Newspaper Transcripts
Some Selected Reports from - The Craftsman; or SAY's Weekly Journal.
Saturday, September 12th, 1767
SATURDAY, September 5.
From the LONDON GAZETTE of September 5, 1767.
BANKRUPTS
John Beaumont of Leadenhall-street, vintner and dealer, (copartner with Mary Beaumont, of the same place) to surrender the 8th and 25th instant, and 17th of October, at ten in the forenoon, at Guildhall, London.-Attorney Mr.Raincock, in Bearbinder-lane.
Lewis Wacker, of Wapping, in the county of Middlesex, sugar-refiner,dealer and chapman, to surrender the 9th instant, at four in the afternoon, the 12th instant, and 17th of October, at ten in the forenoon at Guildhall, London.-Attorney Mr.Gregg, at Skinner's-Hall.
John Gimblett, of Birmingham, in the county of Warwick, button-maker and watch-maker, to surrender the 17th and 18th instant, and 17th of October,.in the forenoon, at the Dolphin, in Birmingham. Attorney Mr.Charles Stuart.
Days appointed for making the Dividends of Bankrupts' estates to Creditors.
Cuthbert Wilkinson and James Siddall, of Wood-street, London, haberdashers, dealers, chapmen, and partners, the 6th of October, at ten in the forenoon, at Guildhall, London.
Ashton Blackburne, late of Manchester, in the county of Lancashire, manufacturer of checks, dealer and chapman, the 20th of October, at ten in the forenoon, at the Bull's-Head Inn in Manchester.
LONDON
Yesterday, at three a'clock in the afternoon, died, of a putrid fever, at his seat at Sudbrook, near Richmond, in Surry, the Right Hon. Charles Townshend, Chancellor and Undertreasurer of his Majesty's Exchequer, one of his Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Council, Member of Parliament for Harwich, in Essex, &c. &c. &c. He has passed through the several offices, besids those already mentioned, of Lord of Trade and Plantations, of Lord of the Admiralty, of Treasurer of his Majesty's Chambers, of Secretary at War, of First Lord of Trade and Plantations, and of Paymaster General of his Majesty's Forces; in all which departments he shone with distinguished lustre and abilities. But his great fort was in the Senate, where no one ever excelled, if any ever equalled him, in eloquence or ability; in reasoning in the most fair, candid, and convincing manner. Trade, manufactures, commerce, colonies, and the finances of this country in particular, have an irreparable loss in him. To this may be added, with the strictest truth and justice, that there could not be a more affectionate husband, a more tender parent, a better master, or a more enchanting and instructive companion.
The people of Ireland are so extremely sanguine for a sepennial Parliament, that all the corporations in the kingdom are instructing the Members to obtain such a measure at their next Assembly.
Several Popish Priests have lately embraced the Protestant religion in Ireland; and it is thought that a good many more will follow the same example, as the government generally allows them a maintenance after recantation.
The week before last the Rev.Mr.Occum, of the tribe of Mohegan Indians, in the colony of Connecticut, in North-America, preached at Bradford, Heckmondwike, and many other places in the West-Riding of Yorkshire; after which very considerable collections were made for the benefit of the Indian charity schools lately instituted in that country for the civilization of the natives. And on Sunday last the Rev.Dr.Whitaker, who accompanies Mr.Occum, preached at the Dissenting meeting house in Call-lane, Leeds, where upwards of �13. was collected for the said charity.
A few nights ago a Lady at the West end of the town, having lost a considerable sum at gaming, was so chagrined that she tucked herself up in her own bed-chamber, but fortunately her maid came in, and cut her down time enough to fave her life; but she has behaved in such a manner ever since, that a watch has been set over her, to prevent her making away with herself any other way.
We are informed, that the quantity of hair now worn by ladies is procured in the following manner; That in the hospitals, whatever patients died, their hair became the perquisite of the nurses, who carefully sheared them, to supply this great demand for human hair: that both the small-pox, and a distemper still more disagreeable, supplied the greatest part; for a number of girls, who had once been very fine girls, died continually in the Lock Hospital, whose heads of hair the nurses took particular care to save from the grave; and that from such crops the heads of our politest ladies were furnished.
Yesterday morning about 9 o'clock, 107 felons under sentence of transportation in Newgate, were conveyed on board the vessel which is to transport them to America.
Yesterday a boy was committed to the Compter by the sitting Alderman at Guildhall, for being concerned with some other boys in stealing a large quantity of ribbon from a shop in Long-lane, Smithfield, who has given information against a gang of boys with whom he has lately been concerned in divers robberies, in consequence whereof warrants have been issued out to apprehend them.
Edinburgh, Aug. 31. On Sunday night died at Corstorphine, the Rev.Mr.George Fordice, minister of the gospel, in the 85th year of his age, and 58th of his ministry.
This morning, a countryman having come to the West Port, to engage some repears to cut down his ready corn, would not condescend to agree with them at a higher price than 2d. a day and their victuals; and had the imprudence to tell them, that it was not only enough, but too much; and that he had seen the times when they would have been glad to work for their meat, and hoped yet to see the like days: upon which the reapers flew on him, in a desperate rage, and, had he not got shelter in a neighbouring house, would have torn him to pieces.
Boston, New England, July 13. From Somerset county, Maryland, we learn, that one Francis Ange died there about three months ago, in a very advanced age. A gentleman of that province, some years ago, having occasion to ride in the neighbourhood where this man lived, and hearing of his great age, had the curiosity to go and see him. In a letter to his friend and correspondent in this town, dated August 19, 1764, he gives the following account of him, as he had it from the man himself, that he was born at Stratford upon Avon, in Warwickshire, England; that his father's name was John, a cutler by trade, and his mother's name EIeanor; that he could remember King Charles I. being beheaded, as he was then a pretty big boy; that he came to this country in a ship from Parkgate, called the Great Bengal, and served his time with one Nicholas Demar, on Rappahannock. The gentleman says, that at that time he was not less than 130 years of age, bag scarce a wrinkle in his face, had thick black hair, with a very few grey hairs interspersed, and that his wife, who was then about 80, had a son by him not above 27 years of age.
Monday, September 7.
LONDON.
We hear that their Majesties intend shortly to honour the Duke of Marlborough with a visit at Blenheim-house.
Friday some dispatches, said to be of importance, were received at Mr. Secretary Conway's office from the Hon.Roger Hope Elletson, Esq; Lieutenant Governor of Jamaica.
Mr.Gay is appointed Gentleman of the Bedchamber, with Mr. Swan, to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland; and not Capt. Baudin, as mentioned in one of Thursday's evening papers.
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Captain Baudin is one of the Gentlemen at Large, with Capt.John Wright, and Capt.Wm.Brereton, to Lord Townshend -There are generally twelve Gentlemen at Large, but his Excellency, though great and powerful application has been made for several other gentlemen, will not appoint any more without maturely considering whether he can provide for them agreeable to their expectation.
Friday last Samual Mason, Esq; of Chelsea, was chosen Master of the Worshipful Company of Mercers; Joseph Scott, Esq; was chosen Surveyor of St.Paul's School; Joseph Trigg, Esq; House Warden; and Robert Carroll, Esq; Renter Warden, for the year ensuing.
'Tis said there are three new comedies to make their appearance at Drury-lane Theatre next season, wrote by gentlemen of great abilities.
'Tis also said that there are two new musical pieces and a tragedy to make their appearance at Covent-garden Theatre next season. By these means the public is likely to be well entertained.
The Merchant of Venice will be played the ensuing winter at Drury-lane, and we are told Mr.Garrick proposes to appear in the character of Shylock.
Mr.Bentley, we are told, is engaged from Drury-lane house at Covent-garden Theatre.
By the last letters from Paris we are informed that no man in Europe ever cut so great a figure in dancing as that ce!ebrated Irishman, Mr.Slingsby, who now performs at the new French opera, with most uncommon applause, and is employed in teaching by the first Nobility there, who, to their honour, are not so much bigotted to Italian performers only, but will give encouragement to those of any nation whose performances may deserve it.
Wednesday last a bloody bruising match was fought in the ruins of St.Giles's, between two noted female bruisers, the one from Newtoner's lane, the other from Brown's gardens; when the former, after a contest of twenty minutes, was crowned with victory; amidst the plaudits of a vast crowd of spectators.
On Tuesday night last, about ten o'clock, as a gentleman was walking past Mrs.----'s house, in ----street, Greenwich, there fell, within two yards of him, a bed-tick all on fire, from a three pair of stairs window: on extinguishing the flames, he (with several of the neighbours then got together) found upwards of sixty love letters, It appears the said Mrs. ---- has a daughter, about seventeen years of age, and finding she had a sweetheart, insisted on searching her room for letters, on which the daughter went immediately to that old tick, and set it on fire, and the mother had the prefence of mind, for fear of bad consequences, to throw it out of the window.
Last Thursday night the Coroner's Inquest sat at the Earl of Halifax's Arms, in Halifax-street, Spital-fields, on the body at the child who was run over by a brick cart belonging to Mr.Clavering's buildings, on Tuesday last, and killed on the spot. The driver being riding on his cart, a man looking out of a two pair of stairs window, called to him to stop his horses and take care of the child; which he paid no regard to, but drove faster. After the examination of several witnesses, the Jury brought in their verdict Manslaughter.
A few days ago a young fellow married a young woman, housekeeper to an eminent tradesman in this city, and soon after he told her he had an estate in the country, and produced a letter, wherein he and his wife were invited to come there and settle; upon this she left her place, and having a small sum of money in the stocks, she sold out, and packed up her cloaths, which her husband took away under pretense of carrying to the inn, but did not return. The next day he sent her a letter, informing her that all he had said about the estate in the country was false, and that he should never see her more. By this means the poor girl is stripped by an artful villain of all that she had been many years working for.
The convicts shipped on Friday last are to remain in the river till after next Old Bailey sessions, in order to carry with themsuch as may be cast for transportation.
A few days since a well dressed man, who talks broad Scotch, went to the shop of Mr.Colby, a watchmaker in Fleet-street, and pretending to be a Scotch nobleman, bespoke a gold watch, and ordered, that when ready, it should be sent to his lodgings in Salisbury-court; he also borrowed a silver watch till the other was finished. Last Friday evening the gold watch was carried, by Mr. Colby's servant, to the pretensed nobleman; who then making some fictitious excuse to go out of his room, ran out of the house with the gold watch, and without any person therein perceiving him: but it fortunately happened that a taylor's boy, to whom this spark was indebted, at that instant seeing him in the street, followed him to a house near Temple-Bar, where he went in and hired a fresh lodging. The boy, upon going home, informed his master of the above circumstance, and a constable being thereupon procured, my Lord was seized the same night in his new apartment, and on Saturday being carried before the Lord Mayor at the Mansion-house, was committed to the Compter. It is reported, several other people have been defrauded by this man, and will appear against him at his next examination.
Edinburgh, Sept.1. We hear from a gentleman come from York-races, that there were Iess company there this year than ever known. Only 184 carriages appeared on the race ground; and he counted last year 324. The same observation has been made here, and in other places; so that horse-racing, like some other things, appears to be on the decay, at least it does not seem to be the most fashionable diversion at present.
The great American Aloe, in the Botanic garden, which the late Dr.Ailton[?] received from Dr.Boerhaave, in 1720, and then reckoned to be 20 years old, is expected to flower in a few days. This plant, which is not 70 years old, usually put fort five new leaves every year, and discovered no appearance of flowering till within these four weeks past. The flowering item presently measures 12 feet, and the flowers are beginning to break forth.
From the SOUTH-CAROLlNA GAZETTE.
Charles Town, South-Carolina, July 10. This day arrived here, from West Florida, his Majesty's ship Cygnet, commanded by Philip Durell, Esq; in which came passengers Brigadier-General Taylor and his lady, whom Captain Durell landed at St.Augustine. The Cygnet, in her way from Pensacola, went to the Havanna, and, when abreast of the Moro, was hailed and ordered to bring to; Capt. Durell answered, that he would do so as soon as the ship was in safety, on which several guns were fired at him from the Moro, and, just as the anchor was gone, a twenty four-pound ball struck the Cygnet about six inches above the water, went through her larboard side, and struck in the star board. Capt.Durell was not permitted to go on shore, but wrote to the Governor, complaining of the insult offered to the British flag ; and had for answer, that they had the King's orders not to suffer any ship to enter that port. We are told severaI other letters past. A few days after, the Adventure frigate, Capt.Fitzherbert, came off the Havanna, with dispatches from Admiral Parry to the Spanish Governor, and met with much the same treatment. The Spaniads used the most scurrilous abusive language to both ships, calling the people English dogs, &c. These are all the particulars of this extraordinary affair we have as yet been able to procure. There is no doubt that proper notice will be taken os such daring insults, and the Dons be made to know themselves, and not forget who were their conquerors.
Charles-Town, July 24. Letters from West Florida inform us, that the scarcity of provisions is entirely removed, by the arrival of large quantities in the several vessels from the Northern Colonies.
This day arrived here from Great Britain and the West Indies, last in 24 days from Pensacola, his Majesty's packet the Hillborough, commanded by Capt. Leslie Grove. From the length of the voyage, the Captain being in want of refreshments and other necessaries, went to the Havanna for a supply; but on attempting to go into the harbour, for applying to the Governor, had two shot fired at him, which were certainly designed to sink him, and, had he not immediately put about, a number of cannon, ready charged and pointed, would have sent his Majesty's ship to the bottom. The Spaniards said no ship or vessel with British colours should enter that harbour. This is the third insult the British flag has received at the same place within a few weeks.
TUESDAY, September 8.
Whitehall, Sept.8.
The King has been pleased to constitute and appoint Henry Hulton, John Temple, William Burch, Charles Paxton, and John Robinson, Esqrs. to be Commissioners for the receipt and management of his Majesty's Customs and other duties in America.
The King has been pleased to grant unto James Porter, Esq; the office of Comptroller on the cashier of the accounts of the Customs and other duties in America.
The King has been pleased to grant unto Charles Stuart, Esq the office of Cashier and Pay-master of his Majesty's revenues of customs and other duties in America.
The King has been pleaaed to grant unto Philip Sharpe, Esq; one of the Clerks of his Majesty's Council, the office of keeper of the Privy-Council Records, in the room of William Sharpe, Esq; deceased.
Day appointed for making the dividend of a Bankrupt estates to Creditors
Nathaniel Saunders, late of the city of Bristol, butcher, the 1st of October, at four in the afternoon, at the Bush tavern, in Corn street, Bristol.
Certificate to be allowed to a Bankrupt.
James Miller, of the parith of St.Mary Ie Bonne, in the county of Middlesex, carver, on or before the 29th instant.
By the Lisbon mail which arrived yesterday, an account was received of the safe arrival of his Excellency William-Henry Lyttleton, Esq; Envoy Extraordinary to that Court.
We hear the Hon.Thomas Lyttleton, Esq; will offer himself a candidate for the borough of Bewdley, in Worcestershire, the ensuing general election.
They write from Bourdeaux, that the Duke of York, who arrived there on the 17th, had supped with Marshal Richlieu, and dined with the Intendant of the Province, and that on the 20th his RoyaI Highness set out for Languedoc and Provence.
On Saturday the Hawke East-Indiaman, Captain Cotton, arrived at her moorings in the river; as did also the Duke of Albany East-lndiaman, Captain Haldane, from Bombay.
We hear that the manufacture for making gold and silver wire at Uttoxeter, in Staffordshire, is laid aside; and the journeymen, who went from London, are all returned back again.
Notwithstanding the number of labourers constantly employed to get the corn into the granaries and warehouses along the Thames below bridge, in order to preserve it sound and merchantable, the most part of it is and will be so much damaged, that no baker will buy it, on which account the distillers, starch makers, and owners of hogs, are in great hopes that most part of it will fall to their shares.
Yesterday se'nnight Mr.Adam Smith, an eminent brewer, was elected Mayor of Reading for the year ensuing.
On Friday last a woman, who lives in Lewisham, supposed to be disordered in her mind, took her son, about nine months old, and drowned him in a firkin of water; after which she ran about the neighbourhood telling of what she had done, but was soon secured, and confined in the Watch house, till the Coroner's Inquest sat on the infant's body.
Thursday and Friday, it was computed, that upwards of a thousand head of black and other cattle passed over Westminster-bridge, to the salt marshes in Kent, to be fattened. It has been remarked, that this was the greatest number ever known in the memory of any man living, to pass over the said bridge in the same time. They were all bought at the Welch fair at Barnet.
A master builder in St.Giles's having lately taken a farm of Mrs.Hucks, near St.John's wood farm, was complimented last Saturday morning, with 100 teams laden with dung, in procession, by the neighbouring farmers, and each horse being dressed up with ribbons in Tottenham-court road, they made an agreeable shew, and drew thither a mulitude of spectators. This is an ancient custom amongst tenants thereabouts; but the number of teams on Saturday last, greatly exceeded any within memory.
Sunday afternoon a pleasure barge, coming up the river from Woolwich, where the company had drank liberally of arrack punch, ran against a ship, under full sail, in Blackwall Reach, and overset, when one young man was drowned, and the rest saved with great difficulty.
Bristol, Sept 5. Monday last cause, very remarkable in its event, was tried at our assize, before Sir Joseph Yates -It was as follows: Mr. Bryant, of Magotsfield, sent his servant with two mares to sell at St.James's fair, 1766, where one Thomas Jackson met him, and agreed to give him 23 guineas for them. Some difficulty arising how to procure the money, a person of the same gang came in at the instant;and bought a gelding (which Jackson had at the door) at the same price he was to give for the mares. The gelding was to be sent to the Bell Inn in St. Thomas-street, to one Crook, who was to pay for him; but Jackson being lame, prevailed on Mr.Bryant's man to take him, whilst he prepared a dinner. He accordingly went, but finding no such person there, returned, and found that Jackson had gone off with the mares, and countermanded the dinner Jackson was with much difficulty discovercd, and this trial brought on for the recovery of the price of the mares. Great villainy appearing throughout the whole transaction, the mares were judged to be stolen, and Jackson was immediately sent to prison, and Mr.Bryant and his man bound to prosecute him at our next gaol delivery.
Gosport, Sept 2. On Saturday Iast four of the villains concerned in assaulting and dangerously wounding Mr.Birkinshaw, on the 19th of last month, were apprehended, and were all severally brought before him yesterday, when be pointed out the villain who first knocked him down, and the others that abetted him; who, together with the others before apprehended, are detained in our Bridewell till Mr.Birkinshaw shall be declared by his surgeons out of danger; when proper steps will be taken to bring them to condign punishment.
The gardiners in this neighbourhood have suffered greatly this summer by seamen, as supposed, belonging to the guard-ship in the harbour, who make a common practice of getting into the gardens in the night time, and not only carry away great quantities of garden stuff, but trample on and demolish much more. A gardener near this town, who rents but a small piece of ground, has, at several times this summer, had stolen from him large quantities of onions, cabbages, &c. which obliged him to keep continual watch in his garden; and on Wednesday evening last he discovered two men in seamens jackets therein, with bags, aprons, &c. whom he, by the assistance of a gun and dog, secured, and lodged them in our Bridewell.
Galway, Aug.27 Yesterday returned hither from the country, whither he went hence on a visit on Saturday last, the Chevalier D'Arcy, from Paris, nephew of Patrick D'Arcy, of Kiltolla, in this county, Esq; a Knight of the ancient and honourable Orders of St.Lazare and St.Croix, and a Member of the Royal Academy of Arts and Sciences in Paris.
Wednesday, September 9.
LONDON.
On board the Duke of Albany Indiaman there is come over one of the finest Arabian horses, that has been seen in England for many years.
Yesterday the Right Hon.the Lord Mayor ordered the price of Bread to be lowered half an assize, or one penny in a peck loaf, and to take place tomorrow.
Yesterday morning the Right.Rev.Dr.Terrick, Lord Bishop of London, attended by the proper officers from the Commons, went to AIlhallows, London-wall church, which his Lordship consecrated with the usual ceremonies; after which. divine service was performed by the Rev.Mr.Mence, the rector; an excellent sermon, suitable to the occasion, was also preached by the Rev.Dr.Hinde, chaplain to the Bishop, and rector of St.Ann's, Soho, from I John iv. v. 24. "God is a spirit; and they that worship him, must worship him in spirit and in truth." The Holy Communion was next administered to the Bishop and the congregation prersent: after which his Lordlhip proceeded to the church yard, were, under a tent erected for that purpose, his Lordship pronounced the sentence of consecrating the said church yard, amidst the most numerous audience of spectators almost ever seen on such an occasion.
The new church of Allhallows, London-wall, which has been about two years a building, reckoning from the time of first pulling down the old church, is reckoned one of the neatest, elegantest, and most commodious, for the size, that has been built many years. It is the first public building performed under the direction of Mr.George Dance, jun. who, it is said, formed the model from a church called St.Sepulchre's, at Rome.
They advice from Bristol, that seveal large commissions for goods, proper for the Spanish West lndia trade, have been countermanded.
It is said that a gentleman lately belonging to the Royal Navy, has invented a cannon shell, of a new construction, for naval service, to answer the purpofe of a bomb; a proof of which has been lately made with a forty pounder, and it has been found, in every respect, to answer.
A few days ago an oak tree was felled, near Ludlow, in Shropshire, the produce of which were 37 tons of timber, 43 cords of wood, 200 park pales, and five cords of brackets. A bough broke off before the tree was cut down, which weighed 7 1/2 tons, and three men were employed a month in stocking it. The whole tree was valued at �140.
Saturday the following accident happened at the Whalebone, two miles from Romford; -- Bullock. Esq; of Stratford, and Daniel Le Gass, Esq; a Genoese merchant, returning from Rumford, (where they had been taking the diversion of shooting) having their guns loaded in the chaise with them, by some means one of the pieces went off, and killed Mr. Le Gass on the spot ; the body was carried to the White Horse, near the above place, for the Coronrr's Inquest to sit on it.
Monday a girl about 12 years of age was brought before Sir Samuel Fludyer at Guildhall, having been found lying about the streets. She said the had been bound apprentice to a childs coat-maker near Covent-garden, by the parish of St. Andrew, Holborn; but that her mistress used her in so barbarous a manner as caused her to run away. A. gentleman was sitting in the room at the time the girl was brought in, when the, looking steadfastly at him, said, he was her father: On his being asked if he knew her, he seemed surprized at so unexpected a charge, but, upon recollection, said, that her mother formerly lived as a servant with him, and he gave leave for the child to be with her, but declared she was none of his. The girl was sent to St. Andrew's parish to be taken care of.
The young fellow pretending to be a Scotch Nobleman, who was last Saturday committed to the Compter, was again examined before his Lordship, when several perions appeared against him; after which he was remanded back to the Compter until he has made the several parties whom he has defrauded proper satisfaction.
Newcastle, Sept 5. We hear that Lord Edward Bentinck (brother to the Duke of Portland) and Sir William Musgrave, father-in-law to the Earl of Carlisle, have declared themselves candidates for the city of Carlisle.
Monday last Thomas Nickolson, condemned at the assizes at Carlisle, for the murder of Thomas Parker, butcher, was executed at Carlisle; and his body conveyed from thence to Carlton Fell, near Penrith, where the murder was perpetrated, and there hung in chains pursuant to his sentence. By the confession which he delivered to the minister who attended him on Sunday, before receiving the sacrament, he declared himself innocent of the charge for which he suffered.
On Saturday died of a violent fever, Miss Hodgson, of Elswick.
Extract of a private letter from Dublin.
"Whoever would be a popular Lord Lieutenant of this kingdom must drink hard, and keep an open table and an open cellar. The foible of the people in general is hospitality, and whoever practises this with prudence, will not meet with much opposition in any thing he makes a point of carrying. This was so well understood and practised by some Viceroys, that they were thereby enabled to do more hurt to the nation, than any of their unpopular predecessors ever did, or could do. Whatever the Irish gentlemen promise over their bottle, they are ashamed to retract when sober."
Thursday, September 10.
LONDON
Saturday last the body of Mr.Townshend was opened, when it appeared that he died of a mortification in his bowels.
It is said Lord Chatham has already sold one of the great estates (the Wiltshire estate) left him by the late Sir William Pynsent, Bart. to Mr.Taylor, belonging to the Bank, for �20,000.
Lord Chatham is at present at Burton Pynsent in Somersetshire.
We hear that the Hon. Sir William Stanhope,Knt. brother to Lord Chesterfield, does not intend to be candidate for the county of Bucks at the next general election; and that there is likely to be a very strong contest to succeed him for Member of the aforefaid county.
It is said that some of the East-India Nabob's money has found its way to a set of royal burroughs between the Tay and the Forth; and that the contest will be very warm betwixt the present Member, Secretary to the Noble Order of the Thistle, and an eminent Scots Counsellor of Edinburgh.
