Chapter X: The Education Completed (2)

WANTED immediately, the most difficult thing to be met with in the
world, A SINCERE FRIEND, by a person, who, though in the meridian of
life, has outlived all he had. He wishes to meet with a Person in whom
he may repose the most implicit Confidence; a Person who has a good
heart, and abilities to second that goodness of heart; who will give
his advice cordially, and assistance readily. The advertiser is a
person in a genteel situation of life; has a decent income, but is at
present so circumstanced as to want a sincere friend.--Any Person
willing (from principles of Friendship, not Curiosity) to reply to the
above, by directing a line to T. S., at Mr Sharp’s, stationer, facing
Somerset House, Strand, will be immediately waited on or properly
replied to.

Money, the sincerest of all friends, is probably the object of T. S.’s ambition. If he was not suited in the year ’78, an opportunity occurred soon after; for specially directed to the cupidity of persons who desire to get money, and are not at all particular what the means so long as the end is attained, is the following, which appears in the _Morning Post_ of March 1779:--

A GENTLEMAN of Fortune, whom Family reasons oblige to drop a
connection which has for some time subsisted between him and an
agreeable young Lady, will give a considerable sum of Money with her
to any Gentleman, or person in genteel Business, who has good sense
and resolution to despise the censures of the World, and will enter
with her into the Holy state of Matrimony. Letters addressed to Mr G.
H., at the Cecil Street Coffee-House, will be paid due attention to.

As this kind of arrangement has not yet fallen into desuetude, although the aid of advertisements is no longer invoked for it, we had better not give an opinion about its morality, though it is but fair to admit that if the system of selling soiled goods, of which the foregoing is an example, had but been out of date, we should have been loud in our objections. For no vice is so bad as one that has exploded, and the weaknesses which we can regard with complacency while they are current, cause strong emotions of disgust when, their day being over, we look back upon them, and wonder how people could have been so extremely wicked. About the same time, and in the same paper, is another application of a peculiar nature, though in this instance the advertiser wishes not to part with, but to obtain a similar commodity to that advertised by G. H. This is it:--

A SINGLE Gentleman of Fortune, who lives in a genteel private style,
is desirous of meeting with an agreeable genteel young Lady, of from
20 to 30 years of age, not older, to superintend and take upon her the
management of his House and Servants, for which she will be
complimented with board, &c. As the situation will be quite genteel,
it will not suit any but such who has had a liberal Education, and who
has some independance of her own, so as to enable her always to appear
very genteel, and as a relation or particular friend, in which
character she will always be esteemed, and have every respect paid
her, so as to render the situation and every thing else as agreeable
as possible.

Any lady inclining to the above, will please to direct with name and
address, to M. H., Esq., to be left at No. 7, the Bookseller’s, in
Great Newport Street, near St Martin’s Lane; she will be waited on, or
wrote to, but with the greatest delicacy, and every degree of strict
honour and secrecy.

Strict honour and secrecy seems to be an essential to the successful completion of the designs of many advertisers of this time, but they are to be all on one side, in company with an amount of blind credulity which would be wonderful if it were not repeatedly exhibited in modern days. Here is an honourable and secret venture which appears in the _Morning Post_ of December 17, 1779, and which was doubtless very successful:--

A GENTLEMAN who knows a Method which reduces it almost to a certainty
to obtain a very considerable sum, by insuring of Numbers in the
Lottery, is advised by his Friends to offer to communicate it to
those who wish to speculate in that Way. The advantage that is
procured by proceeding according to his Principles and Directions,
will be plainly demonstrated and made perfectly evident to any who
chuses to be informed of it. The terms are Ten Guineas each person,
and they must engage not to discover the plan for the space of
eighteen months. If those who are willing to agree to the above terms
will be pleased to address a line to J. R. C. at the Union
Coffee-House, Cornhill, or the York Coffee House, St James’s Street,
they will be immediately informed where to apply. Those who have lost
money already (by laying it out improperly) insuring of Numbers, may
soon be convinced how much it will be to their advantage to apply as
above.

