Old times

"The late celebration of Miss Pulteney coming of age, bore much the appearance of idolatrous sacrifice. The procession headed by an ox, adorned with flowers, his horns painted blue, and tipped with gold, preceded by a band of music, and afterwards offered up, were all so much in character, that could the High Priest, himself, of Rome been present, and beheld the charming object of their veneration, he would have mistaken her for a Venus, and joined the throng, with all that ardour the immediate presence of a divinity ought to inspire."—(Morning Post, Jan. 1, 1788.)

"For Travellers, Mariners, &c.

"Promethean Fire and Phosphorus.

"G. Watts respectfully acquaints the public, that he has prepared a large variety of machines of a portable, and durable kind, with Promethean fire, paper and match inclosed, most admirably calculated to prevent those disagreeable sensations, which frequently arise in the dreary hour of midnight, from the sudden alarm of thieves, fire, or sickness; as, by procuring an instantaneous light, the worst calamities and depredations might often be prevented in families. Experience has likewise proved this invention to be of the first utility to the traveller, mariners, and those people who frequently rise in the night-time, as they can, with one of these matches procure light instantly, without the great expence, and danger, of burning a lamp or candle."

"The bet of his Grace of Bedford, that Lord Barrymore will not eat a live Cat, is not without precedent on the records of sporting. On a wager of fifty pounds, a fellow who lived near the race-course of Kildare, in Ireland, devoured five fox cubs, and literally began eating each while alive. It is, however, to be observed, that the devourer was a natural fool, having been born deaf, dumb, and without a palate."—(Morning Post, Mar. 15, 1788.)

"A fine topaz sold at Tenducci's sale for seven guineas; the finest in the kingdom: is the property of Mrs. More of Stockwell, and what, perhaps, would increase its value in the estimation of many people, this topaz once belonged to Queen Anne. It is near an inch in diameter, and of most uncommon brilliancy."—(Morning Post, Ap. 17, 1788.)

"One day last week a Sub distributor of Stamps, who resides a few miles from London, and who is also a Glover, was convicted in the penalty of Eighty Pounds, before the Sitting Magistrates at the Public Office, in St. Martin's Lane, for selling Four Pair of Gloves without Stamps." Probably under 25 Geo. 3, cap. 55. (1785.)—(Morning Post, Oct. 20, 1788.)

"Beards taken off and registered.

"By Isaac Fac-totum.

"Barber, Peri-wig maker, Surgeon, Parish Clerk, Scool master, and Man midwife.

"Shaves for a penne, cuts hare for toopense and oyld and powdird into the bargain—Young Ladys genteely edicated, Lamps lited by the hear or quarter. Young Gentlemen also taut their Grammer Langwage in the neetest maner and great cear takin of their Morels and Spelin—Also Saline singing and horse Shewin by the real maker! Likewise makes and mends all sorts of Butes and Shoes, Teches the Ho-boy and Jews-harp, Cuts corns bledes and blisters on the lowes Terms; Glisters and purgis at a penne apiece. Cow-tillions and other dances taut at home and abrode. Also deals holesale and retale pirfummery in all its branchis. Sells all sorts of Stationary wair twogether with blackin balls red herrins gingerbred Coles scrubbin brushes traycle mouce traps and other swetemetes.

"Likewise Godfathers Cordiel red rutes Tatoes Sassages and all other gardin stuff. N.B.—I teches joggrafy and those outlandish kind of things—A Bawl on Wensdays and Fridays all pirfomed god willin by me Isaac Factotum."—(Morning Post, Nov. 19, 1788.)

"An Impromptu on Mr. Domford's Piety.

—(Morning Post, Jan. 6, 1789.)

"Natural History.

"A very curious incident happened near Edmonton last week, to account for which we are unable, and leave the explanation to botanical and Chirurgical professors.

"A farmer requested some lettuces from a gentleman in the neighbourhood, who permitted the farmer's maid to gather what she wanted; she gathered likewise some Cucumbers, and near them were glasses covering sensitive and humble plants, which the wench gathered as small sallad.

"The farmer eat heartily of these, and the effect was, that after dinner, tho' he is a very fat man, a slight touch from another person made him shrink at least five stone; but, towards the evening, he recovered gradually his usual bulk and weight; and, when he had evacuated the sallad and mimosa, he retained his corpulency as if nothing extraordinary had happened.

"This we insert as a caution to persons not to mix this plant with other pot herbs."—(Morning Post, Aug. 31, 1789.)

"A Card

"Addressed to those among the female sex, whose desires are neither Romantic nor Extravagant, who stand in need and wish for such an opportunity as is now offered.

"A SINGLE GENTLEMAN who is blest with an Independence, adequate to every real comfort in life, and having none to provide for, prefers permanent friendship and protection to a Lady possessing the following requisites: age not exceeding 35, person well shaped, teeth sound and regular, good voice, a stranger to the hackneyed tricks of the town: good temper, constancy, a social disposition, engaging manners, a turn to economy, and a knowledge by experience of domestic concerns, a taste for simplicity and elegance in dress, spruce in her person, and attentive to neatness in others; free from incumbrance, affectation and unpleasant habits: a pleasing countenance, if the face should neither be beautiful nor pretty—musical talents, vocal and instrumental—and she who may be the greatest proficient on the pianoforte or harpsichord, or what is still more irresistible, the harp, if in other respects equal, will claim the preference. The Lady, of course, must be totally at her own disposal: if a native of Britain, a Knowledge of French so as to speak it fluently; if a foreigner, capable of speaking and writing the English language with ease and propriety: and both native, and foreign, habituated to the English Customs in every point of cleanliness and delicacy.

"Should she be conversant with Italian, with a genius for painting, poetry, astronomy, botany, &c., she would be the more acceptable. Not only the utmost regard to decorum will be observed upon this occasion, but that respect which the delicacy of the sex demands, shall be manifested as early as possible. He hopes, therefore, since his motives are so obvious, that those whose sentiments are congenial with his own, who mean to notice this address will do it speedily, as the Author will soon be going to the Continent on an extensive tour.

"For this and other cogent reasons, which hereafter may be specified, Principals only will be treated with. Such communications, and positively no other, as are written in the Party's own hand, at once explicit respecting situation, intention and expectation, &c., shall according to their merits be duly acknowledged, and the necessary steps in consequence will be pointed out to bring the matter with safety to an immediate issue.

"Should an object whose person, talents, and accomplishments, &c., are superior to the generality of females, be discovered with proofs of serious intention, a marriage may be the result. The want of pelf, if of a respectable connection, should with the Author, be no impediment thereto, being, with prudence, amply provided for. The Advertiser forbears saying any more of himself, than that his person, age, qualities, &c., would probably suit such a Lady as he has described: and as a well cultivated mind, united with the requisites above stated, would be preferred to the consideration of either family, or fortune, he hopes some credit will be allowed him for his good intentions.

"Letters free of postage will be received if addressed to G. A. S., at the Recorder Printing Office, No. 12 Duke St. Drury Lane."—(Times, Feby. 7, 1793.)

"ELEGANT PRIZE FOR LADIES.

"Marriage Ceremonies, Science of Match-Making, Names Qualifications and Fortunes, of Heirs and Heiresses—Copious and Alphabetical List of Marriages in Great Britain and Ireland—New and Chaste Love Epistles—Matrimonial Bon Mots—Art of Tormenting—New and predominant Fashions, delineated by the Pen and Pencil,—And a new Cassino Fan, by way of reward, to the Lady who shall best answer the prize Enigma, Charade, or Puzzle.

"This day is published, price 6d, embellished with—1. Ludicrous representation of a Foreign Marriage Ceremony.—2. Exact sketches of the newest and most prevailing Male and Female Dresses.—3. A new Matrimonial Song set to Music.

Number 1. (to be continued monthly) of

"THE MATRIMONIAL MAGAZINE for January 1793. To contain, besides what is above enumerated, original Essays, Biographical Sketches, Dramatic Tales, Tales humorous and pathetic, alike calculated for the Maid, the Widow, and the Wife, the Stripling and the Greybeard. Wit will be combined with decency, and humour with sense.

"London: Printed for H. D. Symonds, No. 20 Paternoster Row."—(Times, Feb. 15, 1793.)

"Advt.—BOLD STROKE FOR A WIFE.

"A person who has been six months deprived of what he calls Heaven's chiefest blessing, domestic happiness, is not ashamed of thus avowing his intention of again endeavouring to regain, by Marriage, that solid felicity he so much regrets the loss of, and hopes this way to become acquainted with some Maiden Lady, who has a soul superior to vulgar prejudices, and who will venture to go a little out of the beaten road, in order to form a truly rational plan for that sociable happiness which is only to be found in the Marriage State. The writer of this has no children, his age is between 40 and 50: he has acquired, by trade, £20,000, has a house at the West end of the town, another in Kent, and a Coach to take him from one to the other: so that he thinks himself deserving of a Lady of equal fortune: the more so, as he will permit her to make it over to herself or her relations: and if she should not possess more than half that sum, 'he'd ne'er quarrel for that.'—A line, addressed to W. W., No. 32 Snow Hill, by any Lady, or her friends, will be considered as a mark of good sense, and treated with the respect that is due from a man of sense to the fair sex."—(Times, March 10, 1794.)

Advt.—"Matrimony. A Gentleman of small independent Fortune, occupying a Farm in a retired Part of the Country, within 20 miles South West of London, takes this public method of addressing any Lady, who may feel happy, and disposed to place herself under the protection of such a person. He is a Widower, 28 years of age, with an only child, who is amply provided for. On the part of the Lady, it will be expected that her person be fair, her mind amiable, and well-informed, her disposition feminine. In return, the conduct of the Gentleman will be found to be in every respect manly, honourable, and sincere. A line by way of introduction, addressed to Mr. Amiens, Epsom, will be paid every attention to, and it is particularly entreated, that no other, but of the above description, will give themselves that trouble."—(Times, Novr. 26, 1798.)

"A vessel loaded with cloathing, to the amount of £120,000, was on Tuesday stopped in the River. She was bound to a port in France."—(Times, Feb. 7, 1793.)

"The Earl of Bute's grand Orrery was sold yesterday for the trifling sum of sixty guineas, and the celebrated annual clock, regulating the revolutionary movements of two globes, and of an orrery for twenty-six guineas."—(Times, Feb. 9, 1793.)

"Tuesday as Mrs. Fitzherbert, (George 4th's wife) attended by Miss Bell Pigott, was riding in her carriage in Pall Mall, the carriage of Colonel Strickland came in close contact with that of the ladies, by which they were both overturned.

"On Mrs. Fitzherbert and Miss Bell Pigott's overturn—

"Cœtera desunt."

—(Times, Feb. 28, 1793.)

"On the late INUNDATION in OLD PALACE YARD.

—(Times, March 1, 1793.)

"The Duke of Norfolk is attacked by the Hydrophobia, he can't bear the sight of water. His Physicians have prescribed Wine. The Marquis of Stafford, Marquis of Bath, and Lord Thurlow who were present, sanctified this prescription with their most hearty consent."—(Times, Feb. 17, 1794.)

"A new way to travel expeditiously and safely.

"The Duke of Luxembourg, wishing to return to his family at Lisbon, and being apprehensive of going in one of the common packets, which, if taken by the French, would probably cost him his life, lately applied to Lord Chatham, for a passage in an English frigate going to Lisbon. His Lordship very obligingly acquiesced, and a few days since the Duke sailed in her from Portsmouth. It turns out, however, that this frigate has been ordered to cruise for six weeks before she makes for Lisbon: and thus is the unfortunate Duke exposed to the risk of the elements and the hazard of an engagement, from having employed his influence to procure a safe passage."—(Times, May. 10, 1793.)

"There was a rapid trade between Birmingham and France, of base coin, carried from the former to the latter in Folkstone vessels, and with this coin great part of the Army was paid, but the whole is now stopped, and the French Soldiers are paid in paper."—(Times, May 10, 1793.)

"The Duke of Bedford has just completed at Wooburn a Dog-Kennel, that far exceeds his Grace of Richmond's in all points of extent and magnificence: independently of the immense suite of canine apartments, it has baths, coffee rooms, billiard room, &c., and in the centre is a most spacious riding house, &c., for the equestrian amusement of his friends in bad weather."—(Times, Jan. 31, 1794.)

"We know not the Nobleman or Gentleman alluded to lately in the House of Commons, as contracting at £800 a year for supplying his Dog-Kennel; but we have heard it said on very good authority, that there are two kennels, not far from Brighton, in Sussex, which cost very little short of this sum. The Duke of Bedford's Dog-Kennel is a mere nothing to either of those alluded to."—(Times, April 13, 1796.)

"THE FUNERAL!!

"It was not a Tom Cat, for its melodious squalls plainly proved it had long been qualified for the Opera.—It was, however, a prodigious favourite with its Mistress. Long had it lived upon the fat of the land, in Charlotte St., Queen Anne St., where it took great care of Number One! For the space of six years and three months did its Mistress indulge it with 'Rivers of Milk;' and besides it was a sad Cat, for the matter of that, in skimming the cream off everything worth skimming. But as Cats, though they may have nine lives, are not immortal, poor Ralph fell sick and died—without giving time even for a consultation of Physicians! His Mistress, after the first transports of grief were subsided, sent for a Surgeon, who opened the body. He reported that poison was not the cause, as suspected, of his death, but that he was literally killed with kindness. In plain English, he died of a Plethora, for he was fat at heart.

"Away posted the Lady and purchased a piece of ground, just large enough to swing a Cat in, at the new burial ground in Mary-le-bonne. The charge was trifling, only two guineas; an Undertaker provided a coffin in miniature: Grimalkin, after having lain in state, and several of the frail sisterhood, friends of the Lady, partaken of wine and cake, of which plenty was provided; a Hearse with White Plumes drove to the door, and the Lady, a Chief Mourner, attended by her weeping friends, who filled several Mourning Coaches, followed Ralph to the grave last Tuesday week, like 'Niobe all in tears;' and after the body had been deposited in the earth, though with but 'maimed rites,' 'tis true, she returned slowly to the house of mourning.

"But now comes the sad Cat-astrophe—Whether the Undertaker who had undertaken to keep the secret, had blabbed, or whether the spectators of this sad ceremony smelt, as the Cat had often done, a RAT, so it was, however, that the body had not remained an hour, quietly inurned, ere they burst open the hinges of its sepulchre, and parading with it to the place from whence it came, proceeded to break the windows of the afflicted fair one's house: and but for the timely interposition of the Magistrates, the Lady, as well as her house, in all probability would have been pulled to pieces!!!

"N.B.—The above is strictly a matter of FACT."—(Times, March 21, 1794.)

"The access to Kensington Gardens is so inconvenient to the visitors, that it is to be hoped the politeness of those who have the direction of it will induce them to give orders for another door to be made for the convenience of the public—one door for admission, and another for departure, would prove a great convenience to the visitors. For want of this regulation the Ladies frequently have their cloaths torn to pieces; and are much hurt by the crowd passing different ways."—(Times, March 28, 1794.)

"Two Ladies were lucky enough to escape thro' the gate of Kensington Gardens, on Sunday last, with only a broken arm each. When a few lives have been lost, perchance then a door or two more may be made for the convenience of the families of the survivors."—(Times, May 8, 1794.)

"We noticed last year the nuisance at the door of Kensington Gardens, leading from Hyde Park, and was in hopes, those who have the care would attend to it. As the season is approaching when company frequent it, we again recommend that an additional door should be made, and an inscription put over it 'The company to go in at this gate, and return at the other,' by which means the press will be avoided, and directions given, that all servants do keep away from the doors, who behave with great impertinence to their superiors as the company go in. If the gardens are to be a public accommodation, surely so trifling an expence can be no object. A greater number of seats in the gardens is very desirable."—(Times, April 24, 1795.)

"The public in general, and the ladies in particular, are much obliged to the Ranger of Hyde Park, for having taken the hint given in this paper towards their accommodation, by ordering a new gate to be made, as an entrance into Kensington Gardens. This convenience was yesterday much noticed, as there is now one gate for the entrance, and another for leaving the gardens, which were extremely crowded. But so little regularity was observed in the procession of carriages, on the Park Road, that there was a general stoppage about four o'clock, for nearly an hour; in the throng, several carriages were overset, and many much injured. We never witnessed so much confusion on any similar occasion."—(Times, May 4, 1795.)

"After a very elegant dinner given by the Lord Mayor to the visitors at the Mansion House on Monday, there was a ball as usual, which was very numerously attended: and was honored by the presence of the Turkish Ambassador, several of the Corps Diplomatique and many of our own Nobility. The harmony and gaiety of the Entertainment was, however, interrupted about two o'clock yesterday morning, by the intrusion of a number of Gentlemen in the Dancing Room, who had sacrificed too freely to the Jolly God, and seemed determined to kick up a riot. They had continued drinking till one o'clock in the Dining parlour, and on entering the Ballroom behaved in such an improper manner, as to make it necessary to call in the Peace Officers to turn them out. A terrible uproar ensued; and we understand that two or three of the Rioters were sent to the Poultry Compter: and we hope they remained there till they recovered their senses."—(Times, April 23, 1794.)

"City Extravagance.—During the Rout, we had almost said Riot, at the Mansion House on Tuesday Morning, several very prudent Citizens were observed to be out-running the Constable!"—(Times, April 24, 1794.)

"We are informed from Abbey Laddercroft, in Cumberland, that a woman called Jane Forrester, who lives in that parish, is now in the 138th year of her age. When Cromwell besieged the City of Carlisle, 1645, she can remember, that a horse's head sold for 2s 6d, before the garrison surrendered. At the martyrdom of King Charles I., she was nineteen years of age. At Brampton, about six years ago, she made oath before the Commissioners, in a Chancery suit, to have known an estate, the right of which was then disputed, to have been enjoyed by the ancestors of the present heir 101 years. She hath an only daughter living, aged 103. And we are further informed, that there are six women now living in the same parish where she resides, the youngest of whom is 99 years of age."—(Times, May 16, 1794.)

Advt. "Elephants.—Lately arrived in the Rose East Indiaman, a most wonderful living Male Elephant, and to be seen in a commodious room, over Exeter Change, in the Strand. Admittance 1s each. Likewise is lately added to the Grand Menageries, as above, two very singular and most astonishing Kanguroos, male and female, from Botany Bay. Admittance 1s. Also, just arrived, and to be seen in a commodious apartment, under the Great Room, as above, three stupendous living Pelicans of the Wilderness, two males and a female. Admittance 1s. The three Exhibitions may be viewed for 2s 6d. each person. Foreign Birds and Beasts bought, sold, &c., by G. Pidcock."—(Times, May 22, 1794.)

Advt. "FOREIGN BIRDS.—Just arrived at No. 1 Coventry St., opposite the Haymarket, among which is, that renowned Bird the Ostrich, described in ancient and modern History, to be the largest in the world, it measures 9 feet high, and can admit of two young Ladies or Gentlemen to ride on its back at a time. This Bird exceeds, also, in strength, swiftness, and running, all the feathered tribe in the Creation; it has the best plumage ever seen on an Ostrich, in this country, for many years. There is also a very extraordinary Bird, whose feathers resemble hair, and which has very much the appearance of a beast, weighing near 200 lbs. weight. The Great Horned Owl, described as the inhabitant of Babylon: the Royal crowned Crane of Africa, and other curious and uncommon Birds: also a very singular Animal resembling a Spider, called the Bush Devil; it makes use of its Tail as other Animals do their paws. Admittance 1s. each, Children and Servants 6d."—(Times, Jan. 5, 1795.)

Earl Howe's Victory.

"Several mobs paraded about the streets, at one, and two o'clock, yesterday morning, breaking the windows of those who had already shown their good wishes to the general cause, by illuminating their windows, but had retired to rest. Other houses again, belonging to the Quakers, were damaged because no lights were put forth. Such acts are contrary to the way of thinking of this very respectable class of Citizens. In this outrageous manner did several mobs proceed during the early part of yesterday morning, to the very great inconvenience of domestic comfort, and infringement on public tranquillity."—(Times, June 13, 1794.)

"The Lord Mayor requests the Inhabitants of the City to discontinue the Illuminations which have taken place since the News received of the very glorious Victory obtained by the British Fleet, under the command of Lord Howe. The Lord Mayor hopes, that the Public will be satisfied with the general Joy which has been so conspicuously expressed, and thinks that a further display of it will tend to disturb the peace and good order of the Metropolis."—(Times, June 14, 1794.)

"Illuminations.—The very idea of the horrors attending the cry of 'Put out your lights,' made a poor Loyal German, in Bedfordbury, watch his little farthing rush-lights, on Wednesday last, till a late hour. At length he ventured really to put out his lights: prudently pasting up at his door the following notice in capitals: 'Two o'clock—gone to bed. If I am to light again, pray be so obliging as to ring the bell.'"—(Times, June 19, 1794.)

"Mr. Wilkes bears the loss of his fine windows with that pleasant humour so peculiar to him, and absolutely refuses to prosecute any of the mob—'They are only,' said he, 'some of my pupils now set up for themselves.'"—(Times, June 21, 1794.)

Mr. Editor.

"A Gentleman of a village near town, in his zeal for illuminating on the late joyful Victory by Lord Howe, placed so many candles in his windows, and that in so negligent a manner, that by two in the morning, three or four of his sashes were burnt. A Constant Reader will be favoured by your making room for the following on the occasion:—

—(Times, July 14, 1794.)

"The following circumstance occurred last week at Long Milford near Bury St. Edmund's: Three young Ladies of that place, one of whom is very much celebrated for her mental, as well as personal, accomplishments, agreed a few days since, to bathe in a river about half a mile distant from the town, there being no private accommodation for that purpose in the neighbourhood.

"An early hour, at which they would be the least liable to be discovered by strangers, was determined on, and at four o'clock in the morning, they proceeded from home to the appointed place. As they walked through the town, they were espied by a blacksmith, who, about the same hour, usually gets up to his work. Curiosity prompted him to find out whither the fair ones were bound: but he did not discover himself to them till they were in the river, the perfect images of their mother Eve; when perceiving him approach, they screamed out, and prudently sat down in the water. The Modern Vulcan, dead to the distresses of the Venus's, determined to divert his uncouth fancy by carrying off their clothes, with which he did not return. In this pitiable situation they were obliged to remain for near an hour, when a poor woman passing that way, on hearing the rude behaviour they had experienced, and their consequent embarrassment, procured them such necessary articles of apparel, as enabled them to get home.

"The blacksmith has since made a public boast of his exploit, saying it was a fine piece of sport: and, owing to his unfeeling and brutish conduct, the young Ladies have ever since been ashamed to be seen, even by their relations."—(Times, Aug. 8, 1794.)

"The three water nymphs at Bury have preferred an indictment against the blacksmith who stole their cloaths, and this may probably turn out a very serious affair, and make poor Vulcan pay for his peeping."—(Times, Aug. 9, 1794.)

"Bath Charter.—A further degree of power, to be vested in the Magistrates, being deemed necessary, a new charter was a short time since granted for that purpose. It was sent by the Mail Coach, and for want of care in the packing, the impression of the Great Seal was knocked to atoms. It was presented to the Lord Chancellor to be resealed: but this his Lordship refused unless the Mayor and Corporation would petition the Court setting forth the reasons. The Charter of Bath conveys the exclusive privilege of electing two Members to the British House of Commons to the select Corporation of 26, excluding ALL the other inhabitants."—(Times, Aug. 9, 1794.)

"Absconded from his master's service at Cheltenham, on Friday night the 8th August, between the hours of 9 and 10, an INDENTED BLACK SERVANT LAD, named TONEY, aged about 19 or 20 years. He is very black, and slender made, but with remarkably long feet. He went off in a striped dressing jacket, nankeen waistcoat and breeches, ribbed cotton stockings, shoes and plated buckles. He is articled for 5 years, from the 21 April last; and upwards of £30 has been laid out upon him, in having him taught to shave and dress, cloathing, and other necessaries for him. A reward of TEN POUNDS will be paid to any person who shall apprehend, and deliver him, to Mr. Coningham, Sherborne Lane, London; or lodge him in any Gaol in this Kingdom, and give notice thereof as above. There is every reason to believe, that great art, and industry, have been used to seduce, and spirit away, the lad; otherwise that he would not have formed a thought of quitting his master. If, therefore, any person will give such information, and evidence, as shall be sufficient to convict any responsible person of having enticed, seduced, or carried away, the negro lad above described, a reward of TWENTY GUINEAS will be paid to the person so informing, and giving evidence."—(Times, Aug. 13, 1794.)

"On Tuesday last, the corpse of a Gentleman, as it was proceeding in a hearse to the Burial Ground, was arrested by a Sheriff's officer and his followers, under a warrant as usual granted against the body. The friends who followed, immediately left their coaches, and told the officer, if he chose, he was welcome to the body, but he should have neither coffin, shroud, nor any particle in which the body was enveloped; and if he took them by force, he should be indicted for a highway robbery, as those matters were the property of the Executors; nay, they went further, and said, that as the deceased had, by his will, bequeathed his body to the Executors, no execution would hold good against the corpse, the process must be against them. The Bailiff, very properly being persuaded that the spirit of the law meant a living, and not a dead body, marched off without insisting on the legality of his capture. This is the first instance of the kind that has happened since the arrest of the dead body of a Sheriff of London, not many years since."—(Times, Sept. 5, 1794.)

"To the CONDUCTOR of the TIMES.

"Sir,—Leaving a shop in the City a few days ago, I fell into a reverie with the thoughts of what trade would come to next century: how it would be conducted, and by what description of persons: as in the shop I had just left, one servant said to another, 'Do you know were Master S—— is gone'? Another answers, Mr. R—— (which was an apprentice) knows: ask him. Presently came down stairs a maid servant, to enquire whether all the gentlemen (meaning the shopmen) would come to dinner. Half these gentlemen were booted, as if going to take a morning's ride. O tempore! O mores!"—(Times, Sept. 30, 1794.)

"The Glove Manufacturers in the different counties, will no doubt make the most of the Princess of Wales's delicate hand: but there is something more than ordinarily ludicrous in the extravagant anticipation of a Shopkeeper, at the West End of the Town, who puts up in Roman characters, "Wedding-ring maker to the Princess Caroline of Brunswick."—(Times, Nov. 15, 1794.)

"Lady Lade and Mrs. Hodges are to have a curricle race at Newmarket, at the next Spring Meeting, and the horses are now in training. It is to be a five mile course, and great sport is expected. The construction of the traces is to be on a plan similar to that by which Lord March, now Duke of Queensbury, won his famous match against time. The odds, at present, are in favour of Lady Lade. She runs a grey mare, which is said to be the best horse in the Baronet's stables."—(Times, Dec. 20, 1794.)

"The following circumstance is extraordinary beyond parallel:—On Tuesday se'nnight died, on her return from Bath, Miss Henrietta Dickenson, the fourteenth daughter of the late John Dickenson, Esq. of East Place, in Yorkshire, having attained precisely that age at which each of her 13 sisters died."—(Times, Dec. 22, 1794.)

"Crosthwaite Church, in the Vale of Keswick, Cumberland, hath five chapels belonging to it. The Minister's stipend is five pounds per annum, and goose grass, or the right of commoning his geese: a whittle gate, or the valuable privilege of using his knife for a week at any time, at any table in the parish; and lastly, a hardened sark, or a shirt of coarse linen: whereas the Rectory of Winweck, a small village in Lancashire, is the richest living in England. The Rector is Lord of the Manor, and has a glebe of £1400 annual rent. The whole living is worth £3000 a year."—(Times, Dec. 26, 1794.)

"At Hanworth Booths, a public-house near to Lincoln, a few days ago, a man dropped a Boston Bank Bill, value five guineas, which momentarily disappeared, and a strict search was made without producing any favourable effect. At length a woman present recollected a playful whelp chewing something apparently white. This observation consigned the life of the poor dog to an immediate sentence and he was instantly hanged, and his thorax opened, wherein the lost bill was found in a mangled state: but nevertheless the purport of the paper was evidently discoverable, and cash to the amount was got for it at the Boston Bank."—(Times, Jan. 14, 1795.)

"In the various researches made throughout the house of Langleys, the seat of John Jolliffe Tuffnell, Esq. in Essex, two caskets of family Jewels have been found concealed amongst old linen, and near £150,000 in specie, behind the books in the library, the chief part of which sum he is supposed to have sold out of the funds, with a view of purchasing some advertised estates in that county."

"It is worthy of remark, that the number of deaths in this metropolis, within the last few months past, amounts to double what it ever has been, within the same space of time, since the plague, which desolated London in the last century."—(Times, Feb. 20, 1795.)

"So great has been the mortality in the metropolis, that the Undertakers, like the distressed Prompter we read of, have been obliged 'to mow away brown.' A hearse with bay horses was actually observed in one of the many melancholy processions in the course of last week."—(Times, March 7, 1795.)

"We are informed there is a Cask now building at Messrs Meux and Co.'s Brewery, in Liquor-pond Street, Grays Inn Lane, the size of which exceeds all credibility, being designed to hold twenty thousand barrels of porter; the whole expense attending the same will be upwards of £10,000."—(Times, April 1, 1795.)

"Numbers, it is said, have gone into the King's Bench and Fleet Prison, under an idea that there would be an Act of Grace, on account of the Prince's marriage—but no such act is to take place."—(Times, April 27, 1795.)

"In the absence of our Reporter, we understand that Mr. Mainwaring, on Monday, presented a Petition to the House of Commons signed by above 10,000 Livery Servants, against the Employing of Foreigners in that capacity; which not being seconded, was not received."—(Times, April 30, 1795.)

Advt.—ASTROLOGY. Mrs. NEWTON respectfully informs her friends and the Public, that she continues at No. 111 in Wardour St. Soho, where she may be consulted on Planetary Influence, as it relates to, involves, and guides all the Events and Occurrences, as Marriages, Legacies, Possession of Wealth, Attainment of any particular Desire, the State of an Absent Friend by Sea or Land, or whatever can interest our Hopes, or agitate our Fears. The private Door in Portland St., and the Name under the one-pair-of-stairs window."—(Times, May 6, 1795.)