Extract of a letter from Virginia, to a gentleman in Newcastle, dated June 20, 1767.
We have had a general and continued drought here for these six weeks past, which threatens not only a great scarcity of tobacco, but a famine for want of grain and verdure, which, at this time, is almost burnt up; in short, we have a very dismal prospect here.
Yesterday morning twenty-five thousand eggs, and a large quantity of young turkeys, were imported in the river from Dunkirk.
Early on Monday morning was forwarded from the Spread Eagle in Gracechurch-street for Lincoln, upon a carriage' adapted for that purpose, a model of the famous Bell vulgarly called Great Tom of Lincoln, exact in dimension and symmetry: the body of it is composed of cork cased within and without with brass above an inch in thickness, well polished, on which are the bold cornice, the groves, mouldings, and all the other ornaments, together with the superscription in large characters as on the original.- It is intended to be hung in an antique building, in the form of a sugar loaf, the north east corner of the Castle-hill, for the gratification of the curious stranger, who will be permitted to see it on paying the usual demand: so that the absurd custom, which has prevailed for centuries past of setting open the door of the cathedral church on all public occasions, will, for the future, be entirely laid aside; being found by experience, that such great crowding is not only productive of many disorders and irregularities but a scandal and disgrace to that noble Gothic structure.
An apple tree in a garden belonging to the pastry cook opposite the Roman school at Hammersmith, is now in blossom, which in former years commonly yielded its ripe fruit in August.
Monday last, as two gentlemen of fortune (at a coffee-house at the West end of the town) were disputing in the coffee.room, one of them not chusing to brook with a contradiction, got up and struck the other a blow on the face; the gentleman so affronted instantly drew his sword and ran him through the body. The wounded gentleman is under the hands of an eminent surgeon, and the other has been obliged to give bail.
Early yesterday morning a fire broke out on board a barge coming up the river, laden with unslacked lime, which burnt with so much violence, that she was obliged to he towed on shore near Cuckold's Point, and scuttled.
Yesterday the sessions began at the Old Bailey, when one prisoner was capitally convicted, viz:
Samuel Tudor, for burglariously breaking and entering the dwelling-house of John Ride, a husbandman, in Feltham and stealing 8 1/4d, in copper.
The following were cast for transportation, ElIzabeth Ladd, for stealing a siIver watch, the property a Wm.Croker; Richard Wykes, for stealing a copper pot, and a-tin pot; Elizabeth Craydon, for stealing a silver watch and a handkerchief, the property of William Robinson; John Edwards, for stealing a quantity of sugar out of a warehouse on Fresh-wharf; Rowland Arnold, for stealing a suit of cloaths, the property of William Augustine Skinner; James Young and Elizabeth Morgan, for stealing a quantity of copper, the property of persons unknown; William Woolls and Thomas Mills, two boys, for stealing, in the shop of Mr.Drybutter in Westminster-hall, several watches, silver buckles, and other things; John Ballard and John Henshaw, for stealing about three bushels of oats, the property of William Simpson ; Thomas Phillips, for stealing a pair of sheets, the property of George Sterne; Daniel Dan, for stealing a piece of Hessian cloth, the property of Messrs.Williams and Co.; John Miller, alias Crockstone, for stealing, in the shop of Mr.Nuttall, in, Brownlow-street, three pair of silk stockings; and Richard Davis, for stealing a livery coat and waist-coat, belonging to one of the servants of Sir Charles Saunders.
Elizabeth Harris was convicted of petit larceny.
Yesterday a bill of indictment was found by Grand Jury, at the Old Bailey, against James and Elizabeth Brownrigg, and John their son, for the wilful murder of Mary Clifford, apprentice to the said James.
Yesterday a countryman was decoyed by two sharpers into a public-house in Rosemary-Iane, where they won all his money at cards, except a �20 Bank note, which they likewise changed for nineteen counterfeit guineas and a shilling, and got clear off with their booty.
Friday, September 11.
It is said that an ingenious mechanic of this city has found out a method of working a ship in a calm, by the help of a machine, which answers the purpose of oars; an experiment whereof will be made in a few days on board a man of war.
Some unfavourable representations having been put into the public papers of the melancholy incident of Thomas Goodere, the convict, who was executed lately at Chelmsford, before the arrival of the reprieve sent down for him, it is proper he public, as well as the friends of that unhappy man, should he informed (by authority) of the real circumstances of that affair.
Some time before an application had been made to the Secretary of State in favour of one Charles Harrington, condemned for a burglary at the same assizes, in consequence of which the Secretary, by his Majesty's orders, sent a reference of the case to the Judge who tried him, and at the same time sent a respite, as is his constant custom on the like occasions, in order to prevent any accidents which might arise from any delay in receiving the Judge's report; which caution is the more necessary, as the persons applying in favour of any of these unhappy convicts seldom mention either the circumstances of their conviction, or the time when they are likely to suffer.
In the present case, no application at all had been made for the pardon of Thomas Goodere; but the Judge in reporting the case of Charles Harrington, was also prompted by his humanity to mention that of Goodere, who was also under sentence of death at the same place, ,and whose crime appeared to his Lordship Iess flagrant than that of Harrington; he therefore recommended it to his Majesty, in casc he should think proper to shew his Royal clemency towards Harrington, in whose behaIf the application had been made to extend the same mercy to Thomas Goodere, the other convict, who had found no friends to plead for him.
This report of the Judge being the first application of any kind made in favour of Goodere, was not received at the Secretary's office till Friday, the very day on which he unfortunately suffered. The Secretary carried it immediately to his Majerty, and with his consent directed a reprieve to be made out for him, and at the same time ordered a respite, which was sent the same evening, though no kind of intimation had then been given that there was a prospect of his being to suffer that day, or that any particular time was fixed for his execution; nor could any circumstance then known, lead to imagine it was so near.
As to the circumstance of another convict said to have suffered at the same time, in the same manner, it was a mistake; the other criminal, John Phillips, having been previously reprieved by the Judge himself.
Another person, by name Butcher, was executed at the same time, but the Judge had not recommended him, nor had any application been made in his favour. This probably might occasion the mistake.
Yesterday morning between twelve and one o'clock a fire broke out at the house of Mr.Hyde, a stocking trimmer, in the Tower Royal, near St.Thomas Apostles, which wholly consumed the inside of the said house, and lightly damaged the two adjoining houses. The flames, before being discovered, were so violent, that Mr.Hyde and his wife were first obliged to throw their young child out of window, and then jump after it. The child was happily preserved by some men holding a blanket under the window to receive it: but Mr.Hyde, missing his jump, fell into the street, and had his thigh broke in a terrible manner. Mrs.Hyde also missed the blanket, and was unfortunatley killed upon the spot. Mr.Hyde was sent, with small hopes of his recovery, to St.Bartholomew's hospital, where it is reported he yesterday daied. The servant maid happily escaped without being hurt, by getting from the garret window over the tiles to the adjoining house. It is reported that Mrs.Hyde was big with child at the time of her death. It is also reported that this fire was occasioned by some defect in one of the stoves in the shop.
We are told, that on taking down the names of Papists in St.Giles's parish, and that neighbourhood, there are near 2000 housekeepers, and keepers of two-penny lodging houses, the greatest part of them being Hibernians.
Tuesday evening two women in a single horse chaise, with a child they had fetched from a boarding school, in endeavouring to shun a waggon near the five mile stone on the Edmondton road, overset the chaise, by which accident the child, about six years old, was killed, by a wheel of the waggon going over him, and one of the women had her arm broke.
Friday morning a fine boy about three years old, son of Mr.Brackston, dyer; in St.Giles's, fell out of a two pair of stairs window, and broke both his legs and his right arm; he was taken to the Middlesex hospital, and its thought will recover.
Tuesday evening sorne bull-hankers (as they are called) coming to town from a bull-baiting at Hornsey, a butcher and a drover quarrelled about one of their dogs being killed, when the butcher stabbed the drover in the, bel!y, so that his bowels came out: He was brought home alive, but died the same night.
Bath, Sept. 7. We are informed from Bitton in Gloucestershire, that on Friday last one Marks, employed in the brass mills there, beat his wife very unmercifully, on account of her chiding him for correcting a child, on which the ran for shelter into a neighbour's house, where she continued till his passion seemed to be abated; but immediately on going home, he repeated his blows with a stick so violently, that in a very short time she died under his hands. The Coroner's lnquest have fat on her body, and brought in their verdict wilful murder against her husband, who was immediately committed to Gloucester goal. The deceased has left seven children.
Birmingham, Sept. 7. Sunday the 30th ult. the Rev.Mr.Billing, an EngIish Jesuit, and lately domestic Priest to Thomas Whitgrave, Esq; of Mosely, in the county of Stafford, publicly renounced the Roman Catholic religion, and was admitted into the communion of the church of England, by the Right Rev. the Lord Bishop of Litchfield and Coventry, in his cathedral church; An excellent sermon on the occasion was preached by the Rev.Mr.Backhouse, his Lordship's chaplain, from St.Matth. ch. iii.v.8. "Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance,"
Extract of a letter from Burslem in Staffordshire, Sept.5
"Though our stone ware has been universally used, yet till our turnpikes were made few people ever saw our manufactories; but now they are gazed at as a novelty. The ladies go to Warburton's to buy the Queen's sets of cream-coloured ware; and the gentlemen come to view our eighth wonder of the world, the subterraneous navigation, which is cutting by the great Mr.Brindley, who handles rocks as easily as you would plumb pies, and makes the four elements subservient to his will. He is as plain a looking man as one of the boars of the Peak, or one of his own carters; but when he speaks, all ears listen, and every mind is filled with wonder at the things he pronounces to be practicable. He has cut a mile through bogs, which he binds up, embanking them with the stones which he gets out of other parts of the navigation, besides about a quarter of a mile into the hill Yelden; on the side of which he has a pump, which is worked by water; and a stove, the fire of which sucks thro' a pipe the damps which would annoy the men, who are cutting towards the centre of the hill. The clay he cuts out serves for brick to arch the subterraneous part, which we heartily wish to see finished to Wilden Ferry, when we shall be able to send coals and pots to London, and to different parts of the globe.- Another mile is cut on the Cheshire side of the hill; and the men intend to meet in the middle by Christmas, when they are to have an ox roasted whole, and an hogshead of ale."
Extract of a letter from Devizes, Sept.5.
This day one Sarah Wilson, alias Nixon, was committed to our Bridewell, as a notorious cheat and impostress: She has defrauded several gentlemen, ladies, tradesmen, and others, of considerable sums, under pretence of being a woman of family and birth, and used to stile herself the Countess of Normandy. She is about 20 years of age, of fair complexion, a little pocksretten[?], short of stature, and slim in person, and is supposed to be the same woman who lately played so many pranks at Litchfield, Coventry, and places adjacent."
APPOINTED. Philip Sharpe, Esq. Keeper or the Council Records, in the room of the late William Sharpe, Esq; The Right Honourable William Earl of March, to be Vice-Admiral of Scotland, in the room of the Right Hon. John Earl of Hyndford, deceased. The fixed salary of the Vice Admiral of Scotland, is �1000. per ann. besides the power of naming the Judge of the High Court at Admiralty when vacant, and, officers, as well as several substitute Admirals, together with a right in all wrecks, waises, &c cast away upon the coast. Charles Stuart, Esq; is to be Paymaster and Cashier of the Customs of America. At York, John Fisher, jun. Esq; Mayor of that Corporation, for the year ensuing. At Lynn, Charles Turner, Esq; collector of the Customs for the said port, Mayor of the Corporation for the ensuing year. The university of Edinburgh has conferred the degree of Doctor in Divinity on the Rev. Mr. Hepper, a Dissenting Minister; and the Degree of Doctor in Laws on the Rev.Mr.Jeffries, Professor of Civil Law at Gresham college. At Liverpool, the Rev. Mr. Fishwick{?], Lecturer of St.George's. Robert Paris Taylor, Esq; of Grately, Hants is (for life) Ranger of the ancient forest of Bear, in the said county. This deputation has always been greatly solicited by sportsmen. Robert Guillim, Esq; has presented the Rev.Mr.Edward Owen to the rectory of that place, worth �700. a year. The Rev.Dr.Duchair, preacher at the Octogon in Bath. The Rev. Mr. David Renaud, by the governors of Guy's hospital, unanimously, to the Vicarage of Dowsal, with the chapels annexed to it, in the county of Hereford, vacant by the death of the late Rev.Mr. William. Mr.John Woodward to succeed Mr.Croome, deceased, as Second CIerk in Ordinary in the Delivery Office at the Ordnance; and Mr. William Briggs was at the same time appointed one of the clerks extraordinary.
MARRIED. At Rankeiller in Fife, Scotland, the Hon. Capt. Frederick Maitland, to Miss Peggie Dick. At Bath, Mr.Thomas Henley, of that city, to Miss Molly Hewith, !ate of Oakill, in the county of Somerset. At St.Mary, Rotherhith, Mr.Duffel, clerk to Justice Leach, to Miss Ball, of Rotherhith, a near relation of Captain Ball, of the same place. At Kilmundy, in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, William Urquhart, of Croystone[?], Esq. to Miss Margaret Irvine, daughter of George Irvine, of Arlamford, Esq; Mr.Hackford, of St.George's, Hanover-square, to Miss Biggs, of Putney. Mr.Hetherington, attorney, to Miss Clarke, of Croydon, in Surry. Mr.Thomas Jefferys, goldsmith and jeweller, in Cock pur-street, to Miss Coles. At Fowey, by the Rev.Mr.Nicholas Cory, vicar of that parish, the Rev.Mr.Samuel Dalby, vicar of St.Pennick, in that county, to the eldest daughter of Mr.Cory; and at the same time Mr.Wm.Collier, Assistant Searcher of the salt duties in that port, to his second daughter. A.Floyer, Esq; to Miss Lisle, daughter of Warren Lisle, of Upway, in Dorsetshire, Esq; At CamberwelI church, Benjamin Davenport, .Esq.; late of Pater-noster row, but now of the Borough of Southwark, to Mrs.Taylor, widow of the late Mr.Peter Taylor, tobacconist in the Borough. At St.Dunstan, Stepney, Mr.Thomas Crosse, attorney at law, of London-street, near Fenchurch-street, in this city, son of Hammond Crosse, of Islington, Esq. to Miss Crosse, daughter of Thomas Crosse, of Mile end, Esq; At St.George-the Martyr, Queen square, Henry Goring, Esq; to Miss Foster, of Queen-square .At St.Bartholomew's, West Smithfield, Mr.Miller, jeweller, in Queen-square, Bartholomew close, to Miss Dew, of the same place. Timothy Mackarel, Esq; of Bilton-hall, in Yorkshire, to Miss Carr. Thomas Rann, Esq; of Birmingham, to Miss Cuttell, of Bunhill-row. At West-ham, Mr.William Mallison, of Broad-street, to Miss Clark, of the same place. At Sturston in Suffolk, the Rev.Mr.Isaacson, to Miss Pawsey of Ludgate-haIl.
DIED. At her lodgings opposite St.Giles's church, Kate M'Evoy, a woman who used to pick up rags in the streets for her living: searching her lodgings there were found �63. she appeared to be extremely poor. At Braintree In New-England, the Hon.John Quincey, Esq; in an advanced age. Mr. Edward Lewis, in the prime of life, a Goldsmith, upon St.Margarets-Hill, Southwark. At the house of Canonside in Ross shire, Scotland, Lady Mackenzie, wife of Sir Alexander Mackenzie, of Garlech, Bart. At Muskito Shore, Andrew Hamilton, a considerable merchant, who had resided there upwards of 50 years. At his house at Kew, William Firancomb. Mr.Rook, oilman, in the Strand. At Rome, the Dutchess Sforza Cesarini in the 20th year of her age and second of her marriage.--- Burton, Esq; at his house in New Palace-yard, Westminster, formerly an eminent attorney. In Union-street, Deptford, Mr.Williams, many years clerk to the master ship builder of his Majesty's yard in that town At Tottenham High Cross, Mrs.Elizabeth Warburton, wife of Mr.William Warburton, distiller, in Clare-market. Mr. Henry Unwin, at South Weald, Essex. Mrs. Rowles, widow of Mr.James Rowles, who died about two months ago, and that was many years master of the St.James's coffee-house. At Elgin, in the county of Murray, Mr.James Fraser, in the 104th year of his age. He was fifty years Sheriff's clerk of that county, but gave it up several years ago, for an annuity during life. At Boston in Lincolnshire, Miss Clarke, of Peterborough. It is peculiarly afflicting in her untimely fate, that she expired on the morning of that day, which was fixed for her nuptials with Dr.Petrie, physician, of Lincoln. Mr.Abraham Coles, silk-weaver, in Spitalfields. Near High-Holborn, Mr.Coustous, lapidary and jeweller, brother to Mr.Coustous, who several years ago was so cruelly tormented on account Free-Masonry, by the Inquisition abroad. At Mr.Teaves's, woollen-draper, in Black-friars, aged 66, Mrs.Mary Hill. Of a putrid fever, after two days illness, Mr.Thornelow, tallow-chandler, on Saffron-hill. At Moulsey, in Surry, Mr.Hopnail, formerly a builder at St.James's. At Knightsbridge, George Atkins, Esq; of Grantham, in Lincolnshire. The Rev.William Cheyne, M.A. vicar of Weston, near Bath, and half brother to the famous physician of that name. He had obtained a living in his younger days, and declined all additional preferment. At Knightsbridge, Mrs.Norris, of Ringland in Norfolk, relect of John Norris, of Witchingham, Esq; At Shilton, near Ferryhilt, James Dunn, Esq; Mr.Atherton, attorney, in Leather-lane, Holborn. At Knightsbridge, Mr.Jones, formerly a cornfactor in the Borough.
Postscipt.
Friday, Two o'Clock.
LONDON.
It is said, that, in consequence of the large number of prisoners confined in the Fleet and the Rules thereof, application is intended to be made next Term to the Court of Common Pleas, humbly praying an extension of the Rules, to comprehend both sides of the Fleet-market from one end to the other, and what farther extent of ground the Court in their great goodness and humanity may think proper.
Upon a similar petition some years ago (which proved abortive) Lord Chief Justice Willes humourously observed, that he did not know how the prisoners could conscientiously desire the Rules of the Fleet to be enlarged, when, to his certain knowledge, they sometimes extended not only all over Great Britain and Ireland, but even to the East and West Indies." -- His Lordship alluded to several persons, whose names were continued upon the books as prisoners in the Rules, at the very time they had been seen in those distant places.