_N.B._--This advertisement will be inserted in this morning’s Paper
only.

A suspicious person would have fancied that the friends of J. R. C., unless they were dissimilar from other friends, would have used the information for their own benefit--but generous and self-abnegating people do turn up in history in the most unexpected and unaccountable ways. Another specimen of the secret and honourable kind, though in it the secrecy and honour have to be on the side of the advertiser, follows. It is in the _Morning Post_, April 18, 1780, and runs thus:--

ANY Lady whose Situation may require a Temporary Retirement, may be
accommodated agreeable to her wishes in the house of a Gentleman of
eminence in the Profession, where honour and secrecy may be depended
on, and where every vestige of Pregnancy is obliterated; or any Lady
who wishes to become Pregnant may have the causes of sterility removed
in the safest manner. Letters (Post-paid) addressed to A. B. No. 23,
Fleet Street, will be attended to.

A. B. offers a double convenience, the second item in which is well worthy of note. The house must have been somewhat similar, except that the accommodation was for human beings, to those establishments advertisements in connection with which frequently appear in the sporting and agricultural papers. Much about the same date as the specimen just quoted appears another of quite a different kind, inserted in several journals. It is rather unique as a way of reminding customers that life is short and debt is long, and is suspiciously sartorial:--

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN.

RICHARD Guy returns thanks to all his good old Friends for their kind
Recommendation, which he will always acknowledge with gratitude, by
being ready to oblige them on all occasions, but earnestly desires to
settle Accounts, to pay and to be paid; which he hopes will be of
satisfaction to both parties; for as it is fully observed, short
Reckonings keep long Friends; so to preserve good friendship and
prevent disputes in Accompts, he always pays ready Money, that is
doing as he would be done unto.

N.B.--He courts neither Honour nor Riches, his whole and sole motive
being to serve his good old Friends; the sin of Ingratitude he utterly
abhors.

The shameless manner in which sinecures in Government offices were bought and sold even so late as 1781 is shown by the following specimen advertisement, which is taken from the _Morning Herald_ of September 22:--

A GENTLEMAN of Character who wishes for some Employ under Government
merely for the sake of Amusement, would be willing to advance any
Nobleman or Gentleman the sum of Three Thousand Pounds, upon Mortgage,
upon legal Interest, provided the Mortgager will, thro’ his Interest,
procure a place in any genteel Department, where the emoluments are
not less than two or three hundred Pounds _per annum_. The Advertiser
flatters himself this will not be deemed an ineligible Offer, if
compared with the present mode of raising Money upon Annuities; as a
gentleman must be obliged to grant five hundred _per annum_ out of his
income to raise the like Sum. If any Gentleman who may be inclined to
answer this Advertisement does not know of any Vacancy, the Advertiser
will point out several, which may be easily procured by interest. A
line addressed to S. X. to be left at the bar of the Chapter
Coffee-house, St Paul’s, will be attended to. Secrecy may be depended
on. No Broker will be treated with.

Those were happy times, indeed, when no such vulgar thing as merit was allowed to interfere with a man’s upward progress in life, provided he possessed capital, which could always secure him good interest in more ways than one. Money was at full value then, and the following, from the _Morning Post_ of October 18, 1781, is one among many endeavours to obtain it in larger or smaller quantities:--

WANTED immediately, or as soon as can be met with, that invaluable
acquisition (when once gained) A SINCERE Friend, by a person who in
the early part of his life had many; but who, from the all-powerful
hand of Death and other fortuitous incidents, has been deprived of all
those whom he could once call by that sacred Name, and to whom he
could apply either for Counsel or Assistance. The author of this
Advertisement is a Middle-aged man, in a genteel situation of Life, a
Housekeeper, has a decent Income, but yet, is so circumstanced as to
have a particular occasion for FIFTY OR SIXTY Pounds, for a Year and a
half or thereabouts. He wishes therefore to meet with a Person of
liberal and generous Sentiments, who would assist him with the above
trifling Sum. He flatters himself he can make the mode of payment
quite agreeable to any Gentleman, Lady, or Tradesman of credit, who
may be induced to answer this advertisement from a motive arising from
the secret satisfaction there is in rendering a Service.--A line
directed for S. E., and left at the Morning Post Office, will be
immediately attended to.

