Newspaper Transcripts

The Bath Journal.
Printed by JOHN KEENE, at his Office in King's-Mead-Street, where ADVERTISEMENTS, &c. are taken in

EMail Me - Titles and Dates - Surname Home Page

Some Selected Reports from the Bath Journal



Monday, April 19th, 1773




Thursday and Friday's' Posts.
Arriv'd the Mails from Holland and Flanders.

ALTONA, [Denmark] April 6.

A Tradesman at Copenhagen, who had a very large family, being unsuccessful in business, and reduced to the greatest straits, took the resolution to put an end to his existence, and had even gone as far as to fix an halter round his neck; a thought however struck him, that he would defer the fatal deed till be had tried his fortune in the Lottery at Copenhagen; he accordingly with great difficulty procured the money to purchase a ticket, which luckily came up a prize that entitles him to 21,000 rix-dollars, by which he will be enabled to clear himself in the world, carry on his business with success, and, and he says, leave him such a sum in hand as will prevent his forming any desperate resolutions for the future.

PARIS, April 9. They are arming at Toulon two vessels of the line, and eight frigates, the command of which are to be given to Count d'Estaign; he is to have under him M. de Chabert. This squadron is intended to protect the French navigation in the Archipelago.




IRELAND.

KILKENNY, April7. What a divine blessing is wealth, when employed in acts of humanity, generosity, and benevolence ! This is exemplified by a noble disposition of heart in George Agar, of Ringwood, Esq. who on coming of age, in tender commiseration to the distress of the times, forgave his tenants this year above a thousand pounds sterling.
Dublin, April 12. By a letter received yesterday from Galway we are informed, that two Messengers belonging to Charles Meares, Esq. Pursuivant of the Exchequer, who went down to the county of Galway to execute warrants granted on attachments the tenants of John Stuart, Esq. were murdered, and another so mangled, that his life is despaired of.
At the assizes at Kilkenny, which ended on the 2d instant, Oliver Stanton, a Whiteboy, for assaulting James Summers, and cutting off his nose, was fined �50. and ordered to be imprisoned for two years.
The number of ships, and their tonnage, that sailed with passengers from the North of Ireland for North America, in the two last years amounted to 62 ships, and 17,350 tons. It may be supposed on a moderate computation, that the number of passengers was as equal to the tons. The greatest part of these Emigrants paid their passage, which, at �3. 10s. each, amounted to �60,725. most of them people employed in the Linen Manufacture, or Farmers, and of some property, which they turned into money, and carried with them: In evidence of this, it was computed that one ship, last year, had no less than �4000 in specie on board.




LONDON, April 13.

We hear from Paris, that an Irishman and a Scotchman were apprehended at Dunkirk, for the murder of a Tradesman in the Fauxburg of St.Germain, on the 26th ult.
A small book of OLD BALLADS was purchased for the use of his Majesty, at Mr. West's late sale, Piazza, Covent-garden, for no less a sum than twenty pounds.
On Sunday last was committed to Reading gaol, one Richard Dormer, otherwise Stephens, charged by the coroner's inquest with manslaughter, in killing Richard Gaumes. It appeared the prisoner was the son of, and the deceased an apprentice-boy to a chimney-sweeper, in Oxford, that the son used frequently to abuse and beat the apprentice, that on Good Friday Iast in a meadow, near Oxford, within the parish of Wytham, and county of Berks, the prisoner (for what reason could not be learnt) beat the deceased in a violent manner with a large stick, which was produced on taking the inquest, kicked and otherwise ill-treated him, so that he died in a few hours after. Upon opening the head and taking off the skull by Mr. Grosvenor, a gentleman of the faculty at Oxford, there appeared a quantity of extravasated blood on the right side of the brain, as also a violent contusion on the left side of the temples, with other external marks of violence on the body, so that it evidently appeared the deceased died by the blows he received, tho' the Jury brought in their verdict Manslaughter only - But the coroner immediately thereupon committed the villain to the county jail, and bound over the parish officers of Wytham to prosecute him for wilful murder at the next assizes to be held for the county of Berks, where it is hoped, he will meet with his condign punishment.
This evening some villains broke into the house of Mr. Atwood, Farmer, at Turnham-green, stripped the beauset of the plate, the kitchen of the furniture, and took a large hog out of the sty.
A few days ago died at Canterbury the Right Hon, Lord Napier.
This day was married at Marybone Church, by the Rev. Dr. Booth, the celebrated Miss Linley, to Mr. Sheridan; after-the ceremony they set with her family and friends, and dined at the Star and Garter on Richmond Hill: in the evening they had a ball, after which the family and friends returned to town, and left the young couple at a gentleman's house at Mitcham, to consummate their nuptials.
The Father of the Maid of Bath his given young S--- �1000 with his Daughter, and settled another on her children, if any should be born- This sort of liberality may be called profuseness, but when it is considered that within there few years, Mids L. has gained her father near ten thousand pounds, it will not probably be termed extravagant generosity.
Lord Bellamont continues mending, and we hear he will soon set out for Bath.
Last week a letter was received in town from the Rev. Mr. Piercy, the young gentleman who preached on Tower-hill last summer when he was taking his leave, and who, together with six others, late students at Lady Huntingdon's College, set out on their mission for Georgia. By his letter it appears, that himself, and his companions, have had a very sickly passage, that they have had severe fevers, and that he was in a very indifferent state of health when he wrote the letter.
This day at the public-office in Bow-street, before Sir John Fielding and the rest of the Justices, Mr. Lawson, a sword-cutler and hatter in the Strand, charged one Larkin, who called himself Lord Cranbourne, with coming into his shop last Saturday, and buying a sword and hat of him, on which he gave him a draught on a banker for �10 signed Cranbourne, and desired they might be sent before four o'clock to the Bedford Arms. On his leaving the shop Mr. Lawson went to the banker's, who said it must be a forgery, for they had money of Lord Cranborne's. Mr. Lawson went at four o'clock to the Bedford Arms, and enquired for Lord Cranbourne, and was shewn into a room where the prisoner was, who said it must be a mistake of the banker's, which he would rectify after dinner. Previous to Larkin's leaving the shop, he told Mr. Lawson he was Lord Lieutenant of the county of Hertford, and was going to speak to his Majesty, and hoped his taking the sword could not be objected to; but on Mr. Lawson telling him of a resolution he made of never giving goods to strangers without being paid for them, he declined all further solicitations on that head. Mr. Lawson was bound over to prosecute.
George Evans was charged with fraudulently obtaining a note for �20. from Mr. Carter, by the following means, viz. Evans came to him and told him information was laid before the board of works that his new buildings projected against the act, but that if he would give him half a guinea he would settle the matter so that he could not be hurt, which being complied with, Evans drew up a long preamble, desiring Carter to put his name on a particular part of the paper; on Carter's remarking there was a blank over it, Evans replied, that Blank was for the Justice to sign: he then drew a note of hand over the name, and passed it. Robert Wilson and others charged him with similar frauds, and were all bound over to prosecute.




BRISTOL., April 19.

Arrived at the Hot-Wells. Lady Haggerston, Mr. and Mrs. Willison, Mr. and Mrs. Puryear, Mr. Gibson, Mr. Silverstop, Mr. Godwin, Mr. Smith, Mrs. Bonner, Mrs. Fox, Mrs. Morrell, Mrs Warden, Miss Smith, Miss Whitmarsh, two Misses M'Adams, &c.
Came in since our last. The Prince George, Sampson, for Virginia; the Live Oak, Lundberry, and the Liberty, Lasley, from South-Carolina; the Peggy, Nelson, and the Abigal, -----, from Piscataqua.
Arrived At Cowes, the Pearl, Tucker, from South Carolina; at South Carolina, the Governor Wright, Hall, from Cork, and the Industry, Gift, from the Grenades; at Jamaica, the Polly, Phillips, the Lucea, Child, and the Ann Gully, Wilson; at Bilboa, the Betsey, Jenkins; and at Naples, the Adventure, Christian, all from this port; and at Leith, the Thomas, Webb, from St.Lucar.
Married. Mr. Hird, at the White-Heart, in the Old-Market, to Mrs. Williams, relict of Mr. Williams, victualler, in St.Philip's.
. Died. Capt. Bennett, Key-warden, of this port.Mr:. Daubeny, wife of Mr. Giles Daubeny, in Stock's-croft.
Last Saturday was committed to Newgate, Edwar[d] Arkill, labourer, charged with stealing ten pair of worsted stockings value 15s. the property of Mrs. Tucke.




POETS CORNER.
On the Death of a RICH MISER.

IF to be modest merits praise,
And pride is own'd a sin,
I'll now, I miser ! tune my lays,
And thy great theme begin.
We by religion, learn to know
That vanity's a fault;
And should avoid all public show,
Thou then wert, sure, 'bove others blest,
And had'st more merit too,
Whose worth lay silent in thy breast,
Where none its value knew,
Till seiz'd by death, and laid to rest,
Abroad thy bounties flew.





An ADDRESS, spoken by Mr. T. KENNEDY, on closing of the Winter Concert at the Cooper's-Hall in BRISTOL.
As when, on closing of a well-spent life,
The parting husband views his faithful wife;
(For life itself is but a gaudy Play,
The flattering phantom of a summer's day)
With pleasing terror, and with trembling haste,
He recollects a thousand raptures past;
And tho' reign'd and conscious that he must;
Delays to mingle with his kindred dust :-
So I ! - while round these seats my sight I bend,
And in each cordial eye behold a Friend-
From the fond flowings of a grateful heart,
Cannot restrain to cry, "Ah ! must we part ?
Your minds where conscious worth and goodness live
May paint the boundless Thanks we wish to give,-
But 'tis beyond the power of words to tell
The debt we owe, the gratitude we feel.





POVERTY and POETRY: A SATIRE.

TWAS sung of old how one Amphion
Could, by his verses, tame a lion;
And, by his strange inchanting tunes,
Make bears and wolves dance rigadoons :
His sings could call the timber down,
And form it into house or town.
But it is plain now in these times,
No house is rais'd by poet's rhimes.
They for themselves can only rear
A few wild castles in the air.
Poor are the brethern of the bays
Down from high strains to ekes and ayes.
The muses too are virgins yet,
And may be till they portions get.
Yet still the doating rhimer dreams,
And sings of Helicon's bright streams.
But, Helicon, for all his clatter,
Yields nothing but insipid water.
Yet, ev'n a-thirst, he sweetly sings
Of nectar and Elysian springs.
The grave physician, who, by physic,
Like a death dispatches him that is sick;
Pursues a sure and thriving trade :
Tho' patients die, the doctor's pa'd.
Licens'd to kill, he gains a place
For what another mounts a gallows.
In shady groves the muses play,
And love in flow'ry meads to stray:
Pleas'd with a bleak and barren ground,
Where rip'ning fruits are never found.
But then some say you purchase fame,
And gain a never-dying name.
Great recompence for real trouble !
To be rewarded with a bubble.
Thus soldiers, who, in many battles,
Get bangs and blows, and God knows what else,
Are paid with fame and wooden leg,
And gain a pass with leave to beg.





OF SELF-FLATTERY.

SELF - FLATTERY, when moderately taken, is a Cordial, that chears the spirits, gives fortitude to the heart, and enables us to defend ourselves against groundless fears and unwarrantable jealousies: But, when immoderately taken, it rises sometimes into a most abominable quality, call'd SELF-SUFFICIENCY, which we have sometimes known to be sublimated into Distraction, and which tho' it should not be attended with that melancholy effect, always brings the lowest contempt and ridicule of the world on the person who stands erect, and tells them, he has the highest opinion imaginable of his own person and parts.
There are an odd fort of folk who demand, and are allow'd by the world to take more of this dangerous composition into their blood than the common people, for as much as they insist that they cannot go thro' their business without they first raise themselves by a dram of this: these are known by the names of Poets, Musicians, Alchymists, Projectors, &c. in a word, Quacks of all sorts, whether as the pretended sons of Hypocrates or Machiavel; as Physicians or Politicians: but let me inform these high men, that they must take particular care not to drink too deep of this inebriating liquor, or they will immediately run mad, and do irreparable mischief to the world beneath them.
The Fair Sex may be indulged likewise to be a little more free with this Cordial than the men, as it is consider'd that the foundation of their admiring themselves arises unavoidably from the adulation of their lovers, tho' the ground-work might be laid on before by their toilet counsellor; yet give me leave to say, it is pity Phillis, now her very glass refuses to flatter her, should fancy the complexion she purchases is the gift of Nature, and endeavour to make herself believe in her grand climacterick, that she has seen but thirty summer's.
Cleora has valuable qualities within her, which she never enquires after; there they lie conceal'd, like virtues in vegetables, till time or accident shall discover them; But she is so busied about her outward ornaments, she never turns her eyes inwards, and only endeavours to cultivate what she can never improve; and her sufficiency destroys the charms her beauty raises; if her vanity does not in time overturn all her virtues, it will disturb them much.
Among the rest of the half-mad people, whose brains seem generally to be over-heated with this poison, there are a set of grave men, who are seated on high and invested with power, wealth, and dignities: and are call'd STATESMEN: let these people learn to be extremely temperate and just, let no self-sufficient whimsies lead them to imagine, that they may do with impunity what they please, because they have power to do it; for they may flatter themselves to their ruin.




THE Speaker of the House of Commons having sent the Sheriff of Middlesex the following Letter:
From the House of Commons, 7th of April, 1773,

"SIR,
I am commanded by the House of Commons to acquaint you, that you are immediately, upon the receipt of this, to summon the Representatives of your County, and Boroughs within the same, to attend their service in Parliament on Monday, the 26th of this instant April, the House of Commons intending to proceed with the utmost severity against such of their Members as shall then neglect to attend the service of the House: And you are to give me an account of the receipt of this, and what you have done therein, upon pain of incurring the displeasure of the said House.
I am , Sir, your humble Servant,
FLETCHER NORTON."




The Sheriff, in pursuance thereto, Thursday summoned the several Representatives for London, Middlesex, and Westminster, and sent the following letter to the Speaker :

"SIR,
In consequence of your direction to us, in the name of the House of Commons; we have given the proper notice to Sir Robert Ladbroke, Knt. the Hon. Thomas Harley, and Barlow Trecothick, Esq. Representatives of London.- JOHN WILKES, Esq. and John Glynn, Esq: Knights of the Shire for the county of Middlesex.- And to Earl Percy, and Sir Robert Bernard, Bart. representatives of Westminster.
"We have the honour to be, Sir, your most obedient, humble Servants,

RICHARD OLIVER}Sheriffs
WATKIN LEWES}






THE following have been sent from the Right Hon Charles Earl of Bellamont, in answer to the High Sheriff, Foreman, and Grand Jury of the county of Dublin.

Curzon-street, March 26, 1773.
"SIR,
Your letter, with the paper it contained, by which I am highly honoured, has, in obedience to your commands, been inserted in the several Gazettes. I request that you will do me the favour to communicate the enclosed to the High Sheriff and the Grand Jury of the county of Dublin. It is the feeble expression of my sentiments.
"You will permit me, Sir, to add, that I had peculiar pleasure in receiving their sense of my humble efforts through the channel of a man, whom menaces could not intimidate, nor the privation of office doubly acquired, by purchase and by an exemplary performance of his duty therein, depress.
"I am , with great respect and regard, Sir, your very sincere and obedient servant,
"BELLAMONT."
To Sir Edward Newenham, Dublin.

To the High Sheriff, and Grand Jury of the county of Dublin,

"Gentlemen,
"Your conduct for my recovery has conferred on me the highest obligation; your approbation of my conduct has filled my mind with the most perfect satisfaction. My situation, which the gentlemen under whose care I am (notwithstanding they are inclined to think favourably) have this morning declared still precarious as to time, and the event forbids me to look forward to a distant day with any reasonable degree of precision. If I survive, be assured that I shall seize every opportunity of giving efficient proofs of my regard to a body of men actuated not by party but by principle; attached not to men but to measures; whose inviolate duty and affection as subjects, whose activity and moderation as magistrates, whose vigilance and firmness as legislators, in a word, whose well poized zeal, the only indissoluble cement of the constitution, has rendered them justly respected.
I am, with truth, Gentlemen,
Your very obedient and faithful servant,
BELLAMONT. Curzon-street, 26th March, 1773.




POINT of HONOUR; Or, THOUGHTS
on DUELLING.

THIS barbarous custom, as most of the like sort, was introduced by our ancestors, the Saxons in the least enlightened ages.
It has been repeatedly cried down by the laws of God and man, by penal acts, by the law of nature, and ought to be ranked with, and degraded, similar to the custom of bruisers, cock-fighting, and throwing at cocks; it should be stigmatized by the fair-sex, who are liable to lose a father, husband, brother, or lover. Did the woman once frown on this most despicable of all other customs, we should soon see it discountenanced, and blush itself into, not only redicule, but contempt.
Our fair readers may know from history, that single combat, at justs and tournaments, was the dam of this infernal monster . We are told that a Great Personage has expressed the highest displeasure at this transaction, as he condescended to use his Royal mediation to reconcile the parties . His exclamation on hearing the news was truly Royal, and worthy the best of Kings: "Unhappy nation ! where the loss of life is to be deemed a satisfaction for an imaginary wound of honour.
The greatest and most exalted writers have used their most arduous endeavours to set this abominable custom in the most odious light, though all will allow, the true light- Shakespear puts this sarcasm into the mouth of Sir John Falstaff, when he points to Sir Walter Blunt, "there's honour for you," though Sir Walter died in the field.
But this point of honour, say your worst of suicides, the duellists of all ranks, is not to be waved - why ? because it is an axiom, taught in the school of honour - for Heaven's sake who is the foundation of honour in Great Britain? who but the King, and don't we hear Majesty, the foundation of honour, exclaim against those who have polluted the limped streams which flow from that fountain. Sir Henry Wildair merrily says to Colonel Standard, who demands immediate satisfaction on the spot, for an imputed affront, "why Colonel, says he, do you take me for such an idiot as to send my soul to the Devil, and my body to the surgeons, upon every trifling occasion ?" - Sir Richard Steele, in his excellent comedy of the Conscious Lovers, puts words like these into the mouth of Young Bevil, who had received a challenge, upon a mistaken point of honour, "you know, Mr. Myrtle, I have, repeatedly, told you my thoughts, on these unnatural decisions - I was always against such imaginary refuges : how dare any man living thrust himself into the presence of his Maker, and then plead, it was a point of honour ?" and Myrtle, being convinced of his mistake, says to himself, "with what a superiority he has overcome all my weakness !" -- In a word, duelling is no better (tho' it may perhaps be worse) than downright suicide.
TRUE HONOUR.




Saturday and Sunday's Posts.
LONDON, April 15.

A Person arrived from Brest says, that advice is received there from the Coast of Guinea, that a French slaving ship having been surprized by an insurrection of the negroes, who murdered most part of the crew, the mate, finding no possibility to escape the like fate, had set fire to the powder-room, and blew up the vessel, with upwards of 200 slaves on board.
We have advice from Gibraltar, that an earthquake lately happened at Old Fez, in Africa, which overthrew several houses, and destroyed many of the inhabitants.
We learn from Amsterdam, that proper persons are appointed, and are now actually employed, in settling the affairs of the House of Mess. Clifford and Son, who failed some time ago. It appears that the passive Debts of that House amount to 4,203,000 Florins, and the active Debts to no more than a Quarter of that sum, 1,050,000 Florins. It is said that the creditors have been offered 25 per cent. for their debts, but that they have refused to take it.
Yesterday Dr. Duncan, the King's Physician, was sent for down to Luton Hoo, to visit the Earl of Bute, who is very much indisposed.
Some detections in peculation have come out upon the examination of the secret committee for India affairs, of so very capital a nature, that the Minister (notwithstanding his previous plan) is unexpectedly posed; as to give up the offenders to justice, would be breaking the faith of private treaty; to conceal them; would be indirectly acknowledging himself an associate in their guilt. However, 'tis thought, to avoid the usual ignominy of the old proverb, the receiver's as had as the thief, the further enquiry into this matter will be stifled in its birth.
Many wagers are laid at several coffee-houses in the city respecting Mr. Wilkes's compliance with the Sheriffs summons to attend the House on the above day, whether he will go to the House or not.
There were, at the ball at the Mansion-house, on Monday night, fifteen Earls, twenty-seven Lords, besides several Baronets, Knights, &c. likewise the French' Ambassador and several other foreign noblemen. There were 957 gentlemen and ladies, who all broke up at a quarter before four o'clock. The ball was opened by Lord Darby and the Lady Mayoress.
We are informed a bird, of a very extraordinary nature has been brought to Europe on board the Nottingham East Indiaman. It is called the Hur gill, by the natives of the Coromandel coast, walks upright, and is taller than a middle sized man; the wings extended measure above fifteen feet; its colour is a mixture of black and white. Though a bird of prey, and constantly doing great mischief to the Indians by carrying off their lambs, poultry, &c. they never destroy it, as they, according to their superstitious. notions, hold it in a sacred light, imagining the spirits of the deceased Brahmins, by means of the transmigration of souls, inhabit them.
A treaty of marriage is said to be on foot between Lord Viscount Townsend and Miss Montgomery, of Ireland. His Lordship, it is also said, is to be created Marquis of Raynham, and to have a blue ribband.
We hear it is in agitation to bring in a bill this session for taxing all dogs of sport kept within the kingdom of Great Britain, whether hounds, pointers, spaniels, setters, or terriers, &c. and a bill is now drawing up accordingly: The tax is to be �10. on every pack of hounds, indiscriminately respecting the number; and �2. on every single dog. It is imagined this will do more for the effectual preservation of the game of every denomination, than all the laws hitherto enacted within this century past for that purpose.
Sunday last one Mr. Basil, a gentleman of Surry, won �200. from his own brother, by his having walked 20 miles per day, bare-footed, on Moulseyhurst, for 24 days successively.
Yesterday a melancholy accident happened at Mr. Peck's, mercer, at Rotherhithe. His chimney taking fire he discharged his gun up it, which burst and tore his hand off; and his son, a child about five years old, being present, one of the splinters entered his head and killed him on the spot.
Thursday Dr. Johnson, of Brentford, and another gentlemen, who was with him in the chariot were robbed on Turnham Green, about nine in the evening by two footpads, who took from the gentlemen their money, and from one of them a pocket book. On being earnestly intreated not to take the book, which was declared to contain nothing of value except to the owner, they said, they would take it with them, and examine the contents, and if they found nothing in it to answer their purpose, they would return it the next day, which they accordingly did.
Monday night the shop of Mr. Blakeller, watchmaker, in Cold-Bath-Fields, was broke open, and robbed of upwards of seventy watches. The apprentice (who lay in the shop) calling out thieves to his master, one of the villains cut his throat with a penknife; the wound was soon after sewed up, and it is hoped will not prove mortal.
On Monday a young Lady, Ward to a. Nobleman near Portman-square, set off on a matrimonial Expedition to Scotland, with a Mulatto Gentleman, possessed of a large Estate in the Island of Tobago. The Lady's Fortune, left by a Grandmother, to possess on the Day of Age or Marriage, is said to be �40,000.
Monday night a watchman on board a Virginia ship lying near Horsley-down, Southwark, was inhumanly murdered by a desperate gang of fresh water pirates, who came with an intent to rob the said vessel.
Early on Monday morning a man decently dressed was found dead between Hoxton and Kingsland Road. It appeared he had been intoxicated with liquor the preceding night, and it is supposed he had fallen over a small hedge into a garden which lay very low, and broke his neck by the fall, his head being bent under him, his face very black with the congealed blood, and a large cut on his cheek.
Sunday night, about twelve o'clock, some thieves broke into a house inhabited only by an elderly man and his wife in Avery Farm, near Chelsea, and robbed them of twenty guineas, which their industry after several years, had collected together. One of the thieves held a pistol to the old man's head, while the other rifled the bureau.
The produce of the earth is certainly in a fine flourishing condition, grass especially, and such quantities of hay are now brought into the several markets as hardly ever were. known at this time of the year. In Smithfield yesterday the loads of hay and straw were almost innumerable, which sold reasonable beyond expectation.
Thursday upwards of twenty Artificers, in the watch-making branch, embarked on board of a ship in the River bound to North America.
Last night some villains broke into the house of Mrs. Kelsey, an elderly gentlewoman at Bethnal-Green, and stole out of the parlour plate and other things to a considerable value; afterwards went into the chamber where the old Lady lay, whom they gagged, tied down in her bed, and then broke open a bureau; and having stole thereout upwards of �18 . made off undiscovered.
A gentleman remarking to Foote the other day; how much the Scotch had lost their interest in the late election of Directors, that there was not one in the whole Direction, " I am glad of it (says the wit) "ONE scabby sheep spoils the whole flock.")
As a specimen of the great encouragement of the arts and sciences, under the auspices of George the Third, the three following geniuses have established the following discoveries.- Sir William Chambers, Knt. that Kent was no gardener.- Sir John Dalrymple, that Sydney and Russel were no patriots. - And the modest James M'Pherson, Esq. that Homer was no poet.- What an Augustan age we live in ?




COUNTRY NEWS.

PLYMOUTH, April 10. Saturday ended the great cock-match at Plympton, near this place, between Admiral Spry and -- Parker, Esq. for a thousand guineas the main, which was won by one battle only, by the former; a hundred guineas to one was laid and lost, several times over, on the main, in favour of the latter, who the last day had but one battle to win out of nine. The principal nobility and gentry in counties adjacent were present, and guineas a night offered for beds, yet none to be had, so full was the place. 'Tis computed no less than �20,000. were won and lost on the above match-the knowing ones were all taken in.
EXETER, April 12. On Saturday last a melancholy affair happened in this city. Miss Nicholls, sister to Mr. Reynolds, attorney, of this place, was found dead in her bed-chamber, with her throat cut. On an inquisition taken before the coroner it appeared that on the night preceding this affair, she appeared rather melancholy, yet took her leave as usual in the morning of her niece, who lay with her; her cries awaked Mr. Reynolds about five in the morning, who came to her room, but finding the door locked, and the child still crying, he broke open the door, and found his sister lying on the, floor, with only her shoes off, and dead. It appeared she cut her throat with a small penknife, and at the same time held the chamber-pot in her hand to receive the blood, as it contained a great deal. The jury brought in their verdict lunacy.
Monday last a soldier belonging to the 3d regiment, quartered here, cut his throat on account of being struck by one of the officers; the wound is not mortal, but the man is so much hurt in mind ever since, 'tis thought he will not recover his senses.
LIVERPOOL, April 4. Out town here this last week has been all in uproar concerning the murder of Mr. Case; it was at first supposed the whores had done it for the money which he then had about him; therefore the Council examined them every one separately, and made them confess who were with them the night the murder was committed; and had it not been on so melancholy an occasion, their confessions would have caused a deal of fun; for many married ladies have now found out the invisible horns which they did not expect; however, the women were soon acquitted, being found innocent; since then a man has been taken up, who has confessed he struck him several blows the very night, and by all appearance he is the guilty wretch.




MONDAY's POST
Arrived the Mails from Holland and Flanders.
From the LONDON GAZETTE.
STOCKHOLM, March 30.

A Publication has been made here, that all sorts of grain may be imported free of duties, in Foreign as well as Swedish ships, 'till the end of June next: But it is not declar'd whether the foreign ships which bring corn hither, are to be free from the heavy impositions they pay more than the Swedish ships for pilot and light money, and port expenses.
PARIS, April 6. The rumours of a war are now renewed with more force than ever, and have greatly influenced our public funds, which have fell considerably within there few days. An approaching rupture between the Courts of Stockholm and Petersburgh is still talked of, and it is said we are to send 12 or 13,000 men to the assistance of the former, in whose favour a certain Crown in Germany will also declare itself, whilst another power of the same empire is to enter Swedish Pomerania. These reports are founded on letters written by persons worthy of credit; and what adds thereto is, the arrival of a courier from Vienna, with dispatches which have occasioned a council to be held.




LONDON, April 17.

A Great Personage has ordered an allowance out of her privy purse, of six hundred a year, to a Certain capital singer, who is to sing at her concerts; and at no other place.
His Royal Highness the Duke of Cumberland, it is asserted with confidence, has mortgaged his house in Pall-mall. So reduced is he through the vindictive and wretched resentment of his eldest brother.
It is computed, that the late war with the poor Carribbs, at the island of St. Vincent, hath cost this kingdom �300,000. sterling, besides the loss of 1200 lives.
The Princess of Mecklenburgh Strelitz, spouse to the Prince of that name, (Lieutenant-General in the Hanoverian service, Governor of Lunebourg, and second brother to her Majesty,) was safely delivered of a Princess, the 5th inst at Hanover.
The call of the house for the 26th is the general topic of speculative conversation. Some affirm that Lord North insist upon it only to convince the Lower Assembly, that they are reprehensible for Inattention to their parliamentary duty: Others attribute it to the present continental connexions, his Lordship wishing to have the concurrence of parliament to the triple alliance.
A correspondent informs us, that, in the late conferences with Count M and our Ministry, the former, amongst a number of other arguments to break off the triple alliance, urged his master's being a blood relation of his Majesty. Upon which Lord S--d--ch wittily remarked, "That must certainly be a mistake, for that his master proved himself rather a bloody relation the war before last.
That the Nabobs have made their peace at Court is without doubt: The manner of doing it was as follows: Lord C--e was the Plenipotentiary at the Negotiation. "Our terms are these (says he to the Minister) : - Here is a Subscription ;- so much for myself; so much for V---; so much for R----; so much for S----, &c. &c. the Sum total of which makes a very handsome Amount: Now, here it is at your Service, provided you never mention a Word about our villainies" - " Sir, (replied the Minister, like a man of prudence) your Terms are good, and I take them."
It is said, that such of the Asiatic Nabobs as will not come down handsomely, will be prosecuted, and brought to public justice.
Much conjecture is hazarded on the subject of the Sheriffs reply to the Speaker's imperious mandate; the cause was as uncommon as the effect. The Speaker's letter breathed a dictatorial, arrogant air; the Sheriffs answer a firm, manly spirit of freedom. The matter must necessarily terminate in smoke or a blaze. The House will seriously take it up, or they will not in any shape take notice of it. If the first, the ember of patriotism rekindles: if the latter, the House confirms the idea of their meriting silent contempt.
If the door keepers of the House of Commons should refuse to admit Mr. Wilkes on the 26th inst. Mr. E. Burke declares that he will move the House not only to dismiss them from their Employments, but also to commit them to Newgate, for daring to offer so gross an Insult to a Member of that House.
When the Premier was informed of the intention of the Sheriffs, and Wilkes, it is said, he spoke in a most menacing tone of Newgate, and the Tower.
We hear the most superb Masquerade ever exhibited in this Kingdom is now in Contemplation for the Pantheon. The Duke of Manchester, &c. have undertaken the Direction of it. The sum of 2000. Guineas is already deposited for this convivial Meeting.
Yesterday Five Guineas were given for a Pint of green Peas in Covent-Garden Market.
Yesterday three seafaring men, Collins, Spooner and Oates, were charged before Sir John Fielding, &c. with burglariously breaking and entering the house of Mr. Baker, near Chelsea Water-works, on Sunday night last, and stealing some plate, rings, and about sixteen pounds in money. Mrs. Baker deposed, that about two o'clock on Monday morning last, she was awaked by three ruffians, who had got into her bed-chamber, one of whom struck her on the face with a pistol, and with terrible impretations demanded her keys and money. Another of them, whom she swore to be Oates, then held her down with his knees on the bed, while the other two broke open the escrutore, drawers, &c. During this transaction, Collins repeatedly called to his companion, "Damn the b---h, strangle her, kill her, &c." After rifling the bed chamber and parlour, they asked, if there was any body above stairs ?" on which she answered, "No," fearing for the life of, her husband, who was asleep in an upper room. After drinking some rum, and telling her she might be happy she was not used as Mrs. Hutchins's servant was, they departed.- They behaved in a most insolent and arrogant manner upon their examination.
We have it from undoubted authority, that a certain Baronet, after having rioted through a fortune of no less than �3000. per annum, is reduced to so low an ebb, as to be a waiter this present time at an Hotel in Paris. This is no secret; and should be a caution to others to avoid his fate, by living within the bounds of their estates.
This morning an infant, about three months old, was found murdered in a ditch, near Bagnigge Wells; a paper was pinned to its breast, praying the finder of the body to bury it.
In the Edinburgh Courant of Monday last there is an account of a nightly watch being appointed to guard the streets of Dundee. The paragraph-writer is very enthusiastic in the praise of this salutary measure, and after lavishing many encomiums on it, he concludes with observing, that there is a considerable pleasure resulting to the inhabitants at midnight from the watchmen crying, with some degree of harmony, Half an hour past one o'clock, &c.
This day James Sheridan, a convict under sentence of death in Newgate, for a robbery on the highway, and Joseph Piddock, for high treason, in having in his possession implements for coining, were executed at Tyburn. This was Sheridan's birth-day, who entered into his 19th year.
Wednesday evening about nine, -- Eden, Esq. of the Secretary's Office, coming from Hampton in a post-chaise, a fellow who had got up behind, by leave of the driver, suddenly jumped down, ordered the boy to stop, and with great imprecations directed Mr. Eden to deliver his money; but the latter resolutely struck at the Footpad with his cane, bidding the post-boy drive on; the fellow seized the stick and wrenched it out of the gentleman's hand, but the horses starting forward at the same instant, the man was thrown down by the hind wheel, and Mr. Eden luckily got safe to town.
We learn from the Archipelago; that a dreadful hurricane has happened there the 18th of February last, which did great damage, and that an English ship laden with corn had sunk near Lemnos.
We hear from a correspondent in Ireland, that a bill will positively be brought in at the next meeting of the Irish Parliament to prevent the further emigration of the inhabitants of that kingdom into foreign parts. The North of Ireland will be soon distitute of people, it is feared, if some means is not speedily made use of to hinder them from going away; within there three years more than nine hundred families have embarked from thence for America. It is a great pity these staunch and industrious Protestants are not encouraged by government to stay in their own country, which is by far the most flourishing province in Ireland, and, in case of need, the only people the Crown can confide in, or receive any assistance from : Not long since they could raise thirty thousand effective men upon an emergency, with hearts, as well as hands, for the service of their country.
Yesterday fifteen Affidavits was made before the Right.Hon, the Lord Mayor by Capt. Cole, of the ship Benjamin and Lydia, and Capt. Wiggins, of the ship Charles, of their importing eight hundred quarters and nine bushels of wheat into the port of London from Rotterdam, it being the first imported since the premium was offered by the city of London.





BANKRUPTS. William North, of Gutter-lane, Linen-draper.- John Flinders, of Nottingham, Corn-factor.- Richard Chalner, of Barnes Common, Surry, Victualler.- Joseph Le Petit, of Upper Clapton, Middlesex, Dealer in Books .- Ralph Royle, of Southwark, Hop-Merchant,- Edward Elliott, of Tavistock-Street, Laceman.- Michael Rushworth, of New Windsor, Berks, Innholder.- Robert Rogers, of Bristol, Jeweller and Goldsmith; to surrender on the 4th, 7th and 29th of May, at Guildhall, London.- Nicholals Williams the Younger, of Exeter, Merchant and Cornfactor.





BATH, April 19.

Arrived here, Earl Roseberry, Lord Paget, Lord William Seymour, Lord Francis Seymour, Hon. Mr Seymour, Sir Paulet St.John and Lady, Mr. and Miss St.John, Sir Charles Leighton and Lady, and. 4 Miss Leightons, Sir Basil Keith, Col. Martin, Col. Gordon, Capt. Ker, Rev. Mr. Bathurst, Rev. Mr. Jones and Lady, Dr. Drummond, Dr. Boswell, Dr. Balderston, Dr. Cookson, Dr. Campbell and Lady, Mr. and Mrs. Brickdale, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Evans, Mr. and Mrs. Holland, Mr. and Mrs. Dorignon, Mr. and Mrs. Downes, Mr. and Mrs. Foster, Mr. and Mrs. Moody, Mr. and Mrs. Awdry, Mr. and Mrs Orliffe, Mr. and Mrs. Allen, Mr and Mrs Blagrave, Mr and Mrs Bedford, Mr. and Mrs Wills, Mr. and Mrs Willoughby, Mr and Mrs Allason, Mr. and Mrs. Rumbold, Mr and Mrs Kemp, Mr. and Mrs. Putt, Mr. and Mrs Courtney, Mr and Mrs. Ward, Mr. and Mrs. Dolionon, Mr. Damer, Mr. Blake, Mr. Paul, Mr. Dowding, Mr. Carter, 3 Mr. Mortimores, Mr. Graham, Mr. Dodd, Mr. Bonell, Mr. H. Coxe, Mr Estcourt, Mr. Hesse, Mr, Durvet, Mr. Tyndale, Mr, Smith, Mr. Moody, Mr Turner, Mr. Clayton, Mr. Cotton, Mr. Head, Mr Duberry, Mr Steward, Mr Mitford, Mr Hills, Mrs. Cross, Mrs. Hamilton, Mrs Cottrell, Mrs and Miss Blunts, Mrs Coney, Mrs and Miss Gibson, Mrs. Kamsay, Mrs. Hill, Miss Nants, Miss Clinton, 2 Miss Carters, 2 Miss Downes, Miss Jones, Miss Blake, Miss Allen, Miss Wills, Miss Kemp, Miss Bradley, &c. &c.

Last Tuesday was married at Whitchurch, Mr. Wills, Innkeeper at Keynsham, to Miss James, only daughter of the late Mr. James of the same place, Innkeeper: an aimiable young lady possessed of every qualification to render the marriage state happy, with a considerable fortune.
Monday died at her lodgings in this City, Miss Knight, of Godmersham, near Canterbury. -Same day died Mrs. Madden, wife of Mr. John Madden, cabinet-maker and gilder.
Wednesday morning died, Mr. James Banbury, many years an upholder, and late pumper of this city.- Same day died, at her house in King's-mead square, Mrs. Harvey, a widow lady of Bristol.
Thursday died suddenly, at his lodgings in this city, Sir Thomas Whitmore, Bart.- Same day died Mrs. Ann Coney, daughter of the late Rev. Dr. Coney, many years rector of this city.
Saturday died at her house in Brock-street, Mrs. Smith, mother of General Smith.

We hear, at the Theatre-Royal, To-morrow Evening will be perform'd the New Tragedy of Alzuma, (written by Arthur Murphy, Esq.) with the Wedding Ring.- Wednesday (by desire) Hamlet, and Cross Purposes.-Thursday, the new Comedy of She Stoops to Conquer, or the Mistakes of a Night, with entertainments.
A correspondent has informed us, that Mr. and Mrs. Morris of Piersfield, in Monmouthshire, arrived in good health on the Island of Antigua the 5th of March last.
On Friday last were executed at Glocester (pursuant to their sentence at the last assizes) Henry Rooke, for violently assaulting a Collier, and taking from him a pair of shoes, a knife, and 7d. in money; John Butt, a butcher, for stealing six ewe sheep and a ram from Mr. Comley; and Thomas Taylor, for stealing a horse from Mr. Robert Pullen.- They appeared penitent, and behaved as became persons in their unhappy situation.- Rooke, the day before his execution, made a discovery of a notorious gang of housebreakers that have infested the city of Bristol for some time past, particularly their breaking open Mr. Winstone's house in the lower College-green, Mr. Loggon's house near the Hotwells, and a house in Stoke's Croft, and stealing from thence several things of value.
Anecdote of Miss Linley.- On the first treaty of marriage between Miss Linley and Mr. Sheridan (which was finally concluded last Tuesday) the father of the young lady insisted, as a preliminary, that the �3000. obtained of Sir T. Long, for his non-performance of a contract of marriage, should be previously given up to him, which Mr. Sheridan readily consented to. A few days, however, before the marriage day, the Father finding young Sheridan attached to his daughter on no other principles but those of affection, waited on him, and told him he had another condition of a pecuniary nature to settle with him before the marriage. Sheridan told him, nothing of that nature should ever obstruct his happiness. "Why then, says the father, the condition I have to make to you is, to take this �3000. as the properest person I know upon earth to receive it."




GOOD ADVICE.
SAYS B-te to Lord North, see all Faction is dead,
Now resign me your Place without Riot;
Says North, if you'd save your poor wooden Head,
Eat your Pudding, my Lord, and be quiet.





ADVERTISEMENTS EXTRAORDINARY.
WANTED IMMEDIATELY,

A Person who perfectly understands the art of throwing dust into peoples eyes, and can give the best of colours to the worst of measures; who can make it appear, by plausible arguments, that it is for the interest and safety of Great Britain to enter into a strict alliance with France, and even to accede to the Bourbon Family Compact: He must not only use every kind of rhetoric to convince the public, that France is the most natural ally of England, but also be capable of giving reasons that are specious, to shew, that the division of Poland amongst the three confederate Powers, would be the utter ruin of the trade and commerce of this kingdom: And likewise, he must endeavour to persuade the people, by every artful suggestion, that it is absolutely necessary, for the good and security of Great-Britain, to become a party in the war, for the support of the Grand Turk against Russia. However his arguments, being designed merely to blind the people without doors, need only to be tolerably plausible, as more solid ones are already prepared to convince those within.
Letters, on this matter, may be addressed to the Premier at the Board of Treasury; and, if approved of, the writer shall be immediately sent for, and most richly rewarded.
** N.B. He must endeavour to persuade the people, that the very existence of this kingdom depends upon supporting the Electorate of Hanover against any hostile invasion of the King of Prussia.

LOST,
ALL SENSE of HONOUR. Whoever hath found it, and will carry it to the bar of the House of Commons shall be taken into custody for his pains.

FOUND, near ST. JAMES'S,

A VERY LARGE SUM OF MONEY, supposed to be lost by some Asiatic Nabobs. Whoever can make out a proper title to it, must apply immediately to the Thistle and Crown in Knaves Acre; for otherwise it will soon be disposed of in rewarding such poor indigent persons as may merit it by their ready voices in crying out aye or no.





To be SOLD by HAND,
At the Saddler's-Arms, the Upper-End of Stall-Street, Bath, (in a commodious Room up One Pair of Stairs)

BY C. HAEDY, GLASS-CUTTER, from St. Clement's-Inn, Fore-Gate, near Temple-Bar, London: His STOCK in TRADE, consisting of a Variety of Cut, Engraved and Gilt GLASSES, fine Pyramids, Cut Decanters, Cut Jelly Glasses, Smelling Bottles, great Variety of Girondoles, Cream Ewers, Ladies Toilets, Cut Candlesticks, Glass Lanthorns, Cruets and Castors, the Frames all Glass, Cut Wash-hand Glasses, Glass Pictures, Toys for young Ladies, Cut Salvers, Water Crafts, Syllabubs and Sweetmeats, Fish and Counters, Glass Dressing Boxes, Tumblers, Soy Cruets, Chandeliers, Laperne, Bottles, Tapers, Blue Stands, Prisms, Lamps, &c. With a Choice Collection of Glass and China Ornaments for Chimney-Pieces : Also, Variety of Useful China: Which will be Sold at Prime Cost.

Any Lady or Gentleman that purchases, may have their Goods safe pack'd to send to any Part of the Kingdom.




BATH, April 14, 1773.
WHEREAS late on Saturday Night the 10th, or Sunday the 11th Instant, early in the Morning, the Gardens of Mr. Richard Kircum, Mr. Thomas Shergool, and Mr. Samuel Truman, were robbed of a large Quantity of Carnation Layers, Whole Blowers, and Bursters, with some Pans and Plants of Auriculas. And likewise on the Night or Morning of the 27th and 28th of March last, the Garden of Mr. George Allen was also robbed of a Quantity of Whole Blowers and Bursters: Whoever will discover the Offender or Offenders, so that he or they may be brought to Justice, shall, on his or their Conviction, receive FIVE GUINEAS Reward of us.

RICHARD KIRCUMSAMUEL TRUMAN
THOMAS SHERGOOLGEORGE ALLEN

N.B. It is hoped that all Persons who have Gardens will be careful in purchasing Layers, as many of the above having never blown in this Country they will be easily discovered.




WANTED,

A JOURNEYMAN to an APOTHECARY and CHEMIST.-- Enquire of STREET and KINNEIR, Apothecaries and Chemists, at the Phoenix in Northgate-Street, BATH.




To be SOLD,
ONE of SCHUDER's BEST-MADE
HARPSICHORDS:
IT has five Stops and a Treddle, with a Leather Case to Cover it.-Enquire of Mr. Sharp, Hair-Dresser, Bond-street, BATH.




BATH, April 12, 1773.
To be LETT from the First of May next,
A HANDSOME HOUSE and FURNITURE, with a Garden, and other Conveniences, fit for a genteel Family, at �70. a Year; Now occupied by Mr. Townsend, No. 15, New King-Street, (South Side.)
Enquire of Mrs. Brett, Millener in the Grove.




FREEMAN's GUTTA SALUTARIS,
Or DROP OF HEALTH,

TAKEN in cold Water, effectually Cures the Scurvy, Leprosy, and Venereal Disease, in all their dangerous and dreadful Symptoms.- Any Person doubtful of the Efficacy of said Medicine, are requested to refer to the following Affidavit.

To Doctor. FREEMAN,

SIR,
FOR the universal Good of Mankind, that may labour under the same Disorder that I have done, do make Oath on the Holy Evangelists, that I David Murray, of Scotland-Yard, Charing-cross (an Officer by Commission in the Army) was very severely afflicted with a most inveterate Venereal Disorder, and had been under several Gentlemen of the Faculty, endeavouring to get cured, but to no Effect; for the longer they practiced on me, the worser I grew, so that at last my face was changed to the Colour of a Mulatto, and the Parts inflamed to an enormous Size, attended by violent Pains, &. but by taking Four small Bottles of your GUTTA SALUTARIS, it made an excessive fine Cure. I therefore think that every Gentleman who receives the Benefit that I have done, from so valuable a Medicine, need not be ashamed to let the Public know its Efficacy, which I pray the Favour of you to do for me. Witness my Hand this 20th Day of June, 1771.
DAVID MURRAY,
Ensign of the late 76th Regiment.

Westminster, to wit } Sworn before me the Day above written, JOHN GOODCHILD.
This Medicine is Sold at Bath only by J. KEENE, Printer, and the Newscarriers, Price 5s 3d a Bottle with Directions.- Sold also at most Printing Offices in England where a News-paper is printed.




PHILOSOPHY.

R. DONN begs Leave to acquaint the Gentlemen and Ladies in BATH and its Envions, that he intends to begin a COURSE of LECTURES in Experimental Philosophy, Geography, and Astronomy on Thursday the 29th of this Instant, April, at 12 o'Clock, at the Large Room in the Queen's-Head Tavern, Cheap-street.
By this Course Ladies and Gentlemen, though entirely ignorant of these Subjects, may readily understand the Principal Phenomenae of Nature, which have been discovered by the most learned Philosophers in several Ages.
Subscriptions to the whole Course One Guinea. - Subscriptions are taken in by the Booksellers, and the Printer of this Paper, where General Heads of the Lectures may be seen.

* * * Now Selling Mr.DONN'S Map of the Country 11 Miles round Bristol, Price 16s. 6d. fitted upon Canvas with Rollers.




On Tuesday the 20th of this Instant April will
be Published

A CATALOGUE of BOOKS in various Languages, Arts, and Sciences, consisting of near Five Thousand Volumes, with the Prices, which are fix' considerably lower than in other Catalogues.

By THOMAS BURROUGH,
BOOKSELLER in DEVIZES.

Catalogues gratis at Mr. Frederick's, Bookseller, in Bath; Mr. Cadell, and Mrs. Palmer, at Bristol; Messrs. Sealy, Easton, and Hillary, at Sarum; Messrs. Smith, Harold, and Crouch, at Marlborough; Mr. Simpson, at Chippenham; Mr. Stuart, at Bradford, Mr. Stretch at Calne, and at the Place of Sale.