And why the unhappy Coleman, who suffered innocent, though convicted
-upon positive evidence, and whose children perished for want, because
-the world uncharitably believed the father guilty. Why mention the
-perjury of Smith, incautiously admitted king’s evidence; who, to screen
-himself, equally accused Fainlotte and Loveday of the murder of Dunn;
-the first of whom, in 1749, was executed at Winchester; and Loveday was
-about to suffer at Reading, had not Smith been proved perjured, to the
-satisfaction of the court, by the surgeon of Gosport Hospital.
-
-Now, my Lord, having endeavoured to show that the whole of this
-process is altogether repugnant to every part of my life; that it is
-inconsistent with my condition of health about that time; that no
-rational inference can be drawn that a person is dead who suddenly
-disappears; that hermitages were the constant repositories of the bones
-of the recluse; that the proofs of this are well authenticated; that
-the revolution in religion, or the fortunes of war, has mangled, or
-buried, the dead; the conclusion remains, perhaps no less reasonably,
-than impatiently, wished for. I, last, after a year’s confinement,
-equal to either fortune, put myself upon the candour, the justice, and
-the humanity of your Lordship, and upon yours, my countrymen, gentlemen
-of the jury.’
-
-It will be seen from this elaborate defence that it must have been
-written long before his trial, and before his hopes of acquittal were
-crushed by the appearance of Houseman in the witness-box to give
-evidence against him; for he did not attempt to discredit his evidence,
-nor did he attempt to shake his testimony by cross-examination, and
-he must have anticipated the result. The judge summed up carefully;
-he recapitulated the evidence, and showed how Houseman’s testimony
-was confirmed by the other witnesses; and, taking Aram’s defence, he
-pointed out that he had alleged nothing that could invalidate the
-positive evidence against him. The jury, without leaving the court,
-returned a verdict of ‘Guilty,’ and the judge pronounced the awful
-sentence of the law. Aram had behaved with great firmness and dignity
-during the whole of his trial, and he heard his conviction, and his
-doom, with profound composure, leaving the bar with a smile upon his
-countenance.
-
-In those days the law allowed but little time for appeal. Aram was
-tried, convicted, and sentenced on Friday, the 3rd of August, 1759,
-and he had to die on the following Monday--only two whole days of
-life being allowed him. Those days must have been days of exquisite
-torture to him, when he thought of the upturned faces of the mob, all
-fixing their gaze upon him, yelling at, and execrating him, and we can
-scarcely wonder at his attempting to commit suicide. On the Monday
-morning, when the clergyman came to visit him, and at his request
-to administer the Sacrament to him, he was astonished to find Aram
-stretched on the floor of his cell in a pool of blood. He had managed
-to secrete a razor, and had cut the veins of his arms in two places.
-Surgeons were sent for, and they brought him back to life, when he was
-put into the cart and led to execution. Arrived at the gallows, he was
-asked if he had any speech to make, and he replied in the negative. He
-was then hanged, and, when dead, his body was cut down, put in a cart,
-taken to Knaresborough, and there suspended in chains, on a gibbet
-which was erected on Knaresborough forest, south or south-east of the
-Low Bridge, on the right hand side going thence to Plumpton. It was
-taken down in 1778, when the forest was enclosed.
-
-He left his latest thoughts in writing, for, on the table in his cell,
-was found a paper on which was written,
-
-‘What am I better than my fathers? To die is natural and necessary.
-Perfectly sensible of this, I fear no more to die than I did to be
-born. But the manner of it is something which should, in my opinion, be
-decent and manly. I think I have regarded both these points. Certainly
-nobody has a better right to dispose of man’s life than himself; and
-he, not others, should determine how. As for any indignities offered to
-anybody, or silly reflections on my faith and morals, they are (as they
-were) things indifferent to me. I think, though, contrary to the common
-way of thinking; I wrong no man by this, and I hope it is not offensive
-to that eternal being who formed me and the world; and as by this I
-injure no man, no man can be reasonably offended. I solicitously
-recommend myself to the eternal and almighty Being, the God of Nature,
-if I have done amiss. But perhaps I have not, and I hope this thing
-will never be imputed to me. Though I am now stained by malevolence,
-and suffer by prejudice, I hope to rise fair and unblemished. My life
-was not polluted, my morals irreproachable, and my opinions orthodox.
-
-‘I slept soundly till three o’clock, awak’d, and then writ these lines.
-
- ‘“Come, pleasing Rest, eternal Slumber fall;
- Seal mine, that once must seal the eyes of all;
- Calm and compos’d my soul her journey takes,
- No guilt that troubles, and no heart that aches.
- Adieu! thou sun, all bright like her arise;
- Adieu! fair friends, and all that’s good and wise.”’
-
-Aram never made any regular confession of his guilt--but in a
-letter he wrote to the vicar of Knaresborough, in which he gives
-his autobiography, he says, ‘Something is expected as to the affair
-upon which I was committed, to which I say, as I mentioned in my
-examination, that all the plate of Knaresborough, except the watches
-and rings, were in Houseman’s possession; as for me, I had nothing at
-all. My wife knows that Terry had the large plate, and that Houseman
-himself took both that and the watches, at my house, from Clark’s own
-hands; and, if she will not give this in evidence for the town, she
-wrongs both that and her own conscience; and, if it is not done soon,
-Houseman will prevent her. She likewise knows that Terry’s wife had
-some velvet, and, if she will, can testify it. She deserves not the
-regard of the town, if she will not. That part of Houseman’s evidence,
-wherein he said I threatened him, was absolutely false; for what
-hindered him, when I was so long absent and far distant? I must need
-observe another thing to be perjury in Houseman’s evidence, in which he
-said he went home from Clark; whereas he went straight to my house, as
-my wife can also testify, if I be not believed.’
-
-The contemporary accounts of his trial, whether published in York or
-London, have the following:
-
-‘Aram’s sentence was a just one, and he submitted to it with that
-stoicism he so much affected; and the morning after he was condemned,
-he confessed the justness of it to two clergymen (who had a licence
-from the judge to attend him), by declaring that he murdered Clark.
-Being asked by one of them what his motive was for doing that
-abominable action, he told them, ‘he suspected Clark of having an
-unlawful commerce with his wife; that he was persuaded at the time,
-when he committed the murder, he did right, but, since, he had thought
-it wrong.’
-
-‘After this, pray,’ said Aram, ‘what became of Clark’s body, if
-Houseman went home (as he said upon my trial) immediately on seeing him
-fall?’
-
-One of the clergymen replied, ‘I’ll tell you what became of it. You
-and Houseman dragged it into the cave, stripped and buried it there;
-brought away his clothes, and burnt them at your own house.’
-
-To which he assented. He was asked whether Houseman did not earnestly
-press him to murder his wife, for fear she should discover the business
-they had been about. He hastily replied,
-
-‘He did, and pressed me several times to do it.’
-
-Aram’s wife lived some years after his execution; indeed, she did not
-die until 1774. She lived in a small house near Low Bridge, within
-sight of her husband’s gibbet; and here she sold pies, sausages, &c.
-It is said that she used to search under the gibbet for any of her
-husband’s bones that might have fallen, and then bury them.
-
-Aram, by his wife, had six children, who survived their
-childhood--three sons and three daughters. All these children, save
-one, Sally, took after their mother; but Sally resembled her father,
-both physically and mentally. She was well read in the classics, and
-Aram would sometimes put his scholars to the blush, by having Sally in
-their class. Her father was very fond of her, and she was living with
-him at Lynn when he was arrested, and she clung to him when in prison
-at York. On his death, she went to London, and, after a time, she
-married, and, with her husband, kept a public-house on the Surrey side
-of Westminster Bridge.
-
-Houseman went back to Knaresborough, where he abode until his death.
-He was naturally mobbed, and never dared stir out in the day time, but
-sometimes slunk out at night. Despised and detested by all, his life
-must have been a burden to him, and his punishment in this world far
-heavier than Aram was called upon to bear.
-
-
-
-
-REDEMPTIONERS.
-
-
-Slavery, properly so called, appears to have been from the earliest
-ages, and in almost every country, the condition of a large portion
-of the human race; the weakest had ever to serve the strong--whether
-the slave was a captive in battle, or an impecunious debtor unable to
-satisfy the claims of his creditor, save with his body. Climate made
-no difference. Slavery existed in Europe, Asia, and Africa, and in our
-own ‘right little, tight little island,’ our early annals show that
-a large proportion of the Anglo-Saxon population was in a state of
-slavery. These unfortunate bondsmen, who were called theows, thrœls,
-and esnes,[26] were bought and sold with land, and were classed in the
-inventory of their lord’s wealth, with his sheep, swine, and oxen, and
-were bequeathed by will, precisely as we now dispose of our money, or
-furniture.
-
-The condition of the Anglo-Saxon slaves was very degraded indeed;
-their master might put them in bonds, might whip them, nay, might even
-brand them, like cattle, with his own distinguishing mark, a state of
-things which existed until Alfred the Great enacted some laws, whereby
-the time of the servitude of these unhappy people was limited to six
-years, and the institution of slavery received such a blow, that it
-speedily became a thing of the past. They were no longer slaves, but
-redemptioners, _i.e._, they had the hope of redemption from servitude,
-and the law gave them the power to enforce their freedom.
-
-We have only to turn to the pages of holy writ to find slavery
-flourishing in rank luxuriance in the time of the patriarchs, and
-before the birth of Moses. Euphemistically described in Scripture
-history as servants, they were mostly unconditional and perpetual
-slaves. They were strangers, either taken prisoners in war or purchased
-from the neighbouring nations; but the Jews also had a class of
-servants who only were in compulsory bondage for a limited time, and
-they were men of their own nation.
-
-These were men who, by reason of their poverty, were obliged to
-give their bodies in exchange for the wherewithal to support them,
-or they were insolvent debtors, and thus sought to liquidate their
-indebtedness, or men who had committed a theft, and had not the means
-of making the double, or fourfold, restitution that the law required.
-Their thraldom was not perpetual, they might be redeemed, and, if not
-redeemed, they became free on the completion of their seventh year of
-servitude.
-
-Exodus, chap. 21, vv. 2-6. ‘If thou buy an Hebrew servant, six years
-shall he serve: and in the seventh he shall go out free for nothing. If
-he came in by himself, he shall go out by himself; if he were married,
-then his wife shall go out with him. If his master have given him a
-wife, and she have borne him sons or daughters, the wife and her
-children shall be her master’s, and he shall go out by himself. And
-if the servant shall plainly say, I love my master, my wife, and my
-children: I will not go out free: then his master shall bring him unto
-the judges; he shall also bring him to the door, or unto the door-post;
-and his master shall bore his ear through with an awl, and he shall
-serve for ever.’
-
-Here, then, we have a redemptioner, one whose servitude was not a
-hopeless one, and we find this limited bondage again referred to in
-Leviticus, chap. 25, vv. 39, 40, 41.
-
-‘And if thy brother that dwelleth by thee be waxen poor, and be sold
-unto thee, thou shalt not compel him to serve as a bond servant: but as
-an hired servant, and as a sojourner, he shall be with thee, and shall
-serve thee unto the year of jubilee. And then shall he depart from
-thee, both he and his children with him, and shall return unto his own
-family, and unto the possession of his fathers shall he return.’
-
-Here in England we are accustomed to look upon the slave from one point
-of view only, as an unhappy being of a different race and colour to
-ourselves, few of us knowing that there has been a time (and that not
-so very long ago) when members of our own nation, so utterly forlorn
-and miserable from the rude buffetings Fortune had given them in their
-way through the world, have been glad to sell their bodies for a time,
-to enable them to commence afresh the struggle for existence, in
-another land, and, perchance, under more favourable circumstances.
-
-In ‘his Majesty’s plantations’ of Virginia, Maryland, and New England,
-and in the West Indies, these unfortunates were first called servants,
-and as such are officially described; but in America in later times
-they received the appellation of redemptioners, a name by which they
-were certainly called in the middle of this century, for in Dorsey’s
-‘Laws of Maryland,’ published in 1840, we find an Act[27] (cap. 226)
-was passed in 1817 to alleviate the condition of these poor people.
-The preamble sets forth, ‘Whereas it has been found that German and
-Swiss emigrants, who for the discharge of the debt contracted for their
-passage to this country are often obliged to subject themselves to
-temporary servitude, are frequently exposed to cruel and oppressive
-impositions by the masters of the vessels in which they arrive, and
-likewise by those to whom they become servants,’ &c.
-
-It is impossible to fix any date when this iniquitous traffic
-first began. It arose, probably, from the want of labourers in the
-plantations of our colonies in their early days, and the employment
-of unscrupulous agents on this side to supply their needs in this
-respect. A man in pecuniary difficulties in the seventeenth and
-eighteen centuries was indeed in woeful plight: a gaol was his certain
-destination, and there he might rot his life away, cut off from all
-hope of release, unless death came mercifully to his relief. All
-knew of the horrors of a debtor’s prison, and, to escape them, an
-able-bodied man had recourse to the dreadful expedient of selling
-himself into bondage, for a term of years, in one of the plantations,
-either in America or the West Indies, or he would believe the specious
-tales of the ‘kidnappers,’ as they were called, who would promise
-anything, a free passage, and a glorious life of ease and prosperity in
-a new land.
-
-Thoroughly broken down, wretched, and miserable, his thoughts would
-naturally turn towards a new country, wherein he might rehabilitate
-himself, and, in an evil hour, he would apply to some (as we should
-term it) emigration agent, who would even kindly advance him a trifle
-for an outfit. The voyage out would be an unhappy experience, as
-the emigrants would be huddled together, with scant food, and, on
-his arrival at his destination, he would early discover the further
-miseries in store for him; for, immediately on landing, or even before
-he left the ship, his body would be seized as security for passage
-money, which had, in all probability, been promised him free, and for
-money lent for his outfit; and, having no means of paying either,
-utterly friendless, and in a strange country, he would be sold to
-slavery for a term of years to some planter who would pay the debt for
-him.
-
-Having obtained his flesh and blood at such a cheap rate, his owner
-would not part with him lightly, and it was an easy thing to arrange
-matters so that he was always kept in debt for clothes and tobacco,
-&c., in order that he never should free himself. It was a far cry to
-England, and with no one to help him, or to draw public attention to
-his case, the poor wretch had to linger until death mercifully released
-him from his bondage; his condition being truly deplorable, as he would
-be under the same regulations as the convicts, and one may be very sure
-that _their_ lot was not enviable in those harsh and merciless times.
-It was not for many years, until the beginning of this century, that
-the American laws took a beneficial turn in favour of these unhappy
-people; and it was then too late, for the institution of redemptioners
-died a speedy death, owing to the influx of free emigration.
-
-One of the earliest notices of these unfortunates is in a collection
-of Old Black letter ballads, in the British Museum, where there is one
-entitled, ‘The Trappan’d Maiden, or the Distressed Damsel,’ (c. 22, e.
-2)/186 in which are depicted some of the sorrows which were undergone
-by these unwilling emigrants, at that time. The date, as nearly as can
-be assigned to it, is about 1670.
-
- The Girl was cunningly trapan’d,
- Sent to Virginny from England;
- Where she doth Hardship undergo,
- There is no cure, it must be so;
- But if she lives to cross the main,
- She vows she’ll ne’er go there again.
-
- Give ear unto a Maid
- That lately was betray’d,
- And sent into Virginny, O:
- In brief I shall declare,
- What I have suffered there,
- When that I was weary, O.
-
- When that first I came
- To this Land of Fame,
- Which is called Virginny, O:
- The Axe and the Hoe
- Have wrought my overthrow,
- When that I was weary, O.
-
- Five years served I
- Under Master Guy,
- In the land of Virginny, O:
- Which made me for to know
- Sorrow, Grief, and Woe,
- When that I was weary, O.
-
- When my Dame says, Go,
- Then must I do so,
- In the land of Virginny, O:
- When she sits at meat
- Then I have none to eat,
- When that I was weary, O.
-
- The cloathes that I brought in,
- They are worn very thin,
- In the land of Virginny, O:
- Which makes me for to say
- Alas! and well-a-day,
- When that I was weary, O.
-
- Instead of Beds of Ease,
- To lye down when I please,
- In the land of Virginny, O:
- Upon a bed of straw,
- I lay down full of woe,
- When that I was weary, O.
-
- Then the Spider, she
- Daily waits on me,
- In the land of Virginny, O:
- Round about my bed
- She spins her tender web,
- When that I was weary, O.
-
- So soon as it is day,
- To work I must away,
- In the land of Virginny, O:
- Then my Dame she knocks
- With her tinder-box,
- When that I was weary, O.
-
- I have played my part
- Both at Plow and Cart,
- In the land of Virginny, O;
- Billats from the Wood,
- Upon my back they load,
- When that I was weary, O.
-
- Instead of drinking Beer,
- I drink the waters clear,
- In the land of Virginny, O;
- Which makes me pale and wan,
- Do all that e’er I can,
- When that I was weary, O.
-
- If my Dame says, Go,
- I dare not say no,
- In the land of Virginny, O;
- The water from the spring
- Upon my head I bring,
- When that I was weary, O.
-
- When the Mill doth stand,
- I’m ready at command,
- In the land of Virginny, O;
- The Morter for to make,
- Which made my heart to ake,
- When that I was weary, O.
-
- When the child doth cry,
- I must sing, By-a-by,
- In the land of Virginny, O;
- No rest that I can have
- Whilst I am here a slave,
- When that I was weary, O.
-
- A thousand Woes beside,
- That I do here abide,
- In the land of Virginny, O;
- In misery I spend
- My time that hath no end,
- When that I was weary, O.
-
- Then let Maids beware,
- All by my ill-fare,
- In the land of Virginny, O:
- Be sure thou stay at home,
- For if you do here come,
- You will all be weary, O.
-
- But if it be my chance,
- Homeward to advance,
- From the land of Virginny, O:
- If that I once more
- Land on English shore,
- I’ll no more be weary, O.
-
-Some of these complaints would seem to us to be rather of the ‘crumpled
-rose-leaf’ order, but probably there was enough humanity left in their
-owners to treat their female ‘servants’ more tenderly than the male,
-whose sorrows were genuine enough.
-
-Ned Ward, in his ‘London Spy,’ 1703, gives a most graphic account of
-the sort of men who enticed these human chattels to the plantations. He
-was pursuing his perambulations about the City, exercising those sharp
-eyes of his, which saw everything, and was in the neighbourhood of the
-Custom-house, when he turned down a place called Pig Hill (so called,
-he says, from its resembling the steep descent down which the Devil
-drove his Hogs to a Bad Market).
-
-‘As we walked up the Hill, as Lazily as an Artillery Captain before
-his Company upon a Lord Mayor’s Day, or a Paul’s Labourer up a Ladder,
-with a Hod of Mortar, we peeped in at a Gateway, where we saw two or
-three Blades, well drest, but with Hawkes’ Countenances, attended with
-half-a-dozen Ragamuffingly Fellows, showing Poverty in their Rags and
-Despair in their Faces, mixt with a parcel of young, wild striplings,
-like runaway ‘Prentices. I could not forbear enquiring of my Friend
-about the ill-favoured multitude, patched up of such awkward Figures,
-that it would have puzzled a Moor-Fields Artist,[28] well-read in
-physiognomy, to have discovered their Dispositions by their Looks.
-
-‘“That House,” says my Friend, “which they there are entering is
-an Office where Servants for the Plantations bind themselves to be
-miserable as long as they live, without a special Providence prevents
-it. Those fine Fellows, who look like Footmen upon a Holy day, crept
-into cast suits of their Masters, that want Gentility in their
-Deportments answerable to their Apparel, are Kidnappers, who walk the
-‘Change and other parts of the Town, in order to seduce People who
-want services and young Fools crost in Love, and under an uneasiness
-of mind, to go beyond the seas, getting so much a head of Masters
-of Ships and Merchants who go over, for every Wretch they trepan
-into this Misery. These young Rakes and Tatterdemallions you see so
-lovingly hearded are drawn by their fair promises to sell themselves
-into Slavery, and the Kidnappers are the Rogues that run away with the
-Money.”’
-
-And again, when he goes on ‘Change, he further attacks these villains.
-
-‘“Now,” says my Friend, “we are got amongst the Plantation Traders.
-This may be call’d Kidnapper’s Walk; for a great many of these
-Jamaicans and Barbadians, with their Kitchen-stuff Countenances, are
-looking as sharp for servants as a Gang of Pick-pockets for Booty....
-Within that Entry is an Office of Intelligence, pretending to help
-Servants to Places, and Masters to Servants. They have a knack of
-Bubbling silly wenches out of their Money; who loiter hereabouts upon
-the expectancy, till they are pick’d up by the Plantation Kidnappers,
-and spirited away into a state of misery.”’
-
-And yet once more Ward, in his ‘Trip to America,’ says,
-
-‘We had on board an Irishman going over as Servant, who, I suppose, was
-Kidnapped. I asked him whose Servant he was, “By my Fait,” said he, “I
-cannot tell. I was upon ’Change, looking for a good Master, and a brave
-Gentleman came to me, and asked me who I was, and I told him I was myn
-own self; and he gave me some good Wine and good Ale, and brought me on
-Board, and I have not seen him since.”’
-
-Then, as since, the emigration from Great Britain was mostly fed by the
-poorer classes of Ireland; and, in the latter part of William III.‘s
-reign, such was the numbers that were sent over to the plantations as
-‘servants,’ or in other words, slaves, that it was found necessary to
-enact special laws, in Maryland, to check the excessive importation,
-it being considered a source of danger to the State, as tending to
-introduce Popery. Accordingly, several acts were passed, placing a
-duty of twenty shillings per head on each Irish person landed; which,
-proving insufficient for the purpose, was further increased to forty
-shillings a few years afterwards.
-
-In 1743, there was a _cause célèbre_, in which James Annesley, Esq.,
-appeared as the plaintiff, and claimed the earldom of Anglesey from his
-uncle Richard, who, he maintained (and he got a verdict in his favour),
-had caused him to be kidnapped when a lad of thirteen years of age, and
-sent to America, there to be sold as a slave. That this was absolutely
-the fact, no one who has read the evidence can possibly doubt, and
-the hardships endured by the ‘servants’ at that time are plaintively
-alluded to in a little book, called, ‘The Adventure of an Unfortunate
-Young Nobleman,’ published 1743. ‘Here the Captain repeating his former
-Assurances, he was sold to a rich Planter in Newcastle County called
-Drummond, who immediately took him home, and entered him in the Number
-of his Slaves.
-
-‘A new World now opened to him, and, being set to the felling of
-Timber, a Work no way proportioned to his Strength, he did it so
-awkwardly, that he was severely corrected. Drummond was a hard,
-inexorable Master, who, like too many of the Planters, consider their
-Slaves, or Servants, as a different Species, and use them accordingly.
-Our American Planters are not famous for Humanity, being often Persons
-of no Education, and, having been formerly Slaves themselves, they
-revenge the ill-usage they received on those who fall into their Hands.
-The Condition of European Servants in that Climate is very wretched;
-their Work is hard, and for the most part abroad, exposed to an
-unwholesome Air, their Diet coarse, being either Poul or bread made of
-Indian Corn, or Homine or Mush, which is Meal made of the same kind,
-moistened with the Fat of Bacon, and their Drink Water sweetened with a
-little Ginger and Molasses.’
-
-Although, as before stated, Mr. Annesley won his case with regard
-to his legitimacy and property, for some reason or other he never
-contested the title with his usurping uncle, who continued to be
-recognized as Earl of Anglesey until his death.
-
-Defoe, writing in 1738 in his ‘History of Colonel Jack,’ makes his
-hero to be kidnapped by the master of a vessel at Leith, and carried
-to Virginia, where he was consigned to a merchant, and disposed of
-as he saw fit--in fact, treated with the same _nonchalance_ us an
-ordinary bale of goods would be. He was sold to a planter for five
-years, and had three hard things to endure, viz., hard work, hard
-fare, and hard lodging. He describes the arrival of a ship from
-London with several ‘servants,’ and amongst the rest were seventeen
-transported felons, some burnt in the hand, and some not, eight of whom
-his master purchased for the time specified in the warrant for their
-transportation, so that the unfortunate men were in no better position
-than, and were under the same severe laws as, the convict. Their ranks
-were recruited by many gentlemen concerned in the Rebellion, and taken
-prisoners at Preston, who were spared from execution and sold into
-slavery at the plantations, a condition which must often have made them
-dissatisfied with the clemency extended to them. In many cases, with
-kind masters, their lot was not so hard, and when their time of bondage
-was expired they had encouragement given them to plant for themselves,
-a certain number of acres being allotted to them by the State; and, if
-they could get the necessary credit for clothes, tools, &c., they were
-in time enabled to put by money, and, in some rare instances, became
-men of renown in the colony.
-
-The usage these poor people endured on their passage to the plantations
-was frequently abominable, and a writer in 1796 describes the arrival,
-at Baltimore, of a vessel containing three hundred Irish ‘passengers’
-who had been nearly starved by the captain, the ship’s water being sold
-by him at so much a pint, and this treatment, combined with other
-cruelties too shocking to relate, caused a contagious disorder to break
-out on board, which carried off great numbers, whilst most of these
-unhappy folk who were spared at that time, subsequently died whilst
-performing quarantine in the Delaware.
-
-The redemptioners mainly sailed from the northern ports of Ireland,
-Belfast or Londonderry, though this country by no means enjoyed the
-unenviable monopoly of this traffic: Holland and Germany sending
-their wretched quota of white slaves. The particular class of vessels
-employed in this iniquitous trade were known by the name of ‘White
-Guineamen,’ and belonged to the ‘free and enlightened’ citizens of the
-sea-ports in America, who had their kidnappers stationed at certain
-parts of Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and also in Holland, to provide
-them with human cargoes. Seduced by the glowing descriptions of a
-trans-Atlantic paradise, with bright and alluring visions of American
-happiness and liberty, the miserable, the idle, and the unwary among
-the lower classes of Europe were entrapped into the voyage, the offer
-of gratuitous conveyance being an additional bait, which was eagerly
-accepted; but we have seen how, on their arrival at the promised land,
-they were speedily disillusioned. The difficulty of hiring tolerable
-servants was so great, that many persons were obliged to deal with
-their fellow-creatures in this way, who would otherwise have utterly
-abhorred the thought of being slave-dealers.
-
-Some of the laws for their regulation in the colonies are curious. For
-instance, in Virginia, after they had served their time, they were
-obliged to have a certificate from their master to say that they had
-done so, and if any person should entertain any hired servant running
-away without such a certificate, he had to pay the master of such
-servant thirty pounds weight of tobacco for every day and night he
-should so harbour him.
-
-Pursuit after runaway servants was made at the public expense, and, if
-caught, they had to serve for the time of their absence, and the charge
-disbursed. In case the master refused to pay the charge, the servant
-was sold, or hired out, until by their services they had reimbursed
-the amount expended in capturing them, after which they were returned
-to their master to serve out their time. Whoever apprehended them was
-to have as reward two hundred pounds weight of tobacco, if the capture
-took place about ten miles from the master’s house, or one hundred
-pounds weight if above five miles, and under ten. This reward was to be
-paid by the public, and the servant had to serve some one four months
-for every two hundred pounds weight of tobacco paid for him.
-
-‘Every Master that hath a Servant that hath run away twice, shall keep
-his Hair close cut, and not so doing, shall be fined one hundred pounds
-weight of Tobacco for every time the said Fugitive shall, after the
-second time, be taken up.’
-
-If they ran away in company with any negro, then they had to serve the
-master of that negro as long as the negro was at large. If any servant
-laid violent hands on his master, mistress, or overseer, and was
-convicted of the same in any court, he had to serve one year longer at
-the expiration of his term.
-
-‘A Woman-servant got with Child by her Master, shall, after her time of
-indenture or custom is expired, be, by the Church-wardens of the Parish
-where she lived, sold for two Years, and the Tobacco employed for the
-use of the Parish.’
-
-‘No Minister shall publish the Banns, or celebrate the Contract of
-Marriage between any Servants, unless he hath a Certificate from both
-their Masters that it is with their consent, under the Penalty of
-10,000 lbs. of Tobacco. And the Servants that procure themselves to be
-married without their Masters’ consent, shall each of them serve their
-respective Master a year longer than their time; and if any person,
-being free, shall marry with a Servant without the Master’s Licence, he
-or she so marrying shall pay the Master 1500 lbs. of Tobacco, or one
-year’s service.’
-
-In Maryland, the laws respecting servants were somewhat milder, but, if
-they ran away, they had to serve ten days for every one day’s absence.
-In this colony, however, ‘Every Man-Servant shall have given him at
-the time of the expiration of his Service, one new Hat, a good Cloath
-Suit, a new Shift of White Linnen, a pair of new French full Shooes
-and Stockings, two Hoes, and one Axe, and one gun of 20s. price, not
-above four foot Barrel, nor less than three and a half. And every
-Woman-Servant shall have given her, at the expiration of her Servitude,
-the like Provision of Cloaths, and three Barrels of Indian Corn.’
-
-In New England they dealt still more tenderly and fairly by their
-servants. If a servant fled from the cruelty of his or her master, he
-or she was to be protected and harboured, provided that they fled to
-the house of some free man of the same town, and ‘If any Man or Woman
-Hurt, Maim, or Disfigure a Servant, unless it be by mere Casualty,
-the Servant shall go free, and the Master or Mistress shall make
-such recompense as the Court shall award. Servants that have serv’d
-diligently, and faithfully, to the end of their Times, shall not be
-sent away empty; and such as have been unfaithful, negligent, or
-unprofitable shall not be sent away unpunished, but shall make such
-satisfaction as Authority shall direct.’
-
-In Jamaica the laws were pretty fair, and in Barbadoes there was a very
-just enactment. ‘Whatever Master or Mistress shall turn off a Sick
-Servant, or not use, or endeavour, all lawful means for the recovery
-of such servant, during the time of Servitude, he or she shall forfeit
-2,200 lbs of Sugar. To be levyed by Warrant of a Justice of Peace, and
-disposed towards the maintenance of such Servant, and the said Servant
-so neglected, or turned off, shall be Free.’
-
-In the last few years of the eighteenth century, it was no uncommon
-thing to meet with advertisements in the American papers, couched in
-the following strain: ‘To be disposed of, the indentures of a strong,
-healthy Irishwoman; who has two years to serve, and is fit for all
-kinds of house work. Enquire of the Printer.’
-
-
-‘STOP THE VILLAIN!
-
-‘Ran away this morning, an Irish Servant, named Michael Day, by trade
-a Tailor, about five feet eight inches high, fair complexion, has a
-down look when spoken to, light bushy hair, speaks much in the Irish
-dialect, &c. Whoever secures the above-described in any gaol, shall
-receive thirty dollars reward, and all reasonable charges paid.
-N.B.--All masters of Vessels are forbid harbouring or carrying off the
-said Servant at their peril.’
-
- * * * * *
-
-The laws which regulated them were originally framed for the English
-convicts before the Revolution, and were not repealed. They were,
-of necessity, harsh and severe, so much so that, towards the end of
-the eighteenth century, several societies sprang up, both Irish and
-German, whose members did all in their power to mitigate the severity
-of these laws, and render their countrymen, during their servitude, as
-comfortable as circumstances would permit. These societies were in all
-the large towns south of Connecticut.
-
-When the yellow fever was raging in Baltimore in the year 1793, but
-few vessels would venture near the city, and every one that could do
-so fled from the doomed place. But a ‘White Guinea-man,’ from Germany,
-arrived in the river, and, hearing that such was the fatal nature of
-the infection that for no sum of money could a sufficient number of
-nurses be procured to attend the sick, conceived the philanthropic
-idea of supplying this deficiency from his redemption passengers, and,
-sailing boldly up to the city, he advertised his cargo for sale thus:
-‘A few healthy Servants, generally between seventeen and twenty-one
-years of age; their times will be disposed of by applying on board the
-brig.’ It was a truly generous thought to thus nobly sacrifice his own
-countrywomen _pro bono publico_!
-
-As the eighteenth century drew to a close a more humane state of things
-came into existence; and in Maryland, in 1817, as before stated, a law
-was passed for the relief of the German and Swiss redemptioners. It
-was enacted that there should be, in every port, a person to register
-the apprenticeship, or servitude, of these emigrants, and, unless
-drawn up or approved by him, no agreement to service was binding.
-Minors, under twenty-one, were not allowed to be sold, unless by their
-parents or next-of-kin, and the indentures covenanted that at least two
-months schooling must be given, annually, to them by their masters. No
-emigrant was bound to serve more than four years, except males under
-seventeen, and females under fourteen, who were to serve, respectively,
-till twenty-one and eighteen. There were many other clauses that
-related both to their better treatment on board the vessels and on
-land, and, if this law had been strictly acted up to, the condition of
-these poor people would have been much ameliorated.
-
-But, happily, in course of years, as the prosperity of the United
-States of America grew by ‘leaps and bounds,’ attracting labour in
-abundance from all parts of Europe, there was no longer any need for
-the traffic in human flesh and blood, and the redemptioner became a
-thing of the past.
-
-
-
-
-A TRIP TO RICHMOND IN SURREY.
-
-
-The following _morceau_ gives so quaint an account of a day’s outing in
-the last century that I have thought it a pity to let it remain buried.
-It is by J. West, and was published in 1787:
-
- From London to Richmond I took an excursion,
- For the sake of my health and in hopes of diversion:
- Thus, walking without any cumbersome load,
- I mark’d ev’ry singular sight on the road.
-
- In Hyde Park I met a hump-back’d macarony
- Who was pleased I should see how he manag’d his pony.
- The Cockney was dresst in true blue and in buff,
- In buckskin elastic, but all in the rough;
- He wore patent spurs on his boots, with light soles,
- And buttons as big as some halfpenny rolls;
- His hair out of curls, with a tail like a rat,
- And sideways he clapt on his head a round hat;
- His cravat was tied up in a monstrous large bunch,
- No wonder the ladies should smile at his hunch.
-
- The next figure I saw, ’twas a milliner’s maid,
- A high cap and pink ribbons adorning her head,
- Which was made to sit well, but a little fantastic,
- With a hundred black pins and a cushion elastic.
- She stalked like a peacock when waving her fan,
- And us’d an umbrella upon a new plan;
- Her elbows she lean’d on her hoop as on crutches,
- And wagg’d her silk gown with the air of a duchess.
- Now forward I stept to behold her sweet face;
- She ogled and smil’d with a seeming good grace;
- However, there was no dependence upon it,
- Although her eyes sparkled from under her bonnet,
- I question’d her love, so I wished her farewel;
- But something more clever I’m ready to tell.
-
- From yon spot in the Park, just where the Parade is,
- Approach’d a grand sportsman, attended by ladies
- On bay horses mounted; they swift tore the ground,
- Escorted by servants and terriers around;
- I guess’d that my Lord went to sport with his Graces
- To Windsor’s wide forest or Maidenhead races.
-
- Through Kensington passing I saw a fine show
- Of chaises, gigs, coaches, there all in a row!
- When I came to a well where a girl stood close by,
- Who ask’d to what place do these folk go? and why?
- I, smiling, replied, ‘They, my dear, go to Windsor,
- To see king and queen,’--but could not convince her.
- On tiptoe the titt’ring girl ran off the stand,
- And broke half the pitcher she had in her hand.
-
- In Hammersmith’s parish I stopp’d for a minute;
- A stage-coach here halted--I saw who was in it,
- A grave-looking man with a long nose and chin,
- Two sparks and three damsels were laughing within;
- The outside was crowded, good Lord! what a rabble!
- Some Cits from Fleet Market, some Jews from Whitechapel,
- Some sailors from Wapping, and other such crew;
- But now in the basket[29] I took a short view,
- Two wenches, one jolly, the other but lean,
- With barrels of oysters and shrimp-sacks between.
- The spirited coachman, o’ercharg’d with stout ale,
- When he started, drove faster than Palmer’s[30] new mail;
- He smack’d his long whip--and zounds! what a flight!
- His six horses running were soon out of sight;
- A lad standing by, cried (as if in a swoon),
- ‘By Jove! they fly up like Lunardi’s[31] balloon.’
-
- Much pleas’d with my path when I march’d on apace,
- I reach’d Turnham Green; on that sweet rural place
- I stopp’d at an inn near a lane down to Chiswick,
- I call’d for some ale, but it tasted like physick.
- As good luck would have it, I could not drink more,
- When, seeing Jack Tar and his wife at the door,
- Join’d close arm-in-arm like a hook on a link,
- I reach’d him my mug and invited to drink;
- Jack, pleased with the draught, gave me thanks with an echo,
- And cramm’d in his jaw a large quid of tobacco.
-
- Again I set off on my way to Kew Bridge,
- Some boys and some girls came from under a hedge;
- They jump’d and they tumbled headforemost around,
- Each vied with the other to measure the ground;
- For halfpence they begg’d, and I gave ’em a penny,
- When I found that I’d left myself without any
- To pay toll at the bridge and to buy a few plumbs;
- My silver I chang’d for a handful of Brums.[32]
-
- But, my sight being struck with the beauty of Kew,
- I forgot my expenses, when, having in view
- The new Royal Bridge[33] and its elegant Arches
- There o’er the bright Thames, where the people in barges
- And pleasure-boats sail!--how delightful the scene!
- ‘Twixt the shades of Old Brentford and smiling Kew Green.
-
- Now forward for Richmond, and happy my lot!
- I soon reach’d that lofty and beautiful spot
- Which is called Richmond Hill--what a prospect amazing!
- Extensive and pleasant; I could not help gazing
- On yonder fine landscape of Twick’nam’s sweet plains,
- Where kind Nature its thousandfold beauty maintains.
- To trace all its pleasures too short was the day;
- The dinner-bell ringing, I hasten’d away
- To a cheerful repast at a Gentleman’s seat,
- Whose friendship vouchsaf’d me a happy retreat.
-
-
-
-
-GEORGE ROBERT FITZGERALD,
-
-COMMONLY CALLED ‘FIGHTING FITZGERALD.’
-
-
-Should anyone wish for a graphic account of Irish life in the
-later portion of the eighteenth century, he should read Sir Jonah
-Barrington’s ‘Personal Sketches of Ireland,’ and he will find
-afterwards that Lever’s novels afford but a faint reflection of
-the manners and customs existing in the west and south of Ireland.
-Ignorance, idleness, and dissipation were the characteristic of
-the wealthier classes, and a meeting of the ‘gentry’ could seldom
-take place without quarrelling and bloodshed. At races, fairs, and
-elections, the lower class enjoyed themselves likewise, after their
-kind, in breaking of heads and drunkenness. It was a singular state
-of things, but it must be borne in mind, whilst reading the following
-memoirs, as, otherwise, the facts therein related would scarcely be
-credited.[34]
-
-The Fitzgeralds of County Mayo come of an ancient stock, from no
-less than the great Geraldine family, through the Desmond branch,
-and George, the father of George Robert Fitzgerald, had a very good
-property at Turlough, near Castlebar. It probably had some influence
-in his future career that ‘Fighting Fitzgerald’ should have had for
-his mother Lady Mary Hervey, who had been maid-of-honour to the
-Princess Amelia, and who was the daughter of one, and the sister of
-two, Earls of Bristol. The family from which she sprang was noted for
-eccentricity, so much so, that it passed into a saying that ‘God made
-Men, Women, and Herveys.’ She did not live long with her husband, his
-lax morality and dissipated manners could not be borne, and she left
-him to his own devices and returned to England. By him she had two
-sons, George Robert (born 1749), and Charles Lionel. The elder, in due
-time, was sent to Eton, where he seems to have learnt as much Latin
-and Greek as was requisite for a gentleman of those days, and he used
-occasionally in after life to write a little poetry now and again, of
-which one piece, ‘The Riddle,’ was printed after his execution.
-
-From Eton he, in 1766, being then in his seventeenth year, was
-gazetted to a lieutenancy in the 69th regiment, and was quartered at
-Galway, a nice place for a newly-emancipated schoolboy, and a red-hot,
-wild Irishman to boot. Here he soon got into a scrape, owing to his
-conduct with a shop-girl, which ended in a duel, in which neither
-the combatants were hurt. He next managed to pick a quarrel with a
-young officer of his own regiment, named Thompson, who was a quiet
-and inoffensive man, and they met. The first round was fired by
-both without injury, but Lieutenant Thompson’s second bullet struck
-Fitzgerald’s forehead, and he fell. The surgeons, after examination,
-came to the conclusion that the only way to save his life was by
-performing upon him the operation of trepanning, or cutting a round
-piece out of the skull in order to relieve the pressure on the brain.
-It was an operation that was very risky, but in this case it was
-successful. Still, one cannot help thinking, judging by his after
-career, that his brain then received some permanent injury which
-deprived him of the power of reasoning, and of control over his actions.
-
-He now left the army, and went home to live with his father. Here he
-lived the regular Irishman’s life of the period: hunting, shooting,
-cock-fighting, &c., until he fell in love with a lady of good family, a
-Miss Conolly of Castletown; but even here he could not act as other men
-do. He could not be married quietly, but ran away with his bride, and
-an incident in their elopement is amusingly told, it being put in the
-mouth of his servant.
-
-‘But hoo did the Captain mak’ it up again wi’ the Square? Ye omadhaun,
-it was with the young misthress he med it up; and she took Frinch lave
-with him, wan fine moonlight night soon afther. It was mysel’ that
-had the chaise an’ four waitin’ for them; an’ a divilish good thing
-happened at the first inn we stopt at. The Captain in coorse ordhered
-the best dhrawin’-room for the misthress; an’ sure, if it was goold,
-she was worthy ov it. But the beggarly-lookin’ waither sed it was taken
-up with some grand Englishmen.
-
-‘“Request thim,” sis the Captain, “to accommodate a lady that’s
-fatigued, with the apartment.”
-
-‘Well an’ good, the waither delivered the message, when one of the
-Englishers roars out, “Damn the fellow’s cursed insolence, we shan’t
-give up the room to any rascal.”
-
-‘“Here,” sis one of thim, “show Paddy this watch, an’ ax him to tell
-what o’clock it is.”
-
-‘So the waither brings the watch with the message in to where the
-Captain and mysel’ was--the misthress had gone with her maid to another
-room to change her dhress.
-
-‘“Very well,” sis the Captain, “I think I can show them what o’clock
-it is.” So he dhraws his soord, and puts the point through his chain;
-“Channor,” thin says he to me, “attend me.”
-
-‘With that we went in among them, an’ the Captain sthretched over the
-watch at the sword’s point to ache of them, beggin’, with a polite bow,
-to know to which o’ thim it belonged. But little notions, ye may swair,
-they had ov ownin’ it _theirs_. Every wan o’ the cowardly rascals swore
-it did not belong to himsel’!
-
-‘“Oh, I was thinkin’, jintlemen, it was all a bit ov a mistake,” sis
-the Captain, “so I think you must have it, Channor, for want of a
-betther owner.” So with that he hands it over to mysel’. It was a fine
-goold watch, an’ here I have it still.’
-
-Not only was young Mrs. Fitzgerald reconciled to her relations, but an
-arrangement was made with old Fitzgerald that, on payment of a certain
-sum of money down, he would give his son a rent charge of £1,000 a
-year on his estate, and he had a very handsome fortune with his wife
-besides.
-
-The young couple thereupon went to France, and, having introductions
-to the best society in Paris, enjoyed themselves immensely. He dressed
-splendidly, and he astonished the Parisians, who asked each other,
-‘Qui est ce seigneur? d’où vient il? Il n’est pas Français,--Quelle
-magnificence! Quelle politesse! Est-il possible qu’il soit étranger?’
-In his hat he wore diamonds, and the same precious stones adorned
-his buckles and his sword-knot; indeed, all through his life he was
-fond of such gewgaws, and when his house at Turlough was wrecked by
-the mob--no one preventing--he estimated his loss in jewellery, &c.,
-at £20,000. They must have been costly, for he enumerates among the
-stolen collection: ‘A casquet containing a complete set of diamond
-vest buttons, two large emeralds, a hat-band with five or six rows
-of Oriental pearls, worth £1,500, a large engraved amethyst, a gold
-watch and chain studded with diamonds, several other gold watches and
-seals, a great number of antique and modern rings, gold shoe and knee
-buckles, silver shaving apparatus, several pairs of silver shoe and
-knee buckles, with £6,300 worth of other jewels.’
-
-He joined eagerly in the dissipations of the gay French capital,
-especially in gaming, and the twenty thousand pounds he had with his
-wife soon came to an end; and among other people to whom he was in
-debt was the Comte d’Artois, afterwards Charles X., to whom he owed
-three thousand pounds. One evening afterwards he offered a bet of one
-thousand pounds on the prince’s hand of cards, which the Comte d’Artois
-overhearing, he asked Fitzgerald for payment, and, being told that
-it was not then convenient, the prince took the Irishman by the arm,
-led him to the top of the stairs, and then, giving him one kick, left
-him to get downstairs as quickly as he could. This indignity was one
-which it was very hard on the hot-blooded Irishman to be obliged to
-endure, for he might not challenge with impunity a prince of the blood,
-and from the public nature of the insult he naturally lost his place
-in society. It was certain he must leave France; but before he left
-he must somehow distinguish himself. And he did it in this wise. The
-king was hunting at Fontainebleau, and Fitzgerald, regardless of the
-etiquette which always allowed the foremost place to the king and royal
-family, took the hunting of the pack upon himself, riding close to the
-hounds, cheering and encouraging them. But for some time the stag kept
-well in the open, and gave Fitzgerald no opportunity of showing off his
-horsemanship, until it suddenly turned off towards the river Seine, on
-the banks of which a wall had been built. This it leaped, and, to use a
-hunting phrase, ‘took soil’ in the river. Over streamed the hounds, and
-over flew Fitzgerald, reckless of a drop of fourteen feet on the other
-side, going plump into the river. The hunt stopped at that wall, none
-daring to take it, and watched with amazement Fitzgerald emerge, his
-feet still in the stirrups, and, swimming the river, climb the opposite
-bank and ride away.
-
-He went to London, where he was well received in society,
-notwithstanding that his fame as a duellist was well known, he having
-fought eleven duels by the time he was twenty-four years of age.
-Whether it was then that he forced his way into Brookes’ Club I know
-not, but it is certain that he did, and as I cannot tell the story as
-well as it is told in that most amusing but anonymously written book,
-‘The Clubs of London,’ I extract it.
-
-‘Fitzgerald having once applied to Admiral Keith Stewart to propose
-him as a candidate for “Brookes’s,” the worthy admiral, well knowing
-that he must either fight or comply with his request, chose the
-latter alternative. Accordingly, on the night in which the balloting
-was to take place (which was only a mere form in this case, for even
-Keith Stewart himself had resolved to _black-ball_ him), the duellist
-accompanied the gallant admiral to St. James’s Street, and waited in
-the room below, whilst the suffrages were taken, in order to know the
-issue.
-
-‘The ballot was soon over, for without hesitation every member threw
-in a _black ball_, and, when the scrutiny took place, the company were
-not a little amazed to find not even _one_ white one among the number.
-However, the point of rejection being carried _nem. con._, the grand
-affair now was as to which of the members had the hardihood to announce
-the same to the expectant candidate. No one would undertake the office,
-for the announcement was sure to produce a challenge, and a duel
-with Fighting Fitzgerald had in almost every case been fatal to his
-opponent. The general opinion, however, was that the proposer, Admiral
-Stewart, should convey the intelligence, and that in as polite terms as
-possible; but the admiral, who was certainly on all proper occasions a
-very gallant officer, was not inclined to go on any such embassy.
-
-‘“No, gentlemen,” said he; “I proposed the fellow because I knew you
-would not admit him; but, by G--d, I have no inclination to risk my
-life against that of a madman.”
-
-‘“But, admiral,” replied the Duke of Devonshire, “there being no _white
-ball_ in the box, he must know that _you_ have black-balled him as well
-as the rest, and he is sure to call you out, at all events.”
-
-‘This was a poser for the poor admiral, who sat silent for a few
-seconds amidst the half-suppressed titter of the members. At length,
-joining in the laugh against himself, he exclaimed,
-
-‘“Upon my soul, a pleasant job I’ve got into! D----n the fellow! No
-matter! I won’t go. Let the waiter tell him that there was _one_ black
-ball, and that his name must be put up again if he wishes it.”
-
-‘This plan appeared so judicious that all concurred in its propriety.
-Accordingly the waiter was a few minutes after despatched on the
-mission.
-
-‘In the meantime Mr. Fitzgerald showed evident symptoms of impatience
-at being kept so long from his “dear friends” above stairs, and
-frequently rang the bell to know _the state of the poll_. On the first
-occasion he thus addressed the waiter who answered his summons:
-
-‘“Come here, my tight little fellow. Do you know if I am _chose_ yet?”
-
-‘“I really can’t say, sir,” replied the young man, “but I’ll see.”
-
-‘“There’s a nice little man; be quick, d’ye see, and I’ll give ye
-sixpence when ye come with the good news.”
-
-‘Away went the _little man_; but he was in no hurry to come back,
-for he as well as his fellows was sufficiently aware of Fitzgerald’s
-violent temper, and wished to come in contact with him as seldom as
-possible.
-
-‘The bell rang again, and to another waiter the impatient candidate put
-the same question:
-
-‘“Am I chose yet, waither?”
-
-‘“The balloting is not over yet, sir,” replied the man.
-
-‘“Not over yet!” exclaimed Fitzgerald. “But, sure, there is no use of
-balloting at all when my dear friends are all unanimous for me to come
-in. Run, my man, and let me know how they are getting on.”
-
-‘After the lapse of another quarter-of-an-hour, the bell was rung so
-violently as to produce a contest among the poor servants, as to whose
-turn it was to visit the lion in his den! and Mr. Brookes, seeing no
-alternative but resolution, took the message from the waiter, who was
-descending the staircase, and boldly entered the room with a coffee
-equipage in his hand.
-
-‘“Did you call for coffee, sir?”
-
-‘“D--n your coffee, sur! and you too,” answered Mr. Fitzgerald, in a
-voice which made the host’s blood curdle in his veins--“I want to know,
-sur, and that without a moment’s delay, sur, if I am _chose_ yet.”
-
-‘“Oh, sir!” replied Mr. Brookes, who trembled from head to foot, but
-attempted to smile away the appearance of fear, “I beg your pardon,
-sir; but I was just coming to announce to you, sir, with Admiral
-Stewart’s compliments, sir, that unfortunately there was one black ball
-in the box, sir; and, consequently, by the rules of the club, sir, no
-candidate can be admitted without a new election, sir; which cannot
-take place, by the standing regulations of the club, sir, until one
-month from this time, sir!”
-
-‘During this address Fitzgerald’s irascibility appeared to undergo
-considerable mollification; and, at its conclusion, the terrified
-landlord was not a little surprised and pleased to find his guest
-shake him by the hand, which he squeezed heartily between his own two,
-saying,
-
-‘“My dear Mr. Brookes, _I’m chose_; and I give ye much joy: for I’ll
-warrant ye’ll find me the best customer in your house! But there
-must be a small matter of mistake in my election; and, as I should
-not wish to be so ungenteel as to take my sate among my dear friends
-above-stairs, until that mistake is duly rectified, you’ll just step
-up and make my compliments to the gentlemen, and say, as it is only
-a mistake of _one_ black ball, they will be so good as to waive all
-ceremony on my account, and proceed to re-elect their humble servant
-without any more delay at all; so now, my dear Mr. Brookes, you may put
-down the coffee, and I’ll be drinking it whilst the new election is
-going on!”
-
-‘Away went Mr. Brookes, glad enough to escape with whole bones, for
-this time at least. On announcing the purport of his errand to the
-assembly above-stairs, many of the members were panic-struck, for they
-clearly foresaw that some disagreeable circumstance was likely to be
-the finale of the farce they had been playing. Mr. Brookes stood silent
-for some minutes, waiting for an answer, whilst several of the members
-whispered, and laughed, in groups, at the ludicrous figure which they
-all cut. At length the Earl of March (afterwards Duke of Queensbury)
-said aloud,
-
-‘“Try the effect of _two_ black balls; d----n his Irish impudence; if
-two balls don’t take effect upon him, I don’t know what will.” This
-proposition met with unanimous approbation, and Mr. Brookes was ordered
-to communicate accordingly.
-
-‘On re-entering the waiting-room, Mr. Fitzgerald rose hastily from his
-chair, and, seizing him by the hand, eagerly inquired,
-
-‘“Have they elected me right now, Mr. Brookes?”
-
-‘“I hope no offence, Mr. Fitzgerald,” said the landlord, “but I am
-sorry to inform you that the result of the second balloting is--that
-_two_ black balls were dropped in, sir.”
-
-‘“By J----s, then,” exclaimed Fitzgerald, “there’s now _two_ mistakes
-instead of one. Go back, my dear friend, and tell the honourable
-members that it is a very uncivil thing to keep a gentleman waiting
-below-stairs, with no one to keep him company but himself, whilst
-they are enjoying themselves with their champagne, and their cards,
-and their Tokay, up above. Tell them to try again, and I hope they
-will have better luck this time, and make no more mistakes, because
-it’s getting late, and I won’t be chose to-night at all. So now, Mr.
-Brookes, be off with yourself, and lave the door open till I see what
-despatch you make.”’
-
-Away went Mr. Brookes for the last time. On announcing his unwelcome
-errand, everyone saw that palliative measures only prolonged the
-dilemma: and General Fitzpatrick proposed that Brookes should tell him:
-“His cause was hopeless, for that he was _black-balled all over_ from
-head to foot, and it was hoped by all the members that Mr. Fitzgerald
-would not persist in thrusting himself into society where his company
-was declined.”
-
-‘This message, it was generally believed, would prove a sickener, as
-it certainly would have done to any other candidate under similar
-circumstances. Not so, however, to Fitzgerald, who no sooner heard the
-purport of it, than he exclaimed,
-
-‘“Oh, I perceive it is _a mistake altogether_, Mr. Brookes, and I must
-see to the rectifying of it myself; there’s nothing like dealing with
-principals, and so I’ll step up at once, and put the thing to rights,
-without any more unnecessary delay.”
-
-‘In spite of Mr. Brookes’s remonstrance that his entrance into the
-club-room was against all rule and etiquette, Fitzgerald found his
-way up-stairs, threatening to throw the landlord over the bannisters
-for endeavouring to stop him. He entered the room without any further
-ceremony than a bow, saying to the members, who indignantly rose up at
-this most unexpected intrusion,
-
-‘“Your servant, gentlemen! I beg ye will be sated.” Walking up to the
-fire-place, he thus addressed Admiral Stewart: “So, my dear admiral,
-Mr. Brookes informs me that I have been _elected_ three times.”
-
-‘“You have been balloted for, Mr. Fitzgerald, but I am sorry to say you
-have not been chosen,” said Stewart.
-
-‘“Well, then,” replied the duellist, “did you black-ball me?”
-
-‘“My good sir,” answered the admiral, “how could you suppose such a
-thing?”
-
-‘“Oh, I _supposed_ no such thing, my dear fellow, I only want to know
-who it was dropped the black balls in by accident, as it were.”
-
-‘Fitzgerald now went up to each individual member, and put the same
-question _seriatim_, “Did you black-ball me, sir?” until he made the
-round of the whole club; and it may well be supposed that in every
-case he obtained similar answers to that of the admiral. When he
-had finished his inquisition, he thus addressed the whole body, who
-preserved as dread and dead a silence as the urchins at a parish school
-do on a Saturday when the pedagogue orders half-a-score of them to be
-_horsed_ for neglecting their catechism, which they have to repeat to
-the parson on Sunday:
-
-‘“You see, gentlemen, that as none of ye have black-balled me, _I
-must be chose_; and it is Misthur Brookes that has made the mistake.
-But I was convinced of it from the beginning, and I am only sorry
-that so much time has been lost as to prevent honourable gentlemen
-from enjoying each other’s good company sooner. Waither! Come here,
-you rascal, and bring me a bottle of champagne, till I drink long
-life to the club, and wish them joy of their unanimous election of a
-raal gentleman by father and mother, and--” this part of Fitzgerald’s
-address excited the risible muscles of everyone present; but he soon
-restored them to their former lugubrious position by casting around
-him a ferocious look, and saying, in a voice of thunder--“_and who
-never missed his man_! Go for the champagne, waithur; and, d’ye hear,
-sur, tell your masthur--Misthur Brookes, that is--not to make any more
-mistakes about black balls, for, though it is below a gentleman to
-call him out, I will find other means of giving him a bagful of broken
-bones.”
-
-‘The members now saw that there was nothing for it but to send the
-intruder to Coventry, which they appeared to do by tacit agreement; for
-when Admiral Stewart departed, which he did almost immediately, Mr.
-Fitzgerald found himself completely cut by all “his dear friends.” The
-gentlemen now found themselves in groups at the several whist-tables,
-and no one chose to reply to his observations, nor to return even
-a nod to the toasts and healths which he drank whilst discussing
-three bottles of the sparkling liquor which the terrified waiter
-placed before him in succession. At length, finding that no one would
-communicate with him in either kind, either for drinking or for
-fighting, he arose, and, making a low bow, took his leave as follows:
-
-‘“Gentlemen, I bid you all good night; I am glad to find ye so
-_sociable_. I’ll take care to come earlier next night, and we’ll have a
-little more of it, please G--d.”
-
-‘The departure of this bully was a great relief to everyone present,
-for the restraint caused by his vapouring and insolent behaviour was
-intolerable. The conversation immediately became general, and it was
-unanimously agreed that half-a-dozen stout constables should be in
-waiting the next evening to lay him by the heels and bear him off
-to the watch-house if he attempted again to intrude. Of some such
-measure Fitzgerald seemed to be aware, for he never showed himself
-at “Brookes’s” again, though he boasted everywhere that he had been
-unanimously chosen a member of the club.’
-
-He lived the life of a man about town, and not a very reputable one,
-either a bully whom everyone feared and no one liked, until the summer
-of 1773, when he appeared before the public in a dispute of which
-there is a long account in a contemporary pamphlet, ‘The Vauxhall
-Affray, or Macaronies defeated.’ The Rev. Henry Bate (afterwards Sir
-H. B. Dudley), the proprietor and editor of the _Morning Post_, was
-at Vauxhall in company with Mrs. Hartley, the actress, her husband,
-Mr. Colman, and a friend, when Fitzgerald, accompanied by the Hon.
-Thomas Lyttleton, Captain Croftes, and some others, all more or less
-intoxicated, behaved so rudely to Mrs. Hartley that she could stand it
-no longer, and complained. Parson Bate was a notable ‘bruiser,’ and he
-took her part, and struck Croftes a blow. Cards were exchanged, and
-next morning an interview was arranged, at which the clergyman and
-officer were reconciled, when in bounced Fitzgerald, and declared, in a
-most insolent manner, that Mr. Bate should give immediate satisfaction
-to his friend, Captain Miles, whom, he said, the former had grossly
-insulted the evening before. Miles was introduced, and declared that
-he had been affronted by the clergyman, and if he did not immediately
-strip and fight with him, he (Miles) would post him as a coward, and
-cane him wherever he met him.
-
-Mindful of his cloth, Mr. Bate hesitated; but Miles, saying something
-about cowardice, the parson threw all consideration of his calling to
-the winds, a ring was formed, and Captain Miles received the handsomest
-thrashing he ever had. Soon afterwards it transpired that Captain Miles
-was Fitzgerald’s own servant, who had been compelled by his master so
-to behave. Mr. Bate very properly exposed the affair in the _Morning
-Post_.
-
-We next hear of him engaged in a duel with Captain Scawen of the
-Guards, which was fought at Lille, and twice he fired before his
-adversary. Luckily he missed him, and the second time the captain,
-having fired in the air, the affair ended.
-
-He was concerned in another duel, which made some stir at the time
-(1775). There was a young fellow named Walker, the son of a plumber
-and painter, whose father left him a large fortune, and Daisy Walker,
-as he was called, became a cornet in Burgoyne’s Light Dragoons. His
-fortune soon went in gambling, and he had to retire from the service,
-whilst his guardians looked into his affairs. At that time Fitzgerald
-held a bill of his for three thousand pounds, and pressed for payment.
-It was ultimately compromised, and, on receipt of five hundred pounds,
-he gave up the bill. Subsequently Daisy Walker made some lucky bets,
-and Fitzgerald at once became clamourous for payment of two thousand
-five hundred pounds. Walker denied his liability, saying the matter was
-settled by the payment of five hundred pounds and the return of the
-bill; but this was not Fitzgerald’s view of the matter, and he dunned
-young Walker whenever he met him, and at last, at Ascot races, he cut
-him across the face with his cane.
-
-Of course, in those days, there could be but one course to be taken,
-and a challenge was sent, and accepted. Walker, as being the insulted
-party, should fire first. They duly met, and the distance was fixed
-at ten paces, but the second who measured the ground took such
-strides that it was virtually twelve paces. Walker fired, and his
-antagonist was unhurt. Fitzgerald, who had the whole etiquette of the
-duello at his finger’s ends, then stepped forward and apologised for
-having struck Walker--which apology was accepted. But, as soon as
-this ceremony was finished, Fitzgerald again began dunning for his
-£2,500, and, when he was told that it was not owing, he prepared to
-take his shot, offering to bet £1,000 that he hit his adversary. The
-pistol missed fire, and he calmly chipped the flint, reiterating his
-offer to bet. He fired, and the ball grazed Walker in the arm just
-below the shoulder, but did not wound him, and they left the field.
-Subsequently, however, Fitzgerald declared that Walker was ‘papered,’
-_i.e._, protected in some way, and published an account of the duel in
-a pamphlet, addressed to the Jockey Club. To this Walker replied, and
-Fitzgerald followed up with another pamphlet, in which he says:--
-
-‘I should most certainly have fixed it at _six_ instead of _ten_ paces.
-My predilection for that admeasurement of ground is founded upon the
-strictest principles of humanity. For I know, from trials successively
-repeated, twenty times one after the other, I can, at that distance,
-hit any part of the human body to a _line_, which, possibly you may
-know, is only the _twelfth part of an inch_.’
-
-And he again refers to his pistol-practice. ‘So, then, you had one
-Surtout on; are you certain you had not half-a-dozen? If no more than
-one Surtout, pray how many coats and waistcoats? You give us no account
-of your under-garments. I ask these questions, Sir, because, after
-reading your pamphlet, I took the same pistol, charged it with the same
-quantity of powder, used a bullet cast in the same mould, measured out
-twelve good paces with a yard wand, and then fired at a thick stick,
-which I had previously covered over with two waistcoats lined, one coat
-lined, and one double-milled drab Surtout. What think you, Sir, was the
-result? Why, Sir, the ball penetrated through the Surtout, the coat,
-two waistcoats, and lodged itself an inch deep in the stick. There
-is nothing like experimental philosophy for a fair proof, it beats
-your _ipse dixits_ all halloo. You see how ingeniously I pass away my
-private hours--I am always hard at study.’
-
-This affair made London too hot for him, and he went over to France
-with an old brother officer named Baggs, and they picked up a living
-by horse-racing and gambling--which led to a duel between the two, for
-Baggs had fleeced a young Englishman named Sandford, and there was a
-quarrel as to the division of the spoil, which ended in Fitzgerald
-drawing his gloves across Baggs’ face, and Baggs returning the
-compliment by dashing his hat in his partner’s face. Of course the
-outcome of this was a duel, which is graphically described by Hamilton
-Rowan in his ‘Autobiography.’
-
-‘They fired together, and were in the act of levelling their second
-pistols, when Baggs fell on his side, saying,
-
-‘“Sir, I am wounded.”
-
-‘“But you are not dead!” said Fitzgerald.
-
-‘At the same moment he discharged his second pistol at his fallen
-antagonist.
-
-‘Baggs immediately started on his legs and advanced on Fitzgerald,
-who, throwing the empty pistol at him, quitted his station, and kept a
-zig-zag course across the field, Baggs following. I saw the flash of
-Bagg’s second pistol, and, at the same moment, Fitzgerald lay stretched
-on the ground. I was just in time to catch Baggs as he fell, after
-firing his second shot. He swooned from intense pain, the small bone of
-his leg being broken. Mr. Fitzgerald now came up, saying,
-
-‘“We are both wounded; let us go back to our ground.”’
-
-But this could not be allowed, and the wounded were carried home.
-Fitzgerald’s wound was in the thigh, and rendered him slightly lame
-ever after.
-
-When he got well, he returned to Ireland, and, thanks to his uncle,
-the Earl of Bristol and Bishop of Derry, he lived in very fair style,
-either in Merrion Street, Dublin, or at Rockfield, near Turlough. While
-living in Dublin he fought a duel with John Toler (afterwards Lord
-Norbury), fired a pistol at Denis Browne, Lord Altamont’s brother,
-in Sackville Street, in broad daylight, and insulted and struck John
-Fitzgibbon, afterwards Lord Chancellor Clare.
-
-Death now took away his guardian-angel, his amiable and patient wife,
-leaving him a little daughter. His grief for her loss was extravagant,
-and amounted to little short of frenzy. After the funeral he behaved
-more than ever like a madman. He took to hunting by night, and hunted
-anything that was about after dark. In this wild chase he was always
-accompanied by a band of mounted servants, carrying torches, and, when
-the peasants were roused from their slumbers by the noise of hounds,
-and the cries of men, they knew that Mad Fitzgerald was abroad.
-
-When he hunted by day, he would peremptorily order home anyone to whom
-he had even a fancied dislike. He would tell one man to go home for he
-was more fitted to follow the plough than the hounds; another would be
-bidden to go and mind his sheep, and a third would be told to quit the
-field, as he was too fat for the sport. And they had to go, for their
-monitor would not have scrupled to have used his whip, and, if that had
-been objected to, there was always the _ultima ratio_ of a duel, and
-men were rather shy of meeting ‘Fighting Fitzgerald.’
-
-He had a particular dislike to the family of Lord Altamont, and
-behaved in a most high-handed and outrageous manner towards them. For
-instance, he heard that a relation of my lord’s, a Mr. Browne, was out
-shooting on a bog near Westport, so he got together his men and dogs,
-and went in quest of him. When Mr. Browne saw him enter on the scene,
-he retired; Fitzgerald pursued, Mr. Browne increased his pace, so did
-Fitzgerald, until he literally hunted the offending sportsman home.
-Another time he rode over to Lord Altamont’s house, and asked to see
-the wolf-dog, which, for its size and fierceness, was the admiration
-and terror of the neighbourhood. No sooner was he shown the dog than
-he shot it, charging the servants to tell their master that, until he
-became more charitable to the poor, who only came to his door to be
-barked at and bitten, he should not allow such a beast to be kept, but
-that he had no objection to the three ladies of the family each keeping
-a lap-dog.
-
-After a time, his grief at the loss of his wife subsided, and he
-fell in love with the only child and heiress of a Mr. Vaughan, of
-Carrowmore, County Mayo, and singularly, although she well knew his
-reckless character, she returned his affection. We know how he ran away
-with his first wife; the story of his wedding with his second is yet
-more romantic.
-
-Mr. Vaughan was, not unnaturally, averse to Fitzgerald marrying his
-daughter, but, at the same time, he did not forbid him the house. So
-one night Fitzgerald was suddenly attacked by a very acute illness,
-writhing about in great agony, and at last begged to be allowed to
-remain there that night. In the morning he was much worse, and at
-death’s door, lamenting the iniquity of his past life, and begging
-that a priest should be sent for. Of course one soon came, but, in the
-midst of his spiritual exercises, Fitzgerald sprang out of bed, and,
-presenting a pistol to the head of the priest, swore he would blow out
-his brains if he did not instantly marry him to Miss Vaughan, and the
-terror-stricken priest had no option but to comply. Mr. Vaughan had to
-bow to the inevitable, and the new Mrs. Fitzgerald never had reason to
-complain of her husband’s treatment of her, as he was uniformly kind
-and affectionate to her.
-
-When Fitzgerald returned to Ireland, he found his father, a weak,
-false, vicious old man, almost in his dotage, and entirely under the
-control of his younger son Lionel, a low woman whom he had taken as
-his mistress, and an unscrupulous pettifogger named Patrick Randal
-MacDonnell. Charles Lionel, the younger son, was his brother’s enemy,
-because he saw nothing but poverty before him if his father paid
-George Robert the £1,000 a year to which he was entitled, for the old
-spendthrift was always in debt. The mistress had every reason to keep
-things as they were, and MacDonnell did not like to see his pickings
-done away with. It is questionable whether Fitzgerald had ever received
-any portion of his settlement--at all events, it was £12,000 in arrear.
-He saw the estate that was ultimately to come to him being wasted, his
-father getting more hopelessly into debt, and spending his substance
-on an immoral and greedy woman, and he was determined to put a stop to
-it. He had a difficulty to get a solicitor in Dublin to undertake his
-case, but at last he found one, and arranged with him to accompany him
-in his carriage to Mayo. The story of that ride is told by Sir Jonah
-Barrington (vol. iii, p. 170, ed. 1832) as follows:
-
-‘Mr. Fitzgerald sent for the attorney, and told him that, if his
-going down was previously known, there would be several of the
-tenants and others, under the adverse influence of his father and
-brother, who would probably abscond, and that, therefore, since spies
-were watching him perpetually, to give notice in the county of his
-every movement, it was expedient that he should set out two or three
-hours before daybreak, so as to have the start of them. That his own
-travelling-carriage should be ready near the gate of the Phœnix Park to
-take up Mr. T----, who might bring his trunk of papers with him in a
-hack-carriage, so that there should be no suspicion.
-
-‘All this was reasonable and proper, and accordingly done. Mr.
-Fitzgerald’s carriage was on the spot named, near the wall of the
-Phœnix Park. The attorney was punctual, the night pitch dark, and the
-trunk of papers put into the boot; the windows were all drawn up. Mr.
-T---- stepped into the carriage with as great satisfaction as ever he
-had felt in his whole lifetime, and away they drove cheerily, at a good
-round pace, for the county of Galway.
-
-‘Mr. T---- had no idea that anybody else was coming with them, Mr.
-Fitzgerald not having mentioned such a thing. He found, however, a
-third gentleman in a travelling-cloak sitting between himself and
-his client, who was dozing in the far corner. The stranger, too, he
-found not over-courteous; for, though the carriage was not very roomy,
-and the gentleman was bulky, he showed no disposition whatever to
-accommodate the attorney, who begged him, with great suavity and
-politeness, to “move a little.” To this he received no reply, but
-a snoring both from the strange traveller and Mr. Fitzgerald. Mr.
-T---- now felt himself much crowded and pressed, and again earnestly
-requested “the gentleman” to allow him, if possible, a little more
-room; but he only received a snore in return. He now concluded that his
-companion was a low, vulgar fellow. His nerves became rather lax; he
-got alarmed, without well knowing why; he began to twitter--the twitter
-turned into a shake, and, as is generally the case, the shake ended
-with a cold sweat, and Mr. T---- found himself in a state of mind and
-body far more disagreeable than he had ever before experienced.
-
-‘The closeness and pressure had elicited a hot perspiration on the
-one side, while his fears produced a cold perspiration on the other,
-so that (quite unlike the ague he had not long recovered from) he
-had hot and cold fits at the same moment. All his apprehensions
-were now awakened; his memory opened her stores, and he began to
-recollect dreadful anecdotes of Mr. Fitzgerald, which he never before
-had credited, or indeed had any occasion to remember. The ruffians
-of Turlow passed as the ghosts in “Macbeth” before his imagination.
-Mr. Fitzgerald, he supposed, was in a fox’s sleep, and his bravo in
-another, who, instead of receding at all, on the contrary, squeezed the
-attorney closer and closer. His respiration now grew impeded, and every
-fresh idea exaggerated his horror; his untaxed costs, he anticipated,
-would prove his certain death, and that a cruel one. Neither of his
-companions would answer him a single question, the one replying only by
-a rude snore, and the other by a still ruder.
-
-‘“Now,” thought Mr. T----, “my fate is consummated. I have often
-heard how Mr. Fitzgerald cut a Jew’s throat in Italy, and slaughtered
-numerous creditors while on the grand tour of Europe. God help me!
-unfortunate solicitor that I am, my last day, or rather night, has
-come!”
-
-‘He thought to let down the window and admit a little fresh air, but it
-was quite fast. The whole situation was insupportable, and at length he
-addressed Mr. Fitzgerald, most pathetically, thus:
-
-‘“Mr. Fitzgerald, I’ll date the receipt the moment you choose, and
-whenever it’s your convenience I have no doubt you’ll pay it most
-honourably--no doubt, no doubt, Mr. Fitzgerald--but not necessary at
-all till perfectly convenient, or never, if more agreeable to you and
-this other gentleman.”
-
-‘Fitzgerald could now contain himself no longer, but said, quite in
-good humour,
-
-‘“Oh, very well, Mr. T----, very well, quite time enough; make yourself
-easy on that head.”
-
-‘The carriage now arrived at Maynooth, where the horses were instantly
-changed, and they proceeded rapidly on their journey, Mr. Fitzgerald
-declaring he would not alight till he reached Turlow, for fear of
-pursuit.
-
-‘The attorney now took courage, and, very truly surmising that the
-other gentleman was a foreigner, ventured to beg of Mr. Fitzgerald to
-ask “his friend” to sit over a little, as he was quite crushed.
-
-‘Mr. Fitzgerald replied, “That the party in question did not speak
-English, but when they arrived at Killcock the matter should be better
-arranged.”
-
-‘The attorney was now compelled for some time longer to suffer the hot
-press, inflicted with as little compunction as if he were only a sheet
-of paper; but, on arriving at the inn at Killcock, dawn just appeared,
-and Mr. Fitzgerald, letting down a window, desired his servant, who
-was riding with a pair of large horse-pistols before him, to rouse
-the people at the inn, and get some cold provisions and a bottle of
-wine brought to the carriage. “And, Thomas,” said he, “get five or
-six pounds of raw meat, if you can--no matter of what kind--for this
-foreign gentleman.”
-
-‘The attorney was now petrified; a little twilight glanced into the
-carriage, and nearly turned him into stone. The stranger was wrapped
-up in a blue travelling cloak with a scarlet cape, and had a great
-white cloth tied round his head and under his chin; but when Mr.
-Solicitor saw the face of his companion he uttered a piteous cry, and
-involuntarily ejaculated, “Murder! murder!” On hearing this cry, the
-servant rode back to the carriage window and pointed to his pistols.
-Mr. T---- now offered up his soul to God, the stranger grumbled, and
-Mr. Fitzgerald, leaning across, put his hand to the attorney’s mouth,
-and said he should direct his servant to give him reason for that cry,
-if he attempted to alarm the people of the house. Thomas went into the
-inn, and immediately returned with a bottle of wine and some bread, but
-reported that there was no raw meat to be had; on hearing which, Mr.
-Fitzgerald ordered him to seek some at another house.
-
-‘The attorney now exclaimed again, “God protect me!” Streaming
-with perspiration, his eye every now and then glancing towards his
-mysterious companion, and then, starting aside with horror, he at
-length shook as if he were relapsing into his old ague; and the
-stranger, finding so much unusual motion beside him, turned his
-countenance upon the attorney. Their cheeks came in contact, and
-the reader must imagine--because it is impossible adequately to
-describe--the scene that followed. The stranger’s profile was of
-uncommon prominence; his mouth stretched from ear to ear, he had
-enormous grinders, with a small twinkling eye, and his visage was all
-be-whiskered and mustachioed--more, even, than Count Platoff’s of the
-Cossacks.
-
-‘Mr. T----’s optic nerves were paralysed as he gazed instinctively at
-his horrid companion, in whom, when he recovered his sense of vision
-sufficiently to scrutinize him, he could trace no similitude to any
-being on earth save a bear!
-
-‘And the attorney was quite correct in this comparison. It was actually
-a Russian bear, which Mr. Fitzgerald had educated from a cub, and which
-generally accompanied his master on his travels. He now gave Bruin a
-rap upon the nose with a stick which he carried, and desired him to
-hold up his head. The brute obeyed. Fitzgerald then ordered him to
-“kiss his neighbour,” and the bear did as he was told, but accompanied
-his salute with such a tremendous roar as roused the attorney (then
-almost swooning) to a full sense of his danger. Self-preservation
-is the first law of Nature, and at once gives courage, and suggests
-devices. On this occasion, every other kind of law--civil, criminal,
-or equitable--was set aside by the attorney. All his ideas, if any he
-had, were centred in one word--“escape”; and as a weasel, it is said,
-will attack a man if driven to desperation, so did the attorney spurn
-the menaces of Mr. Fitzgerald, who endeavoured to hold and detain him.
-
-‘The struggle was violent, but brief; Bruin roared loud, but
-interfered not. Horror strengthened the solicitor. Dashing against the
-carriage-door, he burst it open, and, tumbling out, reeled into the
-public-house--then rushing through a back-door, and up a narrow lane
-that led to the village of Summer Hill (Mr. Roly’s demesne), about
-two miles distant, he stumbled over hillocks, tore through hedges and
-ditches, and never stopped till he came, breathless, to the little
-alehouse, completely covered with mud, and his clothes in rags. He
-there told so incoherent a story, that the people all took him for
-a man either bitten by a mad dog, or broken loose from his keepers,
-and considered it their duty to tie him, to prevent his biting, or
-other mischief. In that manner they led him to Squire Roly’s, at the
-great house, where the hapless attorney was pinioned and confined in a
-stable for some hours, till the squire got up. They put plenty of milk,
-bread, butter, and cheese into the manger, from the cock-loft above, to
-prevent accidents, as they said.’
-
-Fitzgerald, finding the estate going to the dogs--for his father was
-letting the lands at absurdly low prices to his favourites; as, for
-instance, he let his son Charles Lionel a valuable tract of land worth
-fifteen shillings an acre at one shilling and sixpence, and the deer
-park at the same price--took the necessary legal proceedings to protect
-himself; and, whilst they were pending, his father was arrested for
-a debt of £8,000, and taken to a Dublin sponging-house. Although his
-father had been trying to injure him by all the means in his power, yet
-Fitzgerald paid the debt, and became responsible for the other debts of
-his father, who, in return, ratified the settlement which had been in
-abeyance so long.
-
-Fitzgerald then applied to the Lord Chancellor for possession of the
-estate, on the grounds that, under its present management, the property
-was deteriorating, and as security for the money his father owed him,
-which amounted to £20,000--£12,000 of which were arrears of his income
-of £1,000 per annum, and £8,000 lent to obtain his release; and, in
-1780, the Chancellor made the order as prayed. Had Fitzgerald gone with
-bailiffs, and demanded possession, there would have been bloodshed,
-in all probability; for the King’s writs did not run easily in that
-part of Ireland. So he waited until one day, when his father went over
-to Turlough, and he then made a forcible entry into Rockfield, with a
-troop of armed dependants, and dislodged the servants then in the house.
-
-Naturally his father did not take this quietly, and possession was
-not held peacefully. There were many collisions; and old Fitzgerald
-indicted his son for having headed a riotous mob, one of whom, he
-alleged, had, at his son’s instigation, attempted to take away his
-life, by firing a loaded musket at him. The charge could not be
-sufficiently proved, and Fitzgerald was acquitted.
-
-He now turned his attention towards improving his estate, and imported
-some Scotch Presbyterians, a sober and industrious set of men, to whom
-he gave five hundred pounds towards building a meeting-house, and
-settled fifty pounds per annum on their minister; but his father’s
-party were always annoying him, and, in consequence, he refused to
-give maintenance to his father, who, thereupon, had recourse to the
-law-courts in Dublin to compel him so to do; and a writ was issued
-empowering the father to secure the body of his son until a maintenance
-was granted him. It would have been perfectly useless to have served
-the writ upon him at Turlough: it is probable no man could have been
-found bold enough to attempt it. So they waited until the next assizes
-at Balinrobe; and then, when they thought they had him safe in the
-grand jury room, they made application to the judge to arrest him
-there. Leave was granted, but Fitzgerald got wind of it, and when they
-went to capture him, lo! he was not to be found.
-
-He evidently thought two could play at that game, and he determined to
-get the old man into his power. In those days, in that part of Ireland,
-law was not much regarded, especially by men of Fighting Fitzgerald’s
-stamp; and he speedily put his plan into execution. As his father was
-going from Balinrobe to Dublin, he was waylaid by his son and a party
-of armed men, and carried off _vi et armis_ to George Robert’s house at
-Turlough.
-
-This open violation of the law could not be submitted to tamely, and
-his younger brother went to Dublin, and stated his case before the
-judges, who granted him a writ of _habeas corpus_. But no one would
-serve that at Turlough, so they waited, as of aforetime, until he was
-at the grand jury room, and, leave having been given, his brother, who
-was bigger and stronger than he, went in, and, literally collaring
-him, dragged him out, spite of all his protests that he was a grand
-jury man, and could not be touched while in the exercise of his
-functions. He was at once put on his trial, and the grand jury found a
-true bill against him, unanimously: nay, more, they publicly addressed
-the judge in court, expressing their abhorrence of the charge made
-against Fitzgerald. After the finding of a true bill, his trial at
-once took place, in despite of all efforts to postpone it to the next
-assizes, and it lasted from nine in the morning until nearly twelve at
-night, when, the judge having summed up, the jury found him guilty, and
-he was fined £1,000, to be imprisoned for three years, and until he
-should pay the fine.
-
-What happens next in this man’s extraordinary career is almost
-difficult to believe, and shows the lawless state of the country.
-Fitzgerald was committed to Castlebar prison, but he seems to have been
-at large therein, for, four days after his committal, he calmly walked
-out of gaol, armed with a brace of pistols, and scattering a bag of
-silver to be scrambled for by the gaolers. The doors were all open, a
-horse was in readiness, and off he went, tantivy, for Turlough, where
-he was welcomed by his people with volleys of small arms and discharge
-of cannon. These latter Fitzgerald had procured from a ship, under
-the pretext that they would be useful for his volunteers, of which he
-was the colonel. These he mounted as a regular battery, and it was
-garrisoned in a perfectly military manner by his volunteers.
-
-But an escape from prison was, by the law of Ireland, deemed a capital
-felony, and the sheriff of the county issued proclamations and rewards
-for his apprehension, at which Fitzgerald only laughed, for he could
-rely on his men, and he had his father still in his custody, as the old
-man did not go away when his son was, as he thought, safely imprisoned.
-He was some fifteen months at large before the majesty of the law
-asserted itself. Then a little army, consisting of three companies of
-foot, a troop of horse, and a battery of artillery, under the command
-of Major Longford, was sent to reduce this rebel. But, when they got
-to Rockfield, they found the cannon spiked, and the birds flown to
-Killala, whither they were followed by Charles Lionel, at the head of
-the Castlebar volunteers. But many people gathered round Fitzgerald,
-and he soon had a party which was too strong for them to attack. But,
-a large reinforcement arriving, he had to flee, and, with his father,
-and two or three attendants, he put to sea in an open boat, landing on
-a small island in the bay of Sligo.
-
-Here his father offered him terms, that if he would give him £3,000 to
-clear off his debts, and pay him a small annuity, he would give him up
-the estate, and completely exonerate him of all blame in his capture
-and detention. To these terms Fitzgerald assented, and set off with his
-father through bye, and unfrequented roads to Dublin. But no sooner had
-the old man got into his old lodging, than he refused to ratify his
-bargain, and set his son at defiance.
-
-Fitzgerald, although there was a reward out of £300 for his
-apprehension, took no pains to conceal himself, and, consequently,
-had not been long in Dublin, before Town-Major Hall heard of his
-whereabouts, and, taking twelve soldiers of the Castle guard with him,
-arrested Fitzgerald, and safely lodged him in the Castle, where he was
-confined in the officer’s room; and there he abode till the general
-election, when, through the influence of his powerful friends, he was
-released. During his incarceration he wrote an appeal to the public on
-his case, although some say the author was one Timothy Brecknock, a
-somewhat unscrupulous lawyer whom Fitzgerald employed.
-
-The first use he made of his newly-acquired liberty was to revenge
-himself on a man who he fancied had done him some grievous injury, a
-somewhat eccentric gentleman named Dick Martin, and he determined to
-insult him in the most public manner. He met him at the theatre, struck
-him with his cane, calling him the bully of the Altamonts, and walked
-away. Of course, in those days a gentleman so insulted could but do one
-thing, and that was to send a challenge--and Martin did send Fitzgerald
-one by the hand of a cousin of the latter, a Mr. Lyster. While he was
-explaining the object of his visit, Fitzgerald rang the bell, and
-requested his footman to bring him his cudgel ‘with the green ribbon.’
-This being brought, he walked up to his cousin, and ferociously asked
-how _he_ dared to deliver such a message to _him_: then, not waiting
-for a reply, he belaboured him most unmercifully, with such violence
-indeed, as to break a diamond ring from off his finger. When he
-considered him sufficiently punished, he made him pick up his ring and
-present it to him--but he did not keep it, he wrapped it up in paper,
-and returned it, telling his cousin not to go about swearing that he
-had robbed him of it.
-
-Martin could get no satisfaction out of Fitzgerald in Dublin, the
-object of the latter being to let his adversary have the reputation of
-being an insulted man. But, afterwards, they met at Castlebar, and a
-meeting was arranged. Martin was hit, and his bullet struck Fitzgerald,
-but glanced off: according to some it hit a button; according to
-others, Fitzgerald was _plastroné_, or armoured.
-
-His behaviour was more like that of a lunatic than of a sane man. Take
-the following example, for instance. He had a house and grounds near
-Dublin, and his neighbours all fought shy of him--nay, one of them, a
-retired officer, Captain Boulton, would neither accept his invitations
-nor invite him to his mansion. This conduct galled Fitzgerald, and he
-devised a novel method of avenging himself of the insult. He would
-shoot on the captain’s grounds without leave. So he went down with
-his man and dogs and began killing the game in fine style. This soon
-brought out the steward, who began to remonstrate with the trespasser.
-Fitzgerald’s answer was a bullet, which whizzed close to the head of
-the poor steward, who turned, and ran for his life, Fitzgerald after
-him with a second gun, with the certain determination of shooting him.
-Luckily the man got safely into the mansion. Baffled of his victim,
-Fitzgerald began abusing Captain Boulton, calling on him to come out,
-and give him satisfaction for his man’s behaviour. But the captain, not
-seeing the force of the argument, refrained, and Fitzgerald fired his
-gun at the dining-room window. As this, however, did not bring out the
-captain, he fired at the windows as fast as his man could load, and
-only left off when he had smashed every one of them.
-
-Another time he waged war against all the dogs in Castlebar, shooting
-them whenever he got a chance; but the people did not stand it tamely;
-they rose, visited his kennels, and shot his dogs.
-
-His father died; but his brother, his father’s mistress, and
-MacDonnell, took advantage of every circumstance in their power to
-maliciously vex him. Law-suits were stirred up against him, and had to
-be met with the assistance of Timothy Brecknock, who was Fitzgerald’s
-legal adviser, and the followers of both parties were not particular in
-exchanging a shot or two, one with the other.
-
-At length MacDonnell kidnapped one of Fitzgerald’s servants, and kept
-him prisoner for twenty days. Then the man escaped, and Fitzgerald
-applied for, and obtained warrants against, MacDonnell and two other
-men, named Hipson and Gallagher. To execute these warrants personally
-must have been a congenial task to Fitzgerald, and he set out for that
-purpose, followed by a large body of men. On their approach, MacDonnell
-fled to the neighbouring village of Ballivary, and his friends did the
-best they could to defend themselves, firing on his party and wounding
-six or seven of them. They then went after MacDonnell, and, after more
-firing, succeeded in apprehending MacDonnell, Hipson, and Gallagher.
-These unfortunate men begged to be taken before the nearest magistrate;
-but Fitzgerald had them bound, and taken to his house, where they
-remained all night.
-
-Early the next morning they were sent, guarded by a man of his, one
-Andrew Craig, and about eighteen or twenty more, all well armed, to be
-examined by the magistrates. Before their departure Fitzgerald gave the
-guard strict instructions to kill the prisoners should they attempt to
-escape. When they had gone about three-quarters of a mile a shot was
-fired, and one of the escort was laid low. But very little was wanted
-to rouse their wild blood, and it was at once considered that a rescue
-was intended. Remembering the instructions given them by Fitzgerald,
-they fired on their prisoners, killing Hipson, who fell into a ditch,
-dragging Gallagher with him, wounded with three bullets in his arm.
-MacDonnell, by the same volley, had both his arms broken, but he was
-soon afterwards despatched. Gallagher was then discovered, and they
-were about to kill him, only Fitzgerald ordered him to be taken to his
-house.
-
-News was sent to Castlebar of what had taken place, and Fitzgerald
-calmly awaited the result. Fully aware of the dangerous character they
-had to deal with, the authorities sent a large body, both of regular
-troops, and volunteers, to Turlough, and these were accompanied by an
-immense mob of people. What happened is best related in the following
-graphic account:
-
-‘Brecknock was for remaining, as with the calmness of conscious
-innocence, and boldly demanding a warrant against Gallagher and
-others. This opinion, however, did not agree with Fitzgerald’s own,
-who justly dreaded the fury of the volunteers and the populace, with
-whom MacDonnell had been so popular. Neither did it coincide with that
-of the Rev. Mr. Henry, the Presbyterian clergyman of Turlough, who had
-been latterly a resident in the house, and was now wringing his hands
-in wild alarm for what had occurred. This gentleman’s horse was at the
-door, and he strongly urged George Robert to mount, and ride for his
-life out of the country altogether, till the powerful intercession he
-could command might be made for him. In compliance with this advice,
-which entirely coincided with his own opinion, it is stated that he
-made several attempts to mount; but that, splendid horseman as he was,
-whether through nervous excitement, guilty terror, or the restiveness
-of the animal, he was unable to attain the saddle, and, in consequence,
-obliged to fly into the house again, as the military were announced to
-be approaching near. It is also generally asserted that the Rev. Mr.
-Ellison, who headed the soldiers, sent them on to Gurth-na-fullagh,
-without halting them at Turlough, where he himself stopped.
-
-‘Were this circumstance even true, however, Fitzgerald gained but a
-short respite by it, as the volunteers, with many of the populace, came
-furiously up immediately after; and, some of them being placed about
-the house, the remainder entered to search and pillage it. Brecknock
-and Fulton were immediately captured, but, after ransacking every
-corner and crevice more than once without finding him, the volunteers
-were beginning to think that Fitzgerald must have effected his escape
-before their arrival, when one of them, forcing open a clothes-chest in
-a lower apartment, discovered him among a heap of bed-clothes in his
-place of concealment.
-
-‘“What do you want, you ruffian?” he said, on finding himself detected.
-
-‘“To dhrag ye, like a dog’s head, to a bonfire,” replied another
-volunteer, named Morran, a powerful man, who seized him at the same
-time by the breast, and drew him forth by main force.
-
-‘A pistol was now presented at him by a third to take summary
-vengeance; but a comrade snapped it from his hands, asking if there was
-not murder enough already.
-
-‘“What mercy did himself or his murdherers show to those every way
-their betthers?”
-
-‘“Well, let them pay for that on the gallows, but let us be no
-murdherers; let us give him up to the law.”
-
-‘He was, accordingly, hauled out to the front of the house, where,
-perceiving Mr. Ellison, he exclaimed,
-
-‘“Ellison, will you allow me to be handled thus by such rabble?”
-
-‘Mr. Ellison’s response to this saved him from further molestation for
-a time, and exertions were then made to withdraw the pillagers from the
-wholesale plundering they were practising within. One fellow had girded
-his loins with linen almost as fine as Holland--so fine that he made
-some hundred yards fit round his body without being much observable.
-Another, among other valuables, made himself master of the duellist’s
-diamond-buttoned coat; while a third contrived to appropriate to
-himself all the jewels, valued at a very high amount. In short, so
-entire were the spoliation and destruction that, before sunset, not a
-single pane of glass was left in the windows.
-
-‘The remainder of those implicated in the murders were speedily
-apprehended, except Craig, who escaped for the time, but was taken soon
-after near Dublin.
-
-‘We must now pause to sustain our character as an accurate chronicler
-to relate an act as unprecedented, as lawless, and as terrible as the
-most terrible of Fitzgerald’s own. He was alone, on the night of his
-capture, in the room assigned to him in the gaol. It was not a felon’s
-apartment, but was guarded on the outside by two armed soldiers, lest
-he should make any desperate attempt to escape. It was some hours after
-nightfall that Clarke, the then sub-sheriff, removed one of those
-sentinels to another portion of the prison, where he stated he required
-his presence. They had scarcely disappeared, when the remaining
-soldier, McBeth (according to his own account), was knocked down, and
-his musket taken from him, while the door was burst open, and a number
-of men, all armed with pistols, sword-canes, and the sentinel’s musket,
-commenced a furious and deadly attack on Fitzgerald, who, though
-totally unarmed, made a most extraordinary defence. Several shots were
-discharged rapidly at him, one of which lodged in his thigh, while
-another broke a ring on the finger of one of his hands, which he put up
-to change the direction of the ball.
-
-He was then secured by John Gallagher, one of the assailants, and
-a powerful man, and, whilst struggling in his grip, thrust at
-with blades and bayonets, one of the former of which broke in the
-fleshy part of his arm. The latter, too, in forcing out two of his
-teeth, had its point broken, and was thereby prevented from passing
-through his throat. After having freed himself, by great exertions,
-from Gallagher’s grasp, he was next assaulted with musket-stock,
-pistol-butts, and the candlestick, which had been seized by one of the
-assailants, who gave the candle to a boy to hold. By one of the blows
-inflicted by these weapons he was prostrated under the table, and,
-while lying there, defending himself with unimpaired powers against
-other deadly-aimed blows, he exclaimed,
-
-‘Cowardly rascals, you may now desist; you have done for me, which was,
-of course, your object.’
-
-The candle had by this time been quenched in the struggling, and the
-gaol and streets thoroughly alarmed, so that the assailants, fearing to
-injure one another, and deeming that their intended victim was really
-dispatched, retreated from the prison, leaving Fitzgerald, though
-wounded, once more in security.
-
-In consequence of this outrage, his trial was postponed for two
-months, and the government ordered his assailants to be prosecuted,
-but on trial they were acquitted. Fitzgerald himself was tried the
-same day (June 8, 1786), the chief witnesses against him being his own
-man, Andrew Craig, and Andrew Gallagher, the latter of whom deposed
-that when he, Hipson, and MacDonnell, were confined in Fitzgerald’s
-house, there was a pane broken in the window, and ‘At day he saw a
-number of men regularly drawn up, to the number of twenty or thirty.
-He saw Andrew Craig and James Foy settling them. Mr. Fitzgerald and
-Mr. Brecknock came to the flag of the hall-door; through the broken
-pane he heard them conversing; they spoke in French for some time, and
-afterwards in English, but he could not hear what they said, but the
-names of himself, MacDonnell, and Hipson were severally mentioned. He
-heard at that time nothing more than their names. Mr. Fitzgerald called
-over James Foy and Andrew Craig, who were settling the guard, and
-ordered them to move a little higher, about ten or twelve yards above
-the house. There was some other conversation which he did not hear.
-As soon as the guard were settled, Mr. Fitzgerald gave them--Foy and
-Craig--orders “If they saw any rescue, or colour of a rescue, be sure
-they shot the prisoners, and take care of them.”
-
-‘When these orders were given, Mr. Fitzgerald said to Mr. Brecknock,
-
-‘“Ha! we shall soon get rid of them now.”
-
-‘Mr. Brecknock replied: “Oh, then we shall be easy indeed.”
-
-‘After the guard was settled, Mr. Fitzgerald called back Andrew Craig,
-and when Craig came within ten yards of him, he, Mr. Fitzgerald, said,
-
-‘“Andrew, be sure you kill them. Do not let one of the villains escape.”
-
-‘Andrew answered: “Oh, never fear, please your honour.”’
-
-At his trial he had a bitter enemy both in the judge, Yelverton, and
-the prosecuting counsel, Fitzgibbon. Nor could he reckon the high
-sheriff, Denis Browne, among his friends, so that it was scarcely
-possible that it should have but one issue, and the jury returned
-a verdict of guilty against both him and Brecknock, and the judge
-sentenced them to immediate execution. Fitzgerald begged for a little
-delay, so that he might settle his worldly affairs; it was denied him,
-and, at six in the evening, he walked forth to his doom. Brecknock had
-already suffered. Fitzgerald dreaded the scene of the scaffold and the
-journey thither along the high road, in a cart, and asked, as a last
-favour from the sheriff, to be allowed to walk and go by a by-way. It
-was granted, and he went to his doom preceded by the hangman, who wore
-a large mask. He walked very fast, and was dressed in a ragged coat of
-the Castletown hunt, a dirty flannel waistcoat and drawers, both of
-which were without buttons, brown worsted or yarn stockings, a pair of
-coarse shoes without buckles, and an old round hat, tied round with a
-pack-thread band.
-
-When he jumped off the ladder the rope broke, although he was but
-a slightly-built man and a light weight, and he had to wait until
-another, and a stronger, one was procured. After forty minutes’ hanging
-his body was cut down, and was waked by the light of a few candles in
-a barn at Turlough; it was interred, the next morning, in the family
-tomb, situated in a ruined chapel adjoining a round tower, but his
-remains were disturbed some years afterwards at the burial of his
-brother in the same tomb. He was thirty-eight years of age.
-
-His daughter had a portion of £10,000 left her by him, and she was a
-very gentle and interesting girl. She mostly resided with her uncle at
-Castletown, and was unaware, for a long time, of her father’s fate. But
-it so happened that, being one day alone in the library, and looking
-over the upper shelves, she lit upon a copy of his trial. She read it,
-and from that time never lifted up her head, nor smiled--she could not
-bear her position as the daughter of a felon, and she gradually pined
-away, and died at an early age.
-
-
-
-
-EIGHTEENTH-CENTURY AMAZONS.
-
-
-Pugnacity is not confined to the male sex, as everyone well knows, and
-none better than the police-force, but in these latter and, presumably,
-degenerate days, the efforts, in this direction, of the softer sex
-are confined to social exhibitions, there being, as far as is known,
-no woman serving in Her Majesty’s force either by land or by sea.
-Indeed, with the present medical examination, it would be impossible;
-and so it would have been in the old days, only then all was fish that
-came to the net. His, or Her Majesty, as the case might be, never had
-enough men, and ‘food for powder’ was ever acceptable, and its quality
-never closely scrutinised. It is incredible, were it not true, that
-these women, whose stories I am about to relate, were not discovered
-to be such--they were wounded, they were flogged, and yet there was no
-suspicion as to their sex.
-
-We get the particulars of the life of the first of that century’s
-Amazons in a book of one hundred and eighty-one pages, published
-(second edition) in 1744, entitled, ‘The British Heroine: or, an
-Abridgment of the Life and Adventures of Mrs. Christian Davis, commonly
-called Mother Ross.’ She was born in Dublin, A.D. 1667, and was the
-daughter of a maltster and brewer, named Cavanagh, who occupied a
-small farm about two miles from Dublin. Here Miss Christian resided
-with her mother, and, although her education was not neglected, for
-she learned to read and sew, yet the charms of physical exertion were
-more attractive, and she took greater delight in using the flail, or
-following the plough, than in sedentary occupations. She was a regular
-tomboy, bestriding bare-backed horses and, without saddle or bridle,
-scampering about, taking hedges and ditches whenever they came in her
-way.
-
-After the abdication of James II. her father sold all his standing
-corn, &c., and with the produce, and the money he had by him, he raised
-a troop of horse and joined the king’s army. He was wounded at the
-battle of Aghrim, and soon afterwards died of fever. His wife had very
-prudently negotiated a pardon for him, but, as soon as he was dead, the
-government confiscated all his goods; yet still the mother and daughter
-managed to get along somehow or other.
-
-She grew up to be a buxom and sprightly lass, when it was her
-misfortune to meet with her cousin, the Reverend Thomas Howell, a
-Fellow of Dublin University, who first seduced and then abandoned
-her. Her grief at this told upon her health, and her mother sent her
-for a change of air to Dublin, there to stop with an aunt, who kept a
-public-house. With her she lived for four years, when her aunt died and
-left her all she had, including the business. She afterwards married
-a servant of her aunt’s, one Richard Welch, and lived very happily
-with him for four years, when her husband one day went out, with fifty
-pounds in his pocket, to pay his brewer, and never returned.
-
-For nearly twelve months she heard no tidings of him, but one day came
-a letter, in which he told her he had met a friend, and with him had
-too much drink, went on board ship, and had more drink; and when he
-recovered from the effects of his debauch, found himself classed as a
-recruit for his Majesty’s army, sailing for Helvoetsluys. The receipt
-of this letter completely upset his wife, but only for a short time,
-when she took the extraordinary resolution of entering the army as a
-recruit, in order that she might be sent to Flanders, and there might
-possibly meet with her husband. She let her house, left her furniture
-in charge of her neighbours, sent one child to her mother’s, and put
-the other out to nurse. She then cut her hair short, put on a suit of
-her husband’s clothes, hat and wig, and buckled on a silver-hilted
-sword. There was a law then in existence by which it was an offence to
-carry out of the kingdom any sum exceeding five pounds, but this she
-evaded by quilting fifty guineas in the waistband of her breeches.
-
-She then enlisted in a foot regiment under the name of Christopher
-Welch, and was soon shipped, with other recruits, and sent to Holland.
-She was, with the others, put through some sort of drill, but much
-time could not then be wasted on drill, and then they were sent to the
-grand army, and incorporated in different regiments. Almost directly
-after joining, she was wounded by a musket-ball in the leg, at the
-battle of Landen, and had to quit the field. This wound laid her up for
-two months, and when she rejoined her regiment they were ordered into
-winter quarters. Here she, in common with the other British soldiers,
-helped the Dutch to repair their dykes.
-
-In the following campaign she had the ill-luck to be taken prisoner by
-the French, and was sent to St. Germains en Laye, where Mary of Modena,
-the wife of James II. paid particular attention to the wants of the
-English prisoners, having them separated from the Dutch, and allowing
-each man five farthings for tobacco, a pound of bread, and a pint of
-wine daily. She was imprisoned for nine days, when an exchange of
-prisoners took place, and she was released.
-
-Once more the troops went into winter quarters, and Mrs. Welch must
-needs ape the gallantry of her comrades. She made fierce love to
-the daughter of a rich burgher, and succeeded so well that the girl
-would fain have married her. Now it so happened that a sergeant of
-the same regiment loved the same girl, but with other than honourable
-intentions, and one day he endeavoured to gain her compliance by force.
-The girl resisted and in the scuffle got nearly all the clothes torn
-off her back. When Mrs. Welch heard of this affair she ‘went for’ that
-sergeant, and the result was a duel with swords. Mrs. Welch received
-two wounds in her right arm, but she nearly killed the sergeant, and
-afterwards, dreading his animosity when he should have recovered, she
-exchanged into a dragoon regiment (Lord John Hayes) and was present at
-the taking of Namur.
-
-When the troops again went into winter quarters a curious adventure
-befell her, which goes to prove how completely masculine was her
-appearance. She resisted the advances of a woman, who thereby was so
-angered that she swore she would be revenged, and accordingly, when a
-child was born to her, she swore that the trooper, Christopher Welch,
-was its father. This, of course, could have been easily disproved,
-but then good-bye to her hopes of meeting with her husband; so, after
-mature deliberation, she accepted the paternity of the child, who,
-however, did not trouble her for long, as it died in a month.
-
-After the peace of Ryswick in 1697, the army was partially disbanded,
-and Mrs. Welch returned home to Dublin. She found her mother, children,
-and friends all well, but finding that she was unrecognized, owing to
-her dress and the hardships of campaigning, she did not make herself
-known, but re-enlisted in 1701 in her old regiment of dragoons, on the
-breaking out of the War of Succession. She went through the campaigns
-of 1702 and 1703, and was present at many of the engagements therein,
-receiving a wound in the hip, at Donawert, and, although attended
-by three surgeons, her sex was not discovered. She never forgot her
-quest, but all her inquiries after her husband were in vain. Yet
-she unexpectedly came upon him, after the battle of Hochstadt in
-1704, caressing and toying with a Dutch camp-follower. A little time
-afterwards she discovered herself to him. Having seen what she had, she
-would not return to her husband as his wife, but passed as a long-lost
-brother, and they met frequently.
-
-At the battle of Ramilies, in 1705, a piece of a shell struck the back
-of her head, and fractured her skull, for which she underwent the
-operation of trepanning, and then it was, whilst unconscious, that her
-sex was discovered, and her husband came forward and claimed her as his
-wife. Her pay went on until she was cured, when the officers of the
-regiment, who, naturally, were interested in this very romantic affair,
-made up a new wardrobe for her, and she was re-married to her husband
-with great solemnity, and many and valuable were her marriage-presents.
-She could not be idle, so she turned sutler, and, by the indulgence of
-the officers, she was allowed to pitch her tent in the front, whilst
-all the others were sent to the rear, but she was virtually unsexed by
-the rough ways of the camp, although a child was born to her amongst
-the din and confusion of the campaign.
-
-Her husband was killed at the battle of Malplaquet, in 1709, and then
-this rough woman could not help showing that she possessed some of the
-softer feelings of her sex. Her grief was overpowering. She bit a great
-piece out of her arm, tore her hair, and then threw herself upon the
-corpse in an ecstasy of passion, and, had any weapon been handy, she
-would, undoubtedly, have killed herself. With her own hands she dug his
-grave, and with her own hands would she have scraped the earth away,
-in order to get one more glimpse of her husband’s face, had she not
-been prevented. She refused food; she became absolutely ill from grief,
-and yet, within eleven weeks from her husband’s death, she married a
-grenadier named Hugh Jones! Her second married life was brief--for her
-husband was mortally wounded at the siege of St. Venant.
-
-After her husband’s death, she got a living by cooking for the
-officers, and went through the whole campaign, till 1712, when she
-applied to the Duke of Ormond for a pass to England--which he not only
-gave her, but also money enough to defray her expenses on the way. On
-her arrival in England, she called on the Duke of Marlborough, to see
-whether he could not get some provision made for her; but he was not
-in power, and, however good his will towards her might have been, he
-had not the means. She then tried the Duke of Argyle, who advised her
-to have a petition to the Queen drawn up, and take it to the Duke of
-Hamilton, and he himself would back it up.
-
-She did so, and took it to the duke, who, when he was assured she was
-no impostor, advised her to get a new petition drawn up, and present
-herself to the Queen. So, the next day, she dressed herself in her
-best, and went to Court, waiting patiently at the foot of the great
-staircase, and when Queen Anne, supported by the Duke of Argyle, came
-down, she dropped on one knee, and presented her petition to the Queen,
-who received it with a smile, and bade her rise and be of good cheer,
-for that she would provide for her; and, perceiving her to be with
-child, she added, ‘If you are delivered of a boy, I will give him a
-commission as soon as he is born.’ Her Majesty also ordered her fifty
-pounds, to defray the expenses of her lying-in. She lived some little
-time in London, being helped very materially by the officers to whom
-she was known; and it was during this time, on Saturday morning, the
-15th of November, 1712, she was going through Hyde Park, and was an
-eye-witness of the historical duel between Lord Mohun and the Duke of
-Hamilton.
-
-A natural longing came upon her to see her mother and her children, and
-she wrote to her to say she would be in Dublin by a certain date. The
-old woman, although over a hundred years of age, trudged the whole ten
-miles to Dublin, to see this daughter whom she had so long given up as
-dead; and the meeting was very affecting. When she came to inquire
-after her children, she found one had died at the age of eighteen, and
-the other was in the workhouse, where it had very speedily been placed
-by the nurse in whose charge it had been left. She went to look after
-the furniture and goods which she had housed with her neighbours; but
-there was only one who would give any account of them. A man had taken
-possession of her freehold house, and refused to give it up; and,
-having lost the title-deeds, she could not force him, besides which she
-had no money to carry on a lawsuit.
-
-These misfortunes did not dishearten her; she always had been used to
-victualling. So she took a public-house, and stocked it, and made pies,
-and altogether was doing very well, when she must needs go and marry
-a soldier named Davies, whose discharge she bought, but he afterwards
-enlisted in the Guards.
-
-Queen Anne, besides her gift of fifty pounds, ordered Mrs. Davies a
-shilling a day for life, which Harley, Earl of Oxford, for some reason
-or other, cut down to fivepence, with which she was fain to be content
-until a change of ministry took place. Then she applied to Mr. Craggs,
-and she got her original pension restored.
-
-She did not do very well in her business, but she found plenty of
-friends in the officers of the Army who knew her. She once more bought
-her husband’s discharge, and got him into Chelsea Hospital, with the
-rank of sergeant. She also was received into that institution; and
-there she died on the 7th of July, 1739, and was interred in the
-burying-ground attached to Chelsea Hospital, with military honours.
-
-HANNAH SNELL’S grandfather entered the Army in the reign of William
-III. as a volunteer, and, by his personal bravery, he earned a
-commission as lieutenant, with the rank of captain. He was wounded at
-Blenheim, and mortally wounded at Malplaquet. Her brother was also a
-soldier, and was killed at Fontenoy; so that she may be said to have
-come of a martial race. Her father was a hosier and dyer, and she was
-born at Worcester on St. George’s Day, 23rd of April, 1723.
-
-According to a contemporary biography of her,[35] ‘Hannah, when
-she was scarce Ten Years of Age, had the seeds of Heroinism, as it
-were, implanted in her nature, and she used often to declare to
-her Companions that she would be a Soldier, if she lived; and, as
-a preceding Testimony of the Truth, she formed a Company of young
-Soldiers among her Playfellows, and of which she was chief Commander,
-at the Head of whom she often appeared, and was used to parade the
-whole City of Worcester. This Body of young Volunteers were admired all
-over the Town, and they were styled young “Amazon Snell’s Company”; and
-this Martial Spirit grew up with her, until it carried her through the
-many Scenes and Vicissitudes she encountered for nigh five Years.’
-
-Her father and mother being dead, she, in 1740, moved to London, where
-she arrived on Christmas Day, and took up her abode with one of her
-sisters, who had married a carpenter named Gray, and was living at
-Wapping. Two years afterwards she was married, at the Fleet, to a
-German or Dutch sailor named James Summs, on the 6th of January, 1743;
-but he was a worthless fellow, and as soon as he found she was with
-child by him, having spent all her money, he deserted her. She heard of
-his death subsequently; he was at Genoa, and, in a quarrel, he killed a
-Genoese. For this he was condemned to death, sewn up in a sack with a
-quantity of stones, and sunk in the sea. Her child survived its birth
-but seven months, and she was left a free woman.
-
-Up to this time her story presents nothing of particular interest;
-but, like ‘Long Meg of Westminster,’ she was a _virago_, more man
-than woman, and, with the hope of some day meeting with her husband,
-she donned male attire, and set forth on her quest. She soon fell in
-with a recruiting party at Coventry, whither she had walked, and where
-she found her funds exhausted. A little drink, the acceptance of a
-shilling, a visit to a magistrate, were the slight preliminaries to her
-military career, and the 27th of November, 1743, found her a private
-in the army of King George II. The guinea, and five shillings, her
-little ‘bounty money,’ had to follow the fate of all similar sums, in
-treating her comrades. There was scant time for drills, and she was,
-after about three weeks’ preparation, drafted off to Carlisle to join
-her regiment. There were no railway passes in those days, so the weary
-march northward took twenty-two days.
-
-She had not been long in Carlisle before her sergeant, named Davis,
-requested her aid in an intrigue he was endeavouring to establish with
-a young woman of that town; but, instead of helping him, she warned the
-young person of his intentions, and absolutely won the girl’s heart.
-Davis’s jealousy was excited, and to punish Jemmy Gray (which was the
-name under which Hannah Snell had enlisted), he reported her for some
-neglect of duty, and, as commanding officers then were rather severe
-than lenient in their punishments, she was sentenced to receive six
-hundred lashes, five hundred of which she absolutely received, and
-would have taken the whole had not some officers interfered. It seems
-marvellous that her sex, when she was tied up and partially stripped,
-was not discovered, and in a romance it would be a weak spot; but, as a
-matter-of-fact, no one suspected she was a woman, and when her back was
-healed she returned to her duty. Flogging was common enough in those
-days.
-
-But a worse danger of exposure threatened her, for a fellow-townsman
-from Worcester enlisted in the same regiment, and so she determined to
-desert. The female friend on whose account she had suffered such severe
-punishment, found some money, and Hannah Snell fled towards Portsmouth,
-surreptitiously changing coats in a field by the way. She stopped but
-little time in Portsmouth, and then she enlisted in the Marines, in
-which corps she was certain to be sent abroad on service, and might
-have greater opportunities of meeting with her husband.
-
-Scarce three weeks after her enlistment had elapsed when a draft was
-made to join Admiral Boscawen’s fleet for the East Indies, and she was
-sent on board the sloop of war, the _Swallow_. Here she soon became
-very popular with her mess-mates, her skill in cooking, washing, and
-mending their shirts made her a general favourite, and she did her
-duty with the best of her comrades, being especially noted for her
-smartness, so much so, indeed, that she was made an officer’s servant.
-
-Those old ships were not very good sailors in a gale. The French beat
-us hollow at ship-building, and we much improved by studying the make
-of the prizes we were constantly taking, so it is not to be wondered
-at if that rolling old tub, the _Swallow_, came to grief. The marvel
-would have been had it not occurred. Twice, before the Cape was made,
-they had to repair and refit. They were then ordered to the Mauritius,
-and eventually they went to the Coromandel coast, where they landed and
-laid siege to and took Areacopong. They then besieged Pondicherry (in
-September, 1748); but that town was not fated to fall into the hands of
-the British until 1760. In all the hardships of the siege Hannah Snell
-bore her full part, fording rivers breast high, sleeping in and working
-at the trenches, &c., until at last she was desperately wounded,
-receiving six shots in her right leg, five in her left, and a bullet in
-her groin. Anyone would think that thus wounded, and in hospital, her
-sex would have been discovered; but it was not. She managed to extract
-the ball from her groin, and with the connivance of an old black nurse,
-she always dressed the wound herself, so that the surgeons did not know
-of its existence.
-
-Three months she lay in hospital, going back to her duty as a Marine on
-her discharge. But her comrades bantered her on her somewhat feminine
-appearance, her smooth cheeks not being in accordance with her age.
-Besides, she was somewhat quiet, and different from the rollicking
-Jack Tars by whom she was surrounded, and so she earned the name of
-Miss Molly Gray. A continuance of this quiet _rôle_ might have led to
-discovery, so when they came to Lisbon, and the ‘liberty men’ went on
-shore, she was as racketty as any of them, and ‘Miss Molly’ was soon
-lost, and in her place was ‘Hearty Jemmy.’ From Lisbon they sailed for
-home, and on her arrival at Spithead, she was either discharged, or
-sent on furlough; at all events, there ended her military and naval
-career, for she went straight to her sister at Wapping, and was at once
-recognized.
-
-Campaigning had made her restless, and, although many of the officers
-who had known her assisted her pecuniarily, it was light come, light
-go, and the money was soon spent. So her friends advised her to
-petition the Duke of Cumberland, pointing out her services, and also
-dilating upon her wounds. On the 16th of June, 1750, she found a very
-favourable opportunity of presenting her memorandum to the duke, and,
-after full inquiry, she was awarded a pension of a shilling a day.
-This, however, would not keep her, and finding that, as an Amazon, she
-had a market value, she engaged with the proprietor of the New Wells in
-Goodman’s Fields (the Royalty Theatre, Wellclose Square) to appear on
-the stage as a soldier. In this character she sang several songs, and
-‘She appears regularly dress’d in her Regimentals from Top to Toe, with
-all the Accoutrements requisite for the due Performance of her Military
-Exercises. Here she and her Attendants fill up the Stage in a very
-agreeable Manner. The tabor and Drum give Life to her March, and she
-traverses the stage two or three times over, Step by Step, in the same
-Manner as our Soldiers march on the Parade in St. James’s Park.
-
-‘After the Spectators have been sufficiently amused with this formal
-Procession, she begins her Military exercises, and goes through the
-whole Catechism (if I may be allowed the Expression) with so much
-Dexterity and Address, and with so little Hesitation or Default, that
-great Numbers even of Veteran Soldiers, who have resorted to the Wells
-out of mere curiosity only, have frankly acknowledged that she executes
-what she undertakes to Admiration, and that the universal Applause
-which she meets with is by no means the Result of Partiality to her
-in Consideration of her Sex, but is due to her, without Favour or
-Affection, as the Effect of her extraordinary Merit.
-
-‘As our Readers may be desirous of being informed in what Dress she
-now appears, we think it proper to inform them that she wears Men’s
-Cloaths, being, as she says, determined so to do, and having bought new
-Cloathing for that Purpose.’
-
-This theatrical performance, of course, could not last long; so, with
-her savings, she took a public-house at Wapping, which she christened
-‘The Widow in Masquerade,’ and on one side of the sign she was
-delineated in her full regimentals, on the other in plain clothes.
-
-She afterwards married, for in the _Universal Chronicle_ (November
-3/10, 1759, p. 359, col. 3) may be read: ‘Marriages. At Newbury, in the
-county of Berks, the famous Hannah Snell, who served as a marine in the
-last war, and was wounded at the siege of Pondicherry, to a carpenter
-of that place.’ His name was Eyles. In 1789 she became insane, and was
-taken to Bethlehem, where she died on the 8th of February, 1792, aged
-sixty-nine.
-
-The examples quoted of women joining the army are by no means singular,
-for in 1761 a lynx-eyed sergeant detected a woman who wished to enlist
-under the name of Paul Daniel, in the hope that she might be sent to
-Germany, where her husband was then serving in the army. And in the
-same year a woman named Hannah Witney was masquerading at Plymouth
-in man’s attire, and was laid hold of by a press-gang and lodged in
-Plymouth gaol. She was so disgusted at the treatment she received
-that she disclosed her sex, at the same time telling the astonished
-authorities that she had served as a marine for five years.
-
-There is a curious little chap-book, now very rare, of the ‘Life and
-Adventures of Maria Knowles ... by William Fairbank, Sergeant-major of
-the 66th Regiment of Foot,’ and, as it is very short, it may be as well
-to give its _ipsissima verba_.
-
-‘The heroine of the following story is the only daughter of Mr. John
-Knowles, a reputed farmer,[36] of the parish of Bridworth, in the
-county of Cheshire, where Maria was born, and was her father’s only
-daughter. At an early age she lost her mother, and was brought up under
-the care of a mother-in-law, who treated her with more kindness than is
-usually done to motherless children. Her father having no other child,
-his house might have proved a comfortable home for one of a more sober
-disposition. At the age of nineteen she was so very tall that she was
-styled the ‘Tall Girl.’ She had a very handsome face, which gained her
-plenty of sweethearts. Many young men felt the weight of her fists for
-giving her offences. She refused many offers of marriage, and that from
-persons of fortune.
-
-‘Being one day at the market in Warrington, she saw one Cliff, a
-sergeant of the Guards on the recruiting service, with whom she fell
-deeply in love; he in a short time was called to join the regiment,
-and she, not being able to bear her love-sick passion, eloped from
-her father’s house, immediately went up to London, disguised in man’s
-apparel, and enlisted in the same regiment with her sweetheart, in
-which she made a most martial appearance in her regimentals; her height
-covered the deception. As a red coat captivates the fair sex, our
-female soldier made great advances, being a lover of mirth and a smart
-girl....
-
-‘A part of the Guards were ordered to Holland, with whom sailed Maria
-and her sweetheart. The British troops were stationed at Dort, and a
-party was sent in gunboats to annoy the French, who were then besieging
-Williamstadt. From Holland they were ordered to French Flanders, where
-Maria was at several desperate battles and sieges. At Dunkirk she was
-wounded in three different parts, in her right shoulder, in her right
-arm, and thigh, which discovered her sex, and, of course, her secret.
-
-‘After being recovered from her wounds, and questioned by her
-commanding officer, she related to him the particulars of her life, and
-the reason of her being disguised, and entering for a soldier, which
-was to seek her fortune, and share the fate of the man on whom she had
-irrevocably fixed her affection.
-
-‘The news soon reached her lover, who flew to the arms of so faithful
-a girl, whom he embraced with the most ardent zeal, vowing an eternal
-constancy to her; and, in order to reward such faithful love, the
-officers raised a handsome subscription for them, after which they
-were married by the chaplain of the regiment, to their great joy....
-
-‘But this was not all, for the adjutant of the 66th Regiment of Foot
-dying of his wounds, Sergeant Cliff was promoted to that berth, and
-Sergeant Fairbank to sergeant-major, as Cliff and him were always
-comrades together. In a little time the regiment was sent to Gibraltar,
-where they stayed most part of the year, during which Mrs. Cliff was
-delivered of a fine son, after which the regiment was sent to the West
-Indies, and, after a passage of twenty-eight days, landed safely on the
-island of St. Vincent, where they remained some time; but, the yellow
-fever raging among the troops, Mr. Cliff died, to the great grief of
-his disconsolate wife and her young son. She was still afraid of the
-raging distemper, but, happily for her and her son, neither of them
-took it.
-
-‘Great indulgence was given her, and also provisions allowed them
-both; but this did not suffice, for Mrs. Cliff, losing the man she
-had ventured her life so many times for, was now very unhappy, and
-made application to the commanding officer for her passage to England;
-and a great many men, unfit for duty, coming home, she was admitted
-a passenger. I, being unfit to act as sergeant-major, on account of
-a wound that I received in my left leg, the same day Mrs. Cliff was
-wounded, and although it was cured, as soon as I came into a hot
-country it broke out again, and I, being unfit for duty, was sent
-home, and recommended.[37] So I came home in the same ship, with this
-difference, that she was in the cabin, and I among the men. We sailed
-in the _Eleanor_ on the 25th of January, 1798, and, after forty days’
-sail, we reached Spithead, and, after performing a short quarantine, we
-landed at Portsmouth on the 16th of March, where I left Mrs. Cliff to
-pursue her journey to her father’s, and I came to London.’
-
-I have been unable to trace the fate of this heroine any further.
-
-There is yet another woman of the eighteenth century, who acted the
-part both of soldier and sailor; and we read of her in the _Times_, 4th
-of November, 1799.
-
-‘There is at present in the Middlesex Hospital a young and delicate
-female, who calls herself Miss T--lb--t, and who is said to be related
-to some families of distinction; her story is very singular:--At an
-early period of her life, having been deprived, by the villainy of a
-trustee, of a sum of money bequeathed to her by a deceased relation
-of high rank, she followed the fortunes of a young naval officer to
-whom she was attached, and personated a common sailor before the mast,
-during a cruise in the north seas. In consequence of a lover’s quarrel
-she quitted the ship, and assumed, for a time, the military character;
-but her passion for the sea prevailing, she returned to her favourite
-element, did good service, and received a severe wound on board Earl
-St. Vincent’s ship, on the glorious 14th of February,[38] and again
-bled in the cause of her country in the engagement off Camperdown. On
-this last occasion her knee was shattered, and an amputation is likely
-to ensue. This spirited female, we understand, receives a pension of
-£20 from an illustrious lady, which is about to be doubled.’
-
-_Voilà comment on écrit l’histoire!_ This newspaper report is about
-as truthful as nine-tenths of the paragraphs now-a-days; there is a
-substratum of truth, but not ‘the whole truth and nothing but the
-truth.’ But this can be read in a little tractate entitled, ‘The Life
-and Surprising Adventures of Mary Ann Talbot, in the name of John
-Taylor. Related by herself.’ London, 1809. This pamphlet is extracted
-from ‘Kirby’s Wonderful Museum of Remarkable Characters, &c.,’ and
-professes to be an autobiography. It is highly probable that it is so,
-as she was a domestic servant in Mr. Kirby’s house for three years
-before her death.
-
-According to this relation she was the youngest of sixteen natural
-children whom her mother had by Lord William Talbot, Baron of Hensol,
-steward of his Majesty’s household, and colonel of the Glamorganshire
-Militia. She was born the 2nd of February, 1778, and her mother died
-on giving her birth. She was put out to nurse in the country, until
-she was five years of age, when she was placed in a boarding-school at
-Chester, where she remained nine years, being looked after by a married
-sister who lived at Trevalyn, county Denbigh. At her death a man named
-Sucker, living at Newport, county Salop, became her guardian, and he
-behaved to her with such severity that she cordially hated him. He
-introduced her to a Captain Bowen, of the 82nd Regiment of Foot, who
-took her to London in January, 1792, where, friendless and alone, she
-soon became his victim.
-
-His regiment was ordered to embark for Santo Domingo, and he had
-so thoroughly subjugated her to his will, and she was so utterly
-helpless, that she accompanied him on board as his ‘little foot page.’
-Captain Bowen made John Taylor (for such was the name Miss Talbot then
-took) thoroughly act up to her assumed character, and she had to live
-and mess with the lowest of the ship’s company, and, what was more, had
-to do her turn of duty with the ship’s crew.
-
-After a stormy voyage, with short provisions, they arrived at
-Port-au-Prince, but stayed there a very short time, as orders came for
-them to return to Europe, and join the troops on the Continent, under
-the command of His Royal Highness the Duke of York. Then it was that
-Captain Bowen made her enrol herself as a drummer in his regiment,
-threatening her unless she did so he would sell her up-country for
-a slave. There was nothing for her but to comply, so she put on the
-clothes and learned the business of a drummer-boy, having, besides,
-still to be the drudge of her paramour.
-
-At the siege of Valenciennes she received two wounds, neither of them
-severe enough to incapacitate her from serving, and she cured them,
-without going into hospital, with a little basilicon, lint, and Dutch
-drops. In this siege Captain Bowen was killed, and she, finding the key
-of his desk in his pocket, searched the desk and found several letters
-relating to her, from her quondam guardian, Sucker.
-
-Being now released from her servitude, she began to think of quitting
-the service, and, having changed her military dress for one she had
-worn on ship-board, she deserted, and, after some wandering, reached
-Luxembourg, but, it being in the occupation of the French, she was not
-permitted to go further. Being thus foiled in her design of reaching
-England, and destitute of every necessary of life, she was compelled
-to engage on board a French lugger, a cruiser. In the course of their
-voyage, they fell in with the British fleet under the command of Lord
-Howe. The French vessel made a show of fighting, and John Taylor
-refused to fight against her countrymen, for which she received a
-severe thrashing from the French captain.
-
-After a very faint resistance the lugger was captured, and she,
-as being English, was taken on board the _Queen Charlotte_ to be
-interrogated by Lord Howe. Her story, being backed up by the French
-captain, gained her release, and she was allowed to join the navy, a
-berth being found for her on board the _Brunswick_ as powder-monkey,
-her duty being to hand powder, &c., for the guns when in action.
-Captain Harvey, of the _Brunswick_, noticed the pseudo lad, and
-straightly examined her as to whether she had not run away from school,
-or if she had any friends; but she disarmed his suspicions by telling
-him her father and mother were dead, and she had not a friend in the
-world; yet the kindly captain took such a friendly interest in her that
-he made her principal cabin-boy.
-
-In the memorable fight off Brest, on the ‘Glorious First of June,’
-Captain Harvey was killed, and our heroine severely wounded both in the
-ankle by a grape-shot and in the thigh a little above the knee. She
-was, of course, taken to the cockpit; but the surgeon could not extract
-the ball in the ankle, and would not venture to cut it out; nor, when
-they arrived home, and she was taken to Haslar Hospital, could they
-extract the ball. Partially cured, she was discharged, and shipped on
-board the _Vesuvius_ bomb, belonging to Sir Sydney Smith’s squadron,
-where she acted as midshipman, although she did not receive the pay
-which should have accompanied the position; and, while thus serving,
-a little anecdote she tells give us a fair idea of what stuff she was
-made.
-
-‘It was necessary for some one on board to go to the jib-boom to catch
-the jib-sheet, which in the gale had got loose. The continual lungeing
-of the ship rendered this duty particularly hazardous, and there was
-not a seaman on board but rejected this office. I was acting in the
-capacity of midshipman, though I never received pay for my service in
-this ship but as a common man. The circumstance I mention only to show
-that it was not my particular duty to undertake the task, which, on the
-refusal of several who were asked, I voluntarily undertook. Indeed,
-the preservation of us all depended on this exertion. On reaching the
-jib-boom I was under the necessity of lashing myself fast to it, for
-the ship every minute making a fresh lunge, without such a precaution
-I should inevitably have been washed away. The surges continually
-breaking over me, I suffered an uninterrupted wash and fatigue for six
-hours before I could quit the post I occupied. When danger is over, a
-sailor has little thought or reflection, and my mess-mates, who had
-witnessed the perilous situation in which I was placed, passed it off
-with a joke observing, “that I had only been sipping sea broth”; but it
-was a broth of a quality that, though most seamen relish, yet few, I
-imagine, would like to take it in the quantity I was compelled to do.’
-
-By the fortune of war the _Vesuvius_ was captured, and the crew were
-conveyed to Dunkirk, where they were lodged in the prison of St.
-Clair, and the rigour of their captivity seems to have been extreme,
-especially in the case of Mary Anne Talbot, who perhaps partially
-deserved it, as she attempted, in company with a mess-mate, to escape.
-‘We were both confined in separate dungeons, where it was so dark that
-I never saw daylight during the space of eleven weeks, and the only
-allowance I received was bread and water, let down to me from the top
-of the cell. My bed consisted only of a little straw, not more than
-half a truss, which was never changed. For two days I was so ill in
-this dreadful place that I was unable to stir from my wretched couch
-to reach the miserable pittance, which, in consequence, was drawn up
-in the same state. The next morning, a person--who, I suppose, was the
-keeper of the place--came into the dungeon without a light (which way
-he came I know not, but I suppose through a private door through which
-I afterwards passed to be released), and called to me, “Are you dead?”
-To this question I was only able to reply by requesting a little water,
-being parched almost to death by thirst, resulting from the fever which
-preyed on me. He told me he had none, and left me in a brutal manner,
-without offering the least relief. Nature quickly restored me to
-health, and I sought the bread and water with as eager an inclination
-as a glutton would seek a feast. About five weeks after my illness, an
-exchange of prisoners taking place, I obtained my liberty.’
-
-She then shipped to America as steward, and from thence to England, and
-was going on a voyage to the Mediterranean, when she was seized by a
-press-gang, and sent on board a tender. But she had no wish to serve
-His Majesty at sea any more, and, discovering her sex, she was examined
-by a surgeon, and of course at once discharged.
-
-Her little stock of money getting low, she applied at the Navy
-pay-office, in Somerset House, for the cash due to her whilst serving
-in the _Brunswick_ and _Vesuvius_, as well as her share of prize-money,
-arising from her being present on the ‘glorious 1st of June.’ She was
-referred to a prize-agent, who directed her to call again; this not
-being to her taste, she returned to Somerset House, and indulged in
-very rough language, for which she was taken off to Bow Street. She
-told her story, and was ordered to appear again, when a subscription
-was got up in her behalf; and she was paid twelve shillings a week,
-until she received her money from the Government.
-
-Her old wound in the leg became bad again, and she went into St.
-Bartholomew’s Hospital, and on her discharge, partially cured, she
-petitioned the King and the Duke of York for relief. The latter gave
-her five pounds. Then she cast about for the means of earning a
-livelihood, and bethought her that, when she was a prisoner at Dunkirk,
-she had watched a German make little ornaments out of gold-wire, which
-he sold at a good profit; and she did the same, working at the shop
-of a jeweller in St. Giles’s, and so expert was she that she made the
-chains for a gold bracelet worn by Queen Charlotte. But the old wound
-still broke out, and she went into St. George’s Hospital for seven
-months. When she came out, she led a shiftless, loafing existence,
-always begging for money--of Mr. Dundas, of the Duke of York, or
-anyone else that might possibly be generous.
-
-At last these kind friends got her case introduced in the very highest
-quarters, and she kissed the Queen’s hand at Buckingham House, as it
-was then called; and soon afterwards she was directed to apply at the
-War Office, in her sailor’s dress, to receive a half-year’s payment of
-a pension the Queen had granted her, in the name of John Taylor. Still
-her wound kept breaking out, and twice she had to go into Middlesex
-Hospital. She had some idea of going on the stage, and performed
-several parts at the Thespian Society in Tottenham Court Road, but she
-gave it up, finding begging a more profitable business; but even then
-she had to go to Newgate for a small debt. She took in washing, but the
-people did not pay her, and misfortune pursued her everywhere.
-
-One night, in September, 1804, she was thrown from a coach into a hole
-left by the carelessness of some firemen, in Church Lane, Whitechapel,
-and she broke her arm, besides bruising herself badly. The fire office
-would give her no compensation, but many people were interested in
-her case, among them a Mr. Kirby, a publisher in Paternoster Row, who
-employed her as a domestic servant. In 1807, she fell into a decline,
-doubtless induced by the very free life she had led; and she died on
-the 4th of February, 1808, having just completed her thirtieth year.
-
-It is not to be thought that England enjoyed the monopoly of these
-viragos--the country of Jeanne d’Arc was quite equal to the occasion,
-and Renée Bordereau affords an illustration for the last century. She
-was born, of peasant parents, in 1770, at the village of Soulaine, near
-Angers; and at the time of the insurrection in La Vendée, when the
-royalists were so cruelly punished, she lost forty-two relations in the
-struggle, her father being murdered before her eyes.
-
-This crushed out of her any soft and feminine feelings she might
-have possessed, and she vowed vengeance on the hated Republicans.
-She obtained a musket, taught herself how to use it, learned some
-elementary drill, and then, donning man’s attire, joined the royalists.
-Among them she was known by the name of Langevin, and where the
-fight was fiercest, there she would be, and none suspected that the
-daring trooper was a woman. On horseback, and on foot, she fought in
-above two hundred battles and skirmishes, frequently wounded, but
-seldom much hurt. Such was the terror with which she inspired the
-Bonapartists, that, when the rebellion was put down, Napoleon specially
-exempted Langevin from pardon, and she languished in prison until the
-Restoration. She died in 1828.
-
-
-
-
-THE ‘TIMES’ AND ITS FOUNDER.
-
-
-A discursive book anent the eighteenth century, as this is, would be
-incomplete without a mention of one of the greatest powers which it
-produced. This marvellous newspaper, whose utterances, at one time,
-exercised a sensible influence over the whole of the civilised world,
-and which, even now, is the most potent of all the English press, was
-founded by Mr. John Walter, on January 1, 1788.
-
-This gentleman was born either in 1738 or 1739, and his father followed
-the business of a ‘coal buyer,’ which meant that he bought coals at
-the pit’s mouth, and then shipped them to any desired port, or market.
-In those days almost all coals came, by sea, from Newcastle, and its
-district, because of the facility of carriage; the great inland beds
-being practically unworked, and in many cases utterly unknown: it
-being reserved for the giant age of steam to develop their marvellous
-resources.
-
-His father died in 1755, John Walter then being seventeen and, boy
-though he was, he at once succeeded to his father’s business. In it
-he was diligent and throve well, and he so won the confidence and
-respect of his brother ‘coal buyers’ that when a larger Coal Exchange
-was found necessary, in order to accommodate, and keep pace with
-its increasing business, the whole of the arrangements, plans, and
-directions were left in his hands. When the building was completed, he
-was rewarded by his brethren in trade with the position of manager, and
-afterwards he became Chairman to the Body of Coal Buyers.
-
-He married, and, in 1771, things had gone so prosperously with him
-that he bought a house with some ground at Battersea Rise, and here he
-lived, and reared his family of six children, until his bankruptcy,
-when it was sold. He also took unto himself partners, and was the head
-of the firm of Walter, Bradley, and Sage. For some time all went well,
-but competition arose, and the old-fashioned way of doing business
-could not hold its own against the keenness, and cutting, of the new
-style. Let us hear him tell his own story.[39]
-
-‘I shall forbear relating the various scenes of business I was engaged
-in prior to my embarking in Lloyd’s Rooms; sufficient it is to remark
-that a very extensive trade I entered into at the early age of
-seventeen, when my father died, rewarded a strong spirit of industry,
-and, for the first ten or twelve years, with a satisfactory increase
-of fortune; but a number of inconsiderable dealers, by undermining the
-fair trader, and other dishonourable practices, reduced the profits,
-and made them inadequate to the risque and capital employed. It
-happened unfortunately for me, about that time, some policy brokers,
-who had large orders for insurances on foreign Indiamen and other
-adventures, found their way to the Coal Market, a building of which I
-was the principal planner and manager.
-
-‘I was accustomed, with a few others, to underwrite the vessels
-particularly employed in that trade, and success attended the step,
-because the risque was fair, and the premiums adequate. This was my
-temptation for inclining to their solicitations of frequenting Lloyd’s
-Rooms.[40] With great reluctance I complain that I quitted a trade
-where low art and cunning combated the fair principles of commerce,
-which my mind resisted as my fortune increased; but from the change I
-had to encounter deception and fraud, in a more dangerous but subtle
-degree.
-
-‘The misfortunes of the war were of great magnitude to the
-Underwriters, but they were considerably multiplied by the villainy and
-depravity of Mankind. In the year 1776, at a time when they received
-only peace premiums, American privateers swarmed on the seas, drove
-to desperation by the Boston port act passing at the close of the
-preceding year, to prohibit their fisheries, and our trade fell a
-rapid prey before government had notice to apply the least protection.
-Flushed with success, it increased the number of their armed vessels,
-and proved such a source of riches as enabled them to open a trade with
-France, who had, hitherto, been only a silent spectator, and produced
-the sinews of a war which then unhappily commenced.’
-
-He then details the causes which led to his bankruptcy--how the
-wars with the French, Spaniards, and Dutch, all of whom had their
-men-of-war and privateers, which preyed upon our commerce, ruined the
-underwriters, and continues,
-
-‘In two years only of the war I lost, on a balance, thirty-one thousand
-pounds, which obliged me, in 1781, to quit the Coal Trade, after
-carrying it on so many years, when I had returned’ (? turned over)
-‘above a Million of money, the profits of which have been sunk as an
-Underwriter, that I might have the use of my capital employed in it,
-to pay my unfortunate losses.... Last year, I was obliged to make a
-sacrifice of my desirable habitation at Battersea Rise, where I had
-resided ten years, and expended a considerable sum of money, the fruits
-of many years of industry, before I became acquainted with Lloyd’s
-Rooms.
-
-‘These reserves, however, proved ineffectual, and I found it necessary,
-on examining the state of my accounts early in January last, to call
-my Creditors together; for, though some months preceding I found my
-fortune rapidly on the decline, I never suspected my being insolvent
-till that view of my affairs, when I found a balance in my favour of
-only nine thousand pounds, from which was to be deducted a fourth part
-owing me by brokers, who, unfortunately for me as well as themselves,
-were become bankrupts. This surplus, it was clear, would not bear me
-through known, though unsettled, losses, besides what might arise on
-unexpired risques. I therefore, without attempting to borrow a shilling
-from a friend, resorting to false Credit, or using any subterfuge
-whatever, after depositing what money remained in my hands, the
-property of others, laid the state of my affairs before my Creditors.
-
-‘This upright conduct made them my friends; they immediately invested
-me with full power to settle my own affairs, and have acted with
-liberality and kindness. They were indebted for the early knowledge I
-gave them of my affairs to the regularity of my accounts; for, had I
-rested my inquiry till after the broker’s yearly accounts were chequed,
-in all probability a very trifling dividend would have ensued. Had the
-merchant been obliged to stand his own risque during the late war, few
-concerned on the seas would have been able to withstand the magnitude
-of their losses.
-
-‘The only alleviation to comfort me in this affliction has arose from
-the consideration that I have acted honourably by all men; that,
-neither in prosperity nor adversity, have I ever been influenced
-by mean or mercenary motives in my connections with the world, of
-which I can give the most satisfactory proofs; that, when in my
-power, benevolence ever attended my steps; the deserving and needy
-never resorted to me in vain, nor has gratitude ever been wanting to
-express any obligations or kindnesses received from those I have had
-transactions with by every return in my power. I have the further
-consolation of declaring that, in winding up my affairs, I have acted
-with the strictest impartiality in every demand both for and against my
-estate; that I have (unsolicited) attended every meeting at Guildhall
-to protect it against plunder. A dividend was made as soon as the
-bankrupt laws would permit, and the surplus laid out in interest for
-the benefit of the estate, till a fair time is allowed to know what
-demands may come against it. I am fully convinced that it will not be
-£15,000 deficient; above double that sum I have left in Lloyd’s Rooms
-as a profit among the brokers.
-
-‘No prospect opening of embarking again in business for want of
-Capital to carry it on, I was advised to make my case known to the
-administration, which has been done both by public and private
-application of my friends, who kindly interceded in my behalf for some
-respectable post under Government, and met with that kind reception
-from the Minister which gave me every prospect of success, which I
-flatter myself I have some natural claim to, from the consideration
-that, as trade is the support of the nation, it could not be carried on
-without Underwriters.
-
-‘And as the want of protection to the trade of the Country, from
-the host of enemies we had to combat, occasioned by misfortunes,
-whom could I fly to with more propriety than to Government? as, by
-endeavouring to protect commerce, I fell a martyr on the conclusion
-of an unfortunate war. I was flattered with hopes that my pretensions
-to an appointment were not visionary, and that I was not wanting in
-ability to discharge the duties of any place I might have the honour to
-fill. The change of administration[41] which happened soon after was
-death to my hopes, and, as I had little expectation of making equal
-interest with the Minister who succeeded, I have turned my thoughts to
-a matter which appeared capable of being a most essential improvement
-in the conduct of the Press;[42] and, by great attention and assiduity
-for a year past, it is now reduced from a very voluminous state and
-great incorrectness to a system which, I hope, will meet the public
-approbation and countenance.
-
-‘Such is the brief state of a Case which I trust humanity will consider
-deserving a better fate. Judge what must be my sensations on this
-trying occasion: twenty-six years in the prime of life passed away,
-all the fortune I had acquired by a studious attention to business
-sunk by hasty strides, and the world to begin afresh, with the daily
-introduction to my view of a wife and six children unprovided for,
-and dependent on me for support. Feeling hearts may sympathise at the
-relation, none but parents can conceive the anxiety of my mind in such
-a state of uncertainty and suspense.’
-
-From an unprejudiced perusal of this ‘case,’ the reader can but come
-to the conclusion that Mr. John Walter was not overburdened with that
-inconvenient commodity--modesty; and that his logic--judged by ordinary
-rules--is decidedly faulty. But that he did try to help himself, is
-evidenced by the following advertisement in the _Morning Post_ of July
-21, 1784:
-
- _‘To the Right Hon. the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and
- Common-councilmen of the City of London._
-
-‘MY LORD AND GENTLEMEN,
-
-‘The Office of Principal Land Coal Meter of this City being at present
-vacant by the death of Mr. John Evans, permit me to solicit the honour
-of succeeding him. My pretensions to your countenance on this occasion
-are the misfortunes in which (in common with many other respectable
-Citizens) I have been involved by the calamities of the late war, and
-an unblemished reputation, which has survived the wreck of my fortune.
-Having been a Liveryman twenty-four years, during which time I carried
-on an extensive branch of the coal trade, my fellow-citizens cannot
-well be unacquainted with my character; and my having been greatly
-instrumental in establishing the very office which I solicit your
-interest to fill, will, I hope, be deemed an additional recommendation
-to your patronage.
-
-‘If my pretensions should meet your approbation, and be crowned with
-success, I shall ever retain a lively sense of so signal an obligation
-on,
-
- ‘My Lord and Gentlemen,
- ‘Your most obedient, devoted, humble servant,
-
- ‘JOHN WALTER.
-
- ‘Printing House Square, Blackfriars.’
-
-We hear of him again in connection with this situation, which he did
-not succeed in obtaining, in an advertisement in the _Morning Post_,
-30th of July, 1784.
-
-
- ‘_To the Right Hon. the Lord Mayor, &c._
-
-‘The Report, which a few days ago was credited by few, is now confirmed
-by many, and believed by all men, that a Coalition has been formed for
-the purpose of forcing you to bestow the emoluments of the Principal
-Land Coal Meter Office on two Aldermen, and it has been agreed that,
-on the day of the Election, one of them shall decline the Contest,
-and make a transfer to the other of the votes which some of you were
-pleased to engage to him....
-
-‘My pretensions I submit to the Corporation at large, and I strongly
-solicit the assistance of the merchants and traders of the Metropolis
-to join their efforts, and endeavour to wrest the power of appointment
-from the hands of a Junto, and restore the freedom of Election. Assert
-your independence, and consequence, in time; with your breath you can
-blast the Coalition in its infancy; but, if you suffer it to conquer
-you in its present state, it will become a Hydra that will swallow up
-your Franchises, and leave you, like a Cathedral Chapter, the liberty
-of obeying a _congé d’èlire_ sent to you by a self-constituted faction.
-
- ‘I am, &c., &c.,
-
- ‘JOHN WALTER.
-
- ‘Printing House Square, Blackfriars.’
-
-How did he come to this (to us) familiar address? It was by a chance
-which came in his way, and he seized it. In 1782 he, somehow, became
-acquainted with a compositor named Henry Johnson, who pointed out the
-trouble and loss of time occasioned by setting up words with types of
-a single letter, and proposed that at all events those words mostly
-in use should be cast in one. These were called ‘Logotypes’ (or word
-types), and printing, therefore, was called ‘Logography.’ Caslon at
-first made the types--but there is evidence that they quarrelled, for
-in a letter of August 12, 1785, in the _Daily Universal Register_ of
-that date, which he reprinted in broadside form, he says, ‘Mr. Caslon,
-the founder (whom I at first employed to cast my types), calumniated my
-plan, he censured what he did not understand, wantonly disappointed me
-in the work he engaged to execute, and would meanly have sacrificed me,
-to establish the fallacious opinion he had promulgated.’
-
-People had their little jokes about the ‘Logotypes,’ and Mr. Knight
-Hunt, in his ‘Fourth Estate,’ writes, ‘It was said that the orders to
-the type-founder ran after this fashion, “Send me a hundred-weight
-of heat, cold, wet, dry, murder, fire, dreadful robbery, atrocious
-outrage, fearful calamity, and alarming explosion.”’ That he obtained
-not only literary, but royal recognition of his pet type, is shown by a
-foot-note to the letter above quoted (respecting Mr. Caslon),
-
-‘Any gentleman who chuses may inspect the Logographic Founts and Types,
-at the Printing-office, or at the British Museum, to which place they
-have been removed from the Queen’s Palace.’
-
-Where he got his money from he does not say, but on the 17th of May,
-1784, he advertised that ‘Mr. Walter begs to inform the public that
-he has purchased the printing-house formerly occupied by Mr. Basket
-near Apothecaries Hall, which will be opened on the first day of next
-month for printing words entire, under his Majesty’s Patent;’ and he
-commenced business June 1, 1784.
-
-Printing House Square stands on the site of the old Monastery of
-Blackfriars. After the dissolution of the monasteries, in Henry the
-Eighth’s time, it passed through several hands, until it became the
-workshop of the royal printer. Here was printed, in 1666, the _London
-Gazette_, the oldest surviving paper in England; and, the same year,
-the all-devouring Great Fire completely destroyed it. Phœnix-like, it
-arose from its ashes, more beautiful than before--for the writer of ‘A
-New View of London,’ published in 1708, thus describes it: _Printing
-House Lane_, on the E side of Blackfryars: a passage to the _Queen’s
-Printing House_ (which is a stately building).’
-
-‘Formerly occupied by Mr. Basket,’ a printer, under the royal
-patent, of Bibles and Prayer-books. To him succeeded other royal and
-privileged printers. Eyre and Strahan, afterwards Eyre, Strahan, and
-Spottiswoode, now Spottiswoode and Co., who, in 1770, left Printing
-House Square, and moved to New Street, Fleet Street, a neighbourhood of
-which, now, that firm have a virtual monopoly.
-
-John Walter could not have dreamed of the palace now built at Bearwood;
-for, like most mercantile men of his day, he was quite content to
-‘live over the shop’; and there, in Printing House Square, his son,
-and successor, John (who lived to build Bearwood), was born, and there
-James Carden, Esq., received his bride, John Walter’s eldest daughter,
-who was the mother of the present venerable alderman, Sir Robert
-Carden. There, too, died his wife, the partner of his successes and his
-failures, in the year 1798.
-
-The first work printed at this logographic printing establishment
-was a little story called, ‘Gabriel, the Outcast.’ Many other slight
-works followed; but these were not enough to satisfy the ambitions
-of John Walter, who, six months after he commenced business, started
-a newspaper, the _Daily Universal Register_, on the 1st of January,
-1785.[43] Even at that date there was no lack of newspapers, although
-our grandfathers were lucky to have escaped the infliction of the
-plague of periodicals under which we groan; for there were the _Morning
-Post_, the _Morning Chronicle_, the _General Advertiser_, _London
-Gazette_, _London Chronicle_, _Gazetteer_, _Morning Herald_, _St.
-James’s Chronicle_, _London Recorder_, _General Evening Post_, _Public
-Advertiser_, _Lounger_, _Parker’s General Advertiser_, &c. So we must
-conclude that John Walter’s far-seeing intelligence foretold that a
-good daily paper, ably edited, would pay. It was logographically
-printed, and was made the vehicle of puffs of the proprietor’s hobby.
-The _Times_ was also so printed for a short period, but, eventually,
-it proved so cumbersome in practice, as absolutely to hinder the
-compositors, instead of aiding them.
-
-On the 1st of January, 1788, was born a baby that has since grown into
-a mighty giant. On that day was published the first number of THE
-TIMES, _or Daily Universal Register_, for it had a dual surname, and
-the reasons for the alteration are given in the following ‘editorial.’
-
-
-‘THE TIMES.
-
-‘Why change the head?
-
-‘This question will naturally come from the Public--and _we_, the
-_Times_, being the PUBLIC’S most humble and obedient Servants, think
-ourselves bound to answer:--
-
-‘All things have _heads_--and all _heads_ are liable to _change_.
-
-‘Every sentence and opinion advanced by Mr. _Shandy_ on the influence
-and utility of a well-chosen surname may be properly applied in showing
-the recommendations and advantages which result from placing a striking
-title-page before a book, or an inviting HEAD on the front page of a
-_Newspaper_.
-
-‘A HEAD so placed, like those _heads_ which once ornamented _Temple
-Bar_, or those of the _great Attorney_, or _great Contractor_,
-which, not long since, were conspicuously elevated for their _great
-actions_, and were exhibited, in wooden frames, at the _East_ and
-_West_ Ends of this Metropolis, never fails of attracting the eyes of
-passengers--though, indeed, we do not expect to experience the lenity
-shown to these _great exhibitors_, for probably the TIMES will be
-pelted without mercy.
-
-‘But then, a _head_ with a _good face_ is a harbinger, a
-gentleman-usher, that often strongly recommends even DULNESS, FOLLY,
-IMMORALITY, or VICE. The immortal Locke gives evidence to the truth
-of this observation. That great philosopher has declared that, though
-repeatedly taken in, he never could withstand the solicitations of
-a well-drawn title-page--authority sufficient to justify _us_ in
-assuming a _new head_ and a _new set of features_, but not with a
-design to impose; for we flatter ourselves the HEAD of the TIMES will
-not be found deficient in _intellect_, but, by putting a _new face_ on
-affairs, will be admired for the _light of its countenance_, whenever
-it appears.
-
-‘To advert to our first position.
-
-‘The UNIVERSAL REGISTER has been a name as injurious to the
-_Logographic Newspaper_, as TRISTRAM was to MR. SHANDY’S SON. But OLD
-SHANDY forgot he might have rectified by _confirmation_ the mistakes of
-the _parson_ at _baptism_--with the touch of a _Bishop_ have changed
-TRISTRAM to Trismegistus.
-
-‘The UNIVERSAL REGISTER, from the day of its first appearance to the
-day of its _confirmation_, has, like TRISTRAM, suffered from unusual
-casualties, both laughable and serious, arising from its name, which,
-on its introduction, was immediately curtailed of its fair proportion
-by all who called for it--the word _Universal_ being _Universally_
-omitted, and the word _Register_ being only retained.
-
-‘“Boy, bring me the _Register_.”
-
-‘The waiter answers: “Sir, we have not a library, but you may see it at
-the _New Exchange Coffee House_.”
-
-‘“Then I’ll see it there,” answers the disappointed politician; and he
-goes to the _New Exchange_, and calls for the _Register_; upon which
-the waiter tells him he cannot have it, as he is not a subscriber,
-and presents him with the _Court and City Register_, the _Old Annual
-Register_, or, if the Coffee-house be within the Purlieus of Covent
-Garden, or the hundreds of Drury, slips into the politician’s hand
-_Harris’s Register_ of Ladies.
-
-‘For these and other reasons the parents of the UNIVERSAL REGISTER have
-added to its original name that of the
-
-
-TIMES,
-
-Which, being a _monosyllable_, bids defiance to _corrupters_ and
-_mutilaters_ of the language.
-
-‘THE TIMES! What a monstrous name! Granted, for THE TIMES _is_ a
-many-headed monster, that speaks with an hundred tongues, and displays
-a thousand characters, and, in the course of _its_ transformations in
-life, assumes innumerable shapes and humours.
-
-‘The critical reader will observe we personify our _new name_; but as
-we give it no distinction of sex, and though _it_ will be _active_ in
-_its_ vocations, yet we apply to _it_ the _neuter gender_.
-
-‘THE TIMES, being formed of materials, and possessing qualities of
-opposite and heterogeneous natures, cannot be classed either in the
-animal or vegetable _genus_; but, like the _Polypus_, is doubtful,
-and in the discussion, description, dissection, and illustration will
-employ the pens of the most celebrated among the _Literati_.
-
-‘The HEADS OF THE TIMES, as has been said, are many; they will,
-however, not always appear at the same time, but casually, as public
-or private affairs may call them forth.
-
-‘The principal, or leading heads are--
-
- The Literary;
- Political;
- Commercial;
- Philosophical;
- Critical;
- Theatrical;
- Fashionable;
- Humorous;
- Witty, &c.
-
-‘Each of which are supplied with a competent share of intellects for
-the pursuit of their several functions; an endowment which is not in
-_all times_ to be found even in the HEADS of the _State_, the _heads_
-of the _Church_, the _heads_ of the _Law_, the _heads_ of the _Navy_,
-the _heads_ of the _Army_, and though _last_, not least, the great
-_heads_ of the _Universities_.
-
-‘The _Political Head_ of THE TIMES, like that of _Janus_, the Roman
-Deity, is doubly faced; with one countenance it will smile continually
-on the friends of _Old England_, and with the other will frown
-incessantly on her _enemies_.
-
-‘The alteration we have made in our _head_ is not without precedents.
-The WORLD has parted with half its CAPUT MORTUUM, and a moiety of
-its brains. The HERALD has cut off half its head, and has lost its
-original humour. The POST, it is true, retains its whole head and
-its old features; and, as to the other public prints, they appear as
-having neither _heads_ nor _tails_. On the PARLIAMENTARY HEAD every
-communication that ability and industry can produce may be expected.
-To this great _National object_, THE TIMES will be most sedulously
-attentive, most accurately correct, and strictly impartial in its
-_reports_.’
-
-The early career of the _Times_ was not all prosperity, and Mr.
-Walter was soon taught a practical lesson in keeping his pen within
-due bounds, for, on July 11th, 1788, he was tried for two libellous
-paragraphs published in the _Times_, reflecting on the characters
-of the Duke of York, Gloucester, and Cumberland, stating them to be
-‘insincere’ in their profession of joy at his Majesty’s recovery. It
-might have been an absolute fact, but it was impolitic to print it, and
-so he found it, for a jury found him guilty.
-
-He came up for judgment at the King’s Bench on the 23rd of November
-next, when he was sentenced by the Court to pay a fine of fifty pounds,
-to be imprisoned twelve months in Newgate, to stand in the pillory at
-Charing Cross, when his punishment should have come to an end, and to
-find security for his good behaviour.
-
-He seems to have ridden a-tilt at all the royal princes, for we next
-hear of him under date of 3rd of February, 1790, being brought from
-Newgate to the Court of King’s Bench to receive sentence for the
-following libels:
-
-For charging their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales and Duke of
-York with having demeaned themselves so as to incur the displeasure
-of his Majesty. This, doubtless, was strictly true, but it cost the
-luckless Walter one hundred pounds as a fine, and another twelve
-months’ imprisonment in Newgate.
-
-This, however, was not all; he was arraigned on another indictment
-for asserting that His Royal Highness the Duke of Clarence returned
-from his station without leave of the Admiralty, or of his commanding
-officer, and for this he was found guilty, and sentenced to pay another
-hundred pounds.
-
-Whether he made due submission, or had powerful friends to assist him,
-I know not,--but it is said that it was at the request of the Prince of
-Wales--at all events, he received the king’s pardon, and was released
-from confinement on 7th of March, 1791, after which time he never wrote
-about the king’s sons in a way likely to bring him within the grip of
-the Law.
-
-From time to time we get little _avisos_ as to the progress of the
-paper, for John Walter was not one of those who hide their light
-under a bushel. Contrast the printing power then with the magnificent
-‘Walter’ machines of the present day, which, in their turn, will
-assuredly be superseded by some greater improvement.
-
-The _Times_, 7th of February, 1794. ‘The Proprietors have for some
-time past been engaged in making alterations which they trust will be
-adequate to remedy the inconvenience of the late delivery complained
-of; and after Monday next the TIMES will be worked off with three
-Presses, and occasionally with four, instead of TWO, as is done in
-all other Printing-offices, by which mode two hours will be saved
-in printing the Paper, which, notwithstanding the lateness of the
-delivery, is now upwards of FOUR THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED in sale, daily.’
-
-The following statement is curious, as showing us some of the interior
-economy of the newspaper in its early days. From the _Times_, April 19,
-1794:
-
-
-‘TO THE PUBLIC.
-
-‘It is with very great regret that the Proprietors of this Paper,
-in Common with those of other Newspapers, find themselves obliged to
-increase the daily price of it ONE HALFPENNY, a measure which they have
-been forced to adopt in consequence of the Tax laid by the _Minister_
-on _Paper_, during the present Session of Parliament, and which took
-place on the 5th instant.
-
-‘While the Bill was still pending, we not only stated in our Newspaper,
-but the Minister was himself informed by a Committee of Proprietors,
-that the new Duty would be so extremely oppressive as to amount to a
-necessity of raising the price, which it was not only their earnest
-Wish, but also their Interest, to avoid. The Bill, however, passed,
-after a long consideration and delay occasioned by the great doubts
-that were entertained of its efficacy. We wish a still longer time
-had been taken to consider it; for we entertain the same opinion as
-formerly, that the late Duty on Paper will not be productive to the
-Revenue, while it is extremely injurious to a particular class of
-Individuals, whose property was very heavily taxed before.
-
-‘In fact, it amounts either to a Prohibition of printing a Newspaper at
-the present price, or obliges the Proprietors to advance it. There is
-no option left; the price of Paper is now so high that the Proprietors
-have no longer an interest to render their sale extensive, as far as
-regards the profits of a large circulation. The more they sell at the
-present price, the more they will lose; to us alone the _Advance_ on
-Paper will make a difference of £1,200 sterling per Annum more than it
-formerly cost us--a sum which the Public must be convinced neither can,
-nor ought to be afforded by any Property of the limited nature of a
-Newspaper, the profits on the sale of which are precisely as follows:
-
-
-‘SALE.
-
- 2,000 Newspapers sold to the Newshawkers at 3½d., with a
- further deduction of allowing them a Paper in every Quire
- of 24 £26 18 6.
-
-
- ‘COST OF 2,000 PAPERS.
-
-
- A Bundle of Paper containing 2,000 Half-sheets, or 2,000 Newspapers
- at Four Guineas per Bundle, which is the price it will
- be sold at under the new Duty is £4 4 0.
-
- £4 4 0 £26 18 6
- 2,000 Stamps at 2d., deducting discount 16 0 0 20 4 0
- -------
- Profits £6 14 6
- =======
-
-‘This is the whole Profit on the sale of two thousand Newspapers, out
-of which is to be deducted the charges of printing a Newspaper (which,
-on account of the Rise in Printers’ Wages last year, is £100 a year
-more than it ever was before), the charges of Rent, Taxes, Coals,
-Candles (which are very high in every Printing-office), Clerks, general
-Superintendance, Editing, Parliamentary and Law Reports, and, above
-all, the Expenses of FOREIGN CORRESPONDENCE, which, under the present
-difficulties of obtaining it, and the different Channels which must
-be employed to secure a regular and uninterrupted Communication, is
-immense. If this Paper is in high estimation, surely the Proprietors
-ought to receive the advantage of their success, and not the Revenue,
-which already monopolises such an immense income from this property, no
-less than to the amount of £14,000 sterling during last year only. We
-trust that these reasons will have sufficient weight with the Public
-to excuse us when we announce, though with very great regret, that on
-Monday next the price of this Paper will be _Fourpence Halfpenny_.’
-
-Occasionally, the proprietor fell foul of his neighbours; vide the
-_Times_, November 16, 1795:
-
-‘All the abuse so lavishly bestowed on this Paper by other Public
-Prints, seems as if designed to betray, that in proportion as our sale
-is _good_, it is _bad_ TIMES with them.’
-
-In the early part of 1797, Pitt proposed, among other methods of
-augmenting the revenue, an additional stamp of three halfpence on every
-newspaper. The _Times_, April 28, 1797, groaned over it thus:
-
-‘The present daily sale of the TIMES is known to be between four and
-five thousand Newspapers. For the sake of perspicuity, we will make our
-calculation on four thousand only, and it will hold good in proportion
-to every other Paper.
-
-‘The Newsvendors are now allowed by the Proprietors of every Newspaper
-two sheets in every quire, viz., twenty-six for every twenty-four
-Papers sold. The stamp duty on two Papers in every quire in four
-thousand Papers daily at the old Duty of 2d., amounts to £780 a year,
-besides the value of the Paper. An additional Duty of 1½d. will
-occasion a further loss of £585 in this one instance only, for which
-there is not, according to Mr. PITT’S view of the subject, to be the
-smallest remuneration to the Proprietors. Is it possible that anything
-can be so unjust? If the Minister persists in his proposed plan, it
-will be impossible for Newspapers to be sold at a lower rate than
-sixpence halfpenny per Paper.’
-
-Pitt, of course, carried out his financial plan, and the newspapers had
-to grin, and bear it as best they could--the weaker going to the wall,
-as may be seen by the following notices which appeared in the _Times_,
-July 5:
-
-
-‘TO THE PUBLIC.
-
-‘We think it proper to remind our Readers and the Public at large that,
-in consequence of the heavy additional Duty of Three Half-pence imposed
-on every Newspaper, by a late Act of Parliament, which begins to have
-effect from and after this day, the Proprietors are placed in the very
-unpleasant position of being compelled to raise the price of their
-Newspapers to the amount of the said Duty. To the Proprietors of this
-Paper it will prove a very considerable diminution of the fair profits
-of the Trade; they will not, however, withdraw in the smallest degree
-any part of the Expenses which they employ in rendering the TIMES an
-Intelligent and Entertaining source of Information: and they trust with
-confidence that the Public will bestow on it the same liberal and kind
-Patronage which they have shown for many years past; and for which the
-Proprietors have to offer sentiments of sincere gratitude. From this
-day, the price of every Newspaper will be Sixpence.’
-
-July 19, 1797. ‘Some of the COUNTRY NEWSPAPERS have actually given up
-the Trade, rather than stand the risk of the late enormous heavy Duty:
-many others have advertised them for Sale: some of those printed in
-Town must soon do the like, for the fair profits of Trade have been so
-curtailed, that no Paper can stand the loss without having a very large
-proportion of Advertisements. We have very little doubt but that, so
-far from Mr. Pitt’s calculation of a profit of £114,000 sterling by the
-New Tax on Newspapers, the Duty, the same as on WINE, will fall very
-short of the original Revenue.’
-
-July 13, 1797. ‘As a proof of the diminution in the general sale of
-Newspapers since the last impolitic Tax laid on them, we have to
-observe, as one instance, that the number of Newspapers sent through
-the General Post Office on Monday the 3rd instant, was 24,700, and on
-Monday last, only 16,800, a falling off of nearly _one-third_.’
-
-Once again we find John Walter falling foul of a contemporary--and
-indulging in editorial amenities.
-
-July 2, 1798. ‘The _Morning Herald_ has, no doubt, acted from _very
-prudent motives_ in declining to state any circumstances respecting
-its sale. All that we hope and expect, in future, is--that it will not
-attempt to injure this Paper by insinuating that it was in a declining
-state; an assertion which it knows to be false, and which will be taken
-notice of in a different way if repeated. The _Morning Herald_ is at
-liberty to make any other comments it pleases.’
-
-Have the _Daily Telegraph_ and the _Standard_ copied from John Walter,
-when they give public notice that their circulation is so-and-so, as
-is vouched for by a respectable accountant? It would seem so, for this
-notice appeared in the _Times_:
-
- * * * * *
-
-‘We have subjoined an Affidavit sworn yesterday before a Magistrate of
-the City, as to the present sale of the TIMES.
-
-‘“We, C. Bentley and G. Burroughs, Pressmen of the _Times_, do make
-Oath, and declare, That the number printed of the _Times_ Paper for the
-last two months, has never been, on any one day, below 3 thousand, and
-has fluctuated from that number to three thousand three hundred and
-fifty.”
-
-‘And, in order to avoid every subterfuge, I moreover attest, That the
-above Papers of the TIMES were paid for to me, previous to their being
-taken by the Newsmen from the Office, with the exception of about a
-dozen Papers each morning which are spoiled in Printing.
-
- ‘J. BONSOR, Publisher.
-
- ‘Sworn before me December 31, 1798.
-
- ‘W. CURTIS.’
-
-From this time the career of the _Times_ seems to have been prosperous,
-for we read, January 1, 1799,
-
-
-‘THE NEW YEAR.
-
-‘The New Year finds the TIMES in the same situation which it has
-invariably enjoyed during a long period of public approbation. It
-still continues to maintain its character among the Morning Papers, as
-the most considerable in point of sale, as of general dependence with
-respect to information, and as proceeding on the general principles of
-the British Constitution. While we thus proudly declare our possession
-of the public favour, we beg leave to express our grateful sense of the
-unexampled patronage we have derived from it.’
-
-Mr. John Walter was never conspicuous for his modesty, and its absence
-is fully shown in the preceding and succeeding examples (January 1,
-1800):
-
-‘It is always with satisfaction that we avail ourselves of the return
-of the present Season to acknowledge our sense of the obligation we lay
-under to the Public, for the very liberal Patronage with which they
-have honoured the TIMES, during many years; a constancy of favour,
-which, we believe, has never before distinguished any Newspaper, and
-for which the Proprietors cannot sufficiently express their most
-grateful thanks.
-
-‘This Favour is too valuable and too honourable to excite no envy in
-contemporary Prints, whose frequent habit it is to express it by the
-grossest calumnies and abuse. The Public, we believe, has done them
-ample justice, and applauded the contempt with which it is our practice
-to receive them.’
-
-As this self-gratulatory notice brings us down to the last year of
-the eighteenth century, I close this notice of ‘The _Times_ and its
-Founder.’ John Walter died at Teddington, Middlesex, on the 26th of
-January, 1812.
-
-
-
-
-IMPRISONMENT FOR DEBT.
-
-
-Imprisonment for debt has long ceased to exist in England; debtors now
-only suffering incarceration for contempt of Court: that is to say,
-that the judge has satisfied himself that the debtor has the means to
-pay, and will not. But, in the eighteenth century, it was a fearful
-fact, and many languished in prison for life, for most trifling sums.
-Of course, there were debtors _and_ debtors. If a man had money or
-friends, much might be done to mitigate his position; he might even
-live outside the prison, in the Rules, as they were called, a limited
-district surrounding the prison; but for this advantage he must find
-substantial bail--enough to cover his debt and fees. But the friendless
-poor debtor had a very hard lot, subsisting on charity, going, in turn,
-to beg of passers-by for a coin, however small, rattling a box to call
-attention, and dolorously repeating, ‘Remember the poor prisoners.’
-
-There were many debtors’ prisons, and one of the principal, the Fleet,
-was over-crowded; in fact, they all were full. Newgate, the Marshalsea,
-the Gate House, Westminster, the Queen’s Bench, the Fleet, Ludgate,
-Whitecross Street, Whitechapel, and a peculiar one belonging to St.
-Katharine’s (where are now the docks).
-
-Arrest for debt was very prompt; a writ was taken out, and no poor
-debtor dare stir out without walking ‘beard on shoulder,’ dreading
-a bailiff in every passer-by. The profession of bailiff was not an
-honoured one, and, probably, the best men did not enter it; but they
-had to be men of keen wit and ready resource, for they had equally
-keen wits, sharpened by the dread of capture, pitted against them.
-Some rose to eminence in their profession, and as, occasionally, there
-is a humorous side even to misery, I will tell a few stories of their
-exploits. As I am not inventing them, and am too honest to pass off
-another man’s work as my own, I prefer telling the stories in the
-quaint language in which I find them.
-
-‘_Abram Wood_ had a Writ against an _Engraver_, who kept a House
-opposite to _Long Acre_ in _Drury Lane_, and having been several times
-to serve it, but could never light on the Man, because he work’d at
-his business above Stairs, as not daring to shew his Head for fear of
-being arrested, for he owed a great deal of Money, Mr. _Bum_ was in
-a Resolution of spending no more Time over him; till, shortly after,
-hearing that one _Tom Sharp_, a House-breaker, was to be hang’d at
-the end of _Long Acre_, for murdering a Watchman, he and his Follower
-dress’d themselves like Carpenters, having Leather Aprons on, and Rules
-tuck’d in at the Apron Strings: then going early the morning or two
-before the Malefactor was to be executed, to the place appointed for
-Execution, they there began to pull out their Rules, and were very
-busie in marking out the Ground where they thought best for erecting
-the Gibbet. This drew several of the Housekeepers about ’em presently,
-and among the rest the _Engraver_, who, out of a selfish humour of
-thinking he might make somewhat the more by People standing in his
-House to see the Execution, in Case this Gibbet was near it, gave
-_Abram_ a Crown, saying,
-
-‘“_I’ll give you a Crown more if you’ll put the Gibbet hereabouts_;” at
-the same time pointing where he would have it.
-
-‘Quoth _Abram_: “_We must put it fronting exactly up_ Long Acre;
-_besides, could I put it nearer your door, I should require more Money
-than you propose, even as much as this_” (at the same time pulling it
-out of his pocket) “_Writ requires, which is twenty-five Pounds._” So,
-taking his prisoner away, who could not give in Bail to the Action, he
-was carried to Jayl, without seeing _Tom Sharp_ executed.’
-
- * * * * *
-
-‘_William Browne_ had an Action given him against one _Mark Blowen_,
-a Butcher, who, being much in debt, was never at his Stall, except on
-_Saturdays_, and then not properly neither, for the opposite side of
-the way to his Shop being in the Duchy Liberty[44] (with the Bailiff
-whereof he kept in Fee) a Bailiff of the Marshal’s Court could not
-arrest him. From hence he could call to his Wife and Customers as there
-was occasion; and there could _Browne_ once a week see his Prey, but
-durst not meddle with him. Many a Saturday his Mouth watered at him;
-but one Saturday above the rest, _Browne_, stooping for a Purse, as if
-he found it, just by his Stall, and pulling five or six guineas out of
-it, the Butcher’s Wife cry’d “Halves;” his Follower, who was at some
-little distance behind him, cry’d out, “Halves” too.
-
-‘_Browne_ refused Halves to either, whereupon they both took hold of
-him, the Woman swearing it was found by her Stall, therefore she would
-have half; and the Follower saying, As he saw it as soon t’other, he
-would have a Share of it too, or he would acquaint the Lord of the
-Mannor with it. _Mark Blowen_, in the meantime, seeing his Wife and
-another pulling and haling the Man about, whom he did not suspect to be
-a Bailiff, asked, “What’s the Matter?” His wife telling him the Man had
-found a Purse with Gold in it by her Stall, and therefore she thought
-it nothing but Justice but she ought to have some of it.
-
-“‘_Ay ay_,” (quoth the Butcher), “_and nothing but Reason, Wife_.”
-
-‘So, coming from his privileged side of the Way, he takes hold of
-_Browne_ too, bidding his Wife look after the Shop, for he would take
-care of him before they parted.
-
-‘_Browne_, being thus hemm’d in by his Follower and the Butcher, quoth
-he:
-
-‘“_Look’ee here, Gentlemen, I have Six Guineas here, ’tis true, but,
-if I should give you one half of it, why, then there is but a quarter
-Share of the other two._”
-
-‘“_No, no_”, (replyed they), “_we’ll have Man and Man alike, which is
-Two Guineas apiece_.”
-
-‘“_Well_,” (quoth Browne), “_if it must be so, I’m contented; but,
-then, I’ll tell you what, I’ll have the odd Eighteen Pence spent_.”
-
-‘“_With all my heart_,” said Blowen. “_We’ll never make a dry Bargain
-on’t._”
-
-‘They are all agreed, and _Browne_ leads them up to the _Blackmore’s
-Head_ Alehouse, in _Exeter Street_, where a couple of Fowls are
-ordered to be laid down, and Stout and Ale is called for by wholesale.
-At last they went to Dinner, and, afterwards, _Browne_, changing his
-Six Guineas for Silver, gave his Follower (to carry on the jest) Forty
-Shillings, and put the rest in his pocket. _Mark Blowen_, seeing that,
-began to look surly, and asked for his Share.
-
-‘Said _Browne_: “_What Share, friend?_”
-
-‘Quoth _Mark Blowen_: “_Forty Shillings, as you gave this Man here._”
-
-‘_Browne_ reply’d: “_Why, truly, Sir, I shall have an urgent Occasion
-to Night for what Sum I have about me, and if you’ll be pleas’d to lend
-me your Share but till_ Monday _Morning, I’ll come and pay you then at
-this House without fail, and return you, with infinite thanks, for the
-Favour._”
-
-‘Quoth _Mark_ (who was a blundering, rustical sort of a Fellow):
-“_D---- me, Sir, don’t think to Tongue-Pad me out of my Due. I’ll have
-my Share now, or else he that’s the best Man here of us three shall
-have it all, win it, and wear it._”
-
-‘“_Pray, Sir_,” (said _Browne_), “_don’t be in this Passion. I’ll leave
-you a sufficient Pledge for it till_ Monday.”
-
-‘Quoth _Mark_: “_Let’s see it._”
-
-‘Hereupon _Browne_ pulls out his Tip-Staff, and lays it on the Table;
-but the Butcher, not liking the Complexion of it, began to be moving,
-when the Follower, laying Hands on him, they arrested him in an Action
-of Eighteen Pounds, and carried him to the _Marshalsea_, where, after a
-Confinement of Nine Months, he ended his Days.’
-
-There is another famous bailiff on record, named Jacob Broad; and
-of him it is narrated that, ‘being employed to arrest a Justice of
-the Peace living near _Uxbridge_, he went down there very often,
-and had us’d several Stratagems to take him, but, his Worship being
-very cautious in conversing with any of _Jacob’s_ Fraternity, his
-Contrivances to nap him prov’d always abortive. However, a great deal
-of Money was proffer’d by the Creditor to take the worshipful Debtor;
-so one Day _Jacob_, with a couple of his Followers, took a Journey in
-the Country, and, being near the end of their Journey, _Jacob_ alights,
-and flings his Bridle, Saddle, and Boots into a Thick Hedge, and then
-puts a Fetlock[45] on his Horse. The Followers tramp’d it a-foot, to
-one of whom giving the Horse, he leads it to a Smith at _Uxbridge_,
-and, telling him he had lost the Key of the Fetlock, he desir’d him
-to unlock it, whilst he went to a neighbouring Alehouse, where he
-would give him a Pot or two of Drink for his Pains. Accordingly the
-Smith unlockt it, and carried the Horse to the Alehouse; and, after he
-had drank Part of half-a-dozen of Drink, return’d to his Work again.
-Shortly after, came the other Follower to the Smith, inquiring if he
-did not see such a Horse come by that way, describing at the same time
-the Colour and Marks of it, and how his Master had lost him out of his
-Grounds that Morning. The Smith reply’d, that such a Horse was brought
-to him but a little before, to have a Fetlock taken off, and that he
-did imagine the Fellow to be a Rogue that had him; but, however, he
-believ’d he was still at such an Alehouse hard by, and might be there
-apprehended. Hereupon the Smith and Follower went to the Alehouse,
-where they found the Horse standing at the Door, and the other Follower
-in the House, whom they call’d a thousand Rogues, and charg’d with a
-Constable for a Thief. In the meantime, came _Jacob Broad_, who own’d
-the Horse to be his, and the Town-People, being all in a hurly-burly,
-they carried him before the Justice whom _Jacob_ wanted; but no sooner
-were _Jacob_, the supposed Thief, and the other Follower entered the
-House, but charging the Constable to keep the Peace, they arrested his
-Worship, and brought him forthwith to _London_, where he was forc’d
-to pay the Debt of two hundred and thirty-four Pounds before he could
-reach home again.’
-
-Another story is related of Jacob Broad.
-
-‘A certain Gentleman who liv’d at _Hackney_, and had been a Collector
-of the late Queen’s Duties, but cheated her of several thousands of
-Pounds, goes home, and pretends himself sick. Upon this he keeps his
-Bed, and, after a Fortnight’s pretended Illness, it was given out that
-he was Dead. Great preparations were then made for his Funeral. His
-Coffin, which was filled with Bricks and Saw-Dust, was covered with
-black Velvet, and his Wife, and Six Sons and Daughters, all in deep
-Mourning, follow’d it to the Grave, which was made in St. _John’s_
-Church, at _Hackney_. This sham Funeral was so well carried on, that
-all the People of the Town would have sworn the Collector was really
-Dead. About a Week after his supposed Interment, _Jacob Broad_ had
-an Action of one hundred and fifty Pounds against him. He went to
-_Hackney_ to serve the Writ, but, enquiring after the Person he was to
-arrest, and being told that he was dead and buried, he return’d home
-again.
-
-‘About Seven Years afterwards, the Creditor being certainly inform’d
-that the Collector was alive and well in his own House, he employed
-_Jacob_ again to arrest him, and accordingly he and another went to
-execute the Writ. _Jacob_ planted himself in an Alehouse adjacent to
-the long-supposed Deceased’s Habitation, and, while his Aid-de-Camp,
-or Follower, was doing something else, he told a Woman, coming by with
-a great Load of Turnips on her Head, that the People of such a House
-wanted some, which was the House where the Seven Years dead Man dwelt.
-She went forthwith and knockt at the Door, which was open’d to let
-her in, and the Follower, who was close at her Heels, rush’d in after
-her, and ran into a Back Parlour, where he saw the Person (according
-to the Description of him) whom he wanted sitting by the Fire Side.
-It happening then to be a festival Day, for the Entertainment of the
-Collector’s Children, and Grand Children, the Table was spread with
-Variety of Dainties; the Follower leapt over the Table, overthrowing
-the Viands on it, and laying hold of the Prisoner, all their Mirth was
-spoilt at once. In the mean Time came _Jacob Broad_, and, taking out
-the supposed dead Man, he seem’d to be overjoy’d at his Resurrection
-from a Seven Years’ Confinement and for tasting the fresh Air. _Jacob_
-brings him to _London_, whence he remov’d himself by a Writ of _Habeas
-Corpus_ to the King’s Bench Prison in _Southwark_, where he died again
-in a Week’s time, for he was never heard of till he was seen about
-Three Years after in _Denmark_.
-
-‘_Jacob Broad_ was always very happy in having Followers as acute
-as himself in any sort of Roguery, especially one _Andrew Vaughan_,
-afterwards a Bailiff himself on Saffron Hill, and one _Volly Vance_,
-otherwise call’d _Glym Jack_ from his having been a Moon Curser,[46]
-or Link Boy ... From a Link Boy _Glym Jack_ came to be _Jacob Broad’s_
-Follower, who, together with _Andrew Vaughan_, he once took into the
-Country along with him to arrest a Justice of Peace, who was one of the
-shyest cocks that ever _Jacob_ had to take by Stratagem. In order to
-accomplish this Undertaking, _Jacob_, _Andrew_, and _Glym Jack_ were
-very well drest in Apparel, and mounted on good Geldings, having fine
-Hangers on their Sides, and Pistols in their Holsters, beside Pocket
-Pops sticking in their Bosoms. Being thus accoutred they rid into an
-Inn in the Town where the Justice of Peace they wanted dwelt, and,
-putting up their Horses, they ask’d the Landlord for a private Room,
-which, being accommodated with, they refresh’d themselves with a good
-Dinner, and afterwards set to play.
-
-‘Whilst they were shaking their Elbows at 7 or 11 nick it, a great
-deal of Money and three or four Watches lying on the Table, when at
-last one of ’em cry’d, this Watch is my Snack, for I’m sure I first
-attackt the Gentleman from whom we took it; another swore such a Purse
-of Gold was his, which they had taken that Morning from a Gentlewoman,
-and, in short, everyone of ’em was swearing such a Prize was his, all
-which the Landlord (who listened at the Door) overhearing, thought to
-himself they were all Highwaymen. Hereupon he goes and acquaints the
-shy Justice of Peace with the matter, who ask’d _If he were sure they
-were Rogues_.
-
-‘“_Nothing,_” (quoth the Innkeeper), “_is more certain, for they are
-all arm’d with more Pistols than ordinary,_ _swearing, damning,
-cursing, and sinking every Word they speak, and falling out about
-dividing their Booty.”_
-
-‘“_Ay, ay_,” (reply’d the Justice), “_they are then certainly
-Highwaymen_,” and so order’d him to secure them.
-
-‘The Innholder went for a Constable, who, with a great many Rusticks,
-arm’d with Pitch Forks, long Poles, and other Country Weapons, went
-with the Landlord to the Inn, suddenly rush’d into the Room, and
-surpriz’d _Jacob_ and his Followers, with Money and Watches lying
-before them.
-
-‘“_So_,” (says the Constable), “_pretty Gentlemen, are not ye, that
-honest people can’t travel the Country without being robb’d by such
-villains as you are?--Well_,” (quoth the Constable to _Jacob_),
-“_what’s your Name?_”
-
-‘His answer was _Sice-Ace_.[47]
-
-‘“_A fine Rogue, indeed!_” said the Constable, at the same time asking
-_Andrew_ his Name, whose answer was,
-
-‘“_Cinque-Duce_.”
-
-‘“_Another Rogue in Grain!_” quoth the Constable; and then ask’d _Glym
-Jack_ what his Name was, who reply’d,
-
-‘“_Quater-Tray_.”
-
-‘“_Rogues! Rogues all!_” said the Constable; “_ay, worse than all, they
-are mear Infidels, Heathens, for I never heard such names before in a
-Christian Country. Come, Neighbours, bring ’em away before Mr. Justice,
-his Worship will soon make them change their Notes._”
-
-‘Accordingly the Rusticks haled them along the Town to his Worship’s
-House, into which they were no sooner enter’d but he began to revile
-_Jacob_ and his Brethren for Highwaymen, and asking them their Names,
-they still were in the same Tone of _Sice-Ace_, _Cinque-Duce_, and
-_Quater-Tray_, at which the Justice, lifting up his Hands and Eyes to
-the Ceiling, cry’d out, _Such audacious Rogues as these were never seen
-before_.
-
-‘“_Here, Tom,_” (quoth his Worship to his Clerk), “_write their_
-Mittimus, _for I will send them everyone to_ Newgate.”
-
-‘Whilst their Commitment was writing, _Jacob_ pulls a Bit of Parchment
-out of his Pocket, and, asking the Constable if he could read it, he
-put on his Spectacles, and posing and mumbling over it a Minute or two,
-said,
-
-‘“_I cannot tell what to make of it. It is Latin, I think._”
-
-‘“_Well, then,_” (quoth Jacob), “_I’ll tell you what it is, it is the
-King’s Process against this Gentleman that is going to commit us to_
-Newgate; _therefore, in my Execution of it, I require you, as you are a
-Constable, to keep the Peace._”
-
-‘This turn of the Dice made the Magistrate, the Peace Officer, and all
-the Rusticks stare at one another as if they were out of their Senses.
-However, _Jacob_ brought his Prisoner to _London_, and oblig’d him to
-make Satisfaction before he got out of his Clutches.’
-
-The above anecdotes illustrate the humorous side of a bailiff’s life,
-but sometimes they met with very rough treatment, nay, were even
-killed. On the 4th of August, 1722, a bailiff named Boyce was killed
-by a blacksmith, who ran a red-hot iron into him; and the book I have
-quoted from thus speaks of bailiffs as ‘such Villains, whose Clan is
-suppos’d to descend from the cursed Seed of _Ham_, and therefore
-stinks in the Nostrils of all honest Men. Some of them have been paid
-in their own Coyn, for Captain _Bew_ kill’d a Sergeant of one of the
-Compters. Shortly after, a Bailiff was kill’d in _Grays-Inn_ Walks;
-another Bailiff had his Hand chopt off by a Butcher in _Hungerford_
-Market, in the _Strand_, of which Wound he dyed the next Day, and
-another Man kill’d two Bailiffs at once with a couple of Pistols in
-_Houghton Street_, by _Clare Market_, for which he was touch’d with a
-cold iron[48] at the Sessions House at the _Old Baily_, besides several
-others of that detestable Tribe have deservedly suffer’d the same
-fate....
-
-‘But, by the way, we must take Notice that a Bailiff is Universally
-hated by Man, Woman, or Child, who dearly love to see them duckt
-(Pick-pocket like) in the _Muse_ Pond,[49] or the cleanly Pond of
-the Horse Guards, at _Whitehall_, and sometimes well rinsed at the
-_Temple_, or _Grays-Inn_ Pump; and if any of these napping Scoundrels
-is taken within the Liberty of the _Mint_, the enraged Inhabitants
-of this Place tye him fast with Ropes in a Wheelbarrow; then they
-trundle him about the Streets, with great Shouts and Huzzas.... After
-he is convey’d in the like Order to a stinking Ditch, near _St.
-George’s_ Fields, where he is plunged over Head and Ears, _à la mode
-de Pickpocket_; and then, to finish the Procession, he is solemnly
-convey’d to a Pump, according to the antient Custom of the Place,
-where he is sufficiently drench’d for all his dirty Doings.’
-
-This, as I have said, shows the humorous side of imprisonment for
-debt. An unimpeachable and veracious authority, one who only gave dry
-statistics, and did not draw upon his imagination for his facts, was
-John Howard, the philanthropist, who published, in 1777, ‘The State of
-the Prisons in England and Wales.’ From his report we learn that the
-allowance to debtors was a penny loaf a day--and when we consider that,
-during the French war, bread at one time rose to a price equivalent
-to our half-crown per quartern loaf, it could hardly be called a
-sufficient diet. But the City of London, generous then, as ever,
-supplemented this with a daily (? weekly) supply of sixteen stone, or
-one hundred and twenty-eight pounds, of beef, which, as Howard gives
-the average of debtors in two years (1775-6) at thirty-eight, would
-be more than ample for their needs--and there were other charities
-amounting to fifty or sixty pounds a year--but, before they were
-discharged, they were compelled to pay the keeper a fee of eight
-shillings and tenpence.
-
-In the Fleet Prison they had no allowance, but, if they made an
-affidavit that they were not worth five pounds, and could not subsist
-without charity, they had divided amongst them the proceeds of the
-begging-box and grate, and the donations which were sent to the prison.
-Of these, Howard says, at the time of his visit, there were seventeen.
-But the other prisoners who had any money had every facility afforded
-them to spend it. There was a tap, at which they could purchase
-whatever liquor they required; there was a billiard-table, and, in the
-yard, they could play at skittles, Mississippi, fives, tennis, &c.
-On Monday nights there was a wine club, and on Thursday nights a beer
-club, both of which usually lasted until one or two in the morning; and
-pretty scenes of riot and drunkenness took place. The prisoners were
-allowed to have their wives and children to live with them.
-
-Ludgate had ceased to exist, and the debtors were transferred to New
-Ludgate, in Bishopsgate Street. It was a comparatively aristocratic
-debtors’ prison, for it was only for debtors who were free of the City,
-for clergymen, proctors, and attorneys. Here, again, the generosity
-of the City stepped in; and, for an average number of prisoners of
-twenty-five, ten stone, or eighty pounds of beef, were given weekly,
-together with a daily penny loaf for each prisoner. The lord mayor and
-sheriffs sent them coals, and Messrs. Calvert, the brewers, sent weekly
-two barrels of small beer, besides which, there were some bequests.
-
-The Poultry Compter was in the hands of a keeper who had bought the
-place for life, and was so crowded that some of the prisoners had to
-sleep on shelves over the others, and neither straw nor bedding was
-allowed them. The City gave a penny loaf daily to the prisoners, and
-remitted for their benefit the rent of thirty pounds annually; the
-Calverts also sent them beer. At Howard’s visits, eight men had their
-wives and children with them.
-
-Wood Street Compter was not a pleasant abode, for Howard says the place
-swarmed with bugs. There were thirty-nine debtors, and their allowance
-was a daily penny loaf from the City, two barrels of beer weekly from
-the Calverts; the sheriffs gave them thirty-two pounds of beef on
-Saturdays, and for some years a benevolent baker sent them, weekly, a
-large leg and shin of beef.
-
-At Whitechapel was a prison for debtors, in the liberty and manor of
-Stepney and Hackney, but it was only for very small debtors, those
-owing above two pounds, and under five. Howard’s story of this prison
-is a very sad one, the occupants being so very poor:
-
-‘The Master’s-side Prisoners have four sizeable chambers fronting the
-road--_i.e._, two on each storey. They pay two shillings and sixpence a
-week, and lie two in a bed; two beds in a room. The Common-side Debtors
-are in two long rooms in the Court Yard, near the Tap-room. Men in one
-room, women in the other: the Court Yard in common. They hang out a
-begging-box from a little closet in the front of the House, and attend
-it in turn. It brings them only a few pence a day, and of this pittance
-none partake but those who, at entrance, have paid the keeper two
-shillings and sixpence, and treated the Prisoners with half a gallon of
-beer. The last time I was there, no more than three had purchased this
-privilege....
-
-‘At my first visit there were, on the Common-side, two Prisoners in
-Hammocks, sick and very poor. No chaplain. A compassionate Man, who
-is not a regular Clergyman, sometimes preaches to them on Sunday, and
-gives them some small relief. Lady Townsend sends a Guinea twice a
-year, which her Servant distributes equally among the Prisoners.
-
-‘As Debtors here are generally very poor, I was surprised to see,
-once, ten or twelve noisy men at skittles; but the Turnkey said they
-were only visitants. I found they were admitted here as at another
-public-house. No Prisoners were at play with them.’
-
-At St. Catherine’s, without the Tower, was another small debtors’
-prison. This parish was a ‘_peculiar_,’ the Bishop of London having no
-jurisdiction over it, and the place was under the especial patronage
-of the Queens of England ever since the time of Matilda, the wife
-of Stephen, who founded a hospital there, now removed to Regent’s
-Park. It was a wonderful little parish, for there people could take
-sanctuary--and there also were tried civil and ecclesiastical cases.
-Howard says that the prison for debtors had been rebuilt seven years
-before he wrote. It was a small house of two storeys; two rooms on
-a floor. In April, 1774, there was a keeper, but no prisoners. ‘I
-have since called two or three times, and always found the House
-uninhabited.’
-
-No notice of debtors’ prisons would be complete without mention of the
-King’s Bench, which was in Southwark. Howard reports:
-
-‘The Prisoners are numerous. At more than one of my visits, some had
-the Small Pox. It was so crowded this last summer, that a Prisoner paid
-five shillings a week for half a bed, and many lay in the chapel. In
-May, 1766, the number of Prisoners within the Walls was three hundred
-and ninety-five, and, by an accurate list which I procured, their wives
-(including a few only called so) were two hundred and seventy-nine,
-children seven hundred and twenty-five--total, one thousand and four;
-about two-thirds of these were in the Prison.’
-
-The prisoners had, as in the Fleet, their weekly wine and beer clubs,
-and they also indulged in similar outdoor sports. The Marshalsea and
-Horsemonger Lane gaol complete the list of London debtors’ prisons.
-
-Howard’s description of the county prisons is something appalling.
-Gaol-fever, distemper, or small-pox being recorded against most of
-them. At Chelmsford there had been no divine service for above a year
-past, except to condemned criminals. At Warwick the debtors’ common
-day-room was the hall, which was also used as a chapel. At Derby a
-person went about the country, at Christmas-time, to gentlemen’s
-houses, and begged for the benefit of the debtors. The donations were
-entered in a book, and signed by each donor. About fourteen pounds were
-generally collected in this manner.
-
-Chesterfield gaol was the property of the Duke of Portland, and Howard
-describes it thus:
-
-‘Only one room, with a cellar under it, to which the Prisoners
-occasionally descend through a hole in the floor. The cellar had not
-been cleaned for many months. The Prison door had not been opened for
-several weeks, when I was there first. There were four Prisoners, who
-told me they were almost starved; one of them said, with tears in his
-eyes, “he had not eaten a morsel that day,”--it was afternoon. They
-had borrowed a book of Dr. Manton’s; one of them was reading it to the
-rest. Each of them had a wife, and they had, in the whole, thirteen
-children, cast on their respective parishes. Two had their groats from
-the Creditors, and out of that pittance they relieved the other two.
-No allowance: no straw: no firing: water a halfpenny for about three
-gallons, put in (as other things are) at the window. Gaoler lives
-distant.’
-
-At Salisbury gaol, just outside the prison gate, a round staple was
-fixed in the wall, through which was passed a chain, at each end of
-which was a debtor padlocked by the leg, who offered for sale to
-the passers-by, nets, laces, purses, etc., made in the prison. At
-Knaresborough the debtors’ prison is thus described:
-
-‘Of difficult access; the door about four feet from the ground. Only
-one room, about fourteen feet by twelve. Earth floor: no fireplace:
-very offensive: a common sewer from the town running through it
-uncovered. I was informed that an Officer confined here some years
-since, for only a few days, took in with him a dog to defend him from
-vermin; but the dog was soon destroyed, and the Prisoner’s face much
-disfigured by them.’
-
-The gaolers were not always the most gentle of men, as may be seen by
-the trial of one Acton, deputy-keeper and turnkey of the Marshalsea,
-for the murder of a prisoner named Thomas Bliss. The indictment will
-briefly tell the story:
-
-‘That the said _William Acton_, being Deputy Keeper, under _John
-Darby_, of the said prison, being a person of inhuman and cruel
-disposition, did, on the 21st of October, in the Year of our Lord,
-1726, cruelly, barbarously, and feloniously Beat, Assault, and Wound
-the said _Thomas Bliss_ in the said Prison, _viz._, in the Parish of
-Saint George’s-in-the-Fields, in the Borough of _Southwark_, in the
-County of _Surrey_, and did put Irons and Fetters of great and immense
-weight upon his legs, and an Iron Instrument, and Engine of Torture,
-upon the Head of the said _Thomas Bliss_, called the Scull-cap, and
-also Thumb-screws upon his Thumbs; and the said _Thomas Bliss_ was
-so wounded, fettered, tortured and tormented in the Strong Room of
-the said Prison (which is a dangerous, damp, noisome, filthy, and
-unwholesome place) did put, and him did there detain several days; by
-means of which excruciating Tortures, close Confinement, Duress, and
-cruel Abuses, the said _Thomas Bliss_ got so ill an Habit of Body, that
-he continued in a languishing Condition till the 25th Day of _March_
-following, and then died.’
-
-Although the facts of the indictment were fully borne out by the
-evidence, the jury acquitted Acton. I should mention that Bliss had
-twice attempted to escape from the prison.
-
-Let us pass to a pleasanter theme, and see what was the inner life of a
-debtor’s prison about 1750, the story of which is told in a little book
-undated.[50] The foot-notes are taken from the book.
-
- * * * * *
-
- Close by the Borders of a slimy Flood,
- Which now in secret rumbles through the Mud;
- (Tho’ heretofore it roll’d expos’d to light,
- Obnoxious to th’ offended City’s Sight).[51]
-
- Twin Arches now the sable Stream enclose,
- Upon whose Basis late a Fabrick rose;
- In whose extended oblong Boundaries, }
- Are Shops and Sheds, and Stalls of all Degrees, }
- For Fruit, Meat, Herbage, Trinkets, Pork and Peas. }
- A prudent City Scheme, and kindly meant;
- The Town’s oblig’d, their Worships touch the Rent.
- Near this commodious Market’s miry Verge,
- The Prince of Prisons stands, compact and large;
- Where by the Jigger’s[52] more than magick Charm,
- Kept from the Power of doing Good--or Harm,
- Relenting Captives inly ruminate
- Misconduct past, and curse their present State;
- Tho’ sorely griev’d, few are so void of Grace,
- As not to wear a seeming cheerful face:
- In Drink or Sports ungrateful Thoughts must die,
- For who can bear Heart-wounding Calumny?
- Therefore Cabals engage of various Sorts,
- To walk, to drink, or play at different Sports,
- Here oblong Table’s verdant Plain,
- The ivory Ball bounds and rebounds again[53];
- There at Backgammon two sit _tête-à-tête_,
- And curse alternately their adverse fate;
- These are at Cribbage, those at Whist engag’d,
- And, as they lose, by turns become enrag’d;
- Some of more sedentary Temper, read
- Chance-medley Books, which duller Dulness breeds;
- Or Politick in Coffee-room, some pore
- The Papers and Advertisements thrice o’er;
- Warm’d with the Alderman,[54] some sit up late,
- To fix th’ Insolvent Bill, and Nation’s fate:
- Hence, Knotty Points at different Tables rise,
- And either Party’s wond’rous, wond’rous wise;
- Some of low Taste, ring Hand-Bells, direful Noise!
- And interrupt their Fellows’ harmless Joys;
- Disputes more noisy now a Quarrel breeds,
- And Fools on both Sides fall to Loggerheads;
- Till, wearied with persuasive Thumps and Blows,
- They drink, are Friends, as tho’ they ne’er were Foes.
- Without distinction, intermixed is seen,
- A ‘Squire dirty, and Mechanick clean:
- The Spendthrift Heir, who in his Chariot roll’d,
- All his Possessions gone, Reversions sold,
- Now mean, as one profuse, the stupid Sot
- Sits by a Runner’s Side,[55] and shules[56] a Pot.
-
- Some Sots, ill-mannered, drunk, a harmless Flight!
- Rant noisy thro’ the Galleries all Night;
- For which, if Justice had been done of late,
- The Pump[57] had been three pretty Masters’ Fate,
- With Stomach’s empty, and Heads full of Care,
- Some Wretches swill the Pump, and walk the Bare.[58]
- Within whose ample Oval is a Court, }
- Where the more Active and Robust resort, }
- And glowing, exercise a manly Sport. }
- (Strong Exercise with mod’rate Food is good,
- It drives in sprightful Streams the circling Blood;)
- While these, with Rackets strike the flying Ball,
- Some play at Nine-pins, Wrestlers take a Fall;
- Beneath a Tent some drink, and some above
- Are slily in their Chambers making Love;
- Venus and Bacchus each keeps here a Shrine,
- And many Vot’ries have to Love and Wine.
-
- Such the Amusements of this merry Jail,
- Which you’ll not reach, if Friends or Money fail;
- For e’er it’s threefold Gates it will unfold,
- The destin’d Captive must produce some Gold;
- Four Guineas at the least for diff’rent Fees,
- Compleats your _Habeas_, and commands the Keys;
- Which done, and safely in, no more you’re led,
- If you have Cash, you’ll find a Friend and Bed;
- But, that deficient, you’ll but ill betide,
- Lie in the Hall,[59] perhaps on Common Side.[60]
-
- But now around you gazing Jiggers swarm,[61]
- To draw your Picture, that’s their usual Term;
- Your Form and Features strictly they survey,
- Then leave you (if you can) to run away.
-
- To them succeeds the Chamberlain, to see }
- If you and he are likely to agree; }
- Whether you’ll tip,[62] and pay you’re Master’s Fee.[63] }
- Ask him how much? ‘Tis one Pound, six, and eight;
- And, if you want, he’ll not the Twopence bate;
- When paid, he puts on an important Face,
- And shows Mount-scoundrel[64] for a charming Place;
- You stand astonish’d at the darken’d Hole,
- Sighing, the Lord have Mercy on my Soul!
- And ask, Have you no other Rooms, Sir, pray?
- Perhaps inquire what Rent, too, you’re to pay:
- Entreating that he would a better seek;
- The Rent (cries gruffly) ‘s Half-a-Crown a Week.
- The Rooms have all a Price, some good, some bad,
- But pleasant ones, at present, can’t be had;
- This Room, in my Opinion’s not amiss; }
- Then cross his venal Palm with Half a Piece,[65] }
- He strait accosts you with another face. }
-
- How your Affairs may stand, I do not know;
- But here, Sir, Cash does frequently run low.
- I’ll serve you--don’t be lavish--only mum!
- Take my Advice, I’ll help you to a Chum.[66]
- A Gentleman, Sir, see--and hear him speak,
- With him you’ll pay but fifteen Pence a Week,[67]
- Yet his Apartments on the Upper Floor,[68]
- Well-furnished, clean and nice; who’d wish for more?
- A Gentleman of Wit and Judgement too!
- Who knows the Place,[69] what’s what, and who is who;
- My Praise, alas! can’t equal his Deserts;
- In brief--you’ll find him, Sir, a Man of Parts.
-
- Thus, while his fav’rite Friend he recommends,
- He compasses at once their several Ends;
- The new-come Guest is pleas’d that he shou’d meet
- So kind a Chamberlain, a Chum so neat;
- But, as conversing thus, they nearer come,
- Behold before his Door the destin’d Chum.
- Why he stood there, himself you’d scarcely tell,
- But there he had not stood had Things gone well;
- Had one poor Half-penny but blest his Fob, }
- Or if in prospect he had seen a Job, }
- H’ had strain’d his Credit for a Dram of Bob.[70] }
- But now, in pensive Mood, with Head downcast,
- His Eyes transfix’d as tho’ they look’d their last;
- One Hand his open Bosom lightly held,
- And one an empty Breeches Pocket fill’d;
- His Dowlas Shirt no Stock, nor Cravat, bore,
- And on his Head, no Hat, nor Wig he wore,
- But a once black shag Cap, surcharg’d with Sweat;
- His Collar, here a Hole, and there a Pleat,
- Both grown alike in Colour, that--alack!
- This neither now was White, nor was that Black,
- But matched his dirty yellow Beard so true,
- They form’d a threefold Cast of Brickdust Hue.
- Meagre his Look, and in his nether Jaw
- Was stuff’d an eleemosynary Chaw.[71]
- (Whose Juice serves present Hunger to asswage,
- Which yet returns again with tenfold Rage.)
- His Coat, which catch’d the Droppings from his Chin,
- Was clos’d, at Bottom, with a Corking Pin;
-
- * * * * *
-
- Loose were his Knee-bands, and unty’d his Hose,
- Coax’d[72] in the Heel, in pulling o’er his Toes;
- Which, spite of all his circumspective Care,
- Did thro’ his broken, dirty Shoes appear.
-
- Just in this hapless Trim, and pensive Plight,
- The old Collegian[73] stood confess’d to Sight;
- Whom, when our new-come Guest at first beheld,
- He started back, with great Amazement fill’d;
- Turns to the Chamberlain, says, Bless my Eyes! }
- Is this the Man you told me was so nice? }
- I meant, his Room was so, Sir, he replies; }
- The Man is now in Dishabille and Dirt,
- He shaves To-morrow, tho’, and turns his Shirt;
- Stand not at Distance, I’ll present you--Come,
- My Friend, how is’t? I’ve brought you here a Chum;
- One that’s a Gentleman; a worthy Man,
- And you’ll oblige me, serve him all you can.
-
- The Chums salute, the old Collegian first,
- Bending his Body almost to the Dust;
- Upon his Face unusual Smiles appear,
- And long-abandon’d Hope his Spirits cheer;
- Thought he, Relief’s at hand, and I shall eat; }
- Will you walk in, good Sir, and take a seat? }
- We have what’s decent here, though not compleat. }
- As for myself, I scandalize the Room,
- But you’ll consider, Sir, that I’m at Home;
- Tho’ had I thought a Stranger to have seen,
- I should have ordered Matters to’ve been clean;
- But here, amongst ourselves, we never mind,
- Borrow or lend--reciprocally kind;
- Regard not Dress, tho’, Sir, I have a Friend
- Has Shirts enough, and, if you please, I’ll send.
- No Ceremony, Sir,--You give me Pain,
- I have a clean Shirt, Sir, but have you twain?
- Oh yes, and twain to boot, and those twice told,
- Besides, I thank my Stars, a Piece of Gold.
- Why then, I’ll be so free, Sir, as to borrow,
- I mean a Shirt, Sir--only till To-morrow.
- You’re welcome, Sir;--I’m glad you are so free;
- Then turns the old Collegian round with Glee,
- Whispers the Chamberlain with secret Joy,
- We live To-night!--I’m sure he’ll pay his Foy;
- Turns to his Chum again with Eagerness,
- And thus bespeaks him with his best Address:
-
- See, Sir, how pleasant, what a Prospect’s there;
- Below you see them sporting on the Bare;
- Above, the Sun, Moon, Stars, engage the Eye,
- And those Abroad can’t see beyond the Sky;
- These Rooms are better far than those beneath,
- A clearer Light, a sweeter Air we breathe;
- A decent Garden does our Window grace
- With Plants untainted, undisturb’d the Glass;
- In short, Sir, nothing can be well more sweet;
- But I forgot--perhaps you chuse to eat,
- Tho’, for my Part, I’ve nothing of my own,
- To-day I scraped my Yesterday’s Blade-bone;
- But we can send--Ay, Sir, with all my Heart,
- (Then, very opportunely, enters Smart[74])
- Oh, here’s our Cook, he dresses all Things well;
- Will you sup here, or do you chuse the Cell?
- There’s mighty good Accommodations there,
- Rooms plenty, or a Box in Bartholm’[75] Fair;
- There, too, we can divert you, and may show
- Some Characters are worth your while to know.
- Replies the new Collegian, Nothing more }
- I wish to see, be pleas’d to go before; }
- And, Smart, provide a handsome Dish for Four. }
-
- * * * * *
-
- But I forget; the Stranger and his Chum,
- With t’other two, to Barth’lomew Fair are come;
- Where, being seated, and the supper past,
- They drink so deep, and put about so fast,
- That, e’re the warning Watchman walks about,
- With dismal tone Repeating, Who goes out?[76]
- Ere St. Paul’s Clock no longer will withold
- From striking Ten, and the voice cries--All told;[77]
- Ere this, our new Companions, everyone
- In roaring Mirth and Wine so far were gone,
- That ev’ry Sense from ev’ry Part was fled,
- And were with Difficulty got to Bed;
- Where, in the Morn, recover’d from his Drink,
- The new Collegian may have Time to think;
- And recollecting how he spent the Night,
- Explore his Pockets, and not find a Doit.
-
- Too thoughtless Man! to lavish thus away
- A Week’s support in less than half a Day,
- But ’tis a Curse attends this wretched Place,
- To pay for dear-bought Wit in little Space,
- Till Time shall come when this new Tenant here,
- Will in his turn shule for a Pot of Beer,
- Repent the melting of his Cash too fast,
- And Snap at Strangers for a Night’s Repast.
-
-
-
-
-JONAS HANWAY.
-
-
-If Jonas Hanway had lived before Fuller, he certainly would have been
-enshrined among his ‘Worthies;’ and it is astonishing to find how
-comparatively ignorant of him and his works are even well-read men.
-Ask one about him, and he will reply that he was a philanthropist,
-but he will hardly be able to say in what way he was philanthropic:
-ask another, and the reply will be that he was the man who introduced
-umbrellas into England--but it is very questionable if he could tell
-whence he got the umbrella to introduce. But in his time he was a
-man of mark, and his memory deserves more than a short notice in
-‘Chalmers,’ the ‘Biographie Universelle,’ or any other biographical
-dictionary.
-
-He was born at Portsmouth on the 12th of August, 1712, in the reign
-of ‘good Queen Anne.’ History is silent as to his pedigree, save and
-except that his father was connected with the navy, and was for some
-years store-keeper to the dockyard at Portsmouth, and his uncle by
-the father’s side was a Major John Hanway, who translated some odes
-of Horace, &c. His father died whilst Jonas was still a boy, and Mrs.
-Hanway had much trouble to bring up her young family, who all turned
-out well, and were prosperous in after life: one son, Thomas, filling
-the post of commander-in-chief of his Majesty’s ships at Plymouth, and
-afterwards commissioner of the dockyard at Chatham.
-
-On his father’s death, his mother removed to London, where, somehow
-or other, she brought up her children by her own exertions, and with
-such care and affection that Jonas never spoke, or wrote, of his mother
-but in terms of the highest reverence and gratitude. He was sent to
-school, where he was not only educated commercially, but classically.
-Still, he had his bread to win, and, when he was seventeen years of
-age, he was sent to Lisbon, which he reached June, 1729, and was
-bound apprentice to a merchant, under whose auspices he developed the
-business qualities which afterwards stood him in good stead. At the end
-of his apprenticeship he set up in business for himself in Lisbon, but
-soon removed to the wider field of London. What pursuit he followed
-there, neither he, nor any biographer of his, has told us, but in 1743
-he accepted the offer of a partnership in Mr. Dingley’s house at St.
-Petersburg.
-
-What a difference in the voyage from London to St. Petersburg, then and
-now! Now, overland: it only takes two days and a half.
-
-Then, in April, 1743, he embarked on the Thames in a crazy old tub,
-bound for Riga, and got to Elsinore in May. As everything then was
-done in a leisurely manner, they stopped there for some days, arriving
-at Riga by the end of May, having taken twenty-six days to go from
-Elsinore to Riga, now done by steam, under fair conditions, in two days.
-
-Here he found, as most people do, the Russian spring as hot as he ever
-remembered summer in Portugal, and was most hospitably entertained by
-the British factors. But Russia was at war with Sweden, and, although
-he had plenty of letters of recommendation, the Governor of Riga would
-not allow him to proceed on his journey, until he had communicated with
-the authorities at St. Petersburg, thus causing a delay of a fortnight,
-and he did not leave until the 7th of June. His sojourn at Riga,
-however, was not lost, for he kept his eyes open, and looked about him.
-
-Travelling by post in Russia, even now, is not a luxury; it must
-have been ten times worse then, when he started on his journey in
-his sleeping-wagon, which was ‘made of leather, resembling a cradle,
-and hung upon braces,’ and his report of his journey was that ‘the
-post-horses are exceedingly bad, but as the stages are short, and the
-houses clean, the inconvenience is supportable.’ He made the journey in
-four days.
-
-On his arrival, he soon set to work on the business that he came out
-to execute, namely, the opening of trade through the Caspian Sea to
-Persia, a journey which involved crossing Russia in Europe from the
-north-west to the south-east. This route had already been trodden
-by a sailor named Elton, who had spent some years among the nomadic
-Tartar tribes, and had, in 1739, descended the Volga with a cargo of
-goods, intending to go to Mesched; but he sold them before he reached
-there, at Resched, for a good price, and obtained leave to trade for
-the future. He returned to St. Petersburg, went again to Persia, and
-remained there in the service of Nadir Shah. It was to supply his
-defection that Jonas Hanway went out to Russia.
-
-On the 10th of September, 1743, he set out on his veritably perilous
-journey, and it is really worth while to describe the despatch of
-goods in Russia at that day. ‘In Russia carriages for merchandize are
-drawn only by one horse. These vehicles are nine or ten feet long, and
-two or three broad, and are principally composed of two strong poles,
-supported by four wheels, of near an equal size, and about as high as
-the fore wheels of our ordinary coaches, but made very slight, many of
-the rounds of the wheels are of a single piece of wood, and open, in
-one part, for near an inch, and some of them are not shod with iron.
-
-‘The first care is to lay the bales as high as the cart will admit on a
-bed of mats of the thickest sort. Besides the original package, which
-is calculated to stand the weather, the bales are usually covered with
-very thick mats, and over these other mats are laid to prevent the
-friction of the ropes; lastly, there is another covering of mats, in
-the want of raw cowhides, which are always best to defend goods from
-rain, or from the snow, which, when it melts, is yet more penetrating.
-Each bale is sealed up with a leaden seal, to prevent its being opened
-on the road, or any of the goods vended in the Country, that is, when
-they are intended for Persia....
-
-‘The Caravans generally set out about twelve, both in the night
-and day, except in the heat of summer. In the winter, between St.
-Petersburg and Moscow, they usually travel seventy wersts[78] (about
-forty-seven English miles) in twenty-four hours, but from Moscow
-to Zaritzen only forty or fifty wersts: in summer their stages are
-shorter. Great part of the last-mentioned road being through an
-uninhabited country, makes the Carriers cautious not to jade their
-horses. Every time they set out, the conductors ought to count the
-loads. When necessity requires that the Caravan should be drawn within
-fences, or into yards, the heads of the waggons ought to stand towards
-the door in regular order, and a guard, who will keep a better watch
-than an ordinary carrier, should be set over it: for want of this
-precaution, whole Caravans in Russia have been sometimes consumed by
-fire. It is most eligible to stop in the field, where the usual method
-is to form the Carriages into a ring, and bring the horses, as well as
-the men, within it, always observing to keep in such a position as best
-to prevent an attack, or repulse an enemy.
-
-‘The Khalmucks on the banks of the Volga are ever ready to embrace
-an opportunity of plundering and destroying passengers; therefore,
-when there is any occasion to travel on those banks, which should be
-avoided as much as possible, an advance guard of at least four Cossacks
-is of great use, especially to patrole in the night; it is not often
-practised, but I found it indispensably necessary when I travelled on
-those banks....
-
-‘A hundred carriages take up two-thirds of a mile in length, so that,
-when no horseman is at hand to spread the alarm, the rear might be
-easily carried off. They have not even a trumpet, horn, or other
-instrument for this purpose; they trust in providence, and think any
-care of this kind unnecessary, though the neglect has sometimes proved
-of fatal consequence.’
-
-In this primitive style he set forth on his trading venture to Persia,
-taking with him a clerk, a Russian, as menial servant, a Tartar boy,
-and a soldier, by way of guard. He had ‘a convenient sleeping-waggon’
-for himself, and another for his clerk--the Russ, the Tartar, and the
-soldier evidently having to shift as the drivers of the twenty loads of
-goods (consisting of thirty-seven bales of English cloth) did. It is
-interesting to follow out this little venture. The caravan started on
-the 1st of September, 1743, and ten days afterwards he set out to join
-it, which he did at Tver, arriving at Moscow on the 20th of September.
-
-Here he looked about him, saw the Great Bell, &c. received no little
-hospitality, and repaired the defects of his caravan, starting again
-on the 24th of September, and his instructions to his limited suite
-were to avoid all occasion of dispute, and, should such unfortunately
-arise, he should be informed of it, in order that he might deal with it
-according to the best of his judgment. But he went among the Tartars
-without any misadventure, noting some very curious facts, until he
-came to Tzaritzin, on the Volga, whence he proposed to commence his
-somewhat perilous journey by water, to the Caspian Sea. He arrived
-at Tzaritzin on the 9th of October, but, as there was not the same
-pushing and driving in business then as now, he stopped there for a
-month to recruit, and hire a vessel. He succeeded in getting one, such
-a thing as it was, but then he only paid a nominal sum for it. As he
-justly observes: ‘The reader will imagine that forty roubles[79] cannot
-purchase a good vessel; however, this price produced the best I could
-find. Their decks were only loose pieces of the barks of trees; they
-have no knees, and but few beams: hardly any pitch or tar is used, in
-place of it are long slips of bark, which they nail over the gaping
-seams, to prevent the loose and bad corking (caulking) from falling
-out. Instead of iron bolts, they have spikes of deal with round heads.
-The method of keeping them clear of water is by a large scoop, which
-is suspended by the beam over the well-way, and through a scuttle at a
-proper height they scoop out the water with great facility.’
-
-He bought two of these A.1. vessels, and put a crew of five fishermen
-on board each, besides his own suite, and, because of the pirates who
-infested those waters, he hired a guard of six soldiers. By-the-way,
-they had a rough and ready way of dealing with these pirates when
-they did catch them. ‘As their cruelties are very great, so is the
-punishment inflicted on them when they are taken. A float is built, in
-size according to the number of delinquents, and a gallows erected on
-it, to contain a sufficient number of iron hooks, on which they are
-hung alive, by the ribs. The float is launched into the stream, with
-labels over their heads, signifying their crimes; and orders are given
-to all towns and villages on the borders of the river, upon pain of
-death, not only to afford no relief to any of these wretches, but to
-push off the float, should it land near them. Sometimes their partners
-in wickedness meet them, and, if there are any signs of life, take
-him down, otherwise they shoot them dead; but, if they are catched in
-these acts of illegal mercy, they are hung up without the ceremony of a
-trial, as happened about eight years ago. They tell me of one of these
-miscreants who had the fortune to disengage himself from the hook,
-and though naked, and trembling with pain and loss of blood, he got
-ashore. The first object he saw who could afford him any relief was
-a poor shepherd, whose brains he beat out with a stone, and took his
-clothes. These malefactors sometimes hang thus three, four, and five
-days alive. The pain generally produces a raging fever, in which they
-utter the most horrid imprecations, and implore the relief of water, or
-other small liquors.’
-
-He was observant, and, on his journey down the Volga, he noted many
-things which throw much light on the social life in Russia of these
-days. Take for instance the following: ‘The 14th of October I sent
-letters to my friends, by messengers who are appointed to attend a box
-of grapes, which is sent from Astrachan to the Empress’s Court every
-three days during the season. It is carried by two horses, supported
-in the manner of a litter. The grapes are preserved in sand, but, at
-best, are ill worth the expense of the conveyance for one thousand two
-hundred English miles.’
-
-He sailed from Tzaritzin on the 14th of October, and on the 19th of
-the same month he reached Astrachan, where he was kindly received by
-Mr. George Thompson, agent to the British merchants trading to Persia;
-and also by the Russian governor (a quondam page to Peter the Great)
-who gave him many assurances that every help should be afforded him
-in his trade with Persia--but candidly informed him what rogues the
-Armenian traders were: ‘They are the most crafty people in all Asia,
-and delight in fraud. Let them get fifty per Cent. in a fair way, they
-are not contented without cheating five, and the five is sweeter than
-the fifty.’
-
-Lapow, even then, was a recognized institution in Russia, for Hanway
-observes, ‘The Officers of the the Admiralty and Custom-House of
-Astrachan have very small salaries, which is the case in all other
-places in Russia: so that, instead of doing their duty to despatch
-business, they often seek pretences to protract it, in order to obtain
-the more considerable presents. Upon these occasions French Brandy,
-white wine, hats, stockings, ribbons, and such like are acceptable.’
-Now-a-days, things are managed in a less cumbrous form. Rouble Notes
-take the place of gross material--but the Russian Official is unchanged.
-
-Again, ‘Whilst I was busied in getting what informations were
-necessary, the governor invited me to a feast, at which there were
-nearly a hundred dishes; here I saw a singular specimen of Russian
-intemperance, for there were above thirty people who drank to excess,
-in goblets, a kind of cherry brandy. This feast was made for the
-birth of his granddaughter, on which occasion the guests presented an
-offering each according to his rank. This is a civil way of levying a
-heavy tax on the merchants, and a custom, tho’ not elegant, less absurd
-than that of some politer countries; for here, without disguise or
-ceremony, you leave one or two ducats, or some richer present on the
-lady’s bed, who sits up with great formality to be saluted.’
-
-From Astrachan he went to Yerkie, at the mouth of the Volga, and
-virtually on the Caspian Sea, whence he set sail on the 22nd of
-November, arriving at Astrabad Bay on the 18th of December, where his
-vessel was taken for a pirate, and signal fires were, in consequence,
-lit on the hill-tops, etc. So he lay at anchor for a few days,
-employing his men in packing his goods so that they might be easily
-carried on land; and he gives us a curious insight into the life of
-sailors of that period.
-
-‘The 25th being Christmas Day, I excused the seamen from the package
-of cloth, and prevailed on them to hear prayers, and a sermon. English
-seamen, of all mankind, seem the most indifferent with regard to
-religious duties; but their indifference is more the effect of want
-of reflection than the irreligious carelessness of their leaders. It
-is not to be imagined they would fight less if they prayed more; at
-least we find the praying warriors in Cromwell’s days fought as if
-they were sure of becoming saints in heaven. Certain it is our seamen
-do not entertain the same impressions of religion as the common run of
-labouring people.’
-
-Hanway had been warned that he must take care of himself at Astrabad;
-that, probably, he would be robbed, and most certainly cheated; but
-never having received such treatment, and with his conscious faith of
-being an honest Englishman, he gave but little heed to the caution, but
-spent many days on ship-board, making up his merchandize into suitable
-packages for land carriage, and when he did land, he went in state,
-on horseback, to visit the governor, taking with him the invariable
-Oriental present, which, in his case, consisted of fine cloth, and
-loaves of sugar. He was kindly received by the governor, but soon
-having experienced the deceit and duplicity of the people, he hurried
-forward his departure for Mesched, sending ten camel loads of goods in
-advance. Luckily he did so, for the next day the town was besieged by
-Turcomans, who wanted to get possession of the Shah’s treasure, then
-in Astrabad, as well as the English goods, which presented an almost
-irresistible temptation to them.
-
-Hanway was advised to disguise himself and fly, but he was an
-Englishman, and had the pluck of his race; so he concluded to stay, in
-spite of the objurgations and maledictions of some of the inhabitants,
-who cursed him as being the cause of their misfortunes. The town made
-but a feeble resistance, and, soon after its fall, Hanway received a
-visit from the captors, the story of which he thus tells:
-
-‘I had collected my servants in one room, from whence I sent a little
-boy, a servant, who understood the Turkish language, which is most
-known to the Khajars, to conduct these hostile visitors to us, and to
-tell them that, as we were at their mercy, we hoped they would treat
-us with humanity. They immediately entered, and assured us they did
-not mean to hurt us; on the contrary, that as soon as their government
-was established, they would pay me for my goods. They demanded, at
-the same time, where they were lodged; and informed me that the forty
-bales which I had sent out of the town some days before, were already
-in their possession. Mahommed Khan Beg then demanded my purse, which I
-had prepared with about thirty crowns in gold and silver; he contented
-himself for the present with counting it, and then returned it to me,
-demanding if I had any more, for that it would be the worse for me if
-I concealed any. I thought it warrantable, however, to make an evasive
-answer, though it was a true one as to the fact; _viz._, that all the
-town knew very well that I had been searching for money in exchange
-for my bill on Mr. Elton, not having sufficient to convey my Caravan
-to Mesched. As gold can purchase anything except virtue and health,
-understanding and beauty, I thought it might now administer to our
-safety. I therefore reserved a purse of one hundred and sixty crowns
-in gold, apprehending that the skilful application of it might ward
-off the danger which threatened us; but I afterwards found that our
-security was in our supposed poverty, for in near three weeks distress,
-I durst not show a single piece of gold, much less acknowledge that I
-had saved any money.’
-
-He made up his mind to leave Astrabad as soon as possible, and, having
-obtained an acknowledgment of the value of his goods, at last set out
-with an escort of about two dozen armed men, under the command of a
-Hadji, or a holy man, who had made a pilgrimage to Mecca. Needless to
-say his escort were a pack of rogues, and it was by sheer good luck,
-and at some risk, that, at last, he fell in with some officers of the
-Shah, who were recruiting for forces wherewith to re-conquer Astrabad.
-They helped him to horses, although he complained of their quality.
-He got along somehow, although he lost his servants, and at last he
-reached Langarood, where the renegade Captain Elton lived, seven weeks
-after he had left Astrabad, and was received by Elton with open arms.
-Here he stayed some days to recruit, and then pushed on to Reshd.
-
-A few days more of journeying, and he fell in with the Shah’s camp,
-but failed to have an interview with that exalted potentate. Still his
-case was brought before Nadir Shah, and, the bill Hanway had received
-from Mohammed Hassan being produced as evidence, a decree was issued
-‘that I should give the particulars of the loss to Behbud Khan, the
-Shah’s general at Astrabad, who had orders to deliver to me whatever
-part of the goods might possibly be found, and to restore them in kind,
-and the deficiency to be paid out of the sequestered estates of the
-rebels to the last denier. This was not quite the thing which I wished
-for, because it laid me under a necessity of returning to that wretched
-place, Astrabad; however, I could not but acknowledge the highest
-obligation for so signal a mark of justice and clemency.’
-
-This act of justice was somewhat unusual with Nadir Shah, of whose
-cruelty Hanway gives several examples. As, however, one perhaps
-outstrips its companions in brutality, I venture to give it in his
-words. ‘I will give another example of Nadir’s avarice and barbarity,
-which happened a little before I was in camp. The Shah, having
-appointed a certain general as governor of a province, imposed an
-exorbitant tax on it, to be levied in six months: at the expiration of
-the time the governor was sent for to the camp, and ordered to produce
-the account. He did so, but it amounted to only half the sum demanded.
-The Shah called him a rascal; and, telling him he had stolen the other
-half of the money, ordered the executioner to bastonade him to death:
-his estates also being confiscated, all his effects fell very short of
-the demands. The servants of the deceased were then ordered to come
-into the Shah’s presence, and he inquired of them if there was anything
-left belonging to their master; to which they answered, _Only a dog_.
-He then commanded the dog to be brought before him; and observed that
-he appeared to be much honester than his master had been; however,
-that he should be led through the camp from tent to tent, and beaten
-with sticks, and wherever he expired, the master of such tent should
-pay the sum deficient. Accordingly the dog was carried to the tents of
-the ministers, successively, who, hearing the case, immediately gave
-sums of money, according to their abilities, to procure the removal of
-the dog: by which the whole sum the Shah demanded was raised in a few
-hours’ time.’
-
-On the 27th of March they set out on their return journey, accompanied
-by a small escort; they were detained for some time at Langarood,
-where Hanway had hoped to find a vessel, as the way by land was
-insecure. But, although a ship was sighted, she never put in; and
-the land journey was therefore, perforce, undertaken, and Astrabad
-was reached on the 16th of May. He saw the Shah’s general, who said
-‘the decree must be obeyed.’ Those who had insulted Hanway were most
-brutally punished--some of his cloth was recovered and given back to
-him, but there was a difficulty in raising the money for the missing
-portions, and he was pressed to take payment in women slaves. On his
-refusal, they begged of him to give them a receipt as if he had been
-paid, assuring him the money should be forthcoming in a very few days;
-but the British merchant was too wary to be caught in such a palpable
-trap. Eventually he got the greater part of it, and with it returned
-to Langarood, where he waited for some little while, and, at last, he
-recovered eighty-five per cent. of the value of his goods, according to
-his own valuation, so that, probably, he made a good sale.
-
-At Langarood he fell ill of a low fever, but was cured by a French
-missionary, who administered Jesuit’s bark (quinine) to him, and he
-then set out on his return journey, having invested all his cash in
-raw silk. He met with no particular adventures, and arrived safely at
-St. Petersburg on the 1st of January, 1745, ‘having been absent a year
-and sixteen weeks, in which time I had travelled about four thousand
-English miles by land.’
-
-In noticing this trip of Hanway’s to the Caspian, it would be a pity
-if attention were not called to his description of Baku, now coming
-so much to the front (thanks to the industry and intelligence of the
-Messrs. Nobel) in providing the world with petroleum. This was the
-chief shrine of the followers of Zoroaster, who considered light,
-which was typified by fire, (which is bright both by day and night) as
-emblematical of all good, and they therefore worshipped Ormuzd, or the
-good god, whilst they regarded Ahriman, or darkness, as the evil god.
-Here, near Baku, the soil is so soaked and saturated with petroleum
-that a fire, natural and never-ceasing, could easily be obtained, and
-consequently, being perfectly unartificial, was looked upon as the
-personification of Ormuzd. Hanway writes, ‘The earth round this place,
-for above two miles, has this surprizing property, that by taking up
-two or three inches of the surface and applying a live coal, the part
-which is so uncovered immediately takes fire, almost before the coal
-touches the earth.... If a cane, or tube even of paper, be set about
-two inches in the ground, confined and closed with earth below, and
-the top of it touched with a live coal, and blown upon, immediately a
-flame issues without hurting either the cane or the paper, provided the
-edges be covered with clay, and this method they use for light in their
-houses, which have only the earth for the floor; three or four of
-these lighted canes will boil water in a pot; and thus they dress their
-victuals.’
-
-Baku, the seat of this natural symbol of Ormuzd, was then a place
-of pilgrimage for the Parsees--and it is not so long since that
-fire-worship there has been discontinued. Mr. Charles Marvin (writing
-in 1884) commences his most interesting book, ‘The Region of the
-Eternal Fire,’ thus: ‘A few years ago a solitary figure might have
-been daily seen on the shore of the Caspian Sea, worshipping a fire
-springing naturally from the petroleum gases in the ground. The devotee
-was a Parsee from India, the last of a series of priests who for more
-than two thousand five hundred years had tended the sacred flame upon
-the spot. Round about his crumbling temple was rising greasy derricks,
-and dingy distilleries--symbols of a fresh cult, the worship of
-mammon--but, absorbed in his devotions, the Parsee took no heed of the
-intruders. And so time passed on, and the last of the Fire-Worshippers
-died, and with him perished the flame that was older than history.’
-
-He stayed some time in Russia, but undertook no more arduous journeys.
-Even when he did leave St. Petersburg, on the 9th of July, 1750, he
-travelled very leisurely overland, reaching Harwich on the 28th of
-October, 1750, after an absence from England of nearly eight years.
-He lived in London in a modest fashion, for his fortune was but
-modest--yet it was sufficient for him to keep a _solo_ carriage,
-_i.e._, only carrying one person, and on its panels was painted a
-device allusive to his dangers in Persia, especially of a somewhat
-perilous voyage on the Caspian. It consisted of ‘a man dressed in the
-Persian habit, just landed in a storm on a rude coast, and leaning on
-his sword, his countenance calm and resigned. In the background was
-depicted a boat tossed about by the billows; in front, a shield charged
-with his arms leaning against a tree, and underneath the motto, in
-English, _Never Despair_.’
-
-As a result of his eastern experiences,[80] on his return to England
-he used an umbrella, which at that time for a man to carry was
-considered somewhat effeminate. He is often credited with having
-introduced that useful article into England; but it had been
-generally used by women for fifty years previously--nay, there is in
-the British Museum (Harl. 630 fol. 15b,) an Anglo-Saxon MS. of the
-eleventh century--unmistakeably English in its drawing--wherein is
-an illustration of an umbrella being held (by an attendant) over the
-head of a king, or nobleman. It is a veritable ‘Sangster,’ and, as
-far as form goes, it would pass muster now. From this time the use of
-the umbrella became familiar, and in general use among men--probably
-because he introduced them of pure silk, whereas hitherto they had been
-cumbrous and heavy, being made of oiled paper, muslin, or silk.
-
-He had enough to live on, and, as in those days no one cared about
-making a colossal fortune, he lived contentedly on his competence,
-and wrote a long description of his travels, which was very well
-illustrated, and which cost him £700 to produce his first edition
-of one thousand two hundred copies, after which he disposed of the
-copyright, and second, third, and fourth editions were published.
-Still, the climate of Russia had not agreed with him, and he had to go
-to the then fashionable Spa, Tunbridge Wells, and afterwards to Paris,
-thence to Brussels, Antwerp, and Amsterdam.
-
-He returned to Tunbridge Wells, where he wrote (in 1753) a treatise
-against the Naturalisation of the Jews,[81] which was a question then
-being agitated. One can scarcely imagine a man with large sympathies,
-as was Jonas Hanway, a travelled man, also, of great experience of
-men, taking the narrow view of such a question of social polity.
-After a severe fight the Bill was carried (26 Geo. 2) and his Majesty
-gave his consent on the 7th of June, 1753,[82] but the opposition
-to it was so great that when Parliament next met (15th of November,
-1753) the very first business after the address (which only occupied
-half-an-hour or so--a valuable hint to present M.P.’s) was to bring in
-a bill repealing the privilege of Naturalization to the Jews. Popular
-clamour on its behalf was senseless, as it usually is, but it was too
-strong to resist, and in the debate thereon, on the 27th of November,
-1753, William Pitt (all honour to him) said, ‘Thus, sir, though we
-repeal this law, out of complaisance to the people, yet we ought to
-let them know that we do not altogether approve of what they ask.’[83]
-The Bill was carried on the 28th of November, and received the Royal
-Assent on the 20th of December, the same year, and consequently an
-injustice was for some time done to some of the loyalest, quietest,
-and most law-abiding citizens we have. Hanway, however, thought so
-strongly on the subject that he wrote four tractates upon it, which, as
-the question is now happily settled, may be dismissed with this brief
-notice.
-
-He was naturally of a busy turn of mind, and could not sit still. He
-wrote about anything--it did not much matter what--of the paving, etc.
-of Westminster and its adjacent parishes; he even wrote a big book,
-beautifully illustrated, on a little trip he took, when travelling
-was not so common as now, ‘A Journal of Eight days’ Journey from
-Portsmouth to Kingston-on-Thames,’ (1756) a second edition of which
-was published in two volumes in 1757, with the addition of ‘An Essay
-on Tea, considered as pernicious to Health, obstructing Industry, and
-impoverishing the Nation.’ So we see he took strong views on things in
-general, which have since, by experience, been modified.
-
-His scribbling propensities probably did some good, for in 1757 we
-find him taking up the cause of that very meritorious charity, the
-Marine Society, to which he was a subscriber to the extent of fifteen
-guineas. This society, whose house is in Bishopsgate Street, is still
-alive, and, what is more, flourishing. About this he wrote four or five
-pamphlets and books. This seems only to have served as a whet to his
-appetite for philanthropy, for in 1758 he paid £50 to qualify himself
-as a Life-Governor of the Foundling Hospital. This, naturally, led him
-to think upon the source whence the foundlings principally came: and he
-turned his attention towards the foundation of a Magdalen (?) Hospital,
-which was, with the cooperation of several gentlemen, established in
-London in 1758, in Great Prescott Street, Goodman’s Fields (the site of
-which is now, or used to be, called Magdalen Row).
-
-Many more books and pamphlets on the above subjects, the Foundling
-Hospital, the Marine and Stepney Societies, the Encouragement of
-British Troops, etc., occupied his leisure until 1760, when he took
-in hand the social question of giving fees, or _vails_, to servants,
-and wrote two pamphlets on the subject. In one of them are some very
-humorous stories of this absurd custom, one, especially, which from its
-raciness has become somewhat hackneyed.[84] ‘It is a more _humorous_
-Story they tell of ---- after he had dined with ----. The Servants with
-assiduous duty had taken the best care of his friend’s _Hat_, _Sword_,
-_Cane_, _Cloak_, and among the rest his _Gloves_ also. When he came to
-demand them, every Servant, with the most submissive respect, brought
-his part of the Old Gentleman’s _personal furniture_, and so many
-_Shillings_ were distributed with his usual liberality; but, as he was
-going away without his _Gloves_, one of the Servants reminded him of
-it, to which he answered, “_No matter, friend, you may keep the Gloves,
-they are not worth a Shilling._”’
-
-Hanway tried to do away with this social tax, which, however, remains
-to this day. But a very good story is told of Robert Hamilton of
-Kilbrachmont.[85] ‘After a party at Kellie Castle the guests were
-passing through the Hall where the servants were drawn up to receive
-their vails, in those days a customary exaction at great houses. The
-gifts of those who preceded “Robbie” (as the Laird was commonly called)
-drew forth no expression of gratitude, not even a smile, but when his
-turn came for performing the ceremony their features were at once
-lighted up with something even approaching to a laugh.
-
-‘“What did you give the fellows, Robbie?” said his friends, when they
-got outside; “they looked as sour as vinegar till your turn came.”
-
-‘“Deil a bawbee they got frae me,” said Robbie, “I just kittled their
-loof.”’[86]
-
-This system of feeing servants received a crushing blow on the
-production (in 1759) of the Rev. James Townley’s farce of ‘High Life
-below Stairs,’ which probably led to Hanway’s writing his two pamphlets
-on the subject.
-
-He used occasionally to go to Court--but never solicited any place for
-himself; still it was thought that his philanthropic exertions should
-be rewarded, more especially as he had by no means a large fortune. So
-a deputation of five prominent citizens of London, amongst whom was
-Hoare the banker, waited on Lord Bute (who was then Prime Minister),
-and asked that some substantial recognition of his services should
-made. Their representations had weight, and, in July, 1762, he was
-appointed one of the commissioners for victualling the Navy.
-
-He was now in easy circumstances, and his official duties could not
-have been very heavy, for in that year he wrote four pamphlets on
-‘Meditations on Life, &c.,’ ‘Registration of the Parish Poor, and
-Ventilation,’ his pet Magdalens, and a ‘Disquisition on Peace and
-War’ themes so diverse that they show the variety of subjects that
-occupied his serious attention. In fact, he scribbled on an infinity
-of things--all having for their aim the benefit of mankind. He had
-a financial scheme ‘for saving from Seventy Thousand Pounds to One
-Hundred and Fifty Thousand Pounds to the Public;’ he wrote on the ‘Uses
-and Advantages of Music;’ the ‘Case of the Canadians at Montreal;’ ‘The
-Soldier’s Faithful Friend, being Moral and Religious Advice to private
-Men in the Army and Militia;’ the ‘Registration of the Children of
-the Poor;’ another pamphlet on the rising generation of the labouring
-poor; and, not content with addressing the private soldier, he must
-needs write ‘The Christian Officer, addressed to the Officers of his
-Majesty’s forces, &c.’
-
-About this time he was evidently most _goody-goody_. He wrote ‘Moral
-and Religious Instruction to young Persons;’ ‘Moral and Religious
-Instructions, intended for Apprentices among the lower Classes of the
-People;’ ‘Letters to the Guardians of the Infant Poor;’ ‘Rules and
-Regulations of the Magdalene Hospital, with Prayers, &c.;’ ‘Advice to
-a Daughter, on her going to Service, &c.;’ ‘Advice from a Farmer to
-his Daughter;’ ‘Observations on the Causes of the Dissoluteness which
-reigns among the lower Classes of the People.’
-
-He could not even leave to Mrs. Elizabeth Montague of the
-‘Blue-Stocking Club’ notoriety, her championship and patronage of the
-poor little climbing boys--and he fired off a pamphlet on ‘The State of
-Chimney-Sweepers’ young Apprentices, &c.’ These poor little friendless
-mortals excited his pity, and his first efforts in their behalf were
-to get them regularly bound apprentices, so as to bring them under
-the cognizance of the magistracy; he advocated and inaugurated a
-subscription to defray the expense, and supply them with clothes. And
-this movement was attended with considerable success, for many boys
-were bound apprentices, and some of the masters were prosecuted for
-cruelty to their boys.
-
-Then, to show the diversity of his talents, he wrote two pamphlets on
-bread, and a book in two volumes on ‘Virtue in humble life, &c.’ In
-1775 he published a large quarto volume on ‘The Defects of Police, the
-Causes of Immorality, &c.,’ and in the copy which I have before me, is
-written, ‘TO THE KING, _with the Author’s most humble Duty_.’ In this
-book, among other things, he advocated solitary, or rather isolated
-confinement--permitting the prisoners to work, and giving them an
-increased dietary according to their labour, This was followed in 1776
-by a pamphlet on ‘Solitude in Imprisonment, with proper labour, &c.’
-
-He was now sixty-four years of age, but he was as bodily active as
-he was mentally, and in February, 1776, he had to go over to Hamburg
-in connection with his duties as one of the commissioners of the
-Victualling Board. In 1777, 1778, and 1782, he wrote three books on
-the Lord’s Supper--and from that time he wrote, until he died in 1786,
-on all sorts of subjects, religious, social, and political, a list of
-which would only be wearisome. In the summer of 1786 his health gave
-way, and he was evidently sinking, but he lingered until the 5th of
-September, when he calmly passed away--perfectly prepared for the great
-change, putting on a fine ruffled shirt, giving up his keys, disposing
-of some trinkets, and having his will read to him. Death came easily to
-him, and he expired with the word ‘Christ’ upon his lips.
-
-Such was the life, and such was the death, of Jonas Hanway, whose
-biography is not half well enough known.
-
-
-
-
-A HOLY VOYAGE TO RAMSGATE A HUNDRED YEARS AGO.
-
-
-This little story, which I very much condense, is most amusing, and is
-the work of ‘Henry Blaine, Minister of the Gospel at Tring, Herts.’
-I only give it as showing the dread with which any country-bred man,
-at that time, put his precious body at the mercy of Father Neptune.
-Steam has changed all our habits, but then there were no ‘Globe
-Trotters,’--few, if any, climbed the Alps for amusement; the Dolomites
-were unknown; people had no steam-yachts and went in pursuit of
-perpetual summer; a cruise to the Pacific Islands and Japan was never
-dreamt of; there was no Mudie’s library to scatter broadcast holiday
-tours, for they never existed--so that we must look upon this relation
-of an inland-bred ‘Minister of the Gospel’ (whose long and extremely
-pious, but wearisome, exordia I omit) with very different eyes, to a
-similar one published in the present day.
-
-It is a tract of fifty-four pages, and commences, ‘In hopes of
-recovering that invaluable blessing, health, on Friday, August 10,
-1787, I embarked on board the ship FRIENDS bound for RAMSGATE, in
-KENT. I had heard there was such a place; and many had raised my
-expectations by their reports of the efficacy of sea-bathing; and
-others encouraged my hopes by repeating their own experience of benefit
-received. By these means I was induced to determine on this little
-voyage. It reminded me of the never-to-be-forgotten season, when, urged
-by some motives, and impelled by a power unseen, but not unfelt, I
-entered on board that stately vessel which the Lord’s prophet saw in a
-storm. _Isaiah 54.--11._’
-
-This is a sample of the tract. He then goes on to say: ‘While we waited
-for the time of sailing (for different purposes, I suppose), many came
-on board, and appeared, to me at least, as if they intended to embark
-with us: but they left not the harbour, but, urged by other occasions
-and inducements, they took leave of their friends and departed; while
-we, who were bound for a distant place, kept steady to our purpose,
-turned our backs upon home and waited patiently for the gentle breeze
-and driving tide to convey us to the desired port.’
-
-We can well imagine the good man, when he got back to Tring, giving,
-for a long time, his soul-harrowing experiences of that memorable
-voyage. He should have lived in our days and have been ‘Our Special
-Correspondent’ on whom the editor of the newspaper relies to fill so
-many columns--for every detail is taken, evidently note-book in hand.
-Witness this: ‘When our sails were displayed, and our cable unloosed,
-assisted by a gentle gale, we began by degrees to view the lofty
-towers, the aspiring churches, and all the grandeurs of London at a
-distance behind us: in hopes of finding something we could not find in
-town, we turned our attention from the pleasures, and riches, and pomps
-of London; we bid farewel, for a time, to our dearest friends; we laid
-aside our daily and domestic cares, and cheerfully forsook the dear
-delights of home.’
-
-At length they were fairly started on their voyage, which from the
-crowded state of the river, and the excessive timidity of the writer,
-must have been vastly perilous. ‘Our vessel, though it set sail with
-a fair wind, and gently fell down the river towards her destined
-port, yet once or twice was nearly striking against other vessels in
-the river, to her own injury; but, by the care of the steersman and
-sailors, she was timely prevented.... There was no spectacle more
-affecting, in all the little voyage, than the bodies of those unhappy
-malefactors which were hung up, _in terrorem_, on the margin of the
-river Thames. Surely these was some of the execrable characters whom
-Justice pursued, who, though “they escaped the sea, yet vengeance
-suffered not to live. _Acts 28.--4._” ... Having passed these
-spectacles of horror, a fair wind and flowing tide smoothly carried us
-towards the boundless ocean....
-
-‘When we drew towards the conflux of the river Thames there were two
-objects that attracted our notice: the one, the King’s guardship,
-placed there for the purposes of good œconomy, the other a large
-painted vessel which floated on the surface of the water, and is called
-a buoy. While we were passing the king’s ship, I heard the report
-of a cannon, and saw the flash of the charge at some distance; and,
-on inquiring the reason of such a circumstance, was informed it was
-customary for every ship which passed, by way of obedience, to lower
-her topsail; but the firing of the gun made them hasten to show their
-obedience, for fear of a more unfavourable salute; for, though a flash
-of powder might give us some alarm, the discharge of a ball might make
-us _feel_ the effects of disobedience.... Hitherto the generality of
-our company appeared to carry jollity and mirth in their countenances;
-but now we began to see the blushing rose die in the sickly cheek,
-and several of our passengers began to feel the sickening effects
-of the rolling sea; they withdrew from their mirth, and in pleasure
-crept into a corner, and silently mourned their lost pleasures in
-solitude.... Thrice happy the souls who are by divine grace made sick
-of unsatisfying delights, and compelled to withdraw from unsatisfying
-objects, and seek and find permanent bliss in the friendship of
-Immanuel!
-
-‘There had been the appearance of affability and good-humour kept
-up among the passengers of our vessel, and a reciprocal exchange of
-civilities had passed between them; our bad tempers were for awhile
-laid aside, and we seemed mutually agreed to make each other as
-innocently happy as our present. If the same mode of conduct was
-observed through the whole of our department, how would the ills of
-life be softened, and the ties of society sweetened!...
-
-‘The eyelid of the day was now nearly closed upon us, and the gloom
-of darkness began to surround us, which, together with the hollow
-bellowing of the wind, and dashing waves, had a tendency to create very
-solemn ideas in the mind; and I, being a stranger to such scenes, had
-my mind exercised upon things of greater importance....
-
-‘About ten o’clock on Friday night we were brought safely into the
-harbour of Margate, and then cast anchor in order to set a great
-number of our passengers on shore, who were bound for that place of
-rendezvous. How great are the advantages of navigation! By the skill
-and care of three men and a boy, a number of persons were in safety
-conveyed from one part to another of the kingdom....
-
-‘When we had safely landed our passengers at Margate, we weighed anchor
-at eleven o’clock at night, in order to sail round the North Foreland
-for Ramsgate. The North Foreland is a point of land which stretches out
-some way into the sea, and is the extreme part of our country on the
-right hand, when we sail down the river Thames; and sailing round the
-point into the British Channel is esteemed by sailors rather dangerous.
-However, there was danger enough to awaken the apprehensions of a
-freshwater sailor. Yet here with some degree of confidence in Him who
-exercises His power over the sea and dry land, I laid me down and slept
-in quietness, while the rattling waves drove against the sides of our
-vessel, and the rustling winds shook our sails, and made our yielding
-masts to speak. I was led to reflect that now there was but a feeble
-plank between me and the bottomless deep, yet, by a reliance on the
-divine goodness, my fears were hushed, and a divine calm prevailed
-within. “Thou will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is staid on
-thee.” _Isaiah 26.--3._
-
-‘On Saturday morning I awoke and heard a peaceful sound from shore,
-which informed me it was two o’clock; and, inquiring where we were, I
-found we were safe anchored within the commodious harbour of Ramsgate.
-Being so early an hour, we again composed ourselves to sleep, and lay
-till five o’clock; then leaving our sleeping apartment, and mounting
-the peaceful deck--not like the frighted sailor, who leaves the horrid
-hulk to view a thousand deaths from winds, and waves, and rocks,
-without a friendly shore in view--but to see one of the finest retreats
-from all these dangers, which Providence has provided for the safety of
-those who are exposed to the violence and rage of angry elements. The
-commodious Pier of Ramsgate seems admirably calculated to shelter and
-protect vessels which are threatened with destruction from winds and
-waves. This beautiful piece of architecture is built in the form of a
-Crescent, or half-moon, the points of which join to the land.... The
-whole of this building of utility appeared to bear a clear resemblance
-to the glorious Mediator in his offices, who is appointed for a refuge
-from the storm....
-
-‘By six in the morning we went on shore, and joyfully met our friends,
-who were brought down the day before; but in their passage were
-overtaken by a violent storm of thunder and lightning, whilst our
-voyage was smooth and prosperous; but, in the morning, we all met
-in peace and safety. Thus we sat down to a friendly breakfast, and
-cheerfully talked over the adventures of the little voyage. Something
-like this, I think, may take place in the state of blessedness....
-While we were thus employed, we consulted how to dispose of ourselves
-while we continued at Ramsgate; we mutually agreed to form ourselves
-into a little family, and though we could not all lodge, yet we wished
-to board together in the same house.’ This is a pleasing instance
-of _bonne camaraderie_ engendered, in a short time, among agreeable
-companions.
-
-‘In order to pursue the design of our coming, some of our company
-mixed among the bathers at the seaside. The convenience of bathing,
-the coolness of a fine summer’s morning, the agreeable appearance of
-company so early, and the novelty of the scene, had a very pleasing
-effect.... We began to look around us; and though we were not presented
-with objects of taste and elegance, yet the town and environs afforded
-us some rural prospects, which yielded both instruction and pleasure.
-Upon our left hand, as we ascended from the sea-side, stands the seat
-of observation, erected on a point of land, and commanding an extensive
-prospect over that part of the sea called the Downs, where you behold
-a number of ships lying at anchor, or on their passage to different
-parts of the world. From thence you may likewise see the lofty cliffs
-of France, and reverberating the light of the sun; while, at the same
-time, you may, by way of amusement, watch the motions of every boat
-coming in and going out of the harbour; and, as the sea is always
-varying, its appearance altogether affords an agreeable amusement. Here
-the Company frequently stop to rest themselves after a morning’s or an
-evening’s walk, and are sweetly regaled by the cool refreshing breezes
-of the sea....
-
-‘It might be thought strange was I to say nothing of Margate, that
-being the chief resort for bathers, and of growing repute. The town
-of Margate is in a very increasing state, and its principal ornaments
-consist of its late additions. The chief concern of the publick seems
-to render it as much a place for pleasure as utility, as, under colour
-of utility, persons can pursue pleasure without censure. A mother,
-for instance, might be highly blamed by her acquaintance for leaving
-her family for a month, and going to spend her husband’s money; but
-who can blame her when her health requires it? They are modelling
-it according to the taste of the times. They have, indeed, built one
-place of worship, but a playhouse nearly four times as large. Thus,
-when ill-health does not interrupt the company’s pursuit of amusement,
-they are likely soon to be accommodated to their minds. Such is the
-provision already made, that the consumptive cough of a delicate
-lady may be furnished with the relief of the fumes of a smoking hot
-assembly-room, and the embarrassed citizen may drown his anxiety in the
-amusements of the Card-table....
-
-‘The libraries are decently furnished, and may serve as a kind of
-lounging Exchange, where persons overburdened with money and time may
-ease themselves with great facility. The most healthful amusement, and
-best suited to invalids, that is pursued at Margate, is that of the
-bowling-green, where, upon the top of a hill, and in full prospect of
-the sea, in a free open air, gentlemen may exercise their bodies, and
-unbend their minds; this, if pursued for the benefit of health and
-innocent recreation, with a serious friend, appears to have no more
-criminality in it than Peter’s going a fishing....
-
-‘Having staid as long at Ramsgate as our affairs at home would, with
-prudence, admit; we went on board the same ship, and re-embarked for
-London. In order, I suppose, to take the better advantage, we sailed
-some leagues right out to sea; but, it being a dead calm, we hardly
-experienced any other motion than was occasioned by the tide and swell
-of the sea for that night. The cry of the sailors, Blow! Blow! reminded
-me of that pathetick exclamation of the ancient Church! The next day
-proved equally calm, so that we had little else to divert us but walk
-about the deck, and watch the rolling of the porpoises in the sea.
-We had an old sailor on board, whose patience being tired, declared
-he preferred being at sea in a storm to being becalmed on the ocean,
-which struck me with the propriety of the observation, when applied to
-Christian experience; for a storm, under Divine direction, is often
-made the means of hastening the Christian’s progress, while a dead calm
-is useless and unsafe.’
-
-It took them two days to get to Margate, and another day to reach
-Gravesend. On their way they passed a vessel cast on shore, which ‘cut
-a dismal figure, such as they make, to an enlightened eye, who make
-shipwreck of faith, whom Christians see, as they pursue their course,
-run aground, and dash to pieces.’
-
-By the time they came to Gravesend some of the passengers had had
-enough of the Hoy--so they hired a boat and four men to row them to
-London, but the wind getting up, the river became rough, and the
-boat being over-loaded, the boatmen begged them to get on board a
-fishing-smack, which they did, and arrived at Billingsgate safely.
-We can hardly imagine, in these days of steam, that a journey from
-Ramsgate to London would last from Monday morning to Wednesday night,
-but people did not hurry themselves too much in those days.
-
-
-
-
-QUACKS OF THE CENTURY.
-
-
-In all ages there have been pretenders to medical science, and it has
-been reserved to the present century to elevate the healing art into
-a real science, based on proper physiological facts, aided by the
-searching analyses of modern chemistry. The old alchemists had died
-out, yet they had some pretensions to learning, but the pharmacopœia
-at the commencement of the eighteenth century was in a deplorable
-condition. Surgery, for rough purposes, had existed since the earliest
-ages, because accidents would happen, then as now; and, moreover,
-there were wars, which necessitated the amputation of limbs, etc., but
-medicine, except in the knowledge of the virtue of herbs and simples,
-was in more than a primitive state. Anyone who chose, could dub himself
-Doctor, and, naturally, the privilege was largely taken advantage of.
-
-The name of quack, or quacksalver, does not seem to have been much
-used before the seventeenth century, and its derivation has not been
-distinctly settled. In the ‘Antiquities of Egypt,’ etc., by William
-Osburn, junior, London, 1847, p. 94, he says: ‘The idea of a physician
-is frequently represented by a species of duck, the name of which is
-CHIN: the Egyptian word for physician was also CHINI.’ But neither
-Pierret, in his ‘Vocabulaire Hieroglyphique,’ nor Bunsen, in ‘Egypt’s
-Place in Universal History,’ endorse this statement. Still the Egyptian
-equivalent for cackling, or the noise of a goose, was _Ka ka_, and in
-Coptic _Ouok_, pronounced very much like quack.
-
-The Germans also use the word _Quacksalber_, and the Dutch
-_Kwaksalver_, a term which Bilderdijk, in his ‘Geslachtlijst der
-Naamwoorden,’ (derivation or gender of men’s names) says, ought more
-properly to be _Kwabsalver_, from _Kwab_, a wen, and _Salver_, to
-anoint. Be this as it may, the English word quack certainly means an
-illegitimate medical practitioner, a pretender to medical science,
-whose pretensions are not warranted by his knowledge.
-
-The seventeenth century was prolific in quacks--a notable example being
-John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester. Both Bishop Burnet and De Gramont agree
-that, during one of his banishments from Court, he lived in Tower
-Street (next door to the sign of the ‘Black Swan,’ at a goldsmith’s
-house), and there practised as a quack doctor, as one Alexander Bendo,
-newly arrived from Germany. There is a famous mountebank speech of his
-extant, copies of which exist not only in broad sheets, but in some of
-the jest-books of the seventeenth century, which, genuine or not, is
-very amusing. It is far too long to transcribe here, but perhaps I may
-be pardoned if I give a short extract.
-
-‘The knowledge of these secrets I gathered in my travels abroad (where
-I have spent my time ever since I was fifteen years old to this, my
-nine and twentieth year) in France and Italy. Those that have travelled
-in Italy will tell you what a miracle of art does there assist
-nature in the preservation of beauty: how women of forty bear the
-same countenance with them of fifteen: ages are no way distinguished
-by faces; whereas, here in England, look a horse in the mouth and a
-woman in the face, you presently know both their ages to a year. I
-will, therefore, give you such remedies that, without destroying your
-complexion (as most of your paints and daubings do) shall render them
-perfectly fair; clearing and preserving them from all spots, freckles,
-heats, pimples, and marks of the small-pox, or any other accidental
-ones, so that the face be not seamed or scarred.
-
-‘I will also cleanse and preserve your _teeth_ white and round as
-pearls, fastening them that are loose: your gums shall be kept entire,
-as red as coral; your lips of the same colour, and soft as you could
-wish your lawful kisses.
-
-‘I will likewise administer that which shall cure the worst of breaths,
-provided the lungs be not totally perished and imposthumated; as
-also certain and infallible remedies for those whose breaths are yet
-untainted; so that nothing but either a very long sickness, or old age
-itself, shall ever be able to spoil them.
-
-‘I will, besides, (if it be desired) _take away_ from their fatness
-who have over much, and _add_ flesh to those that want it, without the
-least detriment to their constitutions.’
-
-By his plausible manners and good address, he soon gathered round him
-a large _clientèle_ of servants, etc., for he told fortunes as well
-as cured diseases. These told their mistresses, and they too came to
-consult the wise man. Even the Court ladies came _incognito_ to see
-him, and _la belle_ Jennings, sister to the famous Sarah, first Duchess
-of Marlborough, went, with the beautiful Miss Price, to have their
-fortunes told, disguised as orange-wenches, and in all probability
-their visit would never have been heard of, had they not met with
-a disagreeable adventure with a somewhat dissolute gentleman named
-Brounker, who was gentleman of the chamber to the Duke of York, and
-brother to Viscount Brounker, President of the Royal Society.
-
-John Cotgrave[87] thus describes the quack of his time:
-
- ‘My name is Pulse-feel, a poor Doctor of Physick,
- That does wear three pile Velvet in his Hat,
- Has paid a quarter’s Rent of his house before-hand,
- And (simple as he stands here) was made Doctor beyond sea.
- I vow, as I am Right worshipful, the taking
- Of my Degree cost me twelve French Crowns, and
- Thirty-five pounds of Butter in upper _Germany_.
- I can make your beauty and preserve it,
- Rectifie your body and maintaine it,
- Clarifie your blood, surfle[88] your cheeks, perfume
- Your skin, tinct your hair, enliven your eye,
- Heighten your Appetite; and, as for Jellies,
- Dentifrizes, Dyets, Minerals, Fucusses,[89]
- Pomatums, Fumes, Italia Masks to sleep in,
- Either to moisten or dry the superficies, _Paugh_, _Galen_
- Was a Goose, and _Paracelsus_ a patch
- To Doctor _Pulse-feel_.’
-
-Then there was that arch quack and empiric, Sir Kenelm Digby, with his
-‘sympathetic powder,’ etc., and Dr. Saffold, originally a weaver, who
-distributed his handbills broadcast, advertising his ability to cure
-every disease under the sun.
-
-Also in this century is a poem called ‘The Dispensary,’[90] by Sir
-Samuel Garth, who lived in Queen Anne’s time, which gives the following
-account of a quack and his surroundings:
-
- ‘So truly _Horoscope_ its Virtues knows,
- To this bright Idol[91] ’tis, alone, he bows;
- And fancies that a Thousand Pound supplies
- The want of twenty Thousand Qualities.
- Long has he been of that amphibious Fry,
- Bold to prescribe, and busie to apply.
- His Shop the gazing Vulgar’s Eyes employs
- With foreign Trinkets, and domestick Toys.
- Here _Mummies_ lay, most reverently stale,
- And there, the _Tortois_ hung her Coat o’ Mail;
- Not far from some huge _Shark’s_ devouring Head,
- The flying Fish their finny Pinions spread.
- Aloft in rows large Poppy Heads were strung,
- And near, a scaly Alligator hung.
- In this place, Drugs in Musty heaps decay’d,
- In that, dry’d Bladders, and drawn Teeth were laid.
- An inner Room receives the numerous Shoals
- Of such as pay to be reputed Fools.
- Globes stand by Globes, Volumns on Volumns lie,
- And Planitary Schemes amuse the eye
- The Sage, in Velvet Chair, here lolls at ease,
- To promise future Health for present Fees.
- Then, as from _Tripod_, solemn shams reveals,
- And what the Stars know nothing of, reveals.’
-
-Medicine in the last century was very crude. Bleeding and purging were
-matters of course; but some of the remedies in the pharmacopœia were
-very curious. Happy the patient who knew not the composition of his
-dose. Take the following:[92]
-
-‘Or sometimes a quarter of a pint of the following decoction may be
-drank alone four times a day:
-
-‘Take a fresh viper, freed from the head, skin, and intestines, cut in
-pieces; candied eryngo root, sliced, two ounces. Boil them gently in
-three pints of water, to a pint and three-quarters, and to the strained
-liquor add simple and spiritous cinnamon waters, of each two ounces.
-Mix them together, to be taken as above directed.
-
-‘The following viper broth (taken from the London Dispensatory) is a
-very nutritious and proper restorative food in this case, and seems to
-be one of the best preparations of the viper: for all the benefit that
-can be expected from that animal is by this means obtained:
-
-‘Take a middle-sized viper, freed from head, skin, and intestines; and
-two pints of water. Boil them to a pint and a half; then remove the
-vessel from the fire; and when the liquor is grown cold, let the fat,
-which congeals upon the surface, if the viper was fresh, be taken off.
-Into this broth, whilst warm, put a pullet of a moderate size, drawn
-and freed from the skin, and all the fat, but with the flesh intire.
-Set the vessel on the fire again, that the liquor may boil; then
-remove it from the fire, take out the chicken, and immediately chop
-its flesh into little pieces: put these into the liquor again, set it
-over the fire, and as soon as it boils up, pour out the broth, first
-carefully taking off the scum.
-
-‘Of this broth let the patient take half a pint every morning, at two
-of the clock in the afternoon, and at supper-time.’
-
-In the same book, also (p. 97), we find the following remedy for cancer:
-
-‘Dr. Heister, professor of physic and surgery in the university of
-_Helmstadt_ in _Germany_, with many others, greatly extols the virtue
-of millepedes, or wood-lice, in this case; and, perhaps, the best way
-of administering them is as follows:
-
-‘Take of live wood-lice, one ounce; fine sugar, two drams; a little
-powder of nutmeg; and half a pint of alexeterial water. Let the
-wood-lice and sugar, with the nutmeg, be ground together in a marble
-mortar, then gradually add the water, which being well mixed, strain it
-with hard pressing. Two ounces of this expression are to be taken twice
-a day, shaking the vessel, so that no part of it may be lost.’
-
-And it also seems that much virtue was attached to the great number
-of component parts in a medicine, as may be seen in the recipe for
-_Arquebusade Water_[93] (from the same book, p. 101).
-
-‘Take of comfrey leaves and root, sage, mugwort, bugloss, each four
-handfulls; betony, sanicle, ox-eye daisy, common daisy, greater
-figwort, plantane, agrimony, vervain, wormwood, fennel, each two
-handfulls; St. John’s wort, long birthwort, orpine, veronica, lesser
-centaury, milfoil, tobacco, mouse-ear, mint, hyssop, each one handfull;
-wine twenty-four pounds. Having cut and bruised the herbs, pour on them
-the wine, and let them stand together, in digestion, in horse dung, or
-any other equivalent heat, for three days: afterwards distill in an
-alembic with a moderate fire.
-
-‘This celebrated water has for some time been held in great esteem, in
-contusions, for resolving coagulated blood, discussing the tumors that
-arise on fractures and dislocations, for preventing the progress of
-gangrenes, and cleansing and healing ulcers and wounds, particularly
-gunshot wounds....’
-
-Amongst the empyrical medicines, the following is much cried up by many
-people, as an infallible remedy:
-
-‘Take two ounces of the worts that grow dangling to the hinder heels
-of a stone horse,[94] wash them in common water, then infuse them in
-white wine all night, and afterwards let them be dried, and reduced to
-powder. The dose is half a dram twice a day, in any proper vehicle. A
-dram of Venice soap given twice a day, either in pills, or dissolved in
-some proper liquor, is likewise said to cure a Cancer.’
-
-In the early part of the eighteenth century, the regular physicians
-were very ignorant. Ward[95] thus describes them, and, although his
-language was coarse, he was a keen observer.
-
-‘They rail mightily in their Writings against the ignorance of _Quacks_
-and _Mountebanks_, yet, for the sake of _Lucre_, they Licence all the
-Cozening Pretenders about Town, or they could not Practise; which
-shows it is by their Toleration that the People are Cheated out of
-their Lives and Money; and yet they think themselves so Honest, as to
-be no ways answerable for this Publick Injury; as if they could not
-kill People fast enough themselves, but must depute all the Knaves
-in the Town to be Death’s Journeymen. Thus do they License what they
-ought carefully to Suppress; and Practise themselves what they Blame
-and Condemn in others; And that the Town may not be deceived by
-_Apothecaries_, they have made themselves _Medicine-Mongers_,[96] under
-a pretence of serving the Publick with more faithful preparations; in
-order to perswade the World to a belief of which, they have publish’d
-Bills, where, in the true _Quack’s_ Dialect, they tell you the Poor
-shall be supply’d for nothing; but whoever is so Needy as to make a
-Challenge of their promise empty-handed, will find, according to the
-_Mountebank’s_ saying, _No Money, No Cure_. The disposal of their
-Medicines they leave to a Boy’s management, who scarce knows _Mercurius
-Dulcis_ from _White Sugar_, or _Mint Water_ from _Aqua Fortis_: So that
-People are likely to be well serv’d, or Prescriptions truly observed by
-such an Agent.’
-
-If this was a faithful portrait of a physician in the commencement
-of the century, what must a charlatan have been? They sowed their
-hand-bills broadcast. Gay, in his ‘Trivia,’ book ii., says,
-
- ‘If the pale Walker pants with weak’ning Ills,
- His sickly Hand is stor’d with Friendly Bills:
- From hence he learns the seventh born[97] Doctor’s Fame,
- From hence he learns the cheapest Tailor’s name.’
-
-So universal was this practice of advertising that, to quote Ward[98]
-once more, when talking of the Royal Exchange, he says,
-
-‘The Wainscote was adorn’d with Quacks’ Bills, instead of Pictures;
-never an Emperick in the Town, but had his Name in a Lacquered Frame,
-containing a fair Invitation for a Fool and his Money to be soon
-parted.’
-
-The newspapers teemed with quack advertisements. These, of course, we
-have; but we also have preserved to us a quantity of the ephemeral
-hand-bills, which, presumably, were kept on account of the intrinsic
-merits they possessed. They are a curious study. There was the ‘Oxford
-Doctor at the Fleet Prison, near Fleet Bridge, London,’ who would sell
-ten pills in a box for sixpence, warranted a cure for the ‘_Scurvy_,
-_Dropsie_, and _Colt-evil_,’ would provide a remedy for ‘_Headach_,
-_Sore Eyes_, _Toothach_, _Stomachach_, _Bleeding_, _Scorbutick Gums_,
-_Black_, _Yellow_, _foul Teeth_, _Cramp_, _Worms_, _Itch_, _Kibes_,
-_and Chilblains_; the Price of each proper Specifick, Twopence. Teeth
-or stumps of Teeth, Drawn with Ease and Safety, Let Blood neatly,
-Issues or Setons Curiously made; _For Two Pence each, and welcome_.
-By the Doctor that puts forth this paper, you may be Taught Writing,
-Arithmetick, Latin, Greek, and Hebrew, at reasonable Rates by the
-great, _Or Two Pence each of them by the Week_.’ Presumably, as he does
-not advertise it, he could not teach manners at the same traditional
-price.
-
-There was another who sold the _Elixir Stomachum_ which was sold at the
-various coffee-houses about town, and he complains thus: ‘☞ Garrowaye,
-the Apple-man at the Exchange, who had it of me, to sell, for five or
-six years, I have lately found out, is Counterfeiting it, and have
-removed mine from him; and what he now sells is a Counterfeit sort, and
-not the Right, as was formerly Sold there.’
-
-There was a man, living in Blackfriars, who was so modest that he
-veiled his identity under the initials R.C., who, from two in the
-afternoon till night, ‘will give to all People a Secret how they may
-utterly destroy _Buggs_ without injury to their Goods, at reasonable
-rates; do as you are Taught, and if any be doubtful of the truth of it,
-they may have full satisfaction of them that have Experienced it.’
-
-Here is a gentleman who gives a minute address. ‘_In Petty France,
-Westminster, at a house with a black dore_, and a Red Knocker, between
-the Sign of the _Rose and Crown_ and _Jacob’s Well_, is a _German_ who
-hath a Powder which, with the blessing of God upon it, certainly cures
-the Stone, &c.... If any person of known Integrity will affirm that
-upon following their directions the cure is not perfected, they shall
-have their Money returned. Therefore be not unwilling to come for help,
-but suspend your Judgment till you have try’d, and then speak as you
-find.’
-
-There is another, which may belong to the previous century--but it is
-so hard to tell, either by means of type or wood blocks--put forth
-by ‘_Salvator Winter_, an _Italian_ of the City of _Naples_, Aged 98
-years, Yet, by the Blessing of God, finds himself in health, and as
-strong as anyone of Fifty, as to the Sensitive part; Which first he
-attributes to God, and then to his _Elixir Vitæ_, which he always
-carries in his pocket adayes, and at Night under his pillow; And when
-he finds himself distemper’d, he taketh a Spoonful or two, according
-as need requireth.‘ It is needless to say that the _Elixir_ was
-warranted to cure every evil under the sun, including such diverse
-maladies as catarrhs, sore eyes, hardness of hearing, toothache, sore
-throat, consumption, obstructions in the stomach, and worms. The net
-was arranged to catch every kind of fish. In fact, his business was so
-profitable that he had a successor, ‘_Salvator Winter, Junior_,’ who
-says thus: ‘My father, aged 98 years, yet enjoys his perfect health,
-which, next to the blessing of God, he attributes to the _Elixir Vitæ_
-having alway a bottle of it in his pocket, drinking a spoonful thereof
-four or five times a day; snuffing it very strongly up his Nostrils,
-and bathing his Temples; thus by prevention, he fortifies his vital
-Spirits.’
-
-Nor did the sterner sex monopolise the profession of quackdom, for
-‘At the _Blew-Ball_ in _Grays-Inn Lane_, near _Holborn Barrs_, next
-Door to a _Tallow-Chandler_, where you may see my Name upon a Board
-over the Door, _liveth_ Elizabeth Maris, _the True German Gentlewoman_
-lately arrived.’ It seems that we were much indebted to Germany for
-our quacks, for ‘At the _Boot_ and _Spatter dash_,[99] next Door but
-One to the _Vine Tavern_, in _Long-Acre_, near _Drury Lane_, Liveth
-a German D^r. and Surgeon, Who by the blessing of GOD on his great
-Pains, Travels and Experience, hath had wonderful Success in the Cure
-of the Diseases following,’ &c. There was also ‘_Cornelius à Tilbourg_,
-Sworn Chirurgeon in _Ordinary_ to K. _Charles_ the II., to our late
-Sovereign K. _William_, as also to Her present Majesty Queen _Ann_.’
-
-A certain _John Choke_, whose motto was ‘NOTHING WITHOUT GOD,’ and
-was ‘an approved Physician; and farther, Priviledged by his Majesty,’
-advertised ‘an Arcane which I had in _Germany_, from the Famous and
-most Learned _Baptista Van Helmont_, of worthy Memory (whose Daughter I
-Wedded), and whose Prœscripts most Physicians follow.’
-
-Curative and magical powers seem to have extended from seventh sons
-of seventh sons to women--for I find an advertisement, ‘At the Sign
-of the _Blew-Ball_, at the upper end of _Labour in vain-Street_, next
-_Shadwell-New-Market_, Liveth a Seventh Daughter, who learn’d her
-Skill by one of the ablest Physicians in _England_ (her uncle was
-one of K. Charles’s and K. James’s twelve Doctors), who resolves all
-manner of Questions, and interprets Dreams to admiration, and hath
-never fail’d (with God’s Blessing) what she took in hand.’ Also there
-was a book published late in the seventeenth century, called ‘The
-WOMAN’S PROPHECY, or the Rare and Wonderful DOCTRESS, foretelling a
-Thousand strange monstrous things that shall come to pass before New
-Year’s day next, or afterwards--. She likewise undertakes to cure
-the most desperate Diseases of the Female Sex, as the _Glim’ring of
-the Gizzard_, the _Quavering of the Kidneys_, the _Wambling Trot_,
-&c.’ A man who lived at the ‘Three Compasses’ in Maiden Lane, also
-issued a hand bill that he would infallibly cure ‘several strange
-diseases, which (though as yet not known to the world) he will plainly
-demonstrate to any Ingenious Artist to be the greatest Causes of the
-most common Distempers incident to the Body of Man. The Names of which
-take as follow: The _Strong Fives_, the _Marthambles_, the _Moon-Pall_,
-the _Hockogrocle_.’
-
-Then there was a medicine which was administered to children even
-in my young days, ‘DAFFY’S _famous_ ELIXIR SALUTIS, prepared by
-_Katharine Daffy_. The finest now exposed to Sale, prepar’d from the
-best Druggs, according to Art, and the Original Receipt, which my
-Father, Mr. _Thomas Daffy_, late Rector of _Redmile_, in the Valley
-of _Belvoir_, having experienc’d the Virtues of it, imparted to his
-Kinsman, Mr. _Anthony Daffy_, who publish’d the same to the Benefit of
-the Community, and his own great Advantage. This very Original Receipt
-is now in my possession, left to me by my father aforesaid, under his
-own Hand. My own Brother, Mr. _Daniel Daffy_, formerly Apothecary in
-_Nottingham_, made this ELIXIR from the same Receipt, and Sold it there
-during his Life. Those, who know me, will believe what I Declare;
-and those who do not, may be convinc’d that I am no Countefeit, by
-the Colour, Tast, Smell, and just Operation of my ELIXIR.’ This was,
-however, disputed by one John Harrison--and the rivals of nearly two
-centuries ago, remind us forcibly of the claimants to the original
-recipe of Bond’s Marking Ink.
-
-A man sold a useful medicine. ‘A most excellent Eye Water, which cures
-in a very short time all Distempers relating to the Eyes, from whatever
-Cause soever they proceed, even tho’ they have been of seven, eight,
-nine, or ten Years’ continuance.... This excellent Water effectually
-takes away all Rabies or Pimples in the face, or any Part of the Body;
-it also dissolves any small, or new-come Wens or Bunches under the
-Skin, so easily that it can hardly be perceived.’
-
-One quack blossomed forth in verse, and thus describes himself: ‘_In_
-Cripplegate Parish, _in_ Whitecross Street, _almost at the farther End,
-near_ Old Street _(turning in by the sign of the_ Black Croe, _in_ Goat
-Alley, _straightforward down three steps, at the sign of the_ Blew
-Ball), _liveth one of above Forty Years’ Experience, who with God’s
-Blessing performeth these cures following_:
-
- ‘To all that please to come, he will and can
- Cure most Diseases incident to Man.
- The Leprosie, the Cholic, and the Spleen,
- And most Diseases common to be seen.
- Although not cured by Quack Doctors’ proud,
- And yet their Name doth ring and range aloud,
- With Riches, and for Cures which others do,
- Which they could not perform, and this is true.
- This Doctor he performeth without doubt, }
- The Ileak Passion, Scurvy, and the gout, }
- Even to those the Hospitals turn out.’ }
-
-Such ground as one did not cover, another did. Take, for instance, the
-following: ‘In _Surry-Street_, in the _Strand_, at the Corner House
-with a White-Balcony and Blue-Flower pots, liveth a Gentlewoman, who
-
-‘Hath a most excellent Wash to beautifie the Face, which cures all
-Redness, Flushings, or Pimples. Takes off any Yellowness, Morpheu,
-Sunburn, or Spots on the Skin, and takes away Wrinckles and Driness,
-caused too often by Mercurial Poysonous Washes, rendring the worst of
-Faces fair and tender, and preserves ’em so. You may have from half a
-Crown to five Pound a Bottle. You may also have Night Masks, Forehead
-Pieces, incomparable whitepots, and Red Pomatum for the lips, which
-keeps them all the Year plump and smooth, and of a delicate natural
-colour. She has an admirable Paste to smooth and whiten the Hands, with
-a very good Tooth powder, which cleanses and whitens the Teeth. And
-a Water to wash the Mouth, which prevents the Scurvy in the Gums and
-cures where ’tis already come.
-
-‘You may have a Plaster and Water which takes off Hair from any part
-of the Body, so that it shall never come again. She has also a most
-excellent Secret to prevent the Hair from falling, causing it to grow
-where it is wanting in any part of the Head. She also shapes the
-Eye-brows, making them perfectly beautiful, without any pain, and
-raises low Foreheads as high as you please. And colours Grey or Red
-Hair to a lovely Brown, which never decays, changes, or smoots the
-Linnen. She has excellent Cosmeticks to anoint the Face after the
-_Small Pox_, which wears out any Scars, Marks, or Redness; and has
-great skill in all manner of sore Eyes.
-
-‘She has a most excellent Dyet Drink which cures the worst of
-Consumptions, or any Impurity of the Blood: And an Antiscorbutick
-spirit, which, being taken one spoonful in the Morning, and another
-at Night, with moderate Exercise, cures the _Scurvy_, tho’ never so
-far gone, and all broke out in Blotches: with many other Secrets in
-Physick, which you may be satisfied in when you speak with her.... She
-has an approved Remedy for Barrenness in Women.’
-
-Very late in the preceding century (he died May 12, 1691), there was a
-most famous quack, Dr. Thomas Saffold, one of whose handbills I give as
-a curiosity:
-
- ‘Dear Friends, let your Disease be what God will,
- Pray to Him for a Cure--try _Saffold’s_ Skill,
- Who may be such a healing Instrument
- As will Cure you to your own Heart’s Content.
- His Medicines are Cheap, and truly Good,
- Being full as safe as your daily Food.
- Saffold he can do what may be done, by
- Either Physick or true Astrology:
- His Best Pills, Rare Elixirs, and Powder,
- Do each Day Praise him Lowder and Lowder.
- Dear Country-men, I pray be you so Wise, }
- When Men Back-bite him, believe not their Lyes, }
- But go see him and believe your own Eyes; }
- Then he will say you are Honest and Kind,
- Try before you Judge, and Speak as you Find.
-
-‘By _Thomas Saffold_, an Approved and Licensed Physician and Student
-in Astrology, who (through God’s Mercy), to do good, still liveth at
-the _Black Ball_ and Old _Lilly’s Head_, next Door to the Feather-Shops
-that are within _Black-fryers_ Gate-way, which is over against
-_Ludgate_ Church, just by _Ludgate_ in _London_. Of him the Poor,
-Sore, Sick, and Lame may have Advice for nothing, and proper Medicines
-for every particular Distemper, at reasonable Rates ready prepared,
-with plain Directions how to use them, to cure either Men, Women, or
-Children of any Disease or Diseases afflicting any Body, whether inward
-or outward, of what Name or Nature soever (if Curable); Also of this
-you may be sure, he hath Medicines to prevent as well as Cure.
-
-‘Lastly, He doth with great certainty and privacy: Resolve all manner
-of Lawful Questions, according to the Rules of Christian Astrology, and
-more than Twenty One Years’ Experience.’
-
-Talk of modern quacks--they are but second-rate to Saffold! His
-_Pillulæ Londinenses_, or London pills, were advertised that ‘not only
-the meaner sort of all Ages and each Sex, but people of Eminence, both
-for their Rank in the World and their parts, have found admirable
-success in taking these Pills.’
-
-This _panacea_ was warranted to cure ‘Gout, Dropsy, Coma, Lethargy,
-Caries, Apoplexy, Palsy, Convulsions, Falling Sickness, Vertigo,
-Madness, Catarrhs, Headache, Scald, and Sore Heads, sore Eyes,
-Deafness, Toothache, sore Mouth, sore and swollen Throat, foul Stomach,
-bad Digestion, Vomiting, Pain at the Stomach, sour Belching, Colic,
-Twisting of the Guts, Looseness, Worms, all Obstructions of the
-Pancreas, of the Mesaraic Veins, of the passages of the Chyle, and of
-the Liver and Spleen, the Jaundice, Cachexy, Hypochondriac Melancholy,
-Agues, Itch, Boils, Rheumatism, Pains and Aches, Surfeits by Eating and
-Hard Drinking, or by Heats and Colds (as some call them).’
-
-Then there comes a charming bit of candour almost sufficient to disarm
-the unwary: ‘They are also good in taking the Waters. I would not
-advise them by any means in the Bloody Flux, nor in continual Fevers,
-but they are good to purge after either of those Diseases is over, or
-to carry off the Humor aforehand. They must also be foreborn by Women
-with Child. Otherwise they are good for any Constitution, and in any
-Clime. They are Durable many years, and good at Sea as well as on Land.’
-
-Thomas Saffold knew well the value of advertising, and scattered his
-very varied handbills broadcast. Presumably, like modern quacks, he
-made money. Of course he died, and his epitaph is as follows (he
-originally was a weaver):
-
- ‘Here lies the Corpse of Thomas Saffold,
- By Death, in spite of Physick, baffled;
- Who, leaving off his working loom,
- Did learned doctor soon become.
- To poetry he made pretence,
- Too plain to any man’s own sense;
- But he when living thought it sin
- To hide his talent in napkin;
- Now Death does Doctor (poet) crowd
- Within the limits of a shroud.’
-
-There was a harmless remedy advertised, even though it was a fraud--and
-this was the loan, or sale, of necklaces to be worn by children in
-teething.
-
- THE FAMOUS AND VIRTUOUS NECKLACES.
-
-‘One of them being of no greater weight than a small _Nutmeg_,
-absolutely easing Children in Breeding _Teeth_ without _Pain_; thereby
-preventing _Feavers_, _Ruptures_, _Convulsions_, _Rickets_, and such
-attendant Distempers, to the Admiration of thousands of the City of
-_London_, and Counties adjoining, who have experienced the same, to
-their great comfort and satisfaction of the Parents of the Children
-who have used them. Besides the Decrease in the _Bills of Mortality_,
-apparent (within this Year and a half) of above one half of what
-formerly Dyed; and are now Exposed to sale for the Publick good, at
-_five shillings_ each _Necklace_, &c.’
-
-Then there was a far higher-priced necklace, but, as it also operated
-on adults, it was perhaps stronger and more efficacious. ‘A necklace
-that cures all sorts of fits in children, occasioned by Teeth or
-any other Cause; as also Fits in Men and Women. To be had at Mr.
-Larance’s in Somerset Court, near Northumberland House in the Strand;
-price ten shillings for eight days, though the cure will be performed
-immediately.’ And there was the famous ‘_Anodyne Necklace_.’
-
-In the preceding century there were some famous quacks, notably Sir
-Kenelm Digby, who, with his sympathetic powder, worked wonders,
-especially one instance, an account of which he read to a learned
-society at Montpellier. He recounted how a certain learned gentleman,
-named Howell, found two of his friends engaged in a duel with swords,
-how he rushed to part them, and catching hold of one of their blades,
-his hand was severely cut, the other antagonist cutting him severely
-on the back of his hand. Seeing the mischief they had done, they bound
-up his hand with his garter, and took him home. Mr. Howell was of such
-note that the King sent his own physician to him, but without avail;
-and there was expectation that the hand would mortify and have to
-be amputated. Here Sir Kenelm, who knew him, stepped in, and, being
-applied to by his friend to try his remedies, consented. Let him tell
-his own tale.
-
-‘I asked him then for anything that had blood upon it; so he presently
-sent for his garter, wherewith his hand was first bound, and as I
-called for a basin of water, as if I would wash my hands, I took a
-handful of powder of vitriol, which I had in my study, and presently
-dissolved it. As soon as the bloody garter was brought me, I put it in
-the basin, observing, in the interim, what Mr. Howell did, who stood
-talking with a gentleman in a corner of my chamber, not regarding at
-all what I was doing. He started suddenly, as if he had found some
-strange alteration in himself. I asked him what he ailed.
-
-‘“I know not what ails me; but I feel no more pain. Methinks that a
-pleasing kind of freshness, as it were a wet cold napkin, did spread
-over my hand, which hath taken away the inflammation that tormented me
-before.”
-
-‘I replied, “Since, then, you feel already so much good of my
-medicament, I advise you to cast away all your plasters; only keep the
-wound clean, and in a moderate temper, betwixt heat and cold.”
-
-‘This was presently reported to the Duke of Buckingham, and, a
-little after, to the King, who were both very curious to know the
-circumstances of the business; which was, that after dinner, I took
-the garter out of the water, and put it to dry before a great fire. It
-was scarce dry before Mr. Howell’s servant came running, and saying
-that his master felt as much burning as ever he had done, if not more;
-for the heat was such as if his hand were betwixt coals of fire. I
-answered that although that had happened at present, yet he should
-find ease in a short time; for I knew the reason of this new accident,
-and would provide accordingly; for his master should be free from that
-inflammation, it might be, before he could possibly return to him; but,
-in case he found no ease, I wished him to come presently back again; if
-not, he might forbear coming. Thereupon he went; and, at the instant,
-I did put the garter again into the water; thereupon he found his
-master without any pain at all. To be brief, there was no sense of pain
-afterwards; but within five or six days the wounds were cicatrized, and
-entirely healed.’
-
-Faith worked wonders, and a credulous imagination formed an excellent
-foundation for healing. Take another instance in the same century--the
-case of Valentine Greatraks (who cured by the imposition of hands),
-who was nearly contemporary with Sir Kenelm. It would serve no good
-purpose to go minutely into his history: suffice it to say that he was
-an Irishman of good family, and, as a young man, served under Cromwell.
-After the disbandment of the army he was made Clerk of the Peace for
-the County of Cork, Registrar for Transplantation (ejection of Papists
-who would not go to church) and Justice of the Peace, so that we see he
-occupied a respectable position in society.
-
-After Greatraks settled down in his civil capacity, he seems to have
-been a blameless member of society; but his religious convictions
-were extremely rabid, and strong on the Protestant side. Writing in
-1668, he says: ‘About four years since I had an Impulse, or a strange
-perswasion, in my own mind (of which I am not able to give any rational
-account to another) which did very frequently suggest to me that there
-was bestowed on me the gift of curing the King’s Evil: which, for the
-extraordinariness of it, I thought fit to conceal for some time, but at
-length I communicated this to my Wife, and told her, That I did verily
-believe that God had given me the blessing of curing the King’s Evil;
-for, whether I were in private or publick, sleeping or waking, still
-I had the same Impulse; but her reply was to me, That she conceived
-this was a strange imagination: but, to prove the contrary, a few daies
-after there was one _William Maher_ of _Salterbridge_, in the Parish of
-_Lissmore_, that brought his Son _William Maher_ to my house, desiring
-my Wife to cure him, who was a person ready to afford her Charity to
-her Neighbours, according to her small skill in Chirurgery; on which my
-Wife told me there was one that had the King’s Evil very grievously in
-the Eyes, Cheek, and Throat; whereupon I told her that she should now
-see whether this were a bare fancy, or imagination, as she thought it,
-or the Dictates of God’s Spirit on my heart; and thereupon I laid my
-hands on the places affected, and prayed to God for Jesus’ sake to heal
-him, and then I bid the Parent two or three days afterwards to bring
-the Child to me again, which accordingly he did, and then I saw the
-Eye was almost quite whole, and the Node, which was almost as big as a
-Pullet’s Egg, was suppurated, and the throat strangely amended, and, to
-be brief (to God’s glory I speak it), within a month discharged itself
-quite, and was perfectly healed, and so continues, God be praised.’
-
-This may be taken as a sample of his cures, albeit his first; and,
-although he excited the enmity of the licensed medical profession, he
-seems to have cured the Countess of Conway of an inveterate head-ache,
-which greatly enhanced his reputation. He died no one knows when, but
-some time early in the century.
-
-And in our time, too, have been the quacks, the Zouave Jacob and Dr.
-Newton, who pretended to have the miraculous gift of healing by the
-imposition of hands, so that we can scarcely wonder that, in an age
-when the dissemination of accurate and scientific knowledge as the
-present is (imperfect though it be), a man like Valentine Greatraks
-was believed in as of almost divine authority at the period at which
-he lived. But it is a very curious thing that some men either imagine
-that they have, or feign to have a miraculous gift of healing. Witness
-in our own day the ‘Peculiar People,’ who base their peculiar gift of
-healing on a text from the Epistle of St. James, chap. 5, v. 14--‘Is
-any sick among you? let him call upon the elders of the Church; and let
-them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.’
-
-So also the _Catholic and Apostolic Church_ (Irvingites) teach this
-practice as a dogma, vide their catechism,[100] ‘What are the benefits
-to be derived from this rite?’ ‘St. James teaches us again that the
-prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up;
-and, if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.’ After
-this, who can say that the age of faith is passed away?
-
-With them, also, is a great function for the benediction of oil for
-anointing the sick; the rubric for which is as follows:[101] ‘In the
-Celebration of the Holy Eucharist on a Week-day, immediately before the
-elements are brought up and placed on the Altar, the Elder or Elders
-present shall bring the vessel containing the oil to the Angel, who
-shall present it uncovered upon the Altar; and then kneeling down at
-the Altar, and the Elders kneeling down at the access to the Sanctuary,
-the Angel shall say this PRAYER OF BENEDICTION.’
-
-Here follows a not very long prayer, in which the Almighty is intreated
-to impart to the oil the virtue which is dogmatically asserted that it
-possesses, in the catechism. The rubric then continues, ‘The oil which
-has been blessed shall remain on the Altar until after the Service,
-and shall then be delivered by the Angel to the senior Elder, that it
-may be reverently carried to the Sacristy, and there deposited in the
-proper place by the Angel.’
-
-In the ‘Order for anointing the Sick’ (p. 602), the rubric says: ‘This
-rite shall be administered only to such as have, in time past, received
-the Holy Communion, or to whom it is intended presently to administer
-the Communion; also, only in such cases of sickness as are of a
-serious or dangerous character. In order to the receiving of the rite,
-opportunity should, if possible, be previously given to the sick person
-to make confession of his sins.
-
-‘A table should be provided in the sick person’s room, with a clean
-cloth thereon, upon which may be placed the vessel of holy oil....
-The Elder in charge shall be accompanied, when possible, by the other
-Elders, the Pastor, and the Deacon.’
-
-A somewhat lengthy service follows, and in the middle is this rubric:
-‘Then the Elders present shall anoint the sick person with the oil on
-the head or forehead, and, if the sick person request it, also on any
-part affected.’ And it winds up with the subjoined direction, ‘All
-the holy oil that shall remain after the anointing shall be forthwith
-consumed by Fire.’
-
-I had intended to confine my subject entirely to English quacks, but
-the name of Mesmer is so allied to quackery in England that I must
-needs refer to him. He was born at Merseburg in Germany on May 23,
-1733, and died at the same place March 5, 1815. He studied medicine,
-and took a doctor’s degree in 1766. He started his extraordinary theory
-in 1772 by publishing a tract entitled, ‘_De Planetarium_ _Influxu_,’
-in which he upheld that tides exist in the air as in the sea, and were
-similarly produced. He maintained that the sun and the moon acted
-upon an etherial fluid which penetrated everything, and this force he
-termed _Animal Magnetism_. But there is every reason to believe that
-he was indebted for his discovery to a Jesuit father named Hel, who
-was professor of astronomy at Vienna. Hel used peculiarly made steel
-plates, which he applied to different portions of his patient’s body.
-Hel and Mesmer subsequently quarrelling about the prior discovery of
-each, the latter discontinued the use of the plates, and substituted
-his fingers. Then he found it was unnecessary to touch his patient, but
-that the same magnetic influence could be induced by waving his hands,
-and making what are called _mesmeric passes_ at a distance.
-
-But the Viennese are a practical race, and his failures to cure,
-notably in one case, that of Mademoiselle Paradis (a singer), who was
-blind, caused charges of deceit to be brought against him, and he was
-told to leave Vienna at a day’s notice. He obeyed, and went to Paris,
-where he set up a superb establishment, fitted up most luxuriously. The
-novelty-loving Parisians soon visited him, and here, in a dimly lit
-room, with pseudo-scientific apparatus to excite the imagination, and
-a great deal of corporal manipulation, tending to the same purpose, to
-the accompaniment of soft music or singing, hysterical women went into
-convulsive fits, and laughed, sobbed, and shrieked, according to their
-different temperaments.
-
-Having reached this stage, Mesmer made his appearance, clad in a gold
-embroidered robe of violet silk, holding in his hand a magnetic rod of
-wondrous power. With slow and solemn steps he approached his patients,
-and the exceeding gravity of his deportment, added to their ignorance
-of what might be coming next, generally calmed and subdued those who
-were not insensible. Those who had lost their senses he awoke by
-stroking them, and tracing figures upon their bodies with his magnetic
-wand, and, on their recovery, they used to testify to the great good
-his treatment had done them.
-
-A commission of scientific and medical men sat to make inquiry into
-‘Animal Magnetism,’ and they reported adversely. He then endeavoured to
-get a pecuniary recognition of his services from the French Government,
-but this being declined, he retired to Spa, where, the bubble having
-been pricked, he lived for some time in comparative obscurity.
-
-Mesmerism was introduced into England in the year 1788, by a Dr. De
-Mainauduc, who, on his arrival at Bristol, delivered lectures on
-‘Animal Magnetism’; and, as his somewhat cautious biographer, Dr.
-George Winter, observes, he ‘was reported to have cured diseased
-persons, _even_ without the aid of medicines, and of his having
-the power of treating and curing diseased persons at a distance.’
-He found many dupes, for the said authority remarks, ‘On looking
-over the lists of Students that had been, or then were under the
-Doctor’s tuition, it appeared that there was 1 Duke--1 Duchess--1
-Marchioness--2 Countesses--1 Earl--1 Lord--3 Ladies--1 Bishop--5 Right
-Honourable Gentlemen and Ladies--2 Baronets--7 Members of Parliament--1
-Clergyman--2 Physicians--7 Surgeons--exclusive of 92 Gentlemen and
-Ladies of respectability, in the whole 127.
-
-‘Naturally fond of study, and my thirst after knowledge being
-insatiable, I also was allured to do myself the honour of adding my
-name to the list; and to investigate this very extraordinary Science:
-and, according to the general terms, I paid 25 Guineas to the Doctor,
-and 5 Guineas for the use of the Room; I also signed a bond for
-£10,000, and took an affidavit that I would not discover the secrets of
-the Science _during the Doctor’s natural life_.’
-
-So we see that this wonderful power had a market value of no mean
-consideration, and, indeed, an anonymous authority, who wrote on
-‘Animal Magnetism,’ states that Dr. Mainauduc realised £100,000. So
-lucrative was its practice, that many pretenders sprung up, notable
-one Holloway who gave lectures at the rate of five guineas the course,
-besides Miss Prescott, Mrs. Pratt, Monsieur de Loutherbourg the
-painter, Mr. Parker, and Dr. Yeldal; but the chief of these quacks was
-Dr. Loutherbourg, who was assisted in his operations by his wife. A
-book about his wonderful cures was written by one of his believers,
-Mary Pratt, ‘A lover of the Lamb of God,’ in which he is described as
-‘A Gentleman of superior abilities, well known in the scientific and
-polite Assemblies for his brilliancy of talents as a Philosopher, and
-Painter: this Gentleman is no other than Mr. De Loutherbourg, who with
-his Lady, Mrs. De Loutherbourg, have been made by the Almighty power
-of the Lord Jehovah, proper Recipients to receive divine Manuductions,
-which heavenly and divine Influx coming from the Radix _God_, his
-divine Majesty has most graciously condescended to bestow on them (_his
-blessing_) to diffuse healing to _all_ who have faith in the Lord as
-mediator, be they Deaf, Dumb, Lame, Halt, or Blind.’
-
-That thousands flocked to these charlatans is undoubted, for Dr.
-George Winter (above quoted) says, ‘It was credibly reported that
-3,000 persons have attended at one time, to get admission at Mr.
-Loutherbourg’s, at Hammersmith; and that some persons sold their
-tickets for from One, to Three Guineas each.’ And this is corroborated
-by crazy Mary Pratt. ‘Report says three Thousand People have waited
-for Tickets at a time. For my own part, the Croud was so immense that
-I could with difficulty gain the Door on Healing Days, and I suppose,
-upon conviction, Report spoke Truth.’ De Loutherbourg charged nothing
-for his cures, and Mary Pratt is extremely scandalized at those who,
-having received a ticket gratis, sold them from two to five guineas.
-
-Many cases are given in her book of the cures effected by this
-benevolent couple; how the blind were made to see, the deaf to hear,
-the lame to walk, or the dumb to speak--nay, could even cast out
-devils--as the following testimonial will show.
-
-‘The second case I shall mention is that of a woman possessed with Evil
-Spirits, her name Pennier, lives at No. 33 Ogle Street, Mary-le-bone,
-near Portland-Chapel; her husband lives with the French Ambassador:
-her case was too terrific to describe; her eyes and mouth distorted,
-she was like a Lunatic in every sense of the word; she used to say
-that it was not her voice that spoke, but the devil in her. In short,
-her case was most truly distressing, not only to her family, but the
-neighbourhood; she used to invite people in with apparent civility,
-then bite them, and scratch like a cat; nay, she would beg a pin of
-women, and then scratch them with it, &c., &c., &c.’
-
-‘Mrs. De Loutherbourg, a lady of most exquisite sensibility and
-tenderness, administered to this Mrs. Pennier; she daily amended, and
-is now in her right mind, praising God, who has through his servant
-performed such an amazing cure, to the astonishment of hundreds who saw
-her and heard her.’
-
-Mrs. De Loutherbourg’s system of cure was extremely simple, as this
-example will show: ‘Mrs. Hook, Stable Yard, St. James’s, has two
-daughters, born Deaf and Dumb. She waited on the Lady above mentioned,
-who looked on them with an eye of benignity, and healed them. (I heard
-both of them speak.)’
-
-Her husband’s plan was rather more clumsy. He imposed hands. ‘A
-News-Carrier at Chelsea cured of an Abscess in his Side. Mr. De
-Loutherbourg held his hand on the Abscess half a minute, and it broke
-immediately.’
-
-Perhaps these cures were not permanent, for ‘Mr. De Loutherbourg told
-me he had cured by the blessing of God, two Thousand since Christmas.
-But, as our Lord said, of the ten healed, one only returned to thank
-him; so many hundreds have acted, that have never returned to Mr. De
-Loutherbourg.’
-
-One of the most impudent of these quacks was named Benjamin Douglas
-Perkins, whose father claimed to be the inventor of the metallic
-tractors, which were rods made either of a combination of copper,
-zinc, and gold, or of iron, silver, and platinum, and he explains, in
-the specification to his patent, that ‘the point of the instrument
-thus formed, I apply to those parts of the body which are affected
-with diseases, and draw them off on the skin, to a distance from the
-complaint, and usually towards the extremities.’
-
-He charged the moderate sum of five guineas a set for these precious
-instruments, and made a good thing out of them. He was a member of the
-Society of Friends, and, as a proof that his charlatanism was believed
-in, this benevolent society subscribed largely, and built for him the
-_Perkinean Institution_, an hospital where the poor could be treated on
-his system, free of cost.
-
-He was an adept in the art of puffing, and his ‘Testimonials’ are
-quite equal to those of modern times. I will only cite two. ‘My little
-infant child was _scalded_ with hot tea on the forehead, about three
-and a half inches in length, and three-fourths of an inch in breadth,
-which raised a vesicle before I had time to apply anything to it. The
-_Tractors_ were solely used, and the whole redness disappeared. The
-Blister broke, &c.’
-
-‘A lady fell from her horse, and _dislocated_ her ancle, which remained
-several hours before it was reduced, by which it became very much
-_swelled_, _inflamed_, and _painful_. Two or three applications of the
-_Tractor_ relieved the pain, and in a day or two she walked the house,
-and had no further complaint.’
-
-Then also was Dominicetti, who, in 1765, established a house in
-Cheyne Walk, Chelsea, for medicated baths, but he hardly belongs to
-the magnetisers. Then there was Katterfelto, but he, too, hovers on
-the borderland of quackism--vide the following one of hundreds of
-advertisements.[102]
-
- ‘By particular Desire of many of the First Nobility.
- This PRESENT EVENING and TO-MORROW,
- At late COX’S MUSEUM, Spring Gardens,
-
-A SON of the late Colonel KATTERFELTO of the Death’s Head Hussars,
-belonging to the King of Prussia, is to exhibit the same variety of
-Performances as he did exhibit on Wednesday the 13th of March, before
-many Foreign Ministers, with great applause.
-
-
-MR. KATTERFELTO
-
-Has had the honour in his travels to exhibit before the Empress of
-Russia, the Queen of Hungary, the Kings of Prussia, Sweden, Denmark,
-and Poland.
-
-
-MR. KATTERFELTO’S
-
-Lectures are Philosophical, Mathematical, Optical, Magnetical,
-Electrical, Physical, Chymical, Pneumatic, Hydraulic, Hydrostatic,
-Styangraphic, Palenchic, and Caprimantic Art.
-
-
-MR. KATTERFELTO
-
-Will deliver a different Lecture every night in the week, and show
-various uncommon experiments, and his apparatus are very numerous, and
-elegantly finished: all are on the newest construction, many of which
-are not to be equalled in Europe.
-
-
-MR. KATTERFELTO
-
-Will, after his Philosophical Lecture, discover various arts by which
-many persons lose their fortunes by Dice, Cards, Billiards, and E.O.
-Tables, &c.’
-
-He was a charlatan _pur et simple_, and to his other attractions he
-added a performing black cat,[103] ‘but Colonel Katterfelto is very
-sorry that many persons will have it that he and his famous BLACK
-CAT were DEVILS but such suspicion only arises through his various
-wonderful and uncommon performances: he only professes to be a moral
-and divine Philosopher, and he says, that all persons on earth live
-in darkness, if they are able, but won’t see that most enterprizing,
-extraordinary, astonishing, wonderful, and uncommon exhibition on the
-Solar Microscope. He will this day, and every day this week, show, from
-eight in the morning till five in the afternoon, his various new Occult
-Secrets, which have surprized the King and the whole Royal Family: and
-his evening lecture begins this, and every night, precisely at eight
-o’clock; but no person will be admitted after eight; and after his
-lecture he will exhibit many new deceptions. His Black Cat will also
-make her appearance this evening at No. 24, Piccadilly. His exhibition
-of the Solar Microscope has caused him lately very grand houses; also
-his wonderful Black Cat at night; many thousands could not receive
-admission lately for want of room, and Katterfelto expects to clear at
-least above £30,000, in a year’s time, through his Solar Microscope and
-surprizing Black Cat.’
-
-He also invented a sort of lucifer-match.[104] ‘Dr. Katterfelto will
-also, for 2/6_d._ sell such a quantity of his new invented _Alarum_,
-which is better than £20 worth of Phosphorus matches, and is better in
-a house or ship than £20,000, as many lives may be saved by it, and
-is more useful to the Nation than 30,000 Air Balloons. It will light
-900 candles, pistols or cannons, and never misses. He also sells the
-very best Solid, Liquid, and Powder Phosphorus, Phosphorus Matches,
-Diamond Beetles, &c.’ Katterfelto died at Bedale, in Yorkshire, 25th of
-November, 1799.
-
-There also lived Dr. Graham, who was not heard of before 1780, and
-he was an arch quack. About that year he took a mansion in the Royal
-Terrace, Adelphi, which he fitted up sumptuously. It was inscribed
-‘Templum Æsculapio Sacrum,’ and was called both the ‘Temple of
-Health,’ and the ‘Hymeneal Temple.’ Here, in air heavy with incense,
-he lectured on electricity and magnetism. He was a past master in
-the art of puffing, and published several books in glorification
-of himself. In one, called ‘MEDICAL TRANSACTIONS at the Temple of
-Health in London, in the course of the years 1781 & 1782,’ he gives
-a wonderful list of cures worked by his ‘Electrical Æther, Nervous
-Æthereal Balsam, Imperial Pills, Liquid Amber, British Pills,’ and his
-‘Bracing, or Restorative Balsam,’ which, in order to bring within the
-reach of ordinary people, he kindly consented to sell at half-price,
-namely, ‘that the bottles marked, and formerly sold at one guinea, may
-_now_ be had at only half-a-guinea; the half-guinea bottles at five
-shillings and threepence; the five shilling at half-a-crown, and the
-two-and-sixpenny vials at _only one shilling and threepence_.’
-
-In this book, too, are some choice specimens of poetry, all laudatory
-of Dr. Graham, one of which is worth repeating, as a specimen--
-
-
-‘_An_ ACROSTIC, _by a_ LADY.
-
- D EIGN, to accept the tribute which I owe,
- O ne grateful, joyful tear, permit to flow;
- C an I be silent when good health is given?
- T hat first--that best--that richest gift of heaven!
- O Muse! descend, in most exalted lays,
- R eplete with softest notes, attune his praise.
-
- G en’rous by nature, matchless in thy skill!
- R ich in the God-like art--to ease--to heal;
- A ll bless thy gifts! the sick--the lame--the blind,
- H ail thee with rapture for the cure they find!
- A rm’d by the DEITY with power divine,
- M ortals revere HIS attributes in thine.’
-
-In this temple of ‘Health and Hymen’ he had a wonderful ‘Celestial
-Bed,’ which he pretended cost sixty thousand pounds. He guaranteed
-that the sleepers therein, although hitherto childless, should
-become prolific; but it was somewhat costly, for the fee for its
-use for a single night was one hundred pounds. Still, he had some
-magneto-electric beds, which, probably, were as efficacious, at a lower
-rate, only fifty pounds nightly. The title-page of a pamphlet on his
-establishment is noteworthy.
-
- ‘IL CONVITO AMOROSO,
- Or a Serio--comico--philosophical
- LECTURE
- on the
- _Causes, Nature, and Effects of Love and Beauty_,
- At the Different Periods of Human Life, in Persons, and
- Personages, Male, Female, and Demi-Charactêre;
- And in Praise of the Genial and Prolific Influences of the
-
- CELESTIAL BED!
-
- As Delivered by HEBE VESTINA,
- The Rosy Goddess of Youth and of Health!
- from the
- _Electrical Throne! in the Great Apollo-Chamber_,
-
- At the TEMPLE of HYMEN, in LONDON,
-
-Before a glowing and brilliant Audience of near Three Hundred Ladies
-and Gentlemen, who were commanded by VENUS, CUPID, and HYMEN! to
-assist, in joyous Assembly, at the Grand Feast of very FAT THINGS,
-which was held at their Temple, on Monday Evening, the 25th of
-November, 1782; but which was interrupted by the rude and unexpected
-Arrival of his Worship MIDAS NEUTERSEX, Esq^{re.} ... just as the
-Dessert was about to be served up.
-
- Published at the earnest Desire of many of the Company, and to
- gratify the impatient and very intense longings of Thousands of
- Adepts, Hibernian and British;--of the Cognoscenti;--et de les
- Amateur ardens des _delices exquise_ de Venus!
-
- To which is subjoined, a description of the Stupendous Nature
- and Effects of the Celebrated
-
-
-CELESTIAL BED!’
-
-The ‘VESTINA, or Goddess of Health,’ was no mean person. She began
-life as a domestic servant, and was named Emma Lyons. She was a
-good-looking, florid, buxom wench, and, after having played her part as
-priestess at the ‘Temple of Health and Hymen,’ became the wife of the
-dilletante Sir William Hamilton, English Minister at Naples, and was
-afterwards notorious for her connection with Lord Nelson.
-
-Graham wrote in 1790, ‘A short Treatise on the All cleansing--all
-healing--and all invigorating Qualities of the SIMPLE EARTH, when long
-and repeatedly applied to the naked Human Body and Lungs, for the safe,
-speedy, and radical Cure of all Diseases, internal as well as external,
-which are, in their Nature or Stage, susceptible of being cured;--for
-the preservation of the Health, Vigour, Bloom, and Beauty of Body and
-of Mind; for rejuvenating the aged and decaying Human Body;--and for
-prolonging Life to the very longest possible Period, &c.’
-
-For the benefit of those who would try the doctor’s earth-cure, I
-extract the following: ‘I generally, or always, prefer the sides or
-tops of hills or mountains, as the air and the earth are the more
-pure and salubrious; but the air and earth of ordinary pasture
-or corn-fields, especially those that are called upland, and even
-good clean garden-ground, or the higher commons, especially fallow
-corn-fields, are all salutary and good.
-
-‘As to the colour and nature of the earth or soil, I prefer a good
-brown or reddish blooming mould, and light, sandy, crumbly, mellow and
-marrowy earth; or that which feels when I am in it, and crumbling with
-my hands and fingers, like bits of marrow among fine Flour; and that
-which has a strong, sweet, earthly smell----’
-
-So that my readers now know exactly what to do.
-
-He had a fairly comprehensive idea of modern hygiene, as will be seen
-from the following extract from ‘General Instructions to the persons
-who consult Dr. Graham as a Physician’:
-
-‘It will be unreasonable for Dr. Graham’s Patients to expect a complete
-and a lasting cure, or even great alleviation of their peculiar
-maladies, unless they keep the body and limbs most perfectly clean with
-very frequent washings,--breathe fresh, open air day and night,--be
-simple in the quality and moderate in the quantity of their food and
-drink,--and totally give up using the deadly poisons and weakeners
-of both body and soul, and the cankerworm of estates called foreign
-Tea and Coffee, Red Port Wine, Spirituous Liquors, Tobacco and Snuff,
-gaming and late hours, and all sinful, unnatural, and excessive
-indulgence of the animal appetites, and of the diabolical and degrading
-mental passions. On practising the above rules--on a widely open window
-day and night--and on washing with cold water, and going to bed every
-night by eight or nine, and rising by four or five, depends the very
-perfection of bodily and mental health, strength and happiness.’
-
-He wrote many pamphlets, some of them on religious matters, and the
-fools who patronised him paid him large fees; yet his expenses were
-very heavy, and his manner of living luxurious, so that we experience
-but little wonder when we find the ‘Temple of Health’ sold up, and that
-Graham himself died poor--either in, or near, Glasgow.
-
-Early in the century there were (in surgery) two noted quacks, namely,
-Dr. (afterwards Sir William) Read, and Roger, or, as he called himself,
-Doctor, Grant--both oculists. Read originally was a tailor, and Grant
-had been a tinker and Anabaptist preacher. The list of cures of both
-are marvellous--Grant even advertising in the _Daily Courant_, of July
-20, 1709, that he had cured, in five minutes, a young man that had been
-born blind. But at that time, when people believed in their sovereign
-being able to cure scrofula by touching the patient with a gold coin, a
-little faith went a long way.
-
-But quackery was not confined to the masculine gender--the ladies
-competed with them in the field. Notably Mrs. Map, the bone-setter of
-Epsom, of whom Mr. Pulteney writes so amusingly to Swift on December
-21, 1736: ‘I must tell you a ridiculous incident; perhaps you have
-not heard it. One Mrs. Mapp, a famous she bone-setter and mountebank,
-coming to town with a coach and six horses, on the Kentish road, was
-met by a rabble of people, who, seeing her very oddly and tawdrily
-dressed, took her for a foreigner, and concluded she must be a certain
-great person’s mistress. Upon this they followed the coach, bawling
-out, “No Hanover w----! No Hanover w----!” The lady within the coach
-was much offended, let down the glass, and screamed louder than any of
-them, “She was no Hanover w----! she was an English one!” Upon which
-they cried out, “God bless your ladyship!” quitted the pursuit, and
-wished her a good journey.’
-
-This woman sprang into notoriety all at once. The first authentic
-account of her is on page 457 of the _London Magazine_ for 1836, under
-the date of August 2: ‘The Town has been surprized lately with the fame
-of a young woman at _Epsom_, who, tho’ not very regular, it is said,
-in her Conduct, has wrought such Cures that seem miraculous in the
-Bone-setting way. The Concourse of People to _Epsom_ on this occasion
-is incredible, and ’tis reckon’d she gets near 20 Guineas a Day, she
-executing what she does in a very quick Manner: She has strength enough
-to put in any Man’s Shoulder without any assistance; and this her
-strength makes the following Story the more credible. A Man came to
-her, sent, as ’tis supposed, by some Surgeons, on purpose to try her
-Skill, with his Hand bound up, and pretended his Wrist was put out,
-which upon Examination she found to be false; but, to be even with him
-for his Imposition, she gave it a Wrench, and really put it out, and
-bad him _go to the Fools who sent him, and get it set again_, or, if he
-would come to her that day month, she would do it herself.
-
-‘This remarkable person is Daughter to one _Wallin_, a Bone-setter of
-_Hindon, Wilts_. Upon some family Quarrel, she left her Father, and
-Wander’d up and down the Country in a very miserable Manner, calling
-herself _Crazy Salley_. Since she became thus famous, she married one
-Mr. _Hill Mapp_, late servant to a Mercer on _Ludgate Hill_, who, ’tis
-said, soon left her, and carried off £100 of her Money.’
-
-She was not long making her way in the world, for we read in the same
-magazine, under date, September 19, 1736: ‘Mrs. _Mapp_, the famous
-Bone-setter at _Epsom_, continues making extraordinary Cures. She has
-now set up an Equipage, and this Day came to _Kensington_ and waited on
-her Majesty.’
-
-The _Gentleman’s Magazine_, under date of August 31, 1736, gives a
-similar account of her private life, adding that her husband did not
-stay with her above a fortnight, but adds that she was wonderfully
-clever in her calling, having ‘cured Persons who have been above 20
-years disabled, and has given incredible Relief in most difficult
-cases.’
-
-‘Mrs. _Mapp_ the Bone-setter, with Dr. Taylor the Oculist, being
-present at the Playhouse in _Lincoln’s Inns Fields_, to see a Comedy
-call’d the Husband’s Relief, with the Female Bone-setter, and Worm
-Doctor; it occasioned a full House, and the following
-
-EPIGRAM.
-
- ‘While _Mapp_ to th’ Actors shew’d a kind regard,
- On one side _Taylor_ sat, on t’other _Ward_:
- When their mock Persons of the Drama came,
- Both _Ward_ and _Taylor_ thought it hurt their _fame_;
- Wonder’d how _Mapp_ cou’d in good Humour be--
- _Zoons_, crys the Manly Dame, it hurts not _me_;
- Quacks without Arts may either blind or kill,
- But _Demonstration_ shews that mine is _Skill_.
-
-And the following was sung upon y^e Stage:
-
- You Surgeons of _London_ who puzzle your Pates,
- To ride in your Coaches, and purchase Estates,
- Give over, for Shame, for your Pride has a Fall,
- And y^e Doctress of _Epsom_ has outdone you all.
-
- What signifies Learning, or going to school,
- When a Woman can do without Reason or Rule,
- What puts you to Non-plus, and baffles your Art,
- For Petticoat-Practice has now got the Start.
-
- In Physick, as well as in Fashions, we find
- The newest has always its Run with Mankind;
- Forgot is the bustle ‘bout Taylor and Ward,
- Now _Mapp’s_ all y^e Cry, and her Fame’s on Record.
-
- Dame Nature has giv’n her a Doctor’s Degree,
- She gets all y^e Patients, and pockets the Fee;
- So if you don’t instantly prove her a Cheat,
- She’ll loll in her Chariot while you walk y^e Street.’[105]
-
-At this time she was at her acme--but if an anonymous writer in the
-_Cornhill Magazine_ for March, 1873, p. 82, is to be believed, she died
-December, 1837, ‘at her lodgings near Seven Dials, so miserably poor,
-that the parish was obliged to bury her.’
-
-In No. 572 of the _Spectator_, July 26, 1714,[106] is a very amusing
-article on the quacks of Queen Anne’s time:
-
-‘There is scarce a city in Great Britain but has one of this tribe,
-who takes it into his protection, and on the market-day harangues
-the good people of the place with aphorisms and receipts. You may
-depend upon it he comes not there for his own private interest, but
-out of a particular affection to the town. I remember one of these
-public-spirited artists at Hammersmith, who told his audience that
-he had been born and bred there, and that, having a special regard
-for the place of his nativity, he was determined to make a present of
-five shillings to as many as would accept of it. The whole crowd stood
-agape and ready to take the doctor at his word; when, putting his hand
-into a long bag, as everyone was expecting his crown piece, he drew out
-a handful of little packets, each of which, he informed the spectators,
-was constantly sold at five shillings and sixpence, but that he would
-bate the odd five shillings to every inhabitant of that place; the
-whole assembly immediately closed with this generous offer, and took
-off all his physick, after the doctor had made them vouch for one
-another, that there were no foreigners among them, but that they were
-all Hammersmith men.
-
-‘There is another branch of pretenders to this art, who, without
-either horse or pickle herring,[107] lie snug in a garret, and send
-down notice to the world of their extraordinary parts and abilities
-by printed bills and advertisements. These seem to have derived their
-custom from an eastern nation which Herodotus speaks of, among whom it
-was a law that whenever any cure was to be performed, both the method
-of the cure, and an account of the distemper, should be fixed in some
-public place; but, as customs will corrupt, these, our moderns, provide
-themselves with persons to attest the cure before they publish or make
-an experiment of the prescription. I have heard of a porter, who serves
-as a Knight of the post[108] under one of these operators, and, though
-he was never sick in his life, has been cured of all the diseases in
-the Dispensary. These are the men whose sagacity has invented elixirs
-of all sorts, pills and lozenges, and take it as an affront if you
-come to them before you have been given over by everybody else. Their
-medicines are infallible, and never fail of success; that is, of
-enriching the doctor, and setting the patient effectually at rest.
-
-‘I lately dropt into a coffee-house at Westminster, where I found the
-room hung round with ornaments of this nature. There were Elixirs,
-Tinctures, the Anodyne Fotus, English Pills, Electuaries, and, in
-short, more remedies than I believe there are diseases. At the sight
-of so many inventions, I could not but imagine myself in a kind of
-arsenal or magazine, where a store of arms was deposited against any
-sudden invasion. Should you be attacked by the enemy sideways, here
-was an infallible piece of defensive armour to cure the pleurisy;
-should a distemper beat up your head-quarters, here you might purchase
-an impenetrable helmet, or, in the language of the artist, a cephalic
-tincture; if your main body be assaulted, here are various kinds of
-armour in case of various onsets. I began to congratulate the present
-age upon the happiness man might reasonably hope for in life, when
-death was thus in a manner defeated, and when pain itself would be of
-so short a duration, that it would just serve to enhance the value of
-pleasure.
-
-‘While I was in these thoughts, I unluckily called to mind a story of
-an ingenious gentleman of the last age, who, lying violently afflicted
-with the gout, a person came and offered his services to cure him by a
-method which, he assured him, was infallible; the servant who received
-the message carried it up to his master, who, inquiring whether the
-person came on foot or in a chariot, and being informed that he was
-on foot: “Go,” says he, “send the knave about his business; was his
-method infallible as he pretends, he would, long before now, have been
-in his coach and six.” In like manner I concluded that, had all these
-advertisers arrived to that skill they pretend to, they would have
-no need, for so many years successively, to publish to the world the
-place of their abode, and the virtues of their medicines. One of these
-gentlemen, indeed, pretends to an effectual cure for leanness: what
-effects it may have had upon those who have tried it, I cannot tell;
-but I am credibly informed that the call for it has been so great,
-that it has effectually cured the doctor himself of that distemper.
-Could each of them produce so good an instance of the success of his
-medicines, they might soon persuade the world into an opinion of them.
-
-‘I observe that most of the bills agree in one expression, viz.,
-that, “with God’s blessing,” they perform such and such cures: this
-expression is certainly very proper and emphatical, for that is all
-they have for it. And, if ever a cure is performed on a patient where
-they are concerned, they can claim a greater share than Virgil’s IAPIS
-in the curing of ÆNEAS; he tried his skill, was very assiduous about
-the wound, and, indeed, was the only visible means that relieved the
-hero, but the poet assures us it was the particular assistance of a
-deity that speeded the whole operation.’
-
-There was another female quack in 1738, one Mrs. Stephens, and in
-the _Gentleman’s Magazine_ for that year, p. 218, we read that ‘Mrs.
-_Stephens_ has proposed to make her Medicines for the Stone publick, on
-Consideration of the sum of £5,000 to be rais’d by Contribution, and
-lodged with Mr. _Drummond_, _Banker_. He has receiv’d since the 11th
-of this month (April) about £500 on that Account.’ She advertised her
-cures very fully, and she obtained and acknowledged, as subscriptions
-from April 11 to the end of December, 1738, the receipt of £1,356 3s.
-(_Gentleman’s Magazine_, 1739, p. 49). And the subscribers were of no
-mean quality; they included five bishops, three dukes, two duchesses,
-four earls, two countesses, five lords, and of smaller fry a vast
-quantity. But this did not satisfy her; she had influence enough to get
-a short Act of Parliament passed in her favour (Cap. 23, 12, Geo. II.,
-1739), entitled:
-
-‘_An Act for providing a reward_ to Joanna Stephens _upon a proper
-discovery to be made by her for the use of the publick, of the
-medicines prepared by her for the cure of the stone._
-
-‘WHEREAS _Joanna Stevens_ (sic) of the City of _Westminster_, spinster,
-hath acquired the knowledge of medicines, and the skill of preparing
-them, which by a dissolving power seem capable of removing the cause
-of the painful distemper of the stone, and may be improved, and more
-successfully applied when the same shall be discovered to persons
-learned in the science of physick; now, for encouraging the said
-_Joanna Stephens_ to make discovery thereof, and for providing her
-a recompence in case the said medicines shall be submitted to the
-examination of proper judges, and by them be found worthy of the reward
-hereby provided; may it please your Majesty, that it be enacted, etc.
-
-‘£5,000 granted out of the supplies for the discovery of Mrs.
-Stephens’s medicines. Treasury to issue the said sum on a proper
-certificate.’
-
-A committee of twenty scientists investigated her medicines, and
-reported favourably on them. They were trifold. A powder, a draught,
-and a pill--and what think you they were made of? The powder was made
-of egg-shells and snails, both burnt; the draught was made of Alicante
-soap, swine’s cresses burnt, and honey. This was made into a ball,
-which was afterwards sliced and dissolved in a broth composed of green
-camomile, or camomile flowers, sweet fennel, parsley, and burdock
-leaves, boiled in water and sweetened with honey; whilst the pill was
-compounded of snails, wild carrot seeds, burdock seeds, ashen keys,
-hips and haws, all burnt to blackness, and then mixed with Alicante
-soap! These were the famous remedies for which a grateful nation paid
-such a large sum!!!
-
-
-
-
-CAGLIOSTRO IN LONDON.
-
-
-Carlyle, in a very diffuse essay on this adventurer, thus introduces
-him: ‘The Count Alessandro di Cagliostro, Pupil of the sage Althotas,
-Foster-child of the Scherif of Mecca, probable Son of the last King
-of Trebisond; named also Acharat, and unfortunate child of Nature; by
-profession healer of diseases, abolisher of wrinkles, friend of the
-poor and impotent, grand-master of the Egyptian Mason Lodge of High
-Science, Spirit Summoner, Gold Cook, Grand Cophta, Prophet, Priest,
-and thaumaturgic moralist and swindler; really a Liar of the first
-magnitude, thorough-paced in all provinces of Lying, what one may call
-the King of Liars.
-
-‘Mendez Pinto, Baron Munchaüsen, and others are celebrated in this art,
-and not without some colour of justice; yet must it in candour remain
-doubtful whether any of these comparatively were much more than liars
-from the teeth onwards: a perfect character of the species in question,
-who lied not in word only, but continually in thought, word, and
-act; and, so to speak, lived wholly in an element of lying, and from
-birth to death did nothing but lie--was still a desideratum. Of which
-desideratum Count Alessandro offers, we say, if not the fulfilment,
-perhaps as near an approach to it as the limited human faculties
-permit.’
-
-And yet this man made a name, and was famous in his time, and even
-afterwards. Lives, novels, and romances, notably being immortalized by
-Alexandre Dumas in his ‘Memoires d’un Médecin,’ nay, even plays, have
-been written about this clever rogue, who rose from a poor man’s son
-to be the talk of Europe, and his connection with the famous diamond
-necklace, made him of almost political importance, sufficient to
-warrant his incarceration in the Bastille.
-
-I do not propose to write the life of Cagliostro--enough and to spare
-has been written on this subject,[109] but simply to treat of him in
-London; yet at the same time it is necessary to say when and where he
-was born--the more especially because he always professed ignorance of
-his birth, and, when examined in a French court of justice in relation
-to the famous diamond necklace on January 30, 1786, the question was
-put to him, ‘How old are you?’ _Answer_--‘Thirty-seven or thirty-eight
-years.’ _Question_--‘Your name?’ _Answer_--‘Alessandro Cagliostro.’
-_Question_--‘Where born?’ _Answer_--‘I cannot say for certain, whether
-it was at Malta or at Medina; I have lived under the tuition of a
-governor, who told me that I was of noble birth, that I was left an
-orphan when only three months old,’ etc.
-
-But in a French book,[110] of which an English translation was made
-in 1786, Cagliostro is made to say, ‘I cannot speak positively as to
-the place of my nativity, nor to the parents who gave me birth. From
-various circumstances of my life I have conceived some doubts, in which
-the reader perhaps will join with me. But I repeat it: all my inquiries
-have ended only in giving me some great notions, it is true, but
-altogether vague and uncertain concerning my family.
-
-‘I spent the years of my childhood in the city of Medina, in Arabia.
-There I was brought up under the name of Acharat, which I preserved
-during my progress through Africa and Asia. I had apartments in the
-palace of the Muphti Salahaym. It is needless to add that the Muphti is
-the chief of the Mahometan Religion, and that his constant residence is
-at Medina.
-
-‘I recollect perfectly that I had then four persons in my service; a
-governor, between 55 and 60 years of age, whose name was Althotas, and
-three servants, a white one, who attended me as valet-de-Chambre, and
-two blacks, one of whom was constantly about me night and day.
-
-‘My Governor always told me that I had been left an orphan when only
-three months old; that my parents were Christians, and nobly born; but
-he left me absolutely in the dark about their names, and the place of
-my nativity: a few words which he dropped by chance have induced me to
-suspect that I was born at Malta; but this circumstance I have never
-been able to ascertain.’
-
-Althotas was a great sage, and imparted to his young pupil all the
-scientific knowledge he possessed, and that awful person, the Grand
-Muphti himself, would deign to converse with the boy on the lore
-and history of ancient Egypt. At this time he says he dressed as a
-Mussulman, and conformed to their rites; but was all the time at heart
-a true Christian.
-
-At the mature age of twelve, he felt a strong desire to travel, and
-Althotas indulged him by joining a caravan going to Mecca, and here
-comes an attempt to fasten his paternity upon the Cherif of that place.
-
-‘On our arrival at Mecca, we alighted at the palace of the Cherif, who
-is the sovereign of Mecca, and of all Arabia, and always chosen from
-amongst the descendants of Mahomet. I here altered my dress, from a
-simple one, which I had worn hitherto, to one more splendid. On the
-third day after our arrival, I was, by my Governor, presented to the
-Cherif, who honoured me with the most endearing caresses. At sight of
-this prince, my senses experienced a sudden emotion, which it is not in
-the power of words to express; my eyes dropped the most delicious tears
-I ever shed in my life. His, I perceived, he could hardly restrain....
-
-‘I remained at Mecca for the space of three years; not one day passed
-without my being admitted to the Sovereign’s presence, and every
-hour increased his attachment and added to my gratitude. I sometimes
-surprized his eyes rivetted upon me, and then looking up to heaven,
-with every expression of pity and commiseration. Thoughtful, I would go
-from him, a prey to an ever fruitless curiosity. I dared not ask any
-question of my Governor, who always rebuked me with great severity, as
-if it had been a crime in me to wish for some information concerning my
-parents, and the place where I was born....
-
-‘One day as I was alone, the prince entered my apartment; so great a
-favour struck me with amazement; he strained me to his bosom with
-more than usual tenderness, bade me never cease to adore the Almighty,
-telling me that, as long as I should persist in serving God faithfully,
-I should at last be happy, and come to the knowledge of my real
-destiny; then he added, bedewing my cheeks with tears, “Adieu, thou
-nature’s unfortunate child.” ...’
-
-This is one side of the question--his own. It is romantic, and in all
-probability a lie. There is another side; but the evidence, although
-far more within the bounds of reason, is unsupported by corroboration.
-The authority is from an Italian book of one hundred and eighty-nine
-pages, entitled: ‘Compendio della Vita, et delle Gesta di GIUSEPPE
-BALSAMO, denominato Il CONTE CAGLIOSTRO. _Che si è estratto dal
-Processo contro di lui formato in Roma l’Anno, 1790. E che può servire
-di scorta per conoscere l’indole della Setta de_ LIBERI MURATORI.In
-Roma 1791.’ This book purports to be printed in the Vatican, ‘from the
-Printing press of the Reverend Apostolic Chamber.’[111]
-
-In the preface of this book is the following sentence, which is
-intended to vouch for the facts it contains: ‘Thence comes the justice
-of that observation, that these Charlatans especially acquire credit,
-renown, and riches, in those countries where the least religion is
-found, where philosophy is most fashionable. Rome is not a place that
-agrees with them, because error cannot throw out its roots, in the
-centre, the capital, of the true faith. The life of Count Cagliostro is
-a shining proof of this truth. It is for this reason that it has been
-thought proper to compose this compendium, faithfully extracted from
-the proceedings taken against him, a short while since, at Rome; this
-is evidence which the critic cannot attack. In order to effect this,
-the Sovereign Pontifical Authority has deigned to dispense with the law
-of inviolable secrecy, which always accompanies, with as much justice
-as prudence, the proceedings of the Holy Inquisition.’
-
-And the account of his life opens thus: ‘Joseph Balsamo was born at
-Palermo on the 8th of June, 1743. His parents were Pietro Balsamo and
-Felice Braconieri, both of mean extraction. His father, who was a
-shopkeeper, dying when he was still a baby, his maternal uncles took
-care of him,’ &c.
-
-In another book, ‘The Life of the Count Cagliostro,’ &c., London,
-1787, there is a foot-note to the first page: ‘Some authors are of
-opinion that he is the offspring of the grand Master of Malta, by a
-Turkish lady, made captive by a Maltese galley. Others that he is
-the only surviving son of that prince who, about thirty-five years
-ago, swayed the precarious sceptre of Trebisond, at which period, a
-revolution taking place, the reigning prince was massacred by his
-seditious subjects, and his infant son, the Count Cagliostro, conveyed
-by a trusty friend to Medina, where the Cherif had the unprejudiced
-generosity to have him educated in the faith of his Christian parents.’
-
-I do not follow his career, but the most marvellous stories were
-current about him, _vide_ the following extract from a book already
-quoted (see foot-note page 334): ‘The Comtesse de la Motte dares to
-assert that one of my men makes a boast of having been 150 years in my
-service. That I sometimes acknowledge myself to be only 300 years old;
-at others that I brag of having been present at the nuptials in Cana,
-and that it was to burlesque the Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist, the
-transubstantiation, that I had imagined to multiply the necklace, taken
-to pieces, into a hundred different manners, and yet it was delivered,
-as it is said, in its full complement to the august Queen.
-
-‘That I am by turns a Portuguese Jew, a Greek, an Egyptian of
-Alexandria, from whence I have imported into France hyeroglyphics and
-sorcery.
-
-‘That I am one of those infatuated Rosicrucians, who have the power
-of making the dead converse with the living; that I attend the poor
-gratis, but that I sell for _something_, to the rich, the gifts of
-immortality.’
-
-But it is not of these things I wish to treat; it is of the facts
-connected with his residence in London. Two or three accounts say that
-he visited London in 1772, where he swindled a Doctor Benemore, who had
-rescued him from prison, under pretence of painting his country house,
-and his enemy, De Morande, of the _Courier de l’Europe_, who, in No.’s
-16, 17, and 18 of that journal, made frightful accusations against
-Cagliostro, reiterates the story of his being here in 1772. In page
-xiv. of the preface to ‘The Life of the Count Cagliostro,’ 1787, there
-occurs the following passage: ‘M. de Morande is at infinite pains to
-persuade us that the Count resided in London in 1772, under the name of
-Balsamo, in extreme poverty, from which he was relieved by Sir Edward
-Hales. That Baronet professes, indeed, to recollect an _Italian_ of
-that name; but, as M. de Morande positively assures us that the Count
-is a _Calabrois_, a _Neapolitan_, or a _Sicilian_, we can desire no
-better argument to prove the fallacy of his information.’
-
-In a pamphlet entitled, ‘Lettre du Comte Cagliostro au Peuple Anglois
-pour servir de suite à ses Memoires,’ 1786, p. 7, he says distinctly:
-‘Nous sommes arrivés, ma femme et moi, en Angleterre, pour la première
-fois de ma vie, au mois de Juillet, 1776,’ and on p. 70 of the same
-work is the following (translated):
-
-‘The greatest part of the long diatribe of M. Morande is used to prove
-that I came to London in 1772, under the name of _Balsamo_. In view of
-the efforts which M. Morande makes, in order to arrive at such proof,
-an attempt is made to show that the _Balsamo_ with whom they attempt
-to identify me ought to have been hung, or, at all events, he rendered
-himself guilty of some dishonourable actions. Nothing of the sort.
-This _Balsamo_, if the _Courier de l’Europe_ can be believed, was a
-mediocre painter, who lived by his brush. A man named _Benamore_,
-either agent, or interpreter, or chargé d’affaires to the King of
-Morocco, had commissioned him to paint some pictures, and had not paid
-for them. _Balsamo_ issued a writ against him for £47 sterling, which
-he said was due to him, admitting that he had received two guineas
-on account. Besides, this _Balsamo_ was so poor that his wife was
-obliged to go into town herself, in order to sell the pictures which
-her husband painted. Such is the portrait which M. de Morande draws
-of the _Balsamo_ of London, a portrait which no one will accuse him
-of having flattered, and from which the sensible reader will draw the
-conclusion that the _Balsamo_ of London was an honest artist who gained
-a livelihood by hard work.
-
-‘I might then admit without blushing that I had lived in London in 1772
-under the name of _Balsamo_, on the product of my feeble talents in
-painting; that the course of events and circumstances had reduced me to
-this extremity, etc....
-
-‘I am ignorant whether the law-suit between _Balsamo_ and _Benamore_
-is real or supposed: one thing is certain, that in London exists a
-regular physician of irreproachable probity, named Benamore. He is
-versed in oriental languages: he was formerly attached, as interpreter,
-to the Moroccan Embassy, and he is, at this date, employed, in the same
-capacity, by the ambassador of Tripoli. He will bear witness to all
-who wish to know that, during the 30 years he has been established in
-London, he has never known another Benamore than himself, and that he
-has never had a law-suit with anyone bearing the name of _Balsamo_.’
-
-Now take Carlyle, with whom dogmatism stood in stead of research, and
-judge for yourselves. ‘There is one briefest but authentic-looking
-glimpse of him presents itself in England, in the year 1772: no Count
-is he here, but mere Signor Balsamo again, engaged in house-painting,
-for which he has a peculiar talent. Was it true that he painted the
-country house of a “Doctor Benemore;” and, not having painted, but
-only smeared it, was refused payment, and got a lawsuit with expenses
-instead? If Doctor Benemore have left any representatives in the Earth,
-they are desired to speak out. We add only, that if young Beppo had
-one of the prettiest of wives, old Benemore had one of the ugliest
-daughters; and so, putting one thing to another, matters might not be
-so bad.’
-
-Who set this story afloat, about Cagliostro being in London in 1772?
-Why, Monsieur de Morande, the editor of the _Courier de l’Europe_, and
-of his veracity we may judge by an advertisement in the _London Evening
-Post_ of November 27 to 30, 1773, p. 4, col. 4, (translated).
-
-‘Monsieur Le Comte de Lauraguais has kindly consented, after the humble
-apologies I have made to him, to forego the action commenced against me
-for having defamed him in some verses full of untruths, injurious both
-to his honour and his reputation, of which I was the author, and which
-I caused to be inserted in the _Morning Chronicle_ of 24 and 25 June
-last, entitled: “Answer of the Gazetteer Cuirassé.” I therefore beg
-you, Mr. Woodfall,[112] to publish through the same channel by which I
-made my verses public,--my sincere repentance for having so injuriously
-libelled Monsieur le Comte, and my very humble thanks for his having
-accepted my apologies, and stopping all action in the matter.
-
- ‘DE MORANDE.
-
- ‘Nov. 26, 1773.’
-
-This is what in law would be called _a tainted witness_, as, about that
-time he was, on his own confession, given to lying.
-
-According to his own account he came to London in July, 1776, possessed
-of a capital of about three thousand pounds in plate, jewels, and
-specie, and hired apartments in Whitcomb Street, Pall Mall East, and
-here he fell into evil company. The story is not very lucid--but it
-seems that his wife’s companion, a Portuguese woman named Blavary, and
-his secretary and interpreter, Vitellini, introduced to him a certain
-Lord Scot. They were a lot of sharpers all round. Scot introduced a
-woman as his wife--Lady Scot, if you please--(in reality Miss Fry), who
-got money and clothes from the countess, and Cagliostro lent my lord
-two hundred pounds on his simple note of hand.
-
-He declares that he gave them lucky numbers for the lottery, and that
-they gained much money thereby--on one occasion, when he gave Miss Fry
-the number eight, she won the sum of fifteen hundred guineas; but she
-was requested by Cagliostro not to visit, or bother himself, or his
-wife again. He moved into Suffolk Street in January, 1777, but the
-persevering Miss Fry took lodgings in the same house. She attempted to
-borrow money, and to get lucky numbers, but, failing in both, she had
-him arrested on the 7th of February for a pretended debt of one hundred
-and ninety pounds. He recovered his liberty the next day, by depositing
-in the hands of the sheriff’s officer, jewels worth double the amount.
-
-Then a warrant was taken out against him and his wife, signed by one
-Justice Miller--on the charge of practising witchcraft. This does not,
-however, seem to have been acted on, but he was frequently harassed by
-actions for debt brought against him by Miss Fry, and he became well
-acquainted with the inside of a spunging-house. On the 24th of May he
-was taken into custody for a debt of two hundred pounds, at the suit of
-Miss Fry, but he managed to find bail. The case was tried before Lord
-Mansfield, in the Court of Queen’s Bench, on the 27th of June, but his
-lordship suggested that it was a case for arbitration, which was agreed
-to.
-
-The arbitration took place on the 4th of July, when Cagliostro’s
-lawyer deserted him, and the decision was that the count had lost
-his case, and must pay all costs. As if this was not bad enough, as
-he was leaving the court he was arrested at the suit of one Aylett,
-who had lodged a detainer against him for a debt of ten pounds and
-upwards, by the name of Melisa Cagliostro, otherwise Joseph Balsamo,
-which debt he said was due to him from Balsamo, who had employed him
-in 1772 to recover a debt from Dr. Benamore. He got bail, but, as his
-money was getting scarce, it was at the cost of ‘two soup-ladles,
-two candlesticks, two salt-cellars, two pepper-castors, six forks,
-six table spoons, nine knife handles with blades, a pair of snuffers
-and stand, all of silver.’ He had, however, suffered six weeks’
-imprisonment, as he was not liberated from the King’s Bench till the
-24th of September, 1777.
-
-In vain his friends endeavoured to stir him up to commence actions for
-fraud and perjury against all concerned, but either his cause was not
-just, or he had had enough law to last him some time--and he refused.
-He paid up his debts and left England, with only fifty guineas and a
-few jewels in his possession.
-
-Rightly or wrongly, he was connected with the ‘Diamond Necklace’
-affair, and suffered incarceration in the Bastile. If he can be at
-all believed, the police plundered him and his wife right royally. He
-says he lost fifteen rouleaux, each containing fifty double louis,
-sealed with his seal; one thousand two hundred and thirty-three sequins
-(Venetian and Roman): one rouleau of twenty-four Spanish quadruples,
-sealed also; and forty-seven billets of one thousand livres each on
-the Caisse d’Escompte. They also took papers which were to him of
-inestimable value; and, as to diamonds and jewellery, he knew not
-what was taken, besides plate, porcelain, and linen, etc. After an
-examination, he was acquitted, but he had to leave France, and came to
-London, where he lived in Sloane Street. Here he became acquainted with
-Lord George Gordon, and this acquaintance afterwards cost him dearly,
-when he was arrested at Rome. To show the intimacy between the two, I
-will quote from the _Public Advertiser_ of the 22nd of August, 1786, p.
-2, col. 3.
-
-‘M. Barthelemy, who conducts the affairs of France in the absence
-of Comte Dazimer, having sent M. Daragon with a message to Comte de
-Cagliostro, in Sloane Street, intimating that he had received orders
-from the Court of Versailles to communicate to Comte de Cagliostro
-that he now had permission to return to France; yesterday morning, the
-Comte, accompanied by Lord George Gordon and M. Bergeret de Frouville,
-waited upon M. Barthelemy at the “Hotel of France,” in Piccadilly, for
-an eclaireissement upon the subject of this message from the Court of
-France, delivered by M. Barthelemy, relative to the permission granted
-to the Comte de Cagliostro to return to Paris. M. Barthelemy, the
-Comte de Cambise, and M. Daragon seemed much surprised to see Comte de
-Cagliostro arrive in Lord George Gordon’s coach, with his Lordship,
-and M. Frouville, and, having expressed their desire that the Comte de
-Cagliostro _alone_ should speak with M. Barthelemy, they were informed
-that Lord Gordon and M. Bergeret de Frouville were there on purpose to
-attend their friend, and that Comte de Cagliostro would not dispense
-with Lord George Gordon’s absence from the Conference. Will any friend
-to liberty blame Comte de Cagliostro, after ten months’ imprisonment
-in a dungeon, for having his friends near him, when insidious proposals
-are made to him by the faction of Breteuil and the supporters of the
-Bastile Men who have already sought his destruction, and, after his
-innocence was declared by the judgment of the Parliament of Paris,
-embezzled a great part of his fortune, and exiled him from France?
-M. Barthelemy (seeing the determination of the Comte’s friends) then
-read the letter from M. Breteuil; but, upon the Comte de Cagliostro
-desiring a copy, M. Barthelemy refused it. A great deal of conversation
-then ensued upon the subject, which in all probability will give rise
-to a full representation to the King of France, who is certainly very
-much imposed on. The Queen’s party is still violent against Comte
-de Cagliostro, the friend of mankind; and De Breteuil--le Sieur De
-Launey--Titon--De Brunières--Maître Chesnon--Barthelemy and Dazimer are
-mere instruments of that faction. The honour of the King of France, the
-justice and judgment of the Parliament of Paris, the good faith of the
-Citizens, and the good name of the nation, are all attainted by the
-pillage and detention of the property of Comte de Cagliostro.’
-
-And again, in the same paper, 24th of August, 1786, p. 2, col. 3, is
-another paragraph respecting him:
-
-‘Comte de Cagliostro has declared he will hold no intercourse with any
-of Le Sieur Breteuil’s messengers from France, except in the presence
-of Lord George Gordon. The gang of French spies in London, who are
-linked in with M. de Morande, and the Sieurs Barthelemy, Dazimer,
-Cambise, and the Queen’s Bastile party at Paris, are trying the
-most insiduous arts to entrap the Comte and Comtesse, and have the
-effrontery and audaciousness to persecute them publicly, and vilify
-them even in this free country, where these noble Strangers are come to
-seek protection in the arms of a generous people. The friendship and
-benevolence of Comte de Cagliostro, in advising the poor Prince Louis
-de Rohan to be upon his guard against the Comtesse de Valois, and the
-intrigues of the Queen’s faction, (who still seek the destruction of
-that noble Prince) has brought upon the Comte and his amiable Comtesse
-the hateful revenge of a tyrannical Government. The story of the
-Diamonds has never been properly explained to the Public in France. It
-would discover too much of the base arts practised to destroy Prince
-Louis, and involve in guilt persons not safe to name in an arbitrary
-kingdom.’
-
-This airing of private grief in public extorted some strictures in a
-letter in the _Morning Post_, of 29th of August, 1786, in which it
-was suggested, generally, that foreigners should wash their dirty
-linen at home. But Monsieur de Morande, editor of the _Courier de
-l’Europe_, published many assertions, be they facts, or fiction,
-relative to Cagliostro, and he once more blossomed out into print in
-his old champion, the _Public Advertiser_ (vide that newspaper, 5th
-of September, 1786, p. 2. col. 1), translated in the number of 7th
-September. In this curious letter, he adverts to his adversaries’
-slanders, and the following singular passages occur:
-
-‘Of all the very good stories which you relate at my expense, the
-best, without comparison, is that of the pig fed with arsenic, which
-poisoned the lions, tygers, and leopards of the forests of Medina. I
-am going, Mr. Railer, to give you an opportunity of being witty on
-a perfect comprehension of the fact. You know that, in physics and
-chymistry, reasoning proves but little, ridicule nothing, and that
-experiment is all. Permit me, then, to propose a small experiment to
-you, of which the issue will divert the public, either at your expense,
-or mine. I invite you to breakfast with me on the 9th of November next,
-at nine o’clock in the morning. You shall furnish the wine, and the
-appendages. For myself, I shall only furnish a single dish, after my
-own fashion--it shall be a sucking pig, fattened after my method. Two
-hours before breakfast, I shall present you the pig alive, fat and
-healthy. You shall order it to be killed as you please, and prepared,
-and I shall not approach until it is served at the table. You shall
-cut it into four equal parts, you shall chuse that which most flatters
-your appetite, and I shall take that which you please. The day after
-that of our breakfast, one or more of four things will happen. Either
-both of us shall die, or we neither of us shall die, or you shall die
-and I survive, or I shall die and you survive. Of these four chances
-I give you three, and I bet you 5000 guineas, that, on the day after
-our breakfast, you shall die, and I be perfectly well. You must either
-accept of this Challenge, or acknowledge that you are an ignorant
-fellow, and that you have foolishly ridiculed a thing which is totally
-out of your knowledge.
-
-‘If you accept of this Challenge, I shall instantly deposit the 5000
-guineas with any banker that you please. You shall do the same in five
-days, during which time you shall have leave to make your supporters
-Contribute,’ &c.
-
-Monsieur de Morande’s reply was published immediately following the
-above letter. It is, like Cagliostro’s, too long for insertion; but its
-gist is, that he intends to unmask the pretender, and that he utterly
-declines to attend a poisoning match. He writes:
-
-‘I solemnly defy you to contradict them’ (_i.e._, his assertions as
-to Cagliostro’s quackeries and adventures); ‘and that I even offer,
-without croupiers or supporters, to make you another wager of five
-thousand guineas that I shall compleatly unmask you.
-
-‘But, _Monsieur le Comte_, I shall not put my foot in your house, and
-shall not breakfast with you myself. I am neither abject enough to keep
-you company, nor will let it be suspected for a single moment.
-
-‘You clearly conceive that such an interview ought not, nor can be,
-within your doors; you would be liable to be found guilty of criminal
-practises, in case of accident. This your _Council_ had not foreseen.
-
-‘As no tavern would permit such infamous scenes to pass under its roof
-as those you propose, you must, _Monsieur le Comte_, return once more
-to the _booth_; and worthy disciple of LOCUSTA,[113] choose in London a
-public place to make an open-air exhibition of your talents.’
-
-And like the scorpion, which carries its sting in its tail, he adds a
-foot-note, which refers to the heading of his letter:
-
-‘_M. de Morande’s Answer to Don Joseph Balsamo,_ _self-created Count
-of Cagliostro, Colonel in the Service of all the Sovereign Powers in
-Europe._’
-
-‘If it was not the case, it would be very singular to have seen, in
-the year 1777, M. Cagliostro calling himself in England Colonel of the
-Third Regiment of Brandenbourg, and, afterwards, in Russia, Colonel
-in the Spanish Service; for which, however, he was reprimanded by
-the magistrates of Petersburgh. Having forgot to take his Commission
-with him, he could not exhibit proofs, and was obliged to put down
-his regimentals. This check on his conduct made him abscond from
-Petersburgh. Every Russian nobleman in London knows this anecdote, and,
-without presuming to mention names, we trust that this will be found to
-be the case upon enquiry.’
-
-To this letter Cagliostro replied with another in the _Public
-Advertiser_ (p. 2, col. 1) of September 9, 1786, in which he repeats
-his challenge, and declines to sit down to breakfast with a carnivorous
-animal.
-
-De Morande, of course, could not be silent, and replied in the _Public
-Advertiser_ (p. 2, col. 1) of September 12, 1786. He reiterated the
-charges he made against Cagliostro in the _Courier de l’Europe_,
-saying, among other things, ‘I have said that you were in England in
-the year 1771, under the name of _Balsamo_, and that you were then a
-needy, as well as a _very indifferent_ painter; that twenty persons,
-at least, are ready to prove it. You take no notice of this second
-assertion, which becomes serious, _by the oath you have taken under
-that name_, of which I have a legal copy in my possession.
-
-‘I have said that you have made your appearance under another name,
-THAT OF CAGLIOSTRO, in the year 1777. I have several _affidavits_,
-amongst which there are some of your own, which authenticate very
-curious anecdotes concerning you; to this you have replied nothing.
-
-‘I have said that you falsely pretended then to be a _Colonel of the
-third regiment_ of Brandenbourg; that you had, at that time, a law-suit
-in the Court of Queen’s Bench, _about a certain necklace, and a gold
-snuff-box_, which you asserted to have been given MADAME LA COMTESSE,
-but which you were obliged to return, and pay all Costs, on the Clear
-proofs given by your adverse party, that you obtained them _under false
-pretences_. No reply has been made to this.
-
-‘I have added that, were you curious to try the same experiment now,
-a new Act of Parliament, which you and your fellow-adventurers have
-rendered _very necessary_, would certainly have caused you to be sent
-to the Thames.[114] To that direct and very clear observation you have
-not replied a single word.
-
-‘I have said that you were ordered by the Police in Russia, not to
-presume to take the name of a Colonel in the Spanish service, and to
-strip off your Spanish regimentals. I have given you an opportunity
-to vindicate yourself, by giving to understand, that there is not
-a Russian nobleman in London who would not certify this fact. I
-might have added that I have in my possession _the most respectable
-authority_ to say so. What have you said in reply to this?
-
-‘I have roundly asserted that I am in possession of proofs, that you
-are an impostor under every possible denomination; that you have
-not only no pretension to any title, but not even to the rank of a
-sergeant. Shall this remain likewise unanswered?
-
- * * * * *
-
-‘I am sorry to be obliged once more to name Mess^{rs.} B. & C. Bankers,
-to prove that your pretensions to lay a wager of 5000 guineas, are
-as well grounded as your pretensions to the title of a COUNT, or an
-_Alchemist_. It is a fact, that you _humbly_ offered to pledge in
-their hands the watch, of which the too long, and too much, deluded
-Cardinal de Rohan made you a present. It is likewise a fact _that
-they disdainfully refused it_. Your proposing, after this, a wager
-of 5000 guineas is probably no more than a new pretence to obtain
-credit, as you have formerly (in pretending to make great quantities of
-gold) obtained small sums, and little diamonds to make larger, which
-you afterwards declared had been given to MADAME LA COMTESSE. Those
-proofs, I repeat to you, _are in my possession_; they are all fully
-authenticated, and I will make good every one of my assertions.’ And he
-winds up his letter with expressing ‘the satisfaction I feel in having
-furnished the world with sufficient proofs to convince them that you
-are THE GREATEST IMPOSTOR OF THIS OR ANY OTHER AGE.’
-
-This ended the correspondence, for the general public were beginning to
-meddle in it, and the editor of the _Public Advertiser_ would only open
-his pages to the principals in this duel. This finished Cagliostro’s
-career in England. He had tried to sell his quack medicines, his
-Egyptian pills, but the charm was broken, and he quitted England for
-the Continent in May, 1787, leaving his wife behind, with sufficient
-means, under the guardianship of the De Loutherbourgs. She afterwards
-sold all up, and joined him in June.
-
-By this time his good genius had forsaken him, and for teaching
-freemasonry, then even more repugnant to the Roman Catholic hierarchy
-than at present, he was arrested, and imprisoned in the Castle of
-St. Angelo, November 27, 1789. He never again enjoyed freedom, but
-was found dead in his cell at St. Leo. Even the date of his death is
-uncertain, most authorities giving 1795; but some say 1794 and 1797.
-His wife, too, shared his fate; she was convicted of sorcery and
-witchcraft, and was shut up in a convent, where she died in 1794.
-
-His portraits represent him as by no means bad-looking, although the
-full eye, the puffed cheeks, and weak mouth betray a sensuality of
-feeling.
-
-
-THE END.
-
-LONDON: PRINTED BY DUNCAN MACDONALD, BLENHEIM HOUSE.
-
-
-
-
- HURST & BLACKETT’S
-
- LIST OF NEW WORKS.
-
- [Illustration]
-
-
- LONDON:
-
- 13, GREAT MARLBOROUGH STREET, W.
-
-
-
-
- 13, GREAT MARLBOROUGH STREET, LONDON.
-
-MESSRS. HURST AND BLACKETT’S
-
-LIST OF NEW WORKS.
-
-
- EIGHTEENTH CENTURY WAIFS. By JOHN ASHTON, Author of ‘Social
- Life in the Reign of Queen Anne,’ &c. 1 vol. imperial 8vo. 12s.
-
- CONTENTS: A Forgotten Fanatic--A Fashionable Lady’s
- Life--George Barrington--Milton’s Bones--The True Story
- of Eugene Aram--Redemptioners--A Trip to Richmond in
- Surrey--George Robert Fitzgerald--Eighteenth Century
- Amazons--‘The Times’ and its Founder--Imprisonment for
- Debt--Jonas Hanway--A Holy Voyage to Ramsgate One Hundred Years
- Ago--Quacks of the Century--Cagliostro in London.
-
-
- SHIKAR SKETCHES: WITH NOTES ON INDIAN FIELD SPORTS. By J. MORAY
- BROWN, late 79th Cameron Highlanders. With Eight Illustrations,
- by J. C. DOLLMAN, R.I. 1 vol. imperial 8vo. 12s.
-
-
- CHAPTERS FROM FAMILY CHESTS. By EDWARD WALFORD, M.A., Author of
- ‘The County Families,’ &c. 2 vols. crown 8vo. 21s.
-
-“There is a mine of wealth in the ‘Family Chests’ which no one has yet
-brought to the surface, and from this Mr. Walford has contrived to
-excavate a mass of acceptable matter--a treasury of narrative curious
-and romantic.”--_Globe._
-
-“The reader will find much curious information in Mr. Walford’s
-chapters of agreeable narrative.”--_Scotsman._
-
-
- REMINISCENCES OF THE COURT AND TIMES OF KING ERNEST OF HANOVER.
- By the Rev. C. A. WILKINSON, M.A., His Majesty’s Resident
- Domestic Chaplain. 2 vols. With portrait of the King. 21s.
-
-“An interesting book, entitled ‘Reminiscences of the Court and Times
-of King Ernest of Hanover,’ has just been published by Messrs. Hurst
-and Blackett. The two volumes in which these reminiscences of a
-septuagenarian are comprised abound in characteristic stories of the
-old king, in anecdotes of many celebrities English and foreign, of the
-early part of this century, and, indeed, of all kinds and conditions
-of men and women with whom the author was brought in contact by his
-courtly or pastorial office.”--_St. James’s Gazette._
-
-
- THE EGYPTIAN CAMPAIGNS, 1882 TO 1885, AND THE EVENTS WHICH LED
- TO THEM. By CHARLES ROYLE, Barrister-at-Law, of ALEXANDRIA. 2
- vols. demy 8vo. Illustrated by Maps and Plans. 30s.
-
-“Mr. Royle has done well in the interests of historical completeness
-to describe not only the entire military drama, but also the political
-events connected with it, and whoever reads the book with care has
-gone a considerable way towards mastering the difficult Egyptian
-question.”--_Athenæum._
-
-“The Egyptian fiasco has found in Mr. Royle a most painstaking,
-accurate, and judicious historian. From a literary point of view his
-volumes may be thought to contain too many unimportant incidents, yet
-their presence was necessary perhaps, in a complete record, and the
-most fastidious reader will unhesitatingly acquit Mr. Royle of filling
-his pages with anything that can be called padding.”--_St. James’s
-Gazette._
-
-
- THE PALACE AND THE HOSPITAL; or, CHRONICLES OF GREENWICH. By
- the REV. A. G. L’ESTRANGE, Author of ‘The Village of Palaces,’
- ‘The Friendships of Mary Russell Mitford,’ &c. 2 vols. crown
- 8vo. With Illustrations. 21s.
-
-“Mr. L’Estrange has provided for those who have a taste for topography,
-or rather for the historical and biographical annals of a locality
-famous in history, two volumes which are rich in romantic interest,
-and his pages abound in curious and interesting glimpses of old
-manners.”--_Daily News._
-
-
- THE REAL SHELLEY: NEW VIEWS OF THE POET’S LIFE. By JOHN CORDY
- JEAFFRESON, Author of “The Real Lord Byron,” “A Book about
- Doctors,” “A Book about Lawyers,” &c. 2 vols. demy 8vo. 30s.
-
-“Those who have read Mr. Jeaffreson’s account of Byron will be
-prepared to find that impartiality is the distinguishing feature of
-his endeavour to clear away the fancies and misconceptions which have
-been given to the world in some of the biographies of Shelley, and they
-will not be disappointed. The author has striven to ascertain, fairly
-and fully, the truth concerning a poet whose influence, while it has
-been greatly exaggerated by his most enthusiastic admirers, is still a
-living factor in the life of many.”--_Morning Post._
-
-
- THE FRIENDSHIPS OF MARY RUSSELL MITFORD: AS RECORDED IN LETTERS
- FROM HER LITERARY CORRESPONDENTS. Edited by the REV. A. G.
- L’ESTRANGE, Editor of “The Life of Mary Russell Mitford,” &c. 2
- vols. 21s.
-
-“These letters are all written as to one whom the writers love and
-revere. Miss Barrett is one of Miss Mitford’s correspondents, all of
-whom seem to be inspired with a sense of excellence in the mind they
-are invoking. Their letters are extremely interesting, and they strike
-out recollections, opinions, criticisms, which will hold the reader’s
-delighted and serious attention.”--_Daily Telegraph._
-
-
- THE BRONTË FAMILY, With Special Reference to PATRICK BRANWELL
- BRONTE. By FRANCIS A. LEYLAND. 2 vols. 21s.
-
-“This book is so full of interesting information that as a contribution
-to literary biography it may be considered a real success.”--_Academy._
-
-“Mr. Leyland’s book is earnest and accurate, and he has spared no
-pains to master his subject and present it with clearness; the book is
-valuable, and should be read by all who are familiar with the previous
-works on the family.”--_Graphic._
-
-
- MEMOIRS OF A CAMBRIDGE CHORISTER. By WILLIAM GLOVER. 2 vols.
- crown 8vo. 21s.
-
-“In these amusing volumes Mr. Glover provides us with the means of
-spending a pleasant hour or two in his company.”--_Times._
-
-“These volumes contain a miscellaneous set of reminiscences, comments,
-and anecdotes, written in a light and jocular style. Mr. Glover is
-always cheerful and never didactic.”--_Athenæum._
-
-
- WITHOUT GOD: NEGATIVE SCIENCE AND NATURAL ETHICS. By PERCY
- GREG, Author of “The Devil’s Advocate,” “Across the Zodiac,”
- &c. 1 vol. demy 8vo. 12s.
-
-“Mr. Greg has condensed much profound thought into his book, and
-has fully succeeded in maintaining the interest of the discussion
-throughout.”--_Morning Post._
-
-“This work is ably written; there are in it many passages of no
-ordinary power and brilliancy. It is eminently suggestive and
-stimulating.”--_Scotsman._
-
-
- FOOTSTEPS OF JEANNE D’ARC. A Pilgrimage. By Mrs. FLORENCE
- CADDY. 1 vol. demy 8vo. With Map of Route. 15s.
-
-“The reader, whatever his preconceived notions of the maid may have
-been, will soon find himself in sympathy with a writer who, by the
-charm of her descriptive style, at once arrests his attention and
-sustains the interest of her subject.”--_Morning Post._
-
- THE LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF PEG WOFFINGTON: WITH PICTURES OF THE
- PERIOD IN WHICH SHE LIVED. By J. FITZGERALD MOLLOY, Author of
- “Court Life Below Stairs,” &c. _Second Edition._ 2 vols. crown
- 8vo. With Portrait. 21s.
-
-“Peg Woffington makes a most interesting central figure, round which
-Mr. Molloy has made to revolve a varied and picturesque panorama of
-London life in the middle of the eighteenth century. He sees things in
-the past so clearly, grasps them so tenaciously, and reproduces them
-so vividly, that they come to us without any of the dust and rust of
-time.”--G. A. S. _in Illustrated London News_.
-
- WOMEN OF EUROPE IN THE FIFTEENTH AND SIXTEENTH CENTURIES. By
- Mrs. NAPIER HIGGINS. Vols. 1 and 2 demy 8vo. 30s.
-
-“The work is likely to be of permanent value to the students of
-history.”--_Morning Post._
-
- ON THE TRACK OF THE CRESCENT: ERRATIC NOTES FROM THE PIRÆUS TO
- PESTH. By MAJOR E. C. JOHNSON, M.A.I., F. R. Hist. S., etc.
- With Map and Upwards of 50 Illustrations by the Author. 1 vol.
- demy 8vo. 15s.
-
-“The author of this bright, pleasant volume possesses keen power
-of observation and vivid appreciation of animate and inanimate
-beauty. It will brighten hours for many readers who will only
-follow the track of the Crescent through its pages and its numerous
-illustrations.”--_Morning Post._
-
- MEMOIRS OF MARSHAL BUGEAUD, FROM HIS PRIVATE CORRESPONDENCE
- AND ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS, 1784-1849. By the COUNT H. D’IDEVILLE.
- Edited, from the French, by CHARLOTTE M. YONGE. 2 vols. demy
- 8vo. 30s.
-
-“This is a work of great value to the student of French history. A
-perusal of the book will convince any reader of Bugeaud’s energy,
-his patriotism, his unselfishness, and his philanthropy and
-humanity.”--_Athenæum._
-
- GLIMPSES OF GREEK LIFE AND SCENERY. By AGNES SMITH, Author of
- “Eastern Pilgrims,” &c. Demy 8vo. With Illustrations and Map of
- the Author’s Route. 15s.
-
-“A truthful picture of the country through which the author travelled.
-It is naturally and simply told, in an agreeable and animated style.
-Miss Smith displays an ample acquaintance and sympathy with all the
-scenes of historic interest.”--_St. James’s Gazette._
-
- MONSIEUR GUIZOT IN PRIVATE LIFE (1787-1874). By His Daughter,
- Madame DE WITT. Translated by Mrs. SIMPSON. 1 vol. demy 8vo.
- 15s.
-
-“Madame de Witt has done justice to her father’s memory in an admirable
-record of his life. Mrs. Simpson’s translation of this singularly
-interesting book is in accuracy and grace worthy of the original and of
-the subject.”--_Saturday Review._
-
- PLAIN SPEAKING. By Author of “John Halifax, Gentleman.” 1 vol.
- crown 8vo. 10s. 6d.
-
-“We recommend ‘Plain Speaking’ to all who like amusing, wholesome, and
-instructive reading. The contents of Mrs. Craik’s volume are of the
-most multifarious kind, but all the papers are good and readable, and
-one at least of them of real importance.”--_St. James’s Gazette._
-
- WORDS OF HOPE AND COMFORT TO THOSE IN SORROW. Dedicated by
- Permission to THE QUEEN. _Fourth Edition._ 1 vol. small 4to. 5s.
-
-
-
-
-Under the Especial Patronage of Her Majesty.
-
-_Published annually, in One Vol., royal 8vo, with the Arms beautifully
-engraved, handsomely bound, with gilt edges, price 31s. 6d._
-
-LODGE’S PEERAGE AND BARONETAGE, CORRECTED BY THE NOBILITY.
-
-FIFTY-SIXTH EDITION FOR 1887.
-
-
- LODGE’S PEERAGE AND BARONETAGE is acknowledged to be the most
- complete, as well as the most elegant, work of the kind. As an
- established and authentic authority on all questions respecting
- the family histories, honours, and connections of the titled
- aristocracy, no work has ever stood so high. It is published
- under the especial patronage of Her Majesty, and is annually
- corrected throughout, from the personal communications of the
- Nobility. It is the only work of its class in which, _the type
- being kept constantly standing_, every correction is made in
- its proper place to the date of publication, an advantage which
- gives it supremacy over all its competitors. Independently of
- its full and authentic information respecting the existing
- Peers and Baronets of the realm, the most sedulous attention is
- given in its pages to the collateral branches of the various
- noble families, and the names of many thousand individuals
- are introduced, which do not appear in other records of the
- titled classes. For its authority, correctness, and facility of
- arrangement, and the beauty of its typography and binding, the
- work is justly entitled to the place it occupies on the tables
- of Her Majesty and the Nobility.
-
-
-LIST OF THE PRINCIPAL CONTENTS.
-
- Historical View of the Peerage.
-
- Parliamentary Roll of the House of Lords.
-
- English, Scotch, and Irish Peers, in their
- orders of Precedence.
-
- Alphabetical List of Peers of Great Britain
- and the United Kingdom, holding superior
- rank in the Scotch or Irish Peerage.
-
- Alphabetical list of Scotch and Irish Peers,
- holding superior titles in the Peerage of
- Great Britain and the United Kingdom.
-
- A Collective list of Peers, in their order of
- Precedence.
-
- Table of Precedency among Men.
-
- Table of Precedency among Women.
-
- The Queen and the Royal Family.
-
- Peers of the Blood Royal.
-
- The Peerage, alphabetically arranged.
-
- Families of such Extinct Peers as have left
- Widows or Issue.
-
- Alphabetical List of the Surnames of all the
- Peers.
-
- The Archbishops and Bishops of England
- and Ireland.
-
- The Baronetage alphabetically arranged.
-
- Alphabetical List of Surnames assumed by
- members of Noble Families.
-
- Alphabetical List of the Second Titles of
- Peers, usually borne by their Eldest
- Sons.
-
- Alphabetical Index to the Daughters of
- Dukes, Marquises, and Earls, who, having
- married Commoners, retain the title
- of Lady before their own Christian and
- their Husband’s Surnames.
-
- Alphabetical Index to the Daughters of
- Viscounts and Barons, who, having
- married Commoners, are styled Honourable
- Mrs.; and, in case of the husband
- being a Baronet or Knight, Hon. Lady.
-
- A List of the Orders of Knighthood.
-
- Mottoes alphabetically arranged and translated.
-
-
-“This work is the most perfect and elaborate record of the living and
-recently deceased members of the Peerage of the Three Kingdoms as it
-stands at this day. It is a most useful publication. We are happy to
-bear testimony to the fact that scrupulous accuracy is a distinguishing
-feature of this book.”--_Times._
-
-“Lodge’s Peerage must supersede all other works of the kind, for two
-reasons: first, it is on a better plan; and secondly, it is better
-executed. We can safely pronounce it to be the readiest, the most
-useful, and exactest of modern works on the subject.”--_Spectator_.
-
-“A work of great value. It is the most faithful record we possess of
-the aristocracy of the day.”--_Post._
-
-
-
-
-EDNA LYALL’S NOVELS
-
-EACH IN ONE VOLUME CROWN 8vo, 6s.
-
-
-DONOVAN:
-
-A MODERN ENGLISHMAN.
-
-“This is a very admirable work. The reader is from the first carried
-away by the gallant unconventionality of its author. ‘Donovan’ is a
-very excellent novel; but it is something more and better. It should do
-as much good as the best sermon ever written or delivered extempore.
-The story is told with a grand simplicity, an unconscious poetry of
-eloquence which stirs the very depths of the heart. One of the main
-excellencies of this novel is the delicacy of touch with which the
-author shows her most delightful characters to be after all human
-beings, and not angels before their time.”--_Standard._
-
-“‘Donovan’ is told with the power of truth, experience, and moral
-insight. The tone of the novel is excellent and very high.”--_Daily
-News._
-
-
-WE TWO.
-
-“This book is well written and full of interest. The story abounds
-with a good many light touches, and is certainly far from lacking in
-incident.”--_Times._
-
-“‘We Two’ contains many very exciting passages and a great deal
-of information. Miss Lyall is a capable writer and a clear-headed
-thinker.”--_Athenæum._
-
-“A work of deep thought and much power. Serious as it is, it is now and
-then brightened by rays of genuine humour. Altogether this story is
-more and better than a novel.”--_Morning Post._
-
-“There is artistic realism both in the conception and the delineation
-of the personages; the action and interest are unflaggingly sustained
-from first to last, and the book is pervaded by an atmosphere of
-elevated, earnest thought.”--_Scotsman._
-
-
-IN THE GOLDEN DAYS.
-
-“Miss Lyall has given us a vigorous study of such life and character
-as are really worth reading about. The central figure of her story is
-Algernon Sydney; and this figure she invests with a singular dignity
-and power. He always appears with effect, but no liberties are taken
-with the facts of his life. The plot is adapted with great felicity to
-them. His part in it, absolutely consistent as it is with historical
-truth, gives it reality as well as dignity. Some of the scenes are
-remarkably vivid. The escape is an admirable narrative, which almost
-makes one hold one’s breath as one reads.”--_Spectator._
-
-“‘In the Golden Days’ is an excellent novel of a kind we are always
-particularly glad to recommend. It has a good foundation of plot and
-incident, a thoroughly noble and wholesome motive, a hero who really
-acts and suffers heroically, and two very nice heroines. The historical
-background is very carefully indicated, but is never allowed to become
-more than background.”--_Guardian._
-
-
-WON BY WAITING.
-
-“The Dean’s daughters are perfectly real characters--the learned
-Cornelia especially;--the little impulsive French heroine, who endures
-their cold hospitality and at last wins their affection, is thoroughly
-charming; while throughout the book there runs a golden thread of pure
-brotherly and sisterly love, which pleasantly reminds us that the
-making and marring of marriage is not, after all, the sum total of real
-life.”--_Academy._
-
-“‘Won by Waiting’ is a very pleasing and well-written tale; full of
-graphic descriptions of French and English life, with incidents and
-characters well sustained. A book with such pleasant reading, and with
-such a healthy tone and influence, is a great boon to the young people
-in our families.”--_Freeman._
-
-
-
-
-SIX-SHILLING NOVELS
-
-EACH IN ONE VOLUME CROWN 8vo.
-
-
-HIS LITTLE MOTHER. By the Author of “John Halifax, Gentleman.”
-
-“‘His Little Mother’ is one of those pathetic stories which the author
-tells better than anybody else.”--_John Bull._
-
-“This book is written with all Mrs. Craik’s grace of style, the chief
-charm of which, after all, is its simplicity.”--_Glasgow Herald._
-
-
-MY LORD AND MY LADY. By MRS. FORRESTER.
-
-“A very capital novel. The great charm about it is that Mrs. Forrester
-is quite at home in the society which she describes. It is a book to
-read.”--_Standard._
-
-“Mrs. Forrester’s style is so fresh and graphic that the reader is kept
-under its spell from first to last.”--_Morning Post._
-
-
-SOPHY. By VIOLET FANE.
-
-“‘Sophy’ is the clever and original work of a clever woman. Its merits
-are of a strikingly unusual kind. It is charged throughout with the
-strongest human interest. It is, in a word, a novel that will make its
-mark.”--_World._
-
-
-A HOUSE PARTY. By OUIDA.
-
-“‘A House Party’ will be read, firstly, because it is Ouida’s,
-and, secondly, because of the brightness of the conversations and
-descriptions. It is indeed more like a comedy than any other of the
-writer’s books.”--_Globe._
-
-
-OMNIA VANITAS. By MRS. FORRESTER.
-
-“This book is pleasant and well meant. Here and there are some good
-touches. Sir Ralph is a man worth reading about.”--_Academy._
-
-“This tale is well and cleverly written; the characters are drawn and
-sustained with considerable power, and the conversation is always
-bright and lively.”--_Glasgow Herald._
-
-
-BETRAYAL OF REUBEN HOLT. By BARBARA LAKE.
-
-“This novel shows considerable power of writing. There are some
-striking scenes and incidents.”--_Scotsman._
-
-“This tale displays elevation of thought and feeling, united to no
-little grace of expression.”--_Post._
-
-
-THE BRANDRETHS. By the Right Hon. A. J. B. BERESFORD HOPE, M.P.
-
-“The great attraction of this novel is the easy, conversational,
-knowledgeable tone of it; the sketching from the life, and yet
-not so close to the life as to be malicious, men, women, periods,
-and events, to all of which intelligent readers can fit a name.
-The political and social sketches will naturally excite the chief
-interest among readers who will be attracted by the author’s name and
-experience.”--_Spectator._
-
-
-
-
-THE NEW AND POPULAR NOVELS. PUBLISHED BY HURST & BLACKETT.
-
-
-ST. BRIAVELS. By MARY DEANE, Author of “Quatrefoil,” &c. 3 vols.
-
-“The authoress throughout writes with moderation and consistency, and
-her three ample volumes well repay perusal.”--_Daily Telegraph._
-
-“‘St. Briavels’ is a story replete with variety, and in all
-developments of her plot the author skilfully maintains an unabated
-interest.”--_Morning Post._
-
-
-A LILY MAID. By WILLIAM GEORGE WATERS. 3 vols.
-
-“A story of the keenest interest. Mr. Waters’ plot is neat, and his
-style is bright and pleasing.”--_Daily Telegraph._
-
-“‘A Lily Maid’ is throughout exceedingly pleasant reading.”--_Morning
-Post._
-
-
-LIKE LUCIFER. By DENZIL VANE. 3 vols.
-
-“There is some pleasant writing in ‘Like Lucifer,’ and the plot is
-workmanlike.”--_Academy._
-
-“Denzil Vane has a talent for lively, fluent writing, and a power of
-tracing character.”--_Whitehall Review._
-
-
-A DAUGHTER OF THE GODS. By JANE STANLEY. 2 vols.
-
-“‘A Daughter of the Gods’ is very pretty. That is a description which
-specially suits the easy-flowing, love-making story.”--_Athenæum._
-
-
-LUCIA. By Mrs. AUGUSTUS CRAVEN, Author of “A Sister’s Story.”
-Translated by LADY HERBERT OF LEA. 2 vols.
-
-“This is a very pretty, touching, and consoling story. The tale is as
-much above the ordinary romance as the fresh air of the seaside is
-better than the stifling atmosphere of the fashionable quarter of the
-gayest city.”--_St. James’s Gazette._
-
-“‘Lucia’ is as good a novel as has been published for a long
-time.”--_Academy._
-
-
-LOVE, THE PILGRIM. By MAY CROMMELIN, Author of “Queenie,” “A Jewel of a
-Girl,” &c. 3 vols.
-
-“‘Love, the Pilgrim’ is a pretty story, which, beginning quietly,
-develops into one of very sensational incident indeed.”--_Graphic._
-
-“A tale of thrilling interest.”--_Scotsman._
-
-
-THE KING CAN DO NO WRONG. By PAMELA SNEYD, Author of “Jack Urquhart’s
-Daughter.” 2 vols.
-
-“This novel gives evidence of imagination, insight into character, and
-power of delineation.”--_Athenæum._
-
-“Shows command of exceptional narrative and descriptive power--the
-story is told with cleverness and force.”--_Scotsman._
-
-
-THE COURTING OF MARY SMITH. By F. W. ROBINSON, Author of “Grandmother’s
-Money,” “No Church,” &c. 3 vols.
-
-“One of the finest studies that any of our novelists has produced of
-late years. To read such a book is to strengthen the soul with a moral
-tonic.”--_Athenæum._
-
-“The book is full of the truths and experiences of actual life, woven
-into a romance by an undoubtedly clever novelist.”--_Morning Post._
-
-
-THRO’ LOVE AND WAR. By VIOLET FANE, Author of “Sophy: or the Adventures
-of a Savage,” &c. 3 vols.
-
-“‘Thro’ Love and War’ has a succinct and intelligible plot, and
-is written with a quaint combination of acute perception, veiled
-sarcasm, and broad fun, which is certain to ensure for it a wide
-popularity.”--_The World._
-
-
-PASSAGES IN THE LIFE OF A LADY in 1814, 1815, 1816. By HAMILTON AIDÉ,
-Author of “Rita,” “Penruddocke,” “Poet and Peer,” &c. 3 vols.
-
-
-TILL MY WEDDING DAY. By a French Lady. 2 vols.
-
-
-THE GREEN HILLS BY THE SEA: A MANX STORY. By HUGH COLEMAN DAVIDSON. 3
-vols.
-
-
-VICTIMS. By THEO GIFT, Author of “Pretty Miss Bellew,” “Lil Lorimer,”
-&c. 3 vols.
-
-
-THE BROKEN SEAL. By DORA RUSSELL, Author of “Footprints in the Snow,”
-&c. 3 vols.
-
-
-“Miss Dora Russell writes easily and well, and she has the gift of
-making her characters describe themselves by their dialogue, which is
-bright and natural.”--_Athenæum._
-
-
-MURIEL’S MARRIAGE. By ESME STUART, Author of “A Faire Damzell,” &c. 3
-vols.
-
-“Much of the interest and charm of the story, and both are
-considerable, are due to the delineations, not merely of the two
-principal personages, but of the minor characters.”--_Scotsman._
-
-
-ONCE AGAIN. By Mrs. FORRESTEr, Author of “Viva,” “Mignon,” “My Lord and
-My Lady,” &c. (_Second Edition_) 3 vols.
-
-“A really fascinating story. Bright and often original as is Mrs.
-Forrester, her peculiar gifts have never been seen to better
-advantage than in ‘Once Again.’ An undercurrent of tragedy runs
-through this startling tale, and this, together with its graphically
-drawn characters, sets it completely apart from the ordinary society
-story.”--_Morning Post._
-
-
-A WILFUL YOUNG WOMAN. By A. PRICE, Author of “A Rustic Maid,” “Who is
-Sylvia?” &c. 3 vols.
-
-“A very readable story. Mrs. Price has drawn her _dramatis personæ_
-with some power and vigour.”--_Academy._
-
-“The story is throughout both sound and high-principled.”--_Literary
-World._
-
-
-THE SURVIVORS. By HENRY CRESSWELL, Author of “A Modern Greek Heroine,”
-“Incognita,” &c. 3 vols.
-
-“There is cleverness in this book, and occasional brilliancy and
-wit.”--_Academy._
-
-“An amusing comedy of modern life; there are some good situations and
-striking episodes in the book.”--_Athenæum._
-
-
-A WICKED GIRL. By MARY CECIL HAY, Author of “Old Myddelton’s Money,”
-&c. 3 vols.
-
-“The author of ‘Old Myddelton’s Money’ always manages to write
-interesting stories.”--_Academy._
-
-“The story ‘A Wicked Girl’ has an ingeniously carried out plot. Miss
-Hay is a graceful writer, and her pathos is genuine.”--_Post._
-
-
-THE WOOING OF CATHERINE. By E. FRANCES POYNTER, Author of “My Little
-Lady,” &c. 2 vols.
-
-“The figures are drawn with clear, bold strokes, each individual
-standing before us with marked personality, while the backgrounds are
-effective and striking.”--_Literary World._
-
-
-
-
- HURST & BLACKETT’S
-
- STANDARD LIBRARY.
-
-
- [Illustration]
-
-
- LONDON:
-
- 13, GREAT MARLBOROUGH STREET, W.
-
-
-
-
-HURST & BLACKETT’S STANDARD LIBRARY
-
-OF CHEAP EDITIONS OF
-
-POPULAR MODERN WORKS.
-
-ILLUSTRATED BY
-
-SIR J. E. MILLAIS, SIR J. GILBERT, HOLMAN HUNT, BIRKET FOSTER, JOHN
-LEECH, JOHN TENNIEL, J. LASLETT POTT, ETC.
-
-Each in a Single Volume, with Frontispiece, price 5s.
-
-
-I.--SAM SLICK’S NATURE AND HUMAN NATURE.
-
-“The first volume of Messrs. Hurst and Blackett’s Standard Library
-of Cheap Editions forms a very good beginning to what will doubtless
-be a very successful undertaking. ‘Nature and Human Nature’ is one
-of the best of Sam Slick’s witty and humorous productions, and well
-entitled to the large circulation which it cannot fail to obtain in
-its present convenient and cheap shape. The volume combines with
-the great recommendations of a clear, bold type and good paper, the
-lesser, but attractive merits of being well illustrated and elegantly
-bound.”--_Morning Post._
-
-
-II.--JOHN HALIFAX, GENTLEMAN.
-
-“The new and cheaper edition of this interesting work will doubtless
-meet with great success. John Halifax, the hero of this most beautiful
-story, is no ordinary hero, and this his history is no ordinary book.
-It is a full-length portrait of a true gentleman, one of nature’s own
-nobility. It is also the history of a home, and a thoroughly English
-one. The work abounds in incident, and many of the scenes are full of
-graphic power and true pathos. It is a book that few will read without
-becoming wiser and better.”--_Scotsman._
-
-“This story is very interesting. The attachment between John Halifax
-and his wife is beautifully painted, as are the pictures of their
-domestic life, and the growing up of their children; and the conclusion
-of the book is beautiful and touching.”--_Athenæum._
-
-
-III.--THE CRESCENT AND THE CROSS.
-
-BY ELIOT WARBURTON.
-
-“Independent of its value as an original narrative, and its useful and
-interesting information, this work is remarkable for the colouring
-power and play of fancy with which its descriptions are enlivened.
-Among its greatest and most lasting charms is its reverent and serious
-spirit.”--_Quarterly Review._
-
-“Mr. Warburton has fulfilled the promise of his title-page. The
-‘Realities of Eastern Travel’ are described with a vividness which
-invests them with deep and abiding interest; while the ‘Romantic’
-adventures which the enterprising tourist met with in his course are
-narrated with a spirit which shows how much he enjoyed these reliefs
-from the ennui of every-day life.”--_Globe._
-
-
-IV.--NATHALIE.
-
-BY JULIA KAVANAGH.
-
-“‘Nathalie’ is Miss Kavanagh’s best imaginative effort. Its manner is
-gracious and attractive. Its matter is good. A sentiment, a tenderness,
-are commanded by her which are as individual as they are elegant. We
-should not soon come to an end were we to specify all the delicate
-touches and attractive pictures which place ‘Nathalie’ high among books
-of its class.”--_Athenæum._
-
-
-V.--A WOMAN’S THOUGHTS ABOUT WOMEN.
-
-BY THE AUTHOR OF “JOHN HALIFAX, GENTLEMAN.”
-
-“These thoughts are good and humane. They are thoughts we would wish
-women to think: they are much more to the purpose than the treatises
-upon the women and daughters of England, which were fashionable some
-years ago, and these thoughts mark the progress of opinion, and
-indicate a higher tone of character, and a juster estimate of woman’s
-position.”--_Athenæum._
-
-“This excellent book is characterised by good sense, good taste, and
-feeling, and is written in an earnest, philanthropic, as well as
-practical spirit.”--_Morning Post._
-
-
-VI.--ADAM GRAEME OF MOSSGRAY.
-
-BY MRS. OLIPHANT.
-
-“‘Adam Graeme’ is a story awakening genuine emotions of interest and
-delight by its admirable pictures of Scottish life and scenery. The
-plot is cleverly complicated, and there is great vitality in the
-dialogue, and remarkable brilliancy in the descriptive passages, as
-who that has read ‘Margaret Maitland’ would not be prepared to expect?
-But the story has a ‘mightier magnet still,’ in the healthy tone which
-pervades it, in its feminine delicacy of thought and diction, and in
-the truly womanly tenderness of its sentiments. The eloquent author
-sets before us the essential attributes of Christian virtue, their deep
-and silent workings in the heart, and their beautiful manifestations
-in the life, with a delicacy, a power, and a truth which can hardly be
-surpassed.”--_Morning Post._
-
-
-VII.--SAM SLICK’S WISE SAWS AND MODERN INSTANCES.
-
-“We have not the slightest intention to criticise this book. Its
-reputation is made, and will stand as long as that of Scott’s or
-Bulwer’s novels. The remarkable originality of its purpose, and the
-happy description it affords of American life and manners, still
-continue the subject of universal admiration. To say thus much is to
-say enough, though we must just mention that the new edition forms a
-part of the Publishers’ Cheap Standard Library, which has included some
-of the very best specimens of light literature that ever have been
-written.”--_Messenger._
-
-
-VIII.--CARDINAL WISEMAN’S RECOLLECTIONS OF THE LAST FOUR POPES.
-
-“A picturesque book on Rome and its ecclesiastical sovereigns, by an
-eloquent Roman Catholic. Cardinal Wiseman has here treated a special
-subject with so much generality and geniality that his recollections
-will excite no ill-feeling in those who are most conscientiously
-opposed to every idea of human infallibility represented in Papal
-domination.”--_Athenæum._
-
-
-IX.--A LIFE FOR A LIFE.
-
-BY THE AUTHOR OF “JOHN HALIFAX, GENTLEMAN.”
-
-“We are always glad to welcome Mrs. Craik. She writes from her own
-convictions, and she has the power not only to conceive clearly what
-it is that she wishes to say, but to express it in language effective
-and vigorous. In ‘A Life for a Life’ she is fortunate in a good
-subject, and she has produced a work of strong effect. The reader,
-having read the book through for the story, will be apt (if he be of
-our persuasion) to return and read again many pages and passages with
-greater pleasure than on a first perusal. The whole book is replete
-with a graceful, tender delicacy; and, in addition to its other merits,
-it is written in good careful English.”--_Athenæum._
-
-“‘A Life for a Life’ is a book of a high class. The characters are
-depicted with a masterly hand; the events are dramatically set forth;
-the descriptions of scenery and sketches of society are admirably
-penned; moreover, the work has an object--a clearly defined moral--most
-poetically, most beautifully drawn, and through all there is that
-strong, reflective mind visible which lays bare the human heart and
-human mind to the very core.”--_Morning Post._
-
-
-X.--THE OLD COURT SUBURB.
-
-BY LEIGH HUNT.
-
-“A book which has afforded us no slight gratification.”--_Athenæum._
-
-“From the mixture of description, anecdote, biography, and criticism,
-this book is very pleasant reading.”--_Spectator._
-
-“A more agreeable and entertaining book has not been published since
-Boswell produced his reminiscences of Johnson.”--_Observer._
-
-
-XI.--MARGARET AND HER BRIDESMAIDS.
-
-BY THE AUTHOR OF “THE VALLEY OF A HUNDRED FIRES.”
-
-“We recommend all who are in search of a fascinating novel to read this
-work for themselves. They will find it well worth their while. There
-are a freshness and originality about it quite charming, and there is a
-certain nobleness in the treatment both of sentiment and incident which
-is not often found.”--_Athenæum._
-
-
-XII.--THE OLD JUDGE; OR, LIFE IN A COLONY.
-
-BY SAM SLICK.
-
-“A peculiar interest attaches to sketches of colonial life, and readers
-could not have a safer guide than the talented author of this work,
-who, by a residence of half a century, has practically grasped the
-habits, manners, and social conditions of the colonists he describes.
-All who wish to form a fair idea of the difficulties and pleasures of
-life in a new country, unlike England in some respects, yet like it in
-many, should read this book.”-- _John Bull._
-
-
-XIII.--DARIEN; OR, THE MERCHANT PRINCE.
-
-BY ELIOT WARBURTON.
-
-“This last production of the author of ‘The Crescent and the Cross’
-has the same elements of a very wide popularity. It will please its
-thousands.”--_Globe._
-
-“Eliot Warburton’s active and productive genius is amply exemplified
-in the present book. We have seldom met with any work in which the
-realities of history and the poetry of fiction were more happily
-interwoven.”--_Illustrated News._
-
-
-XIV.--FAMILY ROMANCE; OR, DOMESTIC ANNALS OF THE ARISTOCRACY.
-
-BY SIR BERNARD BURKE, ULSTER KING OF ARMS.
-
-“It were impossible to praise too highly this most interesting book,
-whether we should have regard to its excellent plan or its not less
-excellent execution. It ought to be found on every drawing-room table.
-Here you have nearly fifty captivating romances with the pith of all
-their interest preserved in undiminished poignancy, and any one may
-be read in half an hour. It is not the least of their merits that the
-romances are founded on fact--or what, at least, has been handed down
-for truth by long tradition--and the romance of reality far exceeds the
-romance of fiction.”--_Standard._
-
-
-XV.--THE LAIRD OF NORLAW.
-
-BY MRS. OLIPHANT.
-
-“We have had frequent opportunities of commending Messrs. Hurst and
-Blackett’s Standard Library. For neatness, elegance, and distinctness
-the volumes in this series surpass anything with which we are familiar.
-‘The Laird of Norlaw’ will fully sustain the author’s high reputation.
-The reader is carried on from first to last with an energy of sympathy
-that never flags.”--_Sunday Times._
-
-“‘The Laird of Norlaw’ is worthy of the author’s reputation. It is one
-of the most exquisite of modern novels.”--_Observer._
-
-
-XVI.--THE ENGLISHWOMAN IN ITALY.
-
-BY MRS. G. GRETTON.
-
-“Mrs. Gretton had opportunities which rarely fall to the lot of
-strangers of becoming acquainted with the inner life and habits of a
-part of the Italian peninsula which is the very centre of the national
-crisis. We can praise her performance as interesting, unexaggerated,
-and full of opportune instruction.”--_The Times._
-
-“Mrs. Gretton’s book is timely, life-like, and for every reason to
-be recommended. It is impossible to close the book without liking
-the writer as well as the subject. The work is engaging, because
-real.”--_Athenæum._
-
-
-XVII.--NOTHING NEW.
-
-BY THE AUTHOR OF “JOHN HALIFAX, GENTLEMAN.”
-
-“‘Nothing New’ displays all those superior merits which have made ‘John
-Halifax’ one of the most popular works of the day. There is a force and
-truthfulness about these tales which mark them as the production of no
-ordinary mind, and we cordially recommend them to the perusal of all
-lovers of fiction.”--_Morning Post._
-
-
-XVIII.--LIFE OF JEANNE D’ALBRET, QUEEN OF NAVARRE.
-
-BY MISS FREER.
-
-“We have read this book with great pleasure, and have no hesitation in
-recommending it to general perusal. It reflects the highest credit on
-the industry and ability of Miss Freer. Nothing can be more interesting
-than her story of the life of Jeanne D’Albret, and the narrative is as
-trustworthy as it is attractive.”--_Morning Post._
-
-
-XIX.--THE VALLEY OF A HUNDRED FIRES.
-
-BY THE AUTHOR OF “MARGARET AND HER BRIDESMAIDS.”
-
-“If asked to classify this work, we should give it a place between
-‘John Halifax’ and ‘The Caxtons.’”--_Standard._
-
-“The spirit in which the whole book is written is refined and
-good.”--_Athenæum._
-
-“This is in every sense a charming novel.”--_Messenger._
-
-
-XX.--THE ROMANCE OF THE FORUM; OR, NARRATIVES, SCENES, AND ANECDOTES
-FROM COURTS OF JUSTICE.
-
-BY PETER BURKE, SERJEANT AT LAW.
-
-“This attractive book will be perused with much interest. It contains a
-great variety of singular and highly romantic stories.”--_John Bull._
-
-“A work of singular interest, which can never fail to charm and absorb
-the reader’s attention. The present cheap and elegant edition includes
-the true story of the Colleen Bawn.”--_Illustrated News._
-
-
-XXI.--ADÈLE.
-
-BY JULIA KAVANAGH.
-
-“‘Adèle’ is the best work we have read by Miss Kavanagh; it is a
-charming story, full of delicate character-painting. The interest
-kindled in the first chapter burns brightly to the close.”--_Athenæum._
-
-“‘Adèle’ will fully sustain the reputation of Miss Kavanagh, high as it
-already ranks.”--_John Bull._
-
-“‘Adèle’ is a love-story of very considerable pathos and power. It is a
-very clever novel.”--_Daily News._
-
-
-XXII.--STUDIES FROM LIFE.
-
-BY THE AUTHOR OF “JOHN HALIFAX, GENTLEMAN.”
-
-“These ‘Studies’ are truthful and vivid pictures of life, often
-earnest, always full of right feeling, and occasionally lightened by
-touches of quiet, genial humour. The volume is remarkable for thought,
-sound sense, shrewd observation, and kind and sympathetic feeling for
-all things good and beautiful.”--_Morning Post._
-
-“These ‘Studies from Life’ are remarkable for graphic power and
-observation. The book will not diminish the reputation of the
-accomplished author.”--_Saturday Review._
-
-
-XXIII.--GRANDMOTHER’S MONEY.
-
-BY F. W. ROBINSON.
-
-“We commend ‘Grandmother’s Money’ to readers in search of a good
-novel. The characters are true to human nature, and the story is
-interesting.”--_Athenæum._
-
-
-XXIV.--A BOOK ABOUT DOCTORS.
-
-BY JOHN CORDY JEAFFRESON.
-
-“A book to be read and re-read; fit for the study as well as the
-drawing-room table and the circulating library.”--_Lancet._
-
-“This is a pleasant book for the fireside season, and for the seaside
-season. Mr. Jeaffreson has, out of hundreds of volumes, collected
-thousands of good things, adding thereto much that appears in print for
-the first time, and which, of course, gives increased value to this
-very readable book.”--_Athenæum._
-
-
-XXV.--NO CHURCH.
-
-BY F. W. ROBINSON.
-
-“We advise all who have the opportunity to read this book. It is well
-worth the study.”--_Athenæum._
-
-“A work of great originality, merit, and power.”--_Standard._
-
-
-XXVI.--MISTRESS AND MAID.
-
-BY THE AUTHOR OF “JOHN HALIFAX, GENTLEMAN.”
-
-“A good wholesome book, gracefully written, and as pleasant to read as
-it is instructive.”--_Athenæum._
-
-“A charming tale, charmingly told.”--_Standard._
-
-“All lovers of a good novel will hail with delight another of Mrs.
-Craik’s charming stories.”--_John Bull._
-
-
-XXVII.--LOST AND SAVED.
-
-BY THE HON. MRS. NORTON.
-
-“‘Lost and Saved’ will be read with eager interest by those who love a
-touching story. It is a vigorous novel.”--_Times._
-
-“This story is animated, full of exciting situations and stirring
-incidents. The characters are delineated with great power. Above and
-beyond these elements of a good novel, there is that indefinable charm
-with which true genius invests all it touches.”--_Daily News._
-
-
-XXVIII.--LES MISERABLES.
-
-BY VICTOR HUGO.
-
-_Authorised Copyright English Translation._
-
-“The merits of ‘Les Miserables’ do not merely consist in the
-conception of it as a whole; it abounds with details of unequalled
-beauty. M. Victor Hugo has stamped upon every page the hall-mark of
-genius.”--_Quarterly Review._
-
-
-XXIX.--BARBARA’S HISTORY.
-
-BY AMELIA B. EDWARDS.
-
-“It is not often that we light upon a novel of so much merit and
-interest as ‘Barbara’s History.’ It is a work conspicuous for taste
-and literary culture. It is a very graceful and charming book, with a
-well-managed story, clearly-cut characters, and sentiments expressed
-with an exquisite elocution. The dialogues especially sparkle with
-repartee. It is a book which the world will like. This is high praise
-of a work of art and so we intend it.”--_The Times._
-
-
-XXX.--LIFE OF THE REV. EDWARD IRVING.
-
-BY MRS. OLIPHANT.
-
-“A good book on a most interesting theme.”--_Times._
-
-“A truly interesting and most affecting memoir. ‘Irving’s Life’
-ought to have a niche in every gallery of religious biography. There
-are few lives that will be fuller of instruction, interest, and
-consolation.”--_Saturday Review._
-
-
-XXXI.--ST. OLAVE’S.
-
-BY THE AUTHOR OF “JANITA’S CROSS.”
-
-“This novel is the work of one who possesses a great talent for
-writing, as well as experience and knowledge of the world. The whole
-book is worth reading.”--_Athenæum._
-
-“‘St Olave’s’ belongs to a lofty order of fiction. It is a good novel,
-but it is something more. It is written with unflagging ability, and
-it is as even as it is clever. The author has determined to do nothing
-short of the best, and has succeeded.”--_Morning Post._
-
-
-XXXII.--SAM SLICK’S TRAITS OF AMERICAN HUMOUR.
-
-“Dip where you will into this lottery of fun, you are sure to draw out
-a prize. These ‘Traits’ exhibit most successfully the broad national
-features of American humour.”--_Post._
-
-
-XXXIII.--CHRISTIAN’S MISTAKE.
-
-BY THE AUTHOR OF “JOHN HALIFAX, GENTLEMAN.”
-
-“A more charming story has rarely been written. It is a choice gift to
-be able thus to render human nature so truly, to penetrate its depths
-with such a searching sagacity, and to illuminate them with a radiance
-so eminently the writer’s own.”--_Times._
-
-
-XXXIV.--ALEC FORBES OF HOWGLEN.
-
-BY GEORGE MAC DONALD, LL.D.
-
-“No account of this story would give any idea of the profound interest
-that pervades the work from the first page to the last.”--_Athenæum._
-
-“A novel of uncommon merit. Sir Walter Scott said he would advise no
-man to try to read ‘Clarissa Harlowe’ out loud in company if he wished
-to keep his character for manly superiority to tears. We fancy a good
-many hardened old novel-readers will feel a rising in the throat as
-they follow the fortunes of Alec and Annie.”--_Pall Mall Gazette._
-
-
-XXXV.--AGNES.
-
-BY MRS. OLIPHANT.
-
-“‘Agnes’ is a novel superior to any of Mrs. Oliphant’s former
-works.”--_Athenæum._
-
-“Mrs. Oliphant is one of the most admirable of our novelists. In her
-works there are always to be found high principle, good taste, sense,
-and refinement. ‘Agnes’ is a story whose pathetic beauty will appeal
-irresistibly to all readers.”--_Morning Post._
-
-
-XXXVI.--A NOBLE LIFE.
-
-BY THE AUTHOR OF “JOHN HALIFAX, GENTLEMAN.”
-
-“Few men and no women will read ‘A Noble Life’ without feeling
-themselves the better for the effort.”--_Spectator._
-
-“A beautifully written and touching tale. It is a noble
-book.”--_Morning Post._
-
-“‘A Noble Life’ is remarkable for the high types of character it
-presents, and the skill with which they are made to work out a story of
-powerful and pathetic interest.”--_Daily News._
-
-
-XXXVII.--NEW AMERICA.
-
-BY W. HEPWORTH DIXON.
-
-“A very interesting book. Mr. Dixon has written thoughtfully and
-well.”--_Times._
-
-“We recommend everyone who feels any interest in human nature to read
-Mr. Dixon’s very interesting book.”--_Saturday Review._
-
-
-XXXVIII.--ROBERT FALCONER.
-
-BY GEORGE MAC DONALD, LL.D.
-
-“‘Robert Falconer’ is a work brimful of life and humour and of the
-deepest human interest. It is a book to be returned to again and again
-for the deep and searching knowledge it evinces of human thoughts and
-feelings.”--_Athenæum._
-
-
-XXXIX.--THE WOMAN’S KINGDOM.
-
-BY THE AUTHOR OF “JOHN HALIFAX, GENTLEMAN.”
-
-“‘The Woman’s Kingdom’ sustains the author’s reputation as a writer of
-the purest and noblest kind of domestic stories.”--_Athenæum._
-
-“‘The Woman’s Kingdom’ is remarkable for its romantic interest. The
-characters are masterpieces. Edna is worthy of the hand that drew John
-Halifax.”--_Morning Post._
-
-
-XL.--ANNALS OF AN EVENTFUL LIFE.
-
-BY GEORGE WEBBE DASENT, D.C.L.
-
-“A racy, well-written, and original novel. The interest never flags.
-The whole work sparkles with wit and humour.”--_Quarterly Review._
-
-
-XLI.--DAVID ELGINBROD.
-
-BY GEORGE MAC DONALD, LL.D.
-
-“A novel which is the work of a man of genius. It will attract the
-highest class of readers.”--_Times._
-
-
-XLII.--A BRAVE LADY.
-
-BY THE AUTHOR OF “JOHN HALIFAX, GENTLEMAN.”
-
-“We earnestly recommend this novel. It is a special and worthy specimen
-of the author’s remarkable powers. The reader’s attention never for a
-moment flags.”--_Post._
-
-“‘A Brave Lady’ thoroughly rivets the unmingled sympathy of the
-reader, and her history deserves to stand foremost among the author’s
-works.”--_Daily Telegraph._
-
-
-XLIII.--HANNAH.
-
-BY THE AUTHOR OF “JOHN HALIFAX, GENTLEMAN.”
-
-“A very pleasant, healthy story, well and artistically told. The book
-is sure of a wide circle of readers. The character of Hannah is one of
-rare beauty.”--_Standard._
-
-“A powerful novel of social and domestic life. One of the most
-successful efforts of a successful novelist.”--_Daily News._
-
-
-XLIV.--SAM SLICK’S AMERICANS AT HOME.
-
-“This is one of the most amusing books that we ever read.”--_Standard._
-
-“‘The Americans at Home’ will not be less popular than any of Judge
-Halliburton’s previous works.”--_Morning Post._
-
-
-XLV.--THE UNKIND WORD.
-
-BY THE AUTHOR OF “JOHN HALIFAX, GENTLEMAN.”
-
-“These stories are gems of narrative. Indeed, some of them, in their
-touching grace and simplicity, seem to us to possess a charm even
-beyond the authoress’s most popular novels. Of none of them can this be
-said more emphatically than of that which opens the series, ‘The Unkind
-Word.’ It is wonderful to see the imaginative power displayed in the
-few delicate touches by which this successful love-story is sketched
-out.”--_The Echo._
-
-
-XLVI.--A ROSE IN JUNE.
-
-BY MRS. OLIPHANT.
-
-“‘A Rose in June’ is as pretty as its title. The story is one of
-the best and most touching which we owe to the industry and talent
-of Mrs. Oliphant, and may hold its own with even ‘The Chronicles of
-Carlingford.’”--_Times._
-
-
-XLVII.--MY LITTLE LADY.
-
-BY E. FRANCES POYNTER.
-
-“This story presents a number of vivid and very charming pictures.
-Indeed, the whole book is charming. It is interesting in both character
-and story, and thoroughly good of its kind.”--_Saturday Review._
-
-
-XLVIII.--PHŒBE, JUNIOR.
-
-BY MRS. OLIPHANT.
-
-“This last ‘Chronicle of Carlingford’ not merely takes rank fairly
-beside the first which introduced us to ‘Salem Chapel,’ but surpasses
-all the intermediate records. Phœbe, Junior, herself is admirably
-drawn.”--_Academy._
-
-
-XLIX.--LIFE OF MARIE ANTOINETTE.
-
-BY PROFESSOR CHARLES DUKE YONGE.
-
-“A work of remarkable merit and interest, which will, we
-doubt not, become the most popular English history of Marie
-Antoinette.”--_Spectator._
-
-
-L.--SIR GIBBIE.
-
-BY GEORGE MAC DONALD, LL.D.
-
-“‘Sir Gibbie’ is a book of genius.”--_Pall Mall Gazette._
-
-“This book has power, pathos, and humour.”--_Athenæum._
-
-
-LI.--YOUNG MRS. JARDINE.
-
-BY THE AUTHOR OF “JOHN HALIFAX, GENTLEMAN.”
-
-“‘Young Mrs. Jardine’ is a pretty story, written in pure
-English.”--_The Times._
-
-“There is much good feeling in this book. It is pleasant and
-wholesome.”--_Athenæum._
-
-
-LII.--LORD BRACKENBURY.
-
-BY AMELIA B. EDWARDS.
-
-“A very readable story. The author has well conceived the purpose
-of high-class novel-writing, and succeeded in no small measure in
-attaining it. There is plenty of variety, cheerful dialogue, and
-general ‘verve’ in the book.”--_Athenæum._
-
-
-LIII.--IT WAS A LOVER AND HIS LASS.
-
-BY MRS. OLIPHANT.
-
-“In ‘It was a Lover and his Lass,’ we admire Mrs. Oliphant exceedingly.
-It would be worth reading a second time, were it only for the sake of
-one ancient Scottish spinster, who is nearly the counterpart of the
-admirable Mrs. Margaret Maitland.”--_Times._
-
-
-LIV.--THE REAL LORD BYRON--THE STORY OF THE POET’S LIFE.
-
-BY JOHN CORDY JEAFFRESON.
-
-“Mr. Jeaffreson comes forward with a narrative which must take a
-very important place in Byronic literature; and it may reasonably be
-anticipated that this book will be regarded with deep interest by all
-who are concerned in the works and the fame of this great English
-poet.”--_The Times._
-
-
-
-
-WORKS BY THE AUTHOR OF ‘SAM SLICK, THE CLOCKMAKER.’
-
-_Each in One Volume, Frontispiece, and Uniformly Bound, Price 5s._
-
-
-NATURE AND HUMAN NATURE.
-
-“We enjoy our old friend’s company with unabated relish. This work is
-a rattling miscellany of sharp sayings, stories, and hard hits. It is
-full of fun and fancy.”--_Athenæum._
-
-“Since Sam’s first work he has written nothing so fresh, racy, and
-genuinely humorous as this. Every line of it tells in some way or
-other--instructively, satirically, jocosely, or wittily. Admiration
-of Sam’s mature talents, and laughter at his droll yarns, constantly
-alternate as with unhalting avidity we peruse the work. The Clockmaker
-proves himself the fastest time-killer a-going.”--_Observer._
-
-
-WISE SAWS AND MODERN INSTANCES.
-
-“This delightful book will be the most popular, as beyond doubt it is
-the best, of all the author’s admirable works.”--_Standard._
-
-“The book before us will be read and laughed over. Its quaint and
-racy dialect will please some readers--its abundance of yarns
-will amuse others. There is something to suit readers of every
-humour.”--_Athenæum._
-
-“The humour of Sam Slick is inexhaustible. He is ever and everywhere
-a welcome visitor; smiles greet his approach, and wit and wisdom hang
-upon his tongue. We promise our readers a great treat from the perusal
-of these ‘Wise Saws,’ which contain a world of practical wisdom, and a
-treasury of the richest fun.”--_Morning Post._
-
-
-THE OLD JUDGE; OR, LIFE IN A COLONY.
-
-“By common consent this work is regarded as one of the raciest, truest
-to life, most humorous, and most interesting works which have proceeded
-from the prolific pen of its author. We all know what shrewdness of
-observation, what power of graphic description, what natural resources
-of drollery, and what a happy method of hitting off the broader
-characteristics of the life he reviews, belong to Judge Haliburton.
-We have all those qualities here; but they are balanced by a serious
-literary purpose, and are employed in the communication of information
-respecting certain phases of colonial experience which impart to the
-work an element of sober utility.”--_Sunday Times._
-
-
-TRAITS OF AMERICAN HUMOUR.
-
-“No man has done more than the facetious Judge Haliburton, through the
-mouth of the inimitable ‘Sam,’ to make the old parent country recognise
-and appreciate her queer transatlantic progeny. His present collection
-of comic stories and laughable traits is a budget of fun, full of rich
-specimens of American humour.”--_Globe._
-
-“Yankeeism, portrayed in its raciest aspect, constitutes the contents
-of these superlatively entertaining sketches. The work embraces the
-most varied topics--political parties, religious eccentricities, the
-flights of literature, and the absurdities of pretenders to learning,
-all come in for their share of satire; while we have specimens of
-genuine American exaggerations and graphic pictures of social and
-domestic life as it is. The work will have a wide circulation.”--_John
-Bull._
-
-
-THE AMERICANS AT HOME.
-
-“In this highly entertaining work we are treated to another cargo of
-capital stories from the inexhaustible store of our Yankee friend.
-In the volume before us he dishes up, with his accustomed humour and
-terseness of style, a vast number of tales, none more entertaining
-than another, and all of them graphically illustrative of the ways
-and manners of brother Jonathan. The anomalies of American law, the
-extraordinary adventures incident to life in the backwoods, and, above
-all, the peculiarities of American society, are variously, powerfully,
-and, for the most part, amusingly exemplified.”--_John Bull._
-
-“In the picturesque delineation of character, and the felicitous
-portraiture of national features, no writer equals Judge Haliburton,
-and the subjects embraced in the present delightful book call forth, in
-new and vigorous exercise, his peculiar powers. ‘The Americans at Home’
-will not be less popular than any of his previous works.”--_Post._
-
-
-LONDON: HURST AND BLACKETT, PUBLISHERS.
-
-
-
-
-WORKS BY THE AUTHOR OF
-
-JOHN HALIFAX, GENTLEMAN.
-
-_Each in One Volume, Frontispiece, and Uniformly Bound, price 5s._
-
-
-JOHN HALIFAX, GENTLEMAN.
-
-“This is a very good and a very interesting work. It is designed to
-trace the career from boyhood to age of a perfect man--a Christian
-gentleman, and it abounds in incident both well and highly wrought.
-Throughout it is conceived in a high spirit, and written with great
-ability. This cheap and handsome new edition is worthy to pass freely
-from hand to hand as a gift-book in many households.”--_Examiner._
-
-“The story is very interesting. The attachment between John Halifax and
-his wife is beautifully painted, as are the pictures of their domestic
-life, and the growing up of their children, and the conclusion of the
-book is beautiful and touching.”--_Athenæum._
-
-“The new and cheaper edition of this interesting work will doubtless
-meet with great success. John Halifax, the hero of this most beautiful
-story, is no ordinary hero, and this his history is no ordinary book.
-It is a full-length portrait of a true gentleman, one of nature’s own
-nobility. It is also the history of a home, and a thoroughly English
-one. The work abounds in incident, and is full of graphic power and
-true pathos. It is a book that few will read without becoming wiser and
-better.”--_Scotsman._
-
-
-A WOMAN’S THOUGHTS ABOUT WOMEN.
-
-“A book of sound counsel. It is one of the most sensible works of its
-kind, well written, true-hearted, and altogether practical. Whoever
-wishes to give advice to a young lady may thank the author for means of
-doing so.”--_Examiner._
-
-“These thoughts are worthy of the earnest and enlightened mind, the
-all-embracing charity, and the well-earned reputation of the author of
-‘John Halifax.’”--_Standard._
-
-“This excellent book is characterised by good sense, good taste, and
-feeling, and is written in an earnest, philanthropic, as well as
-practical spirit.”--_Post._
-
-
-A LIFE FOR A LIFE.
-
-“We are always glad to welcome this author. She writes from her own
-convictions, and she has the power not only to conceive clearly what
-it is that she wishes to say, but to express it in language effective
-and vigorous. In ‘A Life for a Life’ she is fortunate in a good
-subject, and she has produced a work of strong effect. The reader,
-having read the book through for the story, will be apt (if he be of
-our persuasion) to return and read again many pages and passages with
-greater pleasure than on a first perusal. The whole book is replete
-with a graceful, tender delicacy; and, in addition to its other merits,
-it is written in good careful English.”--_Athenæum._
-
-
-NOTHING NEW.
-
-“‘Nothing New’ displays all those superior merits which have made ‘John
-Halifax’ one of the most popular works of the day.”--_Post._
-
-“The reader will find these narratives calculated to remind him of that
-truth and energy of human portraiture, that spell over human affections
-and emotions, which have stamped this author as one of the first
-novelists of our day.”--_John Bull._
-
-
-THE WOMAN’S KINGDOM.
-
-“‘The Woman’s Kingdom’ sustains the author’s reputation as a writer of
-the purest and noblest kind of domestic stories. The novelist’s lesson
-is given with admirable force and sweetness.”--_Athenæum._
-
-“‘The Woman’s Kingdom’ is remarkable for its romantic interest. The
-characters are masterpieces. Edna is worthy of the hand that drew John
-Halifax.”--_Post._
-
-
-STUDIES FROM LIFE.
-
-“These studies are truthful and vivid pictures of life, often earnest,
-always full of right feeling, and occasionally lightened by touches of
-quiet genial humour. The volume is remarkable for thought, sound sense,
-shrewd observation, and kind and sympathetic feeling for all things
-good and beautiful.”--_Post._
-
-
-CHRISTIAN’S MISTAKE.
-
-“A more charming story, to our taste, has rarely been written. Within
-the compass of a single volume the writer has hit off a circle of
-varied characters, all true to nature--some true to the highest
-nature--and she has entangled them in a story which keeps us in
-suspense till the knot is happily and gracefully resolved; while, at
-the same time, a pathetic interest is sustained by an art of which it
-would be difficult to analyse the secret. It is a choice gift to be
-able thus to render human nature so truly, to penetrate its depths
-with such a searching sagacity, and to illuminate them with a radiance
-so eminently the writer’s own. Even if tried by the standard of the
-Archbishop of York, we should expect that even he would pronounce
-‘Christian’s Mistake’ a novel without a fault.”--_The Times._
-
-“This is a story good to have from the circulating library, but better
-to have from one’s bookseller, for it deserves a place in that little
-collection of clever and wholesome stories which forms one of the
-comforts of a well-appointed home.”--_Examiner._
-
-
-MISTRESS AND MAID.
-
-“A good, wholesome book, as pleasant to read as it is
-instructive.”--_Athenæum._
-
-“This book is written with the same true-hearted earnestness as ‘John
-Halifax.’ The spirit of the whole work is excellent.”--_Examiner._
-
-“A charming tale charmingly told.”--_Standard._
-
-
-A NOBLE LIFE.
-
-“This is one of those pleasant tales in which the author of ‘John
-Halifax’ speaks out of a generous heart the purest truths of
-life.”--_Examiner._
-
-“Few men, and no women, will read ‘A Noble Life’ without finding
-themselves the better.”--_Spectator._
-
-“A story of powerful and pathetic interest.”--_Daily News._
-
-
-A BRAVE LADY.
-
-“A very good novel, showing a tender sympathy with human nature, and
-permeated by a pure and noble spirit.”--_Examiner._
-
-“A most charming story.”--_Standard._
-
-“We earnestly recommend this novel. It is a special and worthy specimen
-of the author’s remarkable powers. The reader’s attention never for a
-moment flags.”--_Post._
-
-
-HANNAH.
-
-“A powerful novel of social and domestic life. One of the most
-successful efforts of a successful novelist.”--_Daily News._
-
-“A very pleasant, healthy story, well and artistically told. The book
-is sure of a wide circle of readers. The character of Hannah is one of
-rare beauty.”--_Standard._
-
-
-THE UNKIND WORD.
-
-“The author of ‘John Halifax’ has written many fascinating stories, but
-we can call to mind nothing from her pen that has a more enduring charm
-than the graceful sketches in this work. Such a character as Jessie
-stands out from a crowd of heroines as the type of all that is truly
-noble, pure, and womanly.”--_United Service Magazine._
-
-
-YOUNG MRS. JARDINE.
-
-“‘Young Mrs. Jardine’ is a pretty story, written in pure
-English.”--_The Times._
-
-“There is much good feeling in this book. It is pleasant and
-wholesome.”--_Athenæum._
-
-“A book that all should read. Whilst it is quite the equal of any of
-its predecessors in elevation of thought and style, it is perhaps their
-superior in interest of plot and dramatic intensity. The characters are
-admirably delineated, and the dialogue is natural and clear.”--_Morning
-Post._
-
-
-
-
-WORKS BY
-
-MRS. OLIPHANT.
-
-_Each in One Volume, Frontispiece, and Uniformly Bound, Price 5s._
-
-
-ADAM GRAEME OF MOSSGRAY.
-
-“‘Adam Graeme’ is a story awakening genuine emotions of interest and
-delight by its admirable pictures of Scottish life and scenery. The
-plot is cleverly complicated, and there is great vitality in the
-dialogue, and remarkable brilliancy in the descriptive passages, as
-who that has read ‘Margaret Maitland’ would not be prepared to expect?
-But the story has a ‘mightier magnet still,’ in the healthy tone which
-pervades it, in its feminine delicacy of thought and diction, and in
-the truly womanly tenderness of its sentiments. The eloquent author
-sets before us the essential attributes of Christian virtue, their deep
-and silent workings in the heart, and their beautiful manifestations
-in the life, with a delicacy, a power, and a truth which can hardly be
-surpassed.”--_Morning Post._
-
-
-THE LAIRD OF NORLAW.
-
-“We have had frequent opportunities of commending Messrs. Hurst and
-Blackett’s Standard Library. For neatness, elegance, and distinctness
-the volumes in this series surpass anything with which we are familiar.
-‘The Laird of Norlaw’ will fully sustain the author’s high reputation.
-The reader is carried on from first to last with an energy of sympathy
-that never flags.”--_Sunday Times._
-
-“‘The Laird of Norlaw’ is worthy of the author’s reputation. It is one
-of the most exquisite of modern novels.”--_Observer._
-
-
-IT WAS A LOVER AND HIS LASS.
-
-“In ‘It was a Lover and his Lass,’ we admire Mrs. Oliphant exceedingly.
-Her story is a very pretty one. It would be worth reading a second
-time, were it only for the sake of one ancient Scottish spinster,
-who is nearly the counterpart of the admirable Mrs. Margaret
-Maitland.”--_Times._
-
-
-AGNES.
-
-“‘Agnes’ Is a novel superior to any of Mrs. Oliphant’s former
-works.”--_Athenæum._
-
-“Mrs. Oliphant is one of the most admirable of our novelists. In her
-works there are always to be found high principle, good taste, sense,
-and refinement. ‘Agnes’ is a story whose pathetic beauty will appeal
-irresistibly to all readers.”--_Morning Post._
-
-
-A ROSE IN JUNE.
-
-“‘A Rose in June’ is as pretty as its title. The story is one of
-the best and most touching which we owe to the industry and talent
-of Mrs. Oliphant, and may hold its own with even ‘The Chronicles of
-Carlingford.’”--_Times._
-
-
-PHŒBE, JUNIOR.
-
-“This last ‘Chronicle of Carlingford’ not merely takes rank fairly
-beside the first which introduced us to ‘Salem Chapel,’ but surpasses
-all the intermediate records. Phœbe, Junior, herself is admirably
-drawn.”--_Academy._
-
-
-LIFE OF THE REV. EDWARD IRVING.
-
-“A good book on a most interesting theme.”--_Times._
-
-“A truly interesting and most affecting memoir. ‘Irving’s Life’
-ought to have a niche in every gallery of religious biography. There
-are few lives that will be fuller of instruction, interest, and
-consolation.”--_Saturday Review._
-
-
-
-
-WORKS BY
-
-GEORGE MAC DONALD, LL.D.
-
-_Each in One Volume, Frontispiece, and Uniformly Bound, Price 5s._
-
-
-ALEC FORBES OF HOWGLEN.
-
-“No account of this story would give any idea of the profound interest
-that pervades the work from the first page to the last.”--_Athenæum._
-
-“A novel of uncommon merit. Sir Walter Scott said he would advise no
-man to try to read ‘Clarissa Harlowe’ out loud in company if he wished
-to keep his character for manly superiority to tears. We fancy a good
-many hardened old novel-readers will feel a rising in the throat as
-they follow the fortunes of Alec and Annie.”--_Pall Mall Gazette._
-
-“The whole story is one of surpassing excellence and beauty.”--_Daily
-News._
-
-“This book is full of good thought and good writing. Dr. Mac Donald
-looks in his stories more to the souls of men and women than to their
-social outside. He reads life and Nature like a true poet.”--_Examiner._
-
-
-ROBERT FALCONER.
-
-“‘Robert Falconer’ is a work brimful of life and humour and of the
-deepest human interest. It is a work to be returned to again and again
-for the deep and searching knowledge it evinces of human thoughts and
-feelings.”--_Athenæum._
-
-“This story abounds in exquisite specimens of the word-painting in
-which Dr. Mac Donald excels, charming transcripts of Nature, full of
-light, air, and colour.”--_Saturday Review._
-
-“This noble story displays to the best advantage all the powers of Dr.
-Mac Donald’s genius.”--_Illustrated London News._
-
-“‘Robert Falconer’ is the noblest work of fiction that Dr. Mac Donald
-has yet produced.”--_British Quarterly Review._
-
-“The dialogues in ‘Robert Falconer’ are so finely blended with humour
-and pathos as to make them in themselves an intellectual treat to which
-the reader returns again and again.”--_Spectator._
-
-
-DAVID ELGINBROD.
-
-“A novel which is the work of a man of genius. It will attract the
-highest class of readers.”--_Times._
-
-“There are many beautiful passages and descriptions in this book. The
-characters are extremely well drawn.”--_Athenæum._
-
-“A clever novel. The incidents are exciting, and the interest is
-maintained to the close. It may be doubted if Sir Walter Scott
-himself ever painted a Scotch fireside with more truth than Dr. Mac
-Donald.”--_Morning Post._
-
-“David Elginbrod is the finest character we have met in fiction for
-many a day. The descriptions of natural scenery are vivid, truthful,
-and artistic; the general reflections are those of a refined,
-thoughtful, and poetical philosopher, and the whole moral atmosphere of
-the book is lofty, pure, and invigorating.”--_Globe._
-
-
-SIR GIBBIE.
-
-“‘Sir Gibbie’ is a book of genius.”--_Pall Mall Gazette._
-
-“This book has power, pathos, and humour. There is not a character
-which is not lifelike. There are many powerful scenes, and the
-portraits will stay long in our memory.”--_Athenæum._
-
-“‘Sir Gibbie’ is unquestionably a book of genius. It abounds in
-humour, pathos, insight into character, and happy touches of
-description.”--_Graphic._
-
-“‘Sir Gibbie’ contains some of the most charming writing the author has
-yet produced.”--_Scotsman._
-
-“‘Sir Gibbie’ is one of the most touching and beautiful stories that
-has been written for many years. It is not a novel to be idly read and
-laid aside; it is a grand work, to be kept near at hand, and studied
-and thought over.”--_Morning Post._
-
-
-LONDON: HURST AND BLACKETT, PUBLISHERS.
-
-
-
-
-_WORKS by the AUTHOR of ‘JOHN HALIFAX.’_
-
-Each in a Single Volume, with Frontispiece, price 5s.
-
- JOHN HALIFAX, GENTLEMAN.
- A WOMAN’S THOUGHTS ABOUT WOMEN.
- A LIFE FOR A LIFE.
- NOTHING NEW.
- MISTRESS AND MAID.
- THE WOMAN’S KINGDOM.
- CHRISTIAN’S MISTAKE.
- A NOBLE LIFE.
- HANNAH.
- THE UNKIND WORD.
- A BRAVE LADY.
- STUDIES FROM LIFE.
- YOUNG MRS. JARDINE.
-
-
-_WORKS by GEORGE MAC DONALD, LL.D._
-
-Each in a Single Volume, with Frontispiece, price 5s.
-
- DAVID ELGINBROD.
- ROBERT FALCONER.
- ALEC FORBES.
- SIR GIBBIE.
-
-
-_WORKS by MRS. OLIPHANT._
-
-Each in a Single Volume, with Frontispiece, price 5s.
-
- IT WAS A LOVER AND HIS LASS.
- THE LAIRD OF NORLAW.
- A ROSE IN JUNE.
- ADAM GRAEME OF MOSSGRAY.
- PHŒBE, JUNIOR.
- AGNES.
- THE LIFE OF THE REV. EDWARD IRVING.
-
-
-_WORKS by the AUTHOR of ‘SAM SLICK.’_
-
-Each in a Single Volume, with Frontispiece, price 5s.
-
- NATURE AND HUMAN NATURE.
- WISE SAWS AND MODERN INSTANCES.
- THE OLD JUDGE; OR, LIFE IN A COLONY.
- TRAITS OF AMERICAN HUMOUR.
- THE AMERICANS AT HOME.
-
-
-_LONDON: HURST AND BLACKETT._
-
-
-
-
-FOOTNOTES:
-
-[1] It may be objected that this story pertains more to the seventeenth
-than the eighteenth century; but, as the man Roderick was alive in the
-last century, I claim him as belonging to it.
-
-[2] ‘The History of St. Kilda,’ etc. By the Rev. Mr. Kenneth Macaulay.
-London, 1764.
-
-[3] ‘Description of the Western Isles of Scotland, called Hebrides,’
-etc.
-
-[4] Harris.
-
-[5] _Scottice_, are without.
-
-[6] ‘A Late Voyage to St. Kilda, the Remotest of all the Hebrides,’
-etc., London, 1698.
-
-[7] Head-dress.
-
-[8] Venus, her lap dog.
-
-[9] A game at cards introduced into France by Signor Justiniani,
-Ambassador of Venice in 1674. The players are the dealer or banker, his
-assistant, who looks after the losing cards--a _croupier_, in fact--and
-the punters, or anyone who plays against the banker.
-
-[10] To understand the numerous allusions to the game of cards called
-Quadrill, it is necessary that the principles of the game should be
-given. It was played by four persons, each having ten cards dealt to
-them.
-
-The general laws of this game are, 1. It is not permitted to deal the
-cards otherwise than four by three, the dealer being at liberty to
-begin with which of those numbers he pleases. 2. If he who plays either
-_sans prendre_, or calling a king, names a trump of a different suit
-from that his game is in, or names two several suits, that which he
-first named must be the trump. 3. He who plays must name the trump by
-its proper name, as he likewise must the king he calls. 4. He who has
-said ‘I pass,’ must not be again admitted to play, except he plays by
-force, upon account of his having Spadille. 5. He who has asked the
-question, and has leave given him to play, is obliged to do it: but
-he must not play _sans prendre_ except he is forced to do it. 6. He
-who has the four kings may call the queen of either of his kings. 7.
-Neither the king nor queen of the suit which is trumps must be called.
-8. He who has one or several kings may call any king he has in his
-hand; in such case, if he wins, he alone must make six tricks; if he
-wins, it is all his own, and if he loses, he pays all by himself. 9.
-Everyone ought to play in his turn, but for having done otherwise, no
-one must be beasted. 10. He, however, whose turn is not to play, having
-in his hand the king the ombre has called, and who shall tramp about
-with either spadille, manille, or basto, or shall even play down the
-king that was called, to give notice of his being the friend, must not
-pretend to undertake the vole; nay, he must be condemned to be beasted
-if it appears that he did it with any fraudulent design. 11. He who has
-drawn a card from his game, and presented it openly in order to play
-it, is obliged so to do, if his retaining it may be either prejudicial
-to his game, or give any information to his friend, especially if the
-card is a matadore; but he who plays _sans prendre_, or calls upon his
-own king, is not subject to this law. 12. None ought to look upon the
-tricks, nor to count aloud what has been played, except when it is
-his turn to play, but to let everyone reckon for himself. 13. He who,
-instead of turning up the tricks before any one of his players, shall
-turn up and discover his game, must be equally beasted with him whose
-cards he has so discovered, the one paying one half, and the other
-the like. 14. He who renounces must be beasted, as many times as he
-has so done, but, if the cards are mixed, he is to pay but one beast.
-15. If the renounce prejudices the game, and the deal is not played
-out, everyone may take up his cards, beginning at the trick where the
-renounce was made, and play them over again. 16. He who shows the game
-before the deal is out must be beasted, except he plays _sans prendre_.
-17. None of the three matadores can be commanded down by an inferior
-trump. 18. If he who plays _sans prendre_ with the matadores in his
-hand, demands only one of them, he must receive only that he mentioned.
-19. He who, instead of _sans prendre_, shall demand matadores,
-not having them, or he who shall demand _sans prendre_ instead of
-matadores, cannot compel the players to pay him what is really his due.
-20. Matadores are only paid when they are in the hands of the ombre,
-or of the king his ally, whether all in one hand, or separately in
-both. 21. He who undertakes the vole, and does not make it, must pay
-as much as he would have received had he won it. 22. He who plays and
-does not make three tricks is to be beasted alone, and must pay all
-that is to be paid; and, if he makes no tricks at all, he must also pay
-to his two adversaries the vole, but not to his friend.’--_The Oxford
-Encyclopædia_, 1828.
-
-[11] Dressing-gown.
-
-[12] Entendres.
-
-[13] Wonders.
-
-[14] These leaden combs were used for darkening the hair.
-
-[15] Pulled down 1885.
-
-[16]
- Forsitan et nostros ducat de marmore vultus
- Nectens aut Paphia myrti aut Parnasside lauri
- Fronde comas--At ego secura pace quiescam.
-
- _Milton in Manso._
-
-[17] John Speed, the historian, died 1629, and was buried in the church
-of St. Giles’, Cripplegate.
-
-[18] The few hairs of a lighter colour, are supposed to have been such
-as had grown on the sides of the cheeks after the corpse had been
-interred.
-
-[19] ‘MDCLV. May vi, died my (now) only and eldest son, John Smith
-(_Proh Dolor_, beloved of all men!) at Mitcham in Surrey. Buried May ix
-in St. Giles, Cripplegate.’
-
-[20] Edward Philips or Phillips, in his life of Milton, attached to
-‘Letters of State, written by Mr. John Milton,’ &c., London, 1694,
-(p. 43), says: ‘He is said to have dyed worth £1,500 in Money (a
-considerable Estate, all things considered), besides Household Goods;
-for he sustained such losses as might well have broke any person less
-frugal and temperate than himself; no less than £2,000 which he had put
-for Security and Improvement into the Excise Office, but, neglecting to
-recal it in time, could never after get it out, with all the Power and
-Interest he had in the Great ones of those Times; besides another great
-Sum by mismanagement and for want of good advice.’
-
-[21] Thomas Newton, Bishop of Bristol, thus writes in his life of
-Milton, prefixed to his edition of ‘Paradise Lost,’ London, 1749: ‘His
-body was decently interred near that of his father (who had died very
-aged about the year 1647) in the chancel of the church of St. Giles,
-Cripplegate; and all his great and learned friends in London, not
-without a friendly concourse of the common people, paid their last
-respects in attending it to the grave. Mr. Fenton, in his short but
-elegant account of the life of Milton, speaking of our author’s having
-no monument, says that “he desired a friend to inquire at St. Giles’s
-Church, where the sexton showed him a small monument, which he said was
-supposed to be Milton’s; but the inscription had never been legible
-since he was employed in that office, which he has possessed about
-forty years. This sure could never have happened in so short a space
-of time, unless the epitaph had been industriously erased; and that
-supposition, says Mr. Fenton, carries with it so much inhumanity that
-I think we ought to believe it was not erected to his memory.” It is
-evident that it was not erected to his memory, and that the sexton was
-mistaken. For Mr. Toland, in his account of the life of Milton, says
-that he was buried in the chancel of St. Giles’s Church, “where the
-piety of his admirers will shortly erect a monument becoming his worth,
-and the encouragement of letters in King William’s reign.” This plainly
-implies that no monument was erected to him at that time, and this was
-written in 1698, and Mr. Fenton’s account was first published, I think,
-in 1725; so that not above twenty-seven years intervened from the one
-account to the other; and consequently the sexton, who it is said was
-possessed of his office about forty years, must have been mistaken, and
-the monument must have been designed for some other person, and not for
-Milton.’
-
-[22] Between the creditable trades of pawnbroker and dram-seller there
-is a strict alliance. As Hogarth observes, the money lent by Mr. Gripe
-is immediately conveyed to the shop of Mr. Killman, who, in return for
-the produce of rags, distributes poison under the specious name of
-cordials. See Hogarth’s celebrated print called Gin Lane.
-
-[23] Probably in the month of September, as the entry of his baptism
-in the registry of the chapelry of Middlesmoor, in Netherdale, says
-‘Eugenius Aram, son of Peter Aram, baptized the 2nd of October.’
-
-[24] Though no warrants were issued against them, Aram was arrested
-for debt, in order to keep him; yet he immediately discharged this
-debt--not only so, he paid off a mortgage on his property at Bondgate.
-Suspicious facts, considering he was, notably, a poor man.
-
-[25] Finding.
-
-[26] The esne was a man of the servile class, a poor mercenary, serving
-for hire, or for his land, but was not of so low a rank as the other
-classes.
-
-[27] An Act relative to German and Swiss redemptioners.
-
-[28] Bedlam was then in Moorfields.
-
-[29] A large wickerwork receptacle behind the mail-coach.
-
-[30] Palmer invented the mail-coach, and supplied horses to the
-Post-Office.
-
-[31] Lunardi made the first balloon ascent in England, Sept. 21, 1784.
-
-[32] Birmingham halfpence, struck by Boulton and Watts at their works
-at Soho, Birmingham.
-
-[33] Kew Bridge was opened to the public, September, 1789.
-
-[34] Some idea of the duelling that went on in Ireland in the latter
-part of last century may be gathered from the following extract
-from Sir Jonah’s book (vol. ii, p. 3): ‘I think I may challenge any
-country in Europe to show such an assemblage of gallant _judicial_ and
-_official_ antagonists at fire and sword as is exhibited even in the
-following list:
-
-The Lord Chancellor of Ireland, Earl Clare, fought the Master of the
-Rolls, Curran.
-
-The Chief Justice, K.B. Lord Clonmell, fought Lord Tyrawley (a privy
-counsellor), Lord Llandaff, and two others.
-
-The judge of the county of Dublin, Egan, fought the Master of the
-Rolls, Roger Barrett, and three others.
-
-The Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Right Hon. Isaac Corry, fought the
-Right Hon. Henry Grattan (a privy counsellor), and another.
-
-A Baron of the Exchequer, Baron Medge, fought his brother-in-law and
-two others.
-
-The Chief Justice, C. P. Lord Norbury, fought Fire-eater Fitzgerald and
-two other gentlemen, and frightened Napper Tandy, and several besides:
-one hit only.
-
-The judge of the Prerogative Court, Dr. Dingenan, fought one barrister
-and frightened another on the ground. N.B.--The latter case a curious
-one.
-
-The Chief Counsel to the Revenue, Henry Deane Grady, fought Counsellor
-O’Mahon, Counsellor Campbell, and others: all hits.
-
-The Master of the Rolls fought Lord Buckinghamshire, the Chief
-Secretary, &c.
-
-The provost of the University of Dublin, the Right Hon. Hely
-Hutchinson, fought Mr. Doyle, Master in Chancery, and some others.
-
-The Chief Justice C. P. Patterson, fought three country gentlemen, one
-of them with swords, another with guns, and wounded all of them.
-
-The Right Hon. George Ogle (a privy counsellor) fought Barney Coyle, a
-distiller, because he was a Papist. They fired eight shots, and no hit;
-but the second broke his own arm.
-
-Thomas Wallace, K.C., fought Mr. O’Gorman, the Catholic Secretary.
-
-Counsellor O’Connell fought the Orange chieftain; fatal to the champion
-of Protestant ascendency.
-
-The collector of the customs of Dublin, the Hon. Francis Hutchinson,
-fought the Right Hon. Lord Mountmorris.
-
-Two hundred and twenty-seven memorable and official duels have actually
-been fought during my grand climacteric.
-
-[35] ‘The Female Soldier; or, The Surprising Life and Adventures of
-Hannah Snell,’ &c. London, 1750.
-
-[36] A farmer of repute.
-
-[37] For a pension.
-
-[38] The action off Cape St. Vincent, when Sir John Jervis, with
-fifteen sail of the line, attacked and defeated the Spanish fleet,
-consisting of twenty-seven sail of the line.
-
-[39] ‘The case of Mr. John Walter, of London, Merchant.’ London, 1781.
-
-[40] Then in Lombard Street.
-
-[41] Lord North resigned, and Lord Rockingham succeeded as Premier,
-1782.
-
-[42] Logotypes--or printing types in which words, etc., were cast,
-instead of single letters.
-
-[43] The centenary of the _Times_ was improperly celebrated in that
-paper on the 1st of January, 1885.
-
-[44] _i.e._, in the liberty or Rules of the Fleet.
-
-[45] A foot-lock or hobble.
-
-[46] From the link-boy’s natural hatred of ‘the Parish Lantern,’ which
-would deprive him of his livelihood.
-
-[47] In throwing dice a corruption of the French numerals is used, as
-ace (one), deuce (two), tray (three), &c.
-
-[48] _I.e._, That sentence of death, owing to his pleading benefit of
-clergy, or ability to read, was commuted to imprisonment, and branding
-on the face with a red-hot iron. By degrees, however, the iron got
-colder, until, at last, it was barely warm.
-
-[49] Mews, or horse-pond.
-
-[50] ‘The Humours of the Fleet.’ A Poem, by W. Paget, Comedian, &c.
-Birmingham.
-
-[51] Where the Fleet Market is now, there was, a few Years since, a
-Ditch, with a muddy Channel of Water. The Market was built at the
-Expense of the Lord Mayor and Court of Aldermen, who receive the Rent
-for it.
-
-[52] The Door-keeper, or he who opens and shuts the Jigg, is call’d the
-Jigger.
-
-[53] Billiards is a very common game here.
-
-[54] Fine Ale drank in the Coffee-room, call’d the ‘Alderman,’ because
-brew’d by Alderman Parsons.
-
-[55] A Runner is a Fellow that goes abroad of Errands for the Prisoners.
-
-[56] Begs.
-
-[57] Persons who give any Considerable offence are often try’d, and
-undergo the Discipline of the Pump. The Author was one of these in a
-drunken Frolick, for which he condemns himself.
-
-[58] A Spacious place, where there are all sorts of Exercises, but
-especially Fives.
-
-[59] A Publick Place, free for all Prisoners.
-
-[60] Where those lie who can’t pay their Master’s Fee.
-
-[61] There are several of these Jiggers, or Door-keepers, who relieve
-one another, and, when a Prisoner comes first in, they take a nice
-Observation of him, for fear of his escaping.
-
-[62] A cant Word for giving some Money in order to show a Lodging.
-
-[63] Which is One Pound, Six, and Eightpence, and then you are entitled
-to a bed on the Master’s-side, for which you pay so much per Week.
-
-[64] Mount-scoundrel, so-call’d from its being highly situated, and
-belonging, once, to the Common-side, tho’ lately added to the Master’s;
-if there be room in the House, this Place is first empty, and the
-Chamberlain commonly shows this to raise his Price upon you for a
-better.
-
-[65] Half-a-guinea.
-
-[66] A Bed-fellow so call’d.
-
-[67] When you have a Chum, you pay but fifteen Pence per Week each,
-and, indeed, that is the Rent of a whole Room, if you find Furniture.
-
-[68] The Upper Floors are accounted best here, for the same Reason as
-they are at Edinburgh, which, I suppose, every Body knows.
-
-[69] It is common to mention the Fleet by the name of the Place, and I
-suppose it is call’d the Place by way of Eminence, because there is not
-such another.
-
-[70] A Cant Word for a Dram of Geneva.
-
-[71] A Chew of Tobacco--supposed to be given him.
-
-[72] When there are Holes above Heel, or the Feet are so bad in a
-Stocking that you are forced to pull them to hide the Holes, or cover
-the Toes, it is call’d Coaxing.
-
-[73] As the Prison is often called the College, so it is common to call
-a Prisoner a Collegian; and this Character is taken from a Man who had
-been many Years in the Place, and like to continue his Life.
-
-[74] The Name of the Cook of the Kitchen.
-
-[75] A place in the Cellar call’d Bartholomew Fair.
-
-[76] Who goes out? is repeated by Watchmen Prisoners from half-an-hour
-after nine till St. Paul’s Clock strikes Ten, to give Visitors Notice
-to depart.
-
-[77] While St. Paul’s is striking Ten, the Watchman don’t call Who goes
-out? but when the last stroke is given they cry All told! at which time
-the Gates are lock’d and nobody suffer’d to go out upon any Account.
-
-[78] A werst is one thousand and sixty-seven metres.
-
-[79] Then valued at four shillings each, or eight pounds in all.
-
-[80] Gay, in his ‘Trivia,’ book i, says,
-
- ‘Let _Persian_ Dames th’_Umbrella’s_ Ribs display,
- To guard their Beauties from the Sunny Ray.’
-
-[81] ‘A Review of the proposed Naturalization of the Jews.’
-
-[82] Among other Bills which then received the Royal Assent was one
-for purchasing Sloane Museum and the Harleian MSS., and for providing
-a general repository for the same--by means of a lottery--the
-commencement of the British Museum.
-
-[83] ‘Parliamentary History,’ Hansard, vol. xv, p. 154.
-
-[84] ‘Eight Letters to his Grace--Duke of Newcastle--on the custom of
-Vails-giving in England, &c.,’ 1760, p. 20.
-
-[85] ‘The East Neuk of Fife,’ by Rev. Walter Wood. Edinburgh, 1862, p.
-208.
-
-[86] Tickled the palms of their hands.
-
-[87] ‘The English Treasury of Wit and Language,’ etc., ed. 1655, pp.
-223, 224.
-
-[88] Or surfel--to wash the cheeks with mercurial or sulphur water.
-
-[89] Face-washes and ointments.
-
-[90] Edition 1699, p. 19. The poem had reference to the College of
-Physicians, establishing a dispensary of their own, owing to the
-excessive charges of the apothecaries. The institution did not last
-very long.
-
-[91] Gold.
-
-[92] ‘The Female Physician, &c.,’ by John Ball, M.D.--London, 1770, pp.
-76, 77.
-
-[93] This water, as its name implies, was supposed to be a sovereign
-remedy for gunshot wounds. It was also called _aqua vulneraria_, _aqua
-sclopetaria_, and _aqua catapultarum_.
-
-[94] Now called an _entire horse_, or _stallion_.
-
-[95] ‘The London Spy,’ ed. 1703, p. 124.
-
-[96] An allusion to the dispensary which the College of Physicians set
-up in the latter part of the seventeenth century, and which was the
-subject of Sir S. Garth’s satirical poem, called ‘The Dispensary.’
-
-[97] A seventh son of a seventh son is supposed to be endowed with
-extraordinary faculties of healing, and many of these quacks pretended
-to such a descent.
-
-[98] ‘The London Spy,’ ed. 1703, p. 64.
-
-[99] A covering, or gaiter, to protect the legs from dirt or wet.
-
-[100] ‘The Liturgy and other Divine Offices of the Church.’ London,
-Bosworth, 1880, p. 638.
-
-[101] ‘The Liturgy and other Divine Offices of the Church,’ p. 584.
-
-[102] _General Advertiser_, March 26, 1782.
-
-[103] _General Advertiser_, May 1, 1783.
-
-[104] _General Advertiser_, February 13, 1784.
-
-[105] _Gentleman’s Magazine_, 1736, pp. 617-618.
-
-[106] By Dr. Zachary Pearce, Bishop of Rochester.
-
-[107] A pickle herring was a Merry-Andrew or clown, and this means that
-the quack was too poor to afford either horse or attendant.
-
-[108] A false witness--one who would swear to anything for a trifle.
-
-[109] I have before me now twelve lives of him, and that is by no means
-an exhaustive list.
-
-[110] ‘Memoire pour le Comte de Cagliostro, accusé: contre Monsieur le
-Procureur-General, accusateur; en presence de Monsieur le Cardinal de
-Rohan, de la Comtesse de la Motte, et autres co-accusés.’ Paris, 1786,
-4to.
-
-[111] Of this work there was a French translation published in 1791 at
-Paris and Strasbourg, under the title of ‘Vie de Joseph Balsamo, connu
-sous le nom de Comte Cagliostro,’ &c. 2nd edition.
-
-[112] Editor of the _Morning Chronicle_, 1772-89.
-
-[113] Locusta, or, more correctly, Lucusta, was a celebrated poisoner.
-She was employed by Aggripina to poison the Emperor Claudius, and by
-Nero to kill Britannicus. For this she was most handsomely rewarded by
-Nero; but was executed for her crimes by Galba.
-
-[114] _i.e._, to serve on the convict hulks there, to dredge the
-Thames. The treatment on board was based on good principles; those
-convicts who were well-behaved had remission of sentence, those who
-were recalcitrant had unmerciful punishment.
-
-
-[Transcriber’s Note:
-
-Inconsistent spelling and hyphenation are as in the original.]
-
-
-
-
-
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-
-The Project Gutenberg EBook of Eighteenth Century Waifs, by John Ashton
-
-This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most
-other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
-whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of
-the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at
-www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have
-to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook.
-
-Title: Eighteenth Century Waifs
-
-Author: John Ashton
-
-Release Date: November 20, 2015 [EBook #50507]
-
-Language: English
-
-Character set encoding: UTF-8
-
-*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK EIGHTEENTH CENTURY WAIFS ***
-
-
-
-
-Produced by Chris Curnow and the Online Distributed
-Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was
-produced from images generously made available by The
-Internet Archive)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-</pre>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_i">i</span></p>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img id="coverpage" src="images/i_cover.jpg"
-alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="ph1">EIGHTEENTH CENTURY WAIFS.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_ii">ii</span></p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<h1>
-EIGHTEENTH CENTURY WAIFS<br />
-
-<span class="medium">BY</span><br />
-
-<span class="large">JOHN ASHTON</span><br />
-
-<span class="medium">AUTHOR OF<br />
-“SOCIAL LIFE IN THE REIGN OF QUEEN ANNE,”<br />
-ETC., ETC.<br />
-<br />
-<i>IN ONE VOLUME.</i></span><br />
-<br />
-<span class="table">
-<span class="trow medium">LONDON:</span>
-<span class="trow large">AND BLACKETT, PUBLISHERS,</span>
-<span class="trow medium">13, GREAT MARLBOROUGH STREET.</span>
-<span class="trow medium">1887.</span>
-<span class="trow small"><i>All Rights Reserved.</i></span>
-</span>
-</h1>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_iii">iii</span></p>
-
-<h2 id="PREFACE">PREFACE.</h2>
-
-<p>It was probably Solomon, who, in Ecclesiastes,
-cap. 12, v. 12, said, ‘Of making many books
-there is no end.’ But, if this book had to have
-been written by him, he might, probably, have
-modified his opinion.</p>
-
-<p>I have read some books in my life-time, <i>re</i>
-the sixteenth, seventeenth, and eighteenth centuries,
-and therefore was not taken aback when
-I was advised by a learned friend, whom I consulted
-as to the subject of a new book, to try
-the ‘Musgrave Tracts,’ in the British Museum.
-I thanked him, and wrote for them, when I was
-politely asked, ‘Did I want them all?’ ‘Of
-course,’ was my reply; when I was told, with
-the courtesy that particularly distinguishes the
-establishment, that I had better come into an
-inner room, and have them down shelf by shelf.</p>
-
-<p>The books came in a continuous stream, until
-I asked if there were any more. ‘Oh, yes,’ was
-the reply; and, when I had finished my job, I
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_iv">iv</span>
-found I had gone through more than 1760 volumes.
-Add to this over 200 other books and
-newspapers used for reference, &amp;c., and that will
-represent some amount of the labour employed
-in writing a book.</p>
-
-<p>I have strung together a series of chapters
-of different phases of social life and biography
-of the last century, none of which have (as far
-as I am concerned) appeared in any magazine,
-but which have all been specially written for
-this book. And this I have done so that the
-book may be taken up at any time, and laid
-down again at the end of an article; and perhaps
-the best reason for my publishing this
-book is, that it gives the reader a brief <i>resum&eacute;</i>
-of each subject treated, taken from sources,
-thoroughly original, which are usually inaccessible
-to the general public, and known but
-to few students.</p>
-
-<p>They are diverse, to suit all tastes; and if
-this, my venture, is successful, I may bashfully
-hint that my store is not yet exhausted.</p>
-
-<p class="author">JOHN ASHTON.</p>
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_v">v</span></p>
-
-<h2 id="CONTENTS">CONTENTS.</h2>
-
-<table>
- <tr>
- <td class="tdr" colspan="2">PAGE</td>
- </tr>
- <tr>
- <td><a href="#A_FORGOTTEN_FANATIC1"><span class="smcap">A Forgotten Fanatic</span></a></td>
- <td class="tdr">1</td>
- </tr>
- <tr>
- <td><a href="#A_FASHIONABLE_LADYS_LIFE"><span class="smcap">A Fashionable Lady’s Life</span></a></td>
- <td class="tdr">17</td>
- </tr>
- <tr>
- <td><a href="#GEORGE_BARRINGTON"><span class="smcap">George Barrington</span></a></td>
- <td class="tdr">31</td>
- </tr>
- <tr>
- <td><a href="#MILTONS_BONES"><span class="smcap">Milton’s Bones</span></a></td>
- <td class="tdr">55</td>
- </tr>
- <tr>
- <td><a href="#THE_TRUE_STORY_OF_EUGENE_ARAM"><span class="smcap">The True Story of Eugene Aram</span></a></td>
- <td class="tdr">83</td>
- </tr>
- <tr>
- <td><a href="#REDEMPTIONERS"><span class="smcap">Redemptioners</span></a></td>
- <td class="tdr">112</td>
- </tr>
- <tr>
- <td><a href="#A_TRIP_TO_RICHMOND_IN_SURREY"><span class="smcap">A Trip to Richmond in Surrey</span></a></td>
- <td class="tdr">131</td>
- </tr>
- <tr>
- <td><a href="#GEORGE_ROBERT_FITZGERALD"><span class="smcap">George Robert Fitzgerald</span></a></td>
- <td class="tdr">135</td>
- </tr>
- <tr>
- <td><a href="#EIGHTEENTH-CENTURY_AMAZONS"><span class="smcap">Eighteenth Century Amazons</span></a></td>
- <td class="tdr">177</td>
- </tr>
- <tr>
- <td><a href="#THE_TIMES_AND_ITS_FOUNDER"><span class="smcap">‘The Times’ and its Founder</span></a></td>
- <td class="tdr">203</td>
- </tr>
- <tr>
- <td><a href="#IMPRISONMENT_FOR_DEBT"><span class="smcap">Imprisonment for Debt</span></a></td>
- <td class="tdr">227</td>
- </tr>
- <tr>
- <td><a href="#JONAS_HANWAY"><span class="smcap">Jonas Hanway</span></a></td>
- <td class="tdr">254</td>
- </tr>
- <tr>
- <td><a href="#A_HOLY_VOYAGE_TO_RAMSGATE_A"><span class="smcap">A Holy Voyage to Ramsgate One Hundred Years Ago</span></a></td>
- <td class="tdr">278</td>
- </tr>
- <tr>
- <td><a href="#QUACKS_OF_THE_CENTURY"><span class="smcap">Quacks of the Century</span></a></td>
- <td class="tdr">287</td>
- </tr>
- <tr>
- <td><a href="#CAGLIOSTRO_IN_LONDON"><span class="smcap">Cagliostro in London</span></a></td>
- <td>333</td>
- </tr>
-</table>
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_vi">vi</span></p>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_1">1</span></p>
-
-<p class="ph1" id="EIGHTEENTH_CENTURY_WAIFS">EIGHTEENTH CENTURY WAIFS.</p>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-<h2 id="A_FORGOTTEN_FANATIC1">A FORGOTTEN FANATIC.<a id="FNanchor_1" href="#Footnote_1" class="fnanchor">1</a></h2>
-
-<div>
-<img class="drop-cap" src="images/o.jpg" alt="O" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="drop-cap"><span class="upper-case">One</span> of the most curious phases of religious
-mania is that where the patient is under
-the impression that he is divinely inspired,
-and has a special mission to his fellow-men,
-which he is impelled to fulfil at
-all costs and under all circumstances.</p>
-
-<p>From the earliest ages of Christianity <i>pseudo-Christoi</i>,
-or false Christs, existed. Simon Magus, Dositheus,
-and the famous Barcochab were among the first of
-them, and they were followed by Moses, in Crete,
-in the fifth century; Julian, in Palestine, <i>circa</i> <span class="smcap">A.D.</span>
-530; and Serenus, in Spain, <i>circa</i> <span class="smcap">A.D.</span> 714. There
-were, in the twelfth century, some seven or eight
-in France, Spain, and Persia; and, coming to more
-modern times, there was Sabbatai Zewi, a native of
-Aleppo, or Smyrna, who proclaimed himself to be
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_2">2</span>
-the Messiah, in Jerusalem, <i>circa</i> 1666. The list of
-religious fanatics is a long one. Mahomet, Munzer,
-John of Leyden, Brothers, Matthews, Joanna Southcott,
-‘Courtenay,’ or Thomas, and Joe Smith are
-among them, and are well-known; but there are
-hundreds of others whose work has not been on so
-grand a scale, or whose influence has not been of
-the national importance of the above; and it is of
-one of these forgotten fanatics that I now treat.</p>
-
-<p>Well out in the Atlantic Ocean, far west, indeed,
-even of the Western Isles, stands the lonely island
-of St. Kilda, or Hirta, as it used to be called, from
-<i>h-Iar-tir</i>, the Gaelic for West land, or West country.
-Its rocky sides are inaccessible, except at one landing-place,
-at a bay on the south-east, and it is the home
-and breeding-place of millions of sea-birds, whose
-flesh and eggs form the main supply of food for the
-inhabitants, and whose feathers, together with a
-few sheep and cattle, and what little barley can be
-grown, or butter can be made, pay the trifling rent
-required, and help to provide the bare necessaries of
-civilized existence.</p>
-
-<p>The inhabitants are not healthy, so many dying, as
-young children, of a disease locally known as the ‘eight
-day sickness,’ a disease which generally attacks them
-on the eighth or ninth day after birth, and mostly
-proves fatal in the course of a day or two. From
-this and other causes, including falls from cliffs, the
-population has remained nearly stationary, as is evidenced
-by the fact that for the last hundred years
-the inhabitants have averaged under a hundred.
-Indeed, at one time, in 1724, small-pox attacked
-the islanders, being imported by one of them on his
-return from a visit to Harris, and all the adults died
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_3">3</span>
-except four, who were left to take care of twenty-six
-orphans, all that were left of twenty-four families.</p>
-
-<p>Lying out of the ordinary track of boats, even of
-yachts, it is, even now, seldom visited, and in the
-last century no one except the steward of Macleod
-(whose family have been the possessors of St. Kilda
-for hundreds of years), who made an annual pilgrimage
-to collect the rent, ever came near the
-place. Its loneliness was proverbial, so much so
-that it was an article of faith that the arrival of
-strangers brought with them a kind of influenza
-called boat-cough, which was sometimes fatal. This
-singular disease does not seem to be confined to St.
-Kilda, for Bates, in ‘The Naturalist on the River
-Amazon,’ mentions certain tribes near Ega who are
-gradually becoming extinct from a slow fever and
-cold, which attacks them after they have been
-visited by civilised people. And in the ‘Cruise of
-H.M.S. Galatea,’ in 1867-68, it says, ‘Tristran d’Acunha
-is a remarkably healthy island; but it is a singular
-fact that any vessel touching there from St. Helena
-invariably brings with it a disease resembling
-influenza.’</p>
-
-<p>This belief is amusingly illustrated in Boswell’s
-‘Journal of a Tour to the Hebrides.’ ‘This evening
-he (Dr. Johnson) disputed the truth of what is said
-as to the people of St. Kilda catching cold whenever
-strangers come. “How can there,” said he,
-“be a physical effect without a physical cause?”
-He added, laughing, “The arrival of a ship full of
-strangers would kill them; for, if one stranger gives
-them one cold, two strangers must give them two
-colds, and so on in proportion.” I wondered to hear
-him ridicule this, as he had praised McAulay for
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_4">4</span>
-putting it in his book,<a id="FNanchor_2" href="#Footnote_2" class="fnanchor">2</a> saying that it was manly in
-him to tell a fact, however strange, if he himself
-believed it. They said it was annually proved by
-Macleod’s steward, on whose arrival all the inhabitants
-caught cold. He jocularly remarked, “The
-steward always comes to demand something from
-them, and so they fall a-coughing. I suppose the
-people in Skye all take a cold when&mdash;&mdash;” (naming
-a certain person) “comes.” They said he only came
-in summer. <i>Johnson</i>&mdash;“That is out of tenderness to
-you. Bad weather and he at the same time would
-be too much.”’</p>
-
-<p>The first printed account of this poor lonely island
-is, probably, in a little book by Donald Monro, High
-Dean of the Isles,<a id="FNanchor_3" href="#Footnote_3" class="fnanchor">3</a> 1594. He there says, ‘The inhabitants
-therof ar simple poor people, scarce learnit
-in aney religion, but McCloyd of Herray,<a id="FNanchor_4" href="#Footnote_4" class="fnanchor">4</a> his stewart,
-or he quhom he deputs in sic office, sailes anes in
-the zeir ther at midsummer, with some chaplaine to
-baptize bairns ther, and if they want<a id="FNanchor_5" href="#Footnote_5" class="fnanchor">5</a> a chaplaine,
-they baptize their bairns themselfes.’</p>
-
-<p>At the end of the seventeenth century, when Roderick,
-the religious impostor, or fanatic, lived, things
-spiritual were somewhat improved, although they only
-had the annual clerical visit. There were three
-chapels on the island, to serve a population of one
-hundred and eighty. One was called Christ’s Chapel,
-hardly discernible from one of their dwellings, being
-built and thatched in a similar manner; but it contained
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_5">5</span>
-one of their chief treasures, a brass crucifix,
-which lay upon an altar therein. They paid no
-adoration or worship to this, but it was their most
-precious possession, being used, as are the gospels
-elsewhere, for the purpose of solemn asseveration,
-and it was also made use of at marriages and the
-healing of strife.</p>
-
-<p>The people observed as Holy-days Christmas,
-Easter, Good Friday, St. Columba’s Day, and All
-Saints. They ceased all work at midnight on Saturday,
-and kept the Sabbath, in this respect, very
-strictly, only resuming their ordinary avocations on
-Monday morning. They believed in the Trinity, and
-in a future state of happiness and misery, and that
-God ordains all things. They took great care with
-their churchyard, which they fenced round with
-stone, so that no cattle should desecrate God’s Acre,
-and they had a peculiar belief in the embodiment of
-spirits, and fancied that they could, at will, incorporate
-themselves with the rocks, hills, etc.</p>
-
-<p>Of the three chapels, one only seems to have been
-used, and this, not being large enough to accommodate
-the islanders, the whole of the inhabitants would
-assemble, on every Sunday morning, in the churchyard,
-and there devoutly say the Lord’s Prayer,
-the Creed, and the Ten Commandments. This form
-of worship was simple enough; but it seems to
-have been of recent introduction&mdash;<i>i.e.</i>, about the
-beginning of the seventeenth century; when, somehow
-or other, there was a man upon the island who
-passed for a Roman Catholic priest, but who was so
-ignorant that he did not know the Lord’s Prayer,
-the Creed, or the Decalogue correctly; and, consequently,
-he taught the poor people an incorrect
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_6">6</span>
-version, but to him they owed the crucifix, and the
-observance of the Holy-days before mentioned, and
-with this teacher they were content until the year
-1641, when one Coll McDonald, or Ketoch, fled from
-Ireland, and, with a few men, landed at St. Kilda,
-where he lived in amity with the inhabitants for
-nearly a year. He rebuked the so-called priest for
-his ignorance, and he taught the poor simple folk
-the correct version of the text of their very primitive
-worship&mdash;in fine, he was considered so far superior
-to the priest, that the natives would fain have
-deposed the latter; but this McDonald would not
-suffer.</p>
-
-<p>Martin Martin,<a id="FNanchor_6" href="#Footnote_6" class="fnanchor">6</a> writing in 1698, describes the happy
-condition of the islanders at that date. ‘The Inhabitants
-of St. Kilda are much happier than the
-generality of Mankind, as being almost the only
-People in the World who feel the sweetness of true
-Liberty: What the Condition of the People in the
-Golden Age is feign’d by the Poets to be, that theirs
-really is; I mean, in Innocency and Simplicity, Purity,
-Mutual Love, and Cordial Friendship, free from solicitous
-Cares and anxious Covetousness; from Envy, Deceit,
-and Dissimulation; from Ambition and Pride, and the
-Consequences that attend them. They are altogether
-ignorant of the Vices of Foreigners, and governed by
-the Dictates of Reason and Christianity, as it was
-first delivered to them by those Heroick Souls whose
-Zeal moved them to undergo danger and trouble, to
-plant Religion here in one of the remotest Corners
-of the World.’</p>
-
-<p>This Eden, however, was doomed to have its
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_7">7</span>
-Serpent, and these simple folk were fated to be led
-into error by a man who seems to have been physically
-above the average of the islanders, for he is
-described as ‘a Comely, well-proportioned fellow,
-Red-hair’d, and exceeding all the Inhabitants of St.
-Kilda in Strength, Climbing, &amp;c.’ Naturally he was
-illiterate, for the means of culture were altogether
-lacking in that lonely isle; but he was above his
-fellows, inasmuch as he was a poet, and, moreover,
-he claimed to have the gift of ‘second sight,’ a pretension
-which would naturally cause him to be looked
-up to by these Gaelic islanders. These qualifications
-which Roderick (for such was his name) claimed,
-naturally pointed to his becoming a leader of some
-sort; and he seems to have entered upon his vocation
-early in life, for, when we first hear of him in his
-public capacity, he was but eighteen years of age.</p>
-
-<p>We have read how strictly the islands kept the
-Sabbath, and Roderick seems to have been the first to
-break through their customs&mdash;by going fishing on
-that day. As, according to all moral ethics, something
-dreadful will surely overtake the Sabbath
-breaker, it is comforting to know that Roderick formed
-no exception to the rule. One Sunday he committed
-the heinous and, hitherto, unknown sin of fishing&mdash;and,
-on his return, he declared that, as he was
-coming home, a ‘Man, dressed in a Cloak and Hat,’
-suddenly appeared in the road before him. Needless
-to say, this apparition frightened him, and he fell
-upon his face before the supernatural being, but the
-Man desired him not to be afraid, for he was John
-the Baptist, who had come specially from Heaven, the
-bearer of good tidings to the inhabitants of St. Kilda,
-and with a divine commission to instruct Roderick in
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_8">8</span>
-religious matters, which instruction he was to impart
-to his neighbours for their spiritual welfare.</p>
-
-<p>Roderick diffidently objected to thus being made a
-medium, and alleged his incapacity to receive such
-revelations and act upon them; but the pseudo-saint
-cheered him, and bade him be of good courage,
-declaring that he would immediately make him fit
-for his predestined purpose, and, according to the
-poor fanatic’s account, gave him the following instructions:</p>
-
-<p>It was to be of primary importance, and as a visible
-sign of their belief, that his followers should observe
-Friday as a strict fast&mdash;so strict, indeed, that not a
-particle of food of any description must pass their
-lips on that day, nor might they even indulge in a
-pinch of snuff&mdash;a small luxury which they dearly
-loved. He next promulgated the comforting assurance
-that many of the deceased islanders were Saints
-in Heaven, and there interceded for those living;
-that everyone had his own particular advocate, and,
-on the anniversary of the day peculiar to each Saint,
-his <i>prot&eacute;g&eacute;</i> on earth was to make a feast to his neighbours
-of the very best of his substance, such as
-mutton, fowls, &amp;c., Roderick, of course, to be the
-chief and honoured guest on the occasion.</p>
-
-<p>A sheep was to be sacrificed on the threshold of
-each house by every family (presumably only once
-a year), and this was to be done in a specially cruel
-manner, for no knife was to touch it, but its throat
-was to be hacked with the crooked spades they used
-in husbandry, whose edges were about half-an-inch
-thick. This was to be done at night, but no one
-might partake of the mutton that night under penalty
-of similarly slaughtering a sheep the next day for
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_9">9</span>
-every person that had eaten of it. It is difficult to see
-what was his object in these ordinances&mdash;except to
-make sure of good living at the expense of his poor
-dupes, who, if they turned refractory, and disobeyed
-his injunctions, were threatened with the most awful
-Judgment to come.</p>
-
-<p>That he was keen enough in his own interests is
-exemplified in one of his promulgations. He picked
-out a bush upon a rising ground, which he christened
-‘John the Baptist’s Bush,’ for there, he declared, the
-Saint had appeared to him; and this he ordered
-should be holy ground, which must never be defiled
-by the tread of sheep or cattle. He also built a wall&mdash;certainly
-not a high one&mdash;round it: and should, by
-chance, any unhappy sheep, in the lightsomeness of
-its heart, or succumbing to the temptation of the
-herbage, overleap this wall, and dare to browse upon
-the sacred soil, it was staightway to be slain&mdash;and
-Roderick and its owner were to eat its carcase. But,
-as the Saint evidently foresaw that some stiff-necked,
-and not properly-converted proselyte, might object
-to this disposition of his personal property and might
-refuse to have the sheep slaughtered, he commanded
-that such a recusant should be <span class="smcap">Anathema</span>, cast out,
-and excluded from all fellowship, until such time as
-he saw the error of his ways, recanted, and expiated
-his sin by permitting the sacrifice.</p>
-
-<p>For discipline must be maintained in a religious
-body, as well as in a purely secular society; and
-Roderick had no intention of having his authority
-disputed. For minor offences he had a cheerful penance.
-No matter what was the weather, the sinner
-must strip, and forthwith walk or jump into the
-water, there to stand until the divinely-inspired one
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_10">10</span>
-chose to release him, and, if more than one were thus
-punished at the same time, they were to beguile the
-moments, and somewhat increase their penance, by
-pouring cold water upon each other’s heads.</p>
-
-<p>He was for no half-measures. This new Divine
-revelation must thoroughly supersede and root out
-the old superstitions; so he forbade the use of the
-Lord’s Prayer, the Creed, and the Ten Commandments&mdash;the
-whole formulary of the islanders’ simple
-faith&mdash;and substituted forms of his own. His prayers
-are described as rhapsodical productions, in which, in
-spite of the abolition of the old form of worship, he
-introduced the names of God, our Saviour, and the
-immaculate Virgin, together with words unintelligible
-either to himself or his hearers, but which he declared
-to have received direct from the Baptist, and delivered
-to his hearers, as in duty bound.</p>
-
-<p>He kept up his connection with St. John, and used
-to assert that every night, when the people were
-assembled, he heard a voice, saying, ‘Come you out,
-and then he lost all control over himself, and was
-constrained to go. Then would the Baptist meet
-him, and instruct him in what he was to say to the
-people. St. John evidently expected his disciple to
-exercise all his intelligence, for he would only say his
-message once, and never could be got to repeat it.
-On one occasion, Roderick could not understand it,
-or hardly remember a sentence; so he naturally inquired
-of the Saint how he was to behave. He got
-no comfort, however, only a brusque, ‘Go, you have
-it,’ with which he was fain to be content, and, wonderful
-to relate, on his return to his flock, he remembered
-every word he had been told, and could retail
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_11">11</span>
-it fluently&mdash;but, as a rule, his discourses were discursive,
-and apt to send his auditors to sleep.</p>
-
-<p>Naturally the women flocked to him, and he took
-them specially (some said too specially) under his
-protection. To them he revealed that, if they followed
-him faithfully, eternal bliss should be their
-portion, and that they should go to heaven in glorious
-state, riding upon milk-white steeds. For them he
-exercised his poetic talents (for he composed long,
-rhapsodical rhymes, which he called psalms, and which
-were sung by his flock), and he taught them a devout
-hymn, called the ‘Virgin Mary’s,’ which he declared
-she had sent specially to them, and that it was of
-such wonderful efficacy, that whoever could repeat it
-by heart would not die in child-bearing; but, of course,
-so valuable a gift could not be imparted gratis, so
-every scholar was mulcted in a sheep before she was
-instructed in the potent hymn.</p>
-
-<p>Yet, as with many another, a woman was the
-primary cause of his downfall. It was his behaviour
-to a woman that first opened the eyes of his deluded
-followers, and showed them that their idol was fallible,
-and that his feet were ‘part of iron, and part of clay.’
-The wife of Macleod’s representative found favour in
-his sight; but, being a virtuous woman, she told her
-husband of the Prophet’s wicked advances; and these
-two laid a little trap, into which the unsuspecting,
-but naughty, Roderick walked.</p>
-
-<p>It was very simple: the husband hid himself until
-he judged proper to appear&mdash;confronted the guilty
-man&mdash;spoke burning words of reproof to him&mdash;thoroughly
-disorganised him, and brought him very
-low&mdash;made him beg his pardon, and promise he would
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_12">12</span>
-never so sin again. But although a hollow peace
-was patched up between them, and the injured husband
-even gave the greatest sign of friendship possible,
-according to their notions (<i>i.e.</i>, taking Roderick’s
-place as sponsor at the baptism of one of his own
-children), yet the story leaked out. The Prophet’s
-father plainly and openly told him he was a deceiver,
-and would come to a bad end; and the thinking
-portion of the community began to have serious
-doubts of the Divine origin of his mission.</p>
-
-<p>These doubts were further confirmed by one or
-two little facts which led the people to somewhat
-distrust his infallibility, especially in one case in
-which his cousin-german Lewis was concerned. This
-man had an ewe which had brought forth three
-lambs at one time, and these wicked sheep actually
-browsed upon the sacred bush! Of course we know
-the Baptist had decreed their slaughter, and Lewis
-was promptly reminded of the fact&mdash;but he did not
-see it in that light. His heart was hard, and his
-sheep were dear to him. He argued that, from his
-point of view, it was unreasonable to kill so many
-animals, and inflict such serious damage to their
-proprietor, for so trivial a fault&mdash;and, besides, he
-would not. Of course there was nothing to be done
-with such an hardened sinner but to carry out the
-law, and excommunicate him; which was accordingly
-done&mdash;with the usual result. The poor simple
-folk, in their faith, looked for a speedy and awful
-judgment to fall upon Lewis and his sheep.</p>
-
-<div class="poetry">
-<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">‘But what gave rise<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">To no little surprise,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Nobody seem’d one penny the worse!’<br /></span>
-</div></div>
-</div>
-
-<p>And then they bethought them that, if it were
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_13">13</span>
-their own case, they might as well treat the matter
-as Lewis had done&mdash;seeing he was none the worse,
-and four sheep to the good; and so his authority
-over them gradually grew laxer and laxer: and,
-when the steward paid his annual visit in 1697, they
-denounced Roderick as an impostor, and expressed
-contrition for their own back-slidings.</p>
-
-<p>The chaplain who accompanied the steward, and
-who was sent over from Harris by Macleod, purposely
-to look into this matter, made the Prophet publicly
-proclaim himself an impostor, compelled him to
-commence with his own hands the destruction of
-the enclosure round the sacred bush, and scatter the
-stones broadcast&mdash;and, finally, the steward, whose
-word was absolute law to these poor people, took
-him away, never to return. The poor credulous
-dupes, on being reproved for so easily complying to
-this impostor, with one voice answered that what
-they did was unaccountable; but, seeing one of
-their own number and stamp in all respects endued,
-as they fancied, with a powerful faculty of preaching
-so fluently and frequently, and pretending to converse
-with John the Baptist, they were induced to
-believe in his mission from Heaven, and therefore
-complied with his commands without dispute.</p>
-
-<p>Of his ultimate fate nothing is known, the last
-record of him being that, after having been taken
-to Harris, he was brought before the awful Macleod,
-to be judged, ‘who, being informed of this Fellow’s
-Impostures, did forbid him from that time forward to
-Preach any more on pain of Death. This was a
-great mortification, as well as disappointment, to the
-Impostor, who was possessed with a fancy that
-<i>Mack-Leod</i> would hear him preach, and expected no
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_14">14</span>
-less than to persuade him to become one of his
-Proselytes, as he has since confessed.’ He was sent
-to Skye, where he made public recantation of his
-errors, and confessed in several churches that it was
-the Devil, and not St. John, with whom he conversed&mdash;and,
-arguing from that fact, he probably was
-docile, and lived the remainder of his life in Skye&mdash;a
-harmless lunatic.</p>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p>In October, 1885, public attention was particularly
-directed to St. Kilda, and the story cannot be better told than
-by reproducing some contemporary newspaper paragraphs.</p>
-
-<p><i>Morning Post</i>, October 9, 1885.&mdash;‘A letter has been
-received by Principal Rainy, Edinburgh, and has been
-forwarded to the Home Secretary from St. Kilda. The
-letter was found on the shore of Harris, having been
-floated from St. Kilda in a little boat made of a piece of
-plank. The letter was written by the clergyman of St.
-Kilda, by direction of the islanders, asking that the Government
-should be informed that their corn, barley, and potatoes
-were destroyed by a great storm, in the hope that Government
-would send a supply of corn-seed, barley, and potatoes,
-as the crop was quite useless.’</p>
-
-<p><i>Ibid</i>, October 21, 1885.&mdash;‘The steamer from Glasgow,
-carrying supplies to the starving people of St. Kilda,
-reached the island on Monday, and safely landed the stores.
-The islanders were in good health, but their crops have
-been swept away, and, but for the supplies sent by the
-steamer, they would have been in very perilous straits for
-food. Intelligence of the distress of St. Kilda was first
-made known by bottles thrown into the sea.’</p>
-
-<p><i>Times</i>, April 8, 1886.&mdash;‘A Parliamentary paper has been
-issued containing a report of Mr. Malcolm McNeill, inspecting
-officer of the Board of Supervision, on the alleged destitution
-in the island of St. Kilda, in October, 1885, with
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_15">15</span>
-supplementary reports by Lieutenant Osborne, R.N., commanding
-officer, and by the medical officer of H.M.S.
-<i>Jackal</i>. The report shows that, news from St. Kilda having
-reached Harris by means of letters enclosed in a small boat
-a yard long, found on the shore, to the effect that the corn,
-barley, and potatoes of the inhabitants had been destroyed
-by a great storm that had passed over the island early in
-September, and that, in consequence, the crofters of St.
-Kilda were suffering great privations, a steamer, the
-<i>Hebridean</i>, was despatched from Glasgow to the island with
-stores on the 13th of October, and, by arrangement with
-the Admiralty, H.M.S. <i>Jackal</i>, conveying Mr. McNeill,
-left Rothesay Bay for St. Kilda on Wednesday, October 21,
-1885. Mr. McNeill reported that, so far from being destitute,
-the inhabitants of the island were amply, indeed
-luxuriously, supplied with food, and in possession of sums of
-money said to average not less than &pound;20 a family. Dr.
-Acheson, of H.M.S. <i>Jackal</i>, reported that the inhabitants of
-St. Kilda were well-clad and well-fed, being much better
-off in these respects than the peasants in many other parts
-of Great Britain.’</p>
-
-<p>Another newspaper paragraph not only confirms this,
-but adds to our knowledge of the island and its inhabitants.
-‘Mr. Malcolm McNeill ... reported on the 24th of October
-that the population of St. Kilda&mdash;seventy-seven souls in
-all&mdash;were amply, “indeed, luxuriously,” supplied with food
-for the winter. The supplies included sheep, fulmar, solan
-geese, meal, potatoes, milk, fish, tea, and sugar; and a large
-sum of money, said to average not less than &pound;20 a family,
-was known to be hoarded in the island&mdash;a large profit
-being derived from tourists. Mr. McNeill states that a
-former emigrant, who returned from Australia for a few
-months in 1884, spread discontent among the people, who
-now showed a strong desire to emigrate, and in this he
-suggested that the Government should assist them. Dr.
-Acheson of the <i>Jackal</i>, reporting on visits paid both then
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_16">16</span>
-and in 1884, notes that the people seemed to be better clad
-and fed than the peasants of many other parts of Great
-Britain. He was struck by the comparatively large number
-of infirm persons&mdash;by the large number of women compared
-with men, and by the comparatively small number of
-children. The food was abundant, but lacked variety;
-was rather indigestible, and was nearly devoid of vegetables
-for six months each year. He saw no signs of vinegar,
-pepper, mustard, pickles, or other condiments, but there was
-a great liking for tobacco and spirits. The diet he pronounces
-quite unfit for children, aged persons, or invalids;
-and, to remedy this, he suggests that an endeavour should
-be made to grow cabbages, turnips, carrots, and other
-vegetables on the island; that fowls should be introduced,
-and that pressed vegetables and lime juice might be issued
-when no fresh vegetables are procurable. Judging from
-the amount of clothing worn, the doctor thinks the people
-are more likely to suffer from excess than from the other extreme,
-for, on September 14th, 1884, with the thermometer
-sixty-eight degrees Fahrenheit in the shade, he found a
-healthy adult male wearing “a thick tweed waistcoat, with
-flannel back and sleeves, two thick flannel undervests, tweed
-trousers, a flannel shirt, flannel drawers, boots, and stockings,
-Tam o’ Shanter cap, and a thick, scarlet worsted
-muffler around his neck.” The furniture he found scanty,
-and very rough, and the houses very dirty. St. Kilda is not
-a desirable retreat, for Dr. Acheson reports that at present
-there are no games nor music in the island, and&mdash;strangest
-fact of all in this official document&mdash;“whistling is strictly
-forbidden.”’
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_17">17</span></p>
-
-<h2 id="A_FASHIONABLE_LADYS_LIFE">A FASHIONABLE LADY’S LIFE.</h2>
-
-<div>
-<img class="drop-cap" src="images/t.jpg" alt="T" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="drop-cap"><span class="upper-case">There</span> is a little poem by Dean Swift,
-published by him in Dublin, in 1728,
-and reprinted in London, in 1729. Its
-price was only fourpence, and it is
-called, ‘The Journal of a Modern Lady,
-in a Letter to a Person of Quality.’ It is so small,
-that it is absolutely lost in the Dean’s voluminous
-works, yet it is very amusing, and, as far as I can
-judge (having made an especial study of the Social
-Life of the Eighteenth Century), it is not at all
-exaggerated; and for this reason I have ventured
-to reproduce it. It is borne out in similar descriptions
-both in the early and latter portions of the
-century; as, for instance, in ‘The English Lady’s
-Catechism,’ 1703, of which the following is a portion:</p>
-
-<h3>HOW DO YOU EMPLOY YOUR TIME NOW?</h3>
-
-<p>‘I lie in Bed till Noon, dress all the Afternoon,
-Dine in the Evening, and Play at Cards till Midnight.’</p>
-
-<p>‘How do you spend the Sabbath?’</p>
-
-<p>‘In Chit-Chat.’</p>
-
-<p>‘What do you talk of?’</p>
-
-<p>‘New Fashions and New Plays.’</p>
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_18">18</span></p>
-<p>‘How often do you go to Church?’
-</p>
-
-<p>‘Twice a year or oftener, according as my Husband
-gives me new Cloaths.’</p>
-
-<p>‘Why do you go to Church when you have new
-Cloaths?’</p>
-
-<p>‘To see other People’s Finery, and to show my
-own, and to laugh at those scurvy, out-of-fashion
-Creatures that come there for Devotion.’</p>
-
-<p>‘Pray, Madam, what Books do you read?’</p>
-
-<p>‘I read lewd Plays and winning Romances.’</p>
-
-<p>‘Who is it you love?’</p>
-
-<p>‘Myself.’</p>
-
-<p>‘What! nobody else?’</p>
-
-<p>‘My Page, my Monkey, and my Lap Dog.’</p>
-
-<p>‘Why do you love them?’</p>
-
-<p>‘Why, because I am an English lady, and they
-are Foreign Creatures: my Page from Genoa, my
-Monkey from the East Indies, and my Lap Dog from
-Vigo.’</p>
-
-<p>‘Would they not have pleased you as well if they
-had been English?’</p>
-
-<p>‘No, for I hate everything that Old England brings
-forth, except it be the temper of an English Husband,
-and the liberty of an English Wife. I love the French
-Bread, French Wines, French Sauces, and a French
-Cook; in short, I have all about me French or Foreign,
-from my Waiting Woman to my Parrot.’</p>
-
-<p>‘How do you pay your debts?’</p>
-
-<p>‘Some with money, and some with fair promises.
-I seldom pay anybody’s bills, but run more into their
-debt. I give poor Tradesmen ill words, and the rich
-I treat civilly, in hopes to get further in their debt.’</p>
-
-<p>Addison, in the <i>Spectator</i> (No. 323, March 11th,
-1712), gives Clarinda’s Journal for a week, from
-which I will only extract one day as a sample.
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_19">19</span></p>
-
-<p>‘<span class="smcap">Wednesday.</span> <i>From Eight to Ten.</i> Drank two
-Dishes of Chocolate in Bed, and fell asleep after ’em.</p>
-
-<p>‘<i>From Ten to Eleven.</i> Eat a Slice of Bread and
-Butter, drank a Dish of Bohea, read the <i>Spectator</i>.</p>
-
-<p>‘<i>From Eleven to One.</i> At my Toilet, try’d a new
-Head.<a id="FNanchor_7" href="#Footnote_7" class="fnanchor">7</a> Gave orders for <i>Veney</i><a id="FNanchor_8" href="#Footnote_8" class="fnanchor">8</a> to be combed and
-washed. <i>Mem.</i> I look best in Blue.</p>
-
-<p>‘<i>From One till Half an Hour after Two.</i> Drove to
-the Change. Cheapened a couple of Fans.</p>
-
-<p>‘<i>Till Four.</i> At Dinner. <i>Mem.</i> Mr. Frost passed
-by in his new Liveries.</p>
-
-<p>‘<i>From Four to Six.</i> Dressed, paid a visit to old
-Lady Blithe and her Sister, having heard they were
-gone out of Town that Day.</p>
-
-<p>‘<i>From Six to Eleven.</i> At Basset.<a id="FNanchor_9" href="#Footnote_9" class="fnanchor">9</a> <i>Mem.</i> Never
-sit again upon the Ace of Diamond.’</p>
-
-<p>Gambling was one of the curses of the Eighteenth
-Century. From Royalty downwards, all played
-Cards&mdash;the men, perhaps, preferred dice, and ‘Casting
-a Main’&mdash;but the women were inveterate card-players,
-until, in the latter part of the century, it
-became a national scandal, owing to the number of
-ladies who, from their social position, should have
-acted better, who kept Faro-tables, and to whom
-the nickname of <i>Faro’s Daughters</i> was applied. There
-were Ladies Buckinghamshire and Archer, Mrs. Concannon,
-Mrs. Hobart, Mrs. Sturt, and others, whose
-houses were neither more nor less than gaming-houses.
-The evil was so great, that Lord Kenyon,
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_20">20</span>
-in delivering judgment in a trial to recover &pound;15
-won at card-playing, said that the higher classes set
-a bad example in this matter to the lower, and, he
-added, ‘They think they are too great for the law;
-I wish they could be punished. If any prosecutions
-of this kind are fairly brought before me, and the
-parties are justly convicted, whatever be their rank
-or station in the country&mdash;though they be the first
-ladies in the land&mdash;they shall certainly exhibit themselves
-in the pillory.’</p>
-
-<p>The caricaturists got hold of his Lordship’s speech,
-and depicted Lady Archer and others in the pillory,
-and Lady Buckinghamshire being whipped at a
-cart’s-tail by Lord Kenyon. With the century this
-kind of play died out; but some mention of it was
-necessary in order to show that Swift’s description
-of ladies gambling was not exaggerated.</p>
-
-<h3>THE JOURNAL OF A MODERN LADY.</h3>
-
-<div class="poetry">
-<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
-<span class="smcap">Sir,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">It was a most unfriendly Part<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">In you who ought to know my Heart;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And well acquainted with my Zeal<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">For all the Females’ Common-weal.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">How cou’d it come into your Mind<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">To pitch on me of all Mankind,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Against the Sex to write a Satire,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And brand me for a Woman-Hater?<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">On me, who think them all so fair,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">They rival Venus to a Hair:<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Their Virtues never ceas’d to sing,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Since first I learn’d to tune a String.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Methinks I hear the Ladies cry,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Will he his Character belye?<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Must never our Misfortunes end?<br />
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_21">21</span></span>
-<span class="i0">And have we lost our only Friend?<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Ah! lovely Nymph, remove your Fears,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">No more let fall those precious Tears,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Sooner shall, etc.<br /></span>
-</div>
-
-<p class="center">(<i>Here several verses are omitted.</i>)</p>
-
-<div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">The Hound be hunted by the Hare,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Than I turn Rebel to the Fair.<br /></span>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">’Twas you engaged me first to write,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Then gave the Subject out of Spite.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">The Journal of a Modern Dame,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Is by my Promise what you claim;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">My Word is past, I must submit,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And yet perhaps you may be bit.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">I but transcribe, for not a Line<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Of all the Satire shall be mine.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Compell’d by you to tag in Rhimes<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">The common Slanders of the Times,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Of modern Times, the Guilt is yours<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And me my Innocence secures:<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Unwilling Muse, begin thy Lay,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">The Annals of a Female Day.<br /></span>
-<span class="i4">By Nature turn’d to play the Rake well,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">As we shall shew you in the Sequel;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">The modern Dame is wak’d by Noon,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Some authors say not quite so soon;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Because, though sore against her Will,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">She sat all Night up at Quadrill.<a id="FNanchor_10" href="#Footnote_10" class="fnanchor">10</a><br />
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_22">22</span></span>
-<span class="i0">She stretches, gapes, unglues her Eyes,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And asks if it be time to rise.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Of Head-ach and the Spleen complains;<br />
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_23">23</span></span>
-<span class="i0">And then to cool her heated Brains,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Her Night-gown!<a id="FNanchor_11" href="#Footnote_11" class="fnanchor">11</a> and her Slippers brought her,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Takes a large Dram of Citron Water.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Then to her Glass; and, Betty, pray<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Don’t I look frightfully to-Day?<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">But, was it not confounded hard?<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Well, if I ever touch a Card;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Four Mattadores, and lose Codill;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Depend upon’t I never will!<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">But run to Tom, and bid him fix<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">The Ladies here to-Night by Six.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Madam, the Goldsmith waits below,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">He says his Business is to know<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">If you’ll redeem the Silver Cup<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">You pawn’d to him. First, shew him up.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Your Dressing Plate he’ll be content<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">To take for Interest Cent. per Cent.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And, Madam, there’s my Lady Spade<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Hath sent this Letter by her Maid.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Well, I remember what she won;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And hath she sent so soon to dun?<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Here, carry down those ten Pistoles<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">My Husband left to pay for Coals:<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">I thank my Stars they are all light;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And I may have Revenge to-Night.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Now, loitering o’er her Tea and Cream,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">She enters on her usual Theme;<br />
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_24">24</span></span>
-<span class="i0">Her last Night’s ill Success repeats,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Calls Lady Spade a hundred Cheats.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">She slipt Spadillo in her Breast,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Then thought to turn it to a Jest.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">There’s Mrs. Cut and she combine,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And to each other give the Sign.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Through ev’ry Game pursues her Tale,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Like Hunters o’er their Evening Ale.<br /></span>
-<span class="i6">Now to another Scene give Place,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Enter the Folks with Silks and Lace;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Fresh Matter for a World of Chat,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Right Indian this, right Macklin that;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Observe this Pattern; there’s a Stuff,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">I can have Customers enough.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Dear Madam, you are grown so hard,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">This Lace is worth twelve Pounds a Yard<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Madam, if there be Truth in Man,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">I never sold so cheap a Fan.<br /></span>
-<span class="i6">This Business of Importance o’er,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And Madam, almost dress’d by Four;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">The Footman, in his usual Phrase,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Comes up with: Madam, Dinner stays;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">She answers in her usual Style,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">The Cook must keep it back a while;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">I never can have time to Dress,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">No Woman breathing takes up less;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">I’m hurried so, it makes me sick,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">I wish the dinner at Old Nick.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">At Table now she acts her part,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Has all the Dinner Cant by Heart:<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">I thought we were to Dine alone,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">My Dear, for sure if I had known<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">This Company would come to-Day,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">But really ’tis my Spouse’s Way;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">He’s so unkind, he never sends<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">To tell, when he invites his Friends:<br />
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_25">25</span></span>
-<span class="i0">I wish ye may but have enough;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And while, with all this paultry Stuff,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">She sits tormenting every Guest,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Nor gives her Tongue one Moment’s Rest,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">In Phrases batter’d stale and trite,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Which modern Ladies call polite;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">You see the Booby Husband sit<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">In Admiration at her Wit.<br /></span>
-<span class="i4">But let me now a while Survey<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Our Madam o’er her Ev’ning Tea;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Surrounded with her Noisy Clans<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Of Prudes, Coquets, and Harridans;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">When frighted at the clamorous Crew,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Away the God of Silence flew;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And fair Discretion left the Place,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And Modesty with blushing Face;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Now enters over-weening Pride,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And Scandal ever gaping wide,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Hypocrisy with Frown severe,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Scurrility with gibing Air;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Rude Laughter seeming like to burst,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And Malice always judging worst;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And Vanity with Pocket-Glass,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And Impudence, with Front of Brass;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And studied Affectation came,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Each Limb and Feature out of Frame;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">While Ignorance, with Brain of Lead,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Flew hov’ring o’er each Female Head.<br /></span>
-<span class="i4">Why should I ask of thee, my Muse,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">An Hundred Tongues, as Poets use,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">When, to give ev’ry Dame her due,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">An Hundred Thousand were too few!<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Or how should I, alas! relate,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">The Sum of all their Senseless Prate,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Their Inuendo’s, Hints, and Slanders,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Their Meanings lewd, and double Entanders.<a id="FNanchor_12" href="#Footnote_12" class="fnanchor">12</a><br />
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_26">26</span></span>
-<span class="i0">Now comes the general Scandal Charge,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">What some invent, the rest enlarge;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And, Madam, if it he a Lye,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">You have the tale as cheap as I:<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">I must conceal my Author’s Name,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">But now ’tis known to common Fame.<br /></span>
-<span class="i4">Say, foolish Females, Old and Blind,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Say, by what fatal Turn of Mind,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Are you on Vices most severe,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Wherein yourselves have greatest Share?<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Thus every Fool herself deludes,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">The Prudes condemn the absent Prudes.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Mopsa who stinks her Spouse to Death,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Accuses Chloe’s tainted Breath:<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Hircina, rank with Sweat, presumes<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">To censure Phillis for Perfumes:<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">While crooked Cynthia swearing, says,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">That Florimel wears Iron Stays.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Chloe’s of ev’ry Coxcomb jealous,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Admires<a id="FNanchor_13" href="#Footnote_13" class="fnanchor">13</a> how Girls can talk with Fellows,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And, full of Indignation, frets<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">That Women should be such Coquets.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Iris, for Scandal most notorious,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Cries, Lord, the world is so censorious;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And Rufa, with her Combs of Lead,<a id="FNanchor_14" href="#Footnote_14" class="fnanchor">14</a><br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Whispers that Sappho’s Hair is Red.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Aura, whose Tongue you hear a Mile hence,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Talks half a day in Praise of Silence:<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And Silvia, full of inward Guilt,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Calls Amoret an arrant Jilt.<br /></span>
-<span class="i4">Now Voices over Voices rise;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">While each to be the loudest vies,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">They contradict, affirm, dispute,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">No single Tongue one Moment mute;<br />
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_27">27</span></span>
-<span class="i0">All mad to speak, and none to hearken,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">They set the very Lap-Dog barking;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Their Chattering makes a louder Din<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Than Fish-Wives o’er a Cup of Gin;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Not School-boys at a Barring-out,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Raised ever such incessant Rout:<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">The Shumbling (<i>sic</i>) Particles of Matter<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">In Chaos make not such a Clatter;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Far less the Rabble roar and rail,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">When Drunk with sour Election Ale.<br /></span>
-<span class="i4">Nor do they trust their Tongue alone,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">To speak a Language of their own;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Can read a Nod, a Shrug, a Look;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Far better than a printed Book;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Convey a Libel in a Frown,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And wink a Reputation down;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Or, by the tossing of the Fan,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Describe the Lady and the Man.<br /></span>
-<span class="i4">But, see the Female Club disbands,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Each, twenty Visits on her Hands:<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Now, all alone, poor Madam sits,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">In Vapours and Hysterick Fits;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And was not Tom this Morning sent?<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">I’d lay my Life he never went:<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Past Six, and not a living Soul!<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">I might by this have won a Vole.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">A dreadful Interval of Spleen!<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">How shall we pass the Time between?<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Here, Betty, let me take my Drops,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And feel my Pulse, I know it stops:<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">This Head of mine, Lord, how it Swims!<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And such a Pain in all my Limbs!<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Dear Madam, try to take a Nap:<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">But now they hear a Foot-Man’s Rap;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Go, run, and light the Ladies up;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">It must be One before we Sup.<br />
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_28">28</span></span>
-<span class="i4">The Table, Cards, and Counters set,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And all the Gamester Ladies met,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Her Spleen and Fits recover’d quite,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Our Madam can sit up all Night;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Whoever comes, I’m not within,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Quadrill the Word, and so begin.<br /></span>
-<span class="i4">How can the Muse her Aid impart,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Unskill’d in all the Terms of Art?<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Or, in harmonious Numbers, put<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">The Deal, the Shuffle, and the Cut?<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">The Superfluous Whims relate,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">That fill a Female Gamester’s Pate:<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">What Agony of Soul she feels<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">To see a Knave’s inverted Heels;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">She draws up Card by Card, to find<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Good Fortune peeping from behind;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">With panting Heart and earnest Eyes,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">In hope to see Spadillo rise;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">In vain, alas! her Hope is fed,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">She draws an Ace, and sees it red.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">In ready Counters never pays,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">But pawns her Snuff-Box, Rings, and Keys.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Ever with some new Fancy struck,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Tries twenty Charms to mend her Luck.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">This Morning when the Parson came,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">I said I could not win a Game.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">This odious Chair, how came I stuck in’t?<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">I think I’ve never had good Luck in’t.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">I’m so uneasy in my Stays:<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Your Fan, a Moment, if you please.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Stand further, Girl, or get you gone,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">I always lose when you look on.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Lord! Madam, you have lost Codill;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">I never saw you play so ill.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Nay, Madam, give me leave to say<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">’Twas you that threw the game away;<br />
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_29">29</span></span>
-<span class="i0">When Lady Tricksy play’d a Four,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">You took it with a Matadore;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">I saw you touch your Wedding-Ring<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Before my Lady call’d a King.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">You spoke a Word began with H,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And I know whom you mean to teach,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Because you held the King of Hearts;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Fie, Madam, leave these little Arts.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">That’s not so bad as one that rubs<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Her Chair to call the King of Clubs,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And makes her Partner understand<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">A Matadore is in her Hand.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Madam, you have no Cause to flounce,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">I swear I saw you twice renounce.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And truly, Madam, I know when<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Instead of Five you scor’d me Ten.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Spadillo here has got a Mark,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">A Child may know it in the Dark:<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">I Guess the Hand, it seldom fails,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">I wish some Folks would pare their Nails.<br /></span>
-<span class="i4">While thus they rail, and scold, and storm,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">It passes but for common Form;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Are conscious that they all speak true,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And give each other but their due;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">It never interrupts the Game,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Or makes ’em sensible of Shame.<br /></span>
-<span class="i4">Time too precious now to waste,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">The Supper gobbled up in haste:<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Again a-fresh to Cards they run,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">As if they had but just begun;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Yet shall I not again repeat<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">How oft they Squabble, Snarl, and Cheat:<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">At last they hear the Watchman Knock,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0"><i>A frosty Morn ... Past Four a-clock</i>.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">The Chair-men are not to be found,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Come, let us play the t’other Round.<br />
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_30">30</span></span>
-<span class="i4">Now all in haste they huddle on<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Their Hoods, their Cloaks, and get them gone;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">But first, the Winner must invite<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">The Company to-morrow Night.<br /></span>
-<span class="i4">Unlucky Madam left in Tears,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Who now again Quadrill forswears,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">With empty Purse and aching Head,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Steals to her sleeping Spouse to Bed.<br /></span>
-</div></div>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_31">31</span></p>
-
-<h2 id="GEORGE_BARRINGTON">GEORGE BARRINGTON.</h2>
-
-<div>
-<img class="drop-cap" src="images/t.jpg" alt="T" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="drop-cap"><span class="upper-case">There</span> is much and curious food for reflection,
-in the tendency that mankind
-has ever shown to sympathise with the
-daring and ingenious depredators who
-relieve the rich of their superfluity,
-which may possibly be owing to the romantic adventures
-and hair-breadth escapes which the robbers, in
-their career, have undergone. But, be the cause what
-it may, it is certain that the populace of all nations
-view with admiration great and successful thieves:
-for instance, what greater popular hero, and one that
-has been popular for centuries, could be found than
-Robin Hood?</p>
-
-<p>Almost every country in Europe has its traditional
-thief, whose exploits are recorded both in prose and
-poetry. In England, Claude Duval, Captain Hind,
-Dick Turpin, Jonathan Wild, and Jack Sheppard
-have each in their turn occupied a prominent place
-in the annals of crime; whilst in France, amongst the
-light-fingered heroes that have, from time to time,
-extorted respect from the multitude, Cartouche and
-Vidocq take first rank. Germany is proud of its
-Schinderhannes, the Robber of the Rhine, the stories
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_32">32</span>
-of whose generosity and courage still render his
-memory a favourite on the banks of that river, the
-travellers on which he so long kept in awe. In Italy
-and Spain, those homes of brigands and banditti, the
-inhabitants have ever-ready sympathy for the men
-whose names and exploits are as familiar among them
-as ‘household words.’</p>
-
-<p>Cartouche, however, is the only rival to Barrington
-in their particular line, and Barrington, certainly, was
-no mere common pick-pocket, only fit to figure in
-the ‘Newgate Calendar,’ but he possessed talents which,
-had they been properly directed on his first setting
-out in life, might have enabled him to have played a
-distinguished part either in literature or in business.
-But, unfortunately, very early in his youth, poverty
-led him to adopt theft as his professed vocation;
-and, by his ingenuity and constant practice, he contrived
-to render himself so expert, as almost to have
-conducted his depredations on systematic rules, and
-elevated his crime into a ‘high art.’ Barrington,
-too, by his winning manners, gentlemanly address,
-and the fair education he contrived to pick up, was a
-man eminently fitted (if such an expression may be
-allowed) for his profession! his personal appearance
-was almost sufficient to disarm suspicion, and this, in
-all probability, contributed greatly to the success
-which he met with in his career.</p>
-
-<p>George Barrington, or Waldron (for it is not
-known which was his right name), was born on the
-14th of May, 1755, at the village of Maynooth, county
-Kildare, in Ireland, now famous for the Royal College
-of St. Patrick, which is there situated. His reputed
-father was Henry Waldron, who was a working
-silversmith, and his mother, whose maiden name was
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_33">33</span>
-Naish, was a dressmaker, or mantua-maker, as it was
-then called (also occasionally acting as midwife), in
-the same village; but, whether they had ever been
-legally united, is a matter open to doubt.</p>
-
-<p>To have their parentage disputed is a fate which
-the great ones of the earth have frequently to
-undergo, and George Barrington, or Waldron, is an
-instance of this, for more than one of his historians
-assert that he was the son of a Captain Barrington,
-an officer in a marching regiment quartered at Rush,
-and the date of his birth is given as 1758; but the
-most trustworthy evidence places it on record as
-above stated.</p>
-
-<p>His parents’ characters stood high among their
-neighbours for integrity and industry, but they were,
-unfortunately, always behindhand with the world,
-and never able to extricate themselves from the state
-of abject poverty in which they were sunk, in consequence
-of unsuccessful litigation with a wealthy
-relation. This want of means prevented them from
-giving George any education until he was seven
-years of age, when he was sent to the village school,
-and there was taught to read and write. A benevolent
-surgeon in the neighbourhood afterwards instructed
-him in arithmetic, geography, and grammar;
-but, if the anecdote related of him is true, he repaid
-the kindness by the blackest ingratitude in stealing
-some coins from his benefactor’s daughter.</p>
-
-<p>Young Waldron was lucky enough to attract the
-notice of the Rev. Dr. Westropp, a dignitary of the
-Church of Ireland, who placed him, when he was
-sixteen years of age, at a grammar-school in Dublin,
-and this patron proposed that he should fit himself
-for the university. But fate had decreed otherwise
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_34">34</span>
-and he enjoyed the benefits of this gentleman’s
-kindness but a short time, for, in a moment of passion,
-when quarrelling with another boy, he stabbed his
-antagonist with a pen-knife, wounding him severely.
-Instead of making the matter one for legal investigation,
-the boy received a thorough good flogging,
-a degradation he could by no means forgive, and he
-resolved to run away from school, and leave family,
-friends, and all his fair prospects behind him. But,
-previous to carrying his plan of escape into action,
-he found means to appropriate ten or twelve guineas
-belonging to the master of the school, and a gold
-repeating-watch, which was the property of his
-master’s sister. Not content with this booty, he
-took a few shirts and pairs of stockings, and safely
-effected his retreat, one still night in 1771, starting
-off for Drogheda.</p>
-
-<p>There happened to be staying at the obscure inn
-at which he put up, on his arrival at Drogheda, a
-set of strolling players, whose manager was one
-John Price, who had once been a lawyer’s clerk, and
-had been convicted of some fraud at the Old Bailey.
-He soon wormed the boy’s whole story out of him,
-and persuaded him to join the theatrical company,
-which he did, and he applied himself to study so
-diligently that he was cast for the part, and played,
-four days after his enrolment, Jaffier in Otway’s
-tragedy of ‘Venice Preserved,’ in a barn in the
-suburbs of Drogheda. Both he and Price were of
-opinion that it would be dangerous for him to remain
-so near the scene of his late depredations, but were
-unable to move for want of money. To overcome
-this difficulty, Waldron, who had assumed the name
-of Barrington, gave Price the gold repeater he had
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_35">35</span>
-stolen, which was sold for the benefit of the company,
-and they set out for Londonderry.</p>
-
-<p>But it was found that the expenses of travelling
-for so numerous a body, with their <i>impedimenta</i>, were
-too great to be balanced by the receipts of rural
-audiences, and, on their arrival at Londonderry, their
-finances were found to be at a very low ebb indeed.
-Under these circumstances, Price insinuated that
-Barrington, with his good address and appearance,
-could easily introduce himself to the chief places of
-resort in the city, and, by picking pockets, might
-refill their empty exchequer. This scheme he at
-once put into practice, with such success that, at the
-close of the evening, he was the possessor of about
-forty guineas in cash, and one hundred and fifty
-pounds in Irish bank-notes.</p>
-
-<p>The picking of pockets being a crime almost
-unknown in that part of Ireland, the town took the
-alarm, and a great stir was made over the matter;
-but it being fair-time, and many strangers in the
-city, neither Barrington nor Price were suspected;
-still they thought it but prudent to leave as soon as
-they could with propriety, and, after playing a few
-more nights, they moved to Ballyshannon. For
-some time he continued this vagabond life, travelling
-about the North of Ireland, acting every Tuesday
-and Saturday, and picking pockets every day in the
-week, a business which he found more lucrative and
-entertaining than that of the theatre, where his fame
-was by no means equal to the expectation he had
-raised.</p>
-
-<p>At Cork, Price and he came to the conclusion
-never to think any more of the stage, a resolution
-which was the more easily executed, as the company
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_36">36</span>
-to which they originally belonged was now broken
-up and dispersed. It was settled between them that
-Price should pass for Barrington’s servant, and that
-Barrington should act the part of a young gentleman
-of large fortune and of noble family, who was not
-yet quite of age, travelling for his amusement. They
-carried out their scheme well, purchasing horses and
-dressing up to their parts, and, during the summer
-and autumn of 1772, they visited all the race-courses
-in the South of Ireland, making a remarkably successful
-campaign. Pocket-picking was a novel experience
-to the Irish gentry, and their unsuspicious
-ways made them an easy prey to Barrington’s skill
-and nimble fingers; so much so that when, at the
-setting-in of winter, they returned to Cork, they
-found themselves in possession of a large sum of
-money (over &pound;1,000), having been fortunate enough
-to have escaped detection or even suspicion.</p>
-
-<p>At length their partnership was rudely dissolved,
-as, at the close of winter, Price was detected in the
-very act of picking a gentleman’s pocket at Cork,
-and for this offence he was sentenced to be transported
-to America (as was customary then) for seven
-years. Barrington immediately converted all his
-moveable property into cash, and beat a precipitate
-flight to Dublin, where, for a time, he lived a very
-private and retired life, only stealing out occasionally
-of a dark night to visit some gaming-house, where
-he might pick up a few guineas, or a watch, etc., a
-mode of life which was by no means congenial to
-his ambitious nature, and he again frequented the
-race-courses. He met with his first check at Carlow,
-where he was detected in picking a nobleman’s
-pocket. It was a clear case; the stolen property was
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_37">37</span>
-found on his person, and immediately restored to its
-owner, who did not prosecute, preferring to let the
-rascal receive the treatment known as ‘the discipline
-of the course,’ a punishment very similar to that
-meted out to ‘Welchers’ at the present day. But
-Ireland was getting too warm for him, and, having
-realised his property, he set sail for London, where
-he arrived in the summer of 1773, a remarkably
-precocious youth of eighteen.</p>
-
-<p>On his voyage across the Channel, he became
-acquainted with several persons of respectability,
-with one of whom he travelled post to London,
-having gulled him with a specious tale about his
-family and fortune; and, having gained his confidence,
-he procured by his means introductions into
-the politest circles, from whom, for a long time, he
-extracted abundant plunder. But, in order to do
-this, he had to dress well, and live extravagantly,
-so that he very soon had to cast about for the means
-wherewith to supply his needs. Among the earliest
-visits he paid, after his arrival in London, and in
-his friend’s company, was, of course, Ranelagh, where
-he found two of his acquaintance on the Irish packet
-talking to the Duke of Leinster. Bowing to them,
-and stationing himself near them, he soon eased the
-duke of above eighty pounds, a baronet of five-and-thirty
-guineas, and one of the ladies of her watch;
-and, with this plunder, he rejoined his party as if
-nothing had happened out of the ordinary course
-of things.</p>
-
-<p>But his proceedings had been watched by another
-member of the thieving fraternity, who was in the
-gardens, and who took a speedy opportunity of
-letting Barrington know that he had witnessed his
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_38">38</span>
-crime, and threatened to denounce him to the plundered
-parties, unless a division of the spoil was made
-between them. His manner being very impressive,
-left Barrington no alternative but to comply; and
-the lady’s watch and chain, with a ten-pound note,
-fell to his share. The two supped together, and it
-ended with their entering into a mutual alliance,
-which, for the time, suited Barrington well, as his
-companion knew town much better than he did,
-and was especially well-informed in the knowledge
-of those places where the plunder could be disposed
-of: but this partnership only continued for a short
-time, in consequence of their quarrels, there being
-nothing in common to bind these two rogues together
-save their crime.</p>
-
-<p>In the course of his depredations, he visited Brighton,
-or, as it was then called, Brighthelmstone, which was
-beginning to be the resort of the wealthier classes,
-but, as yet, had not dreamed of the rise it was to
-take under George the Magnificent&mdash;and no conception
-could have been formed of the present ‘London-on-the-Sea.’
-Here, thanks to his pleasant manners
-and address, as well as to the company he frequented,
-he became acquainted, and intimate, with the Duke
-of Ancaster, Lord Ferrers, Lord Lyttleton, and many
-other noblemen, who all considered him as a man of
-genius and ability (which he certainly was), and were
-under the impression that he was a gentleman of
-fortune and family.</p>
-
-<p>His manners were good, and he had a pleasant wit&mdash;so
-that it is not difficult to imagine that his society
-was welcome. As a specimen of his wit, I may relate
-an anecdote told of him when on a visit to Chichester
-from Brighton. In company of several noblemen,
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_39">39</span>
-he was shown the curiosities and notable things in
-the town and cathedral. In the latter, their attention
-was directed to a family vault for the interment of
-the Dukes of Richmond, which had been erected by
-the late duke, and which was inscribed ‘Domus
-ultima’ (the last house). On this inscription he is
-said to have written the following epigram:</p>
-
-<div class="poetry">
-<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">‘Did he, who thus inscribed this wall,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Not <i>read</i>, or not <i>believe</i>, St. Paul?<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Who says, “There is, where e’er it stands,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0"><i>Another</i> house, not made with hands;”<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Or shall we gather, from the words,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">That <i>House</i> is not a <i>House</i> of Lords.’<br /></span>
-</div></div>
-</div>
-
-<p>After living at the expense of the pockets of his
-new-found friends as long as he deemed it prudent,
-he returned to London, and began a dissolute and
-profligate career; but, though his time was pretty
-well employed between his infamous occupation and
-his amusements, he yet found opportunity for intervals
-of study and literary pursuits, and composed several
-odes and poems, which are said to have been not
-devoid of merit.</p>
-
-<p>As before stated, he broke with his partner, who
-retired to a monastery, where, in all probability, he
-ended his days in penitence and peace. But, in the
-winter of 1775, Barrington became acquainted with
-one Lowe, whom he first employed in the useful
-capacity of receiver of stolen goods, and afterwards
-went into partnership with. This Lowe was a singular
-character. Originally he had been a livery-servant,
-and after that he kept a public-house for some
-time, when, having saved some money, he turned
-usurer or money-lender, in which business he accumulated
-a small fortune, when he assumed the
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_40">40</span>
-character of a gentleman, and lived in a genteel
-house near Bloomsbury Square, then a fashionable
-neighbourhood. Here he passed for a very charitable
-and benevolent person, and was appointed
-treasurer or manager of a new hospital for the
-blind in Kentish Town, in which capacity, it is said,
-he contrived to become possessed of some five thousand
-pounds, when he set fire to the institution.
-Being suspected thereof, he was apprehended at
-Liverpool, in 1779, when he committed suicide by
-taking poison, and was buried at a cross-road, in the
-neighbourhood of Prescott in Lancashire.</p>
-
-<p>On forming his partnership with Lowe, it was
-resolved on between them that Barrington should
-repair to Court on the Queen’s birthday, disguised
-as a clergyman, and there endeavour not only to
-pick the pockets of the company, but, what was a
-far bolder and more novel attempt, to cut off the
-diamond stars of the Knights of the Garter, Bath,
-or Thistle, who on such days generally wore the
-ribands of their respective orders over their coats.
-In this enterprise he succeeded beyond the most sanguine
-expectations that could have been formed, either
-by himself or his partner; for he managed to take
-a diamond star from a nobleman, and to get away
-from St. James’s unsuspected. But this prize was
-too valuable to dispose of in England, and it is said
-to have been sold to a Dutch Jew, who came over
-from Holland twice a year on purpose to buy stolen
-goods, for eight hundred pounds. This haul only
-whetted his appetite for yet more profitable plunder,
-and a chance of his skill shortly presented itself.</p>
-
-<p>In the course of the winter of 1775, Prince Orloff,
-a Russian nobleman of the first rank and consequence,
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_41">41</span>
-visited England. The splendour in which he lived,
-and the stories of his immense wealth, were frequently
-noticed and commented on in the public prints,
-and attention was particularly drawn to a gold snuff-box,
-set with brilliants, which was one of the many
-marks of favour showered upon him by Catherine,
-Empress of Russia, and which was generally valued
-at the enormous sum of between thirty and forty
-thousand pounds. This precious trinket excited Barrington’s
-cupidity in an extraordinary degree, and he
-determined to exert himself, in order, by some means
-or other, to get it into his possession.</p>
-
-<p>A favourable opportunity occurred one night at
-Covent Garden Theatre, where he contrived to get
-near the prince, and dexterously conveyed the treasure
-from his excellency’s waistcoat pocket (in which,
-according to Russian custom, it was usually carried)
-into his own. This operation was not, however, performed
-with sufficient delicacy to escape detection,
-for the prince felt the attack that was so impudently
-made upon his property, and, having reason to entertain
-some suspicion of Barrington, he immediately
-seized him by the collar. During the confusion that
-naturally ensued upon such an unusual scene, Barrington
-slipped the box into the hand of the prince,
-who, doubtless, was only too rejoiced to recover it
-with so much ease. The thief, however, was secured,
-and committed to Tothill Fields Bridewell.<a id="FNanchor_15" href="#Footnote_15" class="fnanchor">15</a></p>
-
-<p>When examined before Sir John Fielding, Barrington
-trumped up a story that he was a native of Ireland,
-of an affluent and respectable family; that he
-had been educated for the medical profession, and
-had come to England to improve himself by means
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_42">42</span>
-of his connections. This story, which was told with
-extreme modesty and many tears, induced the prince
-to think of him more as an unfortunate gentleman
-than a guilty culprit, and he declined to proceed
-against him, so that he was dismissed, with an admonition
-from Sir John to amend his future conduct;
-and he must have left the court congratulating himself
-on his narrow, but lucky, escape. The publicity
-which was given to this attempt lost him the society
-of most of his friends, as he was held up to view in
-the disgraceful light of an impostor; and it also was
-the means of giving him a further taste of prison
-discipline.</p>
-
-<p>In the pursuit of his peculiar industry, he frequented
-both Houses of Parliament, where he acquired
-considerable plunder. Some weeks after the Covent
-Garden affair, he was in the House of Lords during
-an interesting debate that attracted a great number
-of people, amongst whom was a gentleman who recognised
-Barrington, and who informed the Deputy
-Usher of the Black Rod of his probable business
-there. That official promptly ejected him, though,
-perhaps, not with the gentleness that he considered
-his due, and he uttered such threats of vengeance
-against his accuser that the latter made application
-to a magistrate, who granted a warrant to take Barrington
-into custody, and to bind him over to keep
-the peace. But his credit was now sunk so low that
-none of his former companions would come forward
-with the necessary sureties, and Barrington, in default,
-was relegated to his former place of detention,
-Tothill Fields Bridewell, where he remained a considerable
-time before he was released.</p>
-
-<p>During his incarceration, the story of his misdeeds
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_43">43</span>
-was industriously circulated, and his character as <i>bon
-camarade</i> was completely destroyed, so that the entry
-to all decent company was absolutely shut against
-him, and from this time forward he was obliged to
-abandon the <i>r&ocirc;le</i> of a ‘gentleman’ pickpocket, and
-descend to all the mean artifices of a common pilferer.
-Even in this humble branch of his infamous
-industry, his good fortune seems to have deserted
-him, for he was detected in picking the pocket of a
-low woman at Drury Lane Theatre in December,
-1776, and, though he made a remarkably clever
-speech in his defence, he was sentenced to three
-years of ballast-heaving, or hard labour in the hulks
-at Woolwich. Here, herded with the vilest of the
-vile, he kept as much as possible from them, and, by
-his good conduct, attracted the attention of the superintendents
-of convicts, and by their intervention he
-was set free, after having sustained an imprisonment
-of somewhat less than twelve months.</p>
-
-<p>On his liberation, he lost no time in re-commencing
-his vicious occupation, under various disguises, sometimes
-as a quack doctor, or as a clergyman; or he
-would assume the character of a grave commercial
-traveller, only to appear, a few days later on, as the
-keeper of a gambling-house, and he had many a
-narrow escape from capture.</p>
-
-<p>Justice, however, again laid her hands upon him,
-for, less than six months after his liberation, he was
-detected in picking the pocket of one, Elizabeth
-Ironmonger, of a watch, was convicted on the clearest
-evidence, and, in spite of the very eloquent and
-skilful defence he made, he was a second time sentenced
-to the hulks with hard labour, this time for
-five years. His speeches to the court, which were
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_44">44</span>
-remarked in the public prints, as well as the letters
-that he wrote seeking mitigation of his punishment,
-display such talent that it is a matter of great regret
-that it was not turned to more honest account. On
-one occasion, when tried for stealing Sir G. Webster’s
-purse at the opera, in February, 1784, he was able,
-by his eloquence, to influence the jury to return a
-verdict of not guilty; and a similar piece of good
-fortune was vouchsafed to him a year after, when
-arraigned for the robbery of a gentleman’s watch at
-Drury Lane Theatre, when his most ingenious and
-well-chosen address to the jury resulted in his
-acquittal.</p>
-
-<p>He could not stand his second imprisonment on
-the hulks, and to end it he attempted suicide by
-stabbing himself in the breast with a pen-knife.
-Medical aid was at hand, and the wound slowly healed,
-but he still continued to linger in a miserable
-state, until he came under the notice of a gentleman
-of position, who used his influence with the government
-so successfully that he obtained Barrington’s
-release, subject to the condition that he should leave
-the country. His benefactor also gave him money
-for that purpose, and he was soon on the Chester
-coach, <i>en route</i> for Ireland. When he arrived in Dublin,
-he found his character had preceded him, and he
-was so closely watched that it was not long before
-he was again arrested, and acquitted only from want of
-evidence. The judge admonished him most seriously,
-which gave Barrington an opportunity of airing his
-eloquence, and he delivered an oration on the unaccountable
-force of prejudice that existed against
-him; but, when once he got away, he came to the
-conclusion that the Irish capital was not a desirable
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_45">45</span>
-place of residence for him, so he travelled northwards,
-and ultimately reached Edinburgh.</p>
-
-<p>However, the police of that city knew all about him,
-and were more vigilant than their <i>confr&egrave;res</i> in London
-and Dublin, so that Barrington, finding himself both
-suspected and watched, came to the conclusion that
-the air of Scotland was not good for him, and turned
-his face southward. Unmindful of the terms of his
-liberation, or careless as to the result of his return, he
-again sought London, where, once more, he frequented
-the theatres, the opera-house, and the Pantheon,
-for some little time, with tolerable success&mdash;but
-he was now too notorious to be long secure; he
-was closely watched, and well-nigh detected at the
-latter of these places; and, such strong suspicions of
-his behaviour were entertained by the magistrates,
-he was committed to Newgate, though on his trial
-he was acquitted.</p>
-
-<p>But he only escaped Scylla to be engulphed in
-Charybdis, for one of the superintendents of convicts
-had him detained for violating the conditions under
-which he was liberated, and the consequence was
-that he was made what was called ‘a fine in Newgate,’
-that is, he had to serve out his unexpired term
-of imprisonment there. This punishment he duly
-suffered, and when he was once more set free, he at
-once re-commenced his old practices, and lived a life
-of shifts and roguery, until, in January, 1787, he was
-detected in picking the pocket of a Mrs. Le Mesurier,
-at Drury Lane Theatre, and was at once apprehended.
-He was given in charge of a constable named
-Blandy, but by some means, either by negligence
-of his custodian, or by bribing him, he made his
-escape.
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_46">46</span></p>
-
-<p>For this he was outlawed, and, whilst the offended
-majesty of the law was thus seeking to vindicate
-itself, he was making a progress of the northern
-counties under various disguises, sometimes appearing
-as a quack doctor, or a clergyman, then in connection
-with a gaming-table, and occasionally playing
-the <i>r&ocirc;le</i> of a rider (as commercial travellers were
-then called) for some manufacturing firm. Although
-frequently meeting with people who knew him, he
-was never molested by them, until he was recognised
-at Newcastle (whilst being examined in the
-justice-room there, regarding a theft he had committed)
-by a gentleman from London as being ‘wanted’
-for the robbery at Drury Lane Theatre, and he was
-promptly despatched to Bow Street once more. On
-his arrival, he was committed to Newgate as an outlaw,
-and, miserable and dejected, his spirits sank
-within him. His friends, however (for even he had
-friends) made up a purse of a hundred guineas for
-his defence. His trial took place in November, 1789,
-when he conducted his own defence, as usual, with
-extraordinary ability, arguing the various points of
-law with the judge with surprising acuteness and
-elegant language, till, eventually, being aided by the
-absence of a material witness, he made such an
-impression upon the court that a verdict of acquittal
-was recorded.</p>
-
-<p>All these escapes, however, seem to have had no
-deterrent effect upon him, and he again set off for
-Ireland, where he joined an accomplice named
-Hubert, who was speedily apprehended, in the act of
-picking a pocket, and sentenced to seven years transportation.
-Dublin after this was far too hot for
-Barrington, so he adroitly made his escape to England,
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_47">47</span>
-where, after rambling about the country for
-some time, he re-appeared in London. But he had
-not been in the metropolis very long before he was
-apprehended, as his indictment says, for ‘stealing on
-the 1st of September, 1780, in the parish of Enfield,
-in the county of Middlesex, a gold watch, chain, seals,
-and a metal key, the property of Henry Hare Townsend.’
-The case was very clear, but Barrington defended
-himself very ingeniously, and with a certain
-amount of oratory, of which the following is a sample:</p>
-
-<p>‘I am well convinced of the noble nature of a
-British Court of Justice; the dignified and benign
-principles of its judges, and the liberal and candid
-spirit of its jurors.</p>
-
-<p>‘Gentlemen, life is the gift of God, and liberty its
-greatest blessing; the power of disposing of both or
-either is the greatest man can enjoy. It is also
-adventitious that, great as that power is, it cannot
-be better placed than in the hands of an English
-jury; for they will not exercise it like tyrants, who
-delight in blood, but like generous and brave men,
-who delight to spare rather than destroy; and who,
-forgetting they are men themselves, lean, when they
-can, to the side of compassion. It may be thought,
-gentlemen of the jury, that I am appealing to your
-passions, and, if I had the power to do it, I would
-not fail to employ it. The passions animate the
-heart, and to the passions we are indebted for the
-noblest actions, and to the passions we owe our
-dearest and finest feelings; and, when it is considered,
-the mighty power you now possess, whatever
-leads to a cautious and tender discharge of it,
-must be thought of great consequence: as long as
-the passions conduct us on the side of benevolence,
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_48">48</span>
-they are our best, our safest, and our most friendly
-guides.’</p>
-
-<p>But all his eloquence was thrown away on a jury
-of practical men, and they found him guilty. His
-trial took place on the 15th of September, 1790, and
-on the 22nd of September he received his sentence,
-which was seven years’ transportation. He took his
-leave dramatically, and made a speech lamenting his
-hard fate throughout life.</p>
-
-<p>‘The world, my Lord, has given me credit for
-abilities, indeed much greater than I possess, and,
-therefore, much more than I deserved; but I have
-never found any kind hand to foster those abilities.</p>
-
-<p>‘I might ask, where was the generous and powerful
-hand that was ever stretched forth to rescue
-George Barrington from infamy? In an age like
-this, which, in several respects, is so justly famed for
-liberal sentiments, it was my severe lot that no nobleminded
-gentleman stepped forward and said to me,
-“Barrington, you are possessed of talents which may
-be useful to society. I feel for your situation, and, as
-long as you act the part of a good citizen, I will be
-your protector; you will then have time and opportunity
-to rescue yourself from the obloquy of your
-former conduct.”</p>
-
-<p>‘Alas, my Lord, George Barrington had never the
-supreme felicity of having such comfort administered
-to his wounded spirit. As matters have unfortunately
-turned out, the die is cast; and, as it is, I
-bend, resigned to my fate, without one murmur or
-complaint.’</p>
-
-<p>Thus ended his life in England, which he was
-never to see again, and it is with pleasure that we
-can turn to a brighter page in his history.
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_49">49</span></p>
-
-<p>In his account of his voyage to New South Wales,
-he says that it was with unspeakable satisfaction that
-he received orders to embark, agreeably to his sentence;
-and it is pleasing to observe that, under his
-adverse circumstances, the friends he had made in
-his prosperity did not forsake him in his adversity,
-for many of them came to bid him adieu, and not
-one of them came empty-handed; in fact, their
-generosity was so great, that he had difficulty in
-getting permission to take all their gifts on board.</p>
-
-<p>His account of their embarkation gives us an
-extremely graphic description not only of the treatment
-of convicts, but of the unhappy wretches
-themselves.</p>
-
-<p>‘About a quarter before five, a general muster
-took place, and, having bid farewell to my fellow-prisoners,
-we were escorted from the prison to
-Blackfriars Bridge by the City Guard, where two
-lighters were waiting to receive us. This procession,
-though early, and but few spectators, made a
-deep impression on my mind, and the ignominy of
-being thus mingled with felons of all descriptions,
-many scarce a degree above the brute creation,
-intoxicated with liquor, and shocking the ears of
-those they passed with blasphemy, oaths, and songs,
-the most offensive to modesty, inflicted a punishment
-more severe than the sentence of my country, and
-fully avenged that society I had so much wronged.’</p>
-
-<p>And there is little doubt but that the moral repugnance
-to his miserable, and vicious companions was
-mainly the cause of the reformation which took place
-in him.</p>
-
-<p>The condition of convicts at that day was not
-enviable. There were two hundred and fifty of
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_50">50</span>
-them in the ship with Barrington, all packed in the
-hold, their hammocks being slung within seventeen
-inches of each other: being encumbered with their
-irons, and deprived of fresh air, their condition was
-soon rendered deplorable. To alleviate their sufferings
-as much as possible, they were permitted to
-walk the deck (as much as was consistent with the
-safety of the ship), ten at a time; and the women, of
-whom there were six on board, had a snug berth to
-themselves. But, in spite of this humane and considerate
-treatment, thirty-six of them died on the
-voyage.</p>
-
-<p>Barrington, however, was not in such evil case, for
-a friend had accompanied him on board, and, by his
-influence and exertions, had not only procured stowage
-for his packages, but also liberty to walk the
-deck unencumbered with irons. Nor did his help
-stop here, for he prevailed upon the boatswain to
-admit him into his mess, which consisted of the
-second mate, carpenter, and gunner, on condition
-that he paid his proportion towards defraying the
-extra requisites for the mess during the voyage.
-The boatswain, too, had his hammock slung next to
-his own, so that his life was made as comfortable as
-it could be, under the circumstances, and he had not
-to herd with the convicts.</p>
-
-<p>Soon after leaving the Bay of Biscay, these gentlemen
-began to give trouble. The captain, very
-humanely, had released many of the weaker convicts
-of their galling chains, and allowed them to
-walk on deck, ten at a time. Two of them, who
-were Americans, and had some knowledge of navigation,
-prevailed upon the majority of their comrades
-to attempt to seize the ship, impressing upon them
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_51">51</span>
-that it would be an easy task, and that when
-captured, they would sail to America, where every
-man would not only obtain his liberty, but receive
-a tract of land from Congress, besides a share of
-the money arising from the sale of the ship and cargo.</p>
-
-<p>The poor dupes swallowed the bait, and the mutineers
-determined that on the first opportunity, whilst
-the officers were at dinner, those convicts who were
-on deck should force the arm-chest, which was kept
-on the quarter-deck, and, at the same time, would
-make a signal to two of them to attack the sentinels,
-and obtain possession of their arms, while word was
-passed for those below to come on deck. And, as
-they planned, so they carried out the mutiny: when
-the captain and officers were below examining the
-stowage of some wine&mdash;a cask, in the spirit-room,
-being leaky&mdash;and the only persons on deck were
-Barrington and the man at the helm.</p>
-
-<p>Barrington was going forward, but was stopped
-by one of the Americans, followed by another convict,
-who struck at him with a sword, which luckily hit
-against a pistol that the American had pointed at
-him. Barrington snatched up a handspike, and felled
-one of them, and the steersman left his wheel and
-called up the captain and crew. For a few moments
-Barrington kept the mutineers at bay, when assistance
-came&mdash;and a blunderbuss being fired amongst
-the convicts, wounding several, they retreated, and
-were all driven into the hold. An attempt of this
-kind required the most exemplary punishment; and
-two of the ring-leaders, with very short shrift, were
-soon dangling at the yard-arm, whilst others were
-tasting the cat-o’-nine-tails at the gangway.</p>
-
-<p>The mutiny having been thus quelled, and the
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_52">52</span>
-convicts re-ironed, the captain had leisure to thank
-Barrington, and to compliment him on his gallant
-behaviour in the emergency. He assured Barrington
-that, when they arrived at the Cape, he would
-reward him, and that, meanwhile, he was to have
-every liberty; and orders were given to the steward
-to supply him with anything he might have occasion
-for during the voyage. As Barrington observes:</p>
-
-<p>‘I soon experienced the good effects of my late
-behaviour; as seldom a day passed but some fresh
-meat or poultry was sent to me by the captain,
-which considerably raised me in the estimation of
-my messmates, who were no ways displeased at the
-substitution of a sea-pie of fowl or fresh meat to a
-dish of lobscouse, or a piece of salt-junk.’</p>
-
-<p>On the ship’s arrival at the Cape, the captain gave
-Barrington an order on a merchant there for one
-hundred dollars, telling him he might at any time
-avail himself of the ship’s boat going ashore, and
-visit the town as often as he pleased, if he would
-only tell the officers when he felt so inclined. It is
-needless to say he fully availed himself of his
-privilege, and laid out his money in the purchase
-of goods most in demand in New South Wales.</p>
-
-<p>On reaching Port Jackson, in consequence of the
-captain’s report, he had a most gracious reception
-from the governor, who, finding him a man of ability
-and intelligence, almost immediately appointed him
-superintendent of the convicts at Paramatta: his
-business being chiefly to report the progress made
-in the different works that were carried on there.
-Here he had ample leisure and opportunities of studying
-the natives and their habits and customs, and
-in his ‘History of New South Wales,’ he gives an
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_53">53</span>
-interesting account of the aborigines of Australia,
-now so rapidly approaching extinction. The governor,
-Philip, made unceasing efforts to win their friendship,
-and even went to the extent of forcing his
-acquaintance on them, by the summary method of
-capturing a few, and keeping them in friendly durance;
-hoping thus to gain their good-will, so that,
-on their release, they might report to their friends
-that the white man was not so bad as he was
-represented. But it was all in vain; for, beyond a
-very few converts to civilisation, the savage remained
-untameable.</p>
-
-<p>By the purchases which Barrington had made at
-the Cape, as well as the presents he had brought
-from England, he was enabled to furnish his house
-in a rather better style than his neighbours, and,
-moreover, he managed to collect around him a few
-farm-yard animals, which, together with his great
-love for horticulture, made his life far from unendurable.
-His position, as peace-officer of the district,
-was no sinecure; for the criminal population over
-whom he had jurisdiction gave him very considerable
-trouble, more especially after the introduction into
-the settlement, by some American vessels, of New
-England rum, the baneful effects of which were very
-soon apparent: the partiality of the convicts for it
-being incredible, for they preferred receiving it as
-the price of their labour to any other article, either
-of provisions or clothing.</p>
-
-<p>Barrington’s tact and good management in the
-numerous disturbances that arose, as more convicts
-were poured into the station, were very conspicuous,
-and his conduct was altogether such as compensated,
-in a great measure, for his former misdeeds. His
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_54">54</span>
-domestic matters improved by degrees, so that his
-situation was equal, if not preferable, to that of most
-of the settlers there, and, to crown all, in September,
-1799, the Governor&mdash;Hunter&mdash;presented him with an
-absolute pardon, complimenting him on his faithful
-discharge of the duties which had been entrusted to
-him, and the integrity and uniform uprightness of his
-conduct, and, furthermore, said that his general
-behaviour, during his whole residence, perfectly obliterated
-every trace of his former indiscretions.</p>
-
-<p>Barrington was further appointed a principal superintendent
-of the district of Paramatta, with a permanent
-salary of &pound;50 per annum (his situation having
-been, hitherto, only provisional) and, eventually, the
-confidence he inspired was such that he was raised
-to the office of Chief of the constabulary force of the
-Colony, on the principle, it may be presumed, of
-‘setting a thief to catch a thief.’ In this post he gave
-great satisfaction, and died, much respected by all
-who knew him, at Botany Bay.</p>
-
-<p>He wrote ‘The History of New South Wales,’ &amp;c.
-London, 1802; a most valuable and interesting book.
-‘An Account of a Voyage to New South Wales,’ London,
-1803. ‘The History of New Holland,’ London,
-1808; and a book was published with his name as
-author, ‘The London Spy,’ which went through
-several editions.
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_55">55</span></p>
-
-<h2 id="MILTONS_BONES">MILTON’S BONES.</h2>
-
-<div>
-<img class="drop-cap" src="images/i.jpg" alt="I" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="drop-cap"><span class="upper-case">In</span> the first series of <i>Notes and Queries</i>, vol.
-v. p. 369 (April 17, 1852), is a note from
-which the following is an extract: ‘In vol.
-v, p. 275, mention is made of Cromwell’s
-skull; so it may not be out of place to tell
-you that I have handled one of Milton’s ribs. Cowper
-speaks indignantly of the desecration of our divine
-poet’s grave, on which shameful occurrence some of
-the bones were clandestinely distributed. One fell to
-the lot of an old and esteemed friend, and between
-forty-five and fifty years ago, at his house, not many
-miles from London, I have often examined the said
-rib-bone.’</p>
-
-<p>The lines of Cowper’s to which he refers were
-written in August, 1790, and are entitled</p>
-
-<h3>STANZAS<br />
-
-<span class="medium"><i>On the late indecent Liberties taken with the remains of the
-great Milton. Anno 1790.</i></span></h3>
-
-<div class="poetry">
-<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">‘Me too, perchance, in future days,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">The sculptured stone shall show,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">With Paphian myrtle or with bays<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Parnassian on my brow.<br /></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">But I, or ere that season come,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Escaped from every care,<br />
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_56">56</span></span>
-<span class="i0">Shall reach my refuge in the tomb,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And sleep securely there.’<a id="FNanchor_16" href="#Footnote_16" class="fnanchor">16</a><br /></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">So sang, in Roman tone and style,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">The youthful bard, ere long<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Ordain’d to grace his native isle<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">With her sublimest song.<br /></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">Who then but must conceive disdain,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Hearing the deed unblest,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Of wretches who have dared profane<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">His dread sepulchral rest?<br /></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">Ill fare the hands that heaved the stones<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Where Milton’s ashes lay,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">That trembled not to grasp his bones<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And steal his dust away!<br /></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">O ill-requited bard! neglect<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Thy living worth repaid,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And blind idolatrous respect<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">As much affronts thee dead.<br /></span>
-</div></div>
-</div>
-
-<p>Leigh Hunt possessed a lock of Milton’s hair which
-had been given to him by a physician&mdash;and over
-which he went into such rhapsodies that he composed
-no less than three sonnets addressed to the donor&mdash;which
-may be found in his ‘Foliage,’ ed. 1818, pp. 131,
-132, 133. The following is the best:&mdash;</p>
-
-<p class="center">TO &mdash;&mdash; &mdash;&mdash; MD.,<br />
-<i>On his giving me a lock of Milton’s hair</i>.</p>
-
-<div class="poetry">
-<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">It lies before me there, and my own breath<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Stirs its thin outer threads, as though beside<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">The living head I stood in honoured pride,<br />
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_57">57</span></span>
-<span class="i0">Talking of lovely things that conquered death.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Perhaps he pressed it once, or underneath<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Ran his fine fingers, when he leant, blank-eyed,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And saw, in fancy, Adam and his bride<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">With their heaped locks, or his own Delphic wreath.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">There seems a love in hair, though it be dead.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">It is the gentlest, yet the strongest thread<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Of our frail plant&mdash;a blossom from the tree<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Surviving the proud trunk;&mdash;as if it said,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Patience and Gentleness is Power. In me<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Behold affectionate eternity.<br /></span>
-</div></div>
-</div>
-
-<p>How were these personal relics obtained? By
-rifling his tomb. Shakespeare solemnly cursed anyone
-who should dare to meddle with his dead body,
-and his remains are believed to be intact.</p>
-
-<div class="poetry">
-<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">‘Good friend, for Jesus’ sake, forbear<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">To dig the dust inclosed here:<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Blest be the man who spares these stones,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And cursed be he who moves my bones.’<br /></span>
-</div></div>
-</div>
-
-<p>But Milton laid no such interdict upon his poor
-dead body&mdash;and it was not very long after his burial,
-which took place in 1674, that the stone which covered
-it, and indicated his resting-place, was removed,
-as Aubrey tells us in his ‘Lives’ (vol. iii, p. 450). ‘His
-stone is now removed. About two years since (1681)
-the two steppes to the communion-table were raysed,
-Ighesse, Jo. Speed,<a id="FNanchor_17" href="#Footnote_17" class="fnanchor">17</a> and he lie together.’ And so it
-came to pass that, in the church of St. Giles’, Cripplegate,
-where he was buried, there was no memorial of
-the place where he was laid, nor, indeed, anything
-to mark the fact of his burial in that church until, in
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_58">58</span>
-1793, Samuel Whitbread set up a fine marble bust of
-the poet, by Bacon, with an inscription giving the
-dates of his birth and death, and recording the fact
-that his father was also interred there.</p>
-
-<p>It is probable that Mr. Whitbread was moved
-thereto by the alleged desecration of Milton’s tomb
-in 1790, of which there is a good account written by
-Philip Neve, of Furnival’s Inn, which is entitled, ‘A
-<span class="smcap">Narrative</span> of the <span class="smcap">Disinterment</span> of <span class="smcap">Milton’s</span> coffin, in
-the Parish-Church of <span class="smcap">St. Giles</span>, Cripplegate, on Wednesday,
-August 4th, 1790; and the <span class="smcap">Treatment of the
-Corpse</span> during that and the following day.’</p>
-
-<p>As this narrative is not long, I propose to give it
-in its entirety, because to condense it would be to
-spoil it, and, by giving it <i>in extenso</i>, the reader will be
-better able to judge whether it was really Milton’s
-body which was exhumed.</p>
-
-<h3>A NARRATIVE, &amp;c.</h3>
-
-<p>Having read in the <i>Public Advertiser</i>, on Saturday,
-the 7th of August, 1790, that <i>Milton’s</i> coffin had been
-dug up in the parish church of St. Giles, Cripplegate,
-and was there to be seen, I went immediately to the
-church, and found the latter part of the information
-to be untrue; but, from conversations on that day, on
-Monday, the 9th, and on Tuesday, the 10th of August,
-with Mr. Thomas <i>Strong</i>, Solicitor and F.A.S., Red
-Cross Street, <i>Vestry-Clerk</i>; Mr. John <i>Cole</i>, Barbican,
-Silversmith, <i>Churchwarden</i>; Mr. John <i>Laming</i>, Barbican,
-<i>Pawnbroker</i>; and Mr. <i>Fountain</i>, Beech Lane,
-Publican, <i>Overseers</i>; Mr. <i>Taylor</i>, of Stanton, Derbyshire,
-<i>Surgeon</i>; a friend of Mr. <i>Laming</i>, and a visitor
-in his house; Mr. William <i>Ascough</i>, Coffin-maker, Fore
-Street, <i>Parish Clerk</i>; Benjamin <i>Holmes</i> and Thomas
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_59">59</span>
-<i>Hawkesworth</i>, journeymen to Mr. Ascough; Mrs.
-<i>Hoppey</i>, Fore Street, <i>Sexton</i>; Mr. <i>Ellis</i>, No. 9, Lamb’s
-Chapel, comedian of the Royalty-theatre; and John
-<i>Poole</i> (son of Rowland Poole), Watch-spring maker,
-Jacob’s Passage, Barbican, the following facts are
-established:</p>
-
-<p>It being in the contemplation of some persons to
-bestow a considerable sum of money in erecting a
-monument, in the parish church of <i>St. Giles</i>, Cripplegate,
-to the memory of <i>Milton</i>, and the particular spot
-of his interment in that church having for many
-years past been ascertained only by tradition, several
-of the principal parishioners have, at their meetings,
-frequently expressed a wish that his coffin should be
-dug for, that incontestable evidence of its exact
-situation might be established, before the said monument
-should be erected. The entry, among the
-burials, in the register-book, 12th of November, 1674,
-is ‘<i>John Milton</i>, Gentleman, consumption, <i>chancell</i>.’
-The church of St. Giles, Cripplegate, was built in 1030,
-was burnt down (except the steeple) and rebuilt in
-1545; was repaired in 1682; and again in 1710. In
-the repair of 1782, an alteration took place in the
-disposition of the inside of the church; the pulpit
-was removed from the second pillar, against which it
-stood, north of the chancel, to the south side of the
-present chancel, which was then formed, and pews
-were built over the old chancel. The tradition has
-always been that <i>Milton</i> was buried in the chancel,
-under the clerk’s desk; but the circumstance of the
-alteration in the church, not having, of late years,
-been attended to, the clerk, sexton, and other officers
-of the parish have misguided inquirers, by showing
-the spot under the clerk’s desk, in the present chancel,
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_60">60</span>
-as the place of <i>Milton’s</i> interment. I have twice,
-at different periods, been shown that spot as the
-place where <i>Milton</i> lay. Even Mr. <i>Baskerville</i>, who
-died a few years ago, and who had requested, in his
-will, to be buried by <i>Milton</i>, was deposited in the
-above-mentioned spot of the present chancel, in pious
-intention of compliance with his request. The church
-is now, August, 1790, under a general repair, by contract,
-for &pound;1,350, and Mr. <i>Strong</i>, Mr. <i>Cole</i>, and other
-parishioners, having very prudently judged that the
-search would be made with much less inconvenience
-to the parish at this time, when the church is under
-repair, than at any period after the said repair should
-be completed, Mr. <i>Cole</i>, in the last days of July,
-ordered the workmen to dig in search of the coffin.
-Mr. <i>Ascough</i>, his father, and grandfather, have been
-parish clerks of <i>St. Giles</i> for upwards of ninety years
-past. His grandfather, who died in February, 1759-60,
-aged eighty-four, used often to say that <i>Milton</i> had been
-buried under the clerk’s desk in the chancel. John
-<i>Poole</i>, aged seventy, used to hear his father talk of
-Milton’s person, from those who had seen him; and
-also, that he lay under the common-councilmen’s
-pew. The common-councilmen’s pew is built over
-that very part of the old chancel, where the former
-clerk’s desk stood. These traditions in the parish reported
-to Mr. <i>Strong</i> and Mr. <i>Cole</i> readily directed
-them to dig from the present chancel, northwards,
-towards the pillar, against which the former pulpit
-and desk had stood. On Tuesday afternoon, August
-3rd, notice was brought to Messrs. <i>Strong</i> and <i>Cole</i>
-that the coffin was discovered. They went immediately
-to the church, and, by help of a candle, proceeded
-under the common-councilmen’s pew to the
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_61">61</span>
-place where the coffin lay. It was in a chalky soil,
-and directly over a wooden coffin, supposed to be that
-of <i>Milton’s</i> father; tradition having always reported
-that <i>Milton</i> was buried next to his father. The
-registry of the father of <i>Milton</i>, among the burials,
-in the parish-book, is ‘<i>John Melton</i>, Gentleman, 15th of
-March, 1646-7.’ In digging through the whole space
-from the present chancel, where the ground was
-opened, to the situation of the former clerk’s desk,
-there was not found any other coffin, which could
-raise the smallest doubt of this being <i>Milton’s</i>. The
-two oldest found in the ground had inscriptions,
-which Mr. <i>Strong</i> copied; they were of as late dates
-as 1727 and 1739. When he and Mr. <i>Cole</i> had
-examined the coffin, they ordered water and a brush
-to be brought, that they might wash it, in search of
-an inscription, or initials, or date; but, upon its being
-carefully cleansed, none was found.</p>
-
-<p>The following particulars were given me in writing
-by Mr. <i>Strong</i>, and they contain the admeasurement
-of the coffin, as taken by him, with a rule. ‘A
-leaden coffin, found under the common-councilmen’s
-pew, on the north side of the chancel, nearly under
-the place where the old pulpit and clerk’s desk stood.
-The coffin appeared to be old, much corroded, and
-without any inscription or plate upon it. It was, in
-length, five feet ten inches, and in width, at the
-broadest part, over the shoulders, one foot four
-inches.’ Conjecture naturally pointed out, both to
-Mr. <i>Strong</i> and Mr. <i>Cole</i>, that, by moving the leaden
-coffin, there would be a great chance of finding some
-inscription on the wooden one underneath; but, with
-a just and laudable piety, they disdained to disturb
-the sacred ashes, after a requiem of one hundred and
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_62">62</span>
-sixteen years; and having satisfied their curiosity,
-and ascertained the fact, which was the subject of it,
-Mr. <i>Cole</i> ordered the ground to be closed. This was
-on the afternoon of Tuesday, August the 3rd; and,
-when I waited on Mr. <i>Strong</i>, on Saturday morning,
-the 7th, he informed me that the coffin had been
-found on the Tuesday, had been examined, washed,
-and measured by him and Mr. <i>Cole</i>; but that the
-ground had been immediately closed, when they
-left the church;&mdash;not doubting that Mr. <i>Cole’s</i> order
-had been punctually obeyed. But the direct contrary
-appears to have been the fact.</p>
-
-<p>On Tuesday evening, the 3rd, Mr. <i>Cole</i>, Messrs.
-<i>Laming</i> and <i>Taylor</i>, <i>Holmes</i>, &amp;c., had a <i>merry meeting</i>,
-as Mr. <i>Cole</i> expresses himself, at Fountain’s house;
-the conversation there turned upon <i>Milton’s</i> coffin
-having been discovered; and, in the course of the
-evening, several of those present expressing a desire
-to see it, Mr. <i>Cole</i> assented that, if the ground was
-not already closed, the closing of it should be deferred
-until they should have satisfied their curiosity.
-Between eight and nine on Wednesday morning, the
-4th, the two overseers (<i>Laming</i> and <i>Fountain</i>) and
-Mr. <i>Taylor</i>, went to the house of <i>Ascough</i>, the clerk,
-which leads into the church-yard, and asked for
-<i>Holmes</i>; they then went with <i>Holmes</i> into the church,
-and pulled the coffin, which lay deep in the ground,
-from its original station to the edge of the excavation,
-into day-light. Mr. <i>Laming</i> told me that, to
-assist in thus removing it, he put his hand into a
-corroded hole, which he saw in the lead, at the coffin
-foot. When they had thus removed it, the overseers
-asked <i>Holmes</i> if he could open it, that they might
-see the body. <i>Holmes</i> immediately fetched a mallet
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_63">63</span>
-and a chisel, and cut open the top of the coffin,
-slantwise from the head, as low as the breast; so
-that the top, being doubled backward, they could
-see the corpse; he cut it open also at the foot. Upon
-first view of the body, it appeared perfect, and completely
-enveloped in the shroud, which was of many
-folds; the ribs standing up regularly. When they
-disturbed the shroud, the ribs fell. Mr. <i>Fountain</i> told
-me that he pulled hard at the teeth, which resisted,
-until some one hit them a knock with a stone, when
-they easily came out. There were but five in the
-upper jaw, which were all perfectly sound and white,
-and all taken by Mr. <i>Fountain</i>; he gave one of them
-to Mr. <i>Laming</i>; Mr. <i>Laming</i> also took one from the
-lower jaw; and Mr. <i>Taylor</i> took two from it. Mr.
-<i>Laming</i> told me that he had, at one time, a mind to
-bring away the whole under-jaw, with the teeth in it;
-he had it in his hand, but tossed it back again. Also
-that he lifted up the head, and saw a great quantity of
-hair, which lay straight and even behind the head, and
-in the state of hair which had been combed and tied
-together before interment; but it was wet, the coffin
-having considerable corroded holes, both at the head
-and foot, and a great part of the water with which
-it had been washed on the Tuesday afternoon having
-run into it. The overseers and Mr. <i>Taylor</i> went
-away soon afterwards, and Messrs. <i>Laming</i> and
-<i>Taylor</i> went home to get scissors to cut off some
-of the hair: they returned about ten, when Mr.
-<i>Laming</i> poked his stick against the head, and brought
-some of the hair over the forehead; but, as they saw
-the scissors were not necessary, Mr. <i>Taylor</i> took up
-the hair, as it lay on the forehead, and carried it
-home. The water, which had got into the coffin
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_64">64</span>
-on the Tuesday afternoon, had made a sludge at the
-bottom of it, emitting a nauseous smell, and which
-occasioned Mr. <i>Laming</i> to use his stick to procure
-the hair, and not to lift up the head a second time.
-Mr. <i>Laming</i> also took out one of the leg-bones, but
-threw it in again. <i>Holmes</i> went out of church, whilst
-Messrs. <i>Laming</i>, <i>Taylor</i>, and <i>Fountain</i> were there the
-first time, and he returned when the two former were
-come the second time. When Messrs. <i>Laming</i> and
-<i>Taylor</i> had finally quitted the church, the coffin was
-removed from the edge of the excavation back to its
-original station; but was no otherwise closed than
-by the lid, where it had been cut and reversed, being
-bent down again. Mr. <i>Ascough</i>, the clerk, was from
-home the greater part of that day, and Mrs. <i>Hoppey</i>,
-the sexton, was from home the whole day. Elizabeth
-<i>Grant</i>, the grave-digger, who is servant to Mrs.
-<i>Hoppey</i>, therefore now took possession of the coffin;
-and, as its situation under the common-councilmen’s
-pew would not admit of its being seen without the
-help of a candle, she kept a tinder-box in the excavation,
-and, when any persons came, struck a light,
-and conducted them under the pew, where, by
-reversing the part of the lid which had been cut, she
-exhibited the body, at first for sixpence, and afterwards
-for threepence and twopence each person. The workers
-in the church kept the doors locked to all those who
-would not pay the price of a pot of beer for entrance,
-and many, to avoid that payment, got in at a window
-at the west end of the church, near to Mr. <i>Ascough’s</i>
-counting-house.</p>
-
-<p>I went on Saturday, the 7th, to Mr. <i>Laming’s</i> house,
-to request a lock of the hair; but, not meeting with
-Mr. <i>Taylor</i> at home, went again on Monday, the 9th,
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_65">65</span>
-when Mr. <i>Taylor</i> gave me part of what hair he had
-reserved for himself. <i>Hawkesworth</i> having informed
-me, on the Saturday, that Mr. <i>Ellis</i>, the player, had
-taken some hair, and that he had seen him take a
-rib-bone, and carry it away in paper under his coat,
-I went from Mr. <i>Laming’s</i> on Monday to Mr. <i>Ellis</i>,
-who told me that he had paid 6<sup>d.</sup> to Elizabeth <i>Grant</i>
-for seeing the body; and that he had lifted up the
-head, and taken from the sludge under it a small
-quantity of hair, with which was a piece of the
-shroud, and, adhering to the hair, a bit of the skin
-of the skull, of about the size of a shilling. He
-then put them all into my hands, with the rib-bone,
-which appeared to be one of the upper ribs. The
-piece of the shroud was of coarse linen. The hair
-which he had taken was short; a small part of it
-he had washed, and the remainder was in the clotted
-state in which he had taken it. He told me that
-he had tried to reach down as low as the hands of
-the corpse, but had not been able to effect it. The
-washed hair corresponded exactly with that in my
-possession, and which I had just received from Mr.
-<i>Taylor</i>. <i>Ellis</i> is a very ingenious worker in hair,
-and he said that, thinking it would be of great
-advantage to him to possess a quantity of Milton’s
-hair, he had returned to the church on Thursday,
-and had made his endeavours to get access a second
-time to the body; but had been refused admittance.
-<i>Hawkesworth</i> took a tooth, and broke a bit off the
-coffin; of which I was informed by Mr. <i>Ascough</i>. I
-purchased them both of <i>Hawkesworth</i>, on Saturday
-the 7th, for 2<sup>s.</sup>; and he told me that, when
-he took the tooth out, there were but two more
-remaining; one of which was afterwards taken by
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_66">66</span>
-another of Mr. <i>Ascough’s</i> men. And <i>Ellis</i> informed
-me that, at the time when he was there, on Wednesday,
-the teeth were all gone; but the overseers say
-they think that all the teeth were not taken out
-of the coffin, though displaced from the jaws, but
-that some of them must have fallen among the
-other bones, as they very readily came out, after
-the first were drawn. <i>Haslib</i>, son of William <i>Haslib</i>,
-of Jewin Street, undertaker, took one of the small
-bones, which I purchased of him, on Monday, the
-9th, for 2<sup>s.</sup></p>
-
-<p>With respect to the identity of the person; anyone
-must be a skeptic against violent presumptions
-to entertain a doubt of its being that of <i>Milton</i>. The
-parish traditions of the spot; the age of the coffin&mdash;none
-other found in the ground which can at all
-contest with it, or render it suspicious&mdash;<i>Poole’s</i> tradition
-that those who had conversed with his father
-about <i>Milton’s</i> person always described him to have
-been thin, with long hair; the entry in the register-book
-that <i>Milton</i> died of consumption, are all strong
-confirmations, with the size of the coffin, of the
-identity of the person. If it be objected that, against
-the pillar where the pulpit formerly stood, and immediately
-over the common-councilmen’s pew, is a
-monument to the family of <i>Smith</i>, which shows that
-‘near that place’ were buried, in 1653, <i>Richard Smith</i>,
-aged 17; in 1655, <i>John Smith</i>, aged 32; and in
-1664, <i>Elizabeth Smith</i>, the mother, aged 64; and
-in 1675, <i>Richard Smith</i>, the father, aged 85; it may
-be answered that, if the coffin in question be one
-of these, the others should be there also. The corpse
-is certainly not that of a man of 85; and, if it be
-supposed one of the first named males of the <i>Smith</i>
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_67">67</span>
-family, certainly the two later coffins should appear;
-but none such were found, nor could that monument
-have been erected until many years after the death
-of the last person mentioned in the inscription; and
-it was then placed there, as it expresses, not by any
-of the family, but at the expense of friends. The
-flatness of the pillar, after the pulpit had been removed,
-offered an advantageous situation for it; and
-‘<i>near this place</i>,’ upon a mural monument, will always
-admit of a liberal construction. <i>Holmes</i>, who is much
-respected in that parish, and very ingenious and
-intelligent in his business, says that a leaden coffin,
-when the inner wooden-case is perished, must, from
-pressure and its own weight, shrink in breadth, and
-that, therefore, more than the present admeasurement
-of this coffin across the shoulders must have been
-its original breadth. There is evidence, also, that
-it was incurvated, both on the top and at the sides,
-at the time when it was discovered. But the strongest
-of all confirmations is the hair, both in its length
-and colour. Behold <i>Faithorne’s</i> quarto-print of <i>Milton</i>
-taken <i>ad vivum</i> in 1760, five years before <i>Milton’s</i>
-death. Observe the short locks growing towards
-the forehead, and the long ones flowing from the same
-place down the sides of the face. The whole quantity
-of hair which Mr. <i>Taylor</i> took was from the
-forehead, and all taken at one grasp. I measured
-on Monday morning, the 9th, that lock of it which
-he had given to Mr. <i>Laming</i>, six inches and a half
-by a rule; and the lock of it which he gave to me,
-taken at the same time, and from the same place,
-measures only two inches and a half. In the reign
-of <i>Charles</i> II. how few, besides <i>Milton</i>, wore their own
-hair! <i>Wood</i> says <i>Milton</i> had light-brown hair, the
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_68">68</span>
-very description of that which we possess; and,
-what may seem extraordinary, it is yet so strong
-that Mr. <i>Laming</i>, to cleanse it from its clotted state,
-let the cistern-cock run on it for near a minute, and
-then rubbed it between his fingers without injury.</p>
-
-<p><i>Milton’s</i> coffin lay open from Wednesday morning,
-the 4th, at 9 o’clock until 4 o’clock in the afternoon
-of the following day, when the ground was closed.</p>
-
-<p>With respect to there being no inscriptions on the
-coffin, <i>Holmes</i> says that inscription-plates were not
-used, nor invented at the time when <i>Milton</i> was
-buried; that the practice then was to paint the
-inscription on the outside wooden coffin, which in
-this case was entirely perished.</p>
-
-<p>It has never been pretended that any hair was taken
-except by Mr. <i>Taylor</i>, and by <i>Ellis</i> the player; and
-all which the latter took would, when cleansed,
-easily lie in a small locket. Mr. <i>Taylor</i> has divided
-his share into many small parcels; and the
-lock which I saw in Mr. <i>Laming’s</i> hands on Saturday
-morning, the 7th, and which then measured six inches
-and a half, had been so cut and reduced by divisions
-among Mr. <i>Laming’s</i> friends, at noon, on Monday, the
-9th, that he thus possessed only a small bit, from two
-to three inches in length.</p>
-
-<p>All the teeth are remarkably short, below the gums.
-The five which were in the upper jaw, and the
-middle teeth of the lower, are perfect and white.
-Mr. <i>Fountain</i> took the five upper jaw teeth; Mr.
-<i>Laming</i> one from the lower jaw; Mr. <i>Taylor</i> two from
-it; <i>Hawkesworth</i> one; and another of Mr. <i>Ascough’s</i>
-men one; besides these, I have not been able to trace
-any, nor have I heard that any more were taken. It
-is not probable that more than ten should have been
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_69">69</span>
-brought away, if the conjecture of the overseers,
-that some dropped among the other bones, be
-founded.</p>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p>In recording a transaction which will strike every
-liberal mind with horror and disgust, I cannot omit
-to declare that I have procured those relics which I
-possess, only in hope of bearing part in a pious and
-honourable restitution of all that has been taken; the
-sole atonement which can now be made to the violated
-rights of the dead; to the insulted parishioners
-at large; and to the feelings of all good men. During
-the present repair of the church, the mode is
-obvious and easy. Unless that be done, in vain will
-the parish hereafter boast a sumptuous monument to
-the memory of <i>Milton</i>; it will but display their shame
-in proportion to its magnificence.</p>
-
-<p>I collected this account from the mouths of those
-who were immediate actors in this most sacrilegious
-scene; and before the voice of charity had reproached
-them with their impiety. By it those are exculpated
-whose just and liberal sentiments restrained
-their hands from an act of violation, and the blood
-of the lamb is dashed against the door-posts of the
-perpetrators, not to save, but to mark them to posterity.</p>
-
-<p class="author">
-<span class="smcap">Philip Neve.</span></p>
-
-<p><span class="i2">Furnival’s Inn,</span><br />
-<span class="i4">14th of August, 1790.</span>
-</p>
-
-<p>This Mr. Neve, whose pious horror at the sacrilegious
-desecration of the poet’s tomb seems only to
-have been awakened at the eleventh hour, and whose
-restitution of the relics he obtained does not appear,
-was probably the P.N. who was the author, in 1789,
-of ‘Cursory Remarks on some of the Ancient English
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_70">70</span>
-Poets, particularly Milton.’ It is a work of some erudition,
-but the hero of the book, as its title plainly shows,
-was Milton. Neve places him in the first rank, and can
-hardly find words with which to extol his genius and
-intellect, so that, probably, some hero-worship was
-interwoven in the foregoing relation of the discovery
-of Milton’s body; and it may be as well if the other
-side were heard, although the attempt at refutation is
-by no means as well authenticated as Neve’s narrative.
-It is anonymous, and appeared in the <i>St.
-James’s Chronicle</i>, September 4-7th, 1790, and in the
-<i>European Magazine</i>, vol. xviii, pp. 206-7, for September,
-1790, and is as follows:</p>
-
-<h3>MILTON.</h3>
-
-<p class="hang"><i>Reasons why it is impossible that the Coffin lately dug
-up in the Parish Church of St. Giles, Cripplegate,
-should contain the reliques of</i> <span class="smcap">Milton</span>.</p>
-
-<p><i>First.</i> <span class="smcap">Because</span> <i>Milton</i> was buried in 1674, and
-this coffin was found in a situation previously allotted
-to a wealthy family, unconnected with his own.&mdash;See
-the mural monument of the <i>Smiths</i>, dated 1653, &amp;c.,
-immediately over the place of the supposed <span class="smcap">Milton’s</span>
-interment.&mdash;In the time that the fragments of several
-other sarcophagi were found; together with two
-skulls, many bones, and a leaden coffin, which was
-left untouched because it lay further to the north,
-and (for some reason, or no reason at all) was unsuspected
-of being the <i>Miltonic</i> reservoir.</p>
-
-<p><i>Secondly.</i> The hair of <span class="smcap">Milton</span> is uniformly described
-and represented as of a light hue; but far the
-greater part of the ornament of his pretended skull
-is of the darkest brown, without any mixture of gray.<a id="FNanchor_18" href="#Footnote_18" class="fnanchor">18</a>
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_71">71</span>
-This difference is irreconcilable to probability. Our
-hair, after childhood, is rarely found to undergo a
-total change of colour, and <span class="smcap">Milton</span> was 66 years
-old when he died, a period at which human locks, in
-a greater or less degree, are interspersed with white.
-Why did the Overseers, &amp;c., bring away only such
-hair as corresponded with the description of <i>Milton’s</i>?
-Of the light hair there was little; of the dark a
-considerable quantity. But this circumstance would
-have been wholly suppressed, had not a second
-scrutiny taken place.</p>
-
-<p><i>Thirdly.</i> Because the skull in question is remarkably
-flat and small, and with the lowest of all possible
-foreheads; whereas the head of <span class="smcap">Milton</span> was large,
-and his brow conspicuously high. See his portrait
-so often engraved by the accurate <i>Vertue</i>, who was
-completely satisfied with the authenticity of his
-original. We are assured that the surgeon who
-attended at the second disinterment of the corpse
-only remarked, ‘that the little forehead there was,
-was prominent.’</p>
-
-<p><i>Fourthly.</i> Because the hands of <span class="smcap">Milton</span> were full
-of chalk stones. Now it chances that his substitute’s
-left hand had been undisturbed, and therefore was in
-a condition to be properly examined. No vestige,
-however, of cretaceous substances was visible in it,
-although they are of a lasting nature, and have
-been found on the fingers of a dead person almost
-coeval with <span class="smcap">Milton</span>.</p>
-
-<p><i>Fifthly.</i> Because there is reason to believe that
-the aforesaid remains are those of a young female
-(one of the three Miss <i>Smiths</i>); for the bones are
-delicate, the teeth small, slightly inserted in the jaw,
-and perfectly white, even, and sound. From the
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_72">72</span>
-corroded state of the pelvis, nothing could, with
-certainty, be inferred; nor would the surgeon already
-mentioned pronounce <i>absolutely</i> on the sex of the
-deceased. Admitting, however, that the body was a
-male one, its very situation points it out to be a male
-of the <i>Smith</i> family; perhaps the favourite son <i>John</i>,
-whom <i>Richard Smith</i>, Esq., his father, so feelingly
-laments. (See Peck’s ‘<i>Desiderata Curiosa</i>,’ p. 536).<a id="FNanchor_19" href="#Footnote_19" class="fnanchor">19</a>
-To this darling child a receptacle of lead might have
-been allotted, though many other relatives of the
-same house were left to putrefy in wood.</p>
-
-<p><i>Sixthly.</i> Because <span class="smcap">Milton</span> was not in affluence<a id="FNanchor_20" href="#Footnote_20" class="fnanchor">20</a>&mdash;expired
-in an emaciated state, in a cold month, and
-was interred by direction of his widow. An expensive
-outward coffin of lead, therefore, was needless,
-and unlikely to have been provided by a rapacious
-woman who oppressed her husband’s children while
-he was living, and cheated them after he was dead.</p>
-
-<p><i>Seventhly.</i> Because it is improbable that the circumstance
-of <span class="smcap">Milton’s</span> having been deposited under
-the desk should, if true, have been so effectually
-concealed from the whole train of his biographers.
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_73">73</span>
-It was, nevertheless, produced as an ancient and
-well-known tradition, as soon as the parishioners of
-Cripplegate were aware that such an incident was
-gaped for by antiquarian appetence, and would be
-swallowed by antiquarian credulity. How happened
-it that Bishop <i>Newton</i>, who urged similar inquiries
-concerning <span class="smcap">Milton</span> above forty years ago in the same
-parish, could obtain no such information?<a id="FNanchor_21" href="#Footnote_21" class="fnanchor">21</a>
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_74">74</span></p>
-
-<p><i>Eighthly.</i> Because Mr. <i>Laming</i> (see Mr. <i>Neve’s</i>
-pamphlet, second edition, p. 19) observes that the
-‘sludge’ at the bottom of the coffin ‘emitted a
-nauseous smell.’ But, had this corpse been as old as
-that of <span class="smcap">Milton</span>, it must have been disarmed of its
-power to offend, nor would have supplied the least
-effluvium to disgust the nostrils of our delicate inquirer
-into the secrets of the grave. The last remark
-will seem to militate against a foregoing one. The
-whole difficulty, however, may be solved by a resolution
-not to believe a single word said on such an
-occasion by any of those who invaded the presumptive
-sepulchre of <span class="smcap">Milton</span>. The man who can handle
-pawned stays, breeches, and petticoats without
-disgust may be supposed to have his organs of
-smelling in no very high state of perfection.</p>
-
-<p><i>Ninthly.</i> Because we have not been told by
-<i>Wood</i>, <i>Philips</i>, <i>Richardson</i>, <i>Toland</i>, etc., that Nature,
-among her other partialities to <span class="smcap">Milton</span>, had indulged
-him with an uncommon share of teeth. And yet
-above a hundred have been sold as the furniture of
-his mouth by the conscientious worthies who assisted
-in the plunder of his supposed carcase, and finally
-submitted it to every insult that brutal vulgarity
-could devise and express. Thanks to fortune, however,
-his corpse has hitherto been violated but by
-proxy! May his genuine reliques (if aught of him
-remains unmingled with common earth) continue to
-elude research, at least while the present overseers of
-the poor of Cripplegate are in office. Hard, indeed,
-would have been the fate of the author of ‘Paradise
-Lost’ to have received shelter in a chancel, that a
-hundred and sixteen years after his interment his
-<i>domus ultima</i> might be ransacked by two of the
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_75">75</span>
-lowest human beings, a retailer of spirituous liquors,
-and a man who lends sixpences to beggars on such
-despicable securities as tattered bed-gowns, cankered
-porridge-pots, and rusty gridirons.<a id="FNanchor_22" href="#Footnote_22" class="fnanchor">22</a> <i>Cape saxa manu,
-cape robora, pastor!</i> But an Ecclesiastical Court may
-yet have cognisance of this more than savage transaction.
-It will then be determined whether our
-tombs are our own, or may be robbed with impunity
-by the little tyrants of a workhouse.</p>
-
-<div class="poetry">
-<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">‘If charnel-houses, and our graves, must send<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Those that we bury back, our monuments<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Shall be the maws of kites.’<br /></span>
-</div></div>
-</div>
-
-<p>It should be added that our Pawnbroker, Gin-seller,
-and Company, by deranging the contents of their
-ideal <span class="smcap">Milton’s</span> coffin, by carrying away his lower jaw,
-ribs, and right hand&mdash;and by employing one bone as
-an instrument to batter the rest&mdash;by tearing the
-shroud and winding-sheet to pieces, &amp;c., &amp;c., had
-annihilated all such further evidence as might have
-been collected from a skilful and complete examination
-of these nameless fragments of mortality. So
-far, indeed, were they mutilated that, had they been
-genuine, we could not have said with Horace,</p>
-
-<div class="poetry">
-<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">‘Invenies etiam disjecti membra Poet&aelig;.’<br /></span>
-</div></div>
-</div>
-
-<p>Who, after a perusal of the foregoing remarks
-(which are founded on circumstantial truth), will congratulate
-the parishioners of St. Giles, Cripplegate, on
-their discovery and treatment of the imaginary dust
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_76">76</span>
-of <span class="smcap">Milton</span>? His favourite, <i>Shakespeare</i>, most fortunately
-reposes at a secure distance from the paws
-of Messieurs <i>Laming</i> and <i>Fountain</i>, who, otherwise,
-might have provoked the vengeance imprecated by
-our great dramatic poet on the remover of his bones.</p>
-
-<p>From the preceding censures, however, Mr. <i>Cole</i>
-(Churchwarden), and Messrs. <i>Strong</i> and <i>Ascough</i>
-(Vestry and Parish Clerks), should, in the most distinguished
-manner, be exempted. Throughout the
-whole of this extraordinary business, they conducted
-themselves with the strictest decency and propriety.
-It should also be confessed, by those whom curiosity
-has since attracted to the place of <span class="smcap">Milton’s</span> supposed
-disinterment, that the politeness of the same parish
-officers could only be exceeded by their respect for
-our illustrious author’s memory, and their concern at
-the complicated indignity which his nominal ashes
-have sustained.’</p>
-
-<p>Now it was hardly likely that Mr. Neve, with the
-extremely plausible case that he had, would sit still
-and see his pet theory knocked on the head, so he
-issued a second edition of his pamphlet with this</p>
-
-<h3>POSTSCRIPT.</h3>
-
-<p>As some reports have been circulated, and some
-anonymous papers have appeared, since the publication
-of this pamphlet, with intent to induce a belief
-that the corpse mentioned in it is that of a woman,
-and as the curiosity of the public now calls for a
-second impression of it, an opportunity is offered of
-relating a few circumstances which have happened
-since the 14th of August, and which, in some degree,
-may confirm the opinion that the corpse is that of
-<i>Milton</i>.</p>
-
-<p>On Monday, the 16th, I called upon the overseer,
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_77">77</span>
-Mr. <i>Fountain</i>, when he told me that the parish officers
-had then seen a surgeon who, on Wednesday the 4th,
-had got through a window into the church, and who
-had, upon inspection, pronounced the corpse to be
-that of a woman. I thought it very improbable that
-a surgeon should creep through a window, who could
-go through a door for a few half-pence; but I no
-otherwise expressed my doubts of the truth of the
-information than by asking for the surgeon’s address.
-I was answered ‘that the gentleman begged not to
-have it known, that he might not be interrupted by
-enquiries.’ A trifling relic was, nevertheless, at the
-same time withholden, which I had expected to
-receive through Mr. <i>Fountain’s</i> hands; by which it
-appeared that those in possession of them were, still
-tenacious of the spoils of the coffin, although they
-affected to be convinced they were not those of
-<i>Milton</i>. These contradictions, however, I reserved
-for the test of an inquiry elsewhere.</p>
-
-<p>In the course of that week I was informed that
-some gentlemen had, on Tuesday, the 17th, prevailed
-on the churchwardens to suffer a second disinterment
-of the coffin, which had taken place on that day. On
-Saturday, the 21st, I waited on Mr. <i>Strong</i>, who told
-me that he had been present at such second disinterment,
-and that he had then sent for an experienced
-surgeon of the neighbourhood, who, upon inspection
-and examination of the corpse, had pronounced it to
-be that of a man. I was also informed, on that day,
-the 21st, by a principal person of the parish, whose
-information cannot be suspected, that the parish
-officers had agreed among themselves that, from my
-frequent visits and inquiries, I must have an intention
-of delivering some account of the transaction to the
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_78">78</span>
-world; and that, therefore, to stop the narrative from
-going forth, they must invent some story of a surgeon’s
-inspection on the 4th, and of his declaration that the
-corpse was that of a woman. From this information
-it was easy to judge what would be the fate of any
-personal application to the parish officers, with intent
-to obtain a restitution of what had been taken from
-the coffin I, therefore, on Wednesday, the 25th,
-addressed the following letter to Mr. <i>Strong</i>:&mdash;</p>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p>‘<span class="smcap">Dear Sir</span>,</p>
-
-<p>‘The reflection of a few moments, after I
-left you on Saturday, clearly showed me that the
-probability of the coffin in question being <i>Milton’s</i>
-was not at all weakened, either by the dates, or the
-number of persons on the <i>Smiths’</i> monument; but
-that it was rather confirmed by the latter circumstance.
-By the evidence which you told me was
-given by the surgeon, called in on Tuesday, the 17th,
-the corpse is that of a male; it is certainly not that of
-a man of eighty-five; if, therefore, it be one of the
-earlier buried <i>Smiths</i>, all the later coffins of that family
-should appear, but not one of them is found. I, then,
-suppose the monument to have been put there because
-the flat pillar, after the pulpit was removed, offered a
-convenient situation for it, and “<i>near this place</i>” to be
-open, as it is in almost every case where it appears,
-to very liberal interpretation.</p>
-
-<p>‘It is, therefore, to be believed that the unworthy
-treatment, on the 4th, was offered to the corpse
-of <i>Milton</i>. Knowing what I know, I must not be
-silent. It is a very unpleasant story to relate; but,
-as it has fallen to my task, I will not shrink from
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_79">79</span>
-it. I respect nothing in this world more than truth,
-and the memory of <i>Milton</i>; and to swerve in a tittle
-from the first would offend the latter. I shall give the
-plain and simple narrative, as delivered by the parties
-themselves. If it sit heavy on any of their shoulders,
-it is a burthen of their own taking up, and their
-own backs must bear it. They are all, as I find,
-very fond of deriving honour to themselves from
-<i>Milton</i>, as their parishioner; perhaps the mode, which
-I have hinted, is the only one which they have now
-left themselves of proving an equal desire to do
-honour to him. If I had thought that, in personally
-proposing to the parish officers a general search
-for, and collection of, all the spoils, and to put them,
-together with the mangled corpse and old coffin,
-into a new leaden one, I should have been attended
-to, I would have taken that method; but, when I
-found such impertinent inventions as setting up a
-fabulous surgeon to creep in at a window practised,
-I felt that so low an attempt at derision would
-ensure that, whatever I should afterwards propose,
-would be equally derided, and I had then left no
-other means than to call in the public opinion in
-aid of my own, and to hope that we should, at
-length, see the bones of an honest man, and the first
-scholar and poet our country can boast, restored to
-their sepulchre.</p>
-
-<p>‘The narrative will appear, I believe, either to-morrow
-or on Friday; whenever it does, your withers
-are unwrung, and Mr. <i>Cole</i> has shown himself an
-upright churchwarden.</p>
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_80">80</span></p>
-<p>‘I cannot conclude without returning you many
-thanks for your great civilities, and am, &amp;c.’
-</p>
-
-<p>The corpse was found entirely mutilated by those
-who disinterred it on the 17th; almost all the ribs,
-the lower jaw, and one of the hands gone. Of
-all those who saw the body on Wednesday, the
-4th, and on Thursday, the 5th, there is not one
-person who discovered a single hair of any other
-colour than light brown, although both Mr. <i>Laming</i>
-and Mr. <i>Ellis</i> lifted up the head, and although the
-considerable quantity of hair which Mr. <i>Taylor</i> took
-was from the top of the head, and that which <i>Ellis</i>
-took was from behind it; yet, from the accounts
-of those who saw it on the 17th, it appears that
-the hair on the back of the head was found of dark
-brown, nearly approaching to black, although all
-the front hair remaining was of the same light brown
-as that taken on the 4th. It does not belong to me
-either to account for or to prove the fact.</p>
-
-<p>On Wednesday, September the 1st, I waited on
-Mr. <i>Dyson</i>, who was the gentleman sent for on the
-17th, to examine the corpse. I asked him simply,
-whether, from what had then appeared before him,
-he judged it to be male or female? His answer was
-that, having examined the pelvis and the skull, he
-judged the corpse to be that of a man. I asked
-what was the shape of the head? He said that the
-forehead was high and erect, though the top of
-the head was flat; and added that the skull was
-of that shape and flatness at the top which, differing
-from those of blacks, is observed to be common
-and almost peculiar to persons of very comprehensive
-intellects. I am a stranger to this sort of knowledge,
-but the opinion is a strong confirmation that, from
-all the premises before him, he judged the head to
-be that of <i>Milton</i>. On a paper, which he showed
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_81">81</span>
-me, enclosing a bit of the hair, he had written
-‘<i>Milton’s hair</i>.’</p>
-
-<p>Mr. <i>Dyson</i> is a surgeon, who received his professional
-education under the late Dr. <i>Hunter</i>, is in
-partnership with Mr. <i>Price</i>, in Fore Street, where
-the church stands, is of easy access, and his affability
-can be exceeded only by his skill in an extensive
-line of practice.</p>
-
-<p>Mr. <i>Taylor</i>, too, who is a surgeon of considerable
-practice and eminence in his county, judged the corpse,
-on the 4th, to be that of a male.</p>
-
-<p>A man, also, who has for many years acted as grave-digger
-in that parish, and who was present on the
-17th, decided, upon first sight of the skull, that it
-was male; with as little hesitation, he pronounced
-another, which had been thrown out of the ground
-in digging, to be that of a woman. Decisions obviously
-the result of practical, rather than of scientific
-knowledge; for, being asked his reasons, he
-could give none, but that observation had taught
-him to distinguish such subjects. Yet this latter
-sort of evidence is not to be too hastily rejected;
-it may not be understood by everybody, but to anyone
-acquainted with those who are eminently skilled
-in judging of the genuineness of ancient coins, it
-will be perfectly intelligible. In that difficult and
-useful art, the eye of a proficient decides at once;
-a novice, however, who should inquire for the reasons
-of such decision, would seldom receive a further answer
-than that the decision itself is the result of
-experience and observation, and that the eye can
-be instructed only by long familiarity with the subject;
-yet all numismatic knowledge rests upon this
-sort of judgment.
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_82">82</span></p>
-
-<p>After these evidences, what proofs are there, or
-what probable presumptions, that the corpse is that
-of a woman?</p>
-
-<p>It was necessary to relate these facts, not only as
-they belonged to the subject, but lest, from the
-reports and papers above mentioned, I might, otherwise,
-seem to have given either an unfaithful or a
-partial statement of the evidences before me; whereas
-now it will clearly be seen what facts appeared on
-the first disinterment, which preceded, and what are
-to be attributed to the second, which succeeded the
-date of the narrative.</p>
-
-<p>I have now added every circumstance which has
-hitherto come to my knowledge relative to this extraordinary
-transaction, and conclude with this declaration,
-that I should be very glad if any person would,
-from facts, give me reason to believe that the corpse
-in question is rather that of <i>Elizabeth Smith</i>, whose
-name I know only from her monument, than that of
-<i>John Milton</i>.</p>
-
-<p class="author">P. N.’</p>
-
-<p class="i2">‘8th of September, 1790.’</p>
-<hr class="chap" />
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_83">83</span></p>
-
-<h2 id="THE_TRUE_STORY_OF_EUGENE_ARAM">THE TRUE STORY OF EUGENE ARAM.</h2>
-
-<div>
-<img class="drop-cap" src="images/t.jpg" alt="T" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="drop-cap"><span class="upper-case">The</span> only knowledge which very many
-people possess of the life and crime of
-Eugene Aram has been derived from the
-popular romance bearing his name,
-written by the late Lord Lytton. And
-this nobleman, influenced by his individual bias, has
-so woven fiction with a small modicum of fact, as to
-render the story, as a history of a celebrated crime,
-totally unreliable. Stripped of the gloss Lord Lytton
-has given it, and revealed in its bare nakedness, it
-shows Eugene Aram in a very different light from the
-solitary scholar, surrounded by books, with high,
-romantic aspirations and noble thoughts, winning the
-love of a pure and lovely girl; it shows us instead a
-poor country school-master, clever, but self-taught,
-married to a common woman, whose very faith he
-doubted, struggling with poverty, and heavily weighed
-down with several children; it paints him as a
-man whose companions were sordid and dishonest,
-whilst he himself was a liar, a thief, and a murderer,
-a selfish man who scrupled not to leave wife and
-children to shift for themselves, a man untrustworthy
-in his relations of life.</p>
-
-<p>Eugenius, or Eugene Aram was born in the year
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_84">84</span>
-1704,<a id="FNanchor_23" href="#Footnote_23" class="fnanchor">23</a> at Ramsgill, a little village in Netherdale,
-Yorkshire, and his father was a gardener, as he says,
-of great abilities in botany, and an excellent draughtsman,
-who served Dr. Compton, Bishop of London,
-and, afterwards, Sir Edward Blackett, of Newby, and
-Sir John Ingilby, of Ripley. When he was five or
-six years of age, the family removed to Bondgate,
-near Ripon, his father having purchased a little property
-there. Here he was sent to school, and was
-taught in a purely elementary manner to be capable
-of reading the New Testament, and this was all the
-education his parents gave him, with the exception
-of about a month’s schooling some long time afterwards
-with the Rev. Mr. Alcock of Burnsal.</p>
-
-<p>When about thirteen or fourteen, he joined his
-father at Newby, till the death of Sir Edward
-Blackett, and, his father having several books on
-mathematics, and the boy being of a studious turn of
-mind, he mastered their contents, and laid the
-foundation of his future scholarship. When about
-sixteen years of age, he went to London to be in the
-counting-house of Mr. Christopher Blackett as bookkeeper;
-but he had not been there more than a year
-or two when he caught the small-pox, and, on his
-recovery, went home into Yorkshire. His native air
-soon restored him to health, and he studied hard at
-poetry, history, and antiquities. He thus fitted himself
-for keeping a school, which he opened in Netherdale,
-and continued there for many years teaching
-and studying. There he married, as he says, ‘unfortunately
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_85">85</span>
-enough for me, for the misconduct of the
-wife which that place afforded me has procured for
-me this place, this prosecution, this infamy, and this
-sentence.’</p>
-
-<p>During these years he read the Latin and Greek
-authors, and obtained such a name for scholarship
-that he was invited to Knaresborough to keep a
-school there. He removed thither in the year 1734,
-and continued there until about six weeks after the
-murder of Daniel Clark. In the meantime he had
-mastered Hebrew, and when he went to London he
-got a situation to teach Latin, and writing, at a school
-in Piccadilly, kept by a Monsieur Painblanc, who not
-only gave him a salary, but taught him French.
-There he remained over two years, then went to Hays
-as a writing-master, after which he wandered from
-situation to situation, at one time earning his living
-by copying for a law-stationer. At last, somehow, he
-found himself an usher at the Free School at Lynn,
-where he lived until he was arrested for the murder
-of Daniel Clark.</p>
-
-<p>This man was a shoemaker at Knaresborough, and
-was an intimate visitor at Aram’s house&mdash;too intimate,
-indeed, Aram thought, with his wife, hence the reference
-to his wife previously quoted. He was a man
-of bad character, and was more than suspected of
-having, in company of another vagabond named
-Houseman, murdered a Jew boy, who travelled the
-country for one Levi as a pedlar, carrying a box containing
-watches and jewellery. The poor lad was
-decoyed to a place called Thistle Hill, where he was
-robbed, murdered, and buried. This was about the
-year 1744, and his bones were not found until 1758.</p>
-
-<p>Richard Houseman, who was born the same year
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_86">86</span>
-as Aram, was a near neighbour of the latter’s&mdash;in
-fact, he lived next door, and his occupation was that
-of a heckler of flax, when he gave out to the women
-of the village to spin for him. But, according to his
-own statement, he was a most unscrupulous black-guard.</p>
-
-<p>Another intimate of Aram’s was a publican, named
-Terry, but he only played a subsidiary part in the
-drama, and nothing was ever brought home to him.</p>
-
-<p>In January, 1745, Clark married a woman with a
-small fortune of about two hundred pounds, and,
-immediately afterwards, this little nest of rogues contrived
-and carried out the following swindle. Clark,
-as he was known to have married a woman of some
-little money, was to obtain goods of any description
-from whomsoever would part with them on credit;
-these goods were to be deposited with, and hidden by,
-Aram and Houseman, and, after plundering all that
-was possible, Clark was to decamp, and leave his
-young wife to do the best she could. This was the
-scheme in which the noble and refined Eugene Aram
-of Lord Lytton was to, and did, bear his full part.</p>
-
-<p>Velvet from one man, leather from another, whips
-from a third, table and bed linen from a fourth,
-money lent by a fifth&mdash;all was fish that came to their
-net; and, when obtained, they were hidden on the
-premises either of Aram or Houseman, or else in a
-place called St. Robert’s Cave, which was situated in
-a field adjoining the Nid, a river near Knaresborough.
-When this source was thoroughly exploited, a new
-scheme was hit on by this ‘long firm.’ Clark should
-pretend to be about to give a great wedding-feast,
-and he went about gaily, borrowing silver tankards,
-salvers, salts, spoons, &amp;c., from whoever would lend
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_87">87</span>
-them. Indeed, so multifarious were his perquisitions,
-that, according to one contemporary account, he got,
-among other goods, the following: ‘three silver tankards,
-four silver pints, one silver milk-pot, one ring
-set with an emerald, and two brilliant diamonds,
-another with three rose diamonds, a third with an
-amethyst in the shape of a heart, and six plain rings,
-eight watches, two snuff-boxes, Chambers’ Dictionary,
-two vols. folio, Pope’s “Homer,” six vols., bound.’</p>
-
-<p>Having got all that could be got, it was now high
-time that Clark should disappear. He was last seen
-on the early morning of the 8th February, 1745, and
-from that time until August 1, 1758, nothing was
-heard of him. He was supposed to have gone away
-with all his booty&mdash;and yet not all of it, for suspicion
-was aroused that both Aram and Houseman, from
-their intimacy with Clark, were accomplices in his
-frauds. And so it clearly proved, for, on Aram’s
-house being searched, several articles were found the
-produce of their joint roguery, and in his garden
-were found buried, cambric and other goods, wrapped
-in coarse canvas. Still, neither he, nor Houseman,
-nor Terry were prosecuted,<a id="FNanchor_24" href="#Footnote_24" class="fnanchor">24</a> but Aram thought it
-prudent to change his residence; so one fine day he
-left his wife and family, and wandered forth. We
-have seen the roving life he led, restless, and always
-changing his abode; yet, during those thirteen years
-of shifting exile, it must be said, to his credit, that no
-breath of scandal attached to him; he was studious,
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_88">88</span>
-somewhat morose, yet he was so liked by the boys
-at the grammar-school at Lynn, that, when he was
-taken thence by the officers of justice, they cried at
-losing him.</p>
-
-<p>Whilst at Lynn, he was recognised in June, 1758,
-by a horse-dealer, and this recognition eventually
-led to his apprehension; for, during that summer, a
-labourer, digging for stone or gravel at a place called
-Thistle Hill, near Knaresborough, found, at the depth
-of two feet, a skeleton, which appeared to have been
-buried doubled up. The remembrance of Clark’s
-disappearance was at once awakened, and the body
-was set down as being his.</p>
-
-<p>A country town has a keen recollection of anything
-which has occurred disturbing its equal pace, and
-the connection of Aram and Houseman with Clark
-was duly remembered. Aram was away, but Houseman
-still lived among them, and he was ordered by
-the coroner to attend the inquest. The principal
-witness was Anna Aram, Eugene’s wife, and she had
-frequently, since her husband’s departure, dropped
-hints of her suspicion that Clark had been murdered.
-Her evidence is clear. She said that Daniel Clark was
-an intimate acquaintance of her husband’s, and that
-they had frequent transactions together before the
-8th of February, 1744-5, and that Richard Houseman
-was often with them; particularly that, on the 7th
-of February, 1744-5, about six o’clock in the evening,
-Aram came home when she was washing in the
-kitchen, upon which he directed her to put out the
-fire, and make one above stairs; she accordingly did
-so. About two o’clock in the morning of the 8th
-of February, Aram, Clark, and Houseman came to
-Aram’s house, and went upstairs to the room where
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_89">89</span>
-she was. They stayed about an hour. Her husband
-asked her for a handkerchief for Dickey (meaning
-Richard Houseman) to tie about his head; she accordingly
-lent him one. Then Clark said, ‘It will
-soon be morning, and we must get off.’ After which
-Aram, Houseman, and Clark all went out together;
-that, upon Clark’s going out, she observed him take
-a sack or wallet upon his back, which he carried
-along with him; whither they went she could not
-tell. That about five o’clock the same morning her
-husband and Houseman returned, but Clark did not
-come with them. Her husband came upstairs, and
-desired to have a candle that he might make a fire
-below. To which she objected, and said, ‘There
-was no occasion for two fires, as there was a good
-one in the room above, where she then was.’ To
-which Aram, her husband, answered, ‘Dickey’ (meaning
-Richard Houseman) ‘was below, and did not
-choose to come upstairs.’ Upon which she asked
-(Clark not returning with them), ‘What had they
-done with Daniel?’ To this her husband gave her
-no answer, but desired her to go to bed, which she
-refused to do, and told him, ‘They had been doing
-something bad.’ Then Aram went down with the candle.</p>
-
-<p>She, being desirous to know what her husband and
-Houseman were doing, and being about to go downstairs,
-she heard Houseman say to Aram,</p>
-
-<p>‘She is coming.’</p>
-
-<p>Her husband replied, ‘We’ll not let her.’</p>
-
-<p>Houseman then said, ‘If she does, she’ll tell.’</p>
-
-<p>‘What can she tell?’ replied Aram. ‘Poor simple
-thing! she knows nothing.’</p>
-
-<p>To which Houseman said, ‘If she tells that I am
-here,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_90">90</span> ‘twill be enough.’
-</p>
-
-<p>Her husband then said, ‘I will hold the door to
-prevent her from coming.’</p>
-
-<p>Whereupon Houseman said, ‘Something must be
-done to prevent her telling,’ and pressed him to it
-very much, and said, ‘If she does not tell now, she
-may at some other time.’</p>
-
-<p>‘No,’ said her husband, ‘we will coax her a little
-until her passion be off, and then take an opportunity
-to shoot her.’</p>
-
-<p>Upon which Houseman appeared satisfied and said,
-‘What must be done with her clothes?’ Whereupon
-they both agreed that they would let her lie where
-she was shot in her clothes.</p>
-
-<p>She, hearing this discourse, was much terrified,
-but remained quiet, until near seven o’clock in the
-same morning, when Aram and Houseman went out
-of the house. Upon which Mrs. Aram, coming
-down-stairs, and seeing there had been a fire below
-and all the ashes taken out of the grate, she went and
-examined the dung-hill; and, perceiving ashes of a
-different kind to lie upon it, she searched amongst
-them, and found several pieces of linen and woollen
-cloth, very near burnt, which had the appearance of
-belonging to wearing apparel. When she returned
-into the house from the dung-hill, she found the
-handkerchief she had lent Houseman the night
-before; and, looking at it, she found some blood upon
-it, about the size of a shilling. Upon which she
-immediately went to Houseman, and showed him the
-pieces of cloth she had found, and said ‘she was
-afraid they had done something bad to Clark.’ But
-Houseman then pretended he was a stranger to her
-accusation, and said<span class="pagenum" id="Page_91">91</span> ‘he knew nothing what she
-meant.’
-</p>
-
-<p>From the above circumstances she believed Daniel
-Clark to have been murdered by Richard Houseman
-and Eugene Aram, on the 8th of February, 1744-5.</p>
-
-<p>Several witnesses gave evidence that the last persons
-seen with Clark were Aram and Houseman,
-and two surgeons gave it as their opinion that the
-body might have lain in the ground about thirteen or
-fourteen years.</p>
-
-<p>During the inquiry Houseman seemed very uneasy:
-he trembled, turned pale, and faltered in his speech;
-and when, at the instigation of the coroner, in accordance
-with the superstitious practice of the time,
-he went to touch the bones, he was very averse so
-to do. At last he mustered up courage enough to
-take up one of the bones in his hand; but, immediately
-throwing it down again, he exclaimed: ‘This
-is no more Dan Clark’s bone than it is mine!’ He
-further said he could produce a witness who had
-seen Clark after the 8th of February; and he called
-on Parkinson, who deposed that, personally, he had
-not seen Clark after that time, but a friend of his
-(Parkinson’s) had told him that he had met a person
-like Daniel Clark, but as it was a snowy day, and the
-person had the cape of his great-coat up, he could
-not say with the least degree of certainty who he was.</p>
-
-<p>Of course, this witness did not help Houseman a
-bit, and then the suspicion increased that he was
-either the principal, or an accomplice in Clark’s
-murder. Application was made to a magistrate,
-who granted a warrant for his apprehension. At his
-examination he made a statement, which he would
-not sign, saying, ‘He chose to waive it for the present;
-for he might have something to add, and therefore
-desired to have time to consider of it.’ This
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_92">92</span>
-confirmed former suspicions, and he was committed
-to York Castle.</p>
-
-<p>On his way thither he was very uneasy, and, hearing
-that the magistrate who committed him was at
-that time in York, he asked him to be sent for, and
-he made the following statement:</p>
-
-<h3><i>The examination of Richard Houseman, of Knaresbrough,
-flax-dresser.</i></h3>
-
-<p>‘This examinant saies that true it is that Daniel
-Clark was murdered by Eugene Aram, late of
-Knaresbrough, schoolmaster, and, as he believes,
-it was on Friday morning, the 8th of February, 1744,
-as set forth by other informations, as to matter of
-time; for that he, and Eugene Aram and Daniel
-Clark were together at Aram’s house early in the
-morning, when there was snow on the ground, and
-moonlight, and went out of Aram’s house a little
-before them, and went up the street a little before
-them, and they called to him to go a little way with
-them; and he accordingly went with them to a
-place called St. Robert’s Cave, near Grimble Bridge,
-where Aram and Clark stopt a little; and then he
-saw Aram strike him several times over the breast
-and head, and saw him fall, as if he was dead, and
-he, the examinant, came away and left them together,
-but whether Aram used any weapon or not to kill
-him with, he can’t tell, nor does he know what he
-did with the body afterwards, but believes Aram
-left it at the Cave’s mouth; for this examinant,
-seeing Aram do this, to which, he declares, he was
-no way abetting, or privy to, nor knew of his design
-to kill him at all. This made the examinant make
-the best of his way from him, lest he might share
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_93">93</span>
-the same fate; and got to the bridge-end, and then
-lookt back, and saw him coming from the Caveside,
-which is in a private rock adjoining the river;
-and he could discern some bundle in his hand, but
-does not know what it was. On which he, this
-informant, made the best of his way to the town,
-without joining Aram again, or seeing him again
-till the next day, and from that time to this, he
-has never had any private discourse with him.’</p>
-
-<p>After signing this statement, Houseman said that
-Clark’s body would be found in St. Robert’s Cave,
-in the turn at the entrance of the cave, its head
-lying to the right; and, sure enough, in the spot
-described, and in that position, was a skeleton found,
-with two holes in its skull, made apparently with a
-pickaxe or hammer.</p>
-
-<p>A warrant was at once issued for the apprehension
-of Aram, and duly executed at Lynn. When first
-questioned, he denied ever having been at Knaresborough,
-or that he had ever known Daniel Clark;
-but when he was confronted with the constable from
-Knaresborough, he was obliged to retract his words.
-On the journey to York, Aram was restless, inquiring
-after his old neighbours, and what they said of him.
-He was told that they were much enraged against
-him for the loss of their goods. Whereupon he asked
-if it would not be possible to make up the matter?
-and the answer was, perhaps it might be, if he
-restored what they had lost. He then said that was
-impossible, but he might, perhaps, find them an
-equivalent.</p>
-
-<p>On his arrival at York, he was taken before a
-magistrate, to whom he made a statement, which
-was a parcel of lies. He was committed to York
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_94">94</span>
-Castle, but had not gone more than a mile on his
-way thither when he wished to return and make a
-second statement, which was as follows:</p>
-
-<p>‘That he was at his own house on the 7th of
-February, 1744-5, at night, when Richard Houseman
-and Daniel Clark came to him with some plate; and
-both of them went for more, several times, and came
-back with several pieces of plate, of which Clark
-was endeavouring to defraud his neighbours; that
-he could not but observe that Houseman was all
-night very diligent to assist him to the utmost of
-his power, and insisted that this was Houseman’s
-business that night, and not the signing any note
-or instrument, as is pretended by Houseman; that
-Henry Terry, then of Knaresborough, ale-keeper,
-was as much concerned in abetting the said frauds
-as either Houseman or Clark; but was not now at
-Aram’s house, because as it was market-day&mdash;his absence
-from his guests might have occasioned some
-suspicion; that Terry, notwithstanding, brought two
-silver tankards that night, upon Clark’s account,
-which had been fraudulently obtained; and that
-Clark, so far from having borrowed twenty pounds
-of Houseman, to his knowledge never borrowed
-more than nine pounds, which he paid again before
-that night.</p>
-
-<p>‘That all the leather Clark had&mdash;which amounted
-to a considerable value&mdash;he well knows was concealed
-under flax in Houseman’s house, with intent
-to be disposed of by little and little, in order to
-prevent suspicion of his being concerned in Clark’s
-fraudulent practices.</p>
-
-<p>‘That Terry took the plate in a bag, as Clark
-and Houseman did the watches, rings, and several
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_95">95</span>
-small things of value, and carried them into the
-flat, where they and he’ (Aram) ‘went together to
-St. Robert’s Cave, and beat most of the plate flat.
-It was thought too late in the morning, being about
-four o’clock, on the 8th of February, 1744-5, for
-Clark to go off, so as to get to any distance; it
-was therefore agreed he should stay there till the
-night following, and Clark, accordingly, stayed there
-all that day, as he believes, they having agreed to
-send him victuals, which were carried to him by
-Henry Terry, he being judged the most likely person
-to do it without suspicion; for, as he was a shooter,
-he might go thither under the pretence of sporting;
-that the next night, in order to give Clark more
-time to get off, Henry Terry, Richard Houseman,
-and himself went down to the cave very early;
-but he’ (Aram) ‘did not go in, or see Clark at all;
-that Richard Houseman and Henry Terry only went
-into the cave, he staying to watch at a little distance
-on the outside, lest anybody should surprise them.</p>
-
-<p>‘That he believes they were beating some plate,
-for he heard them make a noise. They stayed there
-about an hour, and then came out of the cave, and
-told him that Clark was gone off. Observing a bag
-they had along with them, he took it in his hand,
-and saw that it contained plate. On asking why
-Daniel did not take the plate along with him, Terry
-and Houseman replied that they had bought it of
-him, as well as the watches, and had given him
-money for it, that being more convenient for him
-to go off with, as less cumbersome and dangerous.
-After which they all three went into Houseman’s
-warehouse, and concealed the watches, with the
-small plate, there; but that Terry carried away with
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_96">96</span>
-him the great plate; that, afterwards, Terry told
-him he carried it to How Hill, and hid it there, and
-then went into Scotland and disposed of it; but
-as to Clark, he could not tell whether he was murdered
-or not, he knew nothing of him, only they
-told him he was gone off.’</p>
-
-<p>Terry, being thus implicated, was arrested and
-committed to gaol; but the prosecutors for the crown,
-after the bills of indictment were preferred against
-all three, finding their proof insufficient to obtain a
-conviction at the coming assizes, prevailed on the
-judge to hold the case over until the Lammas
-Assizes. There was not enough outside evidence to
-convict them all; evidence, if any, could only be
-furnished by the criminals themselves. There was
-sufficient to convict either Aram or Houseman singly,
-if one or other would tell the truth, and all he knew;
-so after many consultations as to the person whom it
-was most advisable and just to punish, it was
-unanimously agreed that Aram, who from his education
-and position was the worst of the lot, should be
-punished, and in order to do so it was necessary to
-try to acquit Houseman, who would then be available
-as evidence against Aram. The case against Terry
-was so slight, that he was, perforce, let go.</p>
-
-<p>On Friday, 3rd of August, 1759, the trials took
-place, and Houseman was first arraigned, but there
-being no evidence against him he was acquitted, to
-the great surprise and regret of everyone who was
-not behind the scenes.</p>
-
-<p>Then Aram was put in the dock to stand his trial,
-and deep, indeed, must have been his disgust, when
-he found his accomplice, Houseman, step into the
-witness-box and tell his version (undoubtedly perjured)
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_97">97</span>
-of the murder. His evidence was, except in a
-few minor particulars, similar to his previous statement.
-Sweet innocent! When he saw Aram strike
-Clark, he made haste home, and knew nothing of the
-disposal of the body until the next morning, when
-Aram called on him, and told him he had left it in the
-cave, and dire were his threats of vengeance should
-Houseman ever disclose the dread secret of that
-eventful night.</p>
-
-<p>After this sensational evidence the other witnesses
-must have seemed very tame. Clark’s servant proved
-that his master had just received his wife’s little
-portion, and that Aram was perfectly cognizant
-thereof. Another witness deposed to seeing Houseman
-come out of Aram’s house about one o’clock in
-the morning of the 8th of February. A third deposed
-to the recovery of some of his own goods of which
-Clark had defrauded him, and which were found
-buried in Aram’s garden. The constable who arrested
-him had a few words to say, and the skull was
-produced in Court, when a surgical expert declared
-that the fractures must have been produced by blows
-from some blunt instrument, and could not possibly
-proceed from natural decay.</p>
-
-<p>Aram was then called upon for his defence, and he
-produced a manuscript of which the following is a
-copy. It is, as will be perceived, a laboured and
-casuistical defence, not having a true ring about it,
-and not at all like the utterance of a perfectly innocent
-man.</p>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p>‘<span class="smcap">My Lord</span>,</p>
-
-<p>I know not whether it is of right or
-through some indulgence of your Lordship that I am
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_98">98</span>
-allowed the liberty at this Bar and at this time to
-attempt a defence, incapable, and uninstructed as I
-am to speak. Since, while I see so many eyes upon
-me, so numerous and awful a concourse, fixed with
-attention, and filled with I know not what expectancy,
-I labour, not with guilt, my Lord, but with perplexity.
-For having never seen a Court but this, being
-wholly unacquainted with law, the customs of the
-Bar, and all judiciary proceedings, I fear I shall be
-so little capable of speaking with propriety in this
-place, that it exceeds my hope, if I shall be able to
-speak at all.</p>
-
-<p>I have heard, my Lord, the indictment read,
-wherein I find myself charged with the highest
-crime, with an enormity I am altogether incapable
-of, a fact to the commission of which there goes far
-more insensibility of heart, more profligacy of morals,
-than ever fell to my lot. And nothing, possibly, could
-have admitted a presumption of this nature, but a
-depravity not inferior to that imputed to me. However,
-as I stand indicted at your Lordship’s Bar, and
-have heard what is called evidence induced in support
-of such a charge, I very humbly solicit your
-Lordship’s patience, and beg the hearing of this
-respectable audience, while I, single and unskilful,
-destitute of friends, and unassisted by counsel, say
-something, perhaps like an argument, in my defence.
-I shall consume but little of your Lordship’s time;
-what I have to say will be short, and this brevity,
-probably, will be the best part of it. However, it is
-offered with all possible regard, and the greatest submission
-to your Lordship’s consideration, and that of
-this honourable Court.</p>
-
-<p><i>First.</i> My Lord, the whole tenor of my conduct in
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_99">99</span>
-life contradicts every particular of this indictment.
-Yet I had never said this, did not my present circumstances
-extort it from me, and seem to make it
-necessary. Permit me here, my Lord, to call upon
-malignity itself, so long and cruelly busied in this
-prosecution, to charge upon me any immorality, of
-which prejudice was not the author. No, my Lord, I
-concerted not schemes of fraud, projected no violence,
-injured no man’s person or property. My days
-were honestly laborious, my nights intensely studious.
-And I humbly conceive my notice of this, especially
-at this time, will not be thought impertinent or unreasonable,
-but, at least, deserving some attention.
-Because, my Lord, that any person, after a temperate
-use of life, a series of thinking and acting regularly,
-and without one single deviation from sobriety,
-should plunge into the very depth of profligacy, precipitately,
-and at once, is altogether improbable and
-unprecedented, and absolutely inconsistent with the
-course of things. Mankind is never corrupted at
-once; villainy is always progressive, and declines
-from right, step after step, till every regard of probity
-is lost, and all moral obligation totally perishes.</p>
-
-<p>Again, my Lord, a suspicion of this kind, which
-nothing but malevolence could entertain, and ignorance
-propagate, is violently opposed by my very
-situation at that time, with respect to health. For,
-but a little space before, I had been confined to my
-bed, and suffered under a very long and severe disorder,
-and was not able, for half a year together, so
-much as to walk. The distemper left me, indeed,
-yet slowly, and in part; but so macerated, so enfeebled,
-that I was reduced to crutches, and was so
-far from being well about the time I am charged with
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_100">100</span>
-this fact, that I never to this day perfectly recovered.
-Could, then, a person in this condition take anything
-into his head so unlikely, so extravagant? I, past
-the vigour of my age, feeble and valetudinary, with
-no inducement to engage, no ability to accomplish,
-no weapon wherewith to perpetrate such a fact;
-without interest, without power, without motive,
-without means.</p>
-
-<p>Besides, it must needs occur to everyone that an
-action of this atrocious nature is never heard of, but,
-when its springs are laid open, it appears that it was
-to support some indolence or supply some luxury, to
-satisfy some avarice or oblige some malice, to prevent
-some real, or some imaginary want; yet I lay
-not under the influence of any one of these. Surely,
-my Lord, I may, consistent with both truth and
-modesty, affirm thus much; and none who have any
-veracity, and knew me, will ever question this.</p>
-
-<p>In the second plea, the disappearance of Clark is
-suggested as an argument of his being dead; but the
-uncertainty of such an inference from that, and the
-fallibility of all conclusions of such a sort, from such
-a circumstance, are too obvious and too notorious
-to require instances; yet, superseding many, permit
-me to produce a very recent one, and that afforded
-by this castle.</p>
-
-<p>In June, 1757, William Thompson, for all the
-vigilance of this place, in open daylight, and double-ironed,
-made his escape, and, notwithstanding an
-immediate inquiry set on foot, the strictest search,
-and all advertisements, was never seen or heard of
-since. If, then, Thompson got off unseen, through
-all these difficulties, how very easy was it for Clark,
-when none of them opposed him? But what would
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_101">101</span>
-be thought of a prosecution commenced against any
-one seen last with Thompson?</p>
-
-<p>Permit me next, my Lord, to observe a little upon
-the bones which have been discovered. It is said,
-which, perhaps, is saying very far, that these are the
-skeleton of a man. It is possible, indeed it may; but
-is there any certain known criterion which incontestably
-distinguishes the sex in human bones? Let
-it be considered, my Lord, whether the ascertaining
-of this point ought not to precede any attempt to
-identify them.</p>
-
-<p>The place of their deposition, too, claims much
-more attention than is commonly bestowed upon it.
-For, of all places in the world, none could have mentioned
-anyone wherein there was greater certainty
-of finding human bones than an hermitage, except
-he should point out a churchyard. Hermitages, in
-times past, being not only places of religious retirement,
-but of burial, too, and it has scarce or never
-been heard of, but that every cell now known, contains,
-or contained, these relics of humanity, some
-mutilated and some entire. I do not inform, but
-give me leave to remind, your Lordship, that here
-sat solitary sanctity, and here the hermit, or the
-anchoress, hoped that repose for their bones, when
-dead, they here enjoyed when living.</p>
-
-<p>All this while, my Lord, I am sensible this is known
-to your Lordship, and many in this Court, better than
-I. But it seems necessary to my case, that others,
-who have not at all, perhaps, adverted to things of
-this nature, and may have concern in my trial, should
-be made acquainted with it. Suffer me, then, my
-Lord, to produce a few of many evidences that these
-cells were used as repositories of the dead, and to
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_102">102</span>
-enumerate a few, in which human bones have been
-found, as it happened in this in question, lest, to some,
-that accident might seem extraordinary, and, consequently,
-occasion prejudice.</p>
-
-<p>1. The bones, as was supposed, of the Saxon, St.
-Dubritius, were discovered buried in his cell at
-Guy’s Cliff near Warwick, as appears from the
-authority of Sir William Dugdale.</p>
-
-<p>2. The bones, thought to be those of the anchoress
-Rosia, were but lately discovered in a cell at Royston,
-entire, fair, and undecayed, though they must
-have lain interred for several centuries, as is proved
-by Dr. Stukeley.</p>
-
-<p>3. But our own country, nay, almost this neighbourhood,
-supplies another instance; for in January,
-1747, was found by Mr. Stovin, accompanied by a
-reverend gentleman, the bones in part of some
-recluse, in the cell at Lindholm, near Hatfield. They
-were believed to be those of William of Lindholm,
-a hermit, who had long made this cave his habitation.</p>
-
-<p>4. In February, 1744, part of Woburn Abbey being
-pulled down, a large portion of a corpse appeared,
-even with the flesh on, and which bore cutting with
-a knife, though it is certain this had lain above two
-hundred years, and how much longer is doubtful,
-for this abbey was founded in 1145, and dissolved in
-1558 or 1559.</p>
-
-<p>What would have been said, what believed, if this
-had been an accident to the bones in question?</p>
-
-<p>Further, my Lord, it is not yet out of living memory
-that a little distance from Knaresborough, in a field,
-part of the manor of the worthy and patriotic baronet
-who does that borough the honour to represent it in
-Parliament, were found, in digging for gravel, not
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_103">103</span>
-one human skeleton alone, but five or six, deposited
-side by side, with each an urn placed at its head, as
-your Lordship knows was usual in ancient interments.</p>
-
-<p>About the same time, and in another field, almost
-close to this borough, was discovered also, in searching
-for gravel, another human skeleton; but the
-piety of the same worthy gentleman ordered both
-pits to be filled up again, commendably unwilling to
-disturb the dead.</p>
-
-<p>Is the invention<a id="FNanchor_25" href="#Footnote_25" class="fnanchor">25</a> of these bones forgotten, then, or
-industriously concealed, that the discovery of those
-in question may appear the more singular and extraordinary?
-whereas, in fact, there is nothing extraordinary
-in it. My Lord, almost every place conceals
-such remains. In fields, in hills, in highway sides,
-and in commons lie frequent and unsuspected bones.
-And our present allotments for rest for the departed,
-is but of some centuries.</p>
-
-<p>Another particular seems not to claim a little of
-your Lordship’s notice, and that of the gentlemen of
-the jury; which is, that perhaps no example occurs
-of more than <i>one</i> skeleton being found in <i>one</i> cell, and
-in the cell in question was found but <i>one</i>; agreeable,
-in this, to the peculiarity of every other known cell
-in Britain. Not the invention of one skeleton, then,
-but of two, would have appeared suspicious and
-uncommon.</p>
-
-<p>But then, my Lord, to attempt to identify these,
-when even to identify living men sometimes has
-proved so difficult&mdash;as in the case of Perkin Warbeck
-and Lambert Symnel at home, and of Don Sebastian
-abroad&mdash;will be looked upon, perhaps, as an attempt
-to determine what is indeterminable. And I hope,
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_104">104</span>
-too, it will not pass unconsidered here, where gentlemen
-believe with caution, think with reason, and
-decide with humanity, what interest the endeavour
-to do this is calculated to serve, in assigning proper
-personality to those bones, whose particular appropriation
-can only appear to eternal omniscience.</p>
-
-<p>Permit me, my Lord, also, very humbly to remonstrate
-that, as human bones appear to have been the
-inseparable adjuncts of every cell, even any person’s
-naming such a place at random as containing them,
-in this case, shows him rather unfortunate, than conscious
-prescient, and that these attendants on every
-hermitage only accidentally concurred with this conjecture.
-A mere casual coincidence of <i>words</i> and <i>things</i>.</p>
-
-<p>But it seems another skeleton has been discovered
-by some labourer, which was full as confidently
-averred to be Clark’s as this. My Lord, must some of
-the living, if it promotes some interest, be made
-answerable for all the bones that earth has concealed,
-and chance exposed! and might not a place where
-bones lay, be mentioned by a person by chance, as
-well as found by a labourer by chance? Or, is it more
-criminal accidentally to <i>name</i> where bones lie, than
-accidentally to <i>find</i> where they lie?</p>
-
-<p>Here, too, is a human skull produced, which is
-fractured; but was this the <i>cause</i> or was it the consequence
-of death&mdash;was it owing to violence, or was it
-the effect of natural decay? If it was violence, was
-that violence before or after death? My Lord, in May,
-1732, the remains of William, Lord Archbishop of this
-province, were taken up by permission, in this cathedral,
-and the bones of the skull were found broken;
-yet certainly he died by no violence offered to him
-alive, that could occasion that fracture there.
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_105">105</span></p>
-
-<p>Let it be considered, my Lord, that upon the dissolution
-of religious houses, and the commencement of the
-Reformation, the ravages of those times affected the
-living and the dead. In search after imaginary
-treasures, coffins were broken up, graves and vaults
-broken open, monuments ransacked, and shrines demolished;
-your Lordship knows that these violations
-proceeded so far, as to occasion parliamentary authority
-to restrain them; and it did, about the beginning
-of the reign of Queen Elizabeth. I entreat your
-Lordship, suffer not the violence, the depredations,
-and the iniquities of these times to be imputed to
-this.</p>
-
-<p>Moreover, what gentleman here is ignorant that
-Knaresborough had a castle, which, though How a
-ruin, was once considerable, both for its strength and
-garrison. All know it was vigorously besieged by
-the arms of the Parliament. At which siege, in sallies,
-conflicts, flights, pursuits, many fell in all the places
-around it; and where they fell were buried. For
-every place, my Lord, is burial-earth in war; and
-many, questionless, of these yet rest unknown, whose
-bones futurity shall discover.</p>
-
-<p>I hope, with all imaginable submission, that what
-has been said will not be thought impertinent to this
-indictment, and that it will be far from the wisdom,
-the learning, and the integrity of this place to impute
-to the living what zeal, in its fury, may have done;
-what nature may have taken off, and piety interred;
-or what war alone may have destroyed, alone
-deposited.</p>
-
-<p>As to the circumstances that have been raked together,
-I have nothing to observe; but that all circumstances
-whatsoever are precarious, and have been
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_106">106</span>
-but too frequently found lamentably fallible; even the
-strongest have failed. They may rise to the utmost
-degree of probability, yet they are but probability
-still. Why should I name to your Lordship the two
-Harrisons, recorded in Dr. Howel, who both suffered
-upon circumstances, because of the sudden disappearance
-of their lodger, who was in credit, had
-contracted debts, borrowed money, and went off
-unseen, and returned again a great many years after
-their execution. Why name the intricate affair of
-Jaques du Moulin under King Charles II., related by
-a gentleman who was counsel for the Crown. And
-why the unhappy Coleman, who suffered innocent,
-though convicted upon positive evidence, and whose
-children perished for want, because the world uncharitably
-believed the father guilty. Why mention
-the perjury of Smith, incautiously admitted king’s
-evidence; who, to screen himself, equally accused
-Fainlotte and Loveday of the murder of Dunn; the
-first of whom, in 1749, was executed at Winchester;
-and Loveday was about to suffer at Reading, had not
-Smith been proved perjured, to the satisfaction of the
-court, by the surgeon of Gosport Hospital.</p>
-
-<p>Now, my Lord, having endeavoured to show that
-the whole of this process is altogether repugnant to
-every part of my life; that it is inconsistent with my
-condition of health about that time; that no rational
-inference can be drawn that a person is dead who
-suddenly disappears; that hermitages were the constant
-repositories of the bones of the recluse; that
-the proofs of this are well authenticated; that the
-revolution in religion, or the fortunes of war, has
-mangled, or buried, the dead; the conclusion remains,
-perhaps no less reasonably, than impatiently,
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_107">107</span>
-wished for. I, last, after a year’s confinement, equal
-to either fortune, put myself upon the candour, the
-justice, and the humanity of your Lordship, and upon
-yours, my countrymen, gentlemen of the jury.’</p>
-
-<p>It will be seen from this elaborate defence that it
-must have been written long before his trial, and before
-his hopes of acquittal were crushed by the
-appearance of Houseman in the witness-box to give
-evidence against him; for he did not attempt to discredit
-his evidence, nor did he attempt to shake
-his testimony by cross-examination, and he must
-have anticipated the result. The judge summed
-up carefully; he recapitulated the evidence, and
-showed how Houseman’s testimony was confirmed by
-the other witnesses; and, taking Aram’s defence, he
-pointed out that he had alleged nothing that could
-invalidate the positive evidence against him. The
-jury, without leaving the court, returned a verdict
-of ‘Guilty,’ and the judge pronounced the awful
-sentence of the law. Aram had behaved with great
-firmness and dignity during the whole of his trial, and
-he heard his conviction, and his doom, with profound
-composure, leaving the bar with a smile upon his
-countenance.</p>
-
-<p>In those days the law allowed but little time for
-appeal. Aram was tried, convicted, and sentenced on
-Friday, the 3rd of August, 1759, and he had to die
-on the following Monday&mdash;only two whole days of
-life being allowed him. Those days must have been
-days of exquisite torture to him, when he thought
-of the upturned faces of the mob, all fixing their gaze
-upon him, yelling at, and execrating him, and we can
-scarcely wonder at his attempting to commit suicide.
-On the Monday morning, when the clergyman came
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_108">108</span>
-to visit him, and at his request to administer the
-Sacrament to him, he was astonished to find Aram
-stretched on the floor of his cell in a pool of blood.
-He had managed to secrete a razor, and had cut the
-veins of his arms in two places. Surgeons were
-sent for, and they brought him back to life, when he
-was put into the cart and led to execution. Arrived
-at the gallows, he was asked if he had any speech to
-make, and he replied in the negative. He was then
-hanged, and, when dead, his body was cut down,
-put in a cart, taken to Knaresborough, and there
-suspended in chains, on a gibbet which was erected
-on Knaresborough forest, south or south-east of the
-Low Bridge, on the right hand side going thence to
-Plumpton. It was taken down in 1778, when the
-forest was enclosed.</p>
-
-<p>He left his latest thoughts in writing, for, on the
-table in his cell, was found a paper on which was
-written,</p>
-
-<p>‘What am I better than my fathers? To die is
-natural and necessary. Perfectly sensible of this,
-I fear no more to die than I did to be born. But the
-manner of it is something which should, in my
-opinion, be decent and manly. I think I have regarded
-both these points. Certainly nobody has a
-better right to dispose of man’s life than himself; and
-he, not others, should determine how. As for any
-indignities offered to anybody, or silly reflections on
-my faith and morals, they are (as they were) things
-indifferent to me. I think, though, contrary to the
-common way of thinking; I wrong no man by this,
-and I hope it is not offensive to that eternal being
-who formed me and the world; and as by this I
-injure no man, no man can be reasonably offended.
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_109">109</span>
-I solicitously recommend myself to the eternal and
-almighty Being, the God of Nature, if I have done
-amiss. But perhaps I have not, and I hope this
-thing will never be imputed to me. Though I am
-now stained by malevolence, and suffer by prejudice,
-I hope to rise fair and unblemished. My life was not
-polluted, my morals irreproachable, and my opinions
-orthodox.</p>
-
-<p>‘I slept soundly till three o’clock, awak’d, and then
-writ these lines.</p>
-
-<div class="poetry">
-<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">‘“Come, pleasing Rest, eternal Slumber fall;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Seal mine, that once must seal the eyes of all;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Calm and compos’d my soul her journey takes,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">No guilt that troubles, and no heart that aches.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Adieu! thou sun, all bright like her arise;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Adieu! fair friends, and all that’s good and wise.”’<br /></span>
-</div></div>
-</div>
-
-<p>Aram never made any regular confession of his
-guilt&mdash;but in a letter he wrote to the vicar of
-Knaresborough, in which he gives his autobiography,
-he says, ‘Something is expected as to the affair
-upon which I was committed, to which I say, as
-I mentioned in my examination, that all the plate
-of Knaresborough, except the watches and rings,
-were in Houseman’s possession; as for me, I had
-nothing at all. My wife knows that Terry had the
-large plate, and that Houseman himself took both
-that and the watches, at my house, from Clark’s
-own hands; and, if she will not give this in evidence
-for the town, she wrongs both that and her own
-conscience; and, if it is not done soon, Houseman
-will prevent her. She likewise knows that Terry’s
-wife had some velvet, and, if she will, can testify
-it. She deserves not the regard of the town, if she
-will not. That part of Houseman’s evidence, wherein
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_110">110</span>
-he said I threatened him, was absolutely false; for
-what hindered him, when I was so long absent and
-far distant? I must need observe another thing to
-be perjury in Houseman’s evidence, in which he
-said he went home from Clark; whereas he went
-straight to my house, as my wife can also testify, if
-I be not believed.’</p>
-
-<p>The contemporary accounts of his trial, whether
-published in York or London, have the following:</p>
-
-<p>‘Aram’s sentence was a just one, and he submitted
-to it with that stoicism he so much affected;
-and the morning after he was condemned, he confessed
-the justness of it to two clergymen (who had
-a licence from the judge to attend him), by declaring
-that he murdered Clark. Being asked by one of
-them what his motive was for doing that abominable
-action, he told them, ‘he suspected Clark of having
-an unlawful commerce with his wife; that he was
-persuaded at the time, when he committed the murder,
-he did right, but, since, he had thought it wrong.’</p>
-
-<p>‘After this, pray,’ said Aram, ‘what became of
-Clark’s body, if Houseman went home (as he said
-upon my trial) immediately on seeing him fall?’</p>
-
-<p>One of the clergymen replied, ‘I’ll tell you what
-became of it. You and Houseman dragged it into
-the cave, stripped and buried it there; brought away
-his clothes, and burnt them at your own house.’</p>
-
-<p>To which he assented. He was asked whether
-Houseman did not earnestly press him to murder
-his wife, for fear she should discover the business
-they had been about. He hastily replied,</p>
-
-<p>‘He did, and pressed me several times to do it.’</p>
-
-<p>Aram’s wife lived some years after his execution;
-indeed, she did not die until 1774. She lived in a
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_111">111</span>
-small house near Low Bridge, within sight of her
-husband’s gibbet; and here she sold pies, sausages,
-&amp;c. It is said that she used to search under the
-gibbet for any of her husband’s bones that might
-have fallen, and then bury them.</p>
-
-<p>Aram, by his wife, had six children, who survived
-their childhood&mdash;three sons and three daughters.
-All these children, save one, Sally, took after their
-mother; but Sally resembled her father, both physically
-and mentally. She was well read in the classics,
-and Aram would sometimes put his scholars to the
-blush, by having Sally in their class. Her father
-was very fond of her, and she was living with him
-at Lynn when he was arrested, and she clung to
-him when in prison at York. On his death, she went
-to London, and, after a time, she married, and, with
-her husband, kept a public-house on the Surrey side
-of Westminster Bridge.</p>
-
-<p>Houseman went back to Knaresborough, where he
-abode until his death. He was naturally mobbed,
-and never dared stir out in the day time, but sometimes
-slunk out at night. Despised and detested by
-all, his life must have been a burden to him, and his
-punishment in this world far heavier than Aram was
-called upon to bear.
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_112">112</span></p>
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<h2 id="REDEMPTIONERS">REDEMPTIONERS.</h2>
-
-<div>
-<img class="drop-cap" src="images/s.jpg" alt="S" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="drop-cap"><span class="upper-case">Slavery</span>, properly so called, appears to
-have been from the earliest ages, and in
-almost every country, the condition of
-a large portion of the human race; the
-weakest had ever to serve the strong&mdash;whether
-the slave was a captive in battle, or an impecunious
-debtor unable to satisfy the claims of his creditor,
-save with his body. Climate made no difference.
-Slavery existed in Europe, Asia, and Africa, and in
-our own ‘right little, tight little island,’ our early
-annals show that a large proportion of the Anglo-Saxon
-population was in a state of slavery. These
-unfortunate bondsmen, who were called theows,
-thrœls, and esnes,<a id="FNanchor_26" href="#Footnote_26" class="fnanchor">26</a> were bought and sold with land,
-and were classed in the inventory of their lord’s
-wealth, with his sheep, swine, and oxen, and were
-bequeathed by will, precisely as we now dispose of
-our money, or furniture.</p>
-
-<p>The condition of the Anglo-Saxon slaves was very
-degraded indeed; their master might put them in
-bonds, might whip them, nay, might even brand
-them, like cattle, with his own distinguishing mark, a
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_113">113</span>
-state of things which existed until Alfred the Great
-enacted some laws, whereby the time of the servitude
-of these unhappy people was limited to six years,
-and the institution of slavery received such a blow,
-that it speedily became a thing of the past. They
-were no longer slaves, but redemptioners, <i>i.e.</i>, they
-had the hope of redemption from servitude, and the
-law gave them the power to enforce their freedom.</p>
-
-<p>We have only to turn to the pages of holy writ to
-find slavery flourishing in rank luxuriance in the
-time of the patriarchs, and before the birth of Moses.
-Euphemistically described in Scripture history as
-servants, they were mostly unconditional and perpetual
-slaves. They were strangers, either taken
-prisoners in war or purchased from the neighbouring
-nations; but the Jews also had a class of servants
-who only were in compulsory bondage for a limited
-time, and they were men of their own nation.</p>
-
-<p>These were men who, by reason of their poverty,
-were obliged to give their bodies in exchange for the
-wherewithal to support them, or they were insolvent
-debtors, and thus sought to liquidate their indebtedness,
-or men who had committed a theft, and had not
-the means of making the double, or fourfold, restitution
-that the law required. Their thraldom was not
-perpetual, they might be redeemed, and, if not redeemed,
-they became free on the completion of their
-seventh year of servitude.</p>
-
-<p>Exodus, chap. 21, vv. 2-6. ‘If thou buy an
-Hebrew servant, six years shall he serve: and in the
-seventh he shall go out free for nothing. If he came
-in by himself, he shall go out by himself; if he were
-married, then his wife shall go out with him. If his
-master have given him a wife, and she have borne
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_114">114</span>
-him sons or daughters, the wife and her children
-shall be her master’s, and he shall go out by himself.
-And if the servant shall plainly say, I love my master,
-my wife, and my children: I will not go out free:
-then his master shall bring him unto the judges; he
-shall also bring him to the door, or unto the door-post;
-and his master shall bore his ear through with
-an awl, and he shall serve for ever.’</p>
-
-<p>Here, then, we have a redemptioner, one whose
-servitude was not a hopeless one, and we find this
-limited bondage again referred to in Leviticus, chap.
-25, vv. 39, 40, 41.</p>
-
-<p>‘And if thy brother that dwelleth by thee be waxen
-poor, and be sold unto thee, thou shalt not compel
-him to serve as a bond servant: but as an hired servant,
-and as a sojourner, he shall be with thee, and
-shall serve thee unto the year of jubilee. And then
-shall he depart from thee, both he and his children
-with him, and shall return unto his own family, and
-unto the possession of his fathers shall he return.’</p>
-
-<p>Here in England we are accustomed to look upon
-the slave from one point of view only, as an unhappy
-being of a different race and colour to ourselves, few
-of us knowing that there has been a time (and that
-not so very long ago) when members of our own
-nation, so utterly forlorn and miserable from the rude
-buffetings Fortune had given them in their way
-through the world, have been glad to sell their bodies
-for a time, to enable them to commence afresh the
-struggle for existence, in another land, and, perchance,
-under more favourable circumstances.</p>
-
-<p>In ‘his Majesty’s plantations’ of Virginia, Maryland,
-and New England, and in the West Indies,
-these unfortunates were first called servants, and as
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_115">115</span>
-such are officially described; but in America in later
-times they received the appellation of redemptioners,
-a name by which they were certainly called in the
-middle of this century, for in Dorsey’s ‘Laws of
-Maryland,’ published in 1840, we find an Act<a id="FNanchor_27" href="#Footnote_27" class="fnanchor">27</a> (cap.
-226) was passed in 1817 to alleviate the condition of
-these poor people. The preamble sets forth, ‘Whereas
-it has been found that German and Swiss emigrants,
-who for the discharge of the debt contracted for
-their passage to this country are often obliged to
-subject themselves to temporary servitude, are
-frequently exposed to cruel and oppressive impositions
-by the masters of the vessels in which they
-arrive, and likewise by those to whom they become
-servants,’ &amp;c.</p>
-
-<p>It is impossible to fix any date when this iniquitous
-traffic first began. It arose, probably, from the want
-of labourers in the plantations of our colonies in their
-early days, and the employment of unscrupulous
-agents on this side to supply their needs in this
-respect. A man in pecuniary difficulties in the seventeenth
-and eighteen centuries was indeed in woeful
-plight: a gaol was his certain destination, and there
-he might rot his life away, cut off from all hope of
-release, unless death came mercifully to his relief.
-All knew of the horrors of a debtor’s prison, and, to
-escape them, an able-bodied man had recourse to the
-dreadful expedient of selling himself into bondage,
-for a term of years, in one of the plantations, either in
-America or the West Indies, or he would believe the
-specious tales of the ‘kidnappers,’ as they were called,
-who would promise anything, a free passage, and a
-glorious life of ease and prosperity in a new land.
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_116">116</span></p>
-
-<p>Thoroughly broken down, wretched, and miserable,
-his thoughts would naturally turn towards a new
-country, wherein he might rehabilitate himself, and, in
-an evil hour, he would apply to some (as we should
-term it) emigration agent, who would even kindly
-advance him a trifle for an outfit. The voyage out
-would be an unhappy experience, as the emigrants
-would be huddled together, with scant food, and, on
-his arrival at his destination, he would early discover
-the further miseries in store for him; for, immediately
-on landing, or even before he left the ship, his body
-would be seized as security for passage money, which
-had, in all probability, been promised him free, and
-for money lent for his outfit; and, having no means
-of paying either, utterly friendless, and in a strange
-country, he would be sold to slavery for a term of
-years to some planter who would pay the debt for
-him.</p>
-
-<p>Having obtained his flesh and blood at such a
-cheap rate, his owner would not part with him
-lightly, and it was an easy thing to arrange matters
-so that he was always kept in debt for clothes and
-tobacco, &amp;c., in order that he never should free himself.
-It was a far cry to England, and with no one
-to help him, or to draw public attention to his case,
-the poor wretch had to linger until death mercifully
-released him from his bondage; his condition being
-truly deplorable, as he would be under the same
-regulations as the convicts, and one may be very
-sure that <i>their</i> lot was not enviable in those harsh
-and merciless times. It was not for many years,
-until the beginning of this century, that the American
-laws took a beneficial turn in favour of these
-unhappy people; and it was then too late, for the
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_117">117</span>
-institution of redemptioners died a speedy death,
-owing to the influx of free emigration.</p>
-
-<p>One of the earliest notices of these unfortunates is
-in a collection of Old Black letter ballads, in the
-British Museum, where there is one entitled, ‘The
-Trappan’d Maiden, or the Distressed Damsel,’
-(c. 22, e. 2)/186 in which are depicted some of the sorrows
-which were undergone by these unwilling emigrants,
-at that time. The date, as nearly as can be assigned
-to it, is about 1670.</p>
-
-<div class="poetry">
-<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">The Girl was cunningly trapan’d,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Sent to Virginny from England;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Where she doth Hardship undergo,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">There is no cure, it must be so;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">But if she lives to cross the main,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">She vows she’ll ne’er go there again.<br /></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i2">Give ear unto a Maid<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">That lately was betray’d,<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">And sent into Virginny, O:<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">In brief I shall declare,<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">What I have suffered there,<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">When that I was weary, O.<br /></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i2">When that first I came<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">To this Land of Fame,<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">Which is called Virginny, O:<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">The Axe and the Hoe<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">Have wrought my overthrow,<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">When that I was weary, O.<br /></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i2">Five years served I<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">Under Master Guy,<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">In the land of Virginny, O:<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">Which made me for to know<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">Sorrow, Grief, and Woe,<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">When that I was weary, O.<br />
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_118">118</span></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i2">When my Dame says, Go,<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">Then must I do so,<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">In the land of Virginny, O:<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">When she sits at meat<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">Then I have none to eat,<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">When that I was weary, O.<br /></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i2">The cloathes that I brought in,<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">They are worn very thin,<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">In the land of Virginny, O:<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">Which makes me for to say<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">Alas! and well-a-day,<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">When that I was weary, O.<br /></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i2">Instead of Beds of Ease,<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">To lye down when I please,<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">In the land of Virginny, O:<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">Upon a bed of straw,<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">I lay down full of woe,<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">When that I was weary, O.<br /></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i2">Then the Spider, she<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">Daily waits on me,<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">In the land of Virginny, O:<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">Round about my bed<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">She spins her tender web,<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">When that I was weary, O.<br /></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i2">So soon as it is day,<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">To work I must away,<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">In the land of Virginny, O:<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">Then my Dame she knocks<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">With her tinder-box,<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">When that I was weary, O.<br /></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i2">I have played my part<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">Both at Plow and Cart,<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">In the land of Virginny, O;<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">Billats from the Wood,<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">Upon my back they load,<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">When that I was weary, O.<br />
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_119">119</span></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i2">Instead of drinking Beer,<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">I drink the waters clear,<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">In the land of Virginny, O;<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">Which makes me pale and wan,<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">Do all that e’er I can,<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">When that I was weary, O.<br /></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i2">If my Dame says, Go,<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">I dare not say no,<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">In the land of Virginny, O;<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">The water from the spring<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">Upon my head I bring,<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">When that I was weary, O.<br /></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i2">When the Mill doth stand,<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">I’m ready at command,<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">In the land of Virginny, O;<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">The Morter for to make,<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">Which made my heart to ake,<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">When that I was weary, O.<br /></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i2">When the child doth cry,<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">I must sing, By-a-by,<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">In the land of Virginny, O;<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">No rest that I can have<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">Whilst I am here a slave,<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">When that I was weary, O.<br /></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i2">A thousand Woes beside,<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">That I do here abide,<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">In the land of Virginny, O;<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">In misery I spend<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">My time that hath no end,<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">When that I was weary, O.<br /></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i2">Then let Maids beware,<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">All by my ill-fare,<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">In the land of Virginny, O:<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">Be sure thou stay at home,<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">For if you do here come,<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">You will all be weary, O.<br />
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_120">120</span></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i2">But if it be my chance,<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">Homeward to advance,<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">From the land of Virginny, O:<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">If that I once more<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">Land on English shore,<br /></span>
-<span class="i2">I’ll no more be weary, O.<br /></span>
-</div></div>
-</div>
-
-<p>Some of these complaints would seem to us to be
-rather of the ‘crumpled rose-leaf’ order, but probably
-there was enough humanity left in their owners
-to treat their female ‘servants’ more tenderly than
-the male, whose sorrows were genuine enough.</p>
-
-<p>Ned Ward, in his ‘London Spy,’ 1703, gives a
-most graphic account of the sort of men who enticed
-these human chattels to the plantations. He was
-pursuing his perambulations about the City, exercising
-those sharp eyes of his, which saw everything,
-and was in the neighbourhood of the Custom-house,
-when he turned down a place called Pig Hill (so
-called, he says, from its resembling the steep descent
-down which the Devil drove his Hogs to a Bad
-Market).</p>
-
-<p>‘As we walked up the Hill, as Lazily as an Artillery
-Captain before his Company upon a Lord Mayor’s
-Day, or a Paul’s Labourer up a Ladder, with a Hod
-of Mortar, we peeped in at a Gateway, where we
-saw two or three Blades, well drest, but with
-Hawkes’ Countenances, attended with half-a-dozen
-Ragamuffingly Fellows, showing Poverty in their
-Rags and Despair in their Faces, mixt with a parcel
-of young, wild striplings, like runaway ‘Prentices.
-I could not forbear enquiring of my Friend about
-the ill-favoured multitude, patched up of such awkward
-Figures, that it would have puzzled a Moor-Fields
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_121">121</span>
-Artist,<a id="FNanchor_28" href="#Footnote_28" class="fnanchor">28</a> well-read in physiognomy, to have
-discovered their Dispositions by their Looks.</p>
-
-<p>‘“That House,” says my Friend, “which they
-there are entering is an Office where Servants for
-the Plantations bind themselves to be miserable as
-long as they live, without a special Providence prevents
-it. Those fine Fellows, who look like Footmen
-upon a Holy day, crept into cast suits of their
-Masters, that want Gentility in their Deportments
-answerable to their Apparel, are Kidnappers, who
-walk the ‘Change and other parts of the Town, in
-order to seduce People who want services and young
-Fools crost in Love, and under an uneasiness of
-mind, to go beyond the seas, getting so much a
-head of Masters of Ships and Merchants who go
-over, for every Wretch they trepan into this Misery.
-These young Rakes and Tatterdemallions you see
-so lovingly hearded are drawn by their fair promises
-to sell themselves into Slavery, and the Kidnappers
-are the Rogues that run away with the Money.”’</p>
-
-<p>And again, when he goes on ‘Change, he further
-attacks these villains.</p>
-
-<p>‘“Now,” says my Friend, “we are got amongst
-the Plantation Traders. This may be call’d Kidnapper’s
-Walk; for a great many of these Jamaicans
-and Barbadians, with their Kitchen-stuff Countenances,
-are looking as sharp for servants as a Gang
-of Pick-pockets for Booty.... Within that Entry
-is an Office of Intelligence, pretending to help
-Servants to Places, and Masters to Servants. They
-have a knack of Bubbling silly wenches out of their
-Money; who loiter hereabouts upon the expectancy,
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_122">122</span>
-till they are pick’d up by the Plantation Kidnappers,
-and spirited away into a state of misery.”’</p>
-
-<p>And yet once more Ward, in his ‘Trip to America,’
-says,</p>
-
-<p>‘We had on board an Irishman going over as
-Servant, who, I suppose, was Kidnapped. I asked
-him whose Servant he was, “By my Fait,” said he,
-“I cannot tell. I was upon ’Change, looking for a
-good Master, and a brave Gentleman came to me,
-and asked me who I was, and I told him I was
-myn own self; and he gave me some good Wine
-and good Ale, and brought me on Board, and I have
-not seen him since.”’</p>
-
-<p>Then, as since, the emigration from Great Britain
-was mostly fed by the poorer classes of Ireland;
-and, in the latter part of William III.‘s reign, such
-was the numbers that were sent over to the plantations
-as ‘servants,’ or in other words, slaves, that
-it was found necessary to enact special laws, in
-Maryland, to check the excessive importation, it
-being considered a source of danger to the State,
-as tending to introduce Popery. Accordingly, several
-acts were passed, placing a duty of twenty shillings
-per head on each Irish person landed; which, proving
-insufficient for the purpose, was further increased
-to forty shillings a few years afterwards.</p>
-
-<p>In 1743, there was a <i>cause c&eacute;l&egrave;bre</i>, in which James
-Annesley, Esq., appeared as the plaintiff, and claimed
-the earldom of Anglesey from his uncle Richard,
-who, he maintained (and he got a verdict in his
-favour), had caused him to be kidnapped when a lad
-of thirteen years of age, and sent to America, there
-to be sold as a slave. That this was absolutely
-the fact, no one who has read the evidence can
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_123">123</span>
-possibly doubt, and the hardships endured by the
-‘servants’ at that time are plaintively alluded to
-in a little book, called, ‘The Adventure of an Unfortunate
-Young Nobleman,’ published 1743. ‘Here
-the Captain repeating his former Assurances, he was
-sold to a rich Planter in Newcastle County called
-Drummond, who immediately took him home, and
-entered him in the Number of his Slaves.</p>
-
-<p>‘A new World now opened to him, and, being
-set to the felling of Timber, a Work no way proportioned
-to his Strength, he did it so awkwardly,
-that he was severely corrected. Drummond was a
-hard, inexorable Master, who, like too many of the
-Planters, consider their Slaves, or Servants, as a
-different Species, and use them accordingly. Our
-American Planters are not famous for Humanity,
-being often Persons of no Education, and, having
-been formerly Slaves themselves, they revenge the
-ill-usage they received on those who fall into their
-Hands. The Condition of European Servants in
-that Climate is very wretched; their Work is hard,
-and for the most part abroad, exposed to an unwholesome
-Air, their Diet coarse, being either Poul
-or bread made of Indian Corn, or Homine or Mush,
-which is Meal made of the same kind, moistened
-with the Fat of Bacon, and their Drink Water sweetened
-with a little Ginger and Molasses.’</p>
-
-<p>Although, as before stated, Mr. Annesley won his
-case with regard to his legitimacy and property, for
-some reason or other he never contested the title with
-his usurping uncle, who continued to be recognized
-as Earl of Anglesey until his death.</p>
-
-<p>Defoe, writing in 1738 in his ‘History of Colonel
-Jack,’ makes his hero to be kidnapped by the master
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_124">124</span>
-of a vessel at Leith, and carried to Virginia, where
-he was consigned to a merchant, and disposed of as
-he saw fit&mdash;in fact, treated with the same <i>nonchalance</i>
-us an ordinary bale of goods would be. He was sold
-to a planter for five years, and had three hard things
-to endure, viz., hard work, hard fare, and hard lodging.
-He describes the arrival of a ship from London
-with several ‘servants,’ and amongst the rest were
-seventeen transported felons, some burnt in the hand,
-and some not, eight of whom his master purchased
-for the time specified in the warrant for their transportation,
-so that the unfortunate men were in no
-better position than, and were under the same severe
-laws as, the convict. Their ranks were recruited by
-many gentlemen concerned in the Rebellion, and
-taken prisoners at Preston, who were spared from
-execution and sold into slavery at the plantations, a
-condition which must often have made them dissatisfied
-with the clemency extended to them. In many
-cases, with kind masters, their lot was not so hard,
-and when their time of bondage was expired they
-had encouragement given them to plant for themselves,
-a certain number of acres being allotted to
-them by the State; and, if they could get the necessary
-credit for clothes, tools, &amp;c., they were in time
-enabled to put by money, and, in some rare instances,
-became men of renown in the colony.</p>
-
-<p>The usage these poor people endured on their
-passage to the plantations was frequently abominable,
-and a writer in 1796 describes the arrival, at Baltimore,
-of a vessel containing three hundred Irish
-‘passengers’ who had been nearly starved by the
-captain, the ship’s water being sold by him at so
-much a pint, and this treatment, combined with other
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_125">125</span>
-cruelties too shocking to relate, caused a contagious
-disorder to break out on board, which carried off great
-numbers, whilst most of these unhappy folk who
-were spared at that time, subsequently died whilst
-performing quarantine in the Delaware.</p>
-
-<p>The redemptioners mainly sailed from the northern
-ports of Ireland, Belfast or Londonderry, though
-this country by no means enjoyed the unenviable
-monopoly of this traffic: Holland and Germany sending
-their wretched quota of white slaves. The particular
-class of vessels employed in this iniquitous
-trade were known by the name of ‘White Guineamen,’
-and belonged to the ‘free and enlightened’
-citizens of the sea-ports in America, who had their
-kidnappers stationed at certain parts of Scotland,
-Ireland, Wales, and also in Holland, to provide them
-with human cargoes. Seduced by the glowing
-descriptions of a trans-Atlantic paradise, with bright
-and alluring visions of American happiness and
-liberty, the miserable, the idle, and the unwary
-among the lower classes of Europe were entrapped
-into the voyage, the offer of gratuitous conveyance
-being an additional bait, which was eagerly accepted;
-but we have seen how, on their arrival at the
-promised land, they were speedily disillusioned. The
-difficulty of hiring tolerable servants was so great,
-that many persons were obliged to deal with their
-fellow-creatures in this way, who would otherwise
-have utterly abhorred the thought of being slave-dealers.</p>
-
-<p>Some of the laws for their regulation in the
-colonies are curious. For instance, in Virginia, after
-they had served their time, they were obliged to have
-a certificate from their master to say that they had
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_126">126</span>
-done so, and if any person should entertain any hired
-servant running away without such a certificate, he
-had to pay the master of such servant thirty pounds
-weight of tobacco for every day and night he should
-so harbour him.</p>
-
-<p>Pursuit after runaway servants was made at the
-public expense, and, if caught, they had to serve for
-the time of their absence, and the charge disbursed.
-In case the master refused to pay the charge, the
-servant was sold, or hired out, until by their services
-they had reimbursed the amount expended in capturing
-them, after which they were returned to their
-master to serve out their time. Whoever apprehended
-them was to have as reward two hundred pounds
-weight of tobacco, if the capture took place about
-ten miles from the master’s house, or one hundred
-pounds weight if above five miles, and under ten.
-This reward was to be paid by the public, and the
-servant had to serve some one four months for every
-two hundred pounds weight of tobacco paid for him.</p>
-
-<p>‘Every Master that hath a Servant that hath run
-away twice, shall keep his Hair close cut, and not so
-doing, shall be fined one hundred pounds weight of
-Tobacco for every time the said Fugitive shall, after
-the second time, be taken up.’</p>
-
-<p>If they ran away in company with any negro, then
-they had to serve the master of that negro as long as
-the negro was at large. If any servant laid violent
-hands on his master, mistress, or overseer, and was
-convicted of the same in any court, he had to serve
-one year longer at the expiration of his term.</p>
-
-<p>‘A Woman-servant got with Child by her Master,
-shall, after her time of indenture or custom is expired,
-be, by the Church-wardens of the Parish where she
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_127">127</span>
-lived, sold for two Years, and the Tobacco employed
-for the use of the Parish.’</p>
-
-<p>‘No Minister shall publish the Banns, or celebrate
-the Contract of Marriage between any Servants, unless
-he hath a Certificate from both their Masters that
-it is with their consent, under the Penalty of 10,000
-lbs. of Tobacco. And the Servants that procure
-themselves to be married without their Masters’ consent,
-shall each of them serve their respective Master
-a year longer than their time; and if any person,
-being free, shall marry with a Servant without the
-Master’s Licence, he or she so marrying shall pay the
-Master 1500 lbs. of Tobacco, or one year’s service.’</p>
-
-<p>In Maryland, the laws respecting servants were
-somewhat milder, but, if they ran away, they had to
-serve ten days for every one day’s absence. In this
-colony, however, ‘Every Man-Servant shall have
-given him at the time of the expiration of his Service,
-one new Hat, a good Cloath Suit, a new Shift of
-White Linnen, a pair of new French full Shooes and
-Stockings, two Hoes, and one Axe, and one gun of
-20s. price, not above four foot Barrel, nor less than
-three and a half. And every Woman-Servant shall
-have given her, at the expiration of her Servitude, the
-like Provision of Cloaths, and three Barrels of Indian
-Corn.’</p>
-
-<p>In New England they dealt still more tenderly and
-fairly by their servants. If a servant fled from the
-cruelty of his or her master, he or she was to be protected
-and harboured, provided that they fled to the
-house of some free man of the same town, and ‘If any
-Man or Woman Hurt, Maim, or Disfigure a Servant,
-unless it be by mere Casualty, the Servant shall go
-free, and the Master or Mistress shall make such recompense
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_128">128</span>
-as the Court shall award. Servants that
-have serv’d diligently, and faithfully, to the end of
-their Times, shall not be sent away empty; and such
-as have been unfaithful, negligent, or unprofitable
-shall not be sent away unpunished, but shall make
-such satisfaction as Authority shall direct.’</p>
-
-<p>In Jamaica the laws were pretty fair, and in Barbadoes
-there was a very just enactment. ‘Whatever
-Master or Mistress shall turn off a Sick Servant, or
-not use, or endeavour, all lawful means for the recovery
-of such servant, during the time of Servitude, he
-or she shall forfeit 2,200 lbs of Sugar. To be levyed
-by Warrant of a Justice of Peace, and disposed towards
-the maintenance of such Servant, and the said
-Servant so neglected, or turned off, shall be Free.’</p>
-
-<p>In the last few years of the eighteenth century, it
-was no uncommon thing to meet with advertisements
-in the American papers, couched in the following
-strain: ‘To be disposed of, the indentures of a strong,
-healthy Irishwoman; who has two years to serve,
-and is fit for all kinds of house work. Enquire of the
-Printer.’</p>
-
-<h3>‘STOP THE VILLAIN!</h3>
-
-<p>‘Ran away this morning, an Irish Servant, named
-Michael Day, by trade a Tailor, about five feet eight
-inches high, fair complexion, has a down look when
-spoken to, light bushy hair, speaks much in the Irish
-dialect, &amp;c. Whoever secures the above-described
-in any gaol, shall receive thirty dollars reward, and
-all reasonable charges paid. N.B.&mdash;All masters of
-Vessels are forbid harbouring or carrying off the said
-Servant at their peril.’</p>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p>The laws which regulated them were originally
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_129">129</span>
-framed for the English convicts before the Revolution,
-and were not repealed. They were, of necessity,
-harsh and severe, so much so that, towards the end of
-the eighteenth century, several societies sprang up,
-both Irish and German, whose members did all in
-their power to mitigate the severity of these laws,
-and render their countrymen, during their servitude,
-as comfortable as circumstances would permit. These
-societies were in all the large towns south of Connecticut.</p>
-
-<p>When the yellow fever was raging in Baltimore
-in the year 1793, but few vessels would venture near
-the city, and every one that could do so fled from the
-doomed place. But a ‘White Guinea-man,’ from
-Germany, arrived in the river, and, hearing that such
-was the fatal nature of the infection that for no sum
-of money could a sufficient number of nurses be procured
-to attend the sick, conceived the philanthropic
-idea of supplying this deficiency from his redemption
-passengers, and, sailing boldly up to the city, he advertised
-his cargo for sale thus: ‘A few healthy Servants,
-generally between seventeen and twenty-one
-years of age; their times will be disposed of by applying
-on board the brig.’ It was a truly generous
-thought to thus nobly sacrifice his own countrywomen
-<i>pro bono publico</i>!</p>
-
-<p>As the eighteenth century drew to a close a more
-humane state of things came into existence; and in
-Maryland, in 1817, as before stated, a law was passed
-for the relief of the German and Swiss redemptioners.
-It was enacted that there should be, in every port, a
-person to register the apprenticeship, or servitude, of
-these emigrants, and, unless drawn up or approved
-by him, no agreement to service was binding. Minors,
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_130">130</span>
-under twenty-one, were not allowed to be sold, unless
-by their parents or next-of-kin, and the indentures
-covenanted that at least two months schooling must
-be given, annually, to them by their masters. No
-emigrant was bound to serve more than four years,
-except males under seventeen, and females under
-fourteen, who were to serve, respectively, till twenty-one
-and eighteen. There were many other clauses
-that related both to their better treatment on board the
-vessels and on land, and, if this law had been strictly
-acted up to, the condition of these poor people would
-have been much ameliorated.</p>
-
-<p>But, happily, in course of years, as the prosperity
-of the United States of America grew by ‘leaps and
-bounds,’ attracting labour in abundance from all parts
-of Europe, there was no longer any need for the
-traffic in human flesh and blood, and the redemptioner
-became a thing of the past.
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_131">131</span></p>
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<h2 id="A_TRIP_TO_RICHMOND_IN_SURREY">A TRIP TO RICHMOND IN SURREY.</h2>
-
-<div>
-<img class="drop-cap" src="images/t.jpg" alt="T" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="drop-cap"><span class="upper-case">The</span> following <i>morceau</i> gives so quaint an
-account of a day’s outing in the last
-century that I have thought it a pity
-to let it remain buried. It is by J.
-West, and was published in 1787:</p>
-
-<div class="poetry">
-<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">From London to Richmond I took an excursion,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">For the sake of my health and in hopes of diversion:<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Thus, walking without any cumbersome load,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">I mark’d ev’ry singular sight on the road.<br /></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">In Hyde Park I met a hump-back’d macarony<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Who was pleased I should see how he manag’d his pony.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">The Cockney was dresst in true blue and in buff,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">In buckskin elastic, but all in the rough;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">He wore patent spurs on his boots, with light soles,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And buttons as big as some halfpenny rolls;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">His hair out of curls, with a tail like a rat,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And sideways he clapt on his head a round hat;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">His cravat was tied up in a monstrous large bunch,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">No wonder the ladies should smile at his hunch.<br /></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">The next figure I saw, ’twas a milliner’s maid,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">A high cap and pink ribbons adorning her head,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Which was made to sit well, but a little fantastic,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">With a hundred black pins and a cushion elastic.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">She stalked like a peacock when waving her fan,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And us’d an umbrella upon a new plan;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Her elbows she lean’d on her hoop as on crutches,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And wagg’d her silk gown with the air of a duchess.<br />
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_132">132</span></span>
-<span class="i0">Now forward I stept to behold her sweet face;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">She ogled and smil’d with a seeming good grace;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">However, there was no dependence upon it,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Although her eyes sparkled from under her bonnet,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">I question’d her love, so I wished her farewel;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">But something more clever I’m ready to tell.<br /></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">From yon spot in the Park, just where the Parade is,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Approach’d a grand sportsman, attended by ladies<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">On bay horses mounted; they swift tore the ground,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Escorted by servants and terriers around;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">I guess’d that my Lord went to sport with his Graces<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">To Windsor’s wide forest or Maidenhead races.<br /></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">Through Kensington passing I saw a fine show<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Of chaises, gigs, coaches, there all in a row!<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">When I came to a well where a girl stood close by,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Who ask’d to what place do these folk go? and why?<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">I, smiling, replied, ‘They, my dear, go to Windsor,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">To see king and queen,’&mdash;but could not convince her.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">On tiptoe the titt’ring girl ran off the stand,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And broke half the pitcher she had in her hand.<br /></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">In Hammersmith’s parish I stopp’d for a minute;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">A stage-coach here halted&mdash;I saw who was in it,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">A grave-looking man with a long nose and chin,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Two sparks and three damsels were laughing within;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">The outside was crowded, good Lord! what a rabble!<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Some Cits from Fleet Market, some Jews from Whitechapel,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Some sailors from Wapping, and other such crew;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">But now in the basket<a id="FNanchor_29" href="#Footnote_29" class="fnanchor">29</a> I took a short view,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Two wenches, one jolly, the other but lean,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">With barrels of oysters and shrimp-sacks between.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">The spirited coachman, o’ercharg’d with stout ale,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">When he started, drove faster than Palmer’s<a id="FNanchor_30" href="#Footnote_30" class="fnanchor">30</a> new mail;<br />
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_133">133</span></span>
-<span class="i0">He smack’d his long whip&mdash;and zounds! what a flight!<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">His six horses running were soon out of sight;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">A lad standing by, cried (as if in a swoon),<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">‘By Jove! they fly up like Lunardi’s<a id="FNanchor_31" href="#Footnote_31" class="fnanchor">31</a> balloon.’<br /></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">Much pleas’d with my path when I march’d on apace,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">I reach’d Turnham Green; on that sweet rural place<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">I stopp’d at an inn near a lane down to Chiswick,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">I call’d for some ale, but it tasted like physick.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">As good luck would have it, I could not drink more,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">When, seeing Jack Tar and his wife at the door,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Join’d close arm-in-arm like a hook on a link,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">I reach’d him my mug and invited to drink;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Jack, pleased with the draught, gave me thanks with an echo,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And cramm’d in his jaw a large quid of tobacco.<br /></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">Again I set off on my way to Kew Bridge,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Some boys and some girls came from under a hedge;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">They jump’d and they tumbled headforemost around,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Each vied with the other to measure the ground;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">For halfpence they begg’d, and I gave ’em a penny,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">When I found that I’d left myself without any<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">To pay toll at the bridge and to buy a few plumbs;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">My silver I chang’d for a handful of Brums.<a id="FNanchor_32" href="#Footnote_32" class="fnanchor">32</a><br /></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">But, my sight being struck with the beauty of Kew,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">I forgot my expenses, when, having in view<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">The new Royal Bridge<a id="FNanchor_33" href="#Footnote_33" class="fnanchor">33</a> and its elegant Arches<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">There o’er the bright Thames, where the people in barges<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And pleasure-boats sail!&mdash;how delightful the scene!<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">‘Twixt the shades of Old Brentford and smiling Kew Green.<br /></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">Now forward for Richmond, and happy my lot!<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">I soon reach’d that lofty and beautiful spot<br />
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_134">134</span></span>
-<span class="i0">Which is called Richmond Hill&mdash;what a prospect amazing!<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Extensive and pleasant; I could not help gazing<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">On yonder fine landscape of Twick’nam’s sweet plains,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Where kind Nature its thousandfold beauty maintains.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">To trace all its pleasures too short was the day;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">The dinner-bell ringing, I hasten’d away<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">To a cheerful repast at a Gentleman’s seat,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Whose friendship vouchsaf’d me a happy retreat.<br /></span>
-</div></div>
-</div>
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_135">135</span></p>
-
-<h2 id="GEORGE_ROBERT_FITZGERALD">GEORGE ROBERT FITZGERALD,<br />
-
-<span class="large">COMMONLY CALLED ‘FIGHTING FITZGERALD.’</span></h2>
-
-<div>
-<img class="drop-cap" src="images/s.jpg" alt="S" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="drop-cap"><span class="upper-case">Should</span> anyone wish for a graphic account
-of Irish life in the later portion of the
-eighteenth century, he should read Sir
-Jonah Barrington’s ‘Personal Sketches
-of Ireland,’ and he will find afterwards
-that Lever’s novels afford but a faint reflection of the
-manners and customs existing in the west and south
-of Ireland. Ignorance, idleness, and dissipation were
-the characteristic of the wealthier classes, and a
-meeting of the ‘gentry’ could seldom take place
-without quarrelling and bloodshed. At races, fairs,
-and elections, the lower class enjoyed themselves
-likewise, after their kind, in breaking of heads and
-drunkenness. It was a singular state of things, but
-it must be borne in mind, whilst reading the following
-memoirs, as, otherwise, the facts therein related
-would scarcely be credited.<a id="FNanchor_34" href="#Footnote_34" class="fnanchor">34</a></p>
-
-<p>The Fitzgeralds of County Mayo come of an ancient
-stock, from no less than the great Geraldine
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_136">136</span>
-family, through the Desmond branch, and George,
-the father of George Robert Fitzgerald, had a very
-good property at Turlough, near Castlebar. It probably
-had some influence in his future career that
-‘Fighting Fitzgerald’ should have had for his mother
-Lady Mary Hervey, who had been maid-of-honour to
-the Princess Amelia, and who was the daughter of
-one, and the sister of two, Earls of Bristol. The
-family from which she sprang was noted for eccentricity,
-so much so, that it passed into a saying that
-‘God made Men, Women, and Herveys.’ She did
-not live long with her husband, his lax morality and
-dissipated manners could not be borne, and she left
-him to his own devices and returned to England.
-By him she had two sons, George Robert (born 1749),
-and Charles Lionel. The elder, in due time, was
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_137">137</span>
-sent to Eton, where he seems to have learnt as much
-Latin and Greek as was requisite for a gentleman
-of those days, and he used occasionally in after life
-to write a little poetry now and again, of which
-one piece, ‘The Riddle,’ was printed after his
-execution.</p>
-
-<p>From Eton he, in 1766, being then in his seventeenth
-year, was gazetted to a lieutenancy in the 69th
-regiment, and was quartered at Galway, a nice place
-for a newly-emancipated schoolboy, and a red-hot,
-wild Irishman to boot. Here he soon got into a
-scrape, owing to his conduct with a shop-girl, which
-ended in a duel, in which neither the combatants
-were hurt. He next managed to pick a quarrel with
-a young officer of his own regiment, named Thompson,
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_138">138</span>
-who was a quiet and inoffensive man, and they
-met. The first round was fired by both without
-injury, but Lieutenant Thompson’s second bullet
-struck Fitzgerald’s forehead, and he fell. The surgeons,
-after examination, came to the conclusion that
-the only way to save his life was by performing upon
-him the operation of trepanning, or cutting a round
-piece out of the skull in order to relieve the pressure
-on the brain. It was an operation that was very
-risky, but in this case it was successful. Still, one
-cannot help thinking, judging by his after career,
-that his brain then received some permanent injury
-which deprived him of the power of reasoning, and
-of control over his actions.</p>
-
-<p>He now left the army, and went home to live with
-his father. Here he lived the regular Irishman’s
-life of the period: hunting, shooting, cock-fighting,
-&amp;c., until he fell in love with a lady of good family,
-a Miss Conolly of Castletown; but even here he could
-not act as other men do. He could not be married
-quietly, but ran away with his bride, and an incident
-in their elopement is amusingly told, it being put in
-the mouth of his servant.</p>
-
-<p>‘But hoo did the Captain mak’ it up again wi’ the
-Square? Ye omadhaun, it was with the young misthress
-he med it up; and she took Frinch lave with him,
-wan fine moonlight night soon afther. It was mysel’
-that had the chaise an’ four waitin’ for them; an’ a
-divilish good thing happened at the first inn we
-stopt at. The Captain in coorse ordhered the best
-dhrawin’-room for the misthress; an’ sure, if it was
-goold, she was worthy ov it. But the beggarly-lookin’
-waither sed it was taken up with some grand
-Englishmen.
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_139">139</span></p>
-
-<p>‘“Request thim,” sis the Captain, “to accommodate
-a lady that’s fatigued, with the apartment.”</p>
-
-<p>‘Well an’ good, the waither delivered the message,
-when one of the Englishers roars out, “Damn the
-fellow’s cursed insolence, we shan’t give up the room
-to any rascal.”</p>
-
-<p>‘“Here,” sis one of thim, “show Paddy this watch,
-an’ ax him to tell what o’clock it is.”</p>
-
-<p>‘So the waither brings the watch with the message
-in to where the Captain and mysel’ was&mdash;the misthress
-had gone with her maid to another room to
-change her dhress.</p>
-
-<p>‘“Very well,” sis the Captain, “I think I can show
-them what o’clock it is.” So he dhraws his soord,
-and puts the point through his chain; “Channor,”
-thin says he to me, “attend me.”</p>
-
-<p>‘With that we went in among them, an’ the Captain
-sthretched over the watch at the sword’s point to
-ache of them, beggin’, with a polite bow, to know to
-which o’ thim it belonged. But little notions, ye may
-swair, they had ov ownin’ it <i>theirs</i>. Every wan o’
-the cowardly rascals swore it did not belong to
-himsel’!</p>
-
-<p>‘“Oh, I was thinkin’, jintlemen, it was all a bit ov
-a mistake,” sis the Captain, “so I think you must
-have it, Channor, for want of a betther owner.” So
-with that he hands it over to mysel’. It was a fine
-goold watch, an’ here I have it still.’</p>
-
-<p>Not only was young Mrs. Fitzgerald reconciled to
-her relations, but an arrangement was made with old
-Fitzgerald that, on payment of a certain sum of
-money down, he would give his son a rent charge of
-&pound;1,000 a year on his estate, and he had a very handsome
-fortune with his wife besides.
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_140">140</span></p>
-
-<p>The young couple thereupon went to France, and,
-having introductions to the best society in Paris,
-enjoyed themselves immensely. He dressed splendidly,
-and he astonished the Parisians, who asked
-each other, ‘Qui est ce seigneur? d’o&ugrave; vient il?
-Il n’est pas Fran&ccedil;ais,&mdash;Quelle magnificence! Quelle
-politesse! Est-il possible qu’il soit &eacute;tranger?’ In his
-hat he wore diamonds, and the same precious stones
-adorned his buckles and his sword-knot; indeed, all
-through his life he was fond of such gewgaws, and
-when his house at Turlough was wrecked by the
-mob&mdash;no one preventing&mdash;he estimated his loss in
-jewellery, &amp;c., at &pound;20,000. They must have been
-costly, for he enumerates among the stolen collection:
-‘A casquet containing a complete set of diamond
-vest buttons, two large emeralds, a hat-band with
-five or six rows of Oriental pearls, worth &pound;1,500, a
-large engraved amethyst, a gold watch and chain
-studded with diamonds, several other gold watches
-and seals, a great number of antique and modern
-rings, gold shoe and knee buckles, silver shaving
-apparatus, several pairs of silver shoe and knee
-buckles, with &pound;6,300 worth of other jewels.’</p>
-
-<p>He joined eagerly in the dissipations of the gay
-French capital, especially in gaming, and the twenty
-thousand pounds he had with his wife soon came to
-an end; and among other people to whom he was in
-debt was the Comte d’Artois, afterwards Charles X.,
-to whom he owed three thousand pounds. One
-evening afterwards he offered a bet of one thousand
-pounds on the prince’s hand of cards, which the
-Comte d’Artois overhearing, he asked Fitzgerald for
-payment, and, being told that it was not then convenient,
-the prince took the Irishman by the arm, led
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_141">141</span>
-him to the top of the stairs, and then, giving him one
-kick, left him to get downstairs as quickly as he
-could. This indignity was one which it was very
-hard on the hot-blooded Irishman to be obliged to
-endure, for he might not challenge with impunity a
-prince of the blood, and from the public nature of the
-insult he naturally lost his place in society. It was
-certain he must leave France; but before he left he
-must somehow distinguish himself. And he did it in
-this wise. The king was hunting at Fontainebleau,
-and Fitzgerald, regardless of the etiquette which always
-allowed the foremost place to the king and royal
-family, took the hunting of the pack upon himself,
-riding close to the hounds, cheering and encouraging
-them. But for some time the stag kept well in the
-open, and gave Fitzgerald no opportunity of showing
-off his horsemanship, until it suddenly turned off towards
-the river Seine, on the banks of which a wall
-had been built. This it leaped, and, to use a hunting
-phrase, ‘took soil’ in the river. Over streamed
-the hounds, and over flew Fitzgerald, reckless of a
-drop of fourteen feet on the other side, going plump
-into the river. The hunt stopped at that wall, none
-daring to take it, and watched with amazement Fitzgerald
-emerge, his feet still in the stirrups, and,
-swimming the river, climb the opposite bank and ride
-away.</p>
-
-<p>He went to London, where he was well received
-in society, notwithstanding that his fame as a duellist
-was well known, he having fought eleven duels by
-the time he was twenty-four years of age. Whether
-it was then that he forced his way into Brookes’ Club
-I know not, but it is certain that he did, and as I
-cannot tell the story as well as it is told in that most
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_142">142</span>
-amusing but anonymously written book, ‘The Clubs
-of London,’ I extract it.</p>
-
-<p>‘Fitzgerald having once applied to Admiral Keith
-Stewart to propose him as a candidate for “Brookes’s,”
-the worthy admiral, well knowing that he must
-either fight or comply with his request, chose the
-latter alternative. Accordingly, on the night in
-which the balloting was to take place (which was
-only a mere form in this case, for even Keith Stewart
-himself had resolved to <i>black-ball</i> him), the duellist
-accompanied the gallant admiral to St. James’s Street,
-and waited in the room below, whilst the suffrages
-were taken, in order to know the issue.</p>
-
-<p>‘The ballot was soon over, for without hesitation
-every member threw in a <i>black ball</i>, and, when the
-scrutiny took place, the company were not a little
-amazed to find not even <i>one</i> white one among the
-number. However, the point of rejection being
-carried <i>nem. con.</i>, the grand affair now was as to
-which of the members had the hardihood to announce
-the same to the expectant candidate. No one would
-undertake the office, for the announcement was sure
-to produce a challenge, and a duel with Fighting
-Fitzgerald had in almost every case been fatal to his
-opponent. The general opinion, however, was that
-the proposer, Admiral Stewart, should convey the
-intelligence, and that in as polite terms as possible;
-but the admiral, who was certainly on all proper
-occasions a very gallant officer, was not inclined to
-go on any such embassy.</p>
-
-<p>‘“No, gentlemen,” said he; “I proposed the fellow
-because I knew you would not admit him; but, by
-G&mdash;d, I have no inclination to risk my life against
-that of a madman.”
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_143">143</span></p>
-
-<p>‘“But, admiral,” replied the Duke of Devonshire,
-“there being no <i>white ball</i> in the box, he must know
-that <i>you</i> have black-balled him as well as the rest,
-and he is sure to call you out, at all events.”</p>
-
-<p>‘This was a poser for the poor admiral, who sat
-silent for a few seconds amidst the half-suppressed
-titter of the members. At length, joining in the
-laugh against himself, he exclaimed,</p>
-
-<p>‘“Upon my soul, a pleasant job I’ve got into!
-D&mdash;&mdash;n the fellow! No matter! I won’t go. Let
-the waiter tell him that there was <i>one</i> black ball,
-and that his name must be put up again if he
-wishes it.”</p>
-
-<p>‘This plan appeared so judicious that all concurred
-in its propriety. Accordingly the waiter was a few
-minutes after despatched on the mission.</p>
-
-<p>‘In the meantime Mr. Fitzgerald showed evident
-symptoms of impatience at being kept so long from
-his “dear friends” above stairs, and frequently rang
-the bell to know <i>the state of the poll</i>. On the first
-occasion he thus addressed the waiter who answered
-his summons:</p>
-
-<p>‘“Come here, my tight little fellow. Do you know
-if I am <i>chose</i> yet?”</p>
-
-<p>‘“I really can’t say, sir,” replied the young man,
-“but I’ll see.”</p>
-
-<p>‘“There’s a nice little man; be quick, d’ye see,
-and I’ll give ye sixpence when ye come with the good
-news.”</p>
-
-<p>‘Away went the <i>little man</i>; but he was in no hurry
-to come back, for he as well as his fellows was sufficiently
-aware of Fitzgerald’s violent temper, and
-wished to come in contact with him as seldom as
-possible.
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_144">144</span></p>
-
-<p>‘The bell rang again, and to another waiter the
-impatient candidate put the same question:</p>
-
-<p>‘“Am I chose yet, waither?”</p>
-
-<p>‘“The balloting is not over yet, sir,” replied the
-man.</p>
-
-<p>‘“Not over yet!” exclaimed Fitzgerald. “But,
-sure, there is no use of balloting at all when my dear
-friends are all unanimous for me to come in. Run,
-my man, and let me know how they are getting on.”</p>
-
-<p>‘After the lapse of another quarter-of-an-hour, the
-bell was rung so violently as to produce a contest
-among the poor servants, as to whose turn it was to
-visit the lion in his den! and Mr. Brookes, seeing no
-alternative but resolution, took the message from the
-waiter, who was descending the staircase, and boldly
-entered the room with a coffee equipage in his hand.</p>
-
-<p>‘“Did you call for coffee, sir?”</p>
-
-<p>‘“D&mdash;n your coffee, sur! and you too,” answered
-Mr. Fitzgerald, in a voice which made the host’s
-blood curdle in his veins&mdash;“I want to know, sur, and
-that without a moment’s delay, sur, if I am <i>chose</i> yet.”</p>
-
-<p>‘“Oh, sir!” replied Mr. Brookes, who trembled
-from head to foot, but attempted to smile away the
-appearance of fear, “I beg your pardon, sir; but I
-was just coming to announce to you, sir, with Admiral
-Stewart’s compliments, sir, that unfortunately
-there was one black ball in the box, sir; and, consequently,
-by the rules of the club, sir, no candidate
-can be admitted without a new election, sir; which
-cannot take place, by the standing regulations of the
-club, sir, until one month from this time, sir!”</p>
-
-<p>‘During this address Fitzgerald’s irascibility appeared
-to undergo considerable mollification; and,
-at its conclusion, the terrified landlord was not a
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_145">145</span>
-little surprised and pleased to find his guest shake
-him by the hand, which he squeezed heartily between
-his own two, saying,</p>
-
-<p>‘“My dear Mr. Brookes, <i>I’m chose</i>; and I give ye
-much joy: for I’ll warrant ye’ll find me the best customer
-in your house! But there must be a small
-matter of mistake in my election; and, as I should not
-wish to be so ungenteel as to take my sate among
-my dear friends above-stairs, until that mistake is
-duly rectified, you’ll just step up and make my compliments
-to the gentlemen, and say, as it is only a
-mistake of <i>one</i> black ball, they will be so good as to
-waive all ceremony on my account, and proceed to
-re-elect their humble servant without any more delay
-at all; so now, my dear Mr. Brookes, you may put
-down the coffee, and I’ll be drinking it whilst the
-new election is going on!”</p>
-
-<p>‘Away went Mr. Brookes, glad enough to escape
-with whole bones, for this time at least. On announcing
-the purport of his errand to the assembly
-above-stairs, many of the members were panic-struck,
-for they clearly foresaw that some disagreeable circumstance
-was likely to be the finale of the farce
-they had been playing. Mr. Brookes stood silent for
-some minutes, waiting for an answer, whilst several
-of the members whispered, and laughed, in groups,
-at the ludicrous figure which they all cut. At length
-the Earl of March (afterwards Duke of Queensbury)
-said aloud,</p>
-
-<p>‘“Try the effect of <i>two</i> black balls; d&mdash;&mdash;n his
-Irish impudence; if two balls don’t take effect upon
-him, I don’t know what will.” This proposition met
-with unanimous approbation, and Mr. Brookes was
-ordered to communicate accordingly.
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_146">146</span></p>
-
-<p>‘On re-entering the waiting-room, Mr. Fitzgerald
-rose hastily from his chair, and, seizing him by the
-hand, eagerly inquired,</p>
-
-<p>‘“Have they elected me right now, Mr. Brookes?”</p>
-
-<p>‘“I hope no offence, Mr. Fitzgerald,” said the
-landlord, “but I am sorry to inform you that the
-result of the second balloting is&mdash;that <i>two</i> black balls
-were dropped in, sir.”</p>
-
-<p>‘“By J&mdash;&mdash;s, then,” exclaimed Fitzgerald, “there’s
-now <i>two</i> mistakes instead of one. Go back, my dear
-friend, and tell the honourable members that it is a
-very uncivil thing to keep a gentleman waiting
-below-stairs, with no one to keep him company but
-himself, whilst they are enjoying themselves with
-their champagne, and their cards, and their Tokay,
-up above. Tell them to try again, and I hope they
-will have better luck this time, and make no more
-mistakes, because it’s getting late, and I won’t be
-chose to-night at all. So now, Mr. Brookes, be off
-with yourself, and lave the door open till I see what
-despatch you make.”’</p>
-
-<p>Away went Mr. Brookes for the last time. On announcing
-his unwelcome errand, everyone saw that
-palliative measures only prolonged the dilemma: and
-General Fitzpatrick proposed that Brookes should tell
-him: “His cause was hopeless, for that he was
-<i>black-balled all over</i> from head to foot, and it was
-hoped by all the members that Mr. Fitzgerald would
-not persist in thrusting himself into society where his
-company was declined.”</p>
-
-<p>‘This message, it was generally believed, would
-prove a sickener, as it certainly would have done to
-any other candidate under similar circumstances. Not
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_147">147</span>
-so, however, to Fitzgerald, who no sooner heard the
-purport of it, than he exclaimed,</p>
-
-<p>‘“Oh, I perceive it is <i>a mistake altogether</i>, Mr.
-Brookes, and I must see to the rectifying of it myself;
-there’s nothing like dealing with principals, and
-so I’ll step up at once, and put the thing to rights,
-without any more unnecessary delay.”</p>
-
-<p>‘In spite of Mr. Brookes’s remonstrance that his
-entrance into the club-room was against all rule and
-etiquette, Fitzgerald found his way up-stairs, threatening
-to throw the landlord over the bannisters for
-endeavouring to stop him. He entered the room
-without any further ceremony than a bow, saying to
-the members, who indignantly rose up at this most
-unexpected intrusion,</p>
-
-<p>‘“Your servant, gentlemen! I beg ye will be
-sated.” Walking up to the fire-place, he thus addressed
-Admiral Stewart: “So, my dear admiral,
-Mr. Brookes informs me that I have been <i>elected</i> three
-times.”</p>
-
-<p>‘“You have been balloted for, Mr. Fitzgerald, but
-I am sorry to say you have not been chosen,” said
-Stewart.</p>
-
-<p>‘“Well, then,” replied the duellist, “did you black-ball
-me?”</p>
-
-<p>‘“My good sir,” answered the admiral, “how could
-you suppose such a thing?”</p>
-
-<p>‘“Oh, I <i>supposed</i> no such thing, my dear fellow, I
-only want to know who it was dropped the black
-balls in by accident, as it were.”</p>
-
-<p>‘Fitzgerald now went up to each individual member,
-and put the same question <i>seriatim</i>, “Did you
-black-ball me, sir?” until he made the round of the
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_148">148</span>
-whole club; and it may well be supposed that in
-every case he obtained similar answers to that of the
-admiral. When he had finished his inquisition, he
-thus addressed the whole body, who preserved as
-dread and dead a silence as the urchins at a parish
-school do on a Saturday when the pedagogue orders
-half-a-score of them to be <i>horsed</i> for neglecting their
-catechism, which they have to repeat to the parson
-on Sunday:</p>
-
-<p>‘“You see, gentlemen, that as none of ye have
-black-balled me, <i>I must be chose</i>; and it is Misthur
-Brookes that has made the mistake. But I was convinced
-of it from the beginning, and I am only sorry
-that so much time has been lost as to prevent
-honourable gentlemen from enjoying each other’s
-good company sooner. Waither! Come here, you
-rascal, and bring me a bottle of champagne, till I
-drink long life to the club, and wish them joy of
-their unanimous election of a raal gentleman by father
-and mother, and&mdash;” this part of Fitzgerald’s address
-excited the risible muscles of everyone present; but
-he soon restored them to their former lugubrious
-position by casting around him a ferocious look, and
-saying, in a voice of thunder&mdash;“<i>and who never missed
-his man</i>! Go for the champagne, waithur; and, d’ye
-hear, sur, tell your masthur&mdash;Misthur Brookes, that is&mdash;not
-to make any more mistakes about black balls,
-for, though it is below a gentleman to call him out, I
-will find other means of giving him a bagful of broken
-bones.”</p>
-
-<p>‘The members now saw that there was nothing for
-it but to send the intruder to Coventry, which they
-appeared to do by tacit agreement; for when Admiral
-Stewart departed, which he did almost immediately,
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_149">149</span>
-Mr. Fitzgerald found himself completely cut by all
-“his dear friends.” The gentlemen now found themselves
-in groups at the several whist-tables, and no
-one chose to reply to his observations, nor to return
-even a nod to the toasts and healths which he drank
-whilst discussing three bottles of the sparkling liquor
-which the terrified waiter placed before him in succession.
-At length, finding that no one would communicate
-with him in either kind, either for drinking
-or for fighting, he arose, and, making a low bow, took
-his leave as follows:</p>
-
-<p>‘“Gentlemen, I bid you all good night; I am glad
-to find ye so <i>sociable</i>. I’ll take care to come earlier
-next night, and we’ll have a little more of it, please
-G&mdash;d.”</p>
-
-<p>‘The departure of this bully was a great relief to
-everyone present, for the restraint caused by his
-vapouring and insolent behaviour was intolerable.
-The conversation immediately became general, and
-it was unanimously agreed that half-a-dozen stout
-constables should be in waiting the next evening to
-lay him by the heels and bear him off to the watch-house
-if he attempted again to intrude. Of some
-such measure Fitzgerald seemed to be aware, for he
-never showed himself at “Brookes’s” again, though
-he boasted everywhere that he had been unanimously
-chosen a member of the club.’</p>
-
-<p>He lived the life of a man about town, and not a
-very reputable one, either a bully whom everyone
-feared and no one liked, until the summer of 1773,
-when he appeared before the public in a dispute of
-which there is a long account in a contemporary
-pamphlet, ‘The Vauxhall Affray, or Macaronies
-defeated.’ The Rev. Henry Bate (afterwards Sir H.
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_150">150</span>
-B. Dudley), the proprietor and editor of the <i>Morning
-Post</i>, was at Vauxhall in company with Mrs. Hartley,
-the actress, her husband, Mr. Colman, and a friend,
-when Fitzgerald, accompanied by the Hon. Thomas
-Lyttleton, Captain Croftes, and some others, all more
-or less intoxicated, behaved so rudely to Mrs. Hartley
-that she could stand it no longer, and complained.
-Parson Bate was a notable ‘bruiser,’ and he took her
-part, and struck Croftes a blow. Cards were exchanged,
-and next morning an interview was arranged,
-at which the clergyman and officer were reconciled,
-when in bounced Fitzgerald, and declared, in a most
-insolent manner, that Mr. Bate should give immediate
-satisfaction to his friend, Captain Miles, whom, he said,
-the former had grossly insulted the evening before.
-Miles was introduced, and declared that he had been
-affronted by the clergyman, and if he did not immediately
-strip and fight with him, he (Miles) would
-post him as a coward, and cane him wherever he
-met him.</p>
-
-<p>Mindful of his cloth, Mr. Bate hesitated; but Miles,
-saying something about cowardice, the parson threw
-all consideration of his calling to the winds, a ring
-was formed, and Captain Miles received the handsomest
-thrashing he ever had. Soon afterwards it transpired
-that Captain Miles was Fitzgerald’s own servant,
-who had been compelled by his master so to behave.
-Mr. Bate very properly exposed the affair in the
-<i>Morning Post</i>.</p>
-
-<p>We next hear of him engaged in a duel with Captain
-Scawen of the Guards, which was fought at
-Lille, and twice he fired before his adversary. Luckily
-he missed him, and the second time the captain,
-having fired in the air, the affair ended.
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_151">151</span></p>
-
-<p>He was concerned in another duel, which made
-some stir at the time (1775). There was a young
-fellow named Walker, the son of a plumber and
-painter, whose father left him a large fortune, and
-Daisy Walker, as he was called, became a cornet in
-Burgoyne’s Light Dragoons. His fortune soon went
-in gambling, and he had to retire from the service,
-whilst his guardians looked into his affairs. At that
-time Fitzgerald held a bill of his for three thousand
-pounds, and pressed for payment. It was ultimately
-compromised, and, on receipt of five hundred pounds,
-he gave up the bill. Subsequently Daisy Walker
-made some lucky bets, and Fitzgerald at once became
-clamourous for payment of two thousand five
-hundred pounds. Walker denied his liability, saying
-the matter was settled by the payment of five
-hundred pounds and the return of the bill; but this
-was not Fitzgerald’s view of the matter, and he
-dunned young Walker whenever he met him, and at
-last, at Ascot races, he cut him across the face with
-his cane.</p>
-
-<p>Of course, in those days, there could be but one
-course to be taken, and a challenge was sent, and
-accepted. Walker, as being the insulted party, should
-fire first. They duly met, and the distance was fixed
-at ten paces, but the second who measured the ground
-took such strides that it was virtually twelve paces.
-Walker fired, and his antagonist was unhurt. Fitzgerald,
-who had the whole etiquette of the duello at
-his finger’s ends, then stepped forward and apologised
-for having struck Walker&mdash;which apology was accepted.
-But, as soon as this ceremony was finished, Fitzgerald
-again began dunning for his &pound;2,500, and, when
-he was told that it was not owing, he prepared to
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_152">152</span>
-take his shot, offering to bet &pound;1,000 that he hit his
-adversary. The pistol missed fire, and he calmly
-chipped the flint, reiterating his offer to bet. He
-fired, and the ball grazed Walker in the arm just
-below the shoulder, but did not wound him, and
-they left the field. Subsequently, however, Fitzgerald
-declared that Walker was ‘papered,’ <i>i.e.</i>, protected
-in some way, and published an account of
-the duel in a pamphlet, addressed to the Jockey
-Club. To this Walker replied, and Fitzgerald
-followed up with another pamphlet, in which he
-says:&mdash;</p>
-
-<p>‘I should most certainly have fixed it at <i>six</i> instead
-of <i>ten</i> paces. My predilection for that admeasurement
-of ground is founded upon the strictest principles of
-humanity. For I know, from trials successively repeated,
-twenty times one after the other, I can, at
-that distance, hit any part of the human body to a
-<i>line</i>, which, possibly you may know, is only the <i>twelfth
-part of an inch</i>.’</p>
-
-<p>And he again refers to his pistol-practice. ‘So,
-then, you had one Surtout on; are you certain you
-had not half-a-dozen? If no more than one Surtout,
-pray how many coats and waistcoats? You give us
-no account of your under-garments. I ask these
-questions, Sir, because, after reading your pamphlet,
-I took the same pistol, charged it with the same
-quantity of powder, used a bullet cast in the same
-mould, measured out twelve good paces with a yard
-wand, and then fired at a thick stick, which I had
-previously covered over with two waistcoats lined,
-one coat lined, and one double-milled drab Surtout.
-What think you, Sir, was the result? Why, Sir, the
-ball penetrated through the Surtout, the coat, two
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_153">153</span>
-waistcoats, and lodged itself an inch deep in the
-stick. There is nothing like experimental philosophy
-for a fair proof, it beats your <i>ipse dixits</i> all halloo.
-You see how ingeniously I pass away my private
-hours&mdash;I am always hard at study.’</p>
-
-<p>This affair made London too hot for him, and he
-went over to France with an old brother officer named
-Baggs, and they picked up a living by horse-racing
-and gambling&mdash;which led to a duel between the
-two, for Baggs had fleeced a young Englishman
-named Sandford, and there was a quarrel as to the
-division of the spoil, which ended in Fitzgerald drawing
-his gloves across Baggs’ face, and Baggs returning
-the compliment by dashing his hat in his partner’s
-face. Of course the outcome of this was a duel, which
-is graphically described by Hamilton Rowan in his
-‘Autobiography.’</p>
-
-<p>‘They fired together, and were in the act of levelling
-their second pistols, when Baggs fell on his side,
-saying,</p>
-
-<p>‘“Sir, I am wounded.”</p>
-
-<p>‘“But you are not dead!” said Fitzgerald.</p>
-
-<p>‘At the same moment he discharged his second
-pistol at his fallen antagonist.</p>
-
-<p>‘Baggs immediately started on his legs and advanced
-on Fitzgerald, who, throwing the empty pistol
-at him, quitted his station, and kept a zig-zag course
-across the field, Baggs following. I saw the flash of
-Bagg’s second pistol, and, at the same moment, Fitzgerald
-lay stretched on the ground. I was just in
-time to catch Baggs as he fell, after firing his second
-shot. He swooned from intense pain, the small bone
-of his leg being broken. Mr. Fitzgerald now came
-up, saying,
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_154">154</span></p>
-
-<p>‘“We are both wounded; let us go back to our
-ground.”’</p>
-
-<p>But this could not be allowed, and the wounded
-were carried home. Fitzgerald’s wound was in the
-thigh, and rendered him slightly lame ever after.</p>
-
-<p>When he got well, he returned to Ireland, and,
-thanks to his uncle, the Earl of Bristol and Bishop of
-Derry, he lived in very fair style, either in Merrion
-Street, Dublin, or at Rockfield, near Turlough. While
-living in Dublin he fought a duel with John Toler
-(afterwards Lord Norbury), fired a pistol at Denis
-Browne, Lord Altamont’s brother, in Sackville Street,
-in broad daylight, and insulted and struck John
-Fitzgibbon, afterwards Lord Chancellor Clare.</p>
-
-<p>Death now took away his guardian-angel, his
-amiable and patient wife, leaving him a little daughter.
-His grief for her loss was extravagant, and amounted
-to little short of frenzy. After the funeral he behaved
-more than ever like a madman. He took to hunting
-by night, and hunted anything that was about after
-dark. In this wild chase he was always accompanied
-by a band of mounted servants, carrying
-torches, and, when the peasants were roused from
-their slumbers by the noise of hounds, and the cries of
-men, they knew that Mad Fitzgerald was abroad.</p>
-
-<p>When he hunted by day, he would peremptorily
-order home anyone to whom he had even a fancied
-dislike. He would tell one man to go home for he
-was more fitted to follow the plough than the hounds;
-another would be bidden to go and mind his sheep,
-and a third would be told to quit the field, as he was
-too fat for the sport. And they had to go, for their
-monitor would not have scrupled to have used his
-whip, and, if that had been objected to, there was
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_155">155</span>
-always the <i>ultima ratio</i> of a duel, and men were rather
-shy of meeting ‘Fighting Fitzgerald.’</p>
-
-<p>He had a particular dislike to the family of Lord
-Altamont, and behaved in a most high-handed and
-outrageous manner towards them. For instance, he
-heard that a relation of my lord’s, a Mr. Browne, was
-out shooting on a bog near Westport, so he got
-together his men and dogs, and went in quest of him.
-When Mr. Browne saw him enter on the scene, he
-retired; Fitzgerald pursued, Mr. Browne increased
-his pace, so did Fitzgerald, until he literally hunted
-the offending sportsman home. Another time he
-rode over to Lord Altamont’s house, and asked to
-see the wolf-dog, which, for its size and fierceness,
-was the admiration and terror of the neighbourhood.
-No sooner was he shown the dog than he shot it,
-charging the servants to tell their master that, until
-he became more charitable to the poor, who only
-came to his door to be barked at and bitten, he
-should not allow such a beast to be kept, but that he
-had no objection to the three ladies of the family
-each keeping a lap-dog.</p>
-
-<p>After a time, his grief at the loss of his wife subsided,
-and he fell in love with the only child and heiress
-of a Mr. Vaughan, of Carrowmore, County Mayo, and
-singularly, although she well knew his reckless
-character, she returned his affection. We know how
-he ran away with his first wife; the story of his
-wedding with his second is yet more romantic.</p>
-
-<p>Mr. Vaughan was, not unnaturally, averse to Fitzgerald
-marrying his daughter, but, at the same time,
-he did not forbid him the house. So one night Fitzgerald
-was suddenly attacked by a very acute illness,
-writhing about in great agony, and at last begged
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_156">156</span>
-to be allowed to remain there that night. In the
-morning he was much worse, and at death’s door,
-lamenting the iniquity of his past life, and begging
-that a priest should be sent for. Of course one soon
-came, but, in the midst of his spiritual exercises,
-Fitzgerald sprang out of bed, and, presenting a
-pistol to the head of the priest, swore he would blow
-out his brains if he did not instantly marry him to
-Miss Vaughan, and the terror-stricken priest had no
-option but to comply. Mr. Vaughan had to bow to
-the inevitable, and the new Mrs. Fitzgerald never
-had reason to complain of her husband’s treatment of
-her, as he was uniformly kind and affectionate to her.</p>
-
-<p>When Fitzgerald returned to Ireland, he found his
-father, a weak, false, vicious old man, almost in his
-dotage, and entirely under the control of his younger
-son Lionel, a low woman whom he had taken as his
-mistress, and an unscrupulous pettifogger named
-Patrick Randal MacDonnell. Charles Lionel, the
-younger son, was his brother’s enemy, because he
-saw nothing but poverty before him if his father
-paid George Robert the &pound;1,000 a year to which he
-was entitled, for the old spendthrift was always in
-debt. The mistress had every reason to keep things
-as they were, and MacDonnell did not like to see his
-pickings done away with. It is questionable whether
-Fitzgerald had ever received any portion of his
-settlement&mdash;at all events, it was &pound;12,000 in arrear.
-He saw the estate that was ultimately to come to
-him being wasted, his father getting more hopelessly
-into debt, and spending his substance on an
-immoral and greedy woman, and he was determined
-to put a stop to it. He had a difficulty to get a
-solicitor in Dublin to undertake his case, but at last
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_157">157</span>
-he found one, and arranged with him to accompany
-him in his carriage to Mayo. The story of that ride
-is told by Sir Jonah Barrington (vol. iii, p. 170, ed.
-1832) as follows:</p>
-
-<p>‘Mr. Fitzgerald sent for the attorney, and told him
-that, if his going down was previously known, there
-would be several of the tenants and others, under the
-adverse influence of his father and brother, who
-would probably abscond, and that, therefore, since
-spies were watching him perpetually, to give notice
-in the county of his every movement, it was expedient
-that he should set out two or three hours
-before daybreak, so as to have the start of them.
-That his own travelling-carriage should be ready
-near the gate of the Phœnix Park to take up Mr.
-T&mdash;&mdash;, who might bring his trunk of papers with
-him in a hack-carriage, so that there should be no
-suspicion.</p>
-
-<p>‘All this was reasonable and proper, and accordingly
-done. Mr. Fitzgerald’s carriage was on the
-spot named, near the wall of the Phœnix Park. The
-attorney was punctual, the night pitch dark, and the
-trunk of papers put into the boot; the windows were
-all drawn up. Mr. T&mdash;&mdash; stepped into the carriage
-with as great satisfaction as ever he had felt in his
-whole lifetime, and away they drove cheerily, at a
-good round pace, for the county of Galway.</p>
-
-<p>‘Mr. T&mdash;&mdash; had no idea that anybody else was
-coming with them, Mr. Fitzgerald not having mentioned
-such a thing. He found, however, a third
-gentleman in a travelling-cloak sitting between himself
-and his client, who was dozing in the far corner.
-The stranger, too, he found not over-courteous; for,
-though the carriage was not very roomy, and the
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_158">158</span>
-gentleman was bulky, he showed no disposition
-whatever to accommodate the attorney, who begged
-him, with great suavity and politeness, to “move a
-little.” To this he received no reply, but a snoring
-both from the strange traveller and Mr. Fitzgerald.
-Mr. T&mdash;&mdash; now felt himself much crowded and
-pressed, and again earnestly requested “the gentleman”
-to allow him, if possible, a little more room;
-but he only received a snore in return. He now
-concluded that his companion was a low, vulgar
-fellow. His nerves became rather lax; he got
-alarmed, without well knowing why; he began to
-twitter&mdash;the twitter turned into a shake, and, as is
-generally the case, the shake ended with a cold
-sweat, and Mr. T&mdash;&mdash; found himself in a state of
-mind and body far more disagreeable than he had
-ever before experienced.</p>
-
-<p>‘The closeness and pressure had elicited a hot
-perspiration on the one side, while his fears produced
-a cold perspiration on the other, so that (quite unlike
-the ague he had not long recovered from) he had hot
-and cold fits at the same moment. All his apprehensions
-were now awakened; his memory opened her
-stores, and he began to recollect dreadful anecdotes
-of Mr. Fitzgerald, which he never before had credited,
-or indeed had any occasion to remember. The
-ruffians of Turlow passed as the ghosts in “Macbeth”
-before his imagination. Mr. Fitzgerald, he supposed,
-was in a fox’s sleep, and his bravo in another, who,
-instead of receding at all, on the contrary, squeezed
-the attorney closer and closer. His respiration now
-grew impeded, and every fresh idea exaggerated his
-horror; his untaxed costs, he anticipated, would
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_159">159</span>
-prove his certain death, and that a cruel one. Neither
-of his companions would answer him a single
-question, the one replying only by a rude snore, and
-the other by a still ruder.</p>
-
-<p>‘“Now,” thought Mr. T&mdash;&mdash;, “my fate is consummated.
-I have often heard how Mr. Fitzgerald cut
-a Jew’s throat in Italy, and slaughtered numerous
-creditors while on the grand tour of Europe. God
-help me! unfortunate solicitor that I am, my last
-day, or rather night, has come!”</p>
-
-<p>‘He thought to let down the window and admit a
-little fresh air, but it was quite fast. The whole
-situation was insupportable, and at length he addressed
-Mr. Fitzgerald, most pathetically, thus:</p>
-
-<p>‘“Mr. Fitzgerald, I’ll date the receipt the moment
-you choose, and whenever it’s your convenience I
-have no doubt you’ll pay it most honourably&mdash;no
-doubt, no doubt, Mr. Fitzgerald&mdash;but not necessary
-at all till perfectly convenient, or never, if more
-agreeable to you and this other gentleman.”</p>
-
-<p>‘Fitzgerald could now contain himself no longer,
-but said, quite in good humour,</p>
-
-<p>‘“Oh, very well, Mr. T&mdash;&mdash;, very well, quite time
-enough; make yourself easy on that head.”</p>
-
-<p>‘The carriage now arrived at Maynooth, where the
-horses were instantly changed, and they proceeded
-rapidly on their journey, Mr. Fitzgerald declaring he
-would not alight till he reached Turlow, for fear of
-pursuit.</p>
-
-<p>‘The attorney now took courage, and, very truly
-surmising that the other gentleman was a foreigner,
-ventured to beg of Mr. Fitzgerald to ask “his friend”
-to sit over a little, as he was quite crushed.
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_160">160</span></p>
-
-<p>‘Mr. Fitzgerald replied, “That the party in question
-did not speak English, but when they arrived
-at Killcock the matter should be better arranged.”</p>
-
-<p>‘The attorney was now compelled for some time
-longer to suffer the hot press, inflicted with as little
-compunction as if he were only a sheet of paper;
-but, on arriving at the inn at Killcock, dawn just
-appeared, and Mr. Fitzgerald, letting down a window,
-desired his servant, who was riding with a pair
-of large horse-pistols before him, to rouse the people
-at the inn, and get some cold provisions and a bottle
-of wine brought to the carriage. “And, Thomas,”
-said he, “get five or six pounds of raw meat, if you
-can&mdash;no matter of what kind&mdash;for this foreign gentleman.”</p>
-
-<p>‘The attorney was now petrified; a little twilight
-glanced into the carriage, and nearly turned him
-into stone. The stranger was wrapped up in a blue
-travelling cloak with a scarlet cape, and had a great
-white cloth tied round his head and under his chin;
-but when Mr. Solicitor saw the face of his companion
-he uttered a piteous cry, and involuntarily ejaculated,
-“Murder! murder!” On hearing this cry, the servant
-rode back to the carriage window and pointed
-to his pistols. Mr. T&mdash;&mdash; now offered up his soul to
-God, the stranger grumbled, and Mr. Fitzgerald,
-leaning across, put his hand to the attorney’s mouth,
-and said he should direct his servant to give him
-reason for that cry, if he attempted to alarm the
-people of the house. Thomas went into the inn, and
-immediately returned with a bottle of wine and some
-bread, but reported that there was no raw meat to
-be had; on hearing which, Mr. Fitzgerald ordered
-him to seek some at another house.
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_161">161</span></p>
-
-<p>‘The attorney now exclaimed again, “God protect
-me!” Streaming with perspiration, his eye every
-now and then glancing towards his mysterious companion,
-and then, starting aside with horror, he at
-length shook as if he were relapsing into his old
-ague; and the stranger, finding so much unusual
-motion beside him, turned his countenance upon the
-attorney. Their cheeks came in contact, and the
-reader must imagine&mdash;because it is impossible adequately
-to describe&mdash;the scene that followed. The
-stranger’s profile was of uncommon prominence; his
-mouth stretched from ear to ear, he had enormous
-grinders, with a small twinkling eye, and his visage
-was all be-whiskered and mustachioed&mdash;more, even,
-than Count Platoff’s of the Cossacks.</p>
-
-<p>‘Mr. T&mdash;&mdash;’s optic nerves were paralysed as he
-gazed instinctively at his horrid companion, in whom,
-when he recovered his sense of vision sufficiently to
-scrutinize him, he could trace no similitude to any
-being on earth save a bear!</p>
-
-<p>‘And the attorney was quite correct in this comparison.
-It was actually a Russian bear, which Mr.
-Fitzgerald had educated from a cub, and which
-generally accompanied his master on his travels.
-He now gave Bruin a rap upon the nose with a
-stick which he carried, and desired him to hold up
-his head. The brute obeyed. Fitzgerald then ordered
-him to “kiss his neighbour,” and the bear did
-as he was told, but accompanied his salute with such
-a tremendous roar as roused the attorney (then
-almost swooning) to a full sense of his danger.
-Self-preservation is the first law of Nature, and at
-once gives courage, and suggests devices. On this
-occasion, every other kind of law&mdash;civil, criminal, or
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_162">162</span>
-equitable&mdash;was set aside by the attorney. All his
-ideas, if any he had, were centred in one word&mdash;“escape”;
-and as a weasel, it is said, will attack
-a man if driven to desperation, so did the attorney
-spurn the menaces of Mr. Fitzgerald, who endeavoured
-to hold and detain him.</p>
-
-<p>‘The struggle was violent, but brief; Bruin roared
-loud, but interfered not. Horror strengthened the
-solicitor. Dashing against the carriage-door, he burst
-it open, and, tumbling out, reeled into the public-house&mdash;then
-rushing through a back-door, and up a
-narrow lane that led to the village of Summer Hill
-(Mr. Roly’s demesne), about two miles distant, he
-stumbled over hillocks, tore through hedges and
-ditches, and never stopped till he came, breathless,
-to the little alehouse, completely covered with mud,
-and his clothes in rags. He there told so incoherent
-a story, that the people all took him for a man either
-bitten by a mad dog, or broken loose from his
-keepers, and considered it their duty to tie him,
-to prevent his biting, or other mischief. In that
-manner they led him to Squire Roly’s, at the great
-house, where the hapless attorney was pinioned and
-confined in a stable for some hours, till the squire
-got up. They put plenty of milk, bread, butter, and
-cheese into the manger, from the cock-loft above,
-to prevent accidents, as they said.’</p>
-
-<p>Fitzgerald, finding the estate going to the dogs&mdash;for
-his father was letting the lands at absurdly
-low prices to his favourites; as, for instance, he let
-his son Charles Lionel a valuable tract of land worth
-fifteen shillings an acre at one shilling and sixpence,
-and the deer park at the same price&mdash;took the necessary
-legal proceedings to protect himself; and, whilst
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_163">163</span>
-they were pending, his father was arrested for a debt
-of &pound;8,000, and taken to a Dublin sponging-house.
-Although his father had been trying to injure him
-by all the means in his power, yet Fitzgerald paid
-the debt, and became responsible for the other debts
-of his father, who, in return, ratified the settlement
-which had been in abeyance so long.</p>
-
-<p>Fitzgerald then applied to the Lord Chancellor for
-possession of the estate, on the grounds that, under
-its present management, the property was deteriorating,
-and as security for the money his father owed
-him, which amounted to &pound;20,000&mdash;&pound;12,000 of which
-were arrears of his income of &pound;1,000 per annum, and
-&pound;8,000 lent to obtain his release; and, in 1780, the
-Chancellor made the order as prayed. Had Fitzgerald
-gone with bailiffs, and demanded possession,
-there would have been bloodshed, in all probability;
-for the King’s writs did not run easily in that part
-of Ireland. So he waited until one day, when his
-father went over to Turlough, and he then made a
-forcible entry into Rockfield, with a troop of armed
-dependants, and dislodged the servants then in the
-house.</p>
-
-<p>Naturally his father did not take this quietly, and
-possession was not held peacefully. There were
-many collisions; and old Fitzgerald indicted his son
-for having headed a riotous mob, one of whom, he
-alleged, had, at his son’s instigation, attempted to
-take away his life, by firing a loaded musket at him.
-The charge could not be sufficiently proved, and
-Fitzgerald was acquitted.</p>
-
-<p>He now turned his attention towards improving
-his estate, and imported some Scotch Presbyterians,
-a sober and industrious set of men, to whom he
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_164">164</span>
-gave five hundred pounds towards building a meeting-house,
-and settled fifty pounds per annum on
-their minister; but his father’s party were always
-annoying him, and, in consequence, he refused to
-give maintenance to his father, who, thereupon, had
-recourse to the law-courts in Dublin to compel him
-so to do; and a writ was issued empowering the
-father to secure the body of his son until a maintenance
-was granted him. It would have been perfectly
-useless to have served the writ upon him at
-Turlough: it is probable no man could have been
-found bold enough to attempt it. So they waited
-until the next assizes at Balinrobe; and then, when
-they thought they had him safe in the grand jury
-room, they made application to the judge to arrest
-him there. Leave was granted, but Fitzgerald got
-wind of it, and when they went to capture him, lo!
-he was not to be found.</p>
-
-<p>He evidently thought two could play at that game,
-and he determined to get the old man into his power.
-In those days, in that part of Ireland, law was not
-much regarded, especially by men of Fighting Fitzgerald’s
-stamp; and he speedily put his plan into
-execution. As his father was going from Balinrobe
-to Dublin, he was waylaid by his son and a party of
-armed men, and carried off <i>vi et armis</i> to George
-Robert’s house at Turlough.</p>
-
-<p>This open violation of the law could not be submitted
-to tamely, and his younger brother went to
-Dublin, and stated his case before the judges, who
-granted him a writ of <i>habeas corpus</i>. But no one
-would serve that at Turlough, so they waited, as of
-aforetime, until he was at the grand jury room, and,
-leave having been given, his brother, who was bigger
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_165">165</span>
-and stronger than he, went in, and, literally collaring
-him, dragged him out, spite of all his protests that he
-was a grand jury man, and could not be touched
-while in the exercise of his functions. He was at
-once put on his trial, and the grand jury found a
-true bill against him, unanimously: nay, more, they
-publicly addressed the judge in court, expressing
-their abhorrence of the charge made against Fitzgerald.
-After the finding of a true bill, his trial at
-once took place, in despite of all efforts to postpone
-it to the next assizes, and it lasted from nine in the
-morning until nearly twelve at night, when, the
-judge having summed up, the jury found him guilty,
-and he was fined &pound;1,000, to be imprisoned for three
-years, and until he should pay the fine.</p>
-
-<p>What happens next in this man’s extraordinary
-career is almost difficult to believe, and shows the
-lawless state of the country. Fitzgerald was committed
-to Castlebar prison, but he seems to have been
-at large therein, for, four days after his committal, he
-calmly walked out of gaol, armed with a brace of
-pistols, and scattering a bag of silver to be scrambled
-for by the gaolers. The doors were all open, a horse
-was in readiness, and off he went, tantivy, for
-Turlough, where he was welcomed by his people with
-volleys of small arms and discharge of cannon. These
-latter Fitzgerald had procured from a ship, under the
-pretext that they would be useful for his volunteers,
-of which he was the colonel. These he mounted as
-a regular battery, and it was garrisoned in a perfectly
-military manner by his volunteers.</p>
-
-<p>But an escape from prison was, by the law of Ireland,
-deemed a capital felony, and the sheriff of the
-county issued proclamations and rewards for his
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_166">166</span>
-apprehension, at which Fitzgerald only laughed, for
-he could rely on his men, and he had his father still
-in his custody, as the old man did not go away when
-his son was, as he thought, safely imprisoned. He
-was some fifteen months at large before the majesty
-of the law asserted itself. Then a little army, consisting
-of three companies of foot, a troop of horse,
-and a battery of artillery, under the command of
-Major Longford, was sent to reduce this rebel. But,
-when they got to Rockfield, they found the cannon
-spiked, and the birds flown to Killala, whither they
-were followed by Charles Lionel, at the head of the
-Castlebar volunteers. But many people gathered
-round Fitzgerald, and he soon had a party which
-was too strong for them to attack. But, a large reinforcement
-arriving, he had to flee, and, with his
-father, and two or three attendants, he put to sea in
-an open boat, landing on a small island in the bay of
-Sligo.</p>
-
-<p>Here his father offered him terms, that if he would
-give him &pound;3,000 to clear off his debts, and pay him a
-small annuity, he would give him up the estate, and
-completely exonerate him of all blame in his capture
-and detention. To these terms Fitzgerald assented,
-and set off with his father through bye, and unfrequented
-roads to Dublin. But no sooner had the
-old man got into his old lodging, than he refused to
-ratify his bargain, and set his son at defiance.</p>
-
-<p>Fitzgerald, although there was a reward out of
-&pound;300 for his apprehension, took no pains to conceal
-himself, and, consequently, had not been long in
-Dublin, before Town-Major Hall heard of his whereabouts,
-and, taking twelve soldiers of the Castle
-guard with him, arrested Fitzgerald, and safely
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_167">167</span>
-lodged him in the Castle, where he was confined
-in the officer’s room; and there he abode till
-the general election, when, through the influence of
-his powerful friends, he was released. During his
-incarceration he wrote an appeal to the public on his
-case, although some say the author was one Timothy
-Brecknock, a somewhat unscrupulous lawyer whom
-Fitzgerald employed.</p>
-
-<p>The first use he made of his newly-acquired liberty
-was to revenge himself on a man who he fancied
-had done him some grievous injury, a somewhat
-eccentric gentleman named Dick Martin, and he determined
-to insult him in the most public manner.
-He met him at the theatre, struck him with his cane,
-calling him the bully of the Altamonts, and walked
-away. Of course, in those days a gentleman so
-insulted could but do one thing, and that was to
-send a challenge&mdash;and Martin did send Fitzgerald
-one by the hand of a cousin of the latter, a Mr.
-Lyster. While he was explaining the object of his
-visit, Fitzgerald rang the bell, and requested his
-footman to bring him his cudgel ‘with the green
-ribbon.’ This being brought, he walked up to his
-cousin, and ferociously asked how <i>he</i> dared to deliver
-such a message to <i>him</i>: then, not waiting for a reply,
-he belaboured him most unmercifully, with such
-violence indeed, as to break a diamond ring from off
-his finger. When he considered him sufficiently
-punished, he made him pick up his ring and present
-it to him&mdash;but he did not keep it, he wrapped it up
-in paper, and returned it, telling his cousin not to go
-about swearing that he had robbed him of it.</p>
-
-<p>Martin could get no satisfaction out of Fitzgerald
-in Dublin, the object of the latter being to let his
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_168">168</span>
-adversary have the reputation of being an insulted
-man. But, afterwards, they met at Castlebar, and a
-meeting was arranged. Martin was hit, and his
-bullet struck Fitzgerald, but glanced off: according
-to some it hit a button; according to others, Fitzgerald
-was <i>plastron&eacute;</i>, or armoured.</p>
-
-<p>His behaviour was more like that of a lunatic than
-of a sane man. Take the following example, for instance.
-He had a house and grounds near Dublin,
-and his neighbours all fought shy of him&mdash;nay, one
-of them, a retired officer, Captain Boulton, would
-neither accept his invitations nor invite him to his
-mansion. This conduct galled Fitzgerald, and he
-devised a novel method of avenging himself of the
-insult. He would shoot on the captain’s grounds
-without leave. So he went down with his man and
-dogs and began killing the game in fine style. This
-soon brought out the steward, who began to remonstrate
-with the trespasser. Fitzgerald’s answer was a
-bullet, which whizzed close to the head of the poor
-steward, who turned, and ran for his life, Fitzgerald
-after him with a second gun, with the certain determination
-of shooting him. Luckily the man got
-safely into the mansion. Baffled of his victim, Fitzgerald
-began abusing Captain Boulton, calling on
-him to come out, and give him satisfaction for his
-man’s behaviour. But the captain, not seeing the
-force of the argument, refrained, and Fitzgerald fired
-his gun at the dining-room window. As this, however,
-did not bring out the captain, he fired at the
-windows as fast as his man could load, and only left
-off when he had smashed every one of them.</p>
-
-<p>Another time he waged war against all the dogs in
-Castlebar, shooting them whenever he got a chance;
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_169">169</span>
-but the people did not stand it tamely; they rose,
-visited his kennels, and shot his dogs.</p>
-
-<p>His father died; but his brother, his father’s
-mistress, and MacDonnell, took advantage of every
-circumstance in their power to maliciously vex him.
-Law-suits were stirred up against him, and had to
-be met with the assistance of Timothy Brecknock,
-who was Fitzgerald’s legal adviser, and the followers
-of both parties were not particular in exchanging a
-shot or two, one with the other.</p>
-
-<p>At length MacDonnell kidnapped one of Fitzgerald’s
-servants, and kept him prisoner for twenty
-days. Then the man escaped, and Fitzgerald applied
-for, and obtained warrants against, MacDonnell and
-two other men, named Hipson and Gallagher. To
-execute these warrants personally must have been a
-congenial task to Fitzgerald, and he set out for that
-purpose, followed by a large body of men. On their
-approach, MacDonnell fled to the neighbouring village
-of Ballivary, and his friends did the best they
-could to defend themselves, firing on his party and
-wounding six or seven of them. They then went
-after MacDonnell, and, after more firing, succeeded
-in apprehending MacDonnell, Hipson, and Gallagher.
-These unfortunate men begged to be taken before
-the nearest magistrate; but Fitzgerald had them
-bound, and taken to his house, where they remained
-all night.</p>
-
-<p>Early the next morning they were sent, guarded
-by a man of his, one Andrew Craig, and about
-eighteen or twenty more, all well armed, to be
-examined by the magistrates. Before their departure
-Fitzgerald gave the guard strict instructions to kill
-the prisoners should they attempt to escape. When
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_170">170</span>
-they had gone about three-quarters of a mile a shot
-was fired, and one of the escort was laid low. But
-very little was wanted to rouse their wild blood, and
-it was at once considered that a rescue was intended.
-Remembering the instructions given them by Fitzgerald,
-they fired on their prisoners, killing Hipson,
-who fell into a ditch, dragging Gallagher with him,
-wounded with three bullets in his arm. MacDonnell,
-by the same volley, had both his arms broken, but
-he was soon afterwards despatched. Gallagher was
-then discovered, and they were about to kill him, only
-Fitzgerald ordered him to be taken to his house.</p>
-
-<p>News was sent to Castlebar of what had taken
-place, and Fitzgerald calmly awaited the result.
-Fully aware of the dangerous character they had to
-deal with, the authorities sent a large body, both of
-regular troops, and volunteers, to Turlough, and these
-were accompanied by an immense mob of people.
-What happened is best related in the following
-graphic account:</p>
-
-<p>‘Brecknock was for remaining, as with the calmness
-of conscious innocence, and boldly demanding a
-warrant against Gallagher and others. This opinion,
-however, did not agree with Fitzgerald’s own, who
-justly dreaded the fury of the volunteers and the
-populace, with whom MacDonnell had been so
-popular. Neither did it coincide with that of the
-Rev. Mr. Henry, the Presbyterian clergyman of Turlough,
-who had been latterly a resident in the house,
-and was now wringing his hands in wild alarm for
-what had occurred. This gentleman’s horse was at
-the door, and he strongly urged George Robert to
-mount, and ride for his life out of the country altogether,
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_171">171</span>
-till the powerful intercession he could command
-might be made for him. In compliance with
-this advice, which entirely coincided with his own
-opinion, it is stated that he made several attempts to
-mount; but that, splendid horseman as he was,
-whether through nervous excitement, guilty terror, or
-the restiveness of the animal, he was unable to attain
-the saddle, and, in consequence, obliged to fly into
-the house again, as the military were announced to
-be approaching near. It is also generally asserted
-that the Rev. Mr. Ellison, who headed the soldiers,
-sent them on to Gurth-na-fullagh, without halting
-them at Turlough, where he himself stopped.</p>
-
-<p>‘Were this circumstance even true, however, Fitzgerald
-gained but a short respite by it, as the
-volunteers, with many of the populace, came furiously
-up immediately after; and, some of them being
-placed about the house, the remainder entered to
-search and pillage it. Brecknock and Fulton were
-immediately captured, but, after ransacking every
-corner and crevice more than once without finding
-him, the volunteers were beginning to think that
-Fitzgerald must have effected his escape before their
-arrival, when one of them, forcing open a clothes-chest
-in a lower apartment, discovered him among
-a heap of bed-clothes in his place of concealment.</p>
-
-<p>‘“What do you want, you ruffian?” he said, on
-finding himself detected.</p>
-
-<p>‘“To dhrag ye, like a dog’s head, to a bonfire,” replied
-another volunteer, named Morran, a powerful
-man, who seized him at the same time by the breast,
-and drew him forth by main force.</p>
-
-<p>‘A pistol was now presented at him by a third to
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_172">172</span>
-take summary vengeance; but a comrade snapped it
-from his hands, asking if there was not murder
-enough already.</p>
-
-<p>‘“What mercy did himself or his murdherers show
-to those every way their betthers?”</p>
-
-<p>‘“Well, let them pay for that on the gallows, but
-let us be no murdherers; let us give him up to the
-law.”</p>
-
-<p>‘He was, accordingly, hauled out to the front of
-the house, where, perceiving Mr. Ellison, he exclaimed,</p>
-
-<p>‘“Ellison, will you allow me to be handled thus by
-such rabble?”</p>
-
-<p>‘Mr. Ellison’s response to this saved him from
-further molestation for a time, and exertions were
-then made to withdraw the pillagers from the wholesale
-plundering they were practising within. One
-fellow had girded his loins with linen almost as fine
-as Holland&mdash;so fine that he made some hundred yards
-fit round his body without being much observable.
-Another, among other valuables, made himself master
-of the duellist’s diamond-buttoned coat; while a
-third contrived to appropriate to himself all the
-jewels, valued at a very high amount. In short, so
-entire were the spoliation and destruction that, before
-sunset, not a single pane of glass was left in the
-windows.</p>
-
-<p>‘The remainder of those implicated in the murders
-were speedily apprehended, except Craig, who
-escaped for the time, but was taken soon after near
-Dublin.</p>
-
-<p>‘We must now pause to sustain our character as
-an accurate chronicler to relate an act as unprecedented,
-as lawless, and as terrible as the most terrible
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_173">173</span>
-of Fitzgerald’s own. He was alone, on the night of
-his capture, in the room assigned to him in the gaol.
-It was not a felon’s apartment, but was guarded on
-the outside by two armed soldiers, lest he should
-make any desperate attempt to escape. It was some
-hours after nightfall that Clarke, the then sub-sheriff,
-removed one of those sentinels to another portion of
-the prison, where he stated he required his presence.
-They had scarcely disappeared, when the remaining
-soldier, McBeth (according to his own account), was
-knocked down, and his musket taken from him, while
-the door was burst open, and a number of men, all
-armed with pistols, sword-canes, and the sentinel’s
-musket, commenced a furious and deadly attack on
-Fitzgerald, who, though totally unarmed, made a
-most extraordinary defence. Several shots were discharged
-rapidly at him, one of which lodged in his
-thigh, while another broke a ring on the finger of
-one of his hands, which he put up to change the
-direction of the ball.</p>
-
-<p>He was then secured by John Gallagher, one of
-the assailants, and a powerful man, and, whilst
-struggling in his grip, thrust at with blades and
-bayonets, one of the former of which broke in the
-fleshy part of his arm. The latter, too, in forcing out
-two of his teeth, had its point broken, and was
-thereby prevented from passing through his throat.
-After having freed himself, by great exertions, from
-Gallagher’s grasp, he was next assaulted with musket-stock,
-pistol-butts, and the candlestick, which had
-been seized by one of the assailants, who gave the
-candle to a boy to hold. By one of the blows inflicted
-by these weapons he was prostrated under
-the table, and, while lying there, defending himself
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_174">174</span>
-with unimpaired powers against other deadly-aimed
-blows, he exclaimed,</p>
-
-<p>‘Cowardly rascals, you may now desist; you
-have done for me, which was, of course, your object.’</p>
-
-<p>The candle had by this time been quenched in
-the struggling, and the gaol and streets thoroughly
-alarmed, so that the assailants, fearing to injure one
-another, and deeming that their intended victim was
-really dispatched, retreated from the prison, leaving
-Fitzgerald, though wounded, once more in security.</p>
-
-<p>In consequence of this outrage, his trial was postponed
-for two months, and the government ordered
-his assailants to be prosecuted, but on trial they were
-acquitted. Fitzgerald himself was tried the same
-day (June 8, 1786), the chief witnesses against him
-being his own man, Andrew Craig, and Andrew
-Gallagher, the latter of whom deposed that when he,
-Hipson, and MacDonnell, were confined in Fitzgerald’s
-house, there was a pane broken in the
-window, and ‘At day he saw a number of men
-regularly drawn up, to the number of twenty or
-thirty. He saw Andrew Craig and James Foy
-settling them. Mr. Fitzgerald and Mr. Brecknock
-came to the flag of the hall-door; through the broken
-pane he heard them conversing; they spoke in
-French for some time, and afterwards in English,
-but he could not hear what they said, but the names
-of himself, MacDonnell, and Hipson were severally
-mentioned. He heard at that time nothing more
-than their names. Mr. Fitzgerald called over James
-Foy and Andrew Craig, who were settling the guard,
-and ordered them to move a little higher, about ten
-or twelve yards above the house. There was some
-other conversation which he did not hear. As soon
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_175">175</span>
-as the guard were settled, Mr. Fitzgerald gave them&mdash;Foy
-and Craig&mdash;orders “If they saw any rescue,
-or colour of a rescue, be sure they shot the prisoners,
-and take care of them.”</p>
-
-<p>‘When these orders were given, Mr. Fitzgerald said
-to Mr. Brecknock,</p>
-
-<p>‘“Ha! we shall soon get rid of them now.”</p>
-
-<p>‘Mr. Brecknock replied: “Oh, then we shall be easy
-indeed.”</p>
-
-<p>‘After the guard was settled, Mr. Fitzgerald called
-back Andrew Craig, and when Craig came within
-ten yards of him, he, Mr. Fitzgerald, said,</p>
-
-<p>‘“Andrew, be sure you kill them. Do not let one of
-the villains escape.”</p>
-
-<p>‘Andrew answered: “Oh, never fear, please your
-honour.”’</p>
-
-<p>At his trial he had a bitter enemy both in the judge,
-Yelverton, and the prosecuting counsel, Fitzgibbon.
-Nor could he reckon the high sheriff, Denis Browne,
-among his friends, so that it was scarcely possible that
-it should have but one issue, and the jury returned a
-verdict of guilty against both him and Brecknock, and
-the judge sentenced them to immediate execution.
-Fitzgerald begged for a little delay, so that he might
-settle his worldly affairs; it was denied him, and, at
-six in the evening, he walked forth to his doom.
-Brecknock had already suffered. Fitzgerald dreaded
-the scene of the scaffold and the journey thither along
-the high road, in a cart, and asked, as a last favour
-from the sheriff, to be allowed to walk and go by a
-by-way. It was granted, and he went to his doom
-preceded by the hangman, who wore a large mask.
-He walked very fast, and was dressed in a ragged
-coat of the Castletown hunt, a dirty flannel waistcoat
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_176">176</span>
-and drawers, both of which were without buttons,
-brown worsted or yarn stockings, a pair of coarse
-shoes without buckles, and an old round hat, tied
-round with a pack-thread band.</p>
-
-<p>When he jumped off the ladder the rope broke,
-although he was but a slightly-built man and a light
-weight, and he had to wait until another, and a
-stronger, one was procured. After forty minutes’
-hanging his body was cut down, and was waked by
-the light of a few candles in a barn at Turlough;
-it was interred, the next morning, in the family tomb,
-situated in a ruined chapel adjoining a round tower,
-but his remains were disturbed some years afterwards
-at the burial of his brother in the same tomb. He was
-thirty-eight years of age.</p>
-
-<p>His daughter had a portion of &pound;10,000 left her by
-him, and she was a very gentle and interesting girl.
-She mostly resided with her uncle at Castletown, and
-was unaware, for a long time, of her father’s fate.
-But it so happened that, being one day alone in the
-library, and looking over the upper shelves, she lit
-upon a copy of his trial. She read it, and from that
-time never lifted up her head, nor smiled&mdash;she could
-not bear her position as the daughter of a felon, and
-she gradually pined away, and died at an early age.
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_177">177</span></p>
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<h2 id="EIGHTEENTH-CENTURY_AMAZONS">EIGHTEENTH-CENTURY AMAZONS.</h2>
-
-<div>
-<img class="drop-cap" src="images/p.jpg" alt="P" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="drop-cap"><span class="upper-case">Pugnacity</span> is not confined to the male
-sex, as everyone well knows, and none
-better than the police-force, but in these
-latter and, presumably, degenerate days,
-the efforts, in this direction, of the softer
-sex are confined to social exhibitions, there being, as
-far as is known, no woman serving in Her Majesty’s
-force either by land or by sea. Indeed, with the
-present medical examination, it would be impossible;
-and so it would have been in the old days, only then
-all was fish that came to the net. His, or Her
-Majesty, as the case might be, never had enough
-men, and ‘food for powder’ was ever acceptable, and
-its quality never closely scrutinised. It is incredible,
-were it not true, that these women, whose stories I
-am about to relate, were not discovered to be such&mdash;they
-were wounded, they were flogged, and yet
-there was no suspicion as to their sex.</p>
-
-<p>We get the particulars of the life of the first of that
-century’s Amazons in a book of one hundred and eighty-one
-pages, published (second edition) in 1744, entitled,
-‘The British Heroine: or, an Abridgment of the Life and
-Adventures of Mrs. Christian Davis, commonly called
-Mother Ross.’ She was born in Dublin, <span class="smcap">A.D.</span> 1667,
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_178">178</span>
-and was the daughter of a maltster and brewer, named
-Cavanagh, who occupied a small farm about two
-miles from Dublin. Here Miss Christian resided with
-her mother, and, although her education was not
-neglected, for she learned to read and sew, yet the
-charms of physical exertion were more attractive, and
-she took greater delight in using the flail, or following
-the plough, than in sedentary occupations. She was a
-regular tomboy, bestriding bare-backed horses and,
-without saddle or bridle, scampering about, taking
-hedges and ditches whenever they came in her way.</p>
-
-<p>After the abdication of James II. her father sold all
-his standing corn, &amp;c., and with the produce, and the
-money he had by him, he raised a troop of horse and
-joined the king’s army. He was wounded at the
-battle of Aghrim, and soon afterwards died of fever.
-His wife had very prudently negotiated a pardon for
-him, but, as soon as he was dead, the government
-confiscated all his goods; yet still the mother and
-daughter managed to get along somehow or other.</p>
-
-<p>She grew up to be a buxom and sprightly lass,
-when it was her misfortune to meet with her cousin,
-the Reverend Thomas Howell, a Fellow of Dublin
-University, who first seduced and then abandoned
-her. Her grief at this told upon her health, and her
-mother sent her for a change of air to Dublin, there to
-stop with an aunt, who kept a public-house. With
-her she lived for four years, when her aunt died and
-left her all she had, including the business. She
-afterwards married a servant of her aunt’s, one Richard
-Welch, and lived very happily with him for four
-years, when her husband one day went out, with
-fifty pounds in his pocket, to pay his brewer, and
-never returned.
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_179">179</span></p>
-
-<p>For nearly twelve months she heard no tidings of
-him, but one day came a letter, in which he told her
-he had met a friend, and with him had too much
-drink, went on board ship, and had more drink; and
-when he recovered from the effects of his debauch,
-found himself classed as a recruit for his Majesty’s
-army, sailing for Helvoetsluys. The receipt of this
-letter completely upset his wife, but only for a short
-time, when she took the extraordinary resolution of
-entering the army as a recruit, in order that she
-might be sent to Flanders, and there might possibly
-meet with her husband. She let her house, left her
-furniture in charge of her neighbours, sent one child
-to her mother’s, and put the other out to nurse. She
-then cut her hair short, put on a suit of her husband’s
-clothes, hat and wig, and buckled on a silver-hilted
-sword. There was a law then in existence by which
-it was an offence to carry out of the kingdom any
-sum exceeding five pounds, but this she evaded by
-quilting fifty guineas in the waistband of her breeches.</p>
-
-<p>She then enlisted in a foot regiment under the
-name of Christopher Welch, and was soon shipped,
-with other recruits, and sent to Holland. She was,
-with the others, put through some sort of drill, but
-much time could not then be wasted on drill, and
-then they were sent to the grand army, and incorporated
-in different regiments. Almost directly after
-joining, she was wounded by a musket-ball in the leg,
-at the battle of Landen, and had to quit the field.
-This wound laid her up for two months, and when
-she rejoined her regiment they were ordered into
-winter quarters. Here she, in common with the
-other British soldiers, helped the Dutch to repair
-their dykes.
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_180">180</span></p>
-
-<p>In the following campaign she had the ill-luck to
-be taken prisoner by the French, and was sent to
-St. Germains en Laye, where Mary of Modena, the
-wife of James II. paid particular attention to the
-wants of the English prisoners, having them separated
-from the Dutch, and allowing each man five
-farthings for tobacco, a pound of bread, and a pint
-of wine daily. She was imprisoned for nine days,
-when an exchange of prisoners took place, and she
-was released.</p>
-
-<p>Once more the troops went into winter quarters,
-and Mrs. Welch must needs ape the gallantry of her
-comrades. She made fierce love to the daughter of
-a rich burgher, and succeeded so well that the girl
-would fain have married her. Now it so happened
-that a sergeant of the same regiment loved the same
-girl, but with other than honourable intentions, and
-one day he endeavoured to gain her compliance by
-force. The girl resisted and in the scuffle got nearly
-all the clothes torn off her back. When Mrs. Welch
-heard of this affair she ‘went for’ that sergeant, and
-the result was a duel with swords. Mrs. Welch received
-two wounds in her right arm, but she nearly
-killed the sergeant, and afterwards, dreading his
-animosity when he should have recovered, she exchanged
-into a dragoon regiment (Lord John Hayes)
-and was present at the taking of Namur.</p>
-
-<p>When the troops again went into winter quarters
-a curious adventure befell her, which goes to prove
-how completely masculine was her appearance. She
-resisted the advances of a woman, who thereby was
-so angered that she swore she would be revenged,
-and accordingly, when a child was born to her, she
-swore that the trooper, Christopher Welch, was its
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_181">181</span>
-father. This, of course, could have been easily disproved,
-but then good-bye to her hopes of meeting
-with her husband; so, after mature deliberation, she
-accepted the paternity of the child, who, however,
-did not trouble her for long, as it died in a month.</p>
-
-<p>After the peace of Ryswick in 1697, the army was
-partially disbanded, and Mrs. Welch returned home to
-Dublin. She found her mother, children, and friends
-all well, but finding that she was unrecognized,
-owing to her dress and the hardships of campaigning,
-she did not make herself known, but re-enlisted in
-1701 in her old regiment of dragoons, on the breaking
-out of the War of Succession. She went through
-the campaigns of 1702 and 1703, and was present at
-many of the engagements therein, receiving a wound
-in the hip, at Donawert, and, although attended by
-three surgeons, her sex was not discovered. She
-never forgot her quest, but all her inquiries after her
-husband were in vain. Yet she unexpectedly came
-upon him, after the battle of Hochstadt in 1704,
-caressing and toying with a Dutch camp-follower.
-A little time afterwards she discovered herself to him.
-Having seen what she had, she would not return
-to her husband as his wife, but passed as a long-lost
-brother, and they met frequently.</p>
-
-<p>At the battle of Ramilies, in 1705, a piece of a
-shell struck the back of her head, and fractured her
-skull, for which she underwent the operation of trepanning,
-and then it was, whilst unconscious, that her
-sex was discovered, and her husband came forward
-and claimed her as his wife. Her pay went on until
-she was cured, when the officers of the regiment,
-who, naturally, were interested in this very romantic
-affair, made up a new wardrobe for her, and she was
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_182">182</span>
-re-married to her husband with great solemnity, and
-many and valuable were her marriage-presents. She
-could not be idle, so she turned sutler, and, by the
-indulgence of the officers, she was allowed to pitch
-her tent in the front, whilst all the others were sent
-to the rear, but she was virtually unsexed by the
-rough ways of the camp, although a child was born
-to her amongst the din and confusion of the campaign.</p>
-
-<p>Her husband was killed at the battle of Malplaquet,
-in 1709, and then this rough woman could not help
-showing that she possessed some of the softer feelings
-of her sex. Her grief was overpowering. She
-bit a great piece out of her arm, tore her hair, and
-then threw herself upon the corpse in an ecstasy of
-passion, and, had any weapon been handy, she would,
-undoubtedly, have killed herself. With her own
-hands she dug his grave, and with her own hands
-would she have scraped the earth away, in order to
-get one more glimpse of her husband’s face, had she
-not been prevented. She refused food; she became
-absolutely ill from grief, and yet, within eleven weeks
-from her husband’s death, she married a grenadier
-named Hugh Jones! Her second married life was
-brief&mdash;for her husband was mortally wounded at the
-siege of St. Venant.</p>
-
-<p>After her husband’s death, she got a living by
-cooking for the officers, and went through the whole
-campaign, till 1712, when she applied to the Duke
-of Ormond for a pass to England&mdash;which he not
-only gave her, but also money enough to defray
-her expenses on the way. On her arrival in England,
-she called on the Duke of Marlborough, to
-see whether he could not get some provision made
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_183">183</span>
-for her; but he was not in power, and, however
-good his will towards her might have been, he had
-not the means. She then tried the Duke of Argyle,
-who advised her to have a petition to the Queen
-drawn up, and take it to the Duke of Hamilton,
-and he himself would back it up.</p>
-
-<p>She did so, and took it to the duke, who, when
-he was assured she was no impostor, advised her
-to get a new petition drawn up, and present herself
-to the Queen. So, the next day, she dressed herself
-in her best, and went to Court, waiting patiently
-at the foot of the great staircase, and when Queen
-Anne, supported by the Duke of Argyle, came down,
-she dropped on one knee, and presented her petition
-to the Queen, who received it with a smile, and bade
-her rise and be of good cheer, for that she would
-provide for her; and, perceiving her to be with child,
-she added, ‘If you are delivered of a boy, I will give
-him a commission as soon as he is born.’ Her Majesty
-also ordered her fifty pounds, to defray the expenses
-of her lying-in. She lived some little time in London,
-being helped very materially by the officers to
-whom she was known; and it was during this time,
-on Saturday morning, the 15th of November, 1712,
-she was going through Hyde Park, and was an eye-witness
-of the historical duel between Lord Mohun
-and the Duke of Hamilton.</p>
-
-<p>A natural longing came upon her to see her
-mother and her children, and she wrote to her to
-say she would be in Dublin by a certain date. The
-old woman, although over a hundred years of age,
-trudged the whole ten miles to Dublin, to see this
-daughter whom she had so long given up as dead;
-and the meeting was very affecting. When she
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_184">184</span>
-came to inquire after her children, she found one
-had died at the age of eighteen, and the other was
-in the workhouse, where it had very speedily been
-placed by the nurse in whose charge it had been
-left. She went to look after the furniture and goods
-which she had housed with her neighbours; but
-there was only one who would give any account of
-them. A man had taken possession of her freehold
-house, and refused to give it up; and, having lost
-the title-deeds, she could not force him, besides which
-she had no money to carry on a lawsuit.</p>
-
-<p>These misfortunes did not dishearten her; she
-always had been used to victualling. So she took a
-public-house, and stocked it, and made pies, and
-altogether was doing very well, when she must needs
-go and marry a soldier named Davies, whose discharge
-she bought, but he afterwards enlisted in the
-Guards.</p>
-
-<p>Queen Anne, besides her gift of fifty pounds,
-ordered Mrs. Davies a shilling a day for life, which
-Harley, Earl of Oxford, for some reason or other,
-cut down to fivepence, with which she was fain
-to be content until a change of ministry took place.
-Then she applied to Mr. Craggs, and she got her
-original pension restored.</p>
-
-<p>She did not do very well in her business, but she
-found plenty of friends in the officers of the Army
-who knew her. She once more bought her husband’s
-discharge, and got him into Chelsea Hospital,
-with the rank of sergeant. She also was received
-into that institution; and there she died on the 7th
-of July, 1739, and was interred in the burying-ground
-attached to Chelsea Hospital, with military honours.
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_185">185</span></p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Hannah Snell’s</span> grandfather entered the Army in
-the reign of William III. as a volunteer, and, by his
-personal bravery, he earned a commission as lieutenant,
-with the rank of captain. He was wounded
-at Blenheim, and mortally wounded at Malplaquet.
-Her brother was also a soldier, and was killed at
-Fontenoy; so that she may be said to have come
-of a martial race. Her father was a hosier and dyer,
-and she was born at Worcester on St. George’s Day,
-23rd of April, 1723.</p>
-
-<p>According to a contemporary biography of her,<a id="FNanchor_35" href="#Footnote_35" class="fnanchor">35</a>
-‘Hannah, when she was scarce Ten Years of Age,
-had the seeds of Heroinism, as it were, implanted
-in her nature, and she used often to declare to her
-Companions that she would be a Soldier, if she lived;
-and, as a preceding Testimony of the Truth, she
-formed a Company of young Soldiers among her
-Playfellows, and of which she was chief Commander,
-at the Head of whom she often appeared, and was
-used to parade the whole City of Worcester. This
-Body of young Volunteers were admired all over
-the Town, and they were styled young “Amazon
-Snell’s Company”; and this Martial Spirit grew up
-with her, until it carried her through the many
-Scenes and Vicissitudes she encountered for nigh
-five Years.’</p>
-
-<p>Her father and mother being dead, she, in 1740,
-moved to London, where she arrived on Christmas
-Day, and took up her abode with one of her sisters,
-who had married a carpenter named Gray, and was
-living at Wapping. Two years afterwards she was
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_186">186</span>
-married, at the Fleet, to a German or Dutch sailor
-named James Summs, on the 6th of January, 1743;
-but he was a worthless fellow, and as soon as he
-found she was with child by him, having spent all her
-money, he deserted her. She heard of his death
-subsequently; he was at Genoa, and, in a quarrel, he
-killed a Genoese. For this he was condemned to
-death, sewn up in a sack with a quantity of stones,
-and sunk in the sea. Her child survived its birth but
-seven months, and she was left a free woman.</p>
-
-<p>Up to this time her story presents nothing of
-particular interest; but, like ‘Long Meg of Westminster,’
-she was a <i>virago</i>, more man than woman,
-and, with the hope of some day meeting with her
-husband, she donned male attire, and set forth on her
-quest. She soon fell in with a recruiting party at
-Coventry, whither she had walked, and where she
-found her funds exhausted. A little drink, the acceptance
-of a shilling, a visit to a magistrate, were the
-slight preliminaries to her military career, and the
-27th of November, 1743, found her a private in the
-army of King George II. The guinea, and five
-shillings, her little ‘bounty money,’ had to follow the
-fate of all similar sums, in treating her comrades.
-There was scant time for drills, and she was, after
-about three weeks’ preparation, drafted off to Carlisle
-to join her regiment. There were no railway passes
-in those days, so the weary march northward took
-twenty-two days.</p>
-
-<p>She had not been long in Carlisle before her sergeant,
-named Davis, requested her aid in an intrigue
-he was endeavouring to establish with a young
-woman of that town; but, instead of helping him, she
-warned the young person of his intentions, and absolutely
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_187">187</span>
-won the girl’s heart. Davis’s jealousy was
-excited, and to punish Jemmy Gray (which was the
-name under which Hannah Snell had enlisted), he
-reported her for some neglect of duty, and, as commanding
-officers then were rather severe than lenient
-in their punishments, she was sentenced to receive
-six hundred lashes, five hundred of which she absolutely
-received, and would have taken the whole had
-not some officers interfered. It seems marvellous that
-her sex, when she was tied up and partially stripped,
-was not discovered, and in a romance it would be a
-weak spot; but, as a matter-of-fact, no one suspected
-she was a woman, and when her back was healed she
-returned to her duty. Flogging was common enough
-in those days.</p>
-
-<p>But a worse danger of exposure threatened her, for
-a fellow-townsman from Worcester enlisted in the
-same regiment, and so she determined to desert. The
-female friend on whose account she had suffered such
-severe punishment, found some money, and Hannah
-Snell fled towards Portsmouth, surreptitiously changing
-coats in a field by the way. She stopped but
-little time in Portsmouth, and then she enlisted in
-the Marines, in which corps she was certain to be
-sent abroad on service, and might have greater
-opportunities of meeting with her husband.</p>
-
-<p>Scarce three weeks after her enlistment had elapsed
-when a draft was made to join Admiral Boscawen’s
-fleet for the East Indies, and she was sent on board
-the sloop of war, the <i>Swallow</i>. Here she soon became
-very popular with her mess-mates, her skill in
-cooking, washing, and mending their shirts made her
-a general favourite, and she did her duty with the
-best of her comrades, being especially noted for her
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_188">188</span>
-smartness, so much so, indeed, that she was made an
-officer’s servant.</p>
-
-<p>Those old ships were not very good sailors in a
-gale. The French beat us hollow at ship-building,
-and we much improved by studying the make of the
-prizes we were constantly taking, so it is not to be
-wondered at if that rolling old tub, the <i>Swallow</i>, came
-to grief. The marvel would have been had it not
-occurred. Twice, before the Cape was made, they
-had to repair and refit. They were then ordered to
-the Mauritius, and eventually they went to the Coromandel
-coast, where they landed and laid siege to
-and took Areacopong. They then besieged Pondicherry
-(in September, 1748); but that town was not
-fated to fall into the hands of the British until 1760.
-In all the hardships of the siege Hannah Snell bore
-her full part, fording rivers breast high, sleeping in
-and working at the trenches, &amp;c., until at last she
-was desperately wounded, receiving six shots in her
-right leg, five in her left, and a bullet in her groin.
-Anyone would think that thus wounded, and in
-hospital, her sex would have been discovered; but it
-was not. She managed to extract the ball from her
-groin, and with the connivance of an old black nurse,
-she always dressed the wound herself, so that the
-surgeons did not know of its existence.</p>
-
-<p>Three months she lay in hospital, going back to
-her duty as a Marine on her discharge. But her
-comrades bantered her on her somewhat feminine
-appearance, her smooth cheeks not being in accordance
-with her age. Besides, she was somewhat
-quiet, and different from the rollicking Jack Tars by
-whom she was surrounded, and so she earned the
-name of Miss Molly Gray. A continuance of this
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_189">189</span>
-quiet <i>r&ocirc;le</i> might have led to discovery, so when they
-came to Lisbon, and the ‘liberty men’ went on shore,
-she was as racketty as any of them, and ‘Miss Molly’
-was soon lost, and in her place was ‘Hearty Jemmy.’
-From Lisbon they sailed for home, and on her
-arrival at Spithead, she was either discharged, or sent
-on furlough; at all events, there ended her military
-and naval career, for she went straight to her sister
-at Wapping, and was at once recognized.</p>
-
-<p>Campaigning had made her restless, and, although
-many of the officers who had known her assisted her
-pecuniarily, it was light come, light go, and the
-money was soon spent. So her friends advised her
-to petition the Duke of Cumberland, pointing out her
-services, and also dilating upon her wounds. On the
-16th of June, 1750, she found a very favourable
-opportunity of presenting her memorandum to the
-duke, and, after full inquiry, she was awarded a
-pension of a shilling a day. This, however, would
-not keep her, and finding that, as an Amazon, she
-had a market value, she engaged with the proprietor
-of the New Wells in Goodman’s Fields (the Royalty
-Theatre, Wellclose Square) to appear on the stage
-as a soldier. In this character she sang several
-songs, and ‘She appears regularly dress’d in her
-Regimentals from Top to Toe, with all the Accoutrements
-requisite for the due Performance of her
-Military Exercises. Here she and her Attendants fill
-up the Stage in a very agreeable Manner. The tabor
-and Drum give Life to her March, and she traverses
-the stage two or three times over, Step by Step, in
-the same Manner as our Soldiers march on the Parade
-in St. James’s Park.</p>
-
-<p>‘After the Spectators have been sufficiently amused
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_190">190</span>
-with this formal Procession, she begins her Military
-exercises, and goes through the whole Catechism (if I
-may be allowed the Expression) with so much Dexterity
-and Address, and with so little Hesitation or
-Default, that great Numbers even of Veteran Soldiers,
-who have resorted to the Wells out of mere curiosity
-only, have frankly acknowledged that she executes
-what she undertakes to Admiration, and that the
-universal Applause which she meets with is by no
-means the Result of Partiality to her in Consideration
-of her Sex, but is due to her, without Favour or Affection,
-as the Effect of her extraordinary Merit.</p>
-
-<p>‘As our Readers may be desirous of being informed
-in what Dress she now appears, we think it proper to
-inform them that she wears Men’s Cloaths, being, as
-she says, determined so to do, and having bought
-new Cloathing for that Purpose.’</p>
-
-<p>This theatrical performance, of course, could not
-last long; so, with her savings, she took a public-house
-at Wapping, which she christened ‘The Widow
-in Masquerade,’ and on one side of the sign she was
-delineated in her full regimentals, on the other in
-plain clothes.</p>
-
-<p>She afterwards married, for in the <i>Universal
-Chronicle</i> (November <sup>3</sup>/<sub>10</sub>, 1759, p. 359, col. 3)
-may be read: ‘Marriages. At Newbury, in the
-county of Berks, the famous Hannah Snell, who
-served as a marine in the last war, and was wounded
-at the siege of Pondicherry, to a carpenter of that
-place.’ His name was Eyles. In 1789 she became
-insane, and was taken to Bethlehem, where she died
-on the 8th of February, 1792, aged sixty-nine.</p>
-
-<p>The examples quoted of women joining the army
-are by no means singular, for in 1761 a lynx-eyed
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_191">191</span>
-sergeant detected a woman who wished to enlist
-under the name of Paul Daniel, in the hope that she
-might be sent to Germany, where her husband was
-then serving in the army. And in the same year a
-woman named Hannah Witney was masquerading at
-Plymouth in man’s attire, and was laid hold of by a
-press-gang and lodged in Plymouth gaol. She was
-so disgusted at the treatment she received that she
-disclosed her sex, at the same time telling the astonished
-authorities that she had served as a marine for
-five years.</p>
-
-<p>There is a curious little chap-book, now very rare,
-of the ‘Life and Adventures of Maria Knowles ...
-by William Fairbank, Sergeant-major of the 66th
-Regiment of Foot,’ and, as it is very short, it may be
-as well to give its <i>ipsissima verba</i>.</p>
-
-<p>‘The heroine of the following story is the only
-daughter of Mr. John Knowles, a reputed farmer,<a id="FNanchor_36" href="#Footnote_36" class="fnanchor">36</a> of
-the parish of Bridworth, in the county of Cheshire,
-where Maria was born, and was her father’s only
-daughter. At an early age she lost her mother, and
-was brought up under the care of a mother-in-law,
-who treated her with more kindness than is usually
-done to motherless children. Her father having no
-other child, his house might have proved a comfortable
-home for one of a more sober disposition. At
-the age of nineteen she was so very tall that she was
-styled the ‘Tall Girl.’ She had a very handsome face,
-which gained her plenty of sweethearts. Many
-young men felt the weight of her fists for giving her
-offences. She refused many offers of marriage, and
-that from persons of fortune.</p>
-
-<p>‘Being one day at the market in Warrington, she
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_192">192</span>
-saw one Cliff, a sergeant of the Guards on the recruiting
-service, with whom she fell deeply in love;
-he in a short time was called to join the regiment,
-and she, not being able to bear her love-sick passion,
-eloped from her father’s house, immediately went up
-to London, disguised in man’s apparel, and enlisted
-in the same regiment with her sweetheart, in which
-she made a most martial appearance in her regimentals;
-her height covered the deception. As a red
-coat captivates the fair sex, our female soldier made
-great advances, being a lover of mirth and a smart
-girl....</p>
-
-<p>‘A part of the Guards were ordered to Holland,
-with whom sailed Maria and her sweetheart. The
-British troops were stationed at Dort, and a party
-was sent in gunboats to annoy the French, who were
-then besieging Williamstadt. From Holland they
-were ordered to French Flanders, where Maria was
-at several desperate battles and sieges. At Dunkirk
-she was wounded in three different parts, in her right
-shoulder, in her right arm, and thigh, which discovered
-her sex, and, of course, her secret.</p>
-
-<p>‘After being recovered from her wounds, and questioned
-by her commanding officer, she related to him
-the particulars of her life, and the reason of her being
-disguised, and entering for a soldier, which was to
-seek her fortune, and share the fate of the man on
-whom she had irrevocably fixed her affection.</p>
-
-<p>‘The news soon reached her lover, who flew to the
-arms of so faithful a girl, whom he embraced with
-the most ardent zeal, vowing an eternal constancy to
-her; and, in order to reward such faithful love, the
-officers raised a handsome subscription for them,
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_193">193</span>
-after which they were married by the chaplain of the
-regiment, to their great joy....</p>
-
-<p>‘But this was not all, for the adjutant of the 66th
-Regiment of Foot dying of his wounds, Sergeant Cliff
-was promoted to that berth, and Sergeant Fairbank
-to sergeant-major, as Cliff and him were always comrades
-together. In a little time the regiment was
-sent to Gibraltar, where they stayed most part of the
-year, during which Mrs. Cliff was delivered of a fine
-son, after which the regiment was sent to the West
-Indies, and, after a passage of twenty-eight days,
-landed safely on the island of St. Vincent, where
-they remained some time; but, the yellow fever raging
-among the troops, Mr. Cliff died, to the great
-grief of his disconsolate wife and her young son.
-She was still afraid of the raging distemper, but,
-happily for her and her son, neither of them took it.</p>
-
-<p>‘Great indulgence was given her, and also provisions
-allowed them both; but this did not suffice,
-for Mrs. Cliff, losing the man she had ventured her
-life so many times for, was now very unhappy, and
-made application to the commanding officer for her
-passage to England; and a great many men, unfit
-for duty, coming home, she was admitted a passenger.
-I, being unfit to act as sergeant-major, on
-account of a wound that I received in my left leg,
-the same day Mrs. Cliff was wounded, and although it
-was cured, as soon as I came into a hot country it
-broke out again, and I, being unfit for duty, was sent
-home, and recommended.<a id="FNanchor_37" href="#Footnote_37" class="fnanchor">37</a> So I came home in the
-same ship, with this difference, that she was in the
-cabin, and I among the men. We sailed in the
-<i>Eleanor</i> on the 25th of January, 1798, and, after forty
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_194">194</span>
-days’ sail, we reached Spithead, and, after performing
-a short quarantine, we landed at Portsmouth on
-the 16th of March, where I left Mrs. Cliff to pursue
-her journey to her father’s, and I came to
-London.’</p>
-
-<p>I have been unable to trace the fate of this heroine
-any further.</p>
-
-<p>There is yet another woman of the eighteenth
-century, who acted the part both of soldier and
-sailor; and we read of her in the <i>Times</i>, 4th of
-November, 1799.</p>
-
-<p>‘There is at present in the Middlesex Hospital a
-young and delicate female, who calls herself Miss
-T&mdash;lb&mdash;t, and who is said to be related to some
-families of distinction; her story is very singular:&mdash;At
-an early period of her life, having been deprived,
-by the villainy of a trustee, of a sum of money bequeathed
-to her by a deceased relation of high rank,
-she followed the fortunes of a young naval officer to
-whom she was attached, and personated a common
-sailor before the mast, during a cruise in the north
-seas. In consequence of a lover’s quarrel she quitted
-the ship, and assumed, for a time, the military
-character; but her passion for the sea prevailing,
-she returned to her favourite element, did good service,
-and received a severe wound on board Earl St.
-Vincent’s ship, on the glorious 14th of February,<a id="FNanchor_38" href="#Footnote_38" class="fnanchor">38</a> and
-again bled in the cause of her country in the engagement
-off Camperdown. On this last occasion her
-knee was shattered, and an amputation is likely to
-ensue. This spirited female, we understand, receives
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_195">195</span>
-a pension of &pound;20 from an illustrious lady, which is
-about to be doubled.’</p>
-
-<p><i>Voil&agrave; comment on &eacute;crit l’histoire!</i> This newspaper
-report is about as truthful as nine-tenths of the paragraphs
-now-a-days; there is a substratum of truth,
-but not ‘the whole truth and nothing but the truth.’
-But this can be read in a little tractate entitled, ‘The
-Life and Surprising Adventures of Mary Ann Talbot,
-in the name of John Taylor. Related by herself.’
-London, 1809. This pamphlet is extracted from
-‘Kirby’s Wonderful Museum of Remarkable Characters,
-&amp;c.,’ and professes to be an autobiography.
-It is highly probable that it is so, as she was a
-domestic servant in Mr. Kirby’s house for three years
-before her death.</p>
-
-<p>According to this relation she was the youngest of
-sixteen natural children whom her mother had by
-Lord William Talbot, Baron of Hensol, steward of
-his Majesty’s household, and colonel of the Glamorganshire
-Militia. She was born the 2nd of February,
-1778, and her mother died on giving her birth. She
-was put out to nurse in the country, until she was five
-years of age, when she was placed in a boarding-school
-at Chester, where she remained nine years,
-being looked after by a married sister who lived at
-Trevalyn, county Denbigh. At her death a man
-named Sucker, living at Newport, county Salop, became
-her guardian, and he behaved to her with such
-severity that she cordially hated him. He introduced
-her to a Captain Bowen, of the 82nd Regiment of Foot,
-who took her to London in January, 1792, where,
-friendless and alone, she soon became his victim.</p>
-
-<p>His regiment was ordered to embark for Santo
-Domingo, and he had so thoroughly subjugated her
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_196">196</span>
-to his will, and she was so utterly helpless, that she
-accompanied him on board as his ‘little foot page.’
-Captain Bowen made John Taylor (for such was
-the name Miss Talbot then took) thoroughly act up
-to her assumed character, and she had to live and
-mess with the lowest of the ship’s company, and,
-what was more, had to do her turn of duty with the
-ship’s crew.</p>
-
-<p>After a stormy voyage, with short provisions, they
-arrived at Port-au-Prince, but stayed there a very
-short time, as orders came for them to return to
-Europe, and join the troops on the Continent, under
-the command of His Royal Highness the Duke of
-York. Then it was that Captain Bowen made her
-enrol herself as a drummer in his regiment, threatening
-her unless she did so he would sell her up-country
-for a slave. There was nothing for her but to comply,
-so she put on the clothes and learned the business of
-a drummer-boy, having, besides, still to be the drudge
-of her paramour.</p>
-
-<p>At the siege of Valenciennes she received two
-wounds, neither of them severe enough to incapacitate
-her from serving, and she cured them, without going
-into hospital, with a little basilicon, lint, and Dutch
-drops. In this siege Captain Bowen was killed, and
-she, finding the key of his desk in his pocket, searched
-the desk and found several letters relating to her,
-from her quondam guardian, Sucker.</p>
-
-<p>Being now released from her servitude, she began
-to think of quitting the service, and, having changed
-her military dress for one she had worn on ship-board,
-she deserted, and, after some wandering, reached
-Luxembourg, but, it being in the occupation of the
-French, she was not permitted to go further. Being
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_197">197</span>
-thus foiled in her design of reaching England, and
-destitute of every necessary of life, she was compelled
-to engage on board a French lugger, a cruiser. In
-the course of their voyage, they fell in with the
-British fleet under the command of Lord Howe. The
-French vessel made a show of fighting, and John
-Taylor refused to fight against her countrymen, for
-which she received a severe thrashing from the
-French captain.</p>
-
-<p>After a very faint resistance the lugger was captured,
-and she, as being English, was taken on board
-the <i>Queen Charlotte</i> to be interrogated by Lord Howe.
-Her story, being backed up by the French captain,
-gained her release, and she was allowed to join the
-navy, a berth being found for her on board the
-<i>Brunswick</i> as powder-monkey, her duty being to hand
-powder, &amp;c., for the guns when in action. Captain
-Harvey, of the <i>Brunswick</i>, noticed the pseudo lad,
-and straightly examined her as to whether she had
-not run away from school, or if she had any friends;
-but she disarmed his suspicions by telling him her
-father and mother were dead, and she had not a
-friend in the world; yet the kindly captain took such
-a friendly interest in her that he made her principal
-cabin-boy.</p>
-
-<p>In the memorable fight off Brest, on the ‘Glorious
-First of June,’ Captain Harvey was killed, and our
-heroine severely wounded both in the ankle by a
-grape-shot and in the thigh a little above the knee.
-She was, of course, taken to the cockpit; but the
-surgeon could not extract the ball in the ankle, and
-would not venture to cut it out; nor, when they
-arrived home, and she was taken to Haslar Hospital,
-could they extract the ball. Partially cured, she
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_198">198</span>
-was discharged, and shipped on board the <i>Vesuvius</i>
-bomb, belonging to Sir Sydney Smith’s squadron,
-where she acted as midshipman, although she did
-not receive the pay which should have accompanied
-the position; and, while thus serving, a little anecdote
-she tells give us a fair idea of what stuff she
-was made.</p>
-
-<p>‘It was necessary for some one on board to go to
-the jib-boom to catch the jib-sheet, which in the gale
-had got loose. The continual lungeing of the ship
-rendered this duty particularly hazardous, and there
-was not a seaman on board but rejected this office. I
-was acting in the capacity of midshipman, though I
-never received pay for my service in this ship but as
-a common man. The circumstance I mention only
-to show that it was not my particular duty to undertake
-the task, which, on the refusal of several who
-were asked, I voluntarily undertook. Indeed, the
-preservation of us all depended on this exertion. On
-reaching the jib-boom I was under the necessity of
-lashing myself fast to it, for the ship every minute
-making a fresh lunge, without such a precaution I
-should inevitably have been washed away. The
-surges continually breaking over me, I suffered an
-uninterrupted wash and fatigue for six hours before I
-could quit the post I occupied. When danger is
-over, a sailor has little thought or reflection, and my
-mess-mates, who had witnessed the perilous situation
-in which I was placed, passed it off with a joke
-observing, “that I had only been sipping sea broth”;
-but it was a broth of a quality that, though most seamen
-relish, yet few, I imagine, would like to take it
-in the quantity I was compelled to do.’</p>
-
-<p>By the fortune of war the <i>Vesuvius</i> was captured,
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_199">199</span>
-and the crew were conveyed to Dunkirk, where they
-were lodged in the prison of St. Clair, and the rigour
-of their captivity seems to have been extreme, especially
-in the case of Mary Anne Talbot, who perhaps
-partially deserved it, as she attempted, in company
-with a mess-mate, to escape. ‘We were both confined
-in separate dungeons, where it was so dark that
-I never saw daylight during the space of eleven
-weeks, and the only allowance I received was bread
-and water, let down to me from the top of the
-cell. My bed consisted only of a little straw, not
-more than half a truss, which was never changed.
-For two days I was so ill in this dreadful place that
-I was unable to stir from my wretched couch to
-reach the miserable pittance, which, in consequence,
-was drawn up in the same state. The next morning,
-a person&mdash;who, I suppose, was the keeper of the
-place&mdash;came into the dungeon without a light (which
-way he came I know not, but I suppose through a
-private door through which I afterwards passed to
-be released), and called to me, “Are you dead?”
-To this question I was only able to reply by requesting
-a little water, being parched almost to death by
-thirst, resulting from the fever which preyed on me.
-He told me he had none, and left me in a brutal
-manner, without offering the least relief. Nature
-quickly restored me to health, and I sought the
-bread and water with as eager an inclination as a
-glutton would seek a feast. About five weeks after
-my illness, an exchange of prisoners taking place, I
-obtained my liberty.’</p>
-
-<p>She then shipped to America as steward, and from
-thence to England, and was going on a voyage to
-the Mediterranean, when she was seized by a press-gang,
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_200">200</span>
-and sent on board a tender. But she had
-no wish to serve His Majesty at sea any more, and,
-discovering her sex, she was examined by a surgeon,
-and of course at once discharged.</p>
-
-<p>Her little stock of money getting low, she applied
-at the Navy pay-office, in Somerset House, for the
-cash due to her whilst serving in the <i>Brunswick</i> and
-<i>Vesuvius</i>, as well as her share of prize-money, arising
-from her being present on the ‘glorious 1st of June.’
-She was referred to a prize-agent, who directed her
-to call again; this not being to her taste, she
-returned to Somerset House, and indulged in very
-rough language, for which she was taken off to
-Bow Street. She told her story, and was ordered
-to appear again, when a subscription was got up
-in her behalf; and she was paid twelve shillings a
-week, until she received her money from the Government.</p>
-
-<p>Her old wound in the leg became bad again, and
-she went into St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, and on
-her discharge, partially cured, she petitioned the
-King and the Duke of York for relief. The latter
-gave her five pounds. Then she cast about for the
-means of earning a livelihood, and bethought her
-that, when she was a prisoner at Dunkirk, she had
-watched a German make little ornaments out of
-gold-wire, which he sold at a good profit; and she
-did the same, working at the shop of a jeweller in
-St. Giles’s, and so expert was she that she made
-the chains for a gold bracelet worn by Queen Charlotte.
-But the old wound still broke out, and she
-went into St. George’s Hospital for seven months.
-When she came out, she led a shiftless, loafing existence,
-always begging for money&mdash;of Mr. Dundas, of
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_201">201</span>
-the Duke of York, or anyone else that might possibly
-be generous.</p>
-
-<p>At last these kind friends got her case introduced
-in the very highest quarters, and she kissed the
-Queen’s hand at Buckingham House, as it was then
-called; and soon afterwards she was directed to
-apply at the War Office, in her sailor’s dress, to
-receive a half-year’s payment of a pension the Queen
-had granted her, in the name of John Taylor. Still
-her wound kept breaking out, and twice she had
-to go into Middlesex Hospital. She had some idea
-of going on the stage, and performed several parts
-at the Thespian Society in Tottenham Court Road,
-but she gave it up, finding begging a more profitable
-business; but even then she had to go to Newgate
-for a small debt. She took in washing, but the
-people did not pay her, and misfortune pursued her
-everywhere.</p>
-
-<p>One night, in September, 1804, she was thrown
-from a coach into a hole left by the carelessness of
-some firemen, in Church Lane, Whitechapel, and she
-broke her arm, besides bruising herself badly. The
-fire office would give her no compensation, but many
-people were interested in her case, among them a
-Mr. Kirby, a publisher in Paternoster Row, who
-employed her as a domestic servant. In 1807, she
-fell into a decline, doubtless induced by the very
-free life she had led; and she died on the 4th of
-February, 1808, having just completed her thirtieth
-year.</p>
-
-<p>It is not to be thought that England enjoyed the
-monopoly of these viragos&mdash;the country of Jeanne
-d’Arc was quite equal to the occasion, and Ren&eacute;e
-Bordereau affords an illustration for the last century.
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_202">202</span>
-She was born, of peasant parents, in 1770, at the
-village of Soulaine, near Angers; and at the time
-of the insurrection in La Vend&eacute;e, when the royalists
-were so cruelly punished, she lost forty-two relations
-in the struggle, her father being murdered before
-her eyes.</p>
-
-<p>This crushed out of her any soft and feminine
-feelings she might have possessed, and she vowed
-vengeance on the hated Republicans. She obtained
-a musket, taught herself how to use it, learned some
-elementary drill, and then, donning man’s attire,
-joined the royalists. Among them she was known
-by the name of Langevin, and where the fight was
-fiercest, there she would be, and none suspected that
-the daring trooper was a woman. On horseback,
-and on foot, she fought in above two hundred battles
-and skirmishes, frequently wounded, but seldom
-much hurt. Such was the terror with which she
-inspired the Bonapartists, that, when the rebellion
-was put down, Napoleon specially exempted Langevin
-from pardon, and she languished in prison
-until the Restoration. She died in 1828.
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_203">203</span></p>
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<h2 id="THE_TIMES_AND_ITS_FOUNDER">THE ‘TIMES’ AND ITS FOUNDER.</h2>
-
-<div>
-<img class="drop-cap" src="images/a.jpg" alt="A" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="drop-cap"><span class="upper-case">A discursive</span> book anent the eighteenth
-century, as this is, would be incomplete
-without a mention of one of the greatest
-powers which it produced. This marvellous
-newspaper, whose utterances, at
-one time, exercised a sensible influence over the whole
-of the civilised world, and which, even now, is the
-most potent of all the English press, was founded by
-Mr. John Walter, on January 1, 1788.</p>
-
-<p>This gentleman was born either in 1738 or 1739,
-and his father followed the business of a ‘coal buyer,’
-which meant that he bought coals at the pit’s mouth,
-and then shipped them to any desired port, or market.
-In those days almost all coals came, by sea, from
-Newcastle, and its district, because of the facility of
-carriage; the great inland beds being practically unworked,
-and in many cases utterly unknown: it being
-reserved for the giant age of steam to develop their
-marvellous resources.</p>
-
-<p>His father died in 1755, John Walter then being
-seventeen and, boy though he was, he at once succeeded
-to his father’s business. In it he was diligent and
-throve well, and he so won the confidence and
-respect of his brother ‘coal buyers’ that when a
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_204">204</span>
-larger Coal Exchange was found necessary, in order to
-accommodate, and keep pace with its increasing business,
-the whole of the arrangements, plans, and directions
-were left in his hands. When the building was
-completed, he was rewarded by his brethren in trade
-with the position of manager, and afterwards he
-became Chairman to the Body of Coal Buyers.</p>
-
-<p>He married, and, in 1771, things had gone so prosperously
-with him that he bought a house with some
-ground at Battersea Rise, and here he lived, and
-reared his family of six children, until his bankruptcy,
-when it was sold. He also took unto himself partners,
-and was the head of the firm of Walter, Bradley, and
-Sage. For some time all went well, but competition
-arose, and the old-fashioned way of doing business
-could not hold its own against the keenness, and cutting,
-of the new style. Let us hear him tell his own
-story.<a id="FNanchor_39" href="#Footnote_39" class="fnanchor">39</a></p>
-
-<p>‘I shall forbear relating the various scenes of business
-I was engaged in prior to my embarking in
-Lloyd’s Rooms; sufficient it is to remark that a very
-extensive trade I entered into at the early age of
-seventeen, when my father died, rewarded a strong
-spirit of industry, and, for the first ten or twelve years,
-with a satisfactory increase of fortune; but a number
-of inconsiderable dealers, by undermining the fair
-trader, and other dishonourable practices, reduced the
-profits, and made them inadequate to the risque and
-capital employed. It happened unfortunately for me,
-about that time, some policy brokers, who had large
-orders for insurances on foreign Indiamen and other
-adventures, found their way to the Coal Market, a
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_205">205</span>
-building of which I was the principal planner and
-manager.</p>
-
-<p>‘I was accustomed, with a few others, to underwrite
-the vessels particularly employed in that trade, and
-success attended the step, because the risque was
-fair, and the premiums adequate. This was my temptation
-for inclining to their solicitations of frequenting
-Lloyd’s Rooms.<a id="FNanchor_40" href="#Footnote_40" class="fnanchor">40</a> With great reluctance I complain
-that I quitted a trade where low art and cunning
-combated the fair principles of commerce, which my
-mind resisted as my fortune increased; but from the
-change I had to encounter deception and fraud, in a
-more dangerous but subtle degree.</p>
-
-<p>‘The misfortunes of the war were of great magnitude
-to the Underwriters, but they were considerably
-multiplied by the villainy and depravity of Mankind.
-In the year 1776, at a time when they received only
-peace premiums, American privateers swarmed on
-the seas, drove to desperation by the Boston port act
-passing at the close of the preceding year, to prohibit
-their fisheries, and our trade fell a rapid prey before
-government had notice to apply the least protection.
-Flushed with success, it increased the number of
-their armed vessels, and proved such a source of
-riches as enabled them to open a trade with France,
-who had, hitherto, been only a silent spectator, and
-produced the sinews of a war which then unhappily
-commenced.’</p>
-
-<p>He then details the causes which led to his bankruptcy&mdash;how
-the wars with the French, Spaniards,
-and Dutch, all of whom had their men-of-war and
-privateers, which preyed upon our commerce, ruined
-the underwriters, and continues,
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_206">206</span></p>
-
-<p>‘In two years only of the war I lost, on a balance,
-thirty-one thousand pounds, which obliged me, in
-1781, to quit the Coal Trade, after carrying it on so
-many years, when I had returned’ (? turned over)
-‘above a Million of money, the profits of which have
-been sunk as an Underwriter, that I might have the
-use of my capital employed in it, to pay my unfortunate
-losses.... Last year, I was obliged to make
-a sacrifice of my desirable habitation at Battersea
-Rise, where I had resided ten years, and expended a
-considerable sum of money, the fruits of many years of
-industry, before I became acquainted with Lloyd’s
-Rooms.</p>
-
-<p>‘These reserves, however, proved ineffectual, and
-I found it necessary, on examining the state of my
-accounts early in January last, to call my Creditors
-together; for, though some months preceding I
-found my fortune rapidly on the decline, I never
-suspected my being insolvent till that view of my
-affairs, when I found a balance in my favour of only
-nine thousand pounds, from which was to be deducted
-a fourth part owing me by brokers, who,
-unfortunately for me as well as themselves, were
-become bankrupts. This surplus, it was clear, would
-not bear me through known, though unsettled, losses,
-besides what might arise on unexpired risques. I
-therefore, without attempting to borrow a shilling
-from a friend, resorting to false Credit, or using any
-subterfuge whatever, after depositing what money
-remained in my hands, the property of others, laid
-the state of my affairs before my Creditors.</p>
-
-<p>‘This upright conduct made them my friends;
-they immediately invested me with full power to
-settle my own affairs, and have acted with liberality
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_207">207</span>
-and kindness. They were indebted for the early
-knowledge I gave them of my affairs to the regularity
-of my accounts; for, had I rested my inquiry
-till after the broker’s yearly accounts were chequed,
-in all probability a very trifling dividend would have
-ensued. Had the merchant been obliged to stand his
-own risque during the late war, few concerned on
-the seas would have been able to withstand the
-magnitude of their losses.</p>
-
-<p>‘The only alleviation to comfort me in this affliction
-has arose from the consideration that I have
-acted honourably by all men; that, neither in prosperity
-nor adversity, have I ever been influenced by
-mean or mercenary motives in my connections with
-the world, of which I can give the most satisfactory
-proofs; that, when in my power, benevolence ever
-attended my steps; the deserving and needy never
-resorted to me in vain, nor has gratitude ever been
-wanting to express any obligations or kindnesses
-received from those I have had transactions with by
-every return in my power. I have the further consolation
-of declaring that, in winding up my affairs,
-I have acted with the strictest impartiality in every
-demand both for and against my estate; that I have
-(unsolicited) attended every meeting at Guildhall to
-protect it against plunder. A dividend was made as
-soon as the bankrupt laws would permit, and the
-surplus laid out in interest for the benefit of the
-estate, till a fair time is allowed to know what demands
-may come against it. I am fully convinced
-that it will not be &pound;15,000 deficient; above double
-that sum I have left in Lloyd’s Rooms as a profit
-among the brokers.</p>
-
-<p>‘No prospect opening of embarking again in business
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_208">208</span>
-for want of Capital to carry it on, I was advised
-to make my case known to the administration, which
-has been done both by public and private application
-of my friends, who kindly interceded in my behalf
-for some respectable post under Government, and
-met with that kind reception from the Minister
-which gave me every prospect of success, which I
-flatter myself I have some natural claim to, from the
-consideration that, as trade is the support of the
-nation, it could not be carried on without Underwriters.</p>
-
-<p>‘And as the want of protection to the trade of
-the Country, from the host of enemies we had to
-combat, occasioned by misfortunes, whom could I
-fly to with more propriety than to Government? as,
-by endeavouring to protect commerce, I fell a martyr
-on the conclusion of an unfortunate war. I was
-flattered with hopes that my pretensions to an appointment
-were not visionary, and that I was not
-wanting in ability to discharge the duties of any
-place I might have the honour to fill. The change
-of administration<a id="FNanchor_41" href="#Footnote_41" class="fnanchor">41</a> which happened soon after was
-death to my hopes, and, as I had little expectation of
-making equal interest with the Minister who succeeded,
-I have turned my thoughts to a matter which
-appeared capable of being a most essential improvement
-in the conduct of the Press;<a id="FNanchor_42" href="#Footnote_42" class="fnanchor">42</a> and, by great
-attention and assiduity for a year past, it is now
-reduced from a very voluminous state and great
-incorrectness to a system which, I hope, will meet
-the public approbation and countenance.
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_209">209</span></p>
-
-<p>‘Such is the brief state of a Case which I trust
-humanity will consider deserving a better fate.
-Judge what must be my sensations on this trying
-occasion: twenty-six years in the prime of life passed
-away, all the fortune I had acquired by a studious
-attention to business sunk by hasty strides, and the
-world to begin afresh, with the daily introduction to
-my view of a wife and six children unprovided for,
-and dependent on me for support. Feeling hearts
-may sympathise at the relation, none but parents
-can conceive the anxiety of my mind in such a state
-of uncertainty and suspense.’</p>
-
-<p>From an unprejudiced perusal of this ‘case,’ the
-reader can but come to the conclusion that Mr. John
-Walter was not overburdened with that inconvenient
-commodity&mdash;modesty; and that his logic&mdash;judged by
-ordinary rules&mdash;is decidedly faulty. But that he did
-try to help himself, is evidenced by the following
-advertisement in the <i>Morning Post</i> of July 21, 1784:</p>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="small center"><i>‘To the Right Hon. the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Common-councilmen
-of the City of London.</i></p>
-
-<p>‘<span class="smcap">My Lord and Gentlemen</span>,</p>
-
-<p>‘The Office of Principal Land Coal
-Meter of this City being at present vacant by the
-death of Mr. John Evans, permit me to solicit the
-honour of succeeding him. My pretensions to your
-countenance on this occasion are the misfortunes in
-which (in common with many other respectable
-Citizens) I have been involved by the calamities of
-the late war, and an unblemished reputation,
-which has survived the wreck of my fortune. Having
-been a Liveryman twenty-four years, during
-which time I carried on an extensive branch of the
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_210">210</span>
-coal trade, my fellow-citizens cannot well be unacquainted
-with my character; and my having been
-greatly instrumental in establishing the very office
-which I solicit your interest to fill, will, I hope, be
-deemed an additional recommendation to your
-patronage.</p>
-
-<p>‘If my pretensions should meet your approbation,
-and be crowned with success, I shall ever retain a
-lively sense of so signal an obligation on,</p>
-
-<p class="table">
-<span class="trow tdc">‘My Lord and Gentlemen,</span>
-<span class="trow tdr">‘Your most obedient, devoted, humble servant,</span>
-<span class="trow tdr">‘<span class="smcap">John Walter</span>.</span>
-<span class="trow tdr">‘Printing House Square, Blackfriars.’</span>
-</p>
-
-<p>We hear of him again in connection with this
-situation, which he did not succeed in obtaining, in
-an advertisement in the <i>Morning Post</i>, 30th of July,
-1784.</p>
-
-<p class="center small">‘<i>To the Right Hon. the Lord Mayor, &amp;c.</i></p>
-
-<p>‘The Report, which a few days ago was credited by
-few, is now confirmed by many, and believed by all
-men, that a Coalition has been formed for the purpose
-of forcing you to bestow the emoluments of the
-Principal Land Coal Meter Office on two Aldermen,
-and it has been agreed that, on the day of the Election,
-one of them shall decline the Contest, and make
-a transfer to the other of the votes which some of you
-were pleased to engage to him....</p>
-
-<p>‘My pretensions I submit to the Corporation at
-large, and I strongly solicit the assistance of the
-merchants and traders of the Metropolis to join their
-efforts, and endeavour to wrest the power of appointment
-from the hands of a Junto, and restore the
-freedom of Election. Assert your independence,
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_211">211</span>
-and consequence, in time; with your breath you can
-blast the Coalition in its infancy; but, if you suffer it
-to conquer you in its present state, it will become a
-Hydra that will swallow up your Franchises, and leave
-you, like a Cathedral Chapter, the liberty of obeying
-a <i>cong&eacute; d’&egrave;lire</i> sent to you by a self-constituted faction.</p>
-
-<p class="table">
-<span class="trow tdc">‘I am, &amp;c., &amp;c.,</span>
-<span class="trow tdr smcap">‘John Walter.</span>
-<span class="trow">‘Printing House Square, Blackfriars.’</span>
-</p>
-
-<p>How did he come to this (to us) familiar address?
-It was by a chance which came in his way, and he
-seized it. In 1782 he, somehow, became acquainted
-with a compositor named Henry Johnson, who pointed
-out the trouble and loss of time occasioned by setting
-up words with types of a single letter, and proposed
-that at all events those words mostly in use
-should be cast in one. These were called ‘Logotypes’
-(or word types), and printing, therefore, was
-called ‘Logography.’ Caslon at first made the types&mdash;but
-there is evidence that they quarrelled, for in a
-letter of August 12, 1785, in the <i>Daily Universal
-Register</i> of that date, which he reprinted in broadside
-form, he says, ‘Mr. Caslon, the founder (whom I at
-first employed to cast my types), calumniated my
-plan, he censured what he did not understand, wantonly
-disappointed me in the work he engaged to
-execute, and would meanly have sacrificed me, to
-establish the fallacious opinion he had promulgated.’</p>
-
-<p>People had their little jokes about the ‘Logotypes,’
-and Mr. Knight Hunt, in his ‘Fourth Estate,’ writes,
-‘It was said that the orders to the type-founder ran
-after this fashion, “Send me a hundred-weight of
-heat, cold, wet, dry, murder, fire, dreadful robbery,
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_212">212</span>
-atrocious outrage, fearful calamity, and alarming
-explosion.”’ That he obtained not only literary, but
-royal recognition of his pet type, is shown by a foot-note
-to the letter above quoted (respecting Mr.
-Caslon),</p>
-
-<p>‘Any gentleman who chuses may inspect the
-Logographic Founts and Types, at the Printing-office,
-or at the British Museum, to which place they
-have been removed from the Queen’s Palace.’</p>
-
-<p>Where he got his money from he does not say, but
-on the 17th of May, 1784, he advertised that ‘Mr.
-Walter begs to inform the public that he has purchased
-the printing-house formerly occupied by Mr.
-Basket near Apothecaries Hall, which will be opened
-on the first day of next month for printing words
-entire, under his Majesty’s Patent;’ and he commenced
-business June 1, 1784.</p>
-
-<p>Printing House Square stands on the site of the
-old Monastery of Blackfriars. After the dissolution
-of the monasteries, in Henry the Eighth’s time, it
-passed through several hands, until it became the
-workshop of the royal printer. Here was printed,
-in 1666, the <i>London Gazette</i>, the oldest surviving paper
-in England; and, the same year, the all-devouring
-Great Fire completely destroyed it. Phœnix-like, it
-arose from its ashes, more beautiful than before&mdash;for
-the writer of ‘A New View of London,’ published in
-1708, thus describes it: <i>Printing House Lane</i>, on
-the E side of Blackfryars: a passage to the <i>Queen’s
-Printing House</i> (which is a stately building).’</p>
-
-<p>‘Formerly occupied by Mr. Basket,’ a printer,
-under the royal patent, of Bibles and Prayer-books.
-To him succeeded other royal and privileged printers.
-Eyre and Strahan, afterwards Eyre, Strahan, and
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_213">213</span>
-Spottiswoode, now Spottiswoode and Co., who, in
-1770, left Printing House Square, and moved to New
-Street, Fleet Street, a neighbourhood of which, now,
-that firm have a virtual monopoly.</p>
-
-<p>John Walter could not have dreamed of the palace
-now built at Bearwood; for, like most mercantile
-men of his day, he was quite content to ‘live over
-the shop’; and there, in Printing House Square,
-his son, and successor, John (who lived to build
-Bearwood), was born, and there James Carden,
-Esq., received his bride, John Walter’s eldest daughter,
-who was the mother of the present venerable
-alderman, Sir Robert Carden. There, too, died his
-wife, the partner of his successes and his failures,
-in the year 1798.</p>
-
-<p>The first work printed at this logographic printing
-establishment was a little story called, ‘Gabriel,
-the Outcast.’ Many other slight works followed;
-but these were not enough to satisfy the ambitions
-of John Walter, who, six months after he commenced
-business, started a newspaper, the <i>Daily Universal
-Register</i>, on the 1st of January, 1785.<a id="FNanchor_43" href="#Footnote_43" class="fnanchor">43</a> Even at that
-date there was no lack of newspapers, although our
-grandfathers were lucky to have escaped the infliction
-of the plague of periodicals under which we
-groan; for there were the <i>Morning Post</i>, the <i>Morning
-Chronicle</i>, the <i>General Advertiser</i>, <i>London Gazette</i>,
-<i>London Chronicle</i>, <i>Gazetteer</i>, <i>Morning Herald</i>, <i>St.
-James’s Chronicle</i>, <i>London Recorder</i>, <i>General Evening
-Post</i>, <i>Public Advertiser</i>, <i>Lounger</i>, <i>Parker’s General
-Advertiser</i>, &amp;c. So we must conclude that John
-Walter’s far-seeing intelligence foretold that a good
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_214">214</span>
-daily paper, ably edited, would pay. It was logographically
-printed, and was made the vehicle of
-puffs of the proprietor’s hobby. The <i>Times</i> was also
-so printed for a short period, but, eventually, it proved
-so cumbersome in practice, as absolutely to hinder
-the compositors, instead of aiding them.</p>
-
-<p>On the 1st of January, 1788, was born a baby that
-has since grown into a mighty giant. On that day
-was published the first number of <span class="smcap">the Times</span>, <i>or Daily
-Universal Register</i>, for it had a dual surname, and
-the reasons for the alteration are given in the following
-‘editorial.’</p>
-
-<h3>‘<span class="smcap">The Times.</span></h3>
-
-<p>‘Why change the head?</p>
-
-<p>‘This question will naturally come from the Public&mdash;and
-<i>we</i>, the <i>Times</i>, being the <span class="smcap">Public’s</span> most humble
-and obedient Servants, think ourselves bound to
-answer:&mdash;</p>
-
-<p>‘All things have <i>heads</i>&mdash;and all <i>heads</i> are liable to
-<i>change</i>.</p>
-
-<p>‘Every sentence and opinion advanced by Mr.
-<i>Shandy</i> on the influence and utility of a well-chosen
-surname may be properly applied in showing the
-recommendations and advantages which result from
-placing a striking title-page before a book, or an
-inviting <span class="smcap">Head</span> on the front page of a <i>Newspaper</i>.</p>
-
-<p>‘A <span class="smcap">Head</span> so placed, like those <i>heads</i> which once
-ornamented <i>Temple Bar</i>, or those of the <i>great Attorney</i>,
-or <i>great Contractor</i>, which, not long since, were
-conspicuously elevated for their <i>great actions</i>, and
-were exhibited, in wooden frames, at the <i>East</i> and
-<i>West</i> Ends of this Metropolis, never fails of attracting
-the eyes of passengers&mdash;though, indeed, we do
-not expect to experience the lenity shown to these
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_215">215</span>
-<i>great exhibitors</i>, for probably the <span class="smcap">Times</span> will be pelted
-without mercy.</p>
-
-<p>‘But then, a <i>head</i> with a <i>good face</i> is a harbinger,
-a gentleman-usher, that often strongly recommends
-even <span class="smcap">Dulness</span>, <span class="smcap">Folly</span>, <span class="smcap">Immorality</span>, or <span class="smcap">Vice</span>. The
-immortal Locke gives evidence to the truth of this
-observation. That great philosopher has declared
-that, though repeatedly taken in, he never could
-withstand the solicitations of a well-drawn title-page&mdash;authority
-sufficient to justify <i>us</i> in assuming a <i>new
-head</i> and a <i>new set of features</i>, but not with a design
-to impose; for we flatter ourselves the <span class="smcap">Head</span> of the
-<span class="smcap">Times</span> will not be found deficient in <i>intellect</i>, but,
-by putting a <i>new face</i> on affairs, will be admired
-for the <i>light of its countenance</i>, whenever it appears.</p>
-
-<p>‘To advert to our first position.</p>
-
-<p>‘The <span class="smcap">Universal Register</span> has been a name as injurious
-to the <i>Logographic Newspaper</i>, as <span class="smcap">Tristram</span> was
-to <span class="smcap">Mr. Shandy’s Son</span>. But <span class="smcap">Old Shandy</span> forgot he
-might have rectified by <i>confirmation</i> the mistakes of
-the <i>parson</i> at <i>baptism</i>&mdash;with the touch of a <i>Bishop</i>
-have changed <span class="smcap">Tristram</span> to Trismegistus.</p>
-
-<p>‘The <span class="smcap">Universal Register</span>, from the day of its first
-appearance to the day of its <i>confirmation</i>, has, like
-<span class="smcap">Tristram</span>, suffered from unusual casualties, both
-laughable and serious, arising from its name, which,
-on its introduction, was immediately curtailed of
-its fair proportion by all who called for it&mdash;the word
-<i>Universal</i> being <i>Universally</i> omitted, and the word
-<i>Register</i> being only retained.</p>
-
-<p>‘“Boy, bring me the <i>Register</i>.”</p>
-
-<p>‘The waiter answers: “Sir, we have not a library,
-but you may see it at the <i>New Exchange Coffee
-House</i>.”
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_216">216</span></p>
-
-<p>‘“Then I’ll see it there,” answers the disappointed
-politician; and he goes to the <i>New Exchange</i>, and
-calls for the <i>Register</i>; upon which the waiter tells
-him he cannot have it, as he is not a subscriber,
-and presents him with the <i>Court and City Register</i>,
-the <i>Old Annual Register</i>, or, if the Coffee-house be
-within the Purlieus of Covent Garden, or the hundreds
-of Drury, slips into the politician’s hand <i>Harris’s
-Register</i> of Ladies.</p>
-
-<p>‘For these and other reasons the parents of the
-<span class="smcap">Universal Register</span> have added to its original name
-that of the</p>
-
-<h3>TIMES,</h3>
-
-<p>Which, being a <i>monosyllable</i>, bids defiance to <i>corrupters</i>
-and <i>mutilaters</i> of the language.</p>
-
-<p>‘<span class="smcap">The Times!</span> What a monstrous name! Granted,
-for <span class="smcap">the Times</span> <i>is</i> a many-headed monster, that speaks
-with an hundred tongues, and displays a thousand
-characters, and, in the course of <i>its</i> transformations in
-life, assumes innumerable shapes and humours.</p>
-
-<p>‘The critical reader will observe we personify our
-<i>new name</i>; but as we give it no distinction of sex,
-and though <i>it</i> will be <i>active</i> in <i>its</i> vocations, yet we
-apply to <i>it</i> the <i>neuter gender</i>.</p>
-
-<p>‘<span class="smcap">The Times</span>, being formed of materials, and possessing
-qualities of opposite and heterogeneous natures,
-cannot be classed either in the animal or vegetable
-<i>genus</i>; but, like the <i>Polypus</i>, is doubtful, and in the
-discussion, description, dissection, and illustration
-will employ the pens of the most celebrated among
-the <i>Literati</i>.</p>
-
-<p>‘The <span class="smcap">Heads of the Times</span>, as has been said, are
-many; they will, however, not always appear at the
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_217">217</span>
-same time, but casually, as public or private affairs
-may call them forth.</p>
-
-<p>‘The principal, or leading heads are&mdash;</p>
-
-<table>
- <tr>
- <td>The</td>
- <td>Literary;</td>
- </tr>
- <tr>
- <td></td>
- <td>Political;</td>
- </tr>
- <tr>
- <td></td>
- <td>Commercial;</td>
- </tr>
- <tr>
- <td></td>
- <td>Philosophical;</td>
- </tr>
- <tr>
- <td></td>
- <td>Critical;</td>
- </tr>
- <tr>
- <td></td>
- <td>Theatrical;</td>
- </tr>
- <tr>
- <td></td>
- <td>Fashionable;</td>
- </tr>
- <tr>
- <td></td>
- <td>Humorous;</td>
- </tr>
- <tr>
- <td></td>
- <td>Witty, &amp;c.</td>
- </tr>
-</table>
-
-<p>‘Each of which are supplied with a competent share
-of intellects for the pursuit of their several functions;
-an endowment which is not in <i>all times</i> to be found
-even in the <span class="smcap">Heads</span> of the <i>State</i>, the <i>heads</i> of the
-<i>Church</i>, the <i>heads</i> of the <i>Law</i>, the <i>heads</i> of the <i>Navy</i>,
-the <i>heads</i> of the <i>Army</i>, and though <i>last</i>, not least, the
-great <i>heads</i> of the <i>Universities</i>.</p>
-
-<p>‘The <i>Political Head</i> of <span class="smcap">the Times</span>, like that of <i>Janus</i>,
-the Roman Deity, is doubly faced; with one countenance
-it will smile continually on the friends of <i>Old
-England</i>, and with the other will frown incessantly
-on her <i>enemies</i>.</p>
-
-<p>‘The alteration we have made in our <i>head</i> is not
-without precedents. The <span class="smcap">World</span> has parted with half
-its <span class="smcap">Caput Mortuum</span>, and a moiety of its brains. The
-<span class="smcap">Herald</span> has cut off half its head, and has lost its
-original humour. The <span class="smcap">Post</span>, it is true, retains its
-whole head and its old features; and, as to the other
-public prints, they appear as having neither <i>heads</i>
-nor <i>tails</i>. On the <span class="smcap">Parliamentary Head</span> every communication
-that ability and industry can produce
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_218">218</span>
-may be expected. To this great <i>National object</i>, <span class="smcap">the
-Times</span> will be most sedulously attentive, most accurately
-correct, and strictly impartial in its <i>reports</i>.’</p>
-
-<p>The early career of the <i>Times</i> was not all prosperity,
-and Mr. Walter was soon taught a practical lesson
-in keeping his pen within due bounds, for, on July
-11th, 1788, he was tried for two libellous paragraphs
-published in the <i>Times</i>, reflecting on the characters
-of the Duke of York, Gloucester, and Cumberland,
-stating them to be ‘insincere’ in their profession of
-joy at his Majesty’s recovery. It might have been
-an absolute fact, but it was impolitic to print it, and
-so he found it, for a jury found him guilty.</p>
-
-<p>He came up for judgment at the King’s Bench on
-the 23rd of November next, when he was sentenced
-by the Court to pay a fine of fifty pounds, to be imprisoned
-twelve months in Newgate, to stand in the
-pillory at Charing Cross, when his punishment should
-have come to an end, and to find security for his
-good behaviour.</p>
-
-<p>He seems to have ridden a-tilt at all the royal
-princes, for we next hear of him under date of 3rd of
-February, 1790, being brought from Newgate to the
-Court of King’s Bench to receive sentence for the
-following libels:</p>
-
-<p>For charging their Royal Highnesses the Prince of
-Wales and Duke of York with having demeaned
-themselves so as to incur the displeasure of his
-Majesty. This, doubtless, was strictly true, but it
-cost the luckless Walter one hundred pounds as a
-fine, and another twelve months’ imprisonment in
-Newgate.</p>
-
-<p>This, however, was not all; he was arraigned on
-another indictment for asserting that His Royal Highness
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_219">219</span>
-the Duke of Clarence returned from his station
-without leave of the Admiralty, or of his commanding
-officer, and for this he was found guilty, and sentenced
-to pay another hundred pounds.</p>
-
-<p>Whether he made due submission, or had powerful
-friends to assist him, I know not,&mdash;but it is said that
-it was at the request of the Prince of Wales&mdash;at all
-events, he received the king’s pardon, and was released
-from confinement on 7th of March, 1791, after
-which time he never wrote about the king’s sons in a
-way likely to bring him within the grip of the Law.</p>
-
-<p>From time to time we get little <i>avisos</i> as to the
-progress of the paper, for John Walter was not one
-of those who hide their light under a bushel. Contrast
-the printing power then with the magnificent ‘Walter’
-machines of the present day, which, in their turn, will
-assuredly be superseded by some greater improvement.</p>
-
-<p>The <i>Times</i>, 7th of February, 1794. ‘The Proprietors
-have for some time past been engaged in making
-alterations which they trust will be adequate to
-remedy the inconvenience of the late delivery complained
-of; and after Monday next the <span class="smcap">Times</span> will be
-worked off with three Presses, and occasionally with
-four, instead of <span class="smcap">TWO</span>, as is done in all other Printing-offices,
-by which mode two hours will be saved in
-printing the Paper, which, notwithstanding the lateness
-of the delivery, is now upwards of <span class="smcap">Four Thousand
-Three Hundred</span> in sale, daily.’</p>
-
-<p>The following statement is curious, as showing us
-some of the interior economy of the newspaper in its
-early days. From the <i>Times</i>, April 19, 1794:</p>
-
-<h3>‘<span class="smcap">To the Public.</span></h3>
-
-<p>‘It is with very great regret that the Proprietors
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_220">220</span>
-of this Paper, in Common with those of other Newspapers,
-find themselves obliged to increase the daily
-price of it <span class="smcap">One Halfpenny</span>, a measure which they
-have been forced to adopt in consequence of the Tax
-laid by the <i>Minister</i> on <i>Paper</i>, during the present
-Session of Parliament, and which took place on the
-5th instant.</p>
-
-<p>‘While the Bill was still pending, we not only
-stated in our Newspaper, but the Minister was himself
-informed by a Committee of Proprietors, that the
-new Duty would be so extremely oppressive as to
-amount to a necessity of raising the price, which it
-was not only their earnest Wish, but also their Interest,
-to avoid. The Bill, however, passed, after a long
-consideration and delay occasioned by the great
-doubts that were entertained of its efficacy. We
-wish a still longer time had been taken to consider
-it; for we entertain the same opinion as formerly, that
-the late Duty on Paper will not be productive to the
-Revenue, while it is extremely injurious to a particular
-class of Individuals, whose property was very
-heavily taxed before.</p>
-
-<p>‘In fact, it amounts either to a Prohibition of
-printing a Newspaper at the present price, or obliges
-the Proprietors to advance it. There is no option
-left; the price of Paper is now so high that the Proprietors
-have no longer an interest to render their
-sale extensive, as far as regards the profits of a large
-circulation. The more they sell at the present price,
-the more they will lose; to us alone the <i>Advance</i> on
-Paper will make a difference of &pound;1,200 sterling per
-Annum more than it formerly cost us&mdash;a sum which
-the Public must be convinced neither can, nor ought
-to be afforded by any Property of the limited nature
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_221">221</span>
-of a Newspaper, the profits on the sale of which are
-precisely as follows:</p>
-
-<h3>‘<span class="smcap">Sale.</span></h3>
-
-<p class="hang">
-2,000 Newspapers sold to the Newshawkers at 3½d., with a
-further deduction of allowing them a Paper in every Quire
-<span class="author"> ... ... ... &pound;26 18 6.</span></p>
-
-<h3>‘<span class="smcap">Cost of 2,000 Papers.</span></h3>
-
-<p class="hang">
-A Bundle of Paper containing 2,000 Half-sheets, or 2,000 Newspapers
-at Four Guineas per Bundle, which is the price it will
-be sold at under the new Duty is &pound;4 4 0.</p>
-
-<table>
- <tr>
- <td></td>
- <td class="tdr">&pound;4</td>
- <td class="tdr">4</td>
- <td class="tdr">0</td>
- <td class="tdr">&nbsp;</td>
- <td class="tdr">&pound;26</td>
- <td class="tdr">18</td>
- <td class="tdr">6</td>
- </tr>
- <tr>
- <td>2,000 Stamps at 2d., deducting discount</td>
- <td class="tdr">16</td>
- <td class="tdr">0</td>
- <td class="tdr">0</td>
- <td class="tdr">&nbsp;</td>
- <td class="tdr bb">20</td>
- <td class="tdr bb">4</td>
- <td class="tdr bb">0</td>
- </tr>
- <tr>
- <td class="tdc">Profits</td>
- <td class="tdr"> ... </td>
- <td class="tdr"> ... </td>
- <td class="tdr"> ... </td>
- <td class="tdr"></td>
- <td class="tdr bb">&pound;6</td>
- <td class="tdr bb">14</td>
- <td class="tdr bb">6</td>
- </tr>
-</table>
-
-<p>‘This is the whole Profit on the sale of two thousand
-Newspapers, out of which is to be deducted the
-charges of printing a Newspaper (which, on account
-of the Rise in Printers’ Wages last year, is &pound;100 a year
-more than it ever was before), the charges of Rent,
-Taxes, Coals, Candles (which are very high in every
-Printing-office), Clerks, general Superintendance, Editing,
-Parliamentary and Law Reports, and, above all, the
-Expenses of <span class="smcap">Foreign Correspondence</span>, which, under
-the present difficulties of obtaining it, and the different
-Channels which must be employed to secure a
-regular and uninterrupted Communication, is immense.
-If this Paper is in high estimation, surely the Proprietors
-ought to receive the advantage of their
-success, and not the Revenue, which already monopolises
-such an immense income from this property, no
-less than to the amount of &pound;14,000 sterling during last
-year only. We trust that these reasons will have
-sufficient weight with the Public to excuse us when
-we announce, though with very great regret, that on
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_222">222</span>
-Monday next the price of this Paper will be <i>Fourpence
-Halfpenny</i>.’</p>
-
-<p>Occasionally, the proprietor fell foul of his neighbours;
-vide the <i>Times</i>, November 16, 1795:</p>
-
-<p>‘All the abuse so lavishly bestowed on this Paper
-by other Public Prints, seems as if designed to betray,
-that in proportion as our sale is <i>good</i>, it is <i>bad</i> <span class="smcap">Times</span>
-with them.’</p>
-
-<p>In the early part of 1797, Pitt proposed, among
-other methods of augmenting the revenue, an additional
-stamp of three halfpence on every newspaper.
-The <i>Times</i>, April 28, 1797, groaned over it thus:</p>
-
-<p>‘The present daily sale of the <span class="smcap">Times</span> is known to
-be between four and five thousand Newspapers. For
-the sake of perspicuity, we will make our calculation
-on four thousand only, and it will hold good in proportion
-to every other Paper.</p>
-
-<p>‘The Newsvendors are now allowed by the Proprietors
-of every Newspaper two sheets in every
-quire, viz., twenty-six for every twenty-four Papers
-sold. The stamp duty on two Papers in every quire
-in four thousand Papers daily at the old Duty of
-2d., amounts to &pound;780 a year, besides the value of
-the Paper. An additional Duty of 1½d. will occasion
-a further loss of &pound;585 in this one instance
-only, for which there is not, according to Mr.
-<span class="smcap">Pitt’s</span> view of the subject, to be the smallest remuneration
-to the Proprietors. Is it possible that
-anything can be so unjust? If the Minister persists
-in his proposed plan, it will be impossible for Newspapers
-to be sold at a lower rate than sixpence
-halfpenny per Paper.’</p>
-
-<p>Pitt, of course, carried out his financial plan, and
-the newspapers had to grin, and bear it as best they
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_223">223</span>
-could&mdash;the weaker going to the wall, as may be seen
-by the following notices which appeared in the <i>Times</i>,
-July 5:</p>
-
-<p>‘<span class="smcap">To the Public</span>.</p>
-
-<p>‘We think it proper to remind our Readers and the
-Public at large that, in consequence of the heavy
-additional Duty of Three Half-pence imposed on every
-Newspaper, by a late Act of Parliament, which begins
-to have effect from and after this day, the Proprietors
-are placed in the very unpleasant position of being
-compelled to raise the price of their Newspapers to
-the amount of the said Duty. To the Proprietors of
-this Paper it will prove a very considerable diminution
-of the fair profits of the Trade; they will not, however,
-withdraw in the smallest degree any part of the
-Expenses which they employ in rendering the <span class="smcap">Times</span>
-an Intelligent and Entertaining source of Information:
-and they trust with confidence that the Public will
-bestow on it the same liberal and kind Patronage
-which they have shown for many years past; and for
-which the Proprietors have to offer sentiments of sincere
-gratitude. From this day, the price of every
-Newspaper will be Sixpence.’</p>
-
-<p>July 19, 1797. ‘Some of the <span class="smcap">Country Newspapers</span>
-have actually given up the Trade, rather than stand
-the risk of the late enormous heavy Duty: many
-others have advertised them for Sale: some of those
-printed in Town must soon do the like, for the fair
-profits of Trade have been so curtailed, that no Paper
-can stand the loss without having a very large proportion
-of Advertisements. We have very little
-doubt but that, so far from Mr. Pitt’s calculation of a
-profit of &pound;114,000 sterling by the New Tax on
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_224">224</span>
-Newspapers, the Duty, the same as on <span class="smcap">Wine</span>, will
-fall very short of the original Revenue.’</p>
-
-<p>July 13, 1797. ‘As a proof of the diminution in
-the general sale of Newspapers since the last impolitic
-Tax laid on them, we have to observe, as one
-instance, that the number of Newspapers sent
-through the General Post Office on Monday the 3rd
-instant, was 24,700, and on Monday last, only 16,800,
-a falling off of nearly <i>one-third</i>.’</p>
-
-<p>Once again we find John Walter falling foul
-of a contemporary&mdash;and indulging in editorial
-amenities.</p>
-
-<p>July 2, 1798. ‘The <i>Morning Herald</i> has, no doubt,
-acted from <i>very prudent motives</i> in declining to state
-any circumstances respecting its sale. All that we
-hope and expect, in future, is&mdash;that it will not attempt
-to injure this Paper by insinuating that it was
-in a declining state; an assertion which it knows to
-be false, and which will be taken notice of in a different
-way if repeated. The <i>Morning Herald</i> is at
-liberty to make any other comments it pleases.’</p>
-
-<p>Have the <i>Daily Telegraph</i> and the <i>Standard</i> copied
-from John Walter, when they give public notice that
-their circulation is so-and-so, as is vouched for by a
-respectable accountant? It would seem so, for this
-notice appeared in the <i>Times</i>:</p>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p>‘We have subjoined an Affidavit sworn yesterday
-before a Magistrate of the City, as to the present sale
-of the <span class="smcap">Times</span>.</p>
-
-<p>‘“We, C. Bentley and G. Burroughs, Pressmen of
-the <i>Times</i>, do make Oath, and declare, That the number
-printed of the <i>Times</i> Paper for the last two
-months, has never been, on any one day, below 3
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_225">225</span>
-thousand, and has fluctuated from that number to
-three thousand three hundred and fifty.”</p>
-
-<p>‘And, in order to avoid every subterfuge, I moreover
-attest, That the above Papers of the <span class="smcap">Times</span>
-were paid for to me, previous to their being taken by
-the Newsmen from the Office, with the exception of
-about a dozen Papers each morning which are spoiled
-in Printing.</p>
-
-<p class="table">
-<span class="trow tdr">‘<span class="smcap">J. Bonsor</span>, Publisher.</span>
-<span class="trow">‘Sworn before me December 31, 1798.</span>
-<span class="trow tdr">‘<span class="smcap">W. Curtis.</span>’</span>
-</p>
-
-<p>From this time the career of the <i>Times</i> seems to
-have been prosperous, for we read, January 1, 1799,</p>
-
-<h3>‘<span class="smcap">The New Year.</span></h3>
-
-<p>‘The New Year finds the <span class="smcap">Times</span> in the same situation
-which it has invariably enjoyed during a long
-period of public approbation. It still continues to
-maintain its character among the Morning Papers,
-as the most considerable in point of sale, as of
-general dependence with respect to information, and
-as proceeding on the general principles of the British
-Constitution. While we thus proudly declare our
-possession of the public favour, we beg leave to express
-our grateful sense of the unexampled patronage
-we have derived from it.’</p>
-
-<p>Mr. John Walter was never conspicuous for his
-modesty, and its absence is fully shown in the preceding
-and succeeding examples (January 1, 1800):</p>
-
-<p>‘It is always with satisfaction that we avail ourselves
-of the return of the present Season to acknowledge
-our sense of the obligation we lay under to the
-Public, for the very liberal Patronage with which
-they have honoured the <span class="smcap">Times</span>, during many years; a
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_226">226</span>
-constancy of favour, which, we believe, has never
-before distinguished any Newspaper, and for which
-the Proprietors cannot sufficiently express their most
-grateful thanks.</p>
-
-<p>‘This Favour is too valuable and too honourable
-to excite no envy in contemporary Prints, whose
-frequent habit it is to express it by the grossest
-calumnies and abuse. The Public, we believe, has
-done them ample justice, and applauded the contempt
-with which it is our practice to receive them.’</p>
-
-<p>As this self-gratulatory notice brings us down to
-the last year of the eighteenth century, I close this
-notice of ‘The <i>Times</i> and its Founder.’ John
-Walter died at Teddington, Middlesex, on the 26th of
-January, 1812.
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_227">227</span></p>
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<h2 id="IMPRISONMENT_FOR_DEBT">IMPRISONMENT FOR DEBT.</h2>
-
-<div>
-<img class="drop-cap" src="images/i.jpg" alt="I" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="drop-cap"><span class="upper-case">Imprisonment</span> for debt has long ceased
-to exist in England; debtors now only
-suffering incarceration for contempt of
-Court: that is to say, that the judge has
-satisfied himself that the debtor has the
-means to pay, and will not. But, in the eighteenth
-century, it was a fearful fact, and many languished in
-prison for life, for most trifling sums. Of course, there
-were debtors <i>and</i> debtors. If a man had money or
-friends, much might be done to mitigate his position;
-he might even live outside the prison, in the Rules, as
-they were called, a limited district surrounding the
-prison; but for this advantage he must find substantial
-bail&mdash;enough to cover his debt and fees. But
-the friendless poor debtor had a very hard lot, subsisting
-on charity, going, in turn, to beg of passers-by
-for a coin, however small, rattling a box to call attention,
-and dolorously repeating, ‘Remember the poor
-prisoners.’</p>
-
-<p>There were many debtors’ prisons, and one of the
-principal, the Fleet, was over-crowded; in fact, they
-all were full. Newgate, the Marshalsea, the Gate
-House, Westminster, the Queen’s Bench, the Fleet,
-Ludgate, Whitecross Street, Whitechapel, and a
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_228">228</span>
-peculiar one belonging to St. Katharine’s (where are
-now the docks).</p>
-
-<p>Arrest for debt was very prompt; a writ was taken
-out, and no poor debtor dare stir out without walking
-‘beard on shoulder,’ dreading a bailiff in every passer-by.
-The profession of bailiff was not an honoured
-one, and, probably, the best men did not enter it; but
-they had to be men of keen wit and ready resource,
-for they had equally keen wits, sharpened by the
-dread of capture, pitted against them. Some rose to
-eminence in their profession, and as, occasionally,
-there is a humorous side even to misery, I will tell a
-few stories of their exploits. As I am not inventing
-them, and am too honest to pass off another man’s
-work as my own, I prefer telling the stories in the
-quaint language in which I find them.</p>
-
-<p>‘<i>Abram Wood</i> had a Writ against an <i>Engraver</i>, who
-kept a House opposite to <i>Long Acre</i> in <i>Drury Lane</i>,
-and having been several times to serve it, but could
-never light on the Man, because he work’d at his
-business above Stairs, as not daring to shew his Head
-for fear of being arrested, for he owed a great deal of
-Money, Mr. <i>Bum</i> was in a Resolution of spending
-no more Time over him; till, shortly after, hearing
-that one <i>Tom Sharp</i>, a House-breaker, was to be
-hang’d at the end of <i>Long Acre</i>, for murdering a
-Watchman, he and his Follower dress’d themselves
-like Carpenters, having Leather Aprons on, and
-Rules tuck’d in at the Apron Strings: then going
-early the morning or two before the Malefactor was
-to be executed, to the place appointed for Execution,
-they there began to pull out their Rules, and were
-very busie in marking out the Ground where they
-thought best for erecting the Gibbet. This drew
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_229">229</span>
-several of the Housekeepers about ’em presently, and
-among the rest the <i>Engraver</i>, who, out of a selfish
-humour of thinking he might make somewhat the
-more by People standing in his House to see the
-Execution, in Case this Gibbet was near it, gave
-<i>Abram</i> a Crown, saying,</p>
-
-<p>‘“<i>I’ll give you a Crown more if you’ll put the Gibbet
-hereabouts</i>;” at the same time pointing where he
-would have it.</p>
-
-<p>‘Quoth <i>Abram</i>: “<i>We must put it fronting exactly
-up</i> Long Acre; <i>besides, could I put it nearer your door,
-I should require more Money than you propose, even as
-much as this</i>” (at the same time pulling it out of his
-pocket) “<i>Writ requires, which is twenty-five Pounds.</i>”
-So, taking his prisoner away, who could not give in
-Bail to the Action, he was carried to Jayl, without
-seeing <i>Tom Sharp</i> executed.’</p>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p>‘<i>William Browne</i> had an Action given him against
-one <i>Mark Blowen</i>, a Butcher, who, being much in
-debt, was never at his Stall, except on <i>Saturdays</i>, and
-then not properly neither, for the opposite side of the
-way to his Shop being in the Duchy Liberty<a id="FNanchor_44" href="#Footnote_44" class="fnanchor">44</a> (with
-the Bailiff whereof he kept in Fee) a Bailiff of the
-Marshal’s Court could not arrest him. From hence he
-could call to his Wife and Customers as there was
-occasion; and there could <i>Browne</i> once a week see
-his Prey, but durst not meddle with him. Many a
-Saturday his Mouth watered at him; but one Saturday
-above the rest, <i>Browne</i>, stooping for a Purse, as
-if he found it, just by his Stall, and pulling five or six
-guineas out of it, the Butcher’s Wife cry’d “Halves;”
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_230">230</span>
-his Follower, who was at some little distance behind
-him, cry’d out, “Halves” too.</p>
-
-<p>‘<i>Browne</i> refused Halves to either, whereupon they
-both took hold of him, the Woman swearing it was
-found by her Stall, therefore she would have half;
-and the Follower saying, As he saw it as soon t’other,
-he would have a Share of it too, or he would acquaint
-the Lord of the Mannor with it. <i>Mark Blowen</i>, in the
-meantime, seeing his Wife and another pulling and
-haling the Man about, whom he did not suspect to
-be a Bailiff, asked, “What’s the Matter?” His wife
-telling him the Man had found a Purse with Gold in
-it by her Stall, and therefore she thought it nothing
-but Justice but she ought to have some of it.</p>
-
-<p>“‘<i>Ay ay</i>,” (quoth the Butcher), “<i>and nothing but
-Reason, Wife</i>.”</p>
-
-<p>‘So, coming from his privileged side of the Way, he
-takes hold of <i>Browne</i> too, bidding his Wife look after
-the Shop, for he would take care of him before they
-parted.</p>
-
-<p>‘<i>Browne</i>, being thus hemm’d in by his Follower
-and the Butcher, quoth he:</p>
-
-<p>‘“<i>Look’ee here, Gentlemen, I have Six Guineas here,
-’tis true, but, if I should give you one half of it, why,
-then there is but a quarter Share of the other two.</i>”</p>
-
-<p>‘“<i>No, no</i>”, (replyed they), “<i>we’ll have Man and Man
-alike, which is Two Guineas apiece</i>.”</p>
-
-<p>‘“<i>Well</i>,” (quoth Browne), “<i>if it must be so, I’m contented;
-but, then, I’ll tell you what, I’ll have the odd
-Eighteen Pence spent</i>.”</p>
-
-<p>‘“<i>With all my heart</i>,” said Blowen. “<i>We’ll never
-make a dry Bargain on’t.</i>”</p>
-
-<p>‘They are all agreed, and <i>Browne</i> leads them up
-to the <i>Blackmore’s Head</i> Alehouse, in <i>Exeter Street</i>,
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_231">231</span>
-where a couple of Fowls are ordered to be laid
-down, and Stout and Ale is called for by wholesale.
-At last they went to Dinner, and, afterwards,
-<i>Browne</i>, changing his Six Guineas for Silver, gave
-his Follower (to carry on the jest) Forty Shillings,
-and put the rest in his pocket. <i>Mark Blowen</i>, seeing
-that, began to look surly, and asked for his Share.</p>
-
-<p>‘Said <i>Browne</i>: “<i>What Share, friend?</i>”</p>
-
-<p>‘Quoth <i>Mark Blowen</i>: “<i>Forty Shillings, as you gave
-this Man here.</i>”</p>
-
-<p>‘<i>Browne</i> reply’d: “<i>Why, truly, Sir, I shall have an
-urgent Occasion to Night for what Sum I have about me,
-and if you’ll be pleas’d to lend me your Share but till</i>
-Monday <i>Morning, I’ll come and pay you then at this
-House without fail, and return you, with infinite thanks,
-for the Favour.</i>”</p>
-
-<p>‘Quoth <i>Mark</i> (who was a blundering, rustical sort
-of a Fellow): “<i>D&mdash;&mdash; me, Sir, don’t think to Tongue-Pad
-me out of my Due. I’ll have my Share now, or
-else he that’s the best Man here of us three shall have it
-all, win it, and wear it.</i>”</p>
-
-<p>‘“<i>Pray, Sir</i>,” (said <i>Browne</i>), “<i>don’t be in this Passion.
-I’ll leave you a sufficient Pledge for it till</i> Monday.”</p>
-
-<p>‘Quoth <i>Mark</i>: “<i>Let’s see it.</i>”</p>
-
-<p>‘Hereupon <i>Browne</i> pulls out his Tip-Staff, and lays
-it on the Table; but the Butcher, not liking the
-Complexion of it, began to be moving, when the
-Follower, laying Hands on him, they arrested him in
-an Action of Eighteen Pounds, and carried him to the
-<i>Marshalsea</i>, where, after a Confinement of Nine Months,
-he ended his Days.’</p>
-
-<p>There is another famous bailiff on record, named
-Jacob Broad; and of him it is narrated that, ‘being
-employed to arrest a Justice of the Peace living near
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_232">232</span>
-<i>Uxbridge</i>, he went down there very often, and had
-us’d several Stratagems to take him, but, his Worship
-being very cautious in conversing with any of <i>Jacob’s</i>
-Fraternity, his Contrivances to nap him prov’d always
-abortive. However, a great deal of Money was proffer’d
-by the Creditor to take the worshipful Debtor;
-so one Day <i>Jacob</i>, with a couple of his Followers,
-took a Journey in the Country, and, being near the
-end of their Journey, <i>Jacob</i> alights, and flings his
-Bridle, Saddle, and Boots into a Thick Hedge, and
-then puts a Fetlock<a id="FNanchor_45" href="#Footnote_45" class="fnanchor">45</a> on his Horse. The Followers
-tramp’d it a-foot, to one of whom giving the Horse,
-he leads it to a Smith at <i>Uxbridge</i>, and, telling him
-he had lost the Key of the Fetlock, he desir’d him
-to unlock it, whilst he went to a neighbouring Alehouse,
-where he would give him a Pot or two of
-Drink for his Pains. Accordingly the Smith unlockt
-it, and carried the Horse to the Alehouse; and, after
-he had drank Part of half-a-dozen of Drink, return’d
-to his Work again. Shortly after, came the other
-Follower to the Smith, inquiring if he did not see
-such a Horse come by that way, describing at the
-same time the Colour and Marks of it, and how his
-Master had lost him out of his Grounds that Morning.
-The Smith reply’d, that such a Horse was brought
-to him but a little before, to have a Fetlock taken
-off, and that he did imagine the Fellow to be a
-Rogue that had him; but, however, he believ’d he
-was still at such an Alehouse hard by, and might
-be there apprehended. Hereupon the Smith and
-Follower went to the Alehouse, where they found
-the Horse standing at the Door, and the other Follower
-in the House, whom they call’d a thousand
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_233">233</span>
-Rogues, and charg’d with a Constable for a Thief.
-In the meantime, came <i>Jacob Broad</i>, who own’d the
-Horse to be his, and the Town-People, being all in
-a hurly-burly, they carried him before the Justice
-whom <i>Jacob</i> wanted; but no sooner were <i>Jacob</i>, the
-supposed Thief, and the other Follower entered the
-House, but charging the Constable to keep the Peace,
-they arrested his Worship, and brought him forthwith
-to <i>London</i>, where he was forc’d to pay the
-Debt of two hundred and thirty-four Pounds before
-he could reach home again.’</p>
-
-<p>Another story is related of Jacob Broad.</p>
-
-<p>‘A certain Gentleman who liv’d at <i>Hackney</i>, and
-had been a Collector of the late Queen’s Duties, but
-cheated her of several thousands of Pounds, goes
-home, and pretends himself sick. Upon this he
-keeps his Bed, and, after a Fortnight’s pretended
-Illness, it was given out that he was Dead. Great
-preparations were then made for his Funeral. His
-Coffin, which was filled with Bricks and Saw-Dust,
-was covered with black Velvet, and his Wife, and
-Six Sons and Daughters, all in deep Mourning, follow’d
-it to the Grave, which was made in St. <i>John’s</i>
-Church, at <i>Hackney</i>. This sham Funeral was so well
-carried on, that all the People of the Town would
-have sworn the Collector was really Dead. About
-a Week after his supposed Interment, <i>Jacob Broad</i>
-had an Action of one hundred and fifty Pounds
-against him. He went to <i>Hackney</i> to serve the
-Writ, but, enquiring after the Person he was to arrest,
-and being told that he was dead and buried, he
-return’d home again.</p>
-
-<p>‘About Seven Years afterwards, the Creditor being
-certainly inform’d that the Collector was alive and
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_234">234</span>
-well in his own House, he employed <i>Jacob</i> again
-to arrest him, and accordingly he and another went
-to execute the Writ. <i>Jacob</i> planted himself in an
-Alehouse adjacent to the long-supposed Deceased’s
-Habitation, and, while his Aid-de-Camp, or Follower,
-was doing something else, he told a Woman, coming
-by with a great Load of Turnips on her Head, that
-the People of such a House wanted some, which was
-the House where the Seven Years dead Man dwelt.
-She went forthwith and knockt at the Door, which
-was open’d to let her in, and the Follower, who was
-close at her Heels, rush’d in after her, and ran into a
-Back Parlour, where he saw the Person (according to
-the Description of him) whom he wanted sitting by
-the Fire Side. It happening then to be a festival
-Day, for the Entertainment of the Collector’s Children,
-and Grand Children, the Table was spread with
-Variety of Dainties; the Follower leapt over the
-Table, overthrowing the Viands on it, and laying
-hold of the Prisoner, all their Mirth was spoilt at
-once. In the mean Time came <i>Jacob Broad</i>, and,
-taking out the supposed dead Man, he seem’d to be
-overjoy’d at his Resurrection from a Seven Years’
-Confinement and for tasting the fresh Air. <i>Jacob</i>
-brings him to <i>London</i>, whence he remov’d himself by
-a Writ of <i>Habeas Corpus</i> to the King’s Bench Prison
-in <i>Southwark</i>, where he died again in a Week’s time,
-for he was never heard of till he was seen about
-Three Years after in <i>Denmark</i>.</p>
-
-<p>‘<i>Jacob Broad</i> was always very happy in having
-Followers as acute as himself in any sort of Roguery,
-especially one <i>Andrew Vaughan</i>, afterwards a Bailiff
-himself on Saffron Hill, and one <i>Volly Vance</i>, otherwise
-call’d <i>Glym Jack</i> from his having been a Moon
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_235">235</span>
-Curser,<a id="FNanchor_46" href="#Footnote_46" class="fnanchor">46</a> or Link Boy ... From a Link Boy <i>Glym
-Jack</i> came to be <i>Jacob Broad’s</i> Follower, who,
-together with <i>Andrew Vaughan</i>, he once took into
-the Country along with him to arrest a Justice of
-Peace, who was one of the shyest cocks that ever
-<i>Jacob</i> had to take by Stratagem. In order to accomplish
-this Undertaking, <i>Jacob</i>, <i>Andrew</i>, and <i>Glym
-Jack</i> were very well drest in Apparel, and mounted
-on good Geldings, having fine Hangers on their
-Sides, and Pistols in their Holsters, beside Pocket
-Pops sticking in their Bosoms. Being thus accoutred
-they rid into an Inn in the Town where the Justice
-of Peace they wanted dwelt, and, putting up their
-Horses, they ask’d the Landlord for a private Room,
-which, being accommodated with, they refresh’d
-themselves with a good Dinner, and afterwards set
-to play.</p>
-
-<p>‘Whilst they were shaking their Elbows at 7 or
-11 nick it, a great deal of Money and three or four
-Watches lying on the Table, when at last one of ’em
-cry’d, this Watch is my Snack, for I’m sure I first
-attackt the Gentleman from whom we took it; another
-swore such a Purse of Gold was his, which
-they had taken that Morning from a Gentlewoman,
-and, in short, everyone of ’em was swearing such a
-Prize was his, all which the Landlord (who listened
-at the Door) overhearing, thought to himself they
-were all Highwaymen. Hereupon he goes and
-acquaints the shy Justice of Peace with the matter,
-who ask’d <i>If he were sure they were Rogues</i>.</p>
-
-<p>‘“<i>Nothing,</i>” (quoth the Innkeeper), “<i>is more certain,
-for they are all arm’d with more Pistols than ordinary,</i>
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_236">236</span>
-<i>swearing, damning, cursing, and sinking every Word they
-speak, and falling out about dividing their Booty.”</i></p>
-
-<p>‘“<i>Ay, ay</i>,” (reply’d the Justice), “<i>they are then certainly
-Highwaymen</i>,” and so order’d him to secure
-them.</p>
-
-<p>‘The Innholder went for a Constable, who, with a
-great many Rusticks, arm’d with Pitch Forks, long
-Poles, and other Country Weapons, went with the
-Landlord to the Inn, suddenly rush’d into the Room,
-and surpriz’d <i>Jacob</i> and his Followers, with Money
-and Watches lying before them.</p>
-
-<p>‘“<i>So</i>,” (says the Constable), “<i>pretty Gentlemen, are
-not ye, that honest people can’t travel the Country without
-being robb’d by such villains as you are?&mdash;Well</i>,” (quoth
-the Constable to <i>Jacob</i>), “<i>what’s your Name?</i>”</p>
-
-<p>‘His answer was <i>Sice-Ace</i>.<a id="FNanchor_47" href="#Footnote_47" class="fnanchor">47</a></p>
-
-<p>‘“<i>A fine Rogue, indeed!</i>” said the Constable, at the
-same time asking <i>Andrew</i> his Name, whose answer
-was,</p>
-
-<p>‘“<i>Cinque-Duce</i>.”</p>
-
-<p>‘“<i>Another Rogue in Grain!</i>” quoth the Constable;
-and then ask’d <i>Glym Jack</i> what his Name was, who
-reply’d,</p>
-
-<p>‘“<i>Quater-Tray</i>.”</p>
-
-<p>‘“<i>Rogues! Rogues all!</i>” said the Constable; “<i>ay,
-worse than all, they are mear Infidels, Heathens, for I
-never heard such names before in a Christian Country.
-Come, Neighbours, bring ’em away before Mr. Justice,
-his Worship will soon make them change their Notes.</i>”</p>
-
-<p>‘Accordingly the Rusticks haled them along the
-Town to his Worship’s House, into which they were
-no sooner enter’d but he began to revile <i>Jacob</i> and
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_237">237</span>
-his Brethren for Highwaymen, and asking them their
-Names, they still were in the same Tone of <i>Sice-Ace</i>,
-<i>Cinque-Duce</i>, and <i>Quater-Tray</i>, at which the Justice,
-lifting up his Hands and Eyes to the Ceiling, cry’d
-out, <i>Such audacious Rogues as these were never seen
-before</i>.</p>
-
-<p>‘“<i>Here, Tom,</i>” (quoth his Worship to his Clerk),
-“<i>write their</i> Mittimus, <i>for I will send them everyone to</i>
-Newgate.”</p>
-
-<p>‘Whilst their Commitment was writing, <i>Jacob</i> pulls
-a Bit of Parchment out of his Pocket, and, asking the
-Constable if he could read it, he put on his Spectacles,
-and posing and mumbling over it a Minute or two,
-said,</p>
-
-<p>‘“<i>I cannot tell what to make of it. It is Latin, I
-think.</i>”</p>
-
-<p>‘“<i>Well, then,</i>” (quoth Jacob), “<i>I’ll tell you what it
-is, it is the King’s Process against this Gentleman that is
-going to commit us to</i> Newgate; <i>therefore, in my Execution
-of it, I require you, as you are a Constable, to keep
-the Peace.</i>”</p>
-
-<p>‘This turn of the Dice made the Magistrate, the
-Peace Officer, and all the Rusticks stare at one another
-as if they were out of their Senses. However,
-<i>Jacob</i> brought his Prisoner to <i>London</i>, and oblig’d
-him to make Satisfaction before he got out of his
-Clutches.’</p>
-
-<p>The above anecdotes illustrate the humorous side
-of a bailiff’s life, but sometimes they met with very
-rough treatment, nay, were even killed. On the 4th
-of August, 1722, a bailiff named Boyce was killed
-by a blacksmith, who ran a red-hot iron into him;
-and the book I have quoted from thus speaks of
-bailiffs as ‘such Villains, whose Clan is suppos’d to
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_238">238</span>
-descend from the cursed Seed of <i>Ham</i>, and therefore
-stinks in the Nostrils of all honest Men. Some
-of them have been paid in their own Coyn, for
-Captain <i>Bew</i> kill’d a Sergeant of one of the Compters.
-Shortly after, a Bailiff was kill’d in <i>Grays-Inn</i>
-Walks; another Bailiff had his Hand chopt off
-by a Butcher in <i>Hungerford</i> Market, in the <i>Strand</i>,
-of which Wound he dyed the next Day, and another
-Man kill’d two Bailiffs at once with a couple of
-Pistols in <i>Houghton Street</i>, by <i>Clare Market</i>, for
-which he was touch’d with a cold iron<a id="FNanchor_48" href="#Footnote_48" class="fnanchor">48</a> at the
-Sessions House at the <i>Old Baily</i>, besides several
-others of that detestable Tribe have deservedly
-suffer’d the same fate....</p>
-
-<p>‘But, by the way, we must take Notice that a
-Bailiff is Universally hated by Man, Woman, or Child,
-who dearly love to see them duckt (Pick-pocket like)
-in the <i>Muse</i> Pond,<a id="FNanchor_49" href="#Footnote_49" class="fnanchor">49</a> or the cleanly Pond of the Horse
-Guards, at <i>Whitehall</i>, and sometimes well rinsed at
-the <i>Temple</i>, or <i>Grays-Inn</i> Pump; and if any of these
-napping Scoundrels is taken within the Liberty of
-the <i>Mint</i>, the enraged Inhabitants of this Place tye
-him fast with Ropes in a Wheelbarrow; then they
-trundle him about the Streets, with great Shouts and
-Huzzas.... After he is convey’d in the like
-Order to a stinking Ditch, near <i>St. George’s</i> Fields,
-where he is plunged over Head and Ears, <i>&agrave; la mode
-de Pickpocket</i>; and then, to finish the Procession,
-he is solemnly convey’d to a Pump, according to the
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_239">239</span>
-antient Custom of the Place, where he is sufficiently
-drench’d for all his dirty Doings.’</p>
-
-<p>This, as I have said, shows the humorous side of
-imprisonment for debt. An unimpeachable and veracious
-authority, one who only gave dry statistics,
-and did not draw upon his imagination for his facts,
-was John Howard, the philanthropist, who published,
-in 1777, ‘The State of the Prisons in England and
-Wales.’ From his report we learn that the allowance
-to debtors was a penny loaf a day&mdash;and when we consider
-that, during the French war, bread at one time
-rose to a price equivalent to our half-crown per
-quartern loaf, it could hardly be called a sufficient
-diet. But the City of London, generous then, as
-ever, supplemented this with a daily (? weekly)
-supply of sixteen stone, or one hundred and twenty-eight
-pounds, of beef, which, as Howard gives the
-average of debtors in two years (1775-6) at thirty-eight,
-would be more than ample for their needs&mdash;and
-there were other charities amounting to fifty or
-sixty pounds a year&mdash;but, before they were discharged,
-they were compelled to pay the keeper a
-fee of eight shillings and tenpence.</p>
-
-<p>In the Fleet Prison they had no allowance, but, if
-they made an affidavit that they were not worth five
-pounds, and could not subsist without charity, they
-had divided amongst them the proceeds of the begging-box
-and grate, and the donations which were
-sent to the prison. Of these, Howard says, at the
-time of his visit, there were seventeen. But the
-other prisoners who had any money had every facility
-afforded them to spend it. There was a tap, at which
-they could purchase whatever liquor they required;
-there was a billiard-table, and, in the yard, they could
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_240">240</span>
-play at skittles, Mississippi, fives, tennis, &amp;c. On Monday
-nights there was a wine club, and on Thursday
-nights a beer club, both of which usually lasted until
-one or two in the morning; and pretty scenes of
-riot and drunkenness took place. The prisoners were
-allowed to have their wives and children to live with
-them.</p>
-
-<p>Ludgate had ceased to exist, and the debtors were
-transferred to New Ludgate, in Bishopsgate Street.
-It was a comparatively aristocratic debtors’ prison,
-for it was only for debtors who were free of the City,
-for clergymen, proctors, and attorneys. Here, again,
-the generosity of the City stepped in; and, for an
-average number of prisoners of twenty-five, ten stone,
-or eighty pounds of beef, were given weekly, together
-with a daily penny loaf for each prisoner. The lord
-mayor and sheriffs sent them coals, and Messrs. Calvert,
-the brewers, sent weekly two barrels of small
-beer, besides which, there were some bequests.</p>
-
-<p>The Poultry Compter was in the hands of a keeper
-who had bought the place for life, and was so crowded
-that some of the prisoners had to sleep on shelves
-over the others, and neither straw nor bedding was
-allowed them. The City gave a penny loaf daily to
-the prisoners, and remitted for their benefit the rent
-of thirty pounds annually; the Calverts also sent them
-beer. At Howard’s visits, eight men had their wives
-and children with them.</p>
-
-<p>Wood Street Compter was not a pleasant abode,
-for Howard says the place swarmed with bugs.
-There were thirty-nine debtors, and their allowance
-was a daily penny loaf from the City, two barrels of
-beer weekly from the Calverts; the sheriffs gave them
-thirty-two pounds of beef on Saturdays, and for some
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_241">241</span>
-years a benevolent baker sent them, weekly, a large
-leg and shin of beef.</p>
-
-<p>At Whitechapel was a prison for debtors, in the
-liberty and manor of Stepney and Hackney, but it
-was only for very small debtors, those owing above
-two pounds, and under five. Howard’s story of this
-prison is a very sad one, the occupants being so very
-poor:</p>
-
-<p>‘The Master’s-side Prisoners have four sizeable
-chambers fronting the road&mdash;<i>i.e.</i>, two on each storey.
-They pay two shillings and sixpence a week, and lie
-two in a bed; two beds in a room. The Common-side
-Debtors are in two long rooms in the Court
-Yard, near the Tap-room. Men in one room, women
-in the other: the Court Yard in common. They hang
-out a begging-box from a little closet in the front
-of the House, and attend it in turn. It brings them
-only a few pence a day, and of this pittance none
-partake but those who, at entrance, have paid the
-keeper two shillings and sixpence, and treated the
-Prisoners with half a gallon of beer. The last time
-I was there, no more than three had purchased this
-privilege....</p>
-
-<p>‘At my first visit there were, on the Common-side,
-two Prisoners in Hammocks, sick and very poor.
-No chaplain. A compassionate Man, who is not a
-regular Clergyman, sometimes preaches to them on
-Sunday, and gives them some small relief. Lady
-Townsend sends a Guinea twice a year, which her
-Servant distributes equally among the Prisoners.</p>
-
-<p>‘As Debtors here are generally very poor, I was
-surprised to see, once, ten or twelve noisy men at
-skittles; but the Turnkey said they were only visitants.
-I found they were admitted here as at another
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_242">242</span>
-public-house. No Prisoners were at play with
-them.’</p>
-
-<p>At St. Catherine’s, without the Tower, was another
-small debtors’ prison. This parish was a ‘<i>peculiar</i>,’
-the Bishop of London having no jurisdiction over it,
-and the place was under the especial patronage of
-the Queens of England ever since the time of Matilda,
-the wife of Stephen, who founded a hospital there,
-now removed to Regent’s Park. It was a wonderful
-little parish, for there people could take sanctuary&mdash;and
-there also were tried civil and ecclesiastical
-cases. Howard says that the prison for debtors had
-been rebuilt seven years before he wrote. It was a
-small house of two storeys; two rooms on a floor.
-In April, 1774, there was a keeper, but no prisoners.
-‘I have since called two or three times, and always
-found the House uninhabited.’</p>
-
-<p>No notice of debtors’ prisons would be complete
-without mention of the King’s Bench, which was in
-Southwark. Howard reports:</p>
-
-<p>‘The Prisoners are numerous. At more than one
-of my visits, some had the Small Pox. It was so
-crowded this last summer, that a Prisoner paid five
-shillings a week for half a bed, and many lay in the
-chapel. In May, 1766, the number of Prisoners
-within the Walls was three hundred and ninety-five,
-and, by an accurate list which I procured, their wives
-(including a few only called so) were two hundred
-and seventy-nine, children seven hundred and twenty-five&mdash;total,
-one thousand and four; about two-thirds
-of these were in the Prison.’</p>
-
-<p>The prisoners had, as in the Fleet, their weekly
-wine and beer clubs, and they also indulged in
-similar outdoor sports. The Marshalsea and Horsemonger
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_243">243</span>
-Lane gaol complete the list of London
-debtors’ prisons.</p>
-
-<p>Howard’s description of the county prisons is something
-appalling. Gaol-fever, distemper, or small-pox
-being recorded against most of them. At Chelmsford
-there had been no divine service for above a
-year past, except to condemned criminals. At
-Warwick the debtors’ common day-room was the
-hall, which was also used as a chapel. At Derby a
-person went about the country, at Christmas-time, to
-gentlemen’s houses, and begged for the benefit of
-the debtors. The donations were entered in a book,
-and signed by each donor. About fourteen pounds
-were generally collected in this manner.</p>
-
-<p>Chesterfield gaol was the property of the Duke of
-Portland, and Howard describes it thus:</p>
-
-<p>‘Only one room, with a cellar under it, to which
-the Prisoners occasionally descend through a hole in
-the floor. The cellar had not been cleaned for many
-months. The Prison door had not been opened for
-several weeks, when I was there first. There were
-four Prisoners, who told me they were almost starved;
-one of them said, with tears in his eyes, “he had not
-eaten a morsel that day,”&mdash;it was afternoon. They
-had borrowed a book of Dr. Manton’s; one of them
-was reading it to the rest. Each of them had a
-wife, and they had, in the whole, thirteen children,
-cast on their respective parishes. Two had their
-groats from the Creditors, and out of that pittance
-they relieved the other two. No allowance: no
-straw: no firing: water a halfpenny for about three
-gallons, put in (as other things are) at the window.
-Gaoler lives distant.’</p>
-
-<p>At Salisbury gaol, just outside the prison gate, a
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_244">244</span>
-round staple was fixed in the wall, through which
-was passed a chain, at each end of which was a
-debtor padlocked by the leg, who offered for sale to
-the passers-by, nets, laces, purses, etc., made in the
-prison. At Knaresborough the debtors’ prison is
-thus described:</p>
-
-<p>‘Of difficult access; the door about four feet from
-the ground. Only one room, about fourteen feet by
-twelve. Earth floor: no fireplace: very offensive: a
-common sewer from the town running through it
-uncovered. I was informed that an Officer confined
-here some years since, for only a few days, took in
-with him a dog to defend him from vermin; but the
-dog was soon destroyed, and the Prisoner’s face much
-disfigured by them.’</p>
-
-<p>The gaolers were not always the most gentle of
-men, as may be seen by the trial of one Acton,
-deputy-keeper and turnkey of the Marshalsea, for
-the murder of a prisoner named Thomas Bliss. The
-indictment will briefly tell the story:</p>
-
-<p>‘That the said <i>William Acton</i>, being Deputy
-Keeper, under <i>John Darby</i>, of the said prison, being
-a person of inhuman and cruel disposition, did, on the
-21st of October, in the Year of our Lord, 1726,
-cruelly, barbarously, and feloniously Beat, Assault,
-and Wound the said <i>Thomas Bliss</i> in the said Prison,
-<i>viz.</i>, in the Parish of Saint George’s-in-the-Fields,
-in the Borough of <i>Southwark</i>, in the County of
-<i>Surrey</i>, and did put Irons and Fetters of great and
-immense weight upon his legs, and an Iron Instrument,
-and Engine of Torture, upon the Head of the
-said <i>Thomas Bliss</i>, called the Scull-cap, and also
-Thumb-screws upon his Thumbs; and the said
-<i>Thomas Bliss</i> was so wounded, fettered, tortured and
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_245">245</span>
-tormented in the Strong Room of the said Prison
-(which is a dangerous, damp, noisome, filthy, and unwholesome
-place) did put, and him did there detain
-several days; by means of which excruciating Tortures,
-close Confinement, Duress, and cruel Abuses,
-the said <i>Thomas Bliss</i> got so ill an Habit of Body,
-that he continued in a languishing Condition till the
-25th Day of <i>March</i> following, and then died.’</p>
-
-<p>Although the facts of the indictment were fully
-borne out by the evidence, the jury acquitted Acton.
-I should mention that Bliss had twice attempted to
-escape from the prison.</p>
-
-<p>Let us pass to a pleasanter theme, and see what
-was the inner life of a debtor’s prison about 1750, the
-story of which is told in a little book undated.<a id="FNanchor_50" href="#Footnote_50" class="fnanchor">50</a> The
-foot-notes are taken from the book.</p>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<div class="poetry">
-<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">Close by the Borders of a slimy Flood,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Which now in secret rumbles through the Mud;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">(Tho’ heretofore it roll’d expos’d to light,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Obnoxious to th’ offended City’s Sight).<a id="FNanchor_51" href="#Footnote_51" class="fnanchor">51</a><br /></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">Twin Arches now the sable Stream enclose,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Upon whose Basis late a Fabrick rose;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">In whose extended oblong Boundaries, }<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Are Shops and Sheds, and Stalls of all Degrees, }<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">For Fruit, Meat, Herbage, Trinkets, Pork and Peas. }<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">A prudent City Scheme, and kindly meant;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">The Town’s oblig’d, their Worships touch the Rent.<br />
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_246">246</span></span>
-<span class="i0">Near this commodious Market’s miry Verge,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">The Prince of Prisons stands, compact and large;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Where by the Jigger’s<a id="FNanchor_52" href="#Footnote_52" class="fnanchor">52</a> more than magick Charm,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Kept from the Power of doing Good&mdash;or Harm,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Relenting Captives inly ruminate<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Misconduct past, and curse their present State;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Tho’ sorely griev’d, few are so void of Grace,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">As not to wear a seeming cheerful face:<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">In Drink or Sports ungrateful Thoughts must die,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">For who can bear Heart-wounding Calumny?<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Therefore Cabals engage of various Sorts,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">To walk, to drink, or play at different Sports,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Here oblong Table’s verdant Plain,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">The ivory Ball bounds and rebounds again<a id="FNanchor_53" href="#Footnote_53" class="fnanchor">53</a>;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">There at Backgammon two sit <i>t&ecirc;te-&agrave;-t&ecirc;te</i>,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And curse alternately their adverse fate;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">These are at Cribbage, those at Whist engag’d,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And, as they lose, by turns become enrag’d;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Some of more sedentary Temper, read<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Chance-medley Books, which duller Dulness breeds;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Or Politick in Coffee-room, some pore<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">The Papers and Advertisements thrice o’er;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Warm’d with the Alderman,<a id="FNanchor_54" href="#Footnote_54" class="fnanchor">54</a> some sit up late,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">To fix th’ Insolvent Bill, and Nation’s fate:<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Hence, Knotty Points at different Tables rise,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And either Party’s wond’rous, wond’rous wise;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Some of low Taste, ring Hand-Bells, direful Noise!<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And interrupt their Fellows’ harmless Joys;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Disputes more noisy now a Quarrel breeds,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And Fools on both Sides fall to Loggerheads;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Till, wearied with persuasive Thumps and Blows,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">They drink, are Friends, as tho’ they ne’er were Foes.<br />
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_247">247</span></span>
-<span class="i0">Without distinction, intermixed is seen,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">A ‘Squire dirty, and Mechanick clean:<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">The Spendthrift Heir, who in his Chariot roll’d,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">All his Possessions gone, Reversions sold,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Now mean, as one profuse, the stupid Sot<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Sits by a Runner’s Side,<a id="FNanchor_55" href="#Footnote_55" class="fnanchor">55</a> and shules<a id="FNanchor_56" href="#Footnote_56" class="fnanchor">56</a> a Pot.<br /></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">Some Sots, ill-mannered, drunk, a harmless Flight!<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Rant noisy thro’ the Galleries all Night;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">For which, if Justice had been done of late,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">The Pump<a id="FNanchor_57" href="#Footnote_57" class="fnanchor">57</a> had been three pretty Masters’ Fate,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">With Stomach’s empty, and Heads full of Care,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Some Wretches swill the Pump, and walk the Bare.<a id="FNanchor_58" href="#Footnote_58" class="fnanchor">58</a><br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Within whose ample Oval is a Court, }<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Where the more Active and Robust resort, }<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And glowing, exercise a manly Sport. }<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">(Strong Exercise with mod’rate Food is good,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">It drives in sprightful Streams the circling Blood;)<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">While these, with Rackets strike the flying Ball,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Some play at Nine-pins, Wrestlers take a Fall;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Beneath a Tent some drink, and some above<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Are slily in their Chambers making Love;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Venus and Bacchus each keeps here a Shrine,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And many Vot’ries have to Love and Wine.<br /></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">Such the Amusements of this merry Jail,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Which you’ll not reach, if Friends or Money fail;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">For e’er it’s threefold Gates it will unfold,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">The destin’d Captive must produce some Gold;<br />
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_248">248</span></span>
-<span class="i0">Four Guineas at the least for diff’rent Fees,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Compleats your <i>Habeas</i>, and commands the Keys;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Which done, and safely in, no more you’re led,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">If you have Cash, you’ll find a Friend and Bed;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">But, that deficient, you’ll but ill betide,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Lie in the Hall,<a id="FNanchor_59" href="#Footnote_59" class="fnanchor">59</a> perhaps on Common Side.<a id="FNanchor_60" href="#Footnote_60" class="fnanchor">60</a><br /></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">But now around you gazing Jiggers swarm,<a id="FNanchor_61" href="#Footnote_61" class="fnanchor">61</a><br /></span>
-<span class="i0">To draw your Picture, that’s their usual Term;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Your Form and Features strictly they survey,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Then leave you (if you can) to run away.<br /></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">To them succeeds the Chamberlain, to see }<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">If you and he are likely to agree; }<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Whether you’ll tip,<a id="FNanchor_62" href="#Footnote_62" class="fnanchor">62</a> and pay you’re Master’s Fee.<a id="FNanchor_63" href="#Footnote_63" class="fnanchor">63</a> }<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Ask him how much? ‘Tis one Pound, six, and eight;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And, if you want, he’ll not the Twopence bate;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">When paid, he puts on an important Face,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And shows Mount-scoundrel<a id="FNanchor_64" href="#Footnote_64" class="fnanchor">64</a> for a charming Place;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">You stand astonish’d at the darken’d Hole,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Sighing, the Lord have Mercy on my Soul!<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And ask, Have you no other Rooms, Sir, pray?<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Perhaps inquire what Rent, too, you’re to pay:<br />
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_249">249</span></span>
-<span class="i0">Entreating that he would a better seek;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">The Rent (cries gruffly) ‘s Half-a-Crown a Week.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">The Rooms have all a Price, some good, some bad,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">But pleasant ones, at present, can’t be had;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">This Room, in my Opinion’s not amiss; }<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Then cross his venal Palm with Half a Piece,<a id="FNanchor_65" href="#Footnote_65" class="fnanchor">65</a> }<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">He strait accosts you with another face. }<br /></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">How your Affairs may stand, I do not know;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">But here, Sir, Cash does frequently run low.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">I’ll serve you&mdash;don’t be lavish&mdash;only mum!<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Take my Advice, I’ll help you to a Chum.<a id="FNanchor_66" href="#Footnote_66" class="fnanchor">66</a><br /></span>
-<span class="i0">A Gentleman, Sir, see&mdash;and hear him speak,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">With him you’ll pay but fifteen Pence a Week,<a id="FNanchor_67" href="#Footnote_67" class="fnanchor">67</a><br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Yet his Apartments on the Upper Floor,<a id="FNanchor_68" href="#Footnote_68" class="fnanchor">68</a><br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Well-furnished, clean and nice; who’d wish for more?<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">A Gentleman of Wit and Judgement too!<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Who knows the Place,<a id="FNanchor_69" href="#Footnote_69" class="fnanchor">69</a> what’s what, and who is who;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">My Praise, alas! can’t equal his Deserts;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">In brief&mdash;you’ll find him, Sir, a Man of Parts.<br /></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">Thus, while his fav’rite Friend he recommends,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">He compasses at once their several Ends;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">The new-come Guest is pleas’d that he shou’d meet<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">So kind a Chamberlain, a Chum so neat;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">But, as conversing thus, they nearer come,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Behold before his Door the destin’d Chum.<br />
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_250">250</span></span>
-<span class="i0">Why he stood there, himself you’d scarcely tell,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">But there he had not stood had Things gone well;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Had one poor Half-penny but blest his Fob, }<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Or if in prospect he had seen a Job, }<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">H’ had strain’d his Credit for a Dram of Bob.<a id="FNanchor_70" href="#Footnote_70" class="fnanchor">70</a> }<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">But now, in pensive Mood, with Head downcast,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">His Eyes transfix’d as tho’ they look’d their last;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">One Hand his open Bosom lightly held,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And one an empty Breeches Pocket fill’d;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">His Dowlas Shirt no Stock, nor Cravat, bore,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And on his Head, no Hat, nor Wig he wore,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">But a once black shag Cap, surcharg’d with Sweat;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">His Collar, here a Hole, and there a Pleat,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Both grown alike in Colour, that&mdash;alack!<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">This neither now was White, nor was that Black,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">But matched his dirty yellow Beard so true,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">They form’d a threefold Cast of Brickdust Hue.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Meagre his Look, and in his nether Jaw<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Was stuff’d an eleemosynary Chaw.<a id="FNanchor_71" href="#Footnote_71" class="fnanchor">71</a><br /></span>
-<span class="i0">(Whose Juice serves present Hunger to asswage,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Which yet returns again with tenfold Rage.)<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">His Coat, which catch’d the Droppings from his Chin,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Was clos’d, at Bottom, with a Corking Pin;<br /></span>
-</div></div>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">Loose were his Knee-bands, and unty’d his Hose,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Coax’d<a id="FNanchor_72" href="#Footnote_72" class="fnanchor">72</a> in the Heel, in pulling o’er his Toes;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Which, spite of all his circumspective Care,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Did thro’ his broken, dirty Shoes appear.<br /></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">Just in this hapless Trim, and pensive Plight,<br />
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_251">251</span></span>
-<span class="i0">The old Collegian<a id="FNanchor_73" href="#Footnote_73" class="fnanchor">73</a> stood confess’d to Sight;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Whom, when our new-come Guest at first beheld,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">He started back, with great Amazement fill’d;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Turns to the Chamberlain, says, Bless my Eyes! }<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Is this the Man you told me was so nice? }<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">I meant, his Room was so, Sir, he replies; }<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">The Man is now in Dishabille and Dirt,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">He shaves To-morrow, tho’, and turns his Shirt;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Stand not at Distance, I’ll present you&mdash;Come,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">My Friend, how is’t? I’ve brought you here a Chum;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">One that’s a Gentleman; a worthy Man,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And you’ll oblige me, serve him all you can.<br /></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">The Chums salute, the old Collegian first,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Bending his Body almost to the Dust;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Upon his Face unusual Smiles appear,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And long-abandon’d Hope his Spirits cheer;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Thought he, Relief’s at hand, and I shall eat; }<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Will you walk in, good Sir, and take a seat? }<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">We have what’s decent here, though not compleat. }<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">As for myself, I scandalize the Room,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">But you’ll consider, Sir, that I’m at Home;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Tho’ had I thought a Stranger to have seen,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">I should have ordered Matters to’ve been clean;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">But here, amongst ourselves, we never mind,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Borrow or lend&mdash;reciprocally kind;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Regard not Dress, tho’, Sir, I have a Friend<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Has Shirts enough, and, if you please, I’ll send.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">No Ceremony, Sir,&mdash;You give me Pain,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">I have a clean Shirt, Sir, but have you twain?<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Oh yes, and twain to boot, and those twice told,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Besides, I thank my Stars, a Piece of Gold.<br />
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_252">252</span></span>
-<span class="i0">Why then, I’ll be so free, Sir, as to borrow,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">I mean a Shirt, Sir&mdash;only till To-morrow.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">You’re welcome, Sir;&mdash;I’m glad you are so free;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Then turns the old Collegian round with Glee,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Whispers the Chamberlain with secret Joy,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">We live To-night!&mdash;I’m sure he’ll pay his Foy;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Turns to his Chum again with Eagerness,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And thus bespeaks him with his best Address:<br /></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">See, Sir, how pleasant, what a Prospect’s there;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Below you see them sporting on the Bare;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Above, the Sun, Moon, Stars, engage the Eye,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And those Abroad can’t see beyond the Sky;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">These Rooms are better far than those beneath,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">A clearer Light, a sweeter Air we breathe;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">A decent Garden does our Window grace<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">With Plants untainted, undisturb’d the Glass;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">In short, Sir, nothing can be well more sweet;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">But I forgot&mdash;perhaps you chuse to eat,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Tho’, for my Part, I’ve nothing of my own,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">To-day I scraped my Yesterday’s Blade-bone;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">But we can send&mdash;Ay, Sir, with all my Heart,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">(Then, very opportunely, enters Smart<a id="FNanchor_74" href="#Footnote_74" class="fnanchor">74</a>)<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Oh, here’s our Cook, he dresses all Things well;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Will you sup here, or do you chuse the Cell?<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">There’s mighty good Accommodations there,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Rooms plenty, or a Box in Bartholm’<a id="FNanchor_75" href="#Footnote_75" class="fnanchor">75</a> Fair;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">There, too, we can divert you, and may show<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Some Characters are worth your while to know.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Replies the new Collegian, Nothing more }<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">I wish to see, be pleas’d to go before; }<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And, Smart, provide a handsome Dish for Four. }<br />
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_253">253</span></span>
-<span class="i0">But I forget; the Stranger and his Chum,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">With t’other two, to Barth’lomew Fair are come;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Where, being seated, and the supper past,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">They drink so deep, and put about so fast,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">That, e’re the warning Watchman walks about,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">With dismal tone Repeating, Who goes out?<a id="FNanchor_76" href="#Footnote_76" class="fnanchor">76</a><br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Ere St. Paul’s Clock no longer will withold<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">From striking Ten, and the voice cries&mdash;All told;<a id="FNanchor_77" href="#Footnote_77" class="fnanchor">77</a><br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Ere this, our new Companions, everyone<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">In roaring Mirth and Wine so far were gone,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">That ev’ry Sense from ev’ry Part was fled,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And were with Difficulty got to Bed;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Where, in the Morn, recover’d from his Drink,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">The new Collegian may have Time to think;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And recollecting how he spent the Night,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Explore his Pockets, and not find a Doit.<br /></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">Too thoughtless Man! to lavish thus away<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">A Week’s support in less than half a Day,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">But ’tis a Curse attends this wretched Place,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">To pay for dear-bought Wit in little Space,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Till Time shall come when this new Tenant here,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Will in his turn shule for a Pot of Beer,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Repent the melting of his Cash too fast,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And Snap at Strangers for a Night’s Repast.<br /></span>
-</div></div>
-</div>
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_254">254</span></p>
-
-<h2 id="JONAS_HANWAY">JONAS HANWAY.</h2>
-
-<div>
-<img class="drop-cap" src="images/i.jpg" alt="I" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="drop-cap"><span class="upper-case">If</span> Jonas Hanway had lived before Fuller,
-he certainly would have been enshrined
-among his ‘Worthies;’ and it is astonishing
-to find how comparatively ignorant
-of him and his works are even well-read
-men. Ask one about him, and he will reply that he
-was a philanthropist, but he will hardly be able to
-say in what way he was philanthropic: ask another,
-and the reply will be that he was the man who introduced
-umbrellas into England&mdash;but it is very questionable
-if he could tell whence he got the umbrella
-to introduce. But in his time he was a man of mark,
-and his memory deserves more than a short notice in
-‘Chalmers,’ the ‘Biographie Universelle,’ or any other
-biographical dictionary.</p>
-
-<p>He was born at Portsmouth on the 12th of August,
-1712, in the reign of ‘good Queen Anne.’ History is
-silent as to his pedigree, save and except that his
-father was connected with the navy, and was for
-some years store-keeper to the dockyard at Portsmouth,
-and his uncle by the father’s side was a Major
-John Hanway, who translated some odes of Horace,
-&amp;c. His father died whilst Jonas was still a boy, and
-Mrs. Hanway had much trouble to bring up her
-young family, who all turned out well, and were
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_255">255</span>
-prosperous in after life: one son, Thomas, filling the
-post of commander-in-chief of his Majesty’s ships at
-Plymouth, and afterwards commissioner of the dockyard
-at Chatham.</p>
-
-<p>On his father’s death, his mother removed to London,
-where, somehow or other, she brought up her
-children by her own exertions, and with such care
-and affection that Jonas never spoke, or wrote, of his
-mother but in terms of the highest reverence and
-gratitude. He was sent to school, where he was
-not only educated commercially, but classically.
-Still, he had his bread to win, and, when he was
-seventeen years of age, he was sent to Lisbon, which
-he reached June, 1729, and was bound apprentice to a
-merchant, under whose auspices he developed the
-business qualities which afterwards stood him in
-good stead. At the end of his apprenticeship he set
-up in business for himself in Lisbon, but soon removed
-to the wider field of London. What pursuit
-he followed there, neither he, nor any biographer of
-his, has told us, but in 1743 he accepted the offer of a
-partnership in Mr. Dingley’s house at St. Petersburg.</p>
-
-<p>What a difference in the voyage from London to
-St. Petersburg, then and now! Now, overland: it
-only takes two days and a half.</p>
-
-<p>Then, in April, 1743, he embarked on the Thames
-in a crazy old tub, bound for Riga, and got to Elsinore
-in May. As everything then was done in a
-leisurely manner, they stopped there for some days,
-arriving at Riga by the end of May, having taken
-twenty-six days to go from Elsinore to Riga, now
-done by steam, under fair conditions, in two days.</p>
-
-<p>Here he found, as most people do, the Russian
-spring as hot as he ever remembered summer in
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_256">256</span>
-Portugal, and was most hospitably entertained by
-the British factors. But Russia was at war with
-Sweden, and, although he had plenty of letters of
-recommendation, the Governor of Riga would not
-allow him to proceed on his journey, until he had
-communicated with the authorities at St. Petersburg,
-thus causing a delay of a fortnight, and he did not
-leave until the 7th of June. His sojourn at Riga,
-however, was not lost, for he kept his eyes open, and
-looked about him.</p>
-
-<p>Travelling by post in Russia, even now, is not a
-luxury; it must have been ten times worse then,
-when he started on his journey in his sleeping-wagon,
-which was ‘made of leather, resembling a cradle, and
-hung upon braces,’ and his report of his journey was
-that ‘the post-horses are exceedingly bad, but as
-the stages are short, and the houses clean, the inconvenience
-is supportable.’ He made the journey in
-four days.</p>
-
-<p>On his arrival, he soon set to work on the business
-that he came out to execute, namely, the opening of
-trade through the Caspian Sea to Persia, a journey
-which involved crossing Russia in Europe from the
-north-west to the south-east. This route had already
-been trodden by a sailor named Elton, who had
-spent some years among the nomadic Tartar tribes,
-and had, in 1739, descended the Volga with a cargo
-of goods, intending to go to Mesched; but he sold
-them before he reached there, at Resched, for a good
-price, and obtained leave to trade for the future. He
-returned to St. Petersburg, went again to Persia, and
-remained there in the service of Nadir Shah. It was
-to supply his defection that Jonas Hanway went out
-to Russia.
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_257">257</span></p>
-
-<p>On the 10th of September, 1743, he set out on his
-veritably perilous journey, and it is really worth
-while to describe the despatch of goods in Russia at
-that day. ‘In Russia carriages for merchandize are
-drawn only by one horse. These vehicles are nine
-or ten feet long, and two or three broad, and are
-principally composed of two strong poles, supported
-by four wheels, of near an equal size, and about as
-high as the fore wheels of our ordinary coaches, but
-made very slight, many of the rounds of the wheels
-are of a single piece of wood, and open, in one part,
-for near an inch, and some of them are not shod with
-iron.</p>
-
-<p>‘The first care is to lay the bales as high as the
-cart will admit on a bed of mats of the thickest sort.
-Besides the original package, which is calculated to
-stand the weather, the bales are usually covered
-with very thick mats, and over these other mats are
-laid to prevent the friction of the ropes; lastly, there
-is another covering of mats, in the want of raw cowhides,
-which are always best to defend goods from
-rain, or from the snow, which, when it melts, is yet
-more penetrating. Each bale is sealed up with a
-leaden seal, to prevent its being opened on the road,
-or any of the goods vended in the Country, that is,
-when they are intended for Persia....</p>
-
-<p>‘The Caravans generally set out about twelve, both
-in the night and day, except in the heat of summer.
-In the winter, between St. Petersburg and Moscow,
-they usually travel seventy wersts<a id="FNanchor_78" href="#Footnote_78" class="fnanchor">78</a> (about forty-seven
-English miles) in twenty-four hours, but from Moscow
-to Zaritzen only forty or fifty wersts: in summer their
-stages are shorter. Great part of the last-mentioned
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_258">258</span>
-road being through an uninhabited country, makes
-the Carriers cautious not to jade their horses. Every
-time they set out, the conductors ought to count the
-loads. When necessity requires that the Caravan
-should be drawn within fences, or into yards, the
-heads of the waggons ought to stand towards the
-door in regular order, and a guard, who will keep a
-better watch than an ordinary carrier, should be set
-over it: for want of this precaution, whole Caravans
-in Russia have been sometimes consumed by fire.
-It is most eligible to stop in the field, where the usual
-method is to form the Carriages into a ring, and bring
-the horses, as well as the men, within it, always observing
-to keep in such a position as best to prevent
-an attack, or repulse an enemy.</p>
-
-<p>‘The Khalmucks on the banks of the Volga are
-ever ready to embrace an opportunity of plundering
-and destroying passengers; therefore, when there is
-any occasion to travel on those banks, which should
-be avoided as much as possible, an advance guard of
-at least four Cossacks is of great use, especially to
-patrole in the night; it is not often practised, but I
-found it indispensably necessary when I travelled on
-those banks....</p>
-
-<p>‘A hundred carriages take up two-thirds of a mile
-in length, so that, when no horseman is at hand to
-spread the alarm, the rear might be easily carried off.
-They have not even a trumpet, horn, or other instrument
-for this purpose; they trust in providence, and
-think any care of this kind unnecessary, though the
-neglect has sometimes proved of fatal consequence.’</p>
-
-<p>In this primitive style he set forth on his trading
-venture to Persia, taking with him a clerk, a Russian,
-as menial servant, a Tartar boy, and a soldier, by way
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_259">259</span>
-of guard. He had ‘a convenient sleeping-waggon’
-for himself, and another for his clerk&mdash;the Russ, the
-Tartar, and the soldier evidently having to shift as
-the drivers of the twenty loads of goods (consisting
-of thirty-seven bales of English cloth) did. It is interesting
-to follow out this little venture. The
-caravan started on the 1st of September, 1743, and
-ten days afterwards he set out to join it, which he
-did at Tver, arriving at Moscow on the 20th of
-September.</p>
-
-<p>Here he looked about him, saw the Great Bell, &amp;c.
-received no little hospitality, and repaired the defects
-of his caravan, starting again on the 24th of
-September, and his instructions to his limited suite
-were to avoid all occasion of dispute, and, should such
-unfortunately arise, he should be informed of it, in
-order that he might deal with it according to the
-best of his judgment. But he went among the Tartars
-without any misadventure, noting some very
-curious facts, until he came to Tzaritzin, on the
-Volga, whence he proposed to commence his somewhat
-perilous journey by water, to the Caspian Sea.
-He arrived at Tzaritzin on the 9th of October, but,
-as there was not the same pushing and driving in
-business then as now, he stopped there for a month
-to recruit, and hire a vessel. He succeeded in getting
-one, such a thing as it was, but then he only
-paid a nominal sum for it. As he justly observes:
-‘The reader will imagine that forty roubles<a id="FNanchor_79" href="#Footnote_79" class="fnanchor">79</a> cannot
-purchase a good vessel; however, this price produced
-the best I could find. Their decks were only
-loose pieces of the barks of trees; they have no
-knees, and but few beams: hardly any pitch or tar
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_260">260</span>
-is used, in place of it are long slips of bark, which
-they nail over the gaping seams, to prevent the
-loose and bad corking (caulking) from falling out.
-Instead of iron bolts, they have spikes of deal with
-round heads. The method of keeping them clear of
-water is by a large scoop, which is suspended by the
-beam over the well-way, and through a scuttle at a
-proper height they scoop out the water with great
-facility.’</p>
-
-<p>He bought two of these A.1. vessels, and put a crew
-of five fishermen on board each, besides his own suite,
-and, because of the pirates who infested those waters,
-he hired a guard of six soldiers. By-the-way, they had
-a rough and ready way of dealing with these pirates
-when they did catch them. ‘As their cruelties are
-very great, so is the punishment inflicted on them
-when they are taken. A float is built, in size according
-to the number of delinquents, and a gallows
-erected on it, to contain a sufficient number of iron
-hooks, on which they are hung alive, by the ribs.
-The float is launched into the stream, with labels
-over their heads, signifying their crimes; and orders
-are given to all towns and villages on the borders of
-the river, upon pain of death, not only to afford no
-relief to any of these wretches, but to push off the
-float, should it land near them. Sometimes their
-partners in wickedness meet them, and, if there are
-any signs of life, take him down, otherwise they shoot
-them dead; but, if they are catched in these acts of
-illegal mercy, they are hung up without the ceremony
-of a trial, as happened about eight years ago.
-They tell me of one of these miscreants who had the
-fortune to disengage himself from the hook, and
-though naked, and trembling with pain and loss of
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_261">261</span>
-blood, he got ashore. The first object he saw who
-could afford him any relief was a poor shepherd,
-whose brains he beat out with a stone, and took his
-clothes. These malefactors sometimes hang thus
-three, four, and five days alive. The pain generally
-produces a raging fever, in which they utter the most
-horrid imprecations, and implore the relief of water,
-or other small liquors.’</p>
-
-<p>He was observant, and, on his journey down the
-Volga, he noted many things which throw much
-light on the social life in Russia of these days. Take
-for instance the following: ‘The 14th of October
-I sent letters to my friends, by messengers who are
-appointed to attend a box of grapes, which is sent
-from Astrachan to the Empress’s Court every three
-days during the season. It is carried by two horses,
-supported in the manner of a litter. The grapes are
-preserved in sand, but, at best, are ill worth the
-expense of the conveyance for one thousand two
-hundred English miles.’</p>
-
-<p>He sailed from Tzaritzin on the 14th of October,
-and on the 19th of the same month he reached
-Astrachan, where he was kindly received by Mr.
-George Thompson, agent to the British merchants
-trading to Persia; and also by the Russian governor
-(a quondam page to Peter the Great) who gave him
-many assurances that every help should be afforded
-him in his trade with Persia&mdash;but candidly informed
-him what rogues the Armenian traders were: ‘They
-are the most crafty people in all Asia, and delight in
-fraud. Let them get fifty per Cent. in a fair way, they
-are not contented without cheating five, and the five
-is sweeter than the fifty.’</p>
-
-<p>Lapow, even then, was a recognized institution
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_262">262</span>
-in Russia, for Hanway observes, ‘The Officers of the
-the Admiralty and Custom-House of Astrachan have
-very small salaries, which is the case in all other
-places in Russia: so that, instead of doing their
-duty to despatch business, they often seek pretences
-to protract it, in order to obtain the more considerable
-presents. Upon these occasions French Brandy,
-white wine, hats, stockings, ribbons, and such like
-are acceptable.’ Now-a-days, things are managed in
-a less cumbrous form. Rouble Notes take the place of
-gross material&mdash;but the Russian Official is unchanged.</p>
-
-<p>Again, ‘Whilst I was busied in getting what informations
-were necessary, the governor invited me
-to a feast, at which there were nearly a hundred
-dishes; here I saw a singular specimen of Russian
-intemperance, for there were above thirty people who
-drank to excess, in goblets, a kind of cherry brandy.
-This feast was made for the birth of his granddaughter,
-on which occasion the guests presented an
-offering each according to his rank. This is a civil
-way of levying a heavy tax on the merchants, and a
-custom, tho’ not elegant, less absurd than that of
-some politer countries; for here, without disguise or
-ceremony, you leave one or two ducats, or some
-richer present on the lady’s bed, who sits up with
-great formality to be saluted.’</p>
-
-<p>From Astrachan he went to Yerkie, at the mouth
-of the Volga, and virtually on the Caspian Sea,
-whence he set sail on the 22nd of November, arriving
-at Astrabad Bay on the 18th of December, where
-his vessel was taken for a pirate, and signal fires
-were, in consequence, lit on the hill-tops, etc. So he
-lay at anchor for a few days, employing his men in
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_263">263</span>
-packing his goods so that they might be easily carried
-on land; and he gives us a curious insight into
-the life of sailors of that period.</p>
-
-<p>‘The 25th being Christmas Day, I excused the
-seamen from the package of cloth, and prevailed on
-them to hear prayers, and a sermon. English seamen,
-of all mankind, seem the most indifferent with
-regard to religious duties; but their indifference is
-more the effect of want of reflection than the
-irreligious carelessness of their leaders. It is not to
-be imagined they would fight less if they prayed
-more; at least we find the praying warriors in
-Cromwell’s days fought as if they were sure of becoming
-saints in heaven. Certain it is our seamen
-do not entertain the same impressions of religion as
-the common run of labouring people.’</p>
-
-<p>Hanway had been warned that he must take care
-of himself at Astrabad; that, probably, he would be
-robbed, and most certainly cheated; but never having
-received such treatment, and with his conscious
-faith of being an honest Englishman, he gave but
-little heed to the caution, but spent many days on
-ship-board, making up his merchandize into suitable
-packages for land carriage, and when he did land, he
-went in state, on horseback, to visit the governor,
-taking with him the invariable Oriental present,
-which, in his case, consisted of fine cloth, and loaves
-of sugar. He was kindly received by the governor,
-but soon having experienced the deceit and duplicity
-of the people, he hurried forward his departure for
-Mesched, sending ten camel loads of goods in advance.
-Luckily he did so, for the next day the town
-was besieged by Turcomans, who wanted to get possession
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_264">264</span>
-of the Shah’s treasure, then in Astrabad, as
-well as the English goods, which presented an almost
-irresistible temptation to them.</p>
-
-<p>Hanway was advised to disguise himself and fly,
-but he was an Englishman, and had the pluck of his
-race; so he concluded to stay, in spite of the objurgations
-and maledictions of some of the inhabitants,
-who cursed him as being the cause of their
-misfortunes. The town made but a feeble resistance,
-and, soon after its fall, Hanway received a visit
-from the captors, the story of which he thus tells:</p>
-
-<p>‘I had collected my servants in one room, from
-whence I sent a little boy, a servant, who understood
-the Turkish language, which is most known to the
-Khajars, to conduct these hostile visitors to us, and to
-tell them that, as we were at their mercy, we hoped
-they would treat us with humanity. They immediately
-entered, and assured us they did not mean to hurt us;
-on the contrary, that as soon as their government was
-established, they would pay me for my goods. They
-demanded, at the same time, where they were lodged;
-and informed me that the forty bales which I had
-sent out of the town some days before, were already
-in their possession. Mahommed Khan Beg then demanded
-my purse, which I had prepared with about
-thirty crowns in gold and silver; he contented himself
-for the present with counting it, and then returned
-it to me, demanding if I had any more, for
-that it would be the worse for me if I concealed any.
-I thought it warrantable, however, to make an evasive
-answer, though it was a true one as to the fact; <i>viz.</i>,
-that all the town knew very well that I had been
-searching for money in exchange for my bill on Mr.
-Elton, not having sufficient to convey my Caravan to
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_265">265</span>
-Mesched. As gold can purchase anything except
-virtue and health, understanding and beauty, I
-thought it might now administer to our safety. I
-therefore reserved a purse of one hundred and sixty
-crowns in gold, apprehending that the skilful application
-of it might ward off the danger which threatened
-us; but I afterwards found that our security
-was in our supposed poverty, for in near three weeks
-distress, I durst not show a single piece of gold,
-much less acknowledge that I had saved any money.’</p>
-
-<p>He made up his mind to leave Astrabad as soon as
-possible, and, having obtained an acknowledgment
-of the value of his goods, at last set out with an
-escort of about two dozen armed men, under the
-command of a Hadji, or a holy man, who had made
-a pilgrimage to Mecca. Needless to say his escort
-were a pack of rogues, and it was by sheer good
-luck, and at some risk, that, at last, he fell in with
-some officers of the Shah, who were recruiting for
-forces wherewith to re-conquer Astrabad. They
-helped him to horses, although he complained of their
-quality. He got along somehow, although he lost
-his servants, and at last he reached Langarood,
-where the renegade Captain Elton lived, seven
-weeks after he had left Astrabad, and was received
-by Elton with open arms. Here he stayed some days
-to recruit, and then pushed on to Reshd.</p>
-
-<p>A few days more of journeying, and he fell in with
-the Shah’s camp, but failed to have an interview
-with that exalted potentate. Still his case was
-brought before Nadir Shah, and, the bill Hanway
-had received from Mohammed Hassan being produced
-as evidence, a decree was issued ‘that I should
-give the particulars of the loss to Behbud Khan, the
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_266">266</span>
-Shah’s general at Astrabad, who had orders to deliver
-to me whatever part of the goods might possibly be
-found, and to restore them in kind, and the deficiency
-to be paid out of the sequestered estates of the rebels
-to the last denier. This was not quite the thing
-which I wished for, because it laid me under a
-necessity of returning to that wretched place, Astrabad;
-however, I could not but acknowledge the
-highest obligation for so signal a mark of justice and
-clemency.’</p>
-
-<p>This act of justice was somewhat unusual with
-Nadir Shah, of whose cruelty Hanway gives several
-examples. As, however, one perhaps outstrips its
-companions in brutality, I venture to give it in his
-words. ‘I will give another example of Nadir’s
-avarice and barbarity, which happened a little before
-I was in camp. The Shah, having appointed a certain
-general as governor of a province, imposed an
-exorbitant tax on it, to be levied in six months: at
-the expiration of the time the governor was sent for
-to the camp, and ordered to produce the account. He
-did so, but it amounted to only half the sum demanded.
-The Shah called him a rascal; and, telling him
-he had stolen the other half of the money, ordered
-the executioner to bastonade him to death: his
-estates also being confiscated, all his effects fell very
-short of the demands. The servants of the deceased
-were then ordered to come into the Shah’s presence,
-and he inquired of them if there was anything left
-belonging to their master; to which they answered,
-<i>Only a dog</i>. He then commanded the dog to be
-brought before him; and observed that he appeared
-to be much honester than his master had been; however,
-that he should be led through the camp from
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_267">267</span>
-tent to tent, and beaten with sticks, and wherever he
-expired, the master of such tent should pay the sum
-deficient. Accordingly the dog was carried to the
-tents of the ministers, successively, who, hearing the
-case, immediately gave sums of money, according to
-their abilities, to procure the removal of the dog: by
-which the whole sum the Shah demanded was raised
-in a few hours’ time.’</p>
-
-<p>On the 27th of March they set out on their return
-journey, accompanied by a small escort; they were
-detained for some time at Langarood, where Hanway
-had hoped to find a vessel, as the way by land was
-insecure. But, although a ship was sighted, she
-never put in; and the land journey was therefore,
-perforce, undertaken, and Astrabad was reached on
-the 16th of May. He saw the Shah’s general, who
-said ‘the decree must be obeyed.’ Those who had
-insulted Hanway were most brutally punished&mdash;some
-of his cloth was recovered and given back to him,
-but there was a difficulty in raising the money for
-the missing portions, and he was pressed to take
-payment in women slaves. On his refusal, they begged
-of him to give them a receipt as if he had been
-paid, assuring him the money should be forthcoming
-in a very few days; but the British merchant was too
-wary to be caught in such a palpable trap. Eventually
-he got the greater part of it, and with it returned
-to Langarood, where he waited for some little
-while, and, at last, he recovered eighty-five per cent.
-of the value of his goods, according to his own valuation,
-so that, probably, he made a good sale.</p>
-
-<p>At Langarood he fell ill of a low fever, but was
-cured by a French missionary, who administered
-Jesuit’s bark (quinine) to him, and he then set out
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_268">268</span>
-on his return journey, having invested all his cash in
-raw silk. He met with no particular adventures, and
-arrived safely at St. Petersburg on the 1st of January,
-1745, ‘having been absent a year and sixteen weeks,
-in which time I had travelled about four thousand
-English miles by land.’</p>
-
-<p>In noticing this trip of Hanway’s to the Caspian,
-it would be a pity if attention were not called to his
-description of Baku, now coming so much to the
-front (thanks to the industry and intelligence of the
-Messrs. Nobel) in providing the world with petroleum.
-This was the chief shrine of the followers of Zoroaster,
-who considered light, which was typified by fire,
-(which is bright both by day and night) as emblematical
-of all good, and they therefore worshipped
-Ormuzd, or the good god, whilst they regarded
-Ahriman, or darkness, as the evil god. Here, near
-Baku, the soil is so soaked and saturated with
-petroleum that a fire, natural and never-ceasing, could
-easily be obtained, and consequently, being perfectly
-unartificial, was looked upon as the personification of
-Ormuzd. Hanway writes, ‘The earth round this
-place, for above two miles, has this surprizing property,
-that by taking up two or three inches of the
-surface and applying a live coal, the part which is
-so uncovered immediately takes fire, almost before
-the coal touches the earth.... If a cane, or tube
-even of paper, be set about two inches in the ground,
-confined and closed with earth below, and the top of
-it touched with a live coal, and blown upon, immediately
-a flame issues without hurting either the cane
-or the paper, provided the edges be covered with
-clay, and this method they use for light in their
-houses, which have only the earth for the floor; three
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_269">269</span>
-or four of these lighted canes will boil water in a
-pot; and thus they dress their victuals.’</p>
-
-<p>Baku, the seat of this natural symbol of Ormuzd,
-was then a place of pilgrimage for the Parsees&mdash;and
-it is not so long since that fire-worship there has been
-discontinued. Mr. Charles Marvin (writing in 1884)
-commences his most interesting book, ‘The Region of
-the Eternal Fire,’ thus: ‘A few years ago a solitary
-figure might have been daily seen on the shore of the
-Caspian Sea, worshipping a fire springing naturally
-from the petroleum gases in the ground. The devotee
-was a Parsee from India, the last of a series of
-priests who for more than two thousand five hundred
-years had tended the sacred flame upon the spot.
-Round about his crumbling temple was rising greasy
-derricks, and dingy distilleries&mdash;symbols of a fresh
-cult, the worship of mammon&mdash;but, absorbed in his
-devotions, the Parsee took no heed of the intruders.
-And so time passed on, and the last of the Fire-Worshippers
-died, and with him perished the flame
-that was older than history.’</p>
-
-<p>He stayed some time in Russia, but undertook no
-more arduous journeys. Even when he did leave St.
-Petersburg, on the 9th of July, 1750, he travelled
-very leisurely overland, reaching Harwich on the 28th
-of October, 1750, after an absence from England of
-nearly eight years. He lived in London in a modest
-fashion, for his fortune was but modest&mdash;yet it was
-sufficient for him to keep a <i>solo</i> carriage, <i>i.e.</i>, only
-carrying one person, and on its panels was painted a
-device allusive to his dangers in Persia, especially of
-a somewhat perilous voyage on the Caspian. It consisted
-of ‘a man dressed in the Persian habit, just
-landed in a storm on a rude coast, and leaning on his
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_270">270</span>
-sword, his countenance calm and resigned. In the
-background was depicted a boat tossed about by the
-billows; in front, a shield charged with his arms
-leaning against a tree, and underneath the motto, in
-English, <i>Never Despair</i>.’</p>
-
-<p>As a result of his eastern experiences,<a id="FNanchor_80" href="#Footnote_80" class="fnanchor">80</a> on his return
-to England he used an umbrella, which at that time
-for a man to carry was considered somewhat effeminate.
-He is often credited with having introduced
-that useful article into England; but it had been
-generally used by women for fifty years previously&mdash;nay,
-there is in the British Museum (Harl. 630
-fol. 15b,) an Anglo-Saxon MS. of the eleventh century&mdash;unmistakeably
-English in its drawing&mdash;wherein
-is an illustration of an umbrella being held (by an
-attendant) over the head of a king, or nobleman.
-It is a veritable ‘Sangster,’ and, as far as form goes,
-it would pass muster now. From this time the use
-of the umbrella became familiar, and in general use
-among men&mdash;probably because he introduced them
-of pure silk, whereas hitherto they had been cumbrous
-and heavy, being made of oiled paper, muslin,
-or silk.</p>
-
-<p>He had enough to live on, and, as in those days no
-one cared about making a colossal fortune, he lived
-contentedly on his competence, and wrote a long
-description of his travels, which was very well illustrated,
-and which cost him &pound;700 to produce his first
-edition of one thousand two hundred copies, after
-which he disposed of the copyright, and second,
-third, and fourth editions were published. Still, the
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_271">271</span>
-climate of Russia had not agreed with him, and he
-had to go to the then fashionable Spa, Tunbridge
-Wells, and afterwards to Paris, thence to Brussels,
-Antwerp, and Amsterdam.</p>
-
-<p>He returned to Tunbridge Wells, where he wrote
-(in 1753) a treatise against the Naturalisation of the
-Jews,<a id="FNanchor_81" href="#Footnote_81" class="fnanchor">81</a> which was a question then being agitated.
-One can scarcely imagine a man with large sympathies,
-as was Jonas Hanway, a travelled man, also,
-of great experience of men, taking the narrow view
-of such a question of social polity. After a severe
-fight the Bill was carried (26 Geo. 2) and his Majesty
-gave his consent on the 7th of June, 1753,<a id="FNanchor_82" href="#Footnote_82" class="fnanchor">82</a> but the
-opposition to it was so great that when Parliament
-next met (15th of November, 1753) the very first
-business after the address (which only occupied half-an-hour
-or so&mdash;a valuable hint to present M.P.’s) was
-to bring in a bill repealing the privilege of Naturalization
-to the Jews. Popular clamour on its behalf
-was senseless, as it usually is, but it was too strong
-to resist, and in the debate thereon, on the 27th of
-November, 1753, William Pitt (all honour to him)
-said, ‘Thus, sir, though we repeal this law, out of
-complaisance to the people, yet we ought to let them
-know that we do not altogether approve of what
-they ask.’<a id="FNanchor_83" href="#Footnote_83" class="fnanchor">83</a> The Bill was carried on the 28th of
-November, and received the Royal Assent on the 20th
-of December, the same year, and consequently an
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_272">272</span>
-injustice was for some time done to some of the
-loyalest, quietest, and most law-abiding citizens we
-have. Hanway, however, thought so strongly on
-the subject that he wrote four tractates upon it, which,
-as the question is now happily settled, may be dismissed
-with this brief notice.</p>
-
-<p>He was naturally of a busy turn of mind, and
-could not sit still. He wrote about anything&mdash;it did
-not much matter what&mdash;of the paving, etc. of Westminster
-and its adjacent parishes; he even wrote a
-big book, beautifully illustrated, on a little trip he
-took, when travelling was not so common as now,
-‘A Journal of Eight days’ Journey from Portsmouth
-to Kingston-on-Thames,’ (1756) a second edition of
-which was published in two volumes in 1757, with the
-addition of ‘An Essay on Tea, considered as pernicious
-to Health, obstructing Industry, and impoverishing
-the Nation.’ So we see he took strong
-views on things in general, which have since, by experience,
-been modified.</p>
-
-<p>His scribbling propensities probably did some good,
-for in 1757 we find him taking up the cause of that
-very meritorious charity, the Marine Society, to
-which he was a subscriber to the extent of fifteen
-guineas. This society, whose house is in Bishopsgate
-Street, is still alive, and, what is more, flourishing.
-About this he wrote four or five pamphlets and
-books. This seems only to have served as a whet to
-his appetite for philanthropy, for in 1758 he paid &pound;50
-to qualify himself as a Life-Governor of the Foundling
-Hospital. This, naturally, led him to think upon
-the source whence the foundlings principally came:
-and he turned his attention towards the foundation
-of a Magdalen (?) Hospital, which was, with the cooperation
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_273">273</span>
-of several gentlemen, established in London
-in 1758, in Great Prescott Street, Goodman’s
-Fields (the site of which is now, or used to be, called
-Magdalen Row).</p>
-
-<p>Many more books and pamphlets on the above
-subjects, the Foundling Hospital, the Marine and
-Stepney Societies, the Encouragement of British
-Troops, etc., occupied his leisure until 1760, when he
-took in hand the social question of giving fees, or
-<i>vails</i>, to servants, and wrote two pamphlets on the
-subject. In one of them are some very humorous
-stories of this absurd custom, one, especially, which
-from its raciness has become somewhat hackneyed.<a id="FNanchor_84" href="#Footnote_84" class="fnanchor">84</a>
-‘It is a more <i>humorous</i> Story they tell of &mdash;&mdash; after
-he had dined with &mdash;&mdash;. The Servants with assiduous
-duty had taken the best care of his friend’s <i>Hat</i>,
-<i>Sword</i>, <i>Cane</i>, <i>Cloak</i>, and among the rest his <i>Gloves</i> also.
-When he came to demand them, every Servant, with
-the most submissive respect, brought his part of the
-Old Gentleman’s <i>personal furniture</i>, and so many
-<i>Shillings</i> were distributed with his usual liberality;
-but, as he was going away without his <i>Gloves</i>, one of
-the Servants reminded him of it, to which he answered,
-“<i>No matter, friend, you may keep the Gloves,
-they are not worth a Shilling.</i>”’</p>
-
-<p>Hanway tried to do away with this social tax,
-which, however, remains to this day. But a very
-good story is told of Robert Hamilton of Kilbrachmont.<a id="FNanchor_85" href="#Footnote_85" class="fnanchor">85</a>
-‘After a party at Kellie Castle the guests
-were passing through the Hall where the servants
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_274">274</span>
-were drawn up to receive their vails, in those days a
-customary exaction at great houses. The gifts of
-those who preceded “Robbie” (as the Laird was
-commonly called) drew forth no expression of gratitude,
-not even a smile, but when his turn came for
-performing the ceremony their features were at once
-lighted up with something even approaching to a
-laugh.</p>
-
-<p>‘“What did you give the fellows, Robbie?” said
-his friends, when they got outside; “they looked as
-sour as vinegar till your turn came.”</p>
-
-<p>‘“Deil a bawbee they got frae me,” said Robbie,
-“I just kittled their loof.”’<a id="FNanchor_86" href="#Footnote_86" class="fnanchor">86</a></p>
-
-<p>This system of feeing servants received a crushing
-blow on the production (in 1759) of the Rev. James
-Townley’s farce of ‘High Life below Stairs,’ which
-probably led to Hanway’s writing his two pamphlets
-on the subject.</p>
-
-<p>He used occasionally to go to Court&mdash;but never
-solicited any place for himself; still it was thought
-that his philanthropic exertions should be rewarded,
-more especially as he had by no means a large fortune.
-So a deputation of five prominent citizens of
-London, amongst whom was Hoare the banker, waited
-on Lord Bute (who was then Prime Minister), and
-asked that some substantial recognition of his services
-should made. Their representations had weight,
-and, in July, 1762, he was appointed one of the commissioners
-for victualling the Navy.</p>
-
-<p>He was now in easy circumstances, and his official
-duties could not have been very heavy, for in that
-year he wrote four pamphlets on ‘Meditations on Life,
-&amp;c.,’<span class="pagenum" id="Page_275">275</span> ‘Registration of the Parish Poor, and Ventilation,’
-
-his pet Magdalens, and a ‘Disquisition on Peace
-and War’ themes so diverse that they show the
-variety of subjects that occupied his serious attention.
-In fact, he scribbled on an infinity of things&mdash;all
-having for their aim the benefit of mankind. He
-had a financial scheme ‘for saving from Seventy
-Thousand Pounds to One Hundred and Fifty Thousand
-Pounds to the Public;’ he wrote on the ‘Uses and
-Advantages of Music;’ the ‘Case of the Canadians at
-Montreal;’ ‘The Soldier’s Faithful Friend, being
-Moral and Religious Advice to private Men in the
-Army and Militia;’ the ‘Registration of the Children
-of the Poor;’ another pamphlet on the rising generation
-of the labouring poor; and, not content with
-addressing the private soldier, he must needs write
-‘The Christian Officer, addressed to the Officers of
-his Majesty’s forces, &amp;c.’</p>
-
-<p>About this time he was evidently most <i>goody-goody</i>.
-He wrote ‘Moral and Religious Instruction to young
-Persons;’ ‘Moral and Religious Instructions, intended
-for Apprentices among the lower Classes of the
-People;’ ‘Letters to the Guardians of the Infant
-Poor;’ ‘Rules and Regulations of the Magdalene
-Hospital, with Prayers, &amp;c.;’ ‘Advice to a Daughter,
-on her going to Service, &amp;c.;’ ‘Advice from a Farmer
-to his Daughter;’ ‘Observations on the Causes of the
-Dissoluteness which reigns among the lower Classes
-of the People.’</p>
-
-<p>He could not even leave to Mrs. Elizabeth Montague
-of the ‘Blue-Stocking Club’ notoriety, her
-championship and patronage of the poor little climbing
-boys&mdash;and he fired off a pamphlet on ‘The State
-of Chimney-Sweepers’ young Apprentices, &amp;c.’ These
-poor little friendless mortals excited his pity, and his
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_276">276</span>
-first efforts in their behalf were to get them regularly
-bound apprentices, so as to bring them under the
-cognizance of the magistracy; he advocated and
-inaugurated a subscription to defray the expense, and
-supply them with clothes. And this movement was
-attended with considerable success, for many boys
-were bound apprentices, and some of the masters
-were prosecuted for cruelty to their boys.</p>
-
-<p>Then, to show the diversity of his talents, he
-wrote two pamphlets on bread, and a book in two
-volumes on ‘Virtue in humble life, &amp;c.’ In 1775 he
-published a large quarto volume on ‘The Defects of
-Police, the Causes of Immorality, &amp;c.,’ and in the
-copy which I have before me, is written, ‘<span class="smcap">To the
-King</span>, <i>with the Author’s most humble Duty</i>.’ In this
-book, among other things, he advocated solitary, or
-rather isolated confinement&mdash;permitting the prisoners
-to work, and giving them an increased dietary according
-to their labour, This was followed in 1776
-by a pamphlet on ‘Solitude in Imprisonment, with
-proper labour, &amp;c.’</p>
-
-<p>He was now sixty-four years of age, but he was
-as bodily active as he was mentally, and in
-February, 1776, he had to go over to Hamburg in
-connection with his duties as one of the commissioners
-of the Victualling Board. In 1777, 1778, and
-1782, he wrote three books on the Lord’s Supper&mdash;and
-from that time he wrote, until he died in 1786, on
-all sorts of subjects, religious, social, and political, a
-list of which would only be wearisome. In the
-summer of 1786 his health gave way, and he was
-evidently sinking, but he lingered until the 5th of
-September, when he calmly passed away&mdash;perfectly
-prepared for the great change, putting on a fine
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_277">277</span>
-ruffled shirt, giving up his keys, disposing of some
-trinkets, and having his will read to him. Death
-came easily to him, and he expired with the word
-‘Christ’ upon his lips.</p>
-
-<p>Such was the life, and such was the death, of
-Jonas Hanway, whose biography is not half well
-enough known.
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_278">278</span></p>
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<h2 id="A_HOLY_VOYAGE_TO_RAMSGATE_A">A HOLY VOYAGE TO RAMSGATE A
-HUNDRED YEARS AGO.</h2>
-
-<div>
-<img class="drop-cap" src="images/t.jpg" alt="T" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="drop-cap"><span class="upper-case">This</span> little story, which I very much condense,
-is most amusing, and is the work
-of ‘Henry Blaine, Minister of the Gospel
-at Tring, Herts.’ I only give it as
-showing the dread with which any
-country-bred man, at that time, put his precious body
-at the mercy of Father Neptune. Steam has changed
-all our habits, but then there were no ‘Globe Trotters,’&mdash;few,
-if any, climbed the Alps for amusement;
-the Dolomites were unknown; people had no steam-yachts
-and went in pursuit of perpetual summer; a
-cruise to the Pacific Islands and Japan was never
-dreamt of; there was no Mudie’s library to scatter
-broadcast holiday tours, for they never existed&mdash;so
-that we must look upon this relation of an inland-bred
-‘Minister of the Gospel’ (whose long and extremely
-pious, but wearisome, exordia I omit) with
-very different eyes, to a similar one published in the
-present day.</p>
-
-<p>It is a tract of fifty-four pages, and commences,
-‘In hopes of recovering that invaluable blessing,
-health, on Friday, August 10, 1787, I embarked
-on board the ship <span class="smcap">Friends</span> bound for <span class="smcap">Ramsgate</span>, in
-<span class="smcap">Kent</span>. I had heard there was such a place; and
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_279">279</span>
-many had raised my expectations by their reports of
-the efficacy of sea-bathing; and others encouraged
-my hopes by repeating their own experience of benefit
-received. By these means I was induced to determine
-on this little voyage. It reminded me of the never-to-be-forgotten
-season, when, urged by some motives,
-and impelled by a power unseen, but not unfelt, I
-entered on board that stately vessel which the Lord’s
-prophet saw in a storm. <i>Isaiah 54.&mdash;11.</i>’</p>
-
-<p>This is a sample of the tract. He then goes on to
-say: ‘While we waited for the time of sailing
-(for different purposes, I suppose), many came on
-board, and appeared, to me at least, as if they
-intended to embark with us: but they left not the
-harbour, but, urged by other occasions and inducements,
-they took leave of their friends and departed;
-while we, who were bound for a distant place, kept
-steady to our purpose, turned our backs upon home
-and waited patiently for the gentle breeze and driving
-tide to convey us to the desired port.’</p>
-
-<p>We can well imagine the good man, when he got
-back to Tring, giving, for a long time, his soul-harrowing
-experiences of that memorable voyage. He
-should have lived in our days and have been ‘Our
-Special Correspondent’ on whom the editor of the
-newspaper relies to fill so many columns&mdash;for every
-detail is taken, evidently note-book in hand. Witness
-this: ‘When our sails were displayed, and our cable
-unloosed, assisted by a gentle gale, we began by
-degrees to view the lofty towers, the aspiring
-churches, and all the grandeurs of London at a distance
-behind us: in hopes of finding something we
-could not find in town, we turned our attention from
-the pleasures, and riches, and pomps of London; we
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_280">280</span>
-bid farewel, for a time, to our dearest friends; we
-laid aside our daily and domestic cares, and cheerfully
-forsook the dear delights of home.’</p>
-
-<p>At length they were fairly started on their voyage,
-which from the crowded state of the river, and the
-excessive timidity of the writer, must have been
-vastly perilous. ‘Our vessel, though it set sail with
-a fair wind, and gently fell down the river towards
-her destined port, yet once or twice was nearly striking
-against other vessels in the river, to her own
-injury; but, by the care of the steersman and sailors,
-she was timely prevented.... There was no
-spectacle more affecting, in all the little voyage, than
-the bodies of those unhappy malefactors which were
-hung up, <i>in terrorem</i>, on the margin of the river
-Thames. Surely these was some of the execrable
-characters whom Justice pursued, who, though “they
-escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffered not to live.
-<i>Acts 28.&mdash;4.</i>” ... Having passed these spectacles
-of horror, a fair wind and flowing tide smoothly carried
-us towards the boundless ocean....</p>
-
-<p>‘When we drew towards the conflux of the river
-Thames there were two objects that attracted our
-notice: the one, the King’s guardship, placed there
-for the purposes of good œconomy, the other a large
-painted vessel which floated on the surface of the
-water, and is called a buoy. While we were passing
-the king’s ship, I heard the report of a cannon,
-and saw the flash of the charge at some distance;
-and, on inquiring the reason of such a circumstance,
-was informed it was customary for every ship which
-passed, by way of obedience, to lower her topsail;
-but the firing of the gun made them hasten to show
-their obedience, for fear of a more unfavourable
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_281">281</span>
-salute; for, though a flash of powder might give us
-some alarm, the discharge of a ball might make us
-<i>feel</i> the effects of disobedience.... Hitherto the
-generality of our company appeared to carry jollity
-and mirth in their countenances; but now we began
-to see the blushing rose die in the sickly cheek,
-and several of our passengers began to feel the sickening
-effects of the rolling sea; they withdrew from
-their mirth, and in pleasure crept into a corner, and
-silently mourned their lost pleasures in solitude....
-Thrice happy the souls who are by divine grace
-made sick of unsatisfying delights, and compelled to
-withdraw from unsatisfying objects, and seek and find
-permanent bliss in the friendship of Immanuel!</p>
-
-<p>‘There had been the appearance of affability and
-good-humour kept up among the passengers of our
-vessel, and a reciprocal exchange of civilities had
-passed between them; our bad tempers were for
-awhile laid aside, and we seemed mutually agreed to
-make each other as innocently happy as our present.
-If the same mode of conduct was observed through
-the whole of our department, how would the ills of
-life be softened, and the ties of society sweetened!...</p>
-
-<p>‘The eyelid of the day was now nearly closed
-upon us, and the gloom of darkness began to surround
-us, which, together with the hollow bellowing
-of the wind, and dashing waves, had a tendency to
-create very solemn ideas in the mind; and I, being a
-stranger to such scenes, had my mind exercised upon
-things of greater importance....</p>
-
-<p>‘About ten o’clock on Friday night we were
-brought safely into the harbour of Margate, and then
-cast anchor in order to set a great number of our
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_282">282</span>
-passengers on shore, who were bound for that place
-of rendezvous. How great are the advantages of
-navigation! By the skill and care of three men and
-a boy, a number of persons were in safety conveyed
-from one part to another of the kingdom....</p>
-
-<p>‘When we had safely landed our passengers at
-Margate, we weighed anchor at eleven o’clock at
-night, in order to sail round the North Foreland for
-Ramsgate. The North Foreland is a point of land
-which stretches out some way into the sea, and is the
-extreme part of our country on the right hand, when
-we sail down the river Thames; and sailing round
-the point into the British Channel is esteemed by
-sailors rather dangerous. However, there was danger
-enough to awaken the apprehensions of a freshwater
-sailor. Yet here with some degree of confidence
-in Him who exercises His power over the sea and
-dry land, I laid me down and slept in quietness, while
-the rattling waves drove against the sides of our
-vessel, and the rustling winds shook our sails, and
-made our yielding masts to speak. I was led to
-reflect that now there was but a feeble plank between
-me and the bottomless deep, yet, by a reliance on the
-divine goodness, my fears were hushed, and a divine
-calm prevailed within. “Thou will keep him in perfect
-peace whose mind is staid on thee.” <i>Isaiah 26.&mdash;3.</i></p>
-
-<p>‘On Saturday morning I awoke and heard a peaceful
-sound from shore, which informed me it was two
-o’clock; and, inquiring where we were, I found we
-were safe anchored within the commodious harbour
-of Ramsgate. Being so early an hour, we again
-composed ourselves to sleep, and lay till five o’clock;
-then leaving our sleeping apartment, and mounting
-the peaceful deck&mdash;not like the frighted sailor, who
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_283">283</span>
-leaves the horrid hulk to view a thousand deaths from
-winds, and waves, and rocks, without a friendly
-shore in view&mdash;but to see one of the finest retreats
-from all these dangers, which Providence has provided
-for the safety of those who are exposed to the
-violence and rage of angry elements. The commodious
-Pier of Ramsgate seems admirably calculated
-to shelter and protect vessels which are threatened
-with destruction from winds and waves. This beautiful
-piece of architecture is built in the form of a
-Crescent, or half-moon, the points of which join to
-the land.... The whole of this building of utility
-appeared to bear a clear resemblance to the glorious
-Mediator in his offices, who is appointed for a refuge
-from the storm....</p>
-
-<p>‘By six in the morning we went on shore, and joyfully
-met our friends, who were brought down the
-day before; but in their passage were overtaken by
-a violent storm of thunder and lightning, whilst our
-voyage was smooth and prosperous; but, in the
-morning, we all met in peace and safety. Thus we
-sat down to a friendly breakfast, and cheerfully talked
-over the adventures of the little voyage. Something
-like this, I think, may take place in the state of
-blessedness.... While we were thus employed,
-we consulted how to dispose of ourselves while we
-continued at Ramsgate; we mutually agreed to form
-ourselves into a little family, and though we could
-not all lodge, yet we wished to board together in the
-same house.’ This is a pleasing instance of <i>bonne
-camaraderie</i> engendered, in a short time, among agreeable
-companions.</p>
-
-<p>‘In order to pursue the design of our coming, some
-of our company mixed among the bathers at the seaside.
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_284">284</span>
-The convenience of bathing, the coolness of a
-fine summer’s morning, the agreeable appearance of
-company so early, and the novelty of the scene, had
-a very pleasing effect.... We began to look
-around us; and though we were not presented with
-objects of taste and elegance, yet the town and
-environs afforded us some rural prospects, which
-yielded both instruction and pleasure. Upon our left
-hand, as we ascended from the sea-side, stands the
-seat of observation, erected on a point of land, and
-commanding an extensive prospect over that part of
-the sea called the Downs, where you behold a number
-of ships lying at anchor, or on their passage to
-different parts of the world. From thence you may
-likewise see the lofty cliffs of France, and reverberating
-the light of the sun; while, at the same time, you
-may, by way of amusement, watch the motions of
-every boat coming in and going out of the harbour;
-and, as the sea is always varying, its appearance altogether
-affords an agreeable amusement. Here the
-Company frequently stop to rest themselves after a
-morning’s or an evening’s walk, and are sweetly
-regaled by the cool refreshing breezes of the sea....</p>
-
-<p>‘It might be thought strange was I to say nothing
-of Margate, that being the chief resort for
-bathers, and of growing repute. The town of Margate
-is in a very increasing state, and its principal
-ornaments consist of its late additions. The chief
-concern of the publick seems to render it as much a
-place for pleasure as utility, as, under colour of utility,
-persons can pursue pleasure without censure. A
-mother, for instance, might be highly blamed by her
-acquaintance for leaving her family for a month, and
-going to spend her husband’s money; but who can
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_285">285</span>
-blame her when her health requires it? They are
-modelling it according to the taste of the times.
-They have, indeed, built one place of worship, but a
-playhouse nearly four times as large. Thus, when
-ill-health does not interrupt the company’s pursuit of
-amusement, they are likely soon to be accommodated
-to their minds. Such is the provision already made,
-that the consumptive cough of a delicate lady may
-be furnished with the relief of the fumes of a smoking
-hot assembly-room, and the embarrassed citizen
-may drown his anxiety in the amusements of the
-Card-table....</p>
-
-<p>‘The libraries are decently furnished, and may
-serve as a kind of lounging Exchange, where persons
-overburdened with money and time may ease
-themselves with great facility. The most healthful
-amusement, and best suited to invalids, that is pursued
-at Margate, is that of the bowling-green, where,
-upon the top of a hill, and in full prospect of the sea,
-in a free open air, gentlemen may exercise their
-bodies, and unbend their minds; this, if pursued for
-the benefit of health and innocent recreation, with a
-serious friend, appears to have no more criminality in
-it than Peter’s going a fishing....</p>
-
-<p>‘Having staid as long at Ramsgate as our affairs at
-home would, with prudence, admit; we went on
-board the same ship, and re-embarked for London.
-In order, I suppose, to take the better advantage, we
-sailed some leagues right out to sea; but, it being a
-dead calm, we hardly experienced any other motion
-than was occasioned by the tide and swell of the sea
-for that night. The cry of the sailors, Blow! Blow!
-reminded me of that pathetick exclamation of the
-ancient Church! The next day proved equally calm,
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_286">286</span>
-so that we had little else to divert us but walk about
-the deck, and watch the rolling of the porpoises in
-the sea. We had an old sailor on board, whose patience
-being tired, declared he preferred being at
-sea in a storm to being becalmed on the ocean, which
-struck me with the propriety of the observation, when
-applied to Christian experience; for a storm, under
-Divine direction, is often made the means of hastening
-the Christian’s progress, while a dead calm is useless
-and unsafe.’</p>
-
-<p>It took them two days to get to Margate, and another
-day to reach Gravesend. On their way they
-passed a vessel cast on shore, which ‘cut a dismal
-figure, such as they make, to an enlightened eye, who
-make shipwreck of faith, whom Christians see, as
-they pursue their course, run aground, and dash to
-pieces.’</p>
-
-<p>By the time they came to Gravesend some of the
-passengers had had enough of the Hoy&mdash;so they
-hired a boat and four men to row them to London,
-but the wind getting up, the river became rough, and
-the boat being over-loaded, the boatmen begged
-them to get on board a fishing-smack, which they
-did, and arrived at Billingsgate safely. We can
-hardly imagine, in these days of steam, that a journey
-from Ramsgate to London would last from Monday
-morning to Wednesday night, but people did not
-hurry themselves too much in those days.
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_287">287</span></p>
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<h2 id="QUACKS_OF_THE_CENTURY">QUACKS OF THE CENTURY.</h2>
-
-<div>
-<img class="drop-cap" src="images/i.jpg" alt="I" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="drop-cap"><span class="upper-case">In</span> all ages there have been pretenders to
-medical science, and it has been reserved
-to the present century to elevate
-the healing art into a real science, based
-on proper physiological facts, aided by
-the searching analyses of modern chemistry. The
-old alchemists had died out, yet they had some
-pretensions to learning, but the pharmacopœia at
-the commencement of the eighteenth century was in
-a deplorable condition. Surgery, for rough purposes,
-had existed since the earliest ages, because
-accidents would happen, then as now; and, moreover,
-there were wars, which necessitated the amputation
-of limbs, etc., but medicine, except in the knowledge
-of the virtue of herbs and simples, was in more than
-a primitive state. Anyone who chose, could dub
-himself Doctor, and, naturally, the privilege was
-largely taken advantage of.</p>
-
-<p>The name of quack, or quacksalver, does not
-seem to have been much used before the seventeenth
-century, and its derivation has not been distinctly
-settled. In the ‘Antiquities of Egypt,’ etc., by William
-Osburn, junior, London, 1847, p. 94, he says: ‘The
-idea of a physician is frequently represented by a
-species of duck, the name of which is CHIN: the
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_288">288</span>
-Egyptian word for physician was also CHINI.’ But
-neither Pierret, in his ‘Vocabulaire Hieroglyphique,’ nor
-Bunsen, in ‘Egypt’s Place in Universal History,’
-endorse this statement. Still the Egyptian equivalent
-for cackling, or the noise of a goose, was <i>Ka ka</i>, and
-in Coptic <i>Ouok</i>, pronounced very much like quack.</p>
-
-<p>The Germans also use the word <i>Quacksalber</i>, and
-the Dutch <i>Kwaksalver</i>, a term which Bilderdijk, in
-his ‘Geslachtlijst der Naamwoorden,’ (derivation or gender
-of men’s names) says, ought more properly to be
-<i>Kwabsalver</i>, from <i>Kwab</i>, a wen, and <i>Salver</i>, to anoint.
-Be this as it may, the English word quack certainly
-means an illegitimate medical practitioner, a pretender
-to medical science, whose pretensions are not
-warranted by his knowledge.</p>
-
-<p>The seventeenth century was prolific in quacks&mdash;a
-notable example being John Wilmot, Earl of
-Rochester. Both Bishop Burnet and De Gramont
-agree that, during one of his banishments from Court,
-he lived in Tower Street (next door to the sign of
-the ‘Black Swan,’ at a goldsmith’s house), and there
-practised as a quack doctor, as one Alexander Bendo,
-newly arrived from Germany. There is a famous
-mountebank speech of his extant, copies of which
-exist not only in broad sheets, but in some of the
-jest-books of the seventeenth century, which, genuine
-or not, is very amusing. It is far too long to transcribe
-here, but perhaps I may be pardoned if I give
-a short extract.</p>
-
-<p>‘The knowledge of these secrets I gathered in my
-travels abroad (where I have spent my time ever
-since I was fifteen years old to this, my nine and
-twentieth year) in France and Italy. Those that
-have travelled in Italy will tell you what a miracle
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_289">289</span>
-of art does there assist nature in the preservation of
-beauty: how women of forty bear the same countenance
-with them of fifteen: ages are no way
-distinguished by faces; whereas, here in England,
-look a horse in the mouth and a woman in the face,
-you presently know both their ages to a year. I
-will, therefore, give you such remedies that, without
-destroying your complexion (as most of your paints
-and daubings do) shall render them perfectly fair;
-clearing and preserving them from all spots, freckles,
-heats, pimples, and marks of the small-pox, or any
-other accidental ones, so that the face be not seamed
-or scarred.</p>
-
-<p>‘I will also cleanse and preserve your <i>teeth</i> white
-and round as pearls, fastening them that are loose:
-your gums shall be kept entire, as red as coral; your
-lips of the same colour, and soft as you could wish
-your lawful kisses.</p>
-
-<p>‘I will likewise administer that which shall cure
-the worst of breaths, provided the lungs be not
-totally perished and imposthumated; as also certain
-and infallible remedies for those whose breaths are
-yet untainted; so that nothing but either a very
-long sickness, or old age itself, shall ever be able to
-spoil them.</p>
-
-<p>‘I will, besides, (if it be desired) <i>take away</i> from
-their fatness who have over much, and <i>add</i> flesh to
-those that want it, without the least detriment to
-their constitutions.’</p>
-
-<p>By his plausible manners and good address, he
-soon gathered round him a large <i>client&egrave;le</i> of servants,
-etc., for he told fortunes as well as cured diseases.
-These told their mistresses, and they too came to
-consult the wise man. Even the Court ladies came
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_290">290</span>
-<i>incognito</i> to see him, and <i>la belle</i> Jennings, sister to
-the famous Sarah, first Duchess of Marlborough,
-went, with the beautiful Miss Price, to have their
-fortunes told, disguised as orange-wenches, and in
-all probability their visit would never have been
-heard of, had they not met with a disagreeable adventure
-with a somewhat dissolute gentleman named
-Brounker, who was gentleman of the chamber to the
-Duke of York, and brother to Viscount Brounker,
-President of the Royal Society.</p>
-
-<p>John Cotgrave<a id="FNanchor_87" href="#Footnote_87" class="fnanchor">87</a> thus describes the quack of his
-time:</p>
-
-<div class="poetry">
-<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">‘My name is Pulse-feel, a poor Doctor of Physick,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">That does wear three pile Velvet in his Hat,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Has paid a quarter’s Rent of his house before-hand,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And (simple as he stands here) was made Doctor beyond sea.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">I vow, as I am Right worshipful, the taking<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Of my Degree cost me twelve French Crowns, and<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Thirty-five pounds of Butter in upper <i>Germany</i>.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">I can make your beauty and preserve it,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Rectifie your body and maintaine it,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Clarifie your blood, surfle<a id="FNanchor_88" href="#Footnote_88" class="fnanchor">88</a> your cheeks, perfume<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Your skin, tinct your hair, enliven your eye,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Heighten your Appetite; and, as for Jellies,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Dentifrizes, Dyets, Minerals, Fucusses,<a id="FNanchor_89" href="#Footnote_89" class="fnanchor">89</a><br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Pomatums, Fumes, Italia Masks to sleep in,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Either to moisten or dry the superficies, <i>Paugh</i>, <i>Galen</i><br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Was a Goose, and <i>Paracelsus</i> a patch<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">To Doctor <i>Pulse-feel</i>.’<br /></span>
-</div></div>
-</div>
-
-<p>Then there was that arch quack and empiric, Sir
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_291">291</span>
-Kenelm Digby, with his ‘sympathetic powder,’ etc.,
-and Dr. Saffold, originally a weaver, who distributed
-his handbills broadcast, advertising his ability to
-cure every disease under the sun.</p>
-
-<p>Also in this century is a poem called ‘The Dispensary,’<a id="FNanchor_90" href="#Footnote_90" class="fnanchor">90</a>
-by Sir Samuel Garth, who lived in Queen
-Anne’s time, which gives the following account of a
-quack and his surroundings:</p>
-
-<div class="poetry">
-<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">‘So truly <i>Horoscope</i> its Virtues knows,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">To this bright Idol<a id="FNanchor_91" href="#Footnote_91" class="fnanchor">91</a> ’tis, alone, he bows;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And fancies that a Thousand Pound supplies<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">The want of twenty Thousand Qualities.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Long has he been of that amphibious Fry,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Bold to prescribe, and busie to apply.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">His Shop the gazing Vulgar’s Eyes employs<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">With foreign Trinkets, and domestick Toys.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Here <i>Mummies</i> lay, most reverently stale,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And there, the <i>Tortois</i> hung her Coat o’ Mail;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Not far from some huge <i>Shark’s</i> devouring Head,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">The flying Fish their finny Pinions spread.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Aloft in rows large Poppy Heads were strung,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And near, a scaly Alligator hung.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">In this place, Drugs in Musty heaps decay’d,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">In that, dry’d Bladders, and drawn Teeth were laid.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">An inner Room receives the numerous Shoals<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Of such as pay to be reputed Fools.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Globes stand by Globes, Volumns on Volumns lie,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And Planitary Schemes amuse the eye<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">The Sage, in Velvet Chair, here lolls at ease,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">To promise future Health for present Fees.<br />
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_292">292</span></span>
-<span class="i0">Then, as from <i>Tripod</i>, solemn shams reveals,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And what the Stars know nothing of, reveals.’<br /></span>
-</div></div>
-</div>
-
-<p>Medicine in the last century was very crude.
-Bleeding and purging were matters of course; but
-some of the remedies in the pharmacopœia were very
-curious. Happy the patient who knew not the composition
-of his dose. Take the following:<a id="FNanchor_92" href="#Footnote_92" class="fnanchor">92</a></p>
-
-<p>‘Or sometimes a quarter of a pint of the following
-decoction may be drank alone four times a day:</p>
-
-<p>‘Take a fresh viper, freed from the head, skin, and
-intestines, cut in pieces; candied eryngo root, sliced,
-two ounces. Boil them gently in three pints of
-water, to a pint and three-quarters, and to the strained
-liquor add simple and spiritous cinnamon waters, of
-each two ounces. Mix them together, to be taken
-as above directed.</p>
-
-<p>‘The following viper broth (taken from the
-London Dispensatory) is a very nutritious and proper
-restorative food in this case, and seems to be one of
-the best preparations of the viper: for all the benefit
-that can be expected from that animal is by this
-means obtained:</p>
-
-<p>‘Take a middle-sized viper, freed from head, skin,
-and intestines; and two pints of water. Boil them
-to a pint and a half; then remove the vessel from the
-fire; and when the liquor is grown cold, let the fat,
-which congeals upon the surface, if the viper was
-fresh, be taken off. Into this broth, whilst warm, put
-a pullet of a moderate size, drawn and freed from the
-skin, and all the fat, but with the flesh intire. Set the
-vessel on the fire again, that the liquor may boil;
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_293">293</span>
-then remove it from the fire, take out the chicken,
-and immediately chop its flesh into little pieces: put
-these into the liquor again, set it over the fire, and
-as soon as it boils up, pour out the broth, first carefully
-taking off the scum.</p>
-
-<p>‘Of this broth let the patient take half a pint every
-morning, at two of the clock in the afternoon, and at
-supper-time.’</p>
-
-<p>In the same book, also (p. 97), we find the following
-remedy for cancer:</p>
-
-<p>‘Dr. Heister, professor of physic and surgery in
-the university of <i>Helmstadt</i> in <i>Germany</i>, with many
-others, greatly extols the virtue of millepedes, or
-wood-lice, in this case; and, perhaps, the best way of
-administering them is as follows:</p>
-
-<p>‘Take of live wood-lice, one ounce; fine sugar, two
-drams; a little powder of nutmeg; and half a pint of
-alexeterial water. Let the wood-lice and sugar, with
-the nutmeg, be ground together in a marble mortar,
-then gradually add the water, which being well
-mixed, strain it with hard pressing. Two ounces of
-this expression are to be taken twice a day, shaking
-the vessel, so that no part of it may be lost.’</p>
-
-<p>And it also seems that much virtue was attached
-to the great number of component parts in a medicine,
-as may be seen in the recipe for <i>Arquebusade Water</i><a id="FNanchor_93" href="#Footnote_93" class="fnanchor">93</a>
-(from the same book, p. 101).</p>
-
-<p>‘Take of comfrey leaves and root, sage, mugwort,
-bugloss, each four handfulls; betony, sanicle, ox-eye
-daisy, common daisy, greater figwort, plantane,
-agrimony, vervain, wormwood, fennel, each two
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_294">294</span>
-handfulls; St. John’s wort, long birthwort, orpine,
-veronica, lesser centaury, milfoil, tobacco, mouse-ear,
-mint, hyssop, each one handfull; wine twenty-four
-pounds. Having cut and bruised the herbs, pour on
-them the wine, and let them stand together, in
-digestion, in horse dung, or any other equivalent heat,
-for three days: afterwards distill in an alembic with
-a moderate fire.</p>
-
-<p>‘This celebrated water has for some time been held
-in great esteem, in contusions, for resolving coagulated
-blood, discussing the tumors that arise on fractures
-and dislocations, for preventing the progress of gangrenes,
-and cleansing and healing ulcers and wounds,
-particularly gunshot wounds....’</p>
-
-<p>Amongst the empyrical medicines, the following is
-much cried up by many people, as an infallible remedy:</p>
-
-<p>‘Take two ounces of the worts that grow dangling
-to the hinder heels of a stone horse,<a id="FNanchor_94" href="#Footnote_94" class="fnanchor">94</a> wash them in
-common water, then infuse them in white wine all
-night, and afterwards let them be dried, and reduced
-to powder. The dose is half a dram twice a day, in
-any proper vehicle. A dram of Venice soap given
-twice a day, either in pills, or dissolved in some
-proper liquor, is likewise said to cure a Cancer.’</p>
-
-<p>In the early part of the eighteenth century, the
-regular physicians were very ignorant. Ward<a id="FNanchor_95" href="#Footnote_95" class="fnanchor">95</a> thus
-describes them, and, although his language was
-coarse, he was a keen observer.</p>
-
-<p>‘They rail mightily in their Writings against the
-ignorance of <i>Quacks</i> and <i>Mountebanks</i>, yet, for the
-sake of <i>Lucre</i>, they Licence all the Cozening Pretenders
-about Town, or they could not Practise;
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_295">295</span>
-which shows it is by their Toleration that the People
-are Cheated out of their Lives and Money; and yet
-they think themselves so Honest, as to be no ways
-answerable for this Publick Injury; as if they could
-not kill People fast enough themselves, but must depute
-all the Knaves in the Town to be Death’s Journeymen.
-Thus do they License what they ought
-carefully to Suppress; and Practise themselves what
-they Blame and Condemn in others; And that the
-Town may not be deceived by <i>Apothecaries</i>, they
-have made themselves <i>Medicine-Mongers</i>,<a id="FNanchor_96" href="#Footnote_96" class="fnanchor">96</a> under a
-pretence of serving the Publick with more faithful
-preparations; in order to perswade the World to a
-belief of which, they have publish’d Bills, where, in
-the true <i>Quack’s</i> Dialect, they tell you the Poor shall
-be supply’d for nothing; but whoever is so Needy as
-to make a Challenge of their promise empty-handed,
-will find, according to the <i>Mountebank’s</i> saying, <i>No
-Money, No Cure</i>. The disposal of their Medicines
-they leave to a Boy’s management, who scarce knows
-<i>Mercurius Dulcis</i> from <i>White Sugar</i>, or <i>Mint Water</i>
-from <i>Aqua Fortis</i>: So that People are likely to be
-well serv’d, or Prescriptions truly observed by such
-an Agent.’</p>
-
-<p>If this was a faithful portrait of a physician in the
-commencement of the century, what must a charlatan
-have been? They sowed their hand-bills broadcast.
-Gay, in his ‘Trivia,’ book ii., says,</p>
-
-<div class="poetry">
-<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">‘If the pale Walker pants with weak’ning Ills,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">His sickly Hand is stor’d with Friendly Bills:<br />
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_296">296</span></span>
-<span class="i0">From hence he learns the seventh born<a id="FNanchor_97" href="#Footnote_97" class="fnanchor">97</a> Doctor’s Fame,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">From hence he learns the cheapest Tailor’s name.’<br /></span>
-</div></div>
-</div>
-
-<p>So universal was this practice of advertising that,
-to quote Ward<a id="FNanchor_98" href="#Footnote_98" class="fnanchor">98</a> once more, when talking of the
-Royal Exchange, he says,</p>
-
-<p>‘The Wainscote was adorn’d with Quacks’ Bills,
-instead of Pictures; never an Emperick in the Town,
-but had his Name in a Lacquered Frame, containing
-a fair Invitation for a Fool and his Money to be soon
-parted.’</p>
-
-<p>The newspapers teemed with quack advertisements.
-These, of course, we have; but we also have preserved
-to us a quantity of the ephemeral hand-bills,
-which, presumably, were kept on account of the
-intrinsic merits they possessed. They are a curious
-study. There was the ‘Oxford Doctor at the Fleet
-Prison, near Fleet Bridge, London,’ who would sell
-ten pills in a box for sixpence, warranted a cure for
-the ‘<i>Scurvy</i>, <i>Dropsie</i>, and <i>Colt-evil</i>,’ would provide a
-remedy for ‘<i>Headach</i>, <i>Sore Eyes</i>, <i>Toothach</i>, <i>Stomachach</i>,
-<i>Bleeding</i>, <i>Scorbutick Gums</i>, <i>Black</i>, <i>Yellow</i>, <i>foul
-Teeth</i>, <i>Cramp</i>, <i>Worms</i>, <i>Itch</i>, <i>Kibes</i>, <i>and Chilblains</i>; the
-Price of each proper Specifick, Twopence. Teeth or
-stumps of Teeth, Drawn with Ease and Safety, Let
-Blood neatly, Issues or Setons Curiously made; <i>For
-Two Pence each, and welcome</i>. By the Doctor that
-puts forth this paper, you may be Taught Writing,
-Arithmetick, Latin, Greek, and Hebrew, at reasonable
-Rates by the great, <i>Or Two Pence each of them by the
-Week</i>.’ Presumably, as he does not advertise it, he
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_297">297</span>
-could not teach manners at the same traditional price.</p>
-
-<p>There was another who sold the <i>Elixir Stomachum</i>
-which was sold at the various coffee-houses about
-town, and he complains thus: ‘☞ Garrowaye, the
-Apple-man at the Exchange, who had it of me, to
-sell, for five or six years, I have lately found out, is
-Counterfeiting it, and have removed mine from him;
-and what he now sells is a Counterfeit sort, and not
-the Right, as was formerly Sold there.’</p>
-
-<p>There was a man, living in Blackfriars, who was
-so modest that he veiled his identity under the
-initials R.C., who, from two in the afternoon till
-night, ‘will give to all People a Secret how they
-may utterly destroy <i>Buggs</i> without injury to their
-Goods, at reasonable rates; do as you are Taught,
-and if any be doubtful of the truth of it, they may
-have full satisfaction of them that have Experienced it.’</p>
-
-<p>Here is a gentleman who gives a minute address.
-‘<i>In Petty France, Westminster, at a house with a black
-dore</i>, and a Red Knocker, between the Sign of the
-<i>Rose and Crown</i> and <i>Jacob’s Well</i>, is a <i>German</i> who
-hath a Powder which, with the blessing of God upon
-it, certainly cures the Stone, &amp;c.... If any person
-of known Integrity will affirm that upon following their
-directions the cure is not perfected, they shall have
-their Money returned. Therefore be not unwilling
-to come for help, but suspend your Judgment till you
-have try’d, and then speak as you find.’</p>
-
-<p>There is another, which may belong to the previous
-century&mdash;but it is so hard to tell, either by means of
-type or wood blocks&mdash;put forth by ‘<i>Salvator Winter</i>,
-an <i>Italian</i> of the City of <i>Naples</i>, Aged 98 years, Yet,
-by the Blessing of God, finds himself in health, and
-as strong as anyone of Fifty, as to the Sensitive
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_298">298</span>
-part; Which first he attributes to God, and then to
-his <i>Elixir Vit&aelig;</i>, which he always carries in his pocket
-adayes, and at Night under his pillow; And when he
-finds himself distemper’d, he taketh a Spoonful or
-two, according as need requireth.‘ It is needless to
-say that the <i>Elixir</i> was warranted to cure every evil
-under the sun, including such diverse maladies as
-catarrhs, sore eyes, hardness of hearing, toothache,
-sore throat, consumption, obstructions in the stomach,
-and worms. The net was arranged to catch every
-kind of fish. In fact, his business was so profitable
-that he had a successor, ‘<i>Salvator Winter, Junior</i>,’ who
-says thus: ‘My father, aged 98 years, yet enjoys
-his perfect health, which, next to the blessing of God,
-he attributes to the <i>Elixir Vit&aelig;</i> having alway a
-bottle of it in his pocket, drinking a spoonful thereof
-four or five times a day; snuffing it very strongly
-up his Nostrils, and bathing his Temples; thus by
-prevention, he fortifies his vital Spirits.’</p>
-
-<p>Nor did the sterner sex monopolise the profession
-of quackdom, for ‘At the <i>Blew-Ball</i> in <i>Grays-Inn
-Lane</i>, near <i>Holborn Barrs</i>, next Door to a <i>Tallow-Chandler</i>,
-where you may see my Name upon a Board
-over the Door, <i>liveth</i> Elizabeth Maris, <i>the True German
-Gentlewoman</i> lately arrived.’ It seems that we were
-much indebted to Germany for our quacks, for ‘At
-the <i>Boot</i> and <i>Spatter dash</i>,<a id="FNanchor_99" href="#Footnote_99" class="fnanchor">99</a> next Door but One to the
-<i>Vine Tavern</i>, in <i>Long-Acre</i>, near <i>Drury Lane</i>, Liveth
-a German D<sup>r</sup>. and Surgeon, Who by the blessing of
-GOD on his great Pains, Travels and Experience,
-hath had wonderful Success in the Cure of the Diseases
-following,’ &amp;c. There was also ‘<i>Cornelius &agrave;
-Tilbourg</i>, Sworn Chirurgeon in <i>Ordinary</i> to K. <i>Charles</i>
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_299">299</span>
-the II., to our late Sovereign K. <i>William</i>, as also to
-Her present Majesty Queen <i>Ann</i>.’</p>
-
-<p>A certain <i>John Choke</i>, whose motto was ‘<span class="smcap">Nothing
-without God</span>,’ and was ‘an approved Physician; and
-farther, Priviledged by his Majesty,’ advertised ‘an
-Arcane which I had in <i>Germany</i>, from the Famous
-and most Learned <i>Baptista Van Helmont</i>, of worthy
-Memory (whose Daughter I Wedded), and whose
-Prœscripts most Physicians follow.’</p>
-
-<p>Curative and magical powers seem to have extended
-from seventh sons of seventh sons to women&mdash;for
-I find an advertisement, ‘At the Sign of the
-<i>Blew-Ball</i>, at the upper end of <i>Labour in vain-Street</i>,
-next <i>Shadwell-New-Market</i>, Liveth a Seventh Daughter,
-who learn’d her Skill by one of the ablest Physicians
-in <i>England</i> (her uncle was one of K. Charles’s
-and K. James’s twelve Doctors), who resolves all
-manner of Questions, and interprets Dreams to admiration,
-and hath never fail’d (with God’s Blessing) what
-she took in hand.’ Also there was a book published
-late in the seventeenth century, called ‘The <span class="smcap">Woman’s
-Prophecy</span>, or the Rare and Wonderful DOCTRESS,
-foretelling a Thousand strange monstrous things that
-shall come to pass before New Year’s day next, or
-afterwards&mdash;. She likewise undertakes to cure the
-most desperate Diseases of the Female Sex, as the
-<i>Glim’ring of the Gizzard</i>, the <i>Quavering of the Kidneys</i>,
-the <i>Wambling Trot</i>, &amp;c.’ A man who lived at the
-‘Three Compasses’ in Maiden Lane, also issued a hand
-bill that he would infallibly cure ‘several strange
-diseases, which (though as yet not known to the
-world) he will plainly demonstrate to any Ingenious
-Artist to be the greatest Causes of the most common
-Distempers incident to the Body of Man. The Names
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_300">300</span>
-of which take as follow: The <i>Strong Fives</i>, the <i>Marthambles</i>,
-the <i>Moon-Pall</i>, the <i>Hockogrocle</i>.’</p>
-
-<p>Then there was a medicine which was administered
-to children even in my young days, ‘<span class="smcap">Daffy’s</span>
-<i>famous</i> <span class="smcap">Elixir Salutis</span>, prepared by <i>Katharine Daffy</i>.
-The finest now exposed to Sale, prepar’d from the
-best Druggs, according to Art, and the Original
-Receipt, which my Father, Mr. <i>Thomas Daffy</i>, late
-Rector of <i>Redmile</i>, in the Valley of <i>Belvoir</i>, having
-experienc’d the Virtues of it, imparted to his Kinsman,
-Mr. <i>Anthony Daffy</i>, who publish’d the same to
-the Benefit of the Community, and his own great
-Advantage. This very Original Receipt is now in
-my possession, left to me by my father aforesaid,
-under his own Hand. My own Brother, Mr. <i>Daniel
-Daffy</i>, formerly Apothecary in <i>Nottingham</i>, made this
-ELIXIR from the same Receipt, and Sold it there
-during his Life. Those, who know me, will believe
-what I Declare; and those who do not, may be convinc’d
-that I am no Countefeit, by the Colour, Tast,
-Smell, and just Operation of my <span class="smcap">Elixir</span>.’ This was,
-however, disputed by one John Harrison&mdash;and the
-rivals of nearly two centuries ago, remind us forcibly
-of the claimants to the original recipe of Bond’s
-Marking Ink.</p>
-
-<p>A man sold a useful medicine. ‘A most excellent
-Eye Water, which cures in a very short time
-all Distempers relating to the Eyes, from whatever
-Cause soever they proceed, even tho’ they have been
-of seven, eight, nine, or ten Years’ continuance....
-This excellent Water effectually takes away all
-Rabies or Pimples in the face, or any Part of the
-Body; it also dissolves any small, or new-come Wens
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_301">301</span>
-or Bunches under the Skin, so easily that it can
-hardly be perceived.’</p>
-
-<p>One quack blossomed forth in verse, and thus describes
-himself: ‘<i>In</i> Cripplegate Parish, <i>in</i> Whitecross
-Street, <i>almost at the farther End, near</i> Old Street <i>(turning
-in by the sign of the</i> Black Croe, <i>in</i> Goat Alley,
-<i>straightforward down three steps, at the sign of the</i> Blew
-Ball), <i>liveth one of above Forty Years’ Experience, who
-with God’s Blessing performeth these cures following</i>:</p>
-
-<div class="poetry">
-<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">‘To all that please to come, he will and can<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Cure most Diseases incident to Man.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">The Leprosie, the Cholic, and the Spleen,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And most Diseases common to be seen.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Although not cured by Quack Doctors’ proud,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And yet their Name doth ring and range aloud,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">With Riches, and for Cures which others do,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Which they could not perform, and this is true.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">This Doctor he performeth without doubt, }<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">The Ileak Passion, Scurvy, and the gout, }<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Even to those the Hospitals turn out.’ }<br /></span>
-</div></div>
-</div>
-
-<p>Such ground as one did not cover, another did.
-Take, for instance, the following: ‘In <i>Surry-Street</i>, in
-the <i>Strand</i>, at the Corner House with a White-Balcony
-and Blue-Flower pots, liveth a Gentlewoman, who</p>
-
-<p>‘Hath a most excellent Wash to beautifie the
-Face, which cures all Redness, Flushings, or Pimples.
-Takes off any Yellowness, Morpheu, Sunburn, or
-Spots on the Skin, and takes away Wrinckles and
-Driness, caused too often by Mercurial Poysonous
-Washes, rendring the worst of Faces fair and tender,
-and preserves ’em so. You may have from half a
-Crown to five Pound a Bottle. You may also have
-Night Masks, Forehead Pieces, incomparable whitepots,
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_302">302</span>
-and Red Pomatum for the lips, which keeps
-them all the Year plump and smooth, and of a delicate
-natural colour. She has an admirable Paste to
-smooth and whiten the Hands, with a very good
-Tooth powder, which cleanses and whitens the
-Teeth. And a Water to wash the Mouth, which
-prevents the Scurvy in the Gums and cures where
-’tis already come.</p>
-
-<p>‘You may have a Plaster and Water which takes
-off Hair from any part of the Body, so that it shall
-never come again. She has also a most excellent
-Secret to prevent the Hair from falling, causing it to
-grow where it is wanting in any part of the Head.
-She also shapes the Eye-brows, making them perfectly
-beautiful, without any pain, and raises low
-Foreheads as high as you please. And colours Grey
-or Red Hair to a lovely Brown, which never decays,
-changes, or smoots the Linnen. She has excellent
-Cosmeticks to anoint the Face after the <i>Small Pox</i>,
-which wears out any Scars, Marks, or Redness; and
-has great skill in all manner of sore Eyes.</p>
-
-<p>‘She has a most excellent Dyet Drink which cures
-the worst of Consumptions, or any Impurity of the
-Blood: And an Antiscorbutick spirit, which, being
-taken one spoonful in the Morning, and another at
-Night, with moderate Exercise, cures the <i>Scurvy</i>, tho’
-never so far gone, and all broke out in Blotches:
-with many other Secrets in Physick, which you may
-be satisfied in when you speak with her.... She
-has an approved Remedy for Barrenness in Women.’</p>
-
-<p>Very late in the preceding century (he died May
-12, 1691), there was a most famous quack, Dr. Thomas
-Saffold, one of whose handbills I give as a curiosity:
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_303">303</span></p>
-
-<div class="poetry">
-<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">‘Dear Friends, let your Disease be what God will,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Pray to Him for a Cure&mdash;try <i>Saffold’s</i> Skill,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Who may be such a healing Instrument<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">As will Cure you to your own Heart’s Content.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">His Medicines are Cheap, and truly Good,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Being full as safe as your daily Food.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Saffold he can do what may be done, by<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Either Physick or true Astrology:<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">His Best Pills, Rare Elixirs, and Powder,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Do each Day Praise him Lowder and Lowder.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Dear Country-men, I pray be you so Wise, }<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">When Men Back-bite him, believe not their Lyes, }<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">But go see him and believe your own Eyes; }<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Then he will say you are Honest and Kind,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Try before you Judge, and Speak as you Find.<br /></span>
-</div></div>
-</div>
-
-<p>‘By <i>Thomas Saffold</i>, an Approved and Licensed
-Physician and Student in Astrology, who (through
-God’s Mercy), to do good, still liveth at the <i>Black
-Ball</i> and Old <i>Lilly’s Head</i>, next Door to the Feather-Shops
-that are within <i>Black-fryers</i> Gate-way, which
-is over against <i>Ludgate</i> Church, just by <i>Ludgate</i> in
-<i>London</i>. Of him the Poor, Sore, Sick, and Lame may
-have Advice for nothing, and proper Medicines for
-every particular Distemper, at reasonable Rates ready
-prepared, with plain Directions how to use them, to
-cure either Men, Women, or Children of any Disease
-or Diseases afflicting any Body, whether inward or
-outward, of what Name or Nature soever (if Curable);
-Also of this you may be sure, he hath Medicines to
-prevent as well as Cure.</p>
-
-<p>‘Lastly, He doth with great certainty and privacy:
-Resolve all manner of Lawful Questions, according
-to the Rules of Christian Astrology, and more than
-Twenty One Years’ Experience.’
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_304">304</span></p>
-
-<p>Talk of modern quacks&mdash;they are but second-rate
-to Saffold! His <i>Pillul&aelig; Londinenses</i>, or London pills,
-were advertised that ‘not only the meaner sort of
-all Ages and each Sex, but people of Eminence, both
-for their Rank in the World and their parts, have
-found admirable success in taking these Pills.’</p>
-
-<p>This <i>panacea</i> was warranted to cure ‘Gout, Dropsy,
-Coma, Lethargy, Caries, Apoplexy, Palsy, Convulsions,
-Falling Sickness, Vertigo, Madness, Catarrhs, Headache,
-Scald, and Sore Heads, sore Eyes, Deafness,
-Toothache, sore Mouth, sore and swollen Throat, foul
-Stomach, bad Digestion, Vomiting, Pain at the Stomach,
-sour Belching, Colic, Twisting of the Guts, Looseness,
-Worms, all Obstructions of the Pancreas, of the Mesaraic
-Veins, of the passages of the Chyle, and of the
-Liver and Spleen, the Jaundice, Cachexy, Hypochondriac
-Melancholy, Agues, Itch, Boils, Rheumatism,
-Pains and Aches, Surfeits by Eating and Hard
-Drinking, or by Heats and Colds (as some call
-them).’</p>
-
-<p>Then there comes a charming bit of candour
-almost sufficient to disarm the unwary: ‘They are
-also good in taking the Waters. I would not advise
-them by any means in the Bloody Flux, nor in continual
-Fevers, but they are good to purge after
-either of those Diseases is over, or to carry off the
-Humor aforehand. They must also be foreborn by
-Women with Child. Otherwise they are good for
-any Constitution, and in any Clime. They are
-Durable many years, and good at Sea as well as on
-Land.’</p>
-
-<p>Thomas Saffold knew well the value of advertising,
-and scattered his very varied handbills broadcast.
-Presumably, like modern quacks, he made money.
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_305">305</span>
-Of course he died, and his epitaph is as follows (he
-originally was a weaver):</p>
-
-<div class="poetry">
-<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">‘Here lies the Corpse of Thomas Saffold,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">By Death, in spite of Physick, baffled;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Who, leaving off his working loom,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Did learned doctor soon become.<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">To poetry he made pretence,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Too plain to any man’s own sense;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">But he when living thought it sin<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">To hide his talent in napkin;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Now Death does Doctor (poet) crowd<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Within the limits of a shroud.’<br /></span>
-</div></div>
-</div>
-
-<p>There was a harmless remedy advertised, even
-though it was a fraud&mdash;and this was the loan, or sale,
-of necklaces to be worn by children in teething.</p>
-
-<h3>THE FAMOUS AND VIRTUOUS NECKLACES.</h3>
-
-<p>‘One of them being of no greater weight than a
-small <i>Nutmeg</i>, absolutely easing Children in Breeding
-<i>Teeth</i> without <i>Pain</i>; thereby preventing <i>Feavers</i>, <i>Ruptures</i>,
-<i>Convulsions</i>, <i>Rickets</i>, and such attendant Distempers,
-to the Admiration of thousands of the City
-of <i>London</i>, and Counties adjoining, who have experienced
-the same, to their great comfort and satisfaction
-of the Parents of the Children who have used
-them. Besides the Decrease in the <i>Bills of Mortality</i>,
-apparent (within this Year and a half) of above one
-half of what formerly Dyed; and are now Exposed to
-sale for the Publick good, at <i>five shillings</i> each <i>Necklace</i>,
-&amp;c.’</p>
-
-<p>Then there was a far higher-priced necklace, but,
-as it also operated on adults, it was perhaps stronger
-and more efficacious. ‘A necklace that cures all
-sorts of fits in children, occasioned by Teeth or any
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_306">306</span>
-other Cause; as also Fits in Men and Women. To
-be had at Mr. Larance’s in Somerset Court, near Northumberland
-House in the Strand; price ten shillings
-for eight days, though the cure will be performed
-immediately.’ And there was the famous ‘<i>Anodyne
-Necklace</i>.’</p>
-
-<p>In the preceding century there were some famous
-quacks, notably Sir Kenelm Digby, who, with his
-sympathetic powder, worked wonders, especially one
-instance, an account of which he read to a learned
-society at Montpellier. He recounted how a certain
-learned gentleman, named Howell, found two of his
-friends engaged in a duel with swords, how he rushed
-to part them, and catching hold of one of their
-blades, his hand was severely cut, the other antagonist
-cutting him severely on the back of his hand.
-Seeing the mischief they had done, they bound up
-his hand with his garter, and took him home. Mr.
-Howell was of such note that the King sent his own
-physician to him, but without avail; and there was
-expectation that the hand would mortify and have to
-be amputated. Here Sir Kenelm, who knew him, stepped
-in, and, being applied to by his friend to try his
-remedies, consented. Let him tell his own tale.</p>
-
-<p>‘I asked him then for anything that had blood
-upon it; so he presently sent for his garter, wherewith
-his hand was first bound, and as I called for a
-basin of water, as if I would wash my hands, I took
-a handful of powder of vitriol, which I had in my
-study, and presently dissolved it. As soon as the
-bloody garter was brought me, I put it in the basin,
-observing, in the interim, what Mr. Howell did, who
-stood talking with a gentleman in a corner of my chamber,
-not regarding at all what I was doing. He started
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_307">307</span>
-suddenly, as if he had found some strange alteration
-in himself. I asked him what he ailed.</p>
-
-<p>‘“I know not what ails me; but I feel no more
-pain. Methinks that a pleasing kind of freshness, as
-it were a wet cold napkin, did spread over my hand,
-which hath taken away the inflammation that tormented
-me before.”</p>
-
-<p>‘I replied, “Since, then, you feel already so much
-good of my medicament, I advise you to cast away
-all your plasters; only keep the wound clean, and in
-a moderate temper, betwixt heat and cold.”</p>
-
-<p>‘This was presently reported to the Duke of Buckingham,
-and, a little after, to the King, who were
-both very curious to know the circumstances of
-the business; which was, that after dinner, I took
-the garter out of the water, and put it to dry
-before a great fire. It was scarce dry before Mr.
-Howell’s servant came running, and saying that
-his master felt as much burning as ever he had done,
-if not more; for the heat was such as if his hand
-were betwixt coals of fire. I answered that although
-that had happened at present, yet he should find ease
-in a short time; for I knew the reason of this new
-accident, and would provide accordingly; for his
-master should be free from that inflammation, it
-might be, before he could possibly return to him;
-but, in case he found no ease, I wished him to come
-presently back again; if not, he might forbear coming.
-Thereupon he went; and, at the instant, I did
-put the garter again into the water; thereupon he
-found his master without any pain at all. To be
-brief, there was no sense of pain afterwards; but
-within five or six days the wounds were cicatrized,
-and entirely healed.’
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_308">308</span></p>
-
-<p>Faith worked wonders, and a credulous imagination
-formed an excellent foundation for healing. Take
-another instance in the same century&mdash;the case of
-Valentine Greatraks (who cured by the imposition of
-hands), who was nearly contemporary with Sir
-Kenelm. It would serve no good purpose to go
-minutely into his history: suffice it to say that he
-was an Irishman of good family, and, as a young
-man, served under Cromwell. After the disbandment
-of the army he was made Clerk of the Peace for the
-County of Cork, Registrar for Transplantation (ejection
-of Papists who would not go to church) and
-Justice of the Peace, so that we see he occupied a
-respectable position in society.</p>
-
-<p>After Greatraks settled down in his civil capacity,
-he seems to have been a blameless member of society;
-but his religious convictions were extremely rabid,
-and strong on the Protestant side. Writing in 1668,
-he says: ‘About four years since I had an Impulse,
-or a strange perswasion, in my own mind (of which
-I am not able to give any rational account to another)
-which did very frequently suggest to me that there
-was bestowed on me the gift of curing the King’s
-Evil: which, for the extraordinariness of it, I thought
-fit to conceal for some time, but at length I communicated
-this to my Wife, and told her, That I did
-verily believe that God had given me the blessing of
-curing the King’s Evil; for, whether I were in private
-or publick, sleeping or waking, still I had the same
-Impulse; but her reply was to me, That she conceived
-this was a strange imagination: but, to prove
-the contrary, a few daies after there was one <i>William
-Maher</i> of <i>Salterbridge</i>, in the Parish of <i>Lissmore</i>, that
-brought his Son <i>William Maher</i> to my house, desiring
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_309">309</span>
-my Wife to cure him, who was a person ready to
-afford her Charity to her Neighbours, according to
-her small skill in Chirurgery; on which my Wife told
-me there was one that had the King’s Evil very
-grievously in the Eyes, Cheek, and Throat; whereupon
-I told her that she should now see whether
-this were a bare fancy, or imagination, as she thought
-it, or the Dictates of God’s Spirit on my heart; and
-thereupon I laid my hands on the places affected,
-and prayed to God for Jesus’ sake to heal him, and
-then I bid the Parent two or three days afterwards
-to bring the Child to me again, which accordingly he
-did, and then I saw the Eye was almost quite whole,
-and the Node, which was almost as big as a Pullet’s
-Egg, was suppurated, and the throat strangely
-amended, and, to be brief (to God’s glory I speak it),
-within a month discharged itself quite, and was perfectly
-healed, and so continues, God be praised.’</p>
-
-<p>This may be taken as a sample of his cures, albeit
-his first; and, although he excited the enmity of the
-licensed medical profession, he seems to have cured
-the Countess of Conway of an inveterate head-ache,
-which greatly enhanced his reputation. He died no
-one knows when, but some time early in the century.</p>
-
-<p>And in our time, too, have been the quacks, the
-Zouave Jacob and Dr. Newton, who pretended to
-have the miraculous gift of healing by the imposition
-of hands, so that we can scarcely wonder that, in an
-age when the dissemination of accurate and scientific
-knowledge as the present is (imperfect though
-it be), a man like Valentine Greatraks was believed
-in as of almost divine authority at the period at
-which he lived. But it is a very curious thing that
-some men either imagine that they have, or feign to
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_310">310</span>
-have a miraculous gift of healing. Witness in our
-own day the ‘Peculiar People,’ who base their peculiar
-gift of healing on a text from the Epistle of St.
-James, chap. 5, v. 14&mdash;‘Is any sick among you? let
-him call upon the elders of the Church; and let them
-pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name
-of the Lord.’</p>
-
-<p>So also the <i>Catholic and Apostolic Church</i> (Irvingites)
-teach this practice as a dogma, vide their
-catechism,<a id="FNanchor_100" href="#Footnote_100" class="fnanchor">100</a> ‘What are the benefits to be derived
-from this rite?’ ‘St. James teaches us again that
-the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord
-shall raise him up; and, if he have committed sins,
-they shall be forgiven him.’ After this, who can say
-that the age of faith is passed away?</p>
-
-<p>With them, also, is a great function for the benediction
-of oil for anointing the sick; the rubric for
-which is as follows:<a id="FNanchor_101" href="#Footnote_101" class="fnanchor">101</a> ‘In the Celebration of the Holy
-Eucharist on a Week-day, immediately before the
-elements are brought up and placed on the Altar, the
-Elder or Elders present shall bring the vessel containing
-the oil to the Angel, who shall present it
-uncovered upon the Altar; and then kneeling down
-at the Altar, and the Elders kneeling down at the
-access to the Sanctuary, the Angel shall say this
-<span class="smcap">Prayer of Benediction</span>.’</p>
-
-<p>Here follows a not very long prayer, in which the
-Almighty is intreated to impart to the oil the virtue
-which is dogmatically asserted that it possesses, in
-the catechism. The rubric then continues, ‘The oil
-which has been blessed shall remain on the Altar until
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_311">311</span>
-after the Service, and shall then be delivered by the
-Angel to the senior Elder, that it may be reverently
-carried to the Sacristy, and there deposited in the
-proper place by the Angel.’</p>
-
-<p>In the ‘Order for anointing the Sick’ (p. 602), the
-rubric says: ‘This rite shall be administered only to
-such as have, in time past, received the Holy Communion,
-or to whom it is intended presently to
-administer the Communion; also, only in such cases
-of sickness as are of a serious or dangerous character.
-In order to the receiving of the rite, opportunity
-should, if possible, be previously given to the sick
-person to make confession of his sins.</p>
-
-<p>‘A table should be provided in the sick person’s
-room, with a clean cloth thereon, upon which may be
-placed the vessel of holy oil.... The Elder in
-charge shall be accompanied, when possible, by the
-other Elders, the Pastor, and the Deacon.’</p>
-
-<p>A somewhat lengthy service follows, and in the
-middle is this rubric: ‘Then the Elders present shall
-anoint the sick person with the oil on the head or
-forehead, and, if the sick person request it, also on
-any part affected.’ And it winds up with the subjoined
-direction, ‘All the holy oil that shall remain
-after the anointing shall be forthwith consumed by
-Fire.’</p>
-
-<p>I had intended to confine my subject entirely to
-English quacks, but the name of Mesmer is so allied
-to quackery in England that I must needs refer to
-him. He was born at Merseburg in Germany on
-May 23, 1733, and died at the same place March 5,
-1815. He studied medicine, and took a doctor’s
-degree in 1766. He started his extraordinary theory
-in 1772 by publishing a tract entitled, ‘<i>De Planetarium</i>
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_312">312</span>
-<i>Influxu</i>,’ in which he upheld that tides exist in the
-air as in the sea, and were similarly produced. He
-maintained that the sun and the moon acted upon
-an etherial fluid which penetrated everything, and
-this force he termed <i>Animal Magnetism</i>. But there is
-every reason to believe that he was indebted for his
-discovery to a Jesuit father named Hel, who was
-professor of astronomy at Vienna. Hel used peculiarly
-made steel plates, which he applied to different
-portions of his patient’s body. Hel and Mesmer
-subsequently quarrelling about the prior discovery
-of each, the latter discontinued the use of the plates,
-and substituted his fingers. Then he found it was
-unnecessary to touch his patient, but that the same
-magnetic influence could be induced by waving his
-hands, and making what are called <i>mesmeric passes</i> at
-a distance.</p>
-
-<p>But the Viennese are a practical race, and his
-failures to cure, notably in one case, that of Mademoiselle
-Paradis (a singer), who was blind, caused
-charges of deceit to be brought against him, and he
-was told to leave Vienna at a day’s notice. He
-obeyed, and went to Paris, where he set up a superb
-establishment, fitted up most luxuriously. The novelty-loving
-Parisians soon visited him, and here, in a dimly
-lit room, with pseudo-scientific apparatus to excite
-the imagination, and a great deal of corporal manipulation,
-tending to the same purpose, to the accompaniment
-of soft music or singing, hysterical women went
-into convulsive fits, and laughed, sobbed, and shrieked,
-according to their different temperaments.</p>
-
-<p>Having reached this stage, Mesmer made his
-appearance, clad in a gold embroidered robe of
-violet silk, holding in his hand a magnetic rod of
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_313">313</span>
-wondrous power. With slow and solemn steps he
-approached his patients, and the exceeding gravity
-of his deportment, added to their ignorance of what
-might be coming next, generally calmed and subdued
-those who were not insensible. Those who had lost
-their senses he awoke by stroking them, and tracing
-figures upon their bodies with his magnetic wand,
-and, on their recovery, they used to testify to the
-great good his treatment had done them.</p>
-
-<p>A commission of scientific and medical men sat to
-make inquiry into ‘Animal Magnetism,’ and they reported
-adversely. He then endeavoured to get a
-pecuniary recognition of his services from the French
-Government, but this being declined, he retired to
-Spa, where, the bubble having been pricked, he lived
-for some time in comparative obscurity.</p>
-
-<p>Mesmerism was introduced into England in the
-year 1788, by a Dr. De Mainauduc, who, on his
-arrival at Bristol, delivered lectures on ‘Animal
-Magnetism’; and, as his somewhat cautious biographer,
-Dr. George Winter, observes, he ‘was reported to
-have cured diseased persons, <i>even</i> without the aid of
-medicines, and of his having the power of treating
-and curing diseased persons at a distance.’ He found
-many dupes, for the said authority remarks, ‘On
-looking over the lists of Students that had been, or
-then were under the Doctor’s tuition, it appeared that
-there was 1 Duke&mdash;1 Duchess&mdash;1 Marchioness&mdash;2
-Countesses&mdash;1 Earl&mdash;1 Lord&mdash;3 Ladies&mdash;1 Bishop&mdash;5
-Right Honourable Gentlemen and Ladies&mdash;2
-Baronets&mdash;7 Members of Parliament&mdash;1 Clergyman&mdash;2
-Physicians&mdash;7 Surgeons&mdash;exclusive of 92 Gentlemen
-and Ladies of respectability, in the whole 127.</p>
-
-<p>‘Naturally fond of study, and my thirst after knowledge
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_314">314</span>
-being insatiable, I also was allured to do myself
-the honour of adding my name to the list; and to
-investigate this very extraordinary Science: and, according
-to the general terms, I paid 25 Guineas to
-the Doctor, and 5 Guineas for the use of the Room; I
-also signed a bond for &pound;10,000, and took an affidavit
-that I would not discover the secrets of the Science
-<i>during the Doctor’s natural life</i>.’</p>
-
-<p>So we see that this wonderful power had a market
-value of no mean consideration, and, indeed, an
-anonymous authority, who wrote on ‘Animal Magnetism,’
-states that Dr. Mainauduc realised &pound;100,000.
-So lucrative was its practice, that many pretenders
-sprung up, notable one Holloway who gave lectures
-at the rate of five guineas the course, besides Miss
-Prescott, Mrs. Pratt, Monsieur de Loutherbourg the
-painter, Mr. Parker, and Dr. Yeldal; but the chief of
-these quacks was Dr. Loutherbourg, who was assisted
-in his operations by his wife. A book about his
-wonderful cures was written by one of his believers,
-Mary Pratt, ‘A lover of the Lamb of God,’ in which
-he is described as<span class="pagenum" id="Page_315">315</span> ‘A Gentleman of superior abilities,
-well known in the scientific and polite Assemblies for
-his brilliancy of talents as a Philosopher, and Painter:
-this Gentleman is no other than Mr. De Loutherbourg,
-who with his Lady, Mrs. De Loutherbourg,
-have been made by the Almighty power of the Lord
-Jehovah, proper Recipients to receive divine Manuductions,
-which heavenly and divine Influx coming
-from the Radix <i>God</i>, his divine Majesty has most
-graciously condescended to bestow on them (<i>his
-blessing</i>) to diffuse healing to <i>all</i> who have faith in
-the Lord as mediator, be they Deaf, Dumb, Lame,
-Halt, or Blind.’
-</p>
-
-<p>That thousands flocked to these charlatans is undoubted,
-for Dr. George Winter (above quoted) says,
-‘It was credibly reported that 3,000 persons have
-attended at one time, to get admission at Mr. Loutherbourg’s,
-at Hammersmith; and that some persons sold
-their tickets for from One, to Three Guineas each.’
-And this is corroborated by crazy Mary Pratt. ‘Report
-says three Thousand People have waited for
-Tickets at a time. For my own part, the Croud was
-so immense that I could with difficulty gain the Door
-on Healing Days, and I suppose, upon conviction, Report
-spoke Truth.’ De Loutherbourg charged nothing
-for his cures, and Mary Pratt is extremely
-scandalized at those who, having received a ticket
-gratis, sold them from two to five guineas.</p>
-
-<p>Many cases are given in her book of the cures
-effected by this benevolent couple; how the blind
-were made to see, the deaf to hear, the lame to walk,
-or the dumb to speak&mdash;nay, could even cast out
-devils&mdash;as the following testimonial will show.</p>
-
-<p>‘The second case I shall mention is that of a
-woman possessed with Evil Spirits, her name Pennier,
-lives at No. 33 Ogle Street, Mary-le-bone, near Portland-Chapel;
-her husband lives with the French
-Ambassador: her case was too terrific to describe;
-her eyes and mouth distorted, she was like a Lunatic
-in every sense of the word; she used to say that it
-was not her voice that spoke, but the devil in her.
-In short, her case was most truly distressing, not only
-to her family, but the neighbourhood; she used to invite
-people in with apparent civility, then bite them,
-and scratch like a cat; nay, she would beg a pin of
-women, and then scratch them with it, &amp;c., &amp;c., &amp;c.’</p>
-
-<p>‘Mrs. De Loutherbourg, a lady of most exquisite
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_316">316</span>
-sensibility and tenderness, administered to this Mrs.
-Pennier; she daily amended, and is now in her right
-mind, praising God, who has through his servant
-performed such an amazing cure, to the astonishment
-of hundreds who saw her and heard her.’</p>
-
-<p>Mrs. De Loutherbourg’s system of cure was extremely
-simple, as this example will show: ‘Mrs.
-Hook, Stable Yard, St. James’s, has two daughters,
-born Deaf and Dumb. She waited on the Lady above
-mentioned, who looked on them with an eye of benignity,
-and healed them. (I heard both of them
-speak.)’</p>
-
-<p>Her husband’s plan was rather more clumsy. He
-imposed hands. ‘A News-Carrier at Chelsea cured of
-an Abscess in his Side. Mr. De Loutherbourg held
-his hand on the Abscess half a minute, and it broke
-immediately.’</p>
-
-<p>Perhaps these cures were not permanent, for ‘Mr.
-De Loutherbourg told me he had cured by the blessing
-of God, two Thousand since Christmas. But, as
-our Lord said, of the ten healed, one only returned
-to thank him; so many hundreds have acted, that
-have never returned to Mr. De Loutherbourg.’</p>
-
-<p>One of the most impudent of these quacks was
-named Benjamin Douglas Perkins, whose father
-claimed to be the inventor of the metallic tractors,
-which were rods made either of a combination of
-copper, zinc, and gold, or of iron, silver, and platinum,
-and he explains, in the specification to his patent,
-that<span class="pagenum" id="Page_317">317</span> ‘the point of the instrument thus formed, I
-apply to those parts of the body which are affected
-with diseases, and draw them off on the skin, to a
-distance from the complaint, and usually towards the
-extremities.’
-</p>
-
-<p>He charged the moderate sum of five guineas a set
-for these precious instruments, and made a good
-thing out of them. He was a member of the Society
-of Friends, and, as a proof that his charlatanism was
-believed in, this benevolent society subscribed largely,
-and built for him the <i>Perkinean Institution</i>, an
-hospital where the poor could be treated on his
-system, free of cost.</p>
-
-<p>He was an adept in the art of puffing, and his
-‘Testimonials’ are quite equal to those of modern
-times. I will only cite two. ‘My little infant child
-was <i>scalded</i> with hot tea on the forehead, about three
-and a half inches in length, and three-fourths of an
-inch in breadth, which raised a vesicle before I had
-time to apply anything to it. The <i>Tractors</i> were
-solely used, and the whole redness disappeared. The
-Blister broke, &amp;c.’</p>
-
-<p>‘A lady fell from her horse, and <i>dislocated</i> her
-ancle, which remained several hours before it was
-reduced, by which it became very much <i>swelled</i>, <i>inflamed</i>,
-and <i>painful</i>. Two or three applications of the
-<i>Tractor</i> relieved the pain, and in a day or two she
-walked the house, and had no further complaint.’</p>
-
-<p>Then also was Dominicetti, who, in 1765, established
-a house in Cheyne Walk, Chelsea, for medicated
-baths, but he hardly belongs to the magnetisers.
-Then there was Katterfelto, but he, too, hovers on the
-borderland of quackism&mdash;vide the following one of
-hundreds of advertisements.<a id="FNanchor_102" href="#Footnote_102" class="fnanchor">102</a></p>
-
-<p class="table">
-<span class="trow tdc">‘By particular Desire of many of the First Nobility.</span>
-<span class="trow tdc">This <span class="smcap">Present Evening</span> and <span class="smcap">To-Morrow</span>,</span>
-<span class="trow tdc">At late <span class="smcap">Cox’s Museum</span>, Spring Gardens,</span>
-</p>
-
-<p>A <span class="smcap">Son</span> of the late Colonel <span class="smcap">Katterfelto</span> of the
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_318">318</span>
-Death’s Head Hussars, belonging to the King of
-Prussia, is to exhibit the same variety of Performances
-as he did exhibit on Wednesday the 13th of
-March, before many Foreign Ministers, with great
-applause.</p>
-
-<p><span class="table tdc large smcap">Mr. Katterfelto</span>
-Has had the honour in his travels to exhibit before
-the Empress of Russia, the Queen of Hungary, the
-Kings of Prussia, Sweden, Denmark, and Poland.</p>
-
-<p><span class="table tdc large smcap">Mr. Katterfelto’s</span>
-Lectures are Philosophical, Mathematical, Optical,
-Magnetical, Electrical, Physical, Chymical, Pneumatic,
-Hydraulic, Hydrostatic, Styangraphic, Palenchic, and
-Caprimantic Art.</p>
-
-<p><span class="table tdc large smcap">Mr. Katterfelto</span>
-Will deliver a different Lecture every night in the
-week, and show various uncommon experiments, and
-his apparatus are very numerous, and elegantly
-finished: all are on the newest construction, many of
-which are not to be equalled in Europe.</p>
-
-<p><span class="table tdc large smcap">Mr. Katterfelto</span>
-Will, after his Philosophical Lecture, discover various
-arts by which many persons lose their fortunes by
-Dice, Cards, Billiards, and E.O. Tables, &amp;c.’</p>
-
-<p>He was a charlatan <i>pur et simple</i>, and to his other
-attractions he added a performing black cat,<a id="FNanchor_103" href="#Footnote_103" class="fnanchor">103</a> ‘but
-Colonel Katterfelto is very sorry that many persons
-will have it that he and his famous <span class="smcap">Black Cat</span> were
-<span class="smcap">Devils</span> but such suspicion only arises through his
-various wonderful and uncommon performances: he
-only professes to be a moral and divine Philosopher,
-and he says, that all persons on earth live in darkness,
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_319">319</span>
-if they are able, but won’t see that most enterprizing,
-extraordinary, astonishing, wonderful, and uncommon
-exhibition on the Solar Microscope. He will this
-day, and every day this week, show, from eight in the
-morning till five in the afternoon, his various new
-Occult Secrets, which have surprized the King and
-the whole Royal Family: and his evening lecture begins
-this, and every night, precisely at eight o’clock;
-but no person will be admitted after eight; and after
-his lecture he will exhibit many new deceptions.
-His Black Cat will also make her appearance this
-evening at No. 24, Piccadilly. His exhibition of the
-Solar Microscope has caused him lately very grand
-houses; also his wonderful Black Cat at night; many
-thousands could not receive admission lately for want
-of room, and Katterfelto expects to clear at least
-above &pound;30,000, in a year’s time, through his Solar
-Microscope and surprizing Black Cat.’</p>
-
-<p>He also invented a sort of lucifer-match.<a id="FNanchor_104" href="#Footnote_104" class="fnanchor">104</a> ‘Dr.
-Katterfelto will also, for <sup>2</sup>/<sub>6</sub><i>d.</i> sell such a quantity of
-his new invented <i>Alarum</i>, which is better than &pound;20
-worth of Phosphorus matches, and is better in a house
-or ship than &pound;20,000, as many lives may be saved by
-it, and is more useful to the Nation than 30,000 Air
-Balloons. It will light 900 candles, pistols or cannons,
-and never misses. He also sells the very best
-Solid, Liquid, and Powder Phosphorus, Phosphorus
-Matches, Diamond Beetles, &amp;c.’ Katterfelto died at
-Bedale, in Yorkshire, 25th of November, 1799.</p>
-
-<p>There also lived Dr. Graham, who was not heard
-of before 1780, and he was an arch quack. About
-that year he took a mansion in the Royal Terrace,
-Adelphi, which he fitted up sumptuously. It was
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_320">320</span>
-inscribed ‘Templum &AElig;sculapio Sacrum,’ and was
-called both the ‘Temple of Health,’ and the ‘Hymeneal
-Temple.’ Here, in air heavy with incense, he
-lectured on electricity and magnetism. He was a
-past master in the art of puffing, and published
-several books in glorification of himself. In one,
-called ‘<span class="smcap">Medical Transactions</span> at the Temple of
-Health in London, in the course of the years 1781 &amp;
-1782,’ he gives a wonderful list of cures worked
-by his ‘Electrical &AElig;ther, Nervous &AElig;thereal Balsam,
-Imperial Pills, Liquid Amber, British Pills,’ and his
-‘Bracing, or Restorative Balsam,’ which, in order to
-bring within the reach of ordinary people, he kindly
-consented to sell at half-price, namely, ‘that the
-bottles marked, and formerly sold at one guinea, may
-<i>now</i> be had at only half-a-guinea; the half-guinea
-bottles at five shillings and threepence; the five
-shilling at half-a-crown, and the two-and-sixpenny
-vials at <i>only one shilling and threepence</i>.’</p>
-
-<p>In this book, too, are some choice specimens of
-poetry, all laudatory of Dr. Graham, one of which is
-worth repeating, as a specimen&mdash;</p>
-
-<h3>‘<i>An</i> <span class="smcap">Acrostic</span>, <i>by a</i> <span class="smcap">Lady</span>.</h3>
-
-<div class="poetry">
-<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">D <span class="smcap">eign</span>, to accept the tribute which I owe,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">O ne grateful, joyful tear, permit to flow;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">C an I be silent when good health is given?<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">T hat first&mdash;that best&mdash;that richest gift of heaven!<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">O Muse! descend, in most exalted lays,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">R eplete with softest notes, attune his praise.<br /></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">G en’rous by nature, matchless in thy skill!<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">R ich in the God-like art&mdash;to ease&mdash;to heal;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">A ll bless thy gifts! the sick&mdash;the lame&mdash;the blind,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">H ail thee with rapture for the cure they find!<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">A rm’d by the <span class="smcap">Deity</span> with power divine,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">M ortals revere <span class="smcap">His</span> attributes in thine.’<br /></span>
-</div></div>
-</div>
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_321">321</span></p>
-
-<p>In this temple of ‘Health and Hymen’ he had a
-wonderful ‘Celestial Bed,’ which he pretended cost
-sixty thousand pounds. He guaranteed that the
-sleepers therein, although hitherto childless, should
-become prolific; but it was somewhat costly, for the
-fee for its use for a single night was one hundred
-pounds. Still, he had some magneto-electric beds,
-which, probably, were as efficacious, at a lower rate,
-only fifty pounds nightly. The title-page of a
-pamphlet on his establishment is noteworthy.</p>
-
-<p class="center">
-‘<span class="smcap">Il Convito Amoroso</span>,<br />
-Or a Serio&mdash;comico&mdash;philosophical<br />
-<span class="smcap">Lecture</span><br />
-on the<br />
-<i>Causes, Nature, and Effects of Love and Beauty</i>,<br />
-At the Different Periods of Human Life, in Persons, and<br />
-Personages, Male, Female, and Demi-Charact&ecirc;re;<br />
-And in Praise of the Genial and Prolific Influences of the<br />
-<br />
-<span class="smcap">Celestial Bed</span>!<br />
-<br />
-As Delivered by <span class="smcap">Hebe Vestina</span>,<br />
-The Rosy Goddess of Youth and of Health!<br />
-from the<br />
-<i>Electrical Throne! in the Great Apollo-Chamber</i>,<br />
-<br />
-At the <span class="smcap">Temple</span> of <span class="smcap">Hymen</span>, in <span class="smcap">London</span>,<br />
-</p>
-
-<p>Before a glowing and brilliant Audience of near
-Three Hundred Ladies and Gentlemen, who were
-commanded by <span class="smcap">Venus</span>, <span class="smcap">Cupid</span>, and <span class="smcap">Hymen</span>! to assist,
-in joyous Assembly, at the Grand Feast of very <span class="smcap">Fat
-Things</span>, which was held at their Temple, on Monday
-Evening, the 25th of November, 1782; but which was
-interrupted by the rude and unexpected Arrival of
-his Worship <span class="smcap">Midas Neutersex</span>, Esq<sup>re.</sup> ... just as
-the Dessert was about to be served up.
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_322">322</span></p>
-
-<p class="hang">Published at the earnest Desire of many of the Company,
-and to gratify the impatient and very
-intense longings of Thousands of Adepts,
-Hibernian and British;&mdash;of the Cognoscenti;&mdash;et
-de les Amateur ardens des <i>delices exquise</i> de
-Venus!</p>
-
-<p class="center">To which is subjoined, a description of the Stupendous
-Nature and Effects of the Celebrated<br />
-<span class="medium"><span class="smcap">Celestial Bed</span>!’</span></p>
-
-<p>The ‘<span class="smcap">Vestina</span>, or Goddess of Health,’ was no mean
-person. She began life as a domestic servant, and
-was named Emma Lyons. She was a good-looking,
-florid, buxom wench, and, after having played her
-part as priestess at the ‘Temple of Health and
-Hymen,’ became the wife of the dilletante Sir William
-Hamilton, English Minister at Naples, and was afterwards
-notorious for her connection with Lord Nelson.</p>
-
-<p>Graham wrote in 1790, ‘A short Treatise on the
-All cleansing&mdash;all healing&mdash;and all invigorating
-Qualities of the <span class="smcap">Simple Earth</span>, when long and
-repeatedly applied to the naked Human Body and
-Lungs, for the safe, speedy, and radical Cure of all
-Diseases, internal as well as external, which are, in
-their Nature or Stage, susceptible of being cured;&mdash;for
-the preservation of the Health, Vigour, Bloom,
-and Beauty of Body and of Mind; for rejuvenating
-the aged and decaying Human Body;&mdash;and for prolonging
-Life to the very longest possible Period, &amp;c.’</p>
-
-<p>For the benefit of those who would try the doctor’s
-earth-cure, I extract the following: ‘I generally,
-or always, prefer the sides or tops of hills or mountains,
-as the air and the earth are the more pure and
-salubrious; but the air and earth of ordinary pasture
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_323">323</span>
-or corn-fields, especially those that are called upland,
-and even good clean garden-ground, or the higher
-commons, especially fallow corn-fields, are all salutary
-and good.</p>
-
-<p>‘As to the colour and nature of the earth or soil, I
-prefer a good brown or reddish blooming mould, and
-light, sandy, crumbly, mellow and marrowy earth; or
-that which feels when I am in it, and crumbling with
-my hands and fingers, like bits of marrow among
-fine Flour; and that which has a strong, sweet,
-earthly smell&mdash;&mdash;’</p>
-
-<p>So that my readers now know exactly what to do.</p>
-
-<p>He had a fairly comprehensive idea of modern
-hygiene, as will be seen from the following extract
-from ‘General Instructions to the persons who consult
-Dr. Graham as a Physician’:</p>
-
-<p>‘It will be unreasonable for Dr. Graham’s Patients
-to expect a complete and a lasting cure, or even
-great alleviation of their peculiar maladies, unless
-they keep the body and limbs most perfectly clean
-with very frequent washings,&mdash;breathe fresh, open
-air day and night,&mdash;be simple in the quality and
-moderate in the quantity of their food and drink,&mdash;and
-totally give up using the deadly poisons and
-weakeners of both body and soul, and the cankerworm
-of estates called foreign Tea and Coffee, Red
-Port Wine, Spirituous Liquors, Tobacco and Snuff,
-gaming and late hours, and all sinful, unnatural, and
-excessive indulgence of the animal appetites, and of
-the diabolical and degrading mental passions. On
-practising the above rules&mdash;on a widely open window
-day and night&mdash;and on washing with cold water,
-and going to bed every night by eight or nine, and
-rising by four or five, depends the very perfection
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_324">324</span>
-of bodily and mental health, strength and happiness.’</p>
-
-<p>He wrote many pamphlets, some of them on religious
-matters, and the fools who patronised him paid
-him large fees; yet his expenses were very heavy,
-and his manner of living luxurious, so that we experience
-but little wonder when we find the ‘Temple
-of Health’ sold up, and that Graham himself died
-poor&mdash;either in, or near, Glasgow.</p>
-
-<p>Early in the century there were (in surgery) two
-noted quacks, namely, Dr. (afterwards Sir William)
-Read, and Roger, or, as he called himself, Doctor,
-Grant&mdash;both oculists. Read originally was a tailor,
-and Grant had been a tinker and Anabaptist preacher.
-The list of cures of both are marvellous&mdash;Grant even
-advertising in the <i>Daily Courant</i>, of July 20, 1709,
-that he had cured, in five minutes, a young man that
-had been born blind. But at that time, when people
-believed in their sovereign being able to cure scrofula
-by touching the patient with a gold coin, a little
-faith went a long way.</p>
-
-<p>But quackery was not confined to the masculine
-gender&mdash;the ladies competed with them in the field.
-Notably Mrs. Map, the bone-setter of Epsom, of whom
-Mr. Pulteney writes so amusingly to Swift on December
-21, 1736: ‘I must tell you a ridiculous
-incident; perhaps you have not heard it. One Mrs.
-Mapp, a famous she bone-setter and mountebank,
-coming to town with a coach and six horses, on the
-Kentish road, was met by a rabble of people, who,
-seeing her very oddly and tawdrily dressed, took her
-for a foreigner, and concluded she must be a certain
-great person’s mistress. Upon this they followed the
-coach, bawling out, “No Hanover w&mdash;&mdash;! No
-Hanover w&mdash;&mdash;!” The lady within the coach was
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_325">325</span>
-much offended, let down the glass, and screamed
-louder than any of them, “She was no Hanover
-w&mdash;&mdash;! she was an English one!” Upon which they
-cried out, “God bless your ladyship!” quitted the
-pursuit, and wished her a good journey.’</p>
-
-<p>This woman sprang into notoriety all at once.
-The first authentic account of her is on page 457
-of the <i>London Magazine</i> for 1836, under the date of
-August 2: ‘The Town has been surprized lately with
-the fame of a young woman at <i>Epsom</i>, who, tho’ not
-very regular, it is said, in her Conduct, has wrought
-such Cures that seem miraculous in the Bone-setting
-way. The Concourse of People to <i>Epsom</i> on this
-occasion is incredible, and ’tis reckon’d she gets near
-20 Guineas a Day, she executing what she does in a
-very quick Manner: She has strength enough to put
-in any Man’s Shoulder without any assistance; and
-this her strength makes the following Story the more
-credible. A Man came to her, sent, as ’tis supposed,
-by some Surgeons, on purpose to try her Skill, with
-his Hand bound up, and pretended his Wrist was put
-out, which upon Examination she found to be false;
-but, to be even with him for his Imposition, she gave
-it a Wrench, and really put it out, and bad him <i>go to
-the Fools who sent him, and get it set again</i>, or, if he would
-come to her that day month, she would do it herself.</p>
-
-<p>‘This remarkable person is Daughter to one <i>Wallin</i>,
-a Bone-setter of <i>Hindon, Wilts</i>. Upon some family
-Quarrel, she left her Father, and Wander’d up and
-down the Country in a very miserable Manner, calling
-herself <i>Crazy Salley</i>. Since she became thus
-famous, she married one Mr. <i>Hill Mapp</i>, late servant
-to a Mercer on <i>Ludgate Hill</i>, who, ’tis said, soon left
-her, and carried off &pound;100 of her Money.’
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_326">326</span></p>
-
-<p>She was not long making her way in the world,
-for we read in the same magazine, under date, September
-19, 1736: ‘Mrs. <i>Mapp</i>, the famous Bone-setter
-at <i>Epsom</i>, continues making extraordinary Cures.
-She has now set up an Equipage, and this Day came
-to <i>Kensington</i> and waited on her Majesty.’</p>
-
-<p>The <i>Gentleman’s Magazine</i>, under date of August
-31, 1736, gives a similar account of her private life,
-adding that her husband did not stay with her above
-a fortnight, but adds that she was wonderfully clever
-in her calling, having ‘cured Persons who have been
-above 20 years disabled, and has given incredible
-Relief in most difficult cases.’</p>
-
-<p>‘Mrs. <i>Mapp</i> the Bone-setter, with Dr. Taylor the
-Oculist, being present at the Playhouse in <i>Lincoln’s
-Inns Fields</i>, to see a Comedy call’d the Husband’s
-Relief, with the Female Bone-setter, and Worm Doctor;
-it occasioned a full House, and the following</p>
-
-<h3><span class="smcap">Epigram.</span></h3>
-
-<div class="poetry">
-<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">‘While <i>Mapp</i> to th’ Actors shew’d a kind regard,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">On one side <i>Taylor</i> sat, on t’other <i>Ward</i>:<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">When their mock Persons of the Drama came,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Both <i>Ward</i> and <i>Taylor</i> thought it hurt their <i>fame</i>;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Wonder’d how <i>Mapp</i> cou’d in good Humour be&mdash;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0"><i>Zoons</i>, crys the Manly Dame, it hurts not <i>me</i>;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Quacks without Arts may either blind or kill,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">But <i>Demonstration</i> shews that mine is <i>Skill</i>.<br /></span>
-</div></div>
-</div>
-
-<p>And the following was sung upon y<sup>e</sup> Stage:</p>
-
-<div class="poetry">
-<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">You Surgeons of <i>London</i> who puzzle your Pates,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">To ride in your Coaches, and purchase Estates,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Give over, for Shame, for your Pride has a Fall,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">And y<sup>e</sup> Doctress of <i>Epsom</i> has outdone you all.<br />
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_327">327</span></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">What signifies Learning, or going to school,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">When a Woman can do without Reason or Rule,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">What puts you to Non-plus, and baffles your Art,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">For Petticoat-Practice has now got the Start.<br /></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">In Physick, as well as in Fashions, we find<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">The newest has always its Run with Mankind;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Forgot is the bustle ‘bout Taylor and Ward,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">Now <i>Mapp’s</i> all y<sup>e</sup> Cry, and her Fame’s on Record.<br /></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<span class="i0">Dame Nature has giv’n her a Doctor’s Degree,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">She gets all y<sup>e</sup> Patients, and pockets the Fee;<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">So if you don’t instantly prove her a Cheat,<br /></span>
-<span class="i0">She’ll loll in her Chariot while you walk y<sup>e</sup> Street.’<a id="FNanchor_105" href="#Footnote_105" class="fnanchor">105</a><br /></span>
-</div></div>
-</div>
-
-<p>At this time she was at her acme&mdash;but if an anonymous
-writer in the <i>Cornhill Magazine</i> for March, 1873,
-p. 82, is to be believed, she died December, 1837, ‘at
-her lodgings near Seven Dials, so miserably poor, that
-the parish was obliged to bury her.’</p>
-
-<p>In No. 572 of the <i>Spectator</i>, July 26, 1714,<a id="FNanchor_106" href="#Footnote_106" class="fnanchor">106</a> is a very
-amusing article on the quacks of Queen Anne’s time:</p>
-
-<p>‘There is scarce a city in Great Britain but has one
-of this tribe, who takes it into his protection, and on
-the market-day harangues the good people of the
-place with aphorisms and receipts. You may depend
-upon it he comes not there for his own private
-interest, but out of a particular affection to the town.
-I remember one of these public-spirited artists at
-Hammersmith, who told his audience that he had been
-born and bred there, and that, having a special
-regard for the place of his nativity, he was determined
-to make a present of five shillings to as many
-as would accept of it. The whole crowd stood agape
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_328">328</span>
-and ready to take the doctor at his word; when, putting
-his hand into a long bag, as everyone was expecting
-his crown piece, he drew out a handful of
-little packets, each of which, he informed the spectators,
-was constantly sold at five shillings and sixpence,
-but that he would bate the odd five shillings
-to every inhabitant of that place; the whole assembly
-immediately closed with this generous offer, and
-took off all his physick, after the doctor had made
-them vouch for one another, that there were no foreigners
-among them, but that they were all Hammersmith
-men.</p>
-
-<p>‘There is another branch of pretenders to this art,
-who, without either horse or pickle herring,<a id="FNanchor_107" href="#Footnote_107" class="fnanchor">107</a> lie snug
-in a garret, and send down notice to the world of their
-extraordinary parts and abilities by printed bills and
-advertisements. These seem to have derived their
-custom from an eastern nation which Herodotus
-speaks of, among whom it was a law that whenever
-any cure was to be performed, both the method of the
-cure, and an account of the distemper, should be fixed
-in some public place; but, as customs will corrupt,
-these, our moderns, provide themselves with persons
-to attest the cure before they publish or make an
-experiment of the prescription. I have heard of a
-porter, who serves as a Knight of the post<a id="FNanchor_108" href="#Footnote_108" class="fnanchor">108</a> under one
-of these operators, and, though he was never sick in
-his life, has been cured of all the diseases in the Dispensary.
-These are the men whose sagacity has
-invented elixirs of all sorts, pills and lozenges, and
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_329">329</span>
-take it as an affront if you come to them before you
-have been given over by everybody else. Their
-medicines are infallible, and never fail of success;
-that is, of enriching the doctor, and setting the
-patient effectually at rest.</p>
-
-<p>‘I lately dropt into a coffee-house at Westminster,
-where I found the room hung round with ornaments
-of this nature. There were Elixirs, Tinctures, the
-Anodyne Fotus, English Pills, Electuaries, and, in
-short, more remedies than I believe there are diseases.
-At the sight of so many inventions, I could not but
-imagine myself in a kind of arsenal or magazine, where
-a store of arms was deposited against any sudden
-invasion. Should you be attacked by the enemy
-sideways, here was an infallible piece of defensive
-armour to cure the pleurisy; should a distemper beat
-up your head-quarters, here you might purchase an
-impenetrable helmet, or, in the language of the artist,
-a cephalic tincture; if your main body be assaulted,
-here are various kinds of armour in case of various
-onsets. I began to congratulate the present age
-upon the happiness man might reasonably hope for
-in life, when death was thus in a manner defeated,
-and when pain itself would be of so short a duration,
-that it would just serve to enhance the value of
-pleasure.</p>
-
-<p>‘While I was in these thoughts, I unluckily called
-to mind a story of an ingenious gentleman of the
-last age, who, lying violently afflicted with the gout,
-a person came and offered his services to cure him
-by a method which, he assured him, was infallible;
-the servant who received the message carried it up
-to his master, who, inquiring whether the person
-came on foot or in a chariot, and being informed that
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_330">330</span>
-he was on foot: “Go,” says he, “send the knave
-about his business; was his method infallible as he
-pretends, he would, long before now, have been in his
-coach and six.” In like manner I concluded that, had
-all these advertisers arrived to that skill they pretend
-to, they would have no need, for so many years successively,
-to publish to the world the place of their
-abode, and the virtues of their medicines. One of
-these gentlemen, indeed, pretends to an effectual
-cure for leanness: what effects it may have had upon
-those who have tried it, I cannot tell; but I am
-credibly informed that the call for it has been so
-great, that it has effectually cured the doctor himself
-of that distemper. Could each of them produce so
-good an instance of the success of his medicines,
-they might soon persuade the world into an opinion
-of them.</p>
-
-<p>‘I observe that most of the bills agree in one
-expression, viz., that, “with God’s blessing,” they
-perform such and such cures: this expression is certainly
-very proper and emphatical, for that is all they
-have for it. And, if ever a cure is performed on a
-patient where they are concerned, they can claim a
-greater share than Virgil’s <span class="smcap">Iapis</span> in the curing of
-<span class="smcap">&AElig;neas</span>; he tried his skill, was very assiduous about
-the wound, and, indeed, was the only visible means
-that relieved the hero, but the poet assures us it was
-the particular assistance of a deity that speeded the
-whole operation.’</p>
-
-<p>There was another female quack in 1738, one Mrs.
-Stephens, and in the <i>Gentleman’s Magazine</i> for that
-year, p. 218, we read that ‘Mrs. <i>Stephens</i> has proposed
-to make her Medicines for the Stone publick, on Consideration
-of the sum of &pound;5,000 to be rais’d by
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_331">331</span>
-Contribution, and lodged with Mr. <i>Drummond</i>, <i>Banker</i>.
-He has receiv’d since the 11th of this month (April)
-about &pound;500 on that Account.’ She advertised her
-cures very fully, and she obtained and acknowledged,
-as subscriptions from April 11 to the end of December,
-1738, the receipt of &pound;1,356 3s. (<i>Gentleman’s
-Magazine</i>, 1739, p. 49). And the subscribers were of
-no mean quality; they included five bishops, three
-dukes, two duchesses, four earls, two countesses, five
-lords, and of smaller fry a vast quantity. But this
-did not satisfy her; she had influence enough to get
-a short Act of Parliament passed in her favour (Cap.
-23, 12, Geo. II., 1739), entitled:</p>
-
-<p>‘<i>An Act for providing a reward</i> to Joanna Stephens
-<i>upon a proper discovery to be made by her for the use of
-the publick, of the medicines prepared by her for the cure
-of the stone.</i></p>
-
-<p>‘<span class="smcap">Whereas</span> <i>Joanna Stevens</i> (sic) of the City of
-<i>Westminster</i>, spinster, hath acquired the knowledge
-of medicines, and the skill of preparing them, which
-by a dissolving power seem capable of removing the
-cause of the painful distemper of the stone, and may
-be improved, and more successfully applied when the
-same shall be discovered to persons learned in the
-science of physick; now, for encouraging the said
-<i>Joanna Stephens</i> to make discovery thereof, and for
-providing her a recompence in case the said medicines
-shall be submitted to the examination of proper
-judges, and by them be found worthy of the reward
-hereby provided; may it please your Majesty, that it
-be enacted, etc.</p>
-
-<p>‘&pound;5,000 granted out of the supplies for the discovery
-of Mrs. Stephens’s medicines. Treasury to
-issue the said sum on a proper certificate.’
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_332">332</span></p>
-
-<p>A committee of twenty scientists investigated her
-medicines, and reported favourably on them. They
-were trifold. A powder, a draught, and a pill&mdash;and
-what think you they were made of? The powder
-was made of egg-shells and snails, both burnt; the
-draught was made of Alicante soap, swine’s cresses
-burnt, and honey. This was made into a ball, which
-was afterwards sliced and dissolved in a broth composed
-of green camomile, or camomile flowers, sweet
-fennel, parsley, and burdock leaves, boiled in water
-and sweetened with honey; whilst the pill was compounded
-of snails, wild carrot seeds, burdock seeds,
-ashen keys, hips and haws, all burnt to blackness, and
-then mixed with Alicante soap! These were the
-famous remedies for which a grateful nation paid
-such a large sum!!!
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_333">333</span></p>
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<h2 id="CAGLIOSTRO_IN_LONDON">CAGLIOSTRO IN LONDON.</h2>
-
-<div>
-<img class="drop-cap" src="images/c.jpg" alt="C" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="drop-cap"><span class="upper-case">Carlyle</span>, in a very diffuse essay on this
-adventurer, thus introduces him: ‘The
-Count Alessandro di Cagliostro, Pupil of
-the sage Althotas, Foster-child of the
-Scherif of Mecca, probable Son of the
-last King of Trebisond; named also Acharat, and
-unfortunate child of Nature; by profession healer of
-diseases, abolisher of wrinkles, friend of the poor and
-impotent, grand-master of the Egyptian Mason Lodge
-of High Science, Spirit Summoner, Gold Cook, Grand
-Cophta, Prophet, Priest, and thaumaturgic moralist
-and swindler; really a Liar of the first magnitude,
-thorough-paced in all provinces of Lying, what one
-may call the King of Liars.</p>
-
-<p>‘Mendez Pinto, Baron Muncha&uuml;sen, and others are
-celebrated in this art, and not without some colour
-of justice; yet must it in candour remain doubtful
-whether any of these comparatively were much more
-than liars from the teeth onwards: a perfect character
-of the species in question, who lied not in word only,
-but continually in thought, word, and act; and, so to
-speak, lived wholly in an element of lying, and from
-birth to death did nothing but lie&mdash;was still a desideratum.
-Of which desideratum Count Alessandro
-offers, we say, if not the fulfilment, perhaps as near
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_334">334</span>
-an approach to it as the limited human faculties
-permit.’</p>
-
-<p>And yet this man made a name, and was famous
-in his time, and even afterwards. Lives, novels, and
-romances, notably being immortalized by Alexandre
-Dumas in his ‘Memoires d’un M&eacute;decin,’ nay, even
-plays, have been written about this clever rogue,
-who rose from a poor man’s son to be the talk of
-Europe, and his connection with the famous diamond
-necklace, made him of almost political importance, sufficient
-to warrant his incarceration in the Bastille.</p>
-
-<p>I do not propose to write the life of Cagliostro&mdash;enough
-and to spare has been written on this subject,<a id="FNanchor_109" href="#Footnote_109" class="fnanchor">109</a>
-but simply to treat of him in London; yet at
-the same time it is necessary to say when and where
-he was born&mdash;the more especially because he always
-professed ignorance of his birth, and, when examined
-in a French court of justice in relation to the famous
-diamond necklace on January 30, 1786, the question
-was put to him, ‘How old are you?’ <i>Answer</i>&mdash;‘Thirty-seven
-or thirty-eight years.’ <i>Question</i>&mdash;‘Your
-name?’ <i>Answer</i>&mdash;‘Alessandro Cagliostro.’
-<i>Question</i>&mdash;‘Where born?’ <i>Answer</i>&mdash;‘I cannot say
-for certain, whether it was at Malta or at Medina;
-I have lived under the tuition of a governor, who
-told me that I was of noble birth, that I was left an
-orphan when only three months old,’ etc.</p>
-
-<p>But in a French book,<a id="FNanchor_110" href="#Footnote_110" class="fnanchor">110</a> of which an English translation
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_335">335</span>
-was made in 1786, Cagliostro is made to say, ‘I
-cannot speak positively as to the place of my nativity,
-nor to the parents who gave me birth. From various
-circumstances of my life I have conceived some
-doubts, in which the reader perhaps will join with
-me. But I repeat it: all my inquiries have ended
-only in giving me some great notions, it is true, but
-altogether vague and uncertain concerning my
-family.</p>
-
-<p>‘I spent the years of my childhood in the city of
-Medina, in Arabia. There I was brought up under
-the name of Acharat, which I preserved during my
-progress through Africa and Asia. I had apartments
-in the palace of the Muphti Salahaym. It is needless
-to add that the Muphti is the chief of the Mahometan
-Religion, and that his constant residence is at Medina.</p>
-
-<p>‘I recollect perfectly that I had then four persons
-in my service; a governor, between 55 and 60 years
-of age, whose name was Althotas, and three servants,
-a white one, who attended me as valet-de-Chambre,
-and two blacks, one of whom was constantly about
-me night and day.</p>
-
-<p>‘My Governor always told me that I had been left
-an orphan when only three months old; that my
-parents were Christians, and nobly born; but he left
-me absolutely in the dark about their names, and the
-place of my nativity: a few words which he dropped
-by chance have induced me to suspect that I was
-born at Malta; but this circumstance I have never
-been able to ascertain.’</p>
-
-<p>Althotas was a great sage, and imparted to his
-young pupil all the scientific knowledge he possessed,
-and that awful person, the Grand Muphti himself,
-would deign to converse with the boy on the lore
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_336">336</span>
-and history of ancient Egypt. At this time he says
-he dressed as a Mussulman, and conformed to their
-rites; but was all the time at heart a true Christian.</p>
-
-<p>At the mature age of twelve, he felt a strong desire
-to travel, and Althotas indulged him by joining a
-caravan going to Mecca, and here comes an attempt
-to fasten his paternity upon the Cherif of that place.</p>
-
-<p>‘On our arrival at Mecca, we alighted at the palace
-of the Cherif, who is the sovereign of Mecca, and of
-all Arabia, and always chosen from amongst the
-descendants of Mahomet. I here altered my dress,
-from a simple one, which I had worn hitherto, to one
-more splendid. On the third day after our arrival, I
-was, by my Governor, presented to the Cherif, who
-honoured me with the most endearing caresses. At
-sight of this prince, my senses experienced a sudden
-emotion, which it is not in the power of words to express;
-my eyes dropped the most delicious tears I
-ever shed in my life. His, I perceived, he could
-hardly restrain....</p>
-
-<p>‘I remained at Mecca for the space of three years;
-not one day passed without my being admitted to
-the Sovereign’s presence, and every hour increased
-his attachment and added to my gratitude. I sometimes
-surprized his eyes rivetted upon me, and then
-looking up to heaven, with every expression of pity
-and commiseration. Thoughtful, I would go from
-him, a prey to an ever fruitless curiosity. I dared
-not ask any question of my Governor, who always rebuked
-me with great severity, as if it had been a
-crime in me to wish for some information concerning
-my parents, and the place where I was born....</p>
-
-<p>‘One day as I was alone, the prince entered my
-apartment; so great a favour struck me with amazement;
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_337">337</span>
-he strained me to his bosom with more than
-usual tenderness, bade me never cease to adore the
-Almighty, telling me that, as long as I should persist
-in serving God faithfully, I should at last be happy,
-and come to the knowledge of my real destiny; then
-he added, bedewing my cheeks with tears, “Adieu,
-thou nature’s unfortunate child.” ...’</p>
-
-<p>This is one side of the question&mdash;his own. It is
-romantic, and in all probability a lie. There is another
-side; but the evidence, although far more
-within the bounds of reason, is unsupported by corroboration.
-The authority is from an Italian book of
-one hundred and eighty-nine pages, entitled: ‘Compendio
-della Vita, et delle Gesta di <span class="smcap">Giuseppe Balsamo</span>,
-denominato Il <span class="smcap">Conte Cagliostro</span>. <i>Che si &egrave; estratto
-dal Processo contro di lui formato in Roma l’Anno, 1790.
-E che pu&ograve; servire di scorta per conoscere l’indole della
-Setta de</i> <span class="smcap">Liberi Muratori</span>.In Roma 1791.’ This
-book purports to be printed in the Vatican, ‘from the
-Printing press of the Reverend Apostolic Chamber.’<a id="FNanchor_111" href="#Footnote_111" class="fnanchor">111</a></p>
-
-<p>In the preface of this book is the following sentence,
-which is intended to vouch for the facts it
-contains: ‘Thence comes the justice of that observation,
-that these Charlatans especially acquire credit,
-renown, and riches, in those countries where the
-least religion is found, where philosophy is most
-fashionable. Rome is not a place that agrees with
-them, because error cannot throw out its roots, in the
-centre, the capital, of the true faith. The life of
-Count Cagliostro is a shining proof of this truth. It is
-for this reason that it has been thought proper to
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_338">338</span>
-compose this compendium, faithfully extracted from
-the proceedings taken against him, a short while
-since, at Rome; this is evidence which the critic cannot
-attack. In order to effect this, the Sovereign
-Pontifical Authority has deigned to dispense with the
-law of inviolable secrecy, which always accompanies,
-with as much justice as prudence, the proceedings of
-the Holy Inquisition.’</p>
-
-<p>And the account of his life opens thus: ‘Joseph
-Balsamo was born at Palermo on the 8th of June,
-1743. His parents were Pietro Balsamo and Felice
-Braconieri, both of mean extraction. His father, who
-was a shopkeeper, dying when he was still a baby,
-his maternal uncles took care of him,’ &amp;c.</p>
-
-<p>In another book, ‘The Life of the Count Cagliostro,’
-&amp;c., London, 1787, there is a foot-note to the
-first page: ‘Some authors are of opinion that he is
-the offspring of the grand Master of Malta, by a
-Turkish lady, made captive by a Maltese galley.
-Others that he is the only surviving son of that
-prince who, about thirty-five years ago, swayed the
-precarious sceptre of Trebisond, at which period, a
-revolution taking place, the reigning prince was
-massacred by his seditious subjects, and his infant
-son, the Count Cagliostro, conveyed by a trusty friend
-to Medina, where the Cherif had the unprejudiced
-generosity to have him educated in the faith of his
-Christian parents.’</p>
-
-<p>I do not follow his career, but the most marvellous
-stories were current about him, <i>vide</i> the following
-extract from a book already quoted (see foot-note
-page 334): ‘The Comtesse de la Motte dares to assert
-that one of my men makes a boast of having been
-150 years in my service. That I sometimes acknowledge
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_339">339</span>
-myself to be only 300 years old; at others that
-I brag of having been present at the nuptials in Cana,
-and that it was to burlesque the Holy Sacrament of
-the Eucharist, the transubstantiation, that I had imagined
-to multiply the necklace, taken to pieces, into
-a hundred different manners, and yet it was delivered,
-as it is said, in its full complement to the august
-Queen.</p>
-
-<p>‘That I am by turns a Portuguese Jew, a Greek,
-an Egyptian of Alexandria, from whence I have imported
-into France hyeroglyphics and sorcery.</p>
-
-<p>‘That I am one of those infatuated Rosicrucians,
-who have the power of making the dead converse
-with the living; that I attend the poor gratis, but
-that I sell for <i>something</i>, to the rich, the gifts of
-immortality.’</p>
-
-<p>But it is not of these things I wish to treat; it is
-of the facts connected with his residence in London.
-Two or three accounts say that he visited London in
-1772, where he swindled a Doctor Benemore, who
-had rescued him from prison, under pretence of painting
-his country house, and his enemy, De Morande,
-of the <i>Courier de l’Europe</i>, who, in No.’s 16, 17, and
-18 of that journal, made frightful accusations against
-Cagliostro, reiterates the story of his being here in
-1772. In page xiv. of the preface to ‘The Life of
-the Count Cagliostro,’ 1787, there occurs the following
-passage: ‘M. de Morande is at infinite pains to
-persuade us that the Count resided in London in
-1772, under the name of Balsamo, in extreme poverty,
-from which he was relieved by Sir Edward Hales.
-That Baronet professes, indeed, to recollect an <i>Italian</i>
-of that name; but, as M. de Morande positively
-assures us that the Count is a <i>Calabrois</i>, a <i>Neapolitan</i>,
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_340">340</span>
-or a <i>Sicilian</i>, we can desire no better argument to
-prove the fallacy of his information.’</p>
-
-<p>In a pamphlet entitled, ‘Lettre du Comte Cagliostro
-au Peuple Anglois pour servir de suite &agrave; ses
-Memoires,’ 1786, p. 7, he says distinctly: ‘Nous
-sommes arriv&eacute;s, ma femme et moi, en Angleterre, pour
-la premi&egrave;re fois de ma vie, au mois de Juillet, 1776,’
-and on p. 70 of the same work is the following
-(translated):</p>
-
-<p>‘The greatest part of the long diatribe of M.
-Morande is used to prove that I came to London in
-1772, under the name of <i>Balsamo</i>. In view of the
-efforts which M. Morande makes, in order to arrive at
-such proof, an attempt is made to show that the
-<i>Balsamo</i> with whom they attempt to identify me
-ought to have been hung, or, at all events, he rendered
-himself guilty of some dishonourable actions.
-Nothing of the sort. This <i>Balsamo</i>, if the <i>Courier de
-l’Europe</i> can be believed, was a mediocre painter, who
-lived by his brush. A man named <i>Benamore</i>, either
-agent, or interpreter, or charg&eacute; d’affaires to the King
-of Morocco, had commissioned him to paint some
-pictures, and had not paid for them. <i>Balsamo</i> issued
-a writ against him for &pound;47 sterling, which he said
-was due to him, admitting that he had received two
-guineas on account. Besides, this <i>Balsamo</i> was so
-poor that his wife was obliged to go into town herself,
-in order to sell the pictures which her husband
-painted. Such is the portrait which M. de Morande
-draws of the <i>Balsamo</i> of London, a portrait which no
-one will accuse him of having flattered, and from
-which the sensible reader will draw the conclusion
-that the <i>Balsamo</i> of London was an honest artist who
-gained a livelihood by hard work.
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_341">341</span></p>
-
-<p>‘I might then admit without blushing that I had
-lived in London in 1772 under the name of <i>Balsamo</i>,
-on the product of my feeble talents in painting; that
-the course of events and circumstances had reduced
-me to this extremity, etc....</p>
-
-<p>‘I am ignorant whether the law-suit between
-<i>Balsamo</i> and <i>Benamore</i> is real or supposed: one thing
-is certain, that in London exists a regular physician
-of irreproachable probity, named Benamore. He is
-versed in oriental languages: he was formerly attached,
-as interpreter, to the Moroccan Embassy, and
-he is, at this date, employed, in the same capacity,
-by the ambassador of Tripoli. He will bear witness
-to all who wish to know that, during the 30 years he
-has been established in London, he has never known
-another Benamore than himself, and that he has
-never had a law-suit with anyone bearing the name
-of <i>Balsamo</i>.’</p>
-
-<p>Now take Carlyle, with whom dogmatism stood in
-stead of research, and judge for yourselves. ‘There
-is one briefest but authentic-looking glimpse of him
-presents itself in England, in the year 1772: no Count
-is he here, but mere Signor Balsamo again, engaged
-in house-painting, for which he has a peculiar talent.
-Was it true that he painted the country house of a
-“Doctor Benemore;” and, not having painted, but
-only smeared it, was refused payment, and got a
-lawsuit with expenses instead? If Doctor Benemore
-have left any representatives in the Earth, they are
-desired to speak out. We add only, that if young
-Beppo had one of the prettiest of wives, old Benemore
-had one of the ugliest daughters; and so, putting
-one thing to another, matters might not be so
-bad.’
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_342">342</span></p>
-
-<p>Who set this story afloat, about Cagliostro being in
-London in 1772? Why, Monsieur de Morande, the
-editor of the <i>Courier de l’Europe</i>, and of his veracity
-we may judge by an advertisement in the <i>London
-Evening Post</i> of November 27 to 30, 1773, p. 4, col. 4,
-(translated).</p>
-
-<p>‘Monsieur Le Comte de Lauraguais has kindly
-consented, after the humble apologies I have made
-to him, to forego the action commenced against me
-for having defamed him in some verses full of untruths,
-injurious both to his honour and his reputation,
-of which I was the author, and which I caused to be
-inserted in the <i>Morning Chronicle</i> of 24 and 25 June
-last, entitled: “Answer of the Gazetteer Cuirass&eacute;.”
-I therefore beg you, Mr. Woodfall,<a id="FNanchor_112" href="#Footnote_112" class="fnanchor">112</a> to publish through
-the same channel by which I made my verses public,&mdash;my
-sincere repentance for having so injuriously
-libelled Monsieur le Comte, and my very humble
-thanks for his having accepted my apologies, and
-stopping all action in the matter.</p>
-
-<p class="author">‘<span class="smcap">De Morande.</span></p>
-
-<p>‘Nov. 26, 1773.’</p>
-
-<p>This is what in law would be called <i>a tainted witness</i>,
-as, about that time he was, on his own confession,
-given to lying.</p>
-
-<p>According to his own account he came to London
-in July, 1776, possessed of a capital of about three
-thousand pounds in plate, jewels, and specie, and
-hired apartments in Whitcomb Street, Pall Mall East,
-and here he fell into evil company. The story is not
-very lucid&mdash;but it seems that his wife’s companion,
-a Portuguese woman named Blavary, and his secretary
-and interpreter, Vitellini, introduced to him a certain
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_343">343</span>
-Lord Scot. They were a lot of sharpers all round.
-Scot introduced a woman as his wife&mdash;Lady Scot,
-if you please&mdash;(in reality Miss Fry), who got money
-and clothes from the countess, and Cagliostro lent
-my lord two hundred pounds on his simple note of
-hand.</p>
-
-<p>He declares that he gave them lucky numbers for
-the lottery, and that they gained much money thereby&mdash;on
-one occasion, when he gave Miss Fry the
-number eight, she won the sum of fifteen hundred
-guineas; but she was requested by Cagliostro not to
-visit, or bother himself, or his wife again. He moved
-into Suffolk Street in January, 1777, but the persevering
-Miss Fry took lodgings in the same house.
-She attempted to borrow money, and to get lucky
-numbers, but, failing in both, she had him arrested on
-the 7th of February for a pretended debt of one hundred
-and ninety pounds. He recovered his liberty
-the next day, by depositing in the hands of the
-sheriff’s officer, jewels worth double the amount.</p>
-
-<p>Then a warrant was taken out against him and his
-wife, signed by one Justice Miller&mdash;on the charge of
-practising witchcraft. This does not, however, seem
-to have been acted on, but he was frequently harassed
-by actions for debt brought against him by Miss
-Fry, and he became well acquainted with the inside
-of a spunging-house. On the 24th of May he was
-taken into custody for a debt of two hundred pounds,
-at the suit of Miss Fry, but he managed to find bail.
-The case was tried before Lord Mansfield, in the
-Court of Queen’s Bench, on the 27th of June, but
-his lordship suggested that it was a case for arbitration,
-which was agreed to.</p>
-
-<p>The arbitration took place on the 4th of July, when
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_344">344</span>
-Cagliostro’s lawyer deserted him, and the decision
-was that the count had lost his case, and must pay all
-costs. As if this was not bad enough, as he was
-leaving the court he was arrested at the suit of one
-Aylett, who had lodged a detainer against him for a
-debt of ten pounds and upwards, by the name of
-Melisa Cagliostro, otherwise Joseph Balsamo, which
-debt he said was due to him from Balsamo, who had
-employed him in 1772 to recover a debt from Dr.
-Benamore. He got bail, but, as his money was getting
-scarce, it was at the cost of ‘two soup-ladles, two
-candlesticks, two salt-cellars, two pepper-castors, six
-forks, six table spoons, nine knife handles with blades,
-a pair of snuffers and stand, all of silver.’ He had,
-however, suffered six weeks’ imprisonment, as he was
-not liberated from the King’s Bench till the 24th of
-September, 1777.</p>
-
-<p>In vain his friends endeavoured to stir him up to
-commence actions for fraud and perjury against all
-concerned, but either his cause was not just, or he
-had had enough law to last him some time&mdash;and he
-refused. He paid up his debts and left England, with
-only fifty guineas and a few jewels in his possession.</p>
-
-<p>Rightly or wrongly, he was connected with the
-‘Diamond Necklace’ affair, and suffered incarceration
-in the Bastile. If he can be at all believed, the police
-plundered him and his wife right royally. He says
-he lost fifteen rouleaux, each containing fifty double
-louis, sealed with his seal; one thousand two hundred
-and thirty-three sequins (Venetian and Roman): one
-rouleau of twenty-four Spanish quadruples, sealed
-also; and forty-seven billets of one thousand livres
-each on the Caisse d’Escompte. They also took
-papers which were to him of inestimable value; and,
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_345">345</span>
-as to diamonds and jewellery, he knew not what was
-taken, besides plate, porcelain, and linen, etc. After
-an examination, he was acquitted, but he had to leave
-France, and came to London, where he lived in
-Sloane Street. Here he became acquainted with
-Lord George Gordon, and this acquaintance afterwards
-cost him dearly, when he was arrested at Rome.
-To show the intimacy between the two, I will quote
-from the <i>Public Advertiser</i> of the 22nd of August,
-1786, p. 2, col. 3.</p>
-
-<p>‘M. Barthelemy, who conducts the affairs of France
-in the absence of Comte Dazimer, having sent M.
-Daragon with a message to Comte de Cagliostro,
-in Sloane Street, intimating that he had received
-orders from the Court of Versailles to communicate
-to Comte de Cagliostro that he now had permission
-to return to France; yesterday morning, the Comte,
-accompanied by Lord George Gordon and M. Bergeret
-de Frouville, waited upon M. Barthelemy at
-the “Hotel of France,” in Piccadilly, for an eclaireissement
-upon the subject of this message from
-the Court of France, delivered by M. Barthelemy,
-relative to the permission granted to the Comte de
-Cagliostro to return to Paris. M. Barthelemy, the
-Comte de Cambise, and M. Daragon seemed much
-surprised to see Comte de Cagliostro arrive in Lord
-George Gordon’s coach, with his Lordship, and M.
-Frouville, and, having expressed their desire that
-the Comte de Cagliostro <i>alone</i> should speak with M.
-Barthelemy, they were informed that Lord Gordon
-and M. Bergeret de Frouville were there on purpose
-to attend their friend, and that Comte de Cagliostro
-would not dispense with Lord George Gordon’s absence
-from the Conference. Will any friend to liberty
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_346">346</span>
-blame Comte de Cagliostro, after ten months’ imprisonment
-in a dungeon, for having his friends near
-him, when insidious proposals are made to him by
-the faction of Breteuil and the supporters of the
-Bastile Men who have already sought his destruction,
-and, after his innocence was declared by the
-judgment of the Parliament of Paris, embezzled a
-great part of his fortune, and exiled him from France?
-M. Barthelemy (seeing the determination of the
-Comte’s friends) then read the letter from M. Breteuil;
-but, upon the Comte de Cagliostro desiring
-a copy, M. Barthelemy refused it. A great deal of
-conversation then ensued upon the subject, which
-in all probability will give rise to a full representation
-to the King of France, who is certainly very
-much imposed on. The Queen’s party is still violent
-against Comte de Cagliostro, the friend of mankind;
-and De Breteuil&mdash;le Sieur De Launey&mdash;Titon&mdash;De
-Bruni&egrave;res&mdash;Ma&icirc;tre Chesnon&mdash;Barthelemy and Dazimer
-are mere instruments of that faction. The honour
-of the King of France, the justice and judgment
-of the Parliament of Paris, the good faith of the
-Citizens, and the good name of the nation, are all
-attainted by the pillage and detention of the property
-of Comte de Cagliostro.’</p>
-
-<p>And again, in the same paper, 24th of August, 1786,
-p. 2, col. 3, is another paragraph respecting him:</p>
-
-<p>‘Comte de Cagliostro has declared he will hold no
-intercourse with any of Le Sieur Breteuil’s messengers
-from France, except in the presence of Lord
-George Gordon. The gang of French spies in London,
-who are linked in with M. de Morande, and
-the Sieurs Barthelemy, Dazimer, Cambise, and the
-Queen’s Bastile party at Paris, are trying the most
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_347">347</span>
-insiduous arts to entrap the Comte and Comtesse,
-and have the effrontery and audaciousness to persecute
-them publicly, and vilify them even in this free
-country, where these noble Strangers are come to
-seek protection in the arms of a generous people.
-The friendship and benevolence of Comte de Cagliostro,
-in advising the poor Prince Louis de Rohan to
-be upon his guard against the Comtesse de Valois,
-and the intrigues of the Queen’s faction, (who still
-seek the destruction of that noble Prince) has brought
-upon the Comte and his amiable Comtesse the hateful
-revenge of a tyrannical Government. The
-story of the Diamonds has never been properly
-explained to the Public in France. It would discover
-too much of the base arts practised to destroy
-Prince Louis, and involve in guilt persons not safe
-to name in an arbitrary kingdom.’</p>
-
-<p>This airing of private grief in public extorted some
-strictures in a letter in the <i>Morning Post</i>, of 29th
-of August, 1786, in which it was suggested, generally,
-that foreigners should wash their dirty linen at
-home. But Monsieur de Morande, editor of the
-<i>Courier de l’Europe</i>, published many assertions, be
-they facts, or fiction, relative to Cagliostro, and he
-once more blossomed out into print in his old
-champion, the <i>Public Advertiser</i> (vide that newspaper,
-5th of September, 1786, p. 2. col. 1), translated
-in the number of 7th September. In this curious
-letter, he adverts to his adversaries’ slanders, and the
-following singular passages occur:</p>
-
-<p>‘Of all the very good stories which you relate at
-my expense, the best, without comparison, is that of
-the pig fed with arsenic, which poisoned the lions,
-tygers, and leopards of the forests of Medina. I am
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_348">348</span>
-going, Mr. Railer, to give you an opportunity of
-being witty on a perfect comprehension of the fact.
-You know that, in physics and chymistry, reasoning
-proves but little, ridicule nothing, and that experiment
-is all. Permit me, then, to propose a small
-experiment to you, of which the issue will divert the
-public, either at your expense, or mine. I invite you
-to breakfast with me on the 9th of November next,
-at nine o’clock in the morning. You shall furnish
-the wine, and the appendages. For myself, I shall only
-furnish a single dish, after my own fashion&mdash;it shall
-be a sucking pig, fattened after my method. Two
-hours before breakfast, I shall present you the pig
-alive, fat and healthy. You shall order it to be
-killed as you please, and prepared, and I shall not
-approach until it is served at the table. You shall
-cut it into four equal parts, you shall chuse that which
-most flatters your appetite, and I shall take that
-which you please. The day after that of our breakfast,
-one or more of four things will happen. Either
-both of us shall die, or we neither of us shall die,
-or you shall die and I survive, or I shall die and you
-survive. Of these four chances I give you three,
-and I bet you 5000 guineas, that, on the day after
-our breakfast, you shall die, and I be perfectly well.
-You must either accept of this Challenge, or acknowledge
-that you are an ignorant fellow, and that you
-have foolishly ridiculed a thing which is totally out
-of your knowledge.</p>
-
-<p>‘If you accept of this Challenge, I shall instantly
-deposit the 5000 guineas with any banker that you
-please. You shall do the same in five days, during
-which time you shall have leave to make your supporters
-Contribute,’ &amp;c.
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_349">349</span></p>
-
-<p>Monsieur de Morande’s reply was published immediately
-following the above letter. It is, like
-Cagliostro’s, too long for insertion; but its gist is,
-that he intends to unmask the pretender, and that he
-utterly declines to attend a poisoning match. He
-writes:</p>
-
-<p>‘I solemnly defy you to contradict them’ (<i>i.e.</i>, his
-assertions as to Cagliostro’s quackeries and adventures);
-‘and that I even offer, without croupiers or
-supporters, to make you another wager of five thousand
-guineas that I shall compleatly unmask you.</p>
-
-<p>‘But, <i>Monsieur le Comte</i>, I shall not put my foot in
-your house, and shall not breakfast with you myself.
-I am neither abject enough to keep you company, nor
-will let it be suspected for a single moment.</p>
-
-<p>‘You clearly conceive that such an interview ought
-not, nor can be, within your doors; you would be
-liable to be found guilty of criminal practises, in case
-of accident. This your <i>Council</i> had not foreseen.</p>
-
-<p>‘As no tavern would permit such infamous scenes
-to pass under its roof as those you propose, you must,
-<i>Monsieur le Comte</i>, return once more to the <i>booth</i>;
-and worthy disciple of <span class="smcap">Locusta</span>,<a id="FNanchor_113" href="#Footnote_113" class="fnanchor">113</a> choose in London
-a public place to make an open-air exhibition of your
-talents.’</p>
-
-<p>And like the scorpion, which carries its sting in its
-tail, he adds a foot-note, which refers to the heading
-of his letter:</p>
-
-<p>‘<i>M. de Morande’s Answer to Don Joseph Balsamo,</i>
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_350">350</span>
-<i>self-created Count of Cagliostro, Colonel in the Service
-of all the Sovereign Powers in Europe.</i>’</p>
-
-<p>‘If it was not the case, it would be very singular
-to have seen, in the year 1777, M. Cagliostro calling
-himself in England Colonel of the Third Regiment of
-Brandenbourg, and, afterwards, in Russia, Colonel in
-the Spanish Service; for which, however, he was reprimanded
-by the magistrates of Petersburgh. Having
-forgot to take his Commission with him, he could not
-exhibit proofs, and was obliged to put down his regimentals.
-This check on his conduct made him
-abscond from Petersburgh. Every Russian nobleman
-in London knows this anecdote, and, without presuming
-to mention names, we trust that this will be found
-to be the case upon enquiry.’</p>
-
-<p>To this letter Cagliostro replied with another in the
-<i>Public Advertiser</i> (p. 2, col. 1) of September 9, 1786,
-in which he repeats his challenge, and declines to sit
-down to breakfast with a carnivorous animal.</p>
-
-<p>De Morande, of course, could not be silent, and
-replied in the <i>Public Advertiser</i> (p. 2, col. 1) of
-September 12, 1786. He reiterated the charges he
-made against Cagliostro in the <i>Courier de l’Europe</i>,
-saying, among other things, ‘I have said that you
-were in England in the year 1771, under the name of
-<i>Balsamo</i>, and that you were then a needy, as well as
-a <i>very indifferent</i> painter; that twenty persons, at
-least, are ready to prove it. You take no notice of
-this second assertion, which becomes serious, <i>by the
-oath you have taken under that name</i>, of which I have a
-legal copy in my possession.</p>
-
-<p>‘I have said that you have made your appearance
-under another name, <span class="smcap">that of Cagliostro</span>, in the
-year 1777. I have several <i>affidavits</i>, amongst which
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_351">351</span>
-there are some of your own, which authenticate very
-curious anecdotes concerning you; to this you have
-replied nothing.</p>
-
-<p>‘I have said that you falsely pretended then to be a
-<i>Colonel of the third regiment</i> of Brandenbourg; that
-you had, at that time, a law-suit in the Court of
-Queen’s Bench, <i>about a certain necklace, and a gold
-snuff-box</i>, which you asserted to have been given
-<span class="smcap">Madame la Comtesse</span>, but which you were obliged to
-return, and pay all Costs, on the Clear proofs given
-by your adverse party, that you obtained them <i>under
-false pretences</i>. No reply has been made to this.</p>
-
-<p>‘I have added that, were you curious to try the
-same experiment now, a new Act of Parliament, which
-you and your fellow-adventurers have rendered <i>very
-necessary</i>, would certainly have caused you to be sent
-to the Thames.<a id="FNanchor_114" href="#Footnote_114" class="fnanchor">114</a> To that direct and very clear
-observation you have not replied a single word.</p>
-
-<p>‘I have said that you were ordered by the Police in
-Russia, not to presume to take the name of a Colonel
-in the Spanish service, and to strip off your Spanish
-regimentals. I have given you an opportunity to
-vindicate yourself, by giving to understand, that
-there is not a Russian nobleman in London who
-would not certify this fact. I might have added that
-I have in my possession <i>the most respectable authority</i>
-to say so. What have you said in reply to this?</p>
-
-<p>‘I have roundly asserted that I am in possession of
-proofs, that you are an impostor under every possible
-denomination; that you have not only no pretension
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_352">352</span>
-to any title, but not even to the rank of a sergeant.
-Shall this remain likewise unanswered?</p>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p>‘I am sorry to be obliged once more to name
-Mess<sup>rs.</sup> B. &amp; C. Bankers, to prove that your pretensions
-to lay a wager of 5000 guineas, are as well
-grounded as your pretensions to the title of a <span class="smcap">Count</span>,
-or an <i>Alchemist</i>. It is a fact, that you <i>humbly</i> offered
-to pledge in their hands the watch, of which the too
-long, and too much, deluded Cardinal de Rohan made
-you a present. It is likewise a fact <i>that they disdainfully
-refused it</i>. Your proposing, after this, a wager
-of 5000 guineas is probably no more than a new pretence
-to obtain credit, as you have formerly (in
-pretending to make great quantities of gold) obtained
-small sums, and little diamonds to make larger,
-which you afterwards declared had been given to
-<span class="smcap">Madame la Comtesse</span>. Those proofs, I repeat to you,
-<i>are in my possession</i>; they are all fully authenticated,
-and I will make good every one of my assertions.’
-And he winds up his letter with expressing ‘the satisfaction
-I feel in having furnished the world with
-sufficient proofs to convince them that you are
-<span class="smcap">THE GREATEST IMPOSTOR OF THIS OR ANY OTHER AGE</span>.’</p>
-
-<p>This ended the correspondence, for the general
-public were beginning to meddle in it, and the editor
-of the <i>Public Advertiser</i> would only open his pages
-to the principals in this duel. This finished Cagliostro’s
-career in England. He had tried to sell his
-quack medicines, his Egyptian pills, but the charm
-was broken, and he quitted England for the Continent
-in May, 1787, leaving his wife behind, with
-sufficient means, under the guardianship of the De
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_353">353</span>
-Loutherbourgs. She afterwards sold all up, and
-joined him in June.</p>
-
-<p>By this time his good genius had forsaken him, and
-for teaching freemasonry, then even more repugnant
-to the Roman Catholic hierarchy than at present, he
-was arrested, and imprisoned in the Castle of St.
-Angelo, November 27, 1789. He never again enjoyed
-freedom, but was found dead in his cell at St. Leo.
-Even the date of his death is uncertain, most authorities
-giving 1795; but some say 1794 and 1797. His
-wife, too, shared his fate; she was convicted of
-sorcery and witchcraft, and was shut up in a convent,
-where she died in 1794.</p>
-
-<p>His portraits represent him as by no means bad-looking,
-although the full eye, the puffed cheeks, and
-weak mouth betray a sensuality of feeling.</p>
-
-<h3>THE END.</h3>
-
-<h3 class="medium">LONDON: PRINTED BY DUNCAN MACDONALD, BLENHEIM HOUSE.</h3>
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_354">354</span></p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_355">355</span></p>
-
-<p class="ph1 bbox">
-HURST &amp; BLACKETT’S<br />
-<br />
-<span class="xlarge">LIST OF NEW WORKS.</span><br />
-<br />
-<img src="images/i_365.jpg"
-alt="" />
-<br />
-<br />
-<span class="large">LONDON:</span><br />
-<br />
-<span class="medium">13, GREAT MARLBOROUGH STREET, W.</span>
-</p>
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_356">356</span></p>
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_357">357</span></p>
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p class="ph1">
-<span class="medium smcap">13, Great Marlborough Street, London.</span><br />
-
-MESSRS. HURST AND BLACKETT’S<br />
-
-<span class="xlarge">LIST OF NEW WORKS.</span></p>
-
-<p class="hang"><span class="large">EIGHTEENTH CENTURY WAIFS.</span> By <span class="smcap">John
-Ashton</span>, Author of ‘Social Life in the Reign of Queen Anne,’ &amp;c.
-1 vol. imperial 8vo. 12s.</p>
-
-<p class="hang"><span class="medium">CONTENTS:</span> A Forgotten Fanatic&mdash;A Fashionable Lady’s Life&mdash;George Barrington&mdash;Milton’s
-Bones&mdash;The True Story of Eugene Aram&mdash;Redemptioners&mdash;A
-Trip to Richmond in Surrey&mdash;George Robert Fitzgerald&mdash;Eighteenth Century
-Amazons&mdash;‘The Times’ and its Founder&mdash;Imprisonment for Debt&mdash;Jonas
-Hanway&mdash;A Holy Voyage to Ramsgate One Hundred Years Ago&mdash;Quacks of
-the Century&mdash;Cagliostro in London.</p>
-
-<p class="hang"><span class="large">SHIKAR SKETCHES:</span> <span class="smcap">With Notes on Indian
-Field Sports</span>. By <span class="smcap">J. Moray Brown</span>, late 79th Cameron Highlanders.
-With Eight Illustrations, by <span class="smcap">J. C. Dollman</span>, R.I. 1 vol.
-imperial 8vo. 12s.</p>
-
-<p class="hang"><span class="large">CHAPTERS FROM FAMILY CHESTS.</span> By
-<span class="smcap">Edward Walford</span>, M.A., Author of ‘The County Families,’ &amp;c.
-2 vols. crown 8vo. 21s.</p>
-
-<p>“There is a mine of wealth in the ‘Family Chests’ which no one has yet
-brought to the surface, and from this Mr. Walford has contrived to excavate a
-mass of acceptable matter&mdash;a treasury of narrative curious and romantic.”&mdash;<i>Globe.</i></p>
-
-<p>“The reader will find much curious information in Mr. Walford’s chapters of
-agreeable narrative.”&mdash;<i>Scotsman.</i></p>
-
-<p class="hang"><span class="large">REMINISCENCES OF THE COURT AND
-TIMES OF KING ERNEST OF HANOVER.</span> By the Rev. <span class="smcap">C.
-A. Wilkinson</span>, M.A., His Majesty’s Resident Domestic Chaplain.
-2 vols. With portrait of the King. 21s.</p>
-
-<p>“An interesting book, entitled ‘Reminiscences of the Court and Times of King
-Ernest of Hanover,’ has just been published by Messrs. Hurst and Blackett. The
-two volumes in which these reminiscences of a septuagenarian are comprised
-abound in characteristic stories of the old king, in anecdotes of many celebrities
-English and foreign, of the early part of this century, and, indeed, of all kinds and
-conditions of men and women with whom the author was brought in contact by
-his courtly or pastorial office.”&mdash;<i>St. James’s Gazette.</i></p>
-
-<p class="hang"><span class="large">THE EGYPTIAN CAMPAIGNS, 1882 <span class="small">TO</span> 1885,</span>
-<span class="smcap">and the Events which led to them</span>. By <span class="smcap">Charles Royle</span>,
-Barrister-at-Law, of <span class="smcap">Alexandria</span>. 2 vols. demy 8vo. Illustrated
-by Maps and Plans. 30s.</p>
-
-<p>“Mr. Royle has done well in the interests of historical completeness to describe
-not only the entire military drama, but also the political events connected with
-it, and whoever reads the book with care has gone a considerable way towards
-mastering the difficult Egyptian question.”&mdash;<i>Athen&aelig;um.</i></p>
-
-<p>“The Egyptian fiasco has found in Mr. Royle a most painstaking, accurate, and
-judicious historian. From a literary point of view his volumes may be thought to
-contain too many unimportant incidents, yet their presence was necessary perhaps,
-in a complete record, and the most fastidious reader will unhesitatingly acquit
-Mr. Royle of filling his pages with anything that can be called padding.”&mdash;<i>St.
-James’s Gazette.</i>
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_358">358</span></p>
-
-<p class="hang"><span class="large">THE PALACE AND THE HOSPITAL;</span> or,
-<span class="smcap">Chronicles of Greenwich</span>. By the <span class="smcap">Rev. A. G. L’Estrange</span>,
-Author of ‘The Village of Palaces,’ ‘The Friendships of Mary
-Russell Mitford,’ &amp;c. 2 vols. crown 8vo. With Illustrations. 21s.</p>
-
-<p>“Mr. L’Estrange has provided for those who have a taste for topography, or
-rather for the historical and biographical annals of a locality famous in history,
-two volumes which are rich in romantic interest, and his pages abound in
-curious and interesting glimpses of old manners.”&mdash;<i>Daily News.</i></p>
-
-<p class="hang"><span class="large">THE REAL SHELLEY:</span> <span class="smcap">New Views of the Poet’s
-Life</span>. By <span class="smcap">John Cordy Jeaffreson</span>, Author of “The Real Lord
-Byron,” “A Book about Doctors,” “A Book about Lawyers,” &amp;c.
-2 vols. demy 8vo. 30s.</p>
-
-<p>“Those who have read Mr. Jeaffreson’s account of Byron will be prepared to
-find that impartiality is the distinguishing feature of his endeavour to clear away
-the fancies and misconceptions which have been given to the world in some of
-the biographies of Shelley, and they will not be disappointed. The author has
-striven to ascertain, fairly and fully, the truth concerning a poet whose influence,
-while it has been greatly exaggerated by his most enthusiastic admirers, is still a
-living factor in the life of many.”&mdash;<i>Morning Post.</i></p>
-
-<p class="hang"><span class="large">THE FRIENDSHIPS OF MARY RUSSELL
-MITFORD:</span> <span class="smcap">As Recorded in Letters from her Literary
-Correspondents</span>. Edited by the <span class="smcap">Rev. A. G. L’Estrange</span>,
-Editor of “The Life of Mary Russell Mitford,” &amp;c. 2 vols. 21s.</p>
-
-<p>“These letters are all written as to one whom the writers love and revere. Miss
-Barrett is one of Miss Mitford’s correspondents, all of whom seem to be inspired
-with a sense of excellence in the mind they are invoking. Their letters are extremely
-interesting, and they strike out recollections, opinions, criticisms, which
-will hold the reader’s delighted and serious attention.”&mdash;<i>Daily Telegraph.</i></p>
-
-<p class="hang"><span class="large">THE BRONT&Euml; FAMILY,</span> With Special Reference
-to <span class="smcap">Patrick Branwell Bronte</span>. By <span class="smcap">Francis A. Leyland</span>. 2
-vols. 21s.</p>
-
-<p>“This book is so full of interesting information that as a contribution to literary
-biography it may be considered a real success.”&mdash;<i>Academy.</i></p>
-
-<p>“Mr. Leyland’s book is earnest and accurate, and he has spared no pains to
-master his subject and present it with clearness; the book is valuable, and should
-be read by all who are familiar with the previous works on the family.”&mdash;<i>Graphic.</i></p>
-
-<p class="hang"><span class="large">MEMOIRS OF A CAMBRIDGE CHORISTER.</span>
-By <span class="smcap">William Glover</span>. 2 vols. crown 8vo. 21s.</p>
-
-<p>“In these amusing volumes Mr. Glover provides us with the means of spending
-a pleasant hour or two in his company.”&mdash;<i>Times.</i></p>
-
-<p>“These volumes contain a miscellaneous set of reminiscences, comments, and
-anecdotes, written in a light and jocular style. Mr. Glover is always cheerful
-and never didactic.”&mdash;<i>Athen&aelig;um.</i></p>
-
-<p class="hang"><span class="large">WITHOUT GOD:</span> <span class="smcap">Negative Science and Natural
-Ethics</span>. By <span class="smcap">Percy Greg</span>, Author of “The Devil’s Advocate,”
-“Across the Zodiac,” &amp;c. 1 vol. demy 8vo. 12s.</p>
-
-<p>“Mr. Greg has condensed much profound thought into his book, and has fully
-succeeded in maintaining the interest of the discussion throughout.”&mdash;<i>Morning Post.</i></p>
-
-<p>“This work is ably written; there are in it many passages of no ordinary power
-and brilliancy. It is eminently suggestive and stimulating.”&mdash;<i>Scotsman.</i></p>
-
-<p class="hang"><span class="large">FOOTSTEPS OF JEANNE D’ARC.</span> A Pilgrimage.
-By Mrs. <span class="smcap">Florence Caddy</span>. 1 vol. demy 8vo. With Map of Route. 15s.</p>
-
-<p>“The reader, whatever his preconceived notions of the maid may have been,
-will soon find himself in sympathy with a writer who, by the charm of her descriptive
-style, at once arrests his attention and sustains the interest of her
-subject.”&mdash;<i>Morning Post.</i>
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_359">359</span></p>
-
-<p class="hang"><span class="large">THE LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF PEG
-WOFFINGTON:</span> <span class="smcap">With Pictures of the Period in which She
-Lived</span>. By <span class="smcap">J. Fitzgerald Molloy</span>, Author of “Court Life
-Below Stairs,” &amp;c. <i>Second Edition.</i> 2 vols. crown 8vo. With
-Portrait. 21s.</p>
-
-<p>“Peg Woffington makes a most interesting central figure, round which Mr.
-Molloy has made to revolve a varied and picturesque panorama of London life in
-the middle of the eighteenth century. He sees things in the past so clearly, grasps
-them so tenaciously, and reproduces them so vividly, that they come to us without
-any of the dust and rust of time.”&mdash;G. A. S. <i>in Illustrated London News</i>.</p>
-
-<p class="hang"><span class="large">WOMEN OF EUROPE IN THE FIFTEENTH
-AND SIXTEENTH CENTURIES.</span> By Mrs. <span class="smcap">Napier Higgins</span>.
-Vols. 1 and 2 demy 8vo. 30s.</p>
-
-<p>“The work is likely to be of permanent value to the students of history.”&mdash;<i>Morning
-Post.</i></p>
-
-<p class="hang"><span class="large">ON THE TRACK OF THE CRESCENT:</span> <span class="smcap">Erratic
-Notes from the Pir&aelig;us to Pesth</span>. By <span class="smcap">Major E. C. Johnson</span>,
-M.A.I., F. R. Hist. S., etc. With Map and Upwards of 50 Illustrations
-by the Author. 1 vol. demy 8vo. 15s.</p>
-
-<p>“The author of this bright, pleasant volume possesses keen power of observation
-and vivid appreciation of animate and inanimate beauty. It will brighten
-hours for many readers who will only follow the track of the Crescent through its
-pages and its numerous illustrations.”&mdash;<i>Morning Post.</i></p>
-
-<p class="hang"><span class="large">MEMOIRS OF MARSHAL BUGEAUD,</span> <span class="smcap">From
-His Private Correspondence and Original Documents, 1784-1849</span>.
-By the <span class="smcap">Count H. d’Ideville</span>. Edited, from the French,
-by <span class="smcap">Charlotte M. Yonge</span>. 2 vols. demy 8vo. 30s.</p>
-
-<p>“This is a work of great value to the student of French history. A perusal of
-the book will convince any reader of Bugeaud’s energy, his patriotism, his unselfishness,
-and his philanthropy and humanity.”&mdash;<i>Athen&aelig;um.</i></p>
-
-<p class="hang"><span class="large">GLIMPSES OF GREEK LIFE AND SCENERY.</span>
-By <span class="smcap">Agnes Smith</span>, Author of “Eastern Pilgrims,” &amp;c. Demy 8vo.
-With Illustrations and Map of the Author’s Route. 15s.</p>
-
-<p>“A truthful picture of the country through which the author travelled. It is
-naturally and simply told, in an agreeable and animated style. Miss Smith displays
-an ample acquaintance and sympathy with all the scenes of historic interest.”&mdash;<i>St.
-James’s Gazette.</i></p>
-
-<p class="hang"><span class="large">MONSIEUR GUIZOT</span> <span class="smcap">in Private Life</span> (1787-1874).
-By His Daughter, Madame <span class="smcap">de Witt</span>. Translated by Mrs.
-<span class="smcap">Simpson</span>. 1 vol. demy 8vo. 15s.</p>
-
-<p>“Madame de Witt has done justice to her father’s memory in an admirable record
-of his life. Mrs. Simpson’s translation of this singularly interesting book is
-in accuracy and grace worthy of the original and of the subject.”&mdash;<i>Saturday Review.</i></p>
-
-<p class="hang"><span class="large">PLAIN SPEAKING.</span> By Author of “John Halifax,
-Gentleman.” 1 vol. crown 8vo. 10s. 6d.</p>
-
-<p>“We recommend ‘Plain Speaking’ to all who like amusing, wholesome, and
-instructive reading. The contents of Mrs. Craik’s volume are of the most multifarious
-kind, but all the papers are good and readable, and one at least of them
-of real importance.”&mdash;<i>St. James’s Gazette.</i></p>
-
-<p class="hang"><span class="large">WORDS OF HOPE AND COMFORT TO
-THOSE IN SORROW.</span> Dedicated by Permission to <span class="smcap">The Queen</span>.
-<i>Fourth Edition.</i> 1 vol. small 4to. 5s.</p>
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_360">360</span></p>
-
-<p class="ph1 xxlarge" id="Under_the_Especial_Patronage_of_Her_Majesty"><span class="large olde">Under the Especial Patronage of Her Majesty.</span><br />
-
-<span class="small"><i>Published annually, in One Vol., royal 8vo, with the Arms beautifully
-engraved, handsomely bound, with gilt edges, price 31s. 6d.</i></span><br />
-
-<span class="gesperrt">LODGE’S PEERAGE</span><br />
-<span class="xlarge">AND BARONETAGE,</span><br />
-<span class="large">CORRECTED BY THE NOBILITY.<br />
-
-<span class="gesperrt">FIFTY-SIXTH EDITION FOR 1887.</span></span></p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Lodge’s Peerage and Baronetage</span> is acknowledged to be the most
-complete, as well as the most elegant, work of the kind. As an established
-and authentic authority on all questions respecting the family
-histories, honours, and connections of the titled aristocracy, no work has
-ever stood so high. It is published under the especial patronage of Her
-Majesty, and is annually corrected throughout, from the personal communications
-of the Nobility. It is the only work of its class in which, <i>the
-type being kept constantly standing</i>, every correction is made in its proper
-place to the date of publication, an advantage which gives it supremacy
-over all its competitors. Independently of its full and authentic information
-respecting the existing Peers and Baronets of the realm, the most
-sedulous attention is given in its pages to the collateral branches of the
-various noble families, and the names of many thousand individuals are
-introduced, which do not appear in other records of the titled classes. For
-its authority, correctness, and facility of arrangement, and the beauty of
-its typography and binding, the work is justly entitled to the place it
-occupies on the tables of Her Majesty and the Nobility.</p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>LIST OF THE PRINCIPAL CONTENTS.</h3>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="hang">Historical View of the Peerage.</p>
-
-<p class="hang">Parliamentary Roll of the House of Lords.</p>
-
-<p class="hang">English, Scotch, and Irish Peers, in their
-orders of Precedence.</p>
-
-<p class="hang">Alphabetical List of Peers of Great Britain
-and the United Kingdom, holding superior
-rank in the Scotch or Irish Peerage.</p>
-
-<p class="hang">Alphabetical list of Scotch and Irish Peers,
-holding superior titles in the Peerage of
-Great Britain and the United Kingdom.</p>
-
-<p class="hang">A Collective list of Peers, in their order of
-Precedence.</p>
-
-<p class="hang">Table of Precedency among Men.</p>
-
-<p class="hang">Table of Precedency among Women.</p>
-
-<p class="hang">The Queen and the Royal Family.</p>
-
-<p class="hang">Peers of the Blood Royal.</p>
-
-<p class="hang">The Peerage, alphabetically arranged.</p>
-
-<p class="hang">Families of such Extinct Peers as have left
-Widows or Issue.</p>
-
-<p class="hang">Alphabetical List of the Surnames of all the
-Peers.</p>
-
-<p class="hang">The Archbishops and Bishops of England
-and Ireland.</p>
-
-<p class="hang">The Baronetage alphabetically arranged.</p>
-
-<p class="hang">Alphabetical List of Surnames assumed by
-members of Noble Families.</p>
-
-<p class="hang">Alphabetical List of the Second Titles of
-Peers, usually borne by their Eldest
-Sons.</p>
-
-<p class="hang">Alphabetical Index to the Daughters of
-Dukes, Marquises, and Earls, who, having
-married Commoners, retain the title
-of Lady before their own Christian and
-their Husband’s Surnames.</p>
-
-<p class="hang">Alphabetical Index to the Daughters of
-Viscounts and Barons, who, having
-married Commoners, are styled Honourable
-Mrs.; and, in case of the husband
-being a Baronet or Knight, Hon. Lady.</p>
-
-<p class="hang">A List of the Orders of Knighthood.</p>
-
-<p class="hang">Mottoes alphabetically arranged and translated.</p></blockquote>
-
-<p>“This work is the most perfect and elaborate record of the living and recently deceased
-members of the Peerage of the Three Kingdoms as it stands at this day. It is
-a most useful publication. We are happy to bear testimony to the fact that scrupulous
-accuracy is a distinguishing feature of this book.”&mdash;<i>Times.</i></p>
-
-<p>“Lodge’s Peerage must supersede all other works of the kind, for two reasons: first, it
-is on a better plan; and secondly, it is better executed. We can safely pronounce it to be
-the readiest, the most useful, and exactest of modern works on the subject.”&mdash;<i>Spectator</i>.</p>
-
-<p>“A work of great value. It is the most faithful record we possess of the aristocracy
-of the day.”&mdash;<i>Post.</i>
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_361">361</span></p>
-<hr />
-
-<p class="ph1" id="EDNA_LYALLS_NOVELS">EDNA LYALL’S NOVELS<br />
-
-<span class="large">EACH IN ONE VOLUME CROWN 8vo, 6s.</span></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3><span class="gesperrt">DONOVAN:</span><br />
-
-<span class="medium">A MODERN ENGLISHMAN.</span></h3>
-
-<p>“This is a very admirable work. The reader is from the first carried away by the
-gallant unconventionality of its author. ‘Donovan’ is a very excellent novel; but it is
-something more and better. It should do as much good as the best sermon ever written
-or delivered extempore. The story is told with a grand simplicity, an unconscious poetry
-of eloquence which stirs the very depths of the heart. One of the main excellencies of
-this novel is the delicacy of touch with which the author shows her most delightful characters
-to be after all human beings, and not angels before their time.”&mdash;<i>Standard.</i></p>
-
-<p>“‘Donovan’ is told with the power of truth, experience, and moral insight. The tone
-of the novel is excellent and very high.”&mdash;<i>Daily News.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3 class="gesperrt">WE TWO.</h3>
-
-<p>“This book is well written and full of interest. The story abounds with a good many
-light touches, and is certainly far from lacking in incident.”&mdash;<i>Times.</i></p>
-
-<p>“‘We Two’ contains many very exciting passages and a great deal of information.
-Miss Lyall is a capable writer and a clear-headed thinker.”&mdash;<i>Athen&aelig;um.</i></p>
-
-<p>“A work of deep thought and much power. Serious as it is, it is now and then brightened
-by rays of genuine humour. Altogether this story is more and better than a novel.”&mdash;<i>Morning
-Post.</i></p>
-
-<p>“There is artistic realism both in the conception and the delineation of the personages;
-the action and interest are unflaggingly sustained from first to last, and the book is pervaded
-by an atmosphere of elevated, earnest thought.”&mdash;<i>Scotsman.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3 class="gesperrt">IN THE GOLDEN DAYS.</h3>
-
-<p>“Miss Lyall has given us a vigorous study of such life and character as are really worth
-reading about. The central figure of her story is Algernon Sydney; and this figure she
-invests with a singular dignity and power. He always appears with effect, but no liberties
-are taken with the facts of his life. The plot is adapted with great felicity to them.
-His part in it, absolutely consistent as it is with historical truth, gives it reality as well as
-dignity. Some of the scenes are remarkably vivid. The escape is an admirable narrative,
-which almost makes one hold one’s breath as one reads.”&mdash;<i>Spectator.</i></p>
-
-<p>“‘In the Golden Days’ is an excellent novel of a kind we are always particularly glad
-to recommend. It has a good foundation of plot and incident, a thoroughly noble and
-wholesome motive, a hero who really acts and suffers heroically, and two very nice
-heroines. The historical background is very carefully indicated, but is never allowed to
-become more than background.”&mdash;<i>Guardian.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3 class="gesperrt">WON BY WAITING.</h3>
-
-<p>“The Dean’s daughters are perfectly real characters&mdash;the learned Cornelia especially;&mdash;the
-little impulsive French heroine, who endures their cold hospitality and at last wins
-their affection, is thoroughly charming; while throughout the book there runs a golden
-thread of pure brotherly and sisterly love, which pleasantly reminds us that the making
-and marring of marriage is not, after all, the sum total of real life.”&mdash;<i>Academy.</i></p>
-
-<p>“‘Won by Waiting’ is a very pleasing and well-written tale; full of graphic descriptions
-of French and English life, with incidents and characters well sustained. A book
-with such pleasant reading, and with such a healthy tone and influence, is a great boon
-to the young people in our families.”&mdash;<i>Freeman.</i>
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_362">362</span></p>
-<hr />
-
-<p class="ph1" id="SIX-SHILLING_NOVELS">SIX-SHILLING NOVELS<br />
-
-<span class="medium">EACH IN ONE VOLUME CROWN 8vo.</span></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3><span class="gesperrt">HIS LITTLE MOTHER.</span><br />
-<span class="medium">By the Author of “John Halifax, Gentleman.”</span></h3>
-
-<p>“‘His Little Mother’ is one of those pathetic stories which the author tells better
-than anybody else.”&mdash;<i>John Bull.</i></p>
-
-<p>“This book is written with all Mrs. Craik’s grace of style, the chief charm of which,
-after all, is its simplicity.”&mdash;<i>Glasgow Herald.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3><span class="gesperrt">MY LORD AND MY LADY.</span><br />
-<span class="medium">By <span class="smcap">Mrs. Forrester</span>.</span></h3>
-
-<p>“A very capital novel. The great charm about it is that Mrs. Forrester is quite at home
-in the society which she describes. It is a book to read.”&mdash;<i>Standard.</i></p>
-
-<p>“Mrs. Forrester’s style is so fresh and graphic that the reader is kept under its spell
-from first to last.”&mdash;<i>Morning Post.</i></p>
-
-<h3><span class="gesperrt">SOPHY.</span><br />
-<span class="medium">By <span class="smcap">Violet Fane</span>.</span></h3>
-
-<p>“‘Sophy’ is the clever and original work of a clever woman. Its merits are of a strikingly
-unusual kind. It is charged throughout with the strongest human interest. It is,
-in a word, a novel that will make its mark.”&mdash;<i>World.</i></p>
-
-<h3><span class="gesperrt">A HOUSE PARTY.</span><br />
-<span class="medium">By <span class="smcap">Ouida</span>.</span></h3>
-
-<p>“‘A House Party’ will be read, firstly, because it is Ouida’s, and, secondly, because of
-the brightness of the conversations and descriptions. It is indeed more like a comedy
-than any other of the writer’s books.”&mdash;<i>Globe.</i></p>
-
-<h3><span class="gesperrt">OMNIA VANITAS.</span><br />
-<span class="medium">By <span class="smcap">Mrs. Forrester</span>.</span></h3>
-
-<p>“This book is pleasant and well meant. Here and there are some good touches. Sir
-Ralph is a man worth reading about.”&mdash;<i>Academy.</i></p>
-
-<p>“This tale is well and cleverly written; the characters are drawn and sustained with
-considerable power, and the conversation is always bright and lively.”&mdash;<i>Glasgow Herald.</i></p>
-
-<h3><span class="gesperrt">BETRAYAL OF REUBEN HOLT.</span><br />
-<span class="medium">By <span class="smcap">Barbara Lake</span>.</span></h3>
-
-<p>“This novel shows considerable power of writing. There are some striking scenes and
-incidents.”&mdash;<i>Scotsman.</i></p>
-
-<p>“This tale displays elevation of thought and feeling, united to no little grace of
-expression.”&mdash;<i>Post.</i></p>
-
-<h3><span class="gesperrt">THE BRANDRETHS.</span><br />
-<span class="medium">By the Right Hon. <span class="smcap">A. J. B. Beresford Hope</span>, M.P.</span></h3>
-
-<p>“The great attraction of this novel is the easy, conversational, knowledgeable tone of
-it; the sketching from the life, and yet not so close to the life as to be malicious, men,
-women, periods, and events, to all of which intelligent readers can fit a name. The
-political and social sketches will naturally excite the chief interest among readers who
-will be attracted by the author’s name and experience.”&mdash;<i>Spectator.</i>
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_363">363</span></p>
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<h2 id="THE_NEW_AND_POPULAR_NOVELS">THE NEW AND POPULAR NOVELS.
-PUBLISHED BY HURST &amp; BLACKETT.</h2>
-
-<p>ST. BRIAVELS. By <span class="smcap">Mary Deane</span>, Author of
-“Quatrefoil,” &amp;c. 3 vols.</p>
-
-<p>“The authoress throughout writes with moderation and consistency, and her
-three ample volumes well repay perusal.”&mdash;<i>Daily Telegraph.</i></p>
-
-<p>“‘St. Briavels’ is a story replete with variety, and in all developments of her
-plot the author skilfully maintains an unabated interest.”&mdash;<i>Morning Post.</i></p>
-
-<p>A LILY MAID. By <span class="smcap">William George Waters</span>.
-3 vols.</p>
-
-<p>“A story of the keenest interest. Mr. Waters’ plot is neat, and his style is
-bright and pleasing.”&mdash;<i>Daily Telegraph.</i></p>
-
-<p>“‘A Lily Maid’ is throughout exceedingly pleasant reading.”&mdash;<i>Morning Post.</i></p>
-
-<p>LIKE LUCIFER. By <span class="smcap">Denzil Vane</span>. 3 vols.</p>
-
-<p>“There is some pleasant writing in ‘Like Lucifer,’ and the plot is workmanlike.”&mdash;<i>Academy.</i></p>
-
-<p>“Denzil Vane has a talent for lively, fluent writing, and a power of tracing
-character.”&mdash;<i>Whitehall Review.</i></p>
-
-<p>A DAUGHTER OF THE GODS. By <span class="smcap">Jane
-Stanley</span>. 2 vols.</p>
-
-<p>“‘A Daughter of the Gods’ is very pretty. That is a description which specially
-suits the easy-flowing, love-making story.”&mdash;<i>Athen&aelig;um.</i></p>
-
-<p>LUCIA. By Mrs. <span class="smcap">Augustus Craven</span>, Author of
-“A Sister’s Story.” Translated by <span class="smcap">Lady Herbert of Lea</span>. 2 vols.</p>
-
-<p>“This is a very pretty, touching, and consoling story. The tale is as much above
-the ordinary romance as the fresh air of the seaside is better than the stifling atmosphere
-of the fashionable quarter of the gayest city.”&mdash;<i>St. James’s Gazette.</i></p>
-
-<p>“‘Lucia’ is as good a novel as has been published for a long time.”&mdash;<i>Academy.</i></p>
-
-<p>LOVE, THE PILGRIM. By <span class="smcap">May Crommelin</span>,
-Author of “Queenie,” “A Jewel of a Girl,” &amp;c. 3 vols.</p>
-
-<p>“‘Love, the Pilgrim’ is a pretty story, which, beginning quietly, develops into
-one of very sensational incident indeed.”&mdash;<i>Graphic.</i></p>
-
-<p>“A tale of thrilling interest.”&mdash;<i>Scotsman.</i></p>
-
-<p>THE KING CAN DO NO WRONG. By <span class="smcap">Pamela
-Sneyd</span>, Author of “Jack Urquhart’s Daughter.” 2 vols.</p>
-
-<p>“This novel gives evidence of imagination, insight into character, and power of
-delineation.”&mdash;<i>Athen&aelig;um.</i></p>
-
-<p>“Shows command of exceptional narrative and descriptive power&mdash;the story is
-told with cleverness and force.”&mdash;<i>Scotsman.</i></p>
-
-<p>THE COURTING OF MARY SMITH. By <span class="smcap">F. W.
-Robinson</span>, Author of “Grandmother’s Money,” “No Church,” &amp;c.
-3 vols.</p>
-
-<p>“One of the finest studies that any of our novelists has produced of late years.
-To read such a book is to strengthen the soul with a moral tonic.”&mdash;<i>Athen&aelig;um.</i></p>
-
-<p>“The book is full of the truths and experiences of actual life, woven into a
-romance by an undoubtedly clever novelist.”&mdash;<i>Morning Post.</i></p>
-
-<p>THRO’ LOVE AND WAR. By <span class="smcap">Violet Fane</span>,
-Author of “Sophy: or the Adventures of a Savage,” &amp;c. 3 vols.</p>
-
-<p>“‘Thro’ Love and War’ has a succinct and intelligible plot, and is written
-with a quaint combination of acute perception, veiled sarcasm, and broad fun,
-which is certain to ensure for it a wide popularity.”&mdash;<i>The World.</i>
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_364">364</span></p>
-
-<p>PASSAGES IN THE LIFE OF A LADY in 1814,
-1815, 1816. By <span class="smcap">Hamilton Aid&eacute;</span>, Author of “Rita,” “Penruddocke,”
-“Poet and Peer,” &amp;c. 3 vols.</p>
-
-<p>TILL MY WEDDING DAY. By a French Lady.
-2 vols.</p>
-
-<p>THE GREEN HILLS BY THE SEA: <span class="smcap">A Manx
-Story</span>. By <span class="smcap">Hugh Coleman Davidson</span>. 3 vols.</p>
-
-<p>VICTIMS. By <span class="smcap">Theo Gift</span>, Author of “Pretty Miss
-Bellew,” “Lil Lorimer,” &amp;c. 3 vols.</p>
-
-<p>THE BROKEN SEAL. By <span class="smcap">Dora Russell</span>, Author
-of “Footprints in the Snow,” &amp;c. 3 vols.</p>
-
-<p>“Miss Dora Russell writes easily and well, and she has the gift of making her
-characters describe themselves by their dialogue, which is bright and natural.”&mdash;<i>Athen&aelig;um.</i></p>
-
-<p>MURIEL’S MARRIAGE. By <span class="smcap">Esme Stuart</span>, Author
-of “A Faire Damzell,” &amp;c. 3 vols.</p>
-
-<p>“Much of the interest and charm of the story, and both are considerable, are
-due to the delineations, not merely of the two principal personages, but of the
-minor characters.”&mdash;<i>Scotsman.</i></p>
-
-<p>ONCE AGAIN. By Mrs. <span class="smcap">Forreste</span>r, Author of
-“Viva,” “Mignon,” “My Lord and My Lady,” &amp;c. (<i>Second Edition</i>)
-3 vols.</p>
-
-<p>“A really fascinating story. Bright and often original as is Mrs. Forrester, her
-peculiar gifts have never been seen to better advantage than in ‘Once Again.’
-An undercurrent of tragedy runs through this startling tale, and this, together
-with its graphically drawn characters, sets it completely apart from the ordinary
-society story.”&mdash;<i>Morning Post.</i></p>
-
-<p>A WILFUL YOUNG WOMAN. By <span class="smcap">A. Price</span>,
-Author of “A Rustic Maid,” “Who is Sylvia?” &amp;c. 3 vols.</p>
-
-<p>“A very readable story. Mrs. Price has drawn her <i>dramatis person&aelig;</i> with some
-power and vigour.”&mdash;<i>Academy.</i></p>
-
-<p>“The story is throughout both sound and high-principled.”&mdash;<i>Literary World.</i></p>
-
-<p>THE SURVIVORS. By <span class="smcap">Henry Cresswell</span>, Author
-of “A Modern Greek Heroine,” “Incognita,” &amp;c. 3 vols.</p>
-
-<p>“There is cleverness in this book, and occasional brilliancy and wit.”&mdash;<i>Academy.</i></p>
-
-<p>“An amusing comedy of modern life; there are some good situations and
-striking episodes in the book.”&mdash;<i>Athen&aelig;um.</i></p>
-
-<p>A WICKED GIRL. By <span class="smcap">Mary Cecil Hay</span>, Author
-of “Old Myddelton’s Money,” &amp;c. 3 vols.</p>
-
-<p>“The author of ‘Old Myddelton’s Money’ always manages to write interesting
-stories.”&mdash;<i>Academy.</i></p>
-
-<p>“The story ‘A Wicked Girl’ has an ingeniously carried out plot. Miss Hay is
-a graceful writer, and her pathos is genuine.”&mdash;<i>Post.</i></p>
-
-<p>THE WOOING OF CATHERINE. By <span class="smcap">E. Frances
-Poynter</span>, Author of “My Little Lady,” &amp;c. 2 vols.</p>
-
-<p>“The figures are drawn with clear, bold strokes, each individual standing
-before us with marked personality, while the backgrounds are effective and
-striking.”&mdash;<i>Literary World.</i>
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_365">365</span></p>
-
-<p class="ph1 bbox">
-HURST &amp; BLACKETT’S<br />
-<br />
-<span class="xlarge">STANDARD LIBRARY.</span><br />
-<br />
-<br />
-<img src="images/i_365.jpg"
-alt="" /><br />
-<br />
-<span class="table">
-<span class="trow large">LONDON:</span>
-<span class="trow medium">13, GREAT MARLBOROUGH STREET, W.</span>
-</span>
-</p>
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_366">366</span></p>
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_367">367</span></p>
-
-<h2 id="HURST_BLACKETTS_STANDARD_LIBRARY">HURST &amp; BLACKETT’S STANDARD LIBRARY<br />
-
-<span class="medium">OF CHEAP EDITIONS OF</span><br />
-
-<span class="large">POPULAR MODERN WORKS.</span><br />
-
-<span class="medium">ILLUSTRATED BY</span><br />
-
-<span class="medium"><span class="smcap">Sir J. E. Millais, Sir J. Gilbert, Holman Hunt, Birket Foster,
-John Leech, John Tenniel, J. Laslett Pott, etc.</span></span><br />
-
-<span class="medium">Each in a Single Volume, with Frontispiece, price 5s.</span></h2>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>I.&mdash;SAM SLICK’S NATURE AND HUMAN NATURE.</h3>
-
-<p>“The first volume of Messrs. Hurst and Blackett’s Standard Library of Cheap Editions
-forms a very good beginning to what will doubtless be a very successful undertaking.
-‘Nature and Human Nature’ is one of the best of Sam Slick’s witty and humorous productions,
-and well entitled to the large circulation which it cannot fail to obtain in its
-present convenient and cheap shape. The volume combines with the great recommendations
-of a clear, bold type and good paper, the lesser, but attractive merits of being well
-illustrated and elegantly bound.”&mdash;<i>Morning Post.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>II.&mdash;JOHN HALIFAX, GENTLEMAN.</h3>
-
-<p>“The new and cheaper edition of this interesting work will doubtless meet with great
-success. John Halifax, the hero of this most beautiful story, is no ordinary hero, and
-this his history is no ordinary book. It is a full-length portrait of a true gentleman, one
-of nature’s own nobility. It is also the history of a home, and a thoroughly English one.
-The work abounds in incident, and many of the scenes are full of graphic power and true
-pathos. It is a book that few will read without becoming wiser and better.”&mdash;<i>Scotsman.</i></p>
-
-<p>“This story is very interesting. The attachment between John Halifax and his wife is
-beautifully painted, as are the pictures of their domestic life, and the growing up of their
-children; and the conclusion of the book is beautiful and touching.”&mdash;<i>Athen&aelig;um.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>III.&mdash;THE CRESCENT AND THE CROSS.<br />
-
-<span class="medium">BY ELIOT WARBURTON.</span></h3>
-
-<p>“Independent of its value as an original narrative, and its useful and interesting
-information, this work is remarkable for the colouring power and play of fancy with
-which its descriptions are enlivened. Among its greatest and most lasting charms is its
-reverent and serious spirit.”&mdash;<i>Quarterly Review.</i></p>
-
-<p>“Mr. Warburton has fulfilled the promise of his title-page. The ‘Realities of Eastern
-Travel’ are described with a vividness which invests them with deep and abiding interest;
-while the ‘Romantic’ adventures which the enterprising tourist met with in his
-course are narrated with a spirit which shows how much he enjoyed these reliefs from
-the ennui of every-day life.”&mdash;<i>Globe.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>IV.&mdash;NATHALIE.<br />
-
-<span class="medium">BY JULIA KAVANAGH.</span></h3>
-
-<p>“‘Nathalie’ is Miss Kavanagh’s best imaginative effort. Its manner is gracious and
-attractive. Its matter is good. A sentiment, a tenderness, are commanded by her which
-are as individual as they are elegant. We should not soon come to an end were we to
-specify all the delicate touches and attractive pictures which place ‘Nathalie’ high among
-books of its class.”&mdash;<i>Athen&aelig;um.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>V.&mdash;A WOMAN’S THOUGHTS ABOUT WOMEN.<br />
-
-<span class="medium">BY THE AUTHOR OF “JOHN HALIFAX, GENTLEMAN.”</span></h3>
-
-<p>“These thoughts are good and humane. They are thoughts we would wish women to
-think: they are much more to the purpose than the treatises upon the women and daughters
-of England, which were fashionable some years ago, and these thoughts mark the
-progress of opinion, and indicate a higher tone of character, and a juster estimate of
-woman’s position.”&mdash;<i>Athen&aelig;um.</i></p>
-
-<p>“This excellent book is characterised by good sense, good taste, and feeling, and is
-written in an earnest, philanthropic, as well as practical spirit.”&mdash;<i>Morning Post.</i>
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_368">368</span></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>VI.&mdash;ADAM GRAEME OF MOSSGRAY.<br />
-
-<span class="medium">BY MRS. OLIPHANT.</span></h3>
-
-<p>“‘Adam Graeme’ is a story awakening genuine emotions of interest and delight by its
-admirable pictures of Scottish life and scenery. The plot is cleverly complicated, and
-there is great vitality in the dialogue, and remarkable brilliancy in the descriptive passages,
-as who that has read ‘Margaret Maitland’ would not be prepared to expect?
-But the story has a ‘mightier magnet still,’ in the healthy tone which pervades it, in its
-feminine delicacy of thought and diction, and in the truly womanly tenderness of its
-sentiments. The eloquent author sets before us the essential attributes of Christian
-virtue, their deep and silent workings in the heart, and their beautiful manifestations in
-the life, with a delicacy, a power, and a truth which can hardly be surpassed.”&mdash;<i>Morning
-Post.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>VII.&mdash;SAM SLICK’S WISE SAWS AND MODERN INSTANCES.</h3>
-
-<p>“We have not the slightest intention to criticise this book. Its reputation is made, and
-will stand as long as that of Scott’s or Bulwer’s novels. The remarkable originality of
-its purpose, and the happy description it affords of American life and manners, still continue
-the subject of universal admiration. To say thus much is to say enough, though we
-must just mention that the new edition forms a part of the Publishers’ Cheap Standard
-Library, which has included some of the very best specimens of light literature that ever
-have been written.”&mdash;<i>Messenger.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>VIII.&mdash;CARDINAL WISEMAN’S RECOLLECTIONS
-OF THE LAST FOUR POPES.</h3>
-
-<p>“A picturesque book on Rome and its ecclesiastical sovereigns, by an eloquent Roman
-Catholic. Cardinal Wiseman has here treated a special subject with so much generality
-and geniality that his recollections will excite no ill-feeling in those who are most conscientiously
-opposed to every idea of human infallibility represented in Papal domination.”&mdash;<i>Athen&aelig;um.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>IX.&mdash;A LIFE FOR A LIFE.<br />
-
-<span class="medium">BY THE AUTHOR OF “JOHN HALIFAX, GENTLEMAN.”</span></h3>
-
-<p>“We are always glad to welcome Mrs. Craik. She writes from her own convictions,
-and she has the power not only to conceive clearly what it is that she wishes to
-say, but to express it in language effective and vigorous. In ‘A Life for a Life’ she is
-fortunate in a good subject, and she has produced a work of strong effect. The
-reader, having read the book through for the story, will be apt (if he be of our persuasion)
-to return and read again many pages and passages with greater pleasure
-than on a first perusal. The whole book is replete with a graceful, tender delicacy;
-and, in addition to its other merits, it is written in good careful English.”&mdash;<i>Athen&aelig;um.</i></p>
-
-<p>“‘A Life for a Life’ is a book of a high class. The characters are depicted with a
-masterly hand; the events are dramatically set forth; the descriptions of scenery and
-sketches of society are admirably penned; moreover, the work has an object&mdash;a clearly
-defined moral&mdash;most poetically, most beautifully drawn, and through all there is that
-strong, reflective mind visible which lays bare the human heart and human mind to the
-very core.”&mdash;<i>Morning Post.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>X.&mdash;THE OLD COURT SUBURB.<br />
-
-<span class="medium">BY LEIGH HUNT.</span></h3>
-
-<p>“A book which has afforded us no slight gratification.”&mdash;<i>Athen&aelig;um.</i></p>
-
-<p>“From the mixture of description, anecdote, biography, and criticism, this book is very
-pleasant reading.”&mdash;<i>Spectator.</i></p>
-
-<p>“A more agreeable and entertaining book has not been published since Boswell produced
-his reminiscences of Johnson.”&mdash;<i>Observer.</i>
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_369">369</span></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>XI.&mdash;MARGARET AND HER BRIDESMAIDS.<br />
-
-<span class="medium">BY THE AUTHOR OF “THE VALLEY OF A HUNDRED FIRES.”</span></h3>
-
-<p>“We recommend all who are in search of a fascinating novel to read this work for
-themselves. They will find it well worth their while. There are a freshness and originality
-about it quite charming, and there is a certain nobleness in the treatment both of
-sentiment and incident which is not often found.”&mdash;<i>Athen&aelig;um.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>XII.&mdash;THE OLD JUDGE; OR, LIFE IN A COLONY.<br />
-
-<span class="medium">BY SAM SLICK.</span></h3>
-
-<p>“A peculiar interest attaches to sketches of colonial life, and readers could not have a
-safer guide than the talented author of this work, who, by a residence of half a century,
-has practically grasped the habits, manners, and social conditions of the colonists he describes.
-All who wish to form a fair idea of the difficulties and pleasures of life in a new
-country, unlike England in some respects, yet like it in many, should read this book.”&mdash;
-<i>John Bull.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>XIII.&mdash;DARIEN; OR, THE MERCHANT PRINCE.<br />
-
-<span class="medium">BY ELIOT WARBURTON.</span></h3>
-
-<p>“This last production of the author of ‘The Crescent and the Cross’ has the same
-elements of a very wide popularity. It will please its thousands.”&mdash;<i>Globe.</i></p>
-
-<p>“Eliot Warburton’s active and productive genius is amply exemplified in the present
-book. We have seldom met with any work in which the realities of history and the
-poetry of fiction were more happily interwoven.”&mdash;<i>Illustrated News.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>XIV.&mdash;FAMILY ROMANCE; OR, DOMESTIC ANNALS
-OF THE ARISTOCRACY.<br />
-
-<span class="medium">BY SIR BERNARD BURKE, ULSTER KING OF ARMS.</span></h3>
-
-<p>“It were impossible to praise too highly this most interesting book, whether we should
-have regard to its excellent plan or its not less excellent execution. It ought to be found
-on every drawing-room table. Here you have nearly fifty captivating romances with the
-pith of all their interest preserved in undiminished poignancy, and any one may be read
-in half an hour. It is not the least of their merits that the romances are founded on fact&mdash;or
-what, at least, has been handed down for truth by long tradition&mdash;and the romance
-of reality far exceeds the romance of fiction.”&mdash;<i>Standard.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>XV.&mdash;THE LAIRD OF NORLAW.<br />
-
-<span class="medium">BY MRS. OLIPHANT.</span></h3>
-
-<p>“We have had frequent opportunities of commending Messrs. Hurst and Blackett’s
-Standard Library. For neatness, elegance, and distinctness the volumes in this series
-surpass anything with which we are familiar. ‘The Laird of Norlaw’ will fully sustain
-the author’s high reputation. The reader is carried on from first to last with an energy
-of sympathy that never flags.”&mdash;<i>Sunday Times.</i></p>
-
-<p>“‘The Laird of Norlaw’ is worthy of the author’s reputation. It is one of the most
-exquisite of modern novels.”&mdash;<i>Observer.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>XVI.&mdash;THE ENGLISHWOMAN IN ITALY.<br />
-
-<span class="medium">BY MRS. G. GRETTON.</span></h3>
-
-<p>“Mrs. Gretton had opportunities which rarely fall to the lot of strangers of becoming
-acquainted with the inner life and habits of a part of the Italian peninsula which is the
-very centre of the national crisis. We can praise her performance as interesting, unexaggerated,
-and full of opportune instruction.”&mdash;<i>The Times.</i></p>
-
-<p>“Mrs. Gretton’s book is timely, life-like, and for every reason to be recommended. It
-is impossible to close the book without liking the writer as well as the subject. The work
-is engaging, because real.”&mdash;<i>Athen&aelig;um.</i>
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_370">370</span></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>XVII.&mdash;NOTHING NEW.<br />
-
-<span class="medium">BY THE AUTHOR OF “JOHN HALIFAX, GENTLEMAN.”</span></h3>
-
-<p>“‘Nothing New’ displays all those superior merits which have made ‘John Halifax’
-one of the most popular works of the day. There is a force and truthfulness about these
-tales which mark them as the production of no ordinary mind, and we cordially recommend
-them to the perusal of all lovers of fiction.”&mdash;<i>Morning Post.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>XVIII.&mdash;LIFE OF JEANNE D’ALBRET, QUEEN OF
-NAVARRE.<br />
-
-<span class="medium">BY MISS FREER.</span></h3>
-
-<p>“We have read this book with great pleasure, and have no hesitation in recommending
-it to general perusal. It reflects the highest credit on the industry and ability of Miss
-Freer. Nothing can be more interesting than her story of the life of Jeanne D’Albret,
-and the narrative is as trustworthy as it is attractive.”&mdash;<i>Morning Post.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>XIX.&mdash;THE VALLEY OF A HUNDRED FIRES.<br />
-
-<span class="medium">BY THE AUTHOR OF “MARGARET AND HER BRIDESMAIDS.”</span></h3>
-
-<p>“If asked to classify this work, we should give it a place between ‘John Halifax’ and
-‘The Caxtons.’”&mdash;<i>Standard.</i></p>
-
-<p>“The spirit in which the whole book is written is refined and good.”&mdash;<i>Athen&aelig;um.</i></p>
-
-<p>“This is in every sense a charming novel.”&mdash;<i>Messenger.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>XX.&mdash;THE ROMANCE OF THE FORUM; OR, NARRATIVES,
-SCENES, AND ANECDOTES FROM COURTS OF JUSTICE.<br />
-
-<span class="medium">BY PETER BURKE, SERJEANT AT LAW.</span></h3>
-
-<p>“This attractive book will be perused with much interest. It contains a great variety
-of singular and highly romantic stories.”&mdash;<i>John Bull.</i></p>
-
-<p>“A work of singular interest, which can never fail to charm and absorb the reader’s
-attention. The present cheap and elegant edition includes the true story of the Colleen
-Bawn.”&mdash;<i>Illustrated News.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>XXI.&mdash;AD&Egrave;LE.<br />
-
-<span class="medium">BY JULIA KAVANAGH.</span></h3>
-
-<p>“‘Ad&egrave;le’ is the best work we have read by Miss Kavanagh; it is a charming story,
-full of delicate character-painting. The interest kindled in the first chapter burns brightly
-to the close.”&mdash;<i>Athen&aelig;um.</i></p>
-
-<p>“‘Ad&egrave;le’ will fully sustain the reputation of Miss Kavanagh, high as it already ranks.”&mdash;<i>John
-Bull.</i></p>
-
-<p>“‘Ad&egrave;le’ is a love-story of very considerable pathos and power. It is a very clever
-novel.”&mdash;<i>Daily News.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>XXII.&mdash;STUDIES FROM LIFE.<br />
-
-<span class="medium">BY THE AUTHOR OF “JOHN HALIFAX, GENTLEMAN.”</span></h3>
-
-<p>“These ‘Studies’ are truthful and vivid pictures of life, often earnest, always full of right
-feeling, and occasionally lightened by touches of quiet, genial humour. The volume is remarkable
-for thought, sound sense, shrewd observation, and kind and sympathetic feeling
-for all things good and beautiful.”&mdash;<i>Morning Post.</i></p>
-
-<p>“These ‘Studies from Life’ are remarkable for graphic power and observation. The
-book will not diminish the reputation of the accomplished author.”&mdash;<i>Saturday Review.</i>
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_371">371</span></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>XXIII.&mdash;GRANDMOTHER’S MONEY.<br />
-
-<span class="medium">BY F. W. ROBINSON.</span></h3>
-
-<p>“We commend ‘Grandmother’s Money’ to readers in search of a good novel. The
-characters are true to human nature, and the story is interesting.”&mdash;<i>Athen&aelig;um.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>XXIV.&mdash;A BOOK ABOUT DOCTORS.<br />
-
-<span class="medium">BY JOHN CORDY JEAFFRESON.</span></h3>
-
-<p>“A book to be read and re-read; fit for the study as well as the drawing-room table and
-the circulating library.”&mdash;<i>Lancet.</i></p>
-
-<p>“This is a pleasant book for the fireside season, and for the seaside season. Mr. Jeaffreson
-has, out of hundreds of volumes, collected thousands of good things, adding thereto
-much that appears in print for the first time, and which, of course, gives increased value
-to this very readable book.”&mdash;<i>Athen&aelig;um.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>XXV.&mdash;NO CHURCH.<br />
-
-<span class="medium">BY F. W. ROBINSON.</span></h3>
-
-<p>“We advise all who have the opportunity to read this book. It is well worth the
-study.”&mdash;<i>Athen&aelig;um.</i></p>
-
-<p>“A work of great originality, merit, and power.”&mdash;<i>Standard.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>XXVI.&mdash;MISTRESS AND MAID.<br />
-
-<span class="medium">BY THE AUTHOR OF “JOHN HALIFAX, GENTLEMAN.”</span></h3>
-
-<p>“A good wholesome book, gracefully written, and as pleasant to read as it is instructive.”&mdash;<i>Athen&aelig;um.</i></p>
-
-<p>“A charming tale, charmingly told.”&mdash;<i>Standard.</i></p>
-
-<p>“All lovers of a good novel will hail with delight another of Mrs. Craik’s charming
-stories.”&mdash;<i>John Bull.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>XXVII.&mdash;LOST AND SAVED.<br />
-
-<span class="medium">BY THE HON. MRS. NORTON.</span></h3>
-
-<p>“‘Lost and Saved’ will be read with eager interest by those who love a touching story.
-It is a vigorous novel.”&mdash;<i>Times.</i></p>
-
-<p>“This story is animated, full of exciting situations and stirring incidents. The characters
-are delineated with great power. Above and beyond these elements of a good novel,
-there is that indefinable charm with which true genius invests all it touches.”&mdash;<i>Daily News.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>XXVIII.&mdash;LES MISERABLES.<br />
-
-<span class="medium">BY VICTOR HUGO.</span><br />
-
-<span class="small"><i>Authorised Copyright English Translation.</i></span></h3>
-
-<p>“The merits of ‘Les Miserables’ do not merely consist in the conception of it as a
-whole; it abounds with details of unequalled beauty. M. Victor Hugo has stamped upon
-every page the hall-mark of genius.”&mdash;<i>Quarterly Review.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>XXIX.&mdash;BARBARA’S HISTORY.<br />
-
-<span class="medium">BY AMELIA B. EDWARDS.</span></h3>
-
-<p>“It is not often that we light upon a novel of so much merit and interest as
-‘Barbara’s History.’ It is a work conspicuous for taste and literary culture. It is a very
-graceful and charming book, with a well-managed story, clearly-cut characters, and
-sentiments expressed with an exquisite elocution. The dialogues especially sparkle with
-repartee. It is a book which the world will like. This is high praise of a work of art
-and so we intend it.”&mdash;<i>The Times.</i>
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_372">372</span></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>XXX.&mdash;LIFE OF THE REV. EDWARD IRVING.<br />
-
-<span class="medium">BY MRS. OLIPHANT.</span></h3>
-
-<p>“A good book on a most interesting theme.”&mdash;<i>Times.</i></p>
-
-<p>“A truly interesting and most affecting memoir. ‘Irving’s Life’ ought to have a niche
-in every gallery of religious biography. There are few lives that will be fuller of instruction,
-interest, and consolation.”&mdash;<i>Saturday Review.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>XXXI.&mdash;ST. OLAVE’S.<br />
-
-<span class="medium">BY THE AUTHOR OF “JANITA’S CROSS.”</span></h3>
-
-<p>“This novel is the work of one who possesses a great talent for writing, as well as
-experience and knowledge of the world. The whole book is worth reading.”&mdash;<i>Athen&aelig;um.</i></p>
-
-<p>“‘St Olave’s’ belongs to a lofty order of fiction. It is a good novel, but it is something
-more. It is written with unflagging ability, and it is as even as it is clever. The author
-has determined to do nothing short of the best, and has succeeded.”&mdash;<i>Morning Post.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>XXXII.&mdash;SAM SLICK’S TRAITS OF AMERICAN HUMOUR.</h3>
-
-<p>“Dip where you will into this lottery of fun, you are sure to draw out a prize. These
-‘Traits’ exhibit most successfully the broad national features of American humour.”&mdash;<i>Post.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>XXXIII.&mdash;CHRISTIAN’S MISTAKE.<br />
-
-<span class="medium">BY THE AUTHOR OF “JOHN HALIFAX, GENTLEMAN.”</span></h3>
-
-<p>“A more charming story has rarely been written. It is a choice gift to be able thus to
-render human nature so truly, to penetrate its depths with such a searching sagacity, and
-to illuminate them with a radiance so eminently the writer’s own.”&mdash;<i>Times.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>XXXIV.&mdash;ALEC FORBES OF HOWGLEN.<br />
-
-<span class="medium">BY GEORGE MAC DONALD, LL.D.</span></h3>
-
-<p>“No account of this story would give any idea of the profound interest that pervades
-the work from the first page to the last.”&mdash;<i>Athen&aelig;um.</i></p>
-
-<p>“A novel of uncommon merit. Sir Walter Scott said he would advise no man to try
-to read ‘Clarissa Harlowe’ out loud in company if he wished to keep his character for
-manly superiority to tears. We fancy a good many hardened old novel-readers will feel
-a rising in the throat as they follow the fortunes of Alec and Annie.”&mdash;<i>Pall Mall Gazette.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>XXXV.&mdash;AGNES.<br />
-
-<span class="medium">BY MRS. OLIPHANT.</span></h3>
-
-<p>“‘Agnes’ is a novel superior to any of Mrs. Oliphant’s former works.”&mdash;<i>Athen&aelig;um.</i></p>
-
-<p>“Mrs. Oliphant is one of the most admirable of our novelists. In her works there
-are always to be found high principle, good taste, sense, and refinement. ‘Agnes’ is
-a story whose pathetic beauty will appeal irresistibly to all readers.”&mdash;<i>Morning Post.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>XXXVI.&mdash;A NOBLE LIFE.<br />
-
-<span class="medium">BY THE AUTHOR OF “JOHN HALIFAX, GENTLEMAN.”</span></h3>
-
-<p>“Few men and no women will read ‘A Noble Life’ without feeling themselves the
-better for the effort.”&mdash;<i>Spectator.</i></p>
-
-<p>“A beautifully written and touching tale. It is a noble book.”&mdash;<i>Morning Post.</i></p>
-
-<p>“‘A Noble Life’ is remarkable for the high types of character it presents, and the
-skill with which they are made to work out a story of powerful and pathetic interest.”&mdash;<i>Daily
-News.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>XXXVII.&mdash;NEW AMERICA.<br />
-
-<span class="medium">BY W. HEPWORTH DIXON.</span></h3>
-
-<p>“A very interesting book. Mr. Dixon has written thoughtfully and well.”&mdash;<i>Times.</i></p>
-
-<p>“We recommend everyone who feels any interest in human nature to read Mr.
-Dixon’s very interesting book.”&mdash;<i>Saturday Review.</i>
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_373">373</span></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>XXXVIII.&mdash;ROBERT FALCONER.<br />
-
-<span class="medium">BY GEORGE MAC DONALD, LL.D.</span></h3>
-
-<p>“‘Robert Falconer’ is a work brimful of life and humour and of the deepest human
-interest. It is a book to be returned to again and again for the deep and searching
-knowledge it evinces of human thoughts and feelings.”&mdash;<i>Athen&aelig;um.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>XXXIX.&mdash;THE WOMAN’S KINGDOM.<br />
-
-<span class="medium">BY THE AUTHOR OF “JOHN HALIFAX, GENTLEMAN.”</span></h3>
-
-<p>“‘The Woman’s Kingdom’ sustains the author’s reputation as a writer of the purest
-and noblest kind of domestic stories.”&mdash;<i>Athen&aelig;um.</i></p>
-
-<p>“‘The Woman’s Kingdom’ is remarkable for its romantic interest. The characters are
-masterpieces. Edna is worthy of the hand that drew John Halifax.”&mdash;<i>Morning Post.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>XL.&mdash;ANNALS OF AN EVENTFUL LIFE.<br />
-
-<span class="medium">BY GEORGE WEBBE DASENT, D.C.L.</span></h3>
-
-<p>“A racy, well-written, and original novel. The interest never flags. The whole work
-sparkles with wit and humour.”&mdash;<i>Quarterly Review.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>XLI.&mdash;DAVID ELGINBROD.<br />
-
-<span class="medium">BY GEORGE MAC DONALD, LL.D.</span></h3>
-
-<p>“A novel which is the work of a man of genius. It will attract the highest class of
-readers.”&mdash;<i>Times.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>XLII.&mdash;A BRAVE LADY.<br />
-
-<span class="medium">BY THE AUTHOR OF “JOHN HALIFAX, GENTLEMAN.”</span></h3>
-
-<p>“We earnestly recommend this novel. It is a special and worthy specimen of the
-author’s remarkable powers. The reader’s attention never for a moment flags.”&mdash;<i>Post.</i></p>
-
-<p>“‘A Brave Lady’ thoroughly rivets the unmingled sympathy of the reader, and her
-history deserves to stand foremost among the author’s works.”&mdash;<i>Daily Telegraph.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>XLIII.&mdash;HANNAH.<br />
-
-<span class="medium">BY THE AUTHOR OF “JOHN HALIFAX, GENTLEMAN.”</span></h3>
-
-<p>“A very pleasant, healthy story, well and artistically told. The book is sure of a wide
-circle of readers. The character of Hannah is one of rare beauty.”&mdash;<i>Standard.</i></p>
-
-<p>“A powerful novel of social and domestic life. One of the most successful efforts of a
-successful novelist.”&mdash;<i>Daily News.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>XLIV.&mdash;SAM SLICK’S AMERICANS AT HOME.</h3>
-
-<p>“This is one of the most amusing books that we ever read.”&mdash;<i>Standard.</i></p>
-
-<p>“‘The Americans at Home’ will not be less popular than any of Judge Halliburton’s
-previous works.”&mdash;<i>Morning Post.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>XLV.&mdash;THE UNKIND WORD.<br />
-
-<span class="medium">BY THE AUTHOR OF “JOHN HALIFAX, GENTLEMAN.”</span></h3>
-
-<p>“These stories are gems of narrative. Indeed, some of them, in their touching grace
-and simplicity, seem to us to possess a charm even beyond the authoress’s most popular
-novels. Of none of them can this be said more emphatically than of that which opens the
-series, ‘The Unkind Word.’ It is wonderful to see the imaginative power displayed in
-the few delicate touches by which this successful love-story is sketched out.”&mdash;<i>The Echo.</i>
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_374">374</span></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>XLVI.&mdash;A ROSE IN JUNE.<br />
-
-<span class="medium">BY MRS. OLIPHANT.</span></h3>
-
-<p>“‘A Rose in June’ is as pretty as its title. The story is one of the best and most
-touching which we owe to the industry and talent of Mrs. Oliphant, and may hold its own
-with even ‘The Chronicles of Carlingford.’”&mdash;<i>Times.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>XLVII.&mdash;MY LITTLE LADY.<br />
-
-<span class="medium">BY E. FRANCES POYNTER.</span></h3>
-
-<p>“This story presents a number of vivid and very charming pictures. Indeed, the whole
-book is charming. It is interesting in both character and story, and thoroughly good of
-its kind.”&mdash;<i>Saturday Review.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>XLVIII.&mdash;PHŒBE, JUNIOR.<br />
-
-<span class="medium">BY MRS. OLIPHANT.</span></h3>
-
-<p>“This last ‘Chronicle of Carlingford’ not merely takes rank fairly beside the first
-which introduced us to ‘Salem Chapel,’ but surpasses all the intermediate records.
-Phœbe, Junior, herself is admirably drawn.”&mdash;<i>Academy.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>XLIX.&mdash;LIFE OF MARIE ANTOINETTE.<br />
-
-<span class="medium">BY PROFESSOR CHARLES DUKE YONGE.</span></h3>
-
-<p>“A work of remarkable merit and interest, which will, we doubt not, become the most
-popular English history of Marie Antoinette.”&mdash;<i>Spectator.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>L.&mdash;SIR GIBBIE.<br />
-
-<span class="medium">BY GEORGE MAC DONALD, LL.D.</span></h3>
-
-<p>“‘Sir Gibbie’ is a book of genius.”&mdash;<i>Pall Mall Gazette.</i></p>
-
-<p>“This book has power, pathos, and humour.”&mdash;<i>Athen&aelig;um.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>LI.&mdash;YOUNG MRS. JARDINE.<br />
-
-<span class="medium">BY THE AUTHOR OF “JOHN HALIFAX, GENTLEMAN.”</span></h3>
-
-<p>“‘Young Mrs. Jardine’ is a pretty story, written in pure English.”&mdash;<i>The Times.</i></p>
-
-<p>“There is much good feeling in this book. It is pleasant and wholesome.”&mdash;<i>Athen&aelig;um.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>LII.&mdash;LORD BRACKENBURY.<br />
-
-<span class="medium">BY AMELIA B. EDWARDS.</span></h3>
-
-<p>“A very readable story. The author has well conceived the purpose of high-class
-novel-writing, and succeeded in no small measure in attaining it. There is plenty of
-variety, cheerful dialogue, and general ‘verve’ in the book.”&mdash;<i>Athen&aelig;um.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>LIII.&mdash;IT WAS A LOVER AND HIS LASS.<br />
-
-<span class="medium">BY MRS. OLIPHANT.</span></h3>
-
-<p>“In ‘It was a Lover and his Lass,’ we admire Mrs. Oliphant exceedingly. It would be
-worth reading a second time, were it only for the sake of one ancient Scottish spinster,
-who is nearly the counterpart of the admirable Mrs. Margaret Maitland.”&mdash;<i>Times.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>LIV.&mdash;THE REAL LORD BYRON&mdash;THE STORY OF
-THE POET’S LIFE.<br />
-
-<span class="medium">BY JOHN CORDY JEAFFRESON.</span></h3>
-
-<p>“Mr. Jeaffreson comes forward with a narrative which must take a very important
-place in Byronic literature; and it may reasonably be anticipated that this book will be
-regarded with deep interest by all who are concerned in the works and the fame of this
-great English poet.”&mdash;<i>The Times.</i>
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_375">375</span></p>
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<h2><span class="large">WORKS BY THE AUTHOR OF</span><br />
-‘SAM SLICK, THE CLOCKMAKER.’<br />
-
-<span class="medium"><i>Each in One Volume, Frontispiece, and Uniformly Bound, Price 5s.</i></span></h2>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>NATURE AND HUMAN NATURE.</h3>
-
-<p>“We enjoy our old friend’s company with unabated relish. This work is a rattling
-miscellany of sharp sayings, stories, and hard hits. It is full of fun and fancy.”&mdash;<i>Athen&aelig;um.</i></p>
-
-<p>“Since Sam’s first work he has written nothing so fresh, racy, and genuinely humorous as
-this. Every line of it tells in some way or other&mdash;instructively, satirically, jocosely, or
-wittily. Admiration of Sam’s mature talents, and laughter at his droll yarns, constantly
-alternate as with unhalting avidity we peruse the work. The Clockmaker proves himself
-the fastest time-killer a-going.”&mdash;<i>Observer.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>WISE SAWS AND MODERN INSTANCES.</h3>
-
-<p>“This delightful book will be the most popular, as beyond doubt it is the best, of all the
-author’s admirable works.”&mdash;<i>Standard.</i></p>
-
-<p>“The book before us will be read and laughed over. Its quaint and racy dialect will
-please some readers&mdash;its abundance of yarns will amuse others. There is something to
-suit readers of every humour.”&mdash;<i>Athen&aelig;um.</i></p>
-
-<p>“The humour of Sam Slick is inexhaustible. He is ever and everywhere a welcome
-visitor; smiles greet his approach, and wit and wisdom hang upon his tongue. We promise
-our readers a great treat from the perusal of these ‘Wise Saws,’ which contain a
-world of practical wisdom, and a treasury of the richest fun.”&mdash;<i>Morning Post.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>THE OLD JUDGE; OR, LIFE IN A COLONY.</h3>
-
-<p>“By common consent this work is regarded as one of the raciest, truest to life, most
-humorous, and most interesting works which have proceeded from the prolific pen of its
-author. We all know what shrewdness of observation, what power of graphic description,
-what natural resources of drollery, and what a happy method of hitting off the
-broader characteristics of the life he reviews, belong to Judge Haliburton. We have all
-those qualities here; but they are balanced by a serious literary purpose, and are employed
-in the communication of information respecting certain phases of colonial experience
-which impart to the work an element of sober utility.”&mdash;<i>Sunday Times.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>TRAITS OF AMERICAN HUMOUR.</h3>
-
-<p>“No man has done more than the facetious Judge Haliburton, through the mouth of the
-inimitable ‘Sam,’ to make the old parent country recognise and appreciate her queer
-transatlantic progeny. His present collection of comic stories and laughable traits is a
-budget of fun, full of rich specimens of American humour.”&mdash;<i>Globe.</i></p>
-
-<p>“Yankeeism, portrayed in its raciest aspect, constitutes the contents of these superlatively
-entertaining sketches. The work embraces the most varied topics&mdash;political parties,
-religious eccentricities, the flights of literature, and the absurdities of pretenders to learning,
-all come in for their share of satire; while we have specimens of genuine American
-exaggerations and graphic pictures of social and domestic life as it is. The work will
-have a wide circulation.”&mdash;<i>John Bull.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>THE AMERICANS AT HOME.</h3>
-
-<p>“In this highly entertaining work we are treated to another cargo of capital stories
-from the inexhaustible store of our Yankee friend. In the volume before us he dishes up,
-with his accustomed humour and terseness of style, a vast number of tales, none more
-entertaining than another, and all of them graphically illustrative of the ways and manners
-of brother Jonathan. The anomalies of American law, the extraordinary adventures
-incident to life in the backwoods, and, above all, the peculiarities of American society, are
-variously, powerfully, and, for the most part, amusingly exemplified.”&mdash;<i>John Bull.</i></p>
-
-<p>“In the picturesque delineation of character, and the felicitous portraiture of national
-features, no writer equals Judge Haliburton, and the subjects embraced in the present
-delightful book call forth, in new and vigorous exercise, his peculiar powers. ‘The
-Americans at Home’ will not be less popular than any of his previous works.”&mdash;<i>Post.</i></p>
-
-<h3 class="medium">LONDON: HURST AND BLACKETT, PUBLISHERS.
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_376">376</span></h3>
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<h2 id="WORKS_BY_THE_AUTHOR_OF"><span class="large">WORKS BY THE AUTHOR OF</span><br />
-
-JOHN HALIFAX, GENTLEMAN.<br />
-
-<span class="medium"><i>Each in One Volume, Frontispiece, and Uniformly Bound, price 5s.</i></span></h2>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>JOHN HALIFAX, GENTLEMAN.</h3>
-
-<p>“This is a very good and a very interesting work. It is designed to trace the career
-from boyhood to age of a perfect man&mdash;a Christian gentleman, and it abounds in incident
-both well and highly wrought. Throughout it is conceived in a high spirit, and written
-with great ability. This cheap and handsome new edition is worthy to pass freely from
-hand to hand as a gift-book in many households.”&mdash;<i>Examiner.</i></p>
-
-<p>“The story is very interesting. The attachment between John Halifax and his wife is
-beautifully painted, as are the pictures of their domestic life, and the growing up of their
-children, and the conclusion of the book is beautiful and touching.”&mdash;<i>Athen&aelig;um.</i></p>
-
-<p>“The new and cheaper edition of this interesting work will doubtless meet with great
-success. John Halifax, the hero of this most beautiful story, is no ordinary hero, and this
-his history is no ordinary book. It is a full-length portrait of a true gentleman, one of
-nature’s own nobility. It is also the history of a home, and a thoroughly English one.
-The work abounds in incident, and is full of graphic power and true pathos. It is a book
-that few will read without becoming wiser and better.”&mdash;<i>Scotsman.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>A WOMAN’S THOUGHTS ABOUT WOMEN.</h3>
-
-<p>“A book of sound counsel. It is one of the most sensible works of its kind, well written,
-true-hearted, and altogether practical. Whoever wishes to give advice to a young lady
-may thank the author for means of doing so.”&mdash;<i>Examiner.</i></p>
-
-<p>“These thoughts are worthy of the earnest and enlightened mind, the all-embracing
-charity, and the well-earned reputation of the author of ‘John Halifax.’”&mdash;<i>Standard.</i></p>
-
-<p>“This excellent book is characterised by good sense, good taste, and feeling, and is
-written in an earnest, philanthropic, as well as practical spirit.”&mdash;<i>Post.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>A LIFE FOR A LIFE.</h3>
-
-<p>“We are always glad to welcome this author. She writes from her own convictions,
-and she has the power not only to conceive clearly what it is that she wishes to say, but
-to express it in language effective and vigorous. In ‘A Life for a Life’ she is fortunate
-in a good subject, and she has produced a work of strong effect. The reader, having read
-the book through for the story, will be apt (if he be of our persuasion) to return and read
-again many pages and passages with greater pleasure than on a first perusal. The whole
-book is replete with a graceful, tender delicacy; and, in addition to its other merits, it is
-written in good careful English.”&mdash;<i>Athen&aelig;um.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>NOTHING NEW.</h3>
-
-<p>“‘Nothing New’ displays all those superior merits which have made ‘John Halifax’
-one of the most popular works of the day.”&mdash;<i>Post.</i></p>
-
-<p>“The reader will find these narratives calculated to remind him of that truth and
-energy of human portraiture, that spell over human affections and emotions, which have
-stamped this author as one of the first novelists of our day.”&mdash;<i>John Bull.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>THE WOMAN’S KINGDOM.</h3>
-
-<p>“‘The Woman’s Kingdom’ sustains the author’s reputation as a writer of the purest
-and noblest kind of domestic stories. The novelist’s lesson is given with admirable force
-and sweetness.”&mdash;<i>Athen&aelig;um.</i></p>
-
-<p>“‘The Woman’s Kingdom’ is remarkable for its romantic interest. The characters
-are masterpieces. Edna is worthy of the hand that drew John Halifax.”&mdash;<i>Post.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>STUDIES FROM LIFE.</h3>
-
-<p>“These studies are truthful and vivid pictures of life, often earnest, always full of right
-feeling, and occasionally lightened by touches of quiet genial humour. The volume is remarkable
-for thought, sound sense, shrewd observation, and kind and sympathetic feeling
-for all things good and beautiful.”&mdash;<i>Post.</i>
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_377">377</span></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>CHRISTIAN’S MISTAKE.</h3>
-
-<p>“A more charming story, to our taste, has rarely been written. Within the compass
-of a single volume the writer has hit off a circle of varied characters, all true to nature&mdash;some
-true to the highest nature&mdash;and she has entangled them in a story which keeps us
-in suspense till the knot is happily and gracefully resolved; while, at the same time, a
-pathetic interest is sustained by an art of which it would be difficult to analyse the secret.
-It is a choice gift to be able thus to render human nature so truly, to penetrate its depths
-with such a searching sagacity, and to illuminate them with a radiance so eminently the
-writer’s own. Even if tried by the standard of the Archbishop of York, we should expect
-that even he would pronounce ‘Christian’s Mistake’ a novel without a fault.”&mdash;<i>The Times.</i></p>
-
-<p>“This is a story good to have from the circulating library, but better to have from one’s
-bookseller, for it deserves a place in that little collection of clever and wholesome stories
-which forms one of the comforts of a well-appointed home.”&mdash;<i>Examiner.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>MISTRESS AND MAID.</h3>
-
-<p>“A good, wholesome book, as pleasant to read as it is instructive.”&mdash;<i>Athen&aelig;um.</i></p>
-
-<p>“This book is written with the same true-hearted earnestness as ‘John Halifax.’ The
-spirit of the whole work is excellent.”&mdash;<i>Examiner.</i></p>
-
-<p>“A charming tale charmingly told.”&mdash;<i>Standard.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>A NOBLE LIFE.</h3>
-
-<p>“This is one of those pleasant tales in which the author of ‘John Halifax’ speaks out
-of a generous heart the purest truths of life.”&mdash;<i>Examiner.</i></p>
-
-<p>“Few men, and no women, will read ‘A Noble Life’ without finding themselves the
-better.”&mdash;<i>Spectator.</i></p>
-
-<p>“A story of powerful and pathetic interest.”&mdash;<i>Daily News.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>A BRAVE LADY.</h3>
-
-<p>“A very good novel, showing a tender sympathy with human nature, and permeated
-by a pure and noble spirit.”&mdash;<i>Examiner.</i></p>
-
-<p>“A most charming story.”&mdash;<i>Standard.</i></p>
-
-<p>“We earnestly recommend this novel. It is a special and worthy specimen of the
-author’s remarkable powers. The reader’s attention never for a moment flags.”&mdash;<i>Post.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>HANNAH.</h3>
-
-<p>“A powerful novel of social and domestic life. One of the most successful efforts of a
-successful novelist.”&mdash;<i>Daily News.</i></p>
-
-<p>“A very pleasant, healthy story, well and artistically told. The book is sure of a wide
-circle of readers. The character of Hannah is one of rare beauty.”&mdash;<i>Standard.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>THE UNKIND WORD.</h3>
-
-<p>“The author of ‘John Halifax’ has written many fascinating stories, but we can call to
-mind nothing from her pen that has a more enduring charm than the graceful sketches in
-this work. Such a character as Jessie stands out from a crowd of heroines as the type of
-all that is truly noble, pure, and womanly.”&mdash;<i>United Service Magazine.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>YOUNG MRS. JARDINE.</h3>
-
-<p>“‘Young Mrs. Jardine’ is a pretty story, written in pure English.”&mdash;<i>The Times.</i></p>
-
-<p>“There is much good feeling in this book. It is pleasant and wholesome.”&mdash;<i>Athen&aelig;um.</i></p>
-
-<p>“A book that all should read. Whilst it is quite the equal of any of its predecessors
-in elevation of thought and style, it is perhaps their superior in interest of plot and
-dramatic intensity. The characters are admirably delineated, and the dialogue is natural
-and clear.”&mdash;<i>Morning Post.</i>
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_378">378</span></p>
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<h2 id="WORKS_BY"><span class="large">WORKS BY</span><br />
-
-MRS. OLIPHANT.<br />
-
-<span class="medium">><i>Each in One Volume, Frontispiece, and Uniformly Bound, Price 5s.</i></span></h2>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>ADAM GRAEME OF MOSSGRAY.</h3>
-
-<p>“‘Adam Graeme’ is a story awakening genuine emotions of interest and delight by its
-admirable pictures of Scottish life and scenery. The plot is cleverly complicated, and
-there is great vitality in the dialogue, and remarkable brilliancy in the descriptive passages,
-as who that has read ‘Margaret Maitland’ would not be prepared to expect?
-But the story has a ‘mightier magnet still,’ in the healthy tone which pervades it, in its
-feminine delicacy of thought and diction, and in the truly womanly tenderness of its
-sentiments. The eloquent author sets before us the essential attributes of Christian
-virtue, their deep and silent workings in the heart, and their beautiful manifestations in
-the life, with a delicacy, a power, and a truth which can hardly be surpassed.”&mdash;<i>Morning
-Post.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>THE LAIRD OF NORLAW.</h3>
-
-<p>“We have had frequent opportunities of commending Messrs. Hurst and Blackett’s
-Standard Library. For neatness, elegance, and distinctness the volumes in this series
-surpass anything with which we are familiar. ‘The Laird of Norlaw’ will fully sustain
-the author’s high reputation. The reader is carried on from first to last with an energy
-of sympathy that never flags.”&mdash;<i>Sunday Times.</i></p>
-
-<p>“‘The Laird of Norlaw’ is worthy of the author’s reputation. It is one of the most
-exquisite of modern novels.”&mdash;<i>Observer.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>IT WAS A LOVER AND HIS LASS.</h3>
-
-<p>“In ‘It was a Lover and his Lass,’ we admire Mrs. Oliphant exceedingly. Her story is
-a very pretty one. It would be worth reading a second time, were it only for the sake of
-one ancient Scottish spinster, who is nearly the counterpart of the admirable Mrs. Margaret
-Maitland.”&mdash;<i>Times.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>AGNES.</h3>
-
-<p>“‘Agnes’ Is a novel superior to any of Mrs. Oliphant’s former works.”&mdash;<i>Athen&aelig;um.</i></p>
-
-<p>“Mrs. Oliphant is one of the most admirable of our novelists. In her works there are
-always to be found high principle, good taste, sense, and refinement. ‘Agnes’ is a story
-whose pathetic beauty will appeal irresistibly to all readers.”&mdash;<i>Morning Post.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>A ROSE IN JUNE.</h3>
-
-<p>“‘A Rose in June’ is as pretty as its title. The story is one of the best and most
-touching which we owe to the industry and talent of Mrs. Oliphant, and may hold its own
-with even ‘The Chronicles of Carlingford.’”&mdash;<i>Times.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>PHŒBE, JUNIOR.</h3>
-
-<p>“This last ‘Chronicle of Carlingford’ not merely takes rank fairly beside the first
-which introduced us to ‘Salem Chapel,’ but surpasses all the intermediate records.
-Phœbe, Junior, herself is admirably drawn.”&mdash;<i>Academy.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>LIFE OF THE REV. EDWARD IRVING.</h3>
-
-<p>“A good book on a most interesting theme.”&mdash;<i>Times.</i></p>
-
-<p>“A truly interesting and most affecting memoir. ‘Irving’s Life’ ought to have a niche
-in every gallery of religious biography. There are few lives that will be fuller of instruction,
-interest, and consolation.”&mdash;<i>Saturday Review.</i>
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_379">379</span></p>
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<h2><span class="large">WORKS BY</span><br />
-
-GEORGE MAC DONALD, LL.D.<br />
-
-<span class="medium"><i>Each in One Volume, Frontispiece, and Uniformly Bound, Price 5s.</i></span></h2>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>ALEC FORBES OF HOWGLEN.</h3>
-
-<p>“No account of this story would give any idea of the profound interest that pervades
-the work from the first page to the last.”&mdash;<i>Athen&aelig;um.</i></p>
-
-<p>“A novel of uncommon merit. Sir Walter Scott said he would advise no man to try
-to read ‘Clarissa Harlowe’ out loud in company if he wished to keep his character for
-manly superiority to tears. We fancy a good many hardened old novel-readers will feel
-a rising in the throat as they follow the fortunes of Alec and Annie.”&mdash;<i>Pall Mall Gazette.</i></p>
-
-<p>“The whole story is one of surpassing excellence and beauty.”&mdash;<i>Daily News.</i></p>
-
-<p>“This book is full of good thought and good writing. Dr. Mac Donald looks in his stories
-more to the souls of men and women than to their social outside. He reads life and
-Nature like a true poet.”&mdash;<i>Examiner.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>ROBERT FALCONER.</h3>
-
-<p>“‘Robert Falconer’ is a work brimful of life and humour and of the deepest human
-interest. It is a work to be returned to again and again for the deep and searching
-knowledge it evinces of human thoughts and feelings.”&mdash;<i>Athen&aelig;um.</i></p>
-
-<p>“This story abounds in exquisite specimens of the word-painting in which Dr. Mac
-Donald excels, charming transcripts of Nature, full of light, air, and colour.”&mdash;<i>Saturday
-Review.</i></p>
-
-<p>“This noble story displays to the best advantage all the powers of Dr. Mac Donald’s
-genius.”&mdash;<i>Illustrated London News.</i></p>
-
-<p>“‘Robert Falconer’ is the noblest work of fiction that Dr. Mac Donald has yet produced.”&mdash;<i>British
-Quarterly Review.</i></p>
-
-<p>“The dialogues in ‘Robert Falconer’ are so finely blended with humour and pathos as
-to make them in themselves an intellectual treat to which the reader returns again and
-again.”&mdash;<i>Spectator.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>DAVID ELGINBROD.</h3>
-
-<p>“A novel which is the work of a man of genius. It will attract the highest class of
-readers.”&mdash;<i>Times.</i></p>
-
-<p>“There are many beautiful passages and descriptions in this book. The characters are
-extremely well drawn.”&mdash;<i>Athen&aelig;um.</i></p>
-
-<p>“A clever novel. The incidents are exciting, and the interest is maintained to the
-close. It may be doubted if Sir Walter Scott himself ever painted a Scotch fireside with
-more truth than Dr. Mac Donald.”&mdash;<i>Morning Post.</i></p>
-
-<p>“David Elginbrod is the finest character we have met in fiction for many a day. The
-descriptions of natural scenery are vivid, truthful, and artistic; the general reflections are
-those of a refined, thoughtful, and poetical philosopher, and the whole moral atmosphere
-of the book is lofty, pure, and invigorating.”&mdash;<i>Globe.</i></p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3>SIR GIBBIE.</h3>
-
-<p>“‘Sir Gibbie’ is a book of genius.”&mdash;<i>Pall Mall Gazette.</i></p>
-
-<p>“This book has power, pathos, and humour. There is not a character which is not
-lifelike. There are many powerful scenes, and the portraits will stay long in our
-memory.”&mdash;<i>Athen&aelig;um.</i></p>
-
-<p>“‘Sir Gibbie’ is unquestionably a book of genius. It abounds in humour, pathos,
-insight into character, and happy touches of description.”&mdash;<i>Graphic.</i></p>
-
-<p>“‘Sir Gibbie’ contains some of the most charming writing the author has yet produced.”&mdash;<i>Scotsman.</i></p>
-
-<p>“‘Sir Gibbie’ is one of the most touching and beautiful stories that has been written
-for many years. It is not a novel to be idly read and laid aside; it is a grand work, to be
-kept near at hand, and studied and thought over.”&mdash;<i>Morning Post.</i></p>
-
-<h3 class="medium">LONDON: HURST AND BLACKETT, PUBLISHERS.
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_380">380</span></h3>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3><i>WORKS by the AUTHOR of ‘JOHN HALIFAX.’</i><br />
-
-<span class="medium">Each in a Single Volume, with Frontispiece, price 5s.</span></h3>
-
-<p class="table">
-<span class="trow">JOHN HALIFAX, GENTLEMAN.</span>
-<span class="trow">A WOMAN’S THOUGHTS ABOUT WOMEN.</span>
-<span class="trow">A LIFE FOR A LIFE.</span>
-<span class="trow">NOTHING NEW.</span>
-<span class="trow">MISTRESS AND MAID.</span>
-<span class="trow">THE WOMAN’S KINGDOM.</span>
-<span class="trow">CHRISTIAN’S MISTAKE.</span>
-<span class="trow">A NOBLE LIFE.</span>
-<span class="trow">HANNAH.</span>
-<span class="trow">THE UNKIND WORD.</span>
-<span class="trow">A BRAVE LADY.</span>
-<span class="trow">STUDIES FROM LIFE.</span>
-<span class="trow">YOUNG MRS. JARDINE.</span>
-</p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3><i>WORKS by GEORGE MAC DONALD, LL.D.</i><br />
-
-<span class="medium">Each in a Single Volume, with Frontispiece, price 5s.</span></h3>
-
-<p class="table">
-<span class="trow">DAVID ELGINBROD.</span>
-<span class="trow">ROBERT FALCONER.</span>
-<span class="trow">ALEC FORBES.</span>
-<span class="trow">SIR GIBBIE.</span>
-</p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3><i>WORKS by MRS. OLIPHANT.</i><br />
-
-<span class="medium">Each in a Single Volume, with Frontispiece, price 5s.</span></h3>
-
-<p class="table">
-<span class="trow">IT WAS A LOVER AND HIS LASS.</span>
-<span class="trow">THE LAIRD OF NORLAW.</span>
-<span class="trow">A ROSE IN JUNE.</span>
-<span class="trow">ADAM GRAEME OF MOSSGRAY.</span>
-<span class="trow">PHŒBE, JUNIOR.</span>
-<span class="trow">AGNES.</span>
-<span class="trow">THE LIFE OF THE REV. EDWARD IRVING.</span>
-</p>
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<h3><i>WORKS by the AUTHOR of ‘SAM SLICK.’</i><br />
-
-<span class="medium">Each in a Single Volume, with Frontispiece, price 5s.</span></h3>
-
-<p class="table">
-<span class="trow">NATURE AND HUMAN NATURE.</span>
-<span class="trow">WISE SAWS AND MODERN INSTANCES.</span>
-<span class="trow">THE OLD JUDGE; OR, LIFE IN A COLONY.</span>
-<span class="trow">TRAITS OF AMERICAN HUMOUR.</span>
-<span class="trow">THE AMERICANS AT HOME.</span>
-</p>
-
-<h3 class="medium"><i>LONDON: HURST AND BLACKETT.</i></h3>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-<div class="footnotes">
-<h2 id="FOOTNOTES">FOOTNOTES:</h2>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_1" href="#FNanchor_1" class="label">1</a>
-It may be objected that this story pertains more to the
-seventeenth than the eighteenth century; but, as the man
-Roderick was alive in the last century, I claim him as belonging
-to it.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_2" href="#FNanchor_2" class="label">2</a>
-‘The History of St. Kilda,’ etc. By the Rev. Mr. Kenneth
-Macaulay. London, 1764.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_3" href="#FNanchor_3" class="label">3</a>
-‘Description of the Western Isles of Scotland, called Hebrides,’
-etc.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_4" href="#FNanchor_4" class="label">4</a>
-Harris.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_5" href="#FNanchor_5" class="label">5</a>
-<i>Scottice</i>, are without.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_6" href="#FNanchor_6" class="label">6</a>
-‘A Late Voyage to St. Kilda, the Remotest of all the Hebrides,’
-etc., London, 1698.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_7" href="#FNanchor_7" class="label">7</a>
-Head-dress.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_8" href="#FNanchor_8" class="label">8</a>
-Venus, her lap dog.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_9" href="#FNanchor_9" class="label">9</a>
-A game at cards introduced into France by Signor Justiniani,
-Ambassador of Venice in 1674. The players are the dealer or
-banker, his assistant, who looks after the losing cards&mdash;a <i>croupier</i>,
-in fact&mdash;and the punters, or anyone who plays against the banker.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_10" href="#FNanchor_10" class="label">10</a>
-To understand the numerous allusions to the game of cards called
-Quadrill, it is necessary that the principles of the game should be given.
-It was played by four persons, each having ten cards dealt to them.
-</p>
-<p>
-The general laws of this game are, 1. It is not permitted to deal
-the cards otherwise than four by three, the dealer being at liberty to
-begin with which of those numbers he pleases. 2. If he who plays
-either <i>sans prendre</i>, or calling a king, names a trump of a different
-suit from that his game is in, or names two several suits, that which
-he first named must be the trump. 3. He who plays must name the
-trump by its proper name, as he likewise must the king he calls. 4.
-He who has said ‘I pass,’ must not be again admitted to play, except
-he plays by force, upon account of his having Spadille. 5. He who
-has asked the question, and has leave given him to play, is obliged to
-do it: but he must not play <i>sans prendre</i> except he is forced to do it.
-6. He who has the four kings may call the queen of either of his
-kings. 7. Neither the king nor queen of the suit which is trumps
-must be called. 8. He who has one or several kings may call any king
-he has in his hand; in such case, if he wins, he alone must make six
-tricks; if he wins, it is all his own, and if he loses, he pays all by
-himself. 9. Everyone ought to play in his turn, but for having done
-otherwise, no one must be beasted. 10. He, however, whose turn is
-not to play, having in his hand the king the ombre has called, and who
-shall tramp about with either spadille, manille, or basto, or shall even
-play down the king that was called, to give notice of his being the
-friend, must not pretend to undertake the vole; nay, he must be condemned
-to be beasted if it appears that he did it with any fraudulent
-design. 11. He who has drawn a card from his game, and presented
-it openly in order to play it, is obliged so to do, if his retaining it may
-be either prejudicial to his game, or give any information to his friend,
-especially if the card is a matadore; but he who plays <i>sans prendre</i>, or
-calls upon his own king, is not subject to this law. 12. None ought to
-look upon the tricks, nor to count aloud what has been played, except
-when it is his turn to play, but to let everyone reckon for himself.
-13. He who, instead of turning up the tricks before any one of his
-players, shall turn up and discover his game, must be equally beasted
-with him whose cards he has so discovered, the one paying one half, and
-the other the like. 14. He who renounces must be beasted, as many
-times as he has so done, but, if the cards are mixed, he is to pay but
-one beast. 15. If the renounce prejudices the game, and the deal is
-not played out, everyone may take up his cards, beginning at the trick
-where the renounce was made, and play them over again. 16. He
-who shows the game before the deal is out must be beasted, except
-he plays <i>sans prendre</i>. 17. None of the three matadores can be commanded
-down by an inferior trump. 18. If he who plays <i>sans prendre</i>
-with the matadores in his hand, demands only one of them, he must
-receive only that he mentioned. 19. He who, instead of <i>sans prendre</i>,
-shall demand matadores, not having them, or he who shall demand <i>sans
-prendre</i> instead of matadores, cannot compel the players to pay him
-what is really his due. 20. Matadores are only paid when they are in
-the hands of the ombre, or of the king his ally, whether all in one hand,
-or separately in both. 21. He who undertakes the vole, and does not
-make it, must pay as much as he would have received had he won it.
-22. He who plays and does not make three tricks is to be beasted
-alone, and must pay all that is to be paid; and, if he makes no tricks
-at all, he must also pay to his two adversaries the vole, but not to his
-friend.’&mdash;<i>The Oxford Encyclop&aelig;dia</i>, 1828.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_11" href="#FNanchor_11" class="label">11</a>
-Dressing-gown.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_12" href="#FNanchor_12" class="label">12</a>
-Entendres.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_13" href="#FNanchor_13" class="label">13</a>
-Wonders.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_14" href="#FNanchor_14" class="label">14</a>
-These leaden combs were used for darkening the hair.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_15" href="#FNanchor_15" class="label">15</a>
-Pulled down 1885.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_16" href="#FNanchor_16"><span class="label">16</span></a>
-<span class="table">
-<span class="trow">Forsitan et nostros ducat de marmore vultus</span>
-<span class="trow">Nectens aut Paphia myrti aut Parnasside lauri</span>
-<span class="trow">Fronde comas&mdash;At ego secura pace quiescam.</span>
-<span class="trow tdr"><i>Milton in Manso.</i></span>
-</span>
-</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_17" href="#FNanchor_17" class="label">17</a>
-John Speed, the historian, died 1629, and was buried in the
-church of St. Giles’, Cripplegate.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_18" href="#FNanchor_18" class="label">18</a>
-The few hairs of a lighter colour, are supposed to have been
-such as had grown on the sides of the cheeks after the corpse had
-been interred.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_19" href="#FNanchor_19" class="label">19</a>
-‘MDCLV. May vi, died my (now) only and eldest son, John
-Smith (<i>Proh Dolor</i>, beloved of all men!) at Mitcham in Surrey.
-Buried May ix in St. Giles, Cripplegate.’</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_20" href="#FNanchor_20" class="label">20</a>
-Edward Philips or Phillips, in his life of Milton, attached to
-‘Letters of State, written by Mr. John Milton,’ &amp;c., London,
-1694, (p. 43), says: ‘He is said to have dyed worth &pound;1,500 in
-Money (a considerable Estate, all things considered), besides
-Household Goods; for he sustained such losses as might well have
-broke any person less frugal and temperate than himself; no less
-than &pound;2,000 which he had put for Security and Improvement into
-the Excise Office, but, neglecting to recal it in time, could never
-after get it out, with all the Power and Interest he had in the
-Great ones of those Times; besides another great Sum by mismanagement
-and for want of good advice.’</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_21" href="#FNanchor_21" class="label">21</a>
-Thomas Newton, Bishop of Bristol, thus writes in his life of
-Milton, prefixed to his edition of ‘Paradise Lost,’ London, 1749:
-‘His body was decently interred near that of his father (who had
-died very aged about the year 1647) in the chancel of the church
-of St. Giles, Cripplegate; and all his great and learned friends
-in London, not without a friendly concourse of the common
-people, paid their last respects in attending it to the grave. Mr.
-Fenton, in his short but elegant account of the life of Milton,
-speaking of our author’s having no monument, says that “he
-desired a friend to inquire at St. Giles’s Church, where the sexton
-showed him a small monument, which he said was supposed to be
-Milton’s; but the inscription had never been legible since he was
-employed in that office, which he has possessed about forty years.
-This sure could never have happened in so short a space of time,
-unless the epitaph had been industriously erased; and that supposition,
-says Mr. Fenton, carries with it so much inhumanity
-that I think we ought to believe it was not erected to his memory.”
-It is evident that it was not erected to his memory, and that the
-sexton was mistaken. For Mr. Toland, in his account of the life
-of Milton, says that he was buried in the chancel of St. Giles’s
-Church, “where the piety of his admirers will shortly erect a
-monument becoming his worth, and the encouragement of letters
-in King William’s reign.” This plainly implies that no monument
-was erected to him at that time, and this was written in 1698,
-and Mr. Fenton’s account was first published, I think, in 1725;
-so that not above twenty-seven years intervened from the one
-account to the other; and consequently the sexton, who it is said
-was possessed of his office about forty years, must have been mistaken,
-and the monument must have been designed for some other
-person, and not for Milton.’</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_22" href="#FNanchor_22" class="label">22</a>
-Between the creditable trades of pawnbroker and dram-seller
-there is a strict alliance. As Hogarth observes, the money lent
-by Mr. Gripe is immediately conveyed to the shop of Mr. Killman,
-who, in return for the produce of rags, distributes poison
-under the specious name of cordials. See Hogarth’s celebrated
-print called Gin Lane.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_23" href="#FNanchor_23" class="label">23</a>
-Probably in the month of September, as the entry of his baptism
-in the registry of the chapelry of Middlesmoor, in Netherdale,
-says ‘Eugenius Aram, son of Peter Aram, baptized the 2nd of
-October.’</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_24" href="#FNanchor_24" class="label">24</a>
-Though no warrants were issued against them, Aram was
-arrested for debt, in order to keep him; yet he immediately discharged
-this debt&mdash;not only so, he paid off a mortgage on his
-property at Bondgate. Suspicious facts, considering he was,
-notably, a poor man.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_25" href="#FNanchor_25" class="label">25</a>
-Finding.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_26" href="#FNanchor_26" class="label">26</a>
-The esne was a man of the servile class, a poor mercenary,
-serving for hire, or for his land, but was not of so low a rank as
-the other classes.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_27" href="#FNanchor_27" class="label">27</a>
-An Act relative to German and Swiss redemptioners.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_28" href="#FNanchor_28" class="label">28</a>
-Bedlam was then in Moorfields.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_29" href="#FNanchor_29" class="label">29</a>
-A large wickerwork receptacle behind the mail-coach.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_30" href="#FNanchor_30" class="label">30</a>
-Palmer invented the mail-coach, and supplied horses to the
-Post-Office.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_31" href="#FNanchor_31" class="label">31</a>
-Lunardi made the first balloon ascent in England, Sept. 21, 1784.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_32" href="#FNanchor_32" class="label">32</a>
-Birmingham halfpence, struck by Boulton and Watts at their
-works at Soho, Birmingham.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_33" href="#FNanchor_33" class="label">33</a>
-Kew Bridge was opened to the public, September, 1789.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_34" href="#FNanchor_34" class="label">34</a>
-Some idea of the duelling that went on in Ireland in the
-latter part of last century may be gathered from the following
-extract from Sir Jonah’s book (vol. ii, p. 3): ‘I think I may
-challenge any country in Europe to show such an assemblage of
-gallant <i>judicial</i> and <i>official</i> antagonists at fire and sword as is
-exhibited even in the following list:
-</p>
-<p>
-The Lord Chancellor of Ireland, Earl Clare, fought the
-Master of the Rolls, Curran.
-</p>
-<p>
-The Chief Justice, K.B. Lord Clonmell, fought Lord Tyrawley
-(a privy counsellor), Lord Llandaff, and two others.
-</p>
-<p>
-The judge of the county of Dublin, Egan, fought the Master
-of the Rolls, Roger Barrett, and three others.
-</p>
-<p>
-The Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Right Hon. Isaac Corry,
-fought the Right Hon. Henry Grattan (a privy counsellor), and
-another.
-</p>
-<p>
-A Baron of the Exchequer, Baron Medge, fought his brother-in-law
-and two others.
-</p>
-<p>
-The Chief Justice, C. P. Lord Norbury, fought Fire-eater
-Fitzgerald and two other gentlemen, and frightened Napper
-Tandy, and several besides: one hit only.
-</p>
-<p>
-The judge of the Prerogative Court, Dr. Dingenan, fought
-one barrister and frightened another on the ground. N.B.&mdash;The
-latter case a curious one.
-</p>
-<p>
-The Chief Counsel to the Revenue, Henry Deane Grady,
-fought Counsellor O’Mahon, Counsellor Campbell, and others:
-all hits.
-</p>
-<p>
-The Master of the Rolls fought Lord Buckinghamshire, the
-Chief Secretary, &amp;c.
-</p>
-<p>
-The provost of the University of Dublin, the Right Hon.
-Hely Hutchinson, fought Mr. Doyle, Master in Chancery, and
-some others.
-</p>
-<p>
-The Chief Justice C. P. Patterson, fought three country
-gentlemen, one of them with swords, another with guns, and
-wounded all of them.
-</p>
-<p>
-The Right Hon. George Ogle (a privy counsellor) fought
-Barney Coyle, a distiller, because he was a Papist. They fired
-eight shots, and no hit; but the second broke his own arm.
-</p>
-<p>
-Thomas Wallace, K.C., fought Mr. O’Gorman, the Catholic
-Secretary.
-</p>
-<p>
-Counsellor O’Connell fought the Orange chieftain; fatal to
-the champion of Protestant ascendency.
-</p>
-<p>
-The collector of the customs of Dublin, the Hon. Francis
-Hutchinson, fought the Right Hon. Lord Mountmorris.
-</p>
-<p>
-Two hundred and twenty-seven memorable and official duels
-have actually been fought during my grand climacteric.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_35" href="#FNanchor_35" class="label">35</a>
-‘The Female Soldier; or, The Surprising Life and Adventures
-of Hannah Snell,’ &amp;c. London, 1750.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_36" href="#FNanchor_36" class="label">36</a>
-A farmer of repute.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_37" href="#FNanchor_37" class="label">37</a>
-For a pension.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_38" href="#FNanchor_38" class="label">38</a>
-The action off Cape St. Vincent, when Sir John Jervis, with
-fifteen sail of the line, attacked and defeated the Spanish fleet,
-consisting of twenty-seven sail of the line.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_39" href="#FNanchor_39" class="label">39</a>
-‘The case of Mr. John Walter, of London, Merchant.’
-London, 1781.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_40" href="#FNanchor_40" class="label">40</a>
-Then in Lombard Street.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_41" href="#FNanchor_41" class="label">41</a>
-Lord North resigned, and Lord Rockingham succeeded as
-Premier, 1782.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_42" href="#FNanchor_42" class="label">42</a>
-Logotypes&mdash;or printing types in which words, etc., were
-cast, instead of single letters.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_43" href="#FNanchor_43" class="label">43</a>
-The centenary of the <i>Times</i> was improperly celebrated in
-that paper on the 1st of January, 1885.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_44" href="#FNanchor_44" class="label">44</a>
-<i>i.e.</i>, in the liberty or Rules of the Fleet.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_45" href="#FNanchor_45" class="label">45</a>
-A foot-lock or hobble.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_46" href="#FNanchor_46" class="label">46</a>
-From the link-boy’s natural hatred of ‘the Parish Lantern,’
-which would deprive him of his livelihood.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_47" href="#FNanchor_47" class="label">47</a>
-In throwing dice a corruption of the French numerals is
-used, as ace (one), deuce (two), tray (three), &amp;c.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_48" href="#FNanchor_48" class="label">48</a>
-<i>I.e.</i>, That sentence of death, owing to his pleading benefit of
-clergy, or ability to read, was commuted to imprisonment, and
-branding on the face with a red-hot iron. By degrees, however,
-the iron got colder, until, at last, it was barely warm.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_49" href="#FNanchor_49" class="label">49</a>
-Mews, or horse-pond.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_50" href="#FNanchor_50" class="label">50</a>
-‘The Humours of the Fleet.’ A Poem, by W. Paget,
-Comedian, &amp;c. Birmingham.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_51" href="#FNanchor_51" class="label">51</a>
-Where the Fleet Market is now, there was, a few Years
-since, a Ditch, with a muddy Channel of Water. The Market
-was built at the Expense of the Lord Mayor and Court of Aldermen,
-who receive the Rent for it.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_52" href="#FNanchor_52" class="label">52</a>
-The Door-keeper, or he who opens and shuts the Jigg, is
-call’d the Jigger.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_53" href="#FNanchor_53" class="label">53</a>
-Billiards is a very common game here.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_54" href="#FNanchor_54" class="label">54</a>
-Fine Ale drank in the Coffee-room, call’d the ‘Alderman,’ because
-brew’d by Alderman Parsons.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_55" href="#FNanchor_55" class="label">55</a>
-A Runner is a Fellow that goes abroad of Errands for the
-Prisoners.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_56" href="#FNanchor_56" class="label">56</a>
-Begs.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_57" href="#FNanchor_57" class="label">57</a>
-Persons who give any Considerable offence are often try’d,
-and undergo the Discipline of the Pump. The Author was one
-of these in a drunken Frolick, for which he condemns himself.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_58" href="#FNanchor_58" class="label">58</a>
-A Spacious place, where there are all sorts of Exercises, but
-especially Fives.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_59" href="#FNanchor_59" class="label">59</a>
-A Publick Place, free for all Prisoners.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_60" href="#FNanchor_60" class="label">60</a>
-Where those lie who can’t pay their Master’s Fee.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_61" href="#FNanchor_61" class="label">61</a>
-There are several of these Jiggers, or Door-keepers, who relieve
-one another, and, when a Prisoner comes first in, they take a
-nice Observation of him, for fear of his escaping.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_62" href="#FNanchor_62" class="label">62</a>
-A cant Word for giving some Money in order to show a
-Lodging.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_63" href="#FNanchor_63" class="label">63</a>
-Which is One Pound, Six, and Eightpence, and then you are
-entitled to a bed on the Master’s-side, for which you pay so much
-per Week.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_64" href="#FNanchor_64" class="label">64</a>
-Mount-scoundrel, so-call’d from its being highly situated,
-and belonging, once, to the Common-side, tho’ lately added to
-the Master’s; if there be room in the House, this Place is first
-empty, and the Chamberlain commonly shows this to raise his
-Price upon you for a better.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_65" href="#FNanchor_65" class="label">65</a>
-Half-a-guinea.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_66" href="#FNanchor_66" class="label">66</a>
-A Bed-fellow so call’d.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_67" href="#FNanchor_67" class="label">67</a>
-When you have a Chum, you pay but fifteen Pence per Week
-each, and, indeed, that is the Rent of a whole Room, if you find
-Furniture.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_68" href="#FNanchor_68" class="label">68</a>
-The Upper Floors are accounted best here, for the same
-Reason as they are at Edinburgh, which, I suppose, every Body
-knows.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_69" href="#FNanchor_69" class="label">69</a>
-It is common to mention the Fleet by the name of the Place,
-and I suppose it is call’d the Place by way of Eminence, because
-there is not such another.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_70" href="#FNanchor_70" class="label">70</a>
-A Cant Word for a Dram of Geneva.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_71" href="#FNanchor_71" class="label">71</a>
-A Chew of Tobacco&mdash;supposed to be given him.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_72" href="#FNanchor_72" class="label">72</a>
-When there are Holes above Heel, or the Feet are so bad in a
-Stocking that you are forced to pull them to hide the Holes, or
-cover the Toes, it is call’d Coaxing.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_73" href="#FNanchor_73" class="label">73</a>
-As the Prison is often called the College, so it is common to
-call a Prisoner a Collegian; and this Character is taken from a
-Man who had been many Years in the Place, and like to continue
-his Life.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_74" href="#FNanchor_74" class="label">74</a>
-The Name of the Cook of the Kitchen.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_75" href="#FNanchor_75" class="label">75</a>
-A place in the Cellar call’d Bartholomew Fair.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_76" href="#FNanchor_76" class="label">76</a>
-Who goes out? is repeated by Watchmen Prisoners from
-half-an-hour after nine till St. Paul’s Clock strikes Ten, to give
-Visitors Notice to depart.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_77" href="#FNanchor_77" class="label">77</a>
-While St. Paul’s is striking Ten, the Watchman don’t call
-Who goes out? but when the last stroke is given they cry All
-told! at which time the Gates are lock’d and nobody suffer’d to
-go out upon any Account.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_78" href="#FNanchor_78" class="label">78</a>
-A werst is one thousand and sixty-seven metres.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_79" href="#FNanchor_79" class="label">79</a>
-Then valued at four shillings each, or eight pounds in all.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_80" href="#FNanchor_80" class="label">80</a>
-Gay, in his ‘Trivia,’ book i, says,
-
-<span class="table">
-<span class="trow">‘Let <i>Persian</i> Dames th’<i>Umbrella’s</i> Ribs display,</span>
-<span class="trow">To guard their Beauties from the Sunny Ray.’</span>
-</span>
-</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_81" href="#FNanchor_81" class="label">81</a>
-‘A Review of the proposed Naturalization of the Jews.’</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_82" href="#FNanchor_82" class="label">82</a>
-Among other Bills which then received the Royal Assent was
-one for purchasing Sloane Museum and the Harleian MSS., and for
-providing a general repository for the same&mdash;by means of a lottery&mdash;the
-commencement of the British Museum.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_83" href="#FNanchor_83" class="label">83</a>
-‘Parliamentary History,’ Hansard, vol. xv, p. 154.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_84" href="#FNanchor_84" class="label">84</a>
-‘Eight Letters to his Grace&mdash;Duke of Newcastle&mdash;on the
-custom of Vails-giving in England, &amp;c.,’ 1760, p. 20.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_85" href="#FNanchor_85" class="label">85</a>
-‘The East Neuk of Fife,’ by Rev. Walter Wood. Edinburgh,
-1862, p. 208.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_86" href="#FNanchor_86" class="label">86</a>
-Tickled the palms of their hands.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_87" href="#FNanchor_87" class="label">87</a>
-‘The English Treasury of Wit and Language,’ etc., ed. 1655,
-pp. 223, 224.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_88" href="#FNanchor_88" class="label">88</a>
-Or surfel&mdash;to wash the cheeks with mercurial or sulphur
-water.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_89" href="#FNanchor_89" class="label">89</a>
-Face-washes and ointments.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_90" href="#FNanchor_90" class="label">90</a>
-Edition 1699, p. 19. The poem had reference to the College
-of Physicians, establishing a dispensary of their own, owing to the
-excessive charges of the apothecaries. The institution did not last
-very long.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_91" href="#FNanchor_91" class="label">91</a>
-Gold.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_92" href="#FNanchor_92" class="label">92</a>
-‘The Female Physician, &amp;c.,’ by John Ball, M.D.&mdash;London,
-1770, pp. 76, 77.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_93" href="#FNanchor_93" class="label">93</a>
-This water, as its name implies, was supposed to be a sovereign
-remedy for gunshot wounds. It was also called <i>aqua
-vulneraria</i>, <i>aqua sclopetaria</i>, and <i>aqua catapultarum</i>.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_94" href="#FNanchor_94" class="label">94</a>
-Now called an <i>entire horse</i>, or <i>stallion</i>.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_95" href="#FNanchor_95" class="label">95</a>
-‘The London Spy,’ ed. 1703, p. 124.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_96" href="#FNanchor_96" class="label">96</a>
-An allusion to the dispensary which the College of Physicians
-set up in the latter part of the seventeenth century, and which was
-the subject of Sir S. Garth’s satirical poem, called ‘The Dispensary.’</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_97" href="#FNanchor_97" class="label">97</a>
-A seventh son of a seventh son is supposed to be endowed with
-extraordinary faculties of healing, and many of these quacks pretended
-to such a descent.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_98" href="#FNanchor_98" class="label">98</a>
-‘The London Spy,’ ed. 1703, p. 64.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_99" href="#FNanchor_99" class="label">99</a>
-A covering, or gaiter, to protect the legs from dirt or wet.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_100" href="#FNanchor_100" class="label">100</a>
-‘The Liturgy and other Divine Offices of the Church.’
-London, Bosworth, 1880, p. 638.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_101" href="#FNanchor_101" class="label">101</a>
-‘The Liturgy and other Divine Offices of the Church,’ p. 584.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_102" href="#FNanchor_102" class="label">102</a>
-<i>General Advertiser</i>, March 26, 1782.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_103" href="#FNanchor_103" class="label">103</a>
-<i>General Advertiser</i>, May 1, 1783.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_104" href="#FNanchor_104" class="label">104</a>
-<i>General Advertiser</i>, February 13, 1784.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_105" href="#FNanchor_105" class="label">105</a>
-<i>Gentleman’s Magazine</i>, 1736, pp. 617-618.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_106" href="#FNanchor_106" class="label">106</a>
-By Dr. Zachary Pearce, Bishop of Rochester.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_107" href="#FNanchor_107" class="label">107</a>
-A pickle herring was a Merry-Andrew or clown, and this
-means that the quack was too poor to afford either horse or
-attendant.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_108" href="#FNanchor_108" class="label">108</a>
-A false witness&mdash;one who would swear to anything for a trifle.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_109" href="#FNanchor_109" class="label">109</a>
-I have before me now twelve lives of him, and that is by no
-means an exhaustive list.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_110" href="#FNanchor_110" class="label">110</a>
-‘Memoire pour le Comte de Cagliostro, accus&eacute;: contre
-Monsieur le Procureur-General, accusateur; en presence de
-Monsieur le Cardinal de Rohan, de la Comtesse de la Motte, et
-autres co-accus&eacute;s.’ Paris, 1786, 4to.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_111" href="#FNanchor_111" class="label">111</a>
-Of this work there was a French translation published in 1791
-at Paris and Strasbourg, under the title of ‘Vie de Joseph Balsamo,
-connu sous le nom de Comte Cagliostro,’ &amp;c. 2nd edition.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_112" href="#FNanchor_112" class="label">112</a>
-Editor of the <i>Morning Chronicle</i>, 1772-89.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_113" href="#FNanchor_113" class="label">113</a>
-Locusta, or, more correctly, Lucusta, was a celebrated poisoner.
-She was employed by Aggripina to poison the Emperor Claudius,
-and by Nero to kill Britannicus. For this she was most handsomely
-rewarded by Nero; but was executed for her crimes by
-Galba.</p></div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_114" href="#FNanchor_114" class="label">114</a>
-<i>i.e.</i>, to serve on the convict hulks there, to dredge the Thames.
-The treatment on board was based on good principles; those convicts
-who were well-behaved had remission of sentence, those
-who were recalcitrant had unmerciful punishment.</p></div>
-</div>
-
-<div class="transnote">
-
-<h3>Transcriber’s Note:</h3>
-
-<p>Inconsistent spelling and hyphenation are as in the original.</p>
-
-</div>
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-<pre>
-
-
-
-
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