In 1785 was established the _Daily Universal Register_, a paper which was, under a new title, adopted in 1788, to develop into the greatest and most powerful organ in the world. On the 1st of January, in the last-named year, the _Register_ appeared with the following heading: _The Times, or Daily Universal Register, printed Logographically_. The price was threepence, and for many years the _Times_ gave no promise of future greatness; but it was always fearless, and very early was fined, while its editor narrowly escaped imprisonment. In 1790 Mr Walter was actually incarcerated in Newgate, where he remained sixteen months, besides being fined £200, for a libel on the Dukes of York and Clarence. He was released eventually at the intercession of the Prince of Wales. The history of the _Times_ has been told so often that particulars are hardly needed here; but as showing how its present eminence is due to nothing but perseverance and integrity, as well as the everpresent desire to be first wherever possible, we quote the following from a short notice of the life of one of its proprietors: “It was under John Walter II., born in 1784, that the _Times_ rose to the place of the first newspaper in the world. Whilst yet a youth, in 1803 he became joint proprietor and sole manager of the _Times_, and very soon his hand became manifest in the vigour and independence of its politics, and the freshness of its news. Free speech, however, had its penalties. The _Times_ denounced the malpractices of Lord Melville, and the Government revenged itself by withdrawing from the Walters the office of printers to the Customs, which had been held by the family for eighteen years. During the war between Napoleon and Austria in 1805, the desire for news was intense. To thwart the _Times_ the packets for Walter were stopped at the outports, while those for the ministerial journals were hurried to London. Complaint was made, and the reply was given that the editor might receive his foreign papers as a _favour_; meaning thereby that if the Government was gracious to the _Times_, the _Times_ should be gracious to the Government; but Walter would accept no favour on such terms. Thrown on his own resources, he contrived, by means of superior activity and stratagem, to surpass the ministry in early intelligence of events. The capitulation of Flushing in August 1809, was announced by the _Times_ two days before the news had arrived through any other channel. In the editorship of the paper he spared neither pains nor expense. The best writers were employed, and wherever a correspondent or a reporter displayed marked ability, he was carefully looked after and his faculty utilised. Correspondents were posted in every great city in the world, and well-qualified reporters were despatched to every scene of public interest. The debates in Parliament, law proceedings, public meetings, and commercial affairs, were all reported with a fulness and accuracy which filled readers with wonder. What a visionary could scarcely dare to ask, the _Times_ gave. To other journals imitation alone was left. They might be more consistent politicians, but in the staple of a newspaper, to be nearly as good as the _Times_ was their highest praise.”

THE TIMES

PRINTED LOGOGRAPHICALLY]

NUMB. 940.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 1, 1788.

(Price Three-pence.)

^Theatre Royal, Drury Lane.^

By his MAJESTY’S COMPANY,
THIS EVENING,
Will be presented the Tragedy of

_JULIA,_
OR, THE ITALIAN LOVER.

The principal Characters by
Mr. KEMBLE and Mrs. SIDDONS.

The Prologue to be spoken by Mr. Kemble;
And the Epilogue by Mrs. Siddons.
With New Dresses, Decorations, &c.

To which will be added
The DESERTER
Henry, Mr. KELLY, Skirmish, Mr. BANNISTER, jun.
And Louisa, by Mrs. CROUCH.

To-morrow (by Desire) The Wonder, with, the 6th time, Harlequin, Jun.
On Thursday, the tragedy of Percy; Elwina, Mrs. Siddons.

* * * * *

_BY COMMAND OF HIS MAJESTY,_

And under the same DIRECTORS as the CONCERT
of ANTIENT MUSIC.

THE Oratorios of SOLOMON, ALEXANDER’S FEAST, with the CHOICE OF
HERCULES; JOSEPH; ACIS and GALATEA, with DRYDEN’S ODE; ESTHER; and
MESSIAH, will be performed on the six FRIDAYS in LENT, at the CONCERT
ROOM in TOTTENHAM STREET.