We hear that a scheme is in agitation for the cleaning of Tower-ditch, which will make room for all the craft to unload sugars, &c. which are to be deposited in warehouses, a range of which is to be built along the ditch, by which one of the most useless parts of the city will be removed. And, as an addition, a range of dwelling-houses is to be built behind them for the merchants to reside in ; the fronts to front the houses on Tower-hill, with their back-doors to their warehouse, with a large yard between, and walled in.
On Wednesday night, at the Orators, a gentleman in the pit was noticed, on several occasions, to laugh in a most immoderate manner, doubly louder than any other of the audience. In the midst of one of these horse-laughs, Mr.Foote stopped short, in order to give the person room to finish. This created a very great clap throughout the house, and when it was finished, Mr.Foote addressed the spectators with, "Ladies and Gentlemen, I believe we have a LAUGHING Orator here, but I assure you he does not belong to our Company."
A few days since, Mr. --, a Comedian, playing with a cat, she bit him and it has since been discovered, or at least there is great reason to apprehend, that the creature was mad. Mr. -- is taking all proper care to prevent any ill consequences from the accident.
,
Some time since a person in Dublin was bit by a cat, and though there was no reason to believe it mad, either at the time or afterwards, yet the party immediately seared the wound with an hot iron, and drank and bathed in the sea water; and in a few days nothing more was thought of the matter: however, in about six weeks the unfortunate man was seized with a melancholy, and in a few days died raving mad ; mewing, scratching, and flying like a cat.
We hear, that a Vicar being now appointed for St. Leonard Shoreditch. the Lectureship of that church, which has been vacant several years since the death of the late Rev.Mr.Wheatly, is shortly expected to be fiiled up, and for which several learned Divines have already declared their intentions of being candidates. The cause of this Lectureship being so long vacant, was occasioned by a warm dispute between the late Vicar and the parish, who upon Mr.Wheatley's death making choice of a Lecturer obnoxious to the Vicar, he refused this person the use of his pulpit. This dispute drew on a law suit, which, after a long contest, was decided in the Court of King's Bench in favour of the Vicar; it being on that trial exhibited, that the right of granting the use of every pulpit (a few instances only excepted) solely belonged to the Minister or Incumbent of each parish.
Wednesday night last a waiter at Marybone Gardens behaved in a very rude manner to two ladies; for which, we hear, they intend to apply to Mr.Lowe, in order to make him ask pardon in the public papers, as an example to others for their future behaviour, especially to women, when alone.
The front of the Town-hall in the Borough of Southwark, and the sun-dial at the top of this building, having, by order of the Lord Mayor and Committee of city lands, been repaired and beautified in a handsome manner, there is painted in gold letters, under the pedastrian slatute of King Charles the Second (in whose reign this hall is said to be rebuilt) the following inscription, Repaired and beautified, anno domini, 1767. The Right Hon. Sir Robert Kite, Knight, Lord Mayor, S.P.Q.L. John Shewell, and John Tovey, Bridge-masters; Peter Roberts, Esq; Comptroller of the works and revenues of London-bridge. Likewise, pursuant to a representation made to the Lord Mayor, at the last general quarter sessions of the peace at the Town-halI, the inside of the said hall-room is judt finished repairing and beautifying in an elegant manner. And on the 17th instant the Lord Mayor and other Magistrates for the Borough of Southwark, who, by the city charters, are invested with exclusive jurisdiction in the Borough, will attend in the Town hall, to Licence such ot the Borough publicans as have not before obtained their licences for the year ensuing.
We are informed, that a subscription is begun by some of the principal inhabitants of Southwark, which is already almost full, to have an Assembly, at stated times, in the Town-hall; the present Assembly-room being said not to be convenient for that purpose. It is proposed to have no more than 300 subscribers, at three guineas each per annum; one guinea to be paid the master of the house for coffee, tea, &c. and the remainder to be applied to all other necessary accommodations.
We are informed, that the Justiciary Rotation business in Southwark, will commence upon the first Friday in October, at the Town-hall; Mr.Rolls, the owner of the house, having, it is said, engaged to furnish the Surry Magistrates with two convenient apartments to carry on this useful plan for the benefit of the inhabitants in general.
The regiments draughted from Ireland to America and the West Indies, have so reduced the army there that it is said scarce 3500 men are now on the establishment ; for the regiments which return are so weak as scarce to make an entire company in the whole.
Yesterday one prisoner was capitally convicted at the Old Bailey, viz.
Thomas Davis, for burglary in the dwelling-house of Mrs.Watts, in Blosson-court, Shoreditch, where he was servant, and stealing a silver watch, several silver spoons, and other things.
Mary Mills, for receiving part of the said goods; knowing them to be stolen to be transported for fourteen years.
The following prisoners were convicted to be transported for seven years, viz.. Mary House, for stealing a sheet, an apron, a pair of silk stockings, and other things, the property of Benjamin Ixer ; John Simpson, for stealing a cloth seat of a coach, the property of Henry Barley; Margaret Delaney, for stealing five guineas and an half, and ther money, from George Kershaw; Elizabeth Ashford, for stealing a pair of silver buckles; Francis Lee, for stealing a silver hilted sword, the property of Robert Chambers, Esq.; Thomas Lewis, for stealing, in Clare-market, the carcases of a sheep, the property of Rob.Clowsley.
James Cole, Sarah Cook, and Benjamin Owen, were convicted of petit larcenies.
And 15 were acquitted.
Most of the seats in the Sessions-house in the Old Bailey are taken, at half a guinea each, to hear the trials ef the Brownrigg family.
Last Friday night a melancholy accident had like to have happened at a gentleman's house upon Bethnal-green. One of the servants went to his bed ,leaving a candle burning; it caught hold of the bed curtains, and set them in a flame, while the servant was asleep. Another servant at that instant happening to go into the room, waked the other, and with some difficulty the flames were extinguished, without doing any other damage than burning part of the bed furniture.
Last Monday a woman was released out of Bridewell (where the had been several times before confined for like behaviour) for assaulting and ill using her parish officers; and yesterday she was again taken into custody, for having enticed her own girl from the parish workhouse, and pawned a great part of the child's wearing apparel.
Last night a man, upwards of sixty years of age, was detected in picking a gentleman's pocket of his handkerchief in Fore-street :he ran away; but being pursued, he was overtaken in Moorfields, and being brought back, he was searched, when three handkerchiefs were found upon him; but the gentleman's handkerchief not being found; the old man was suffered to go away.