Subscriptions taken at Messrs. Longman and Broderip’s Music Shops in
the Haymarket and Cheapside, and at Mr. Ashley’s, No. 4, Pimlico, at
Three Guineas each, the Tickets NOT transferable.

* * * * *

_ROYALTY THEATRE,_

WELL STREET, NEAR GOODMAN’S FIELDS

THIS EVENING,
AN OCCASIONAL ADDRESS.
BY MR. PALMER,
In the Character of Christmas.
A Musical Entertainment called
THOMAS and SUSAN; Or,
The GENEROUS TAR
For the 3rd time, a New Pantomimic Entertainment,
called
The DESERTER of NAPLES;
Or, ROYAL CLEMENCY.
Under the Direction of MR. DELPINI.
The Airs, Duets, and Choruses composed by Mr. REEVE.
The DESERTER by MR. PALMER.
The other Characters by
Mr. W Palmer, Mr. Cooper, Mr. L’Estrange, Mr. Hudson,
and Mr. DELPINI.
Mrs. Delpini, Madems. Bitthemer, and Mrs. GIBBS.
End of the First Part, a Grand Representation of
MOUNT VESUVIUS at the Time of the Eruption, with
the Flowing of the Lava.
The Dances by Mr. Holland, Mad. Bitthemer, and Mad.
Constance; composed by M. MALTER.
A SONG by Master BRAHAM.
The Whole to conclude with (37th time) a new Pantomimic
Entertainment, called
HARLEQUIN . MUNGO;
OR, A PEEP INTO THE TOWER.
Harlequin, Mr. RAYNER, Jun.
Mungo Harlequin, Mr. BOURKE,
Pantaloon, Mr. FOLLETT, Sen.
Keeper of Wild Beasts and Warder of the Tower
(with a Chaunt), Mr. GRACE.
Captain, Sailor, and first waterman (with Songs),
Mr. ARROWSMITH.
Clown, Mr. FOLLETT, Jun.
Planter’s Wife, Mrs. BURNETT,
And, Columbine, Mrs. GIBBS.
In Part First a Dance of Slaves by Messrs. Hollands,
Bourke, Menage, &c.
To Conclude with a grand Ballet,
by Mons. Malter, Mr. Holland, Mad. Bitthemer, and
Mademoiselle Constance.
Boxes, 5s; Pit, 3s; First Gall., 2s; Second Gall., 1s.

Places for the Boxes to be taken of Mr. Clark, at the Stage Door of
the Theatre.

The Doors to be opened for the future at half-past Five, and to begin
precisely at half-past Six o’clock.

°⸸° No Money will be returned after the Curtain is drawn up, nor will
any person be admitted behind the scenes.

Vivant Rex & Regina.

N.B. Nothing under . . . . will be taken.

* * * * *

TO BE LETT, OR SOLD.

EXTENSIVE Premises in the Neighbourhood
of Cheapside.

Apply at No. 9, Cheapside.

* * * * *

_A CAUTION to prevent IMPOSITION.
SHARP’S CONCAVE RAZORS_

Are made of the very best steel that can be possibly procured in this
or any other country, tempered, and finished with the greatest nicety
and circumspection. Their superior excellence above all others has
made then more esteemed than any Razor now in use; the consequence of
which is that some persons have offered, and still do offer, an
inferior article under their name.

C. SHARP, Perfumer and Razor Maker to his Royal Highness the Prince of
Wales, at No. 131, Fleet Street, and No. 57, Cornhill,

Most respectfully intreats the public to observe that his Concave
Razors are not sold at any other places in London, but at his shops as
above, Sharp stamped on the blade of the Razors; all others are
counterfeit.

Sharp’s Metallic Razor Strops, which keep the Razor to good order,
without the use of a Hone or grinding, are not to be equalled; but the
above articles are too well esteemed to need anything being said in
their behalf. His Alpine Soap, for shaving, is by far the best adapted
for that purpose of any yet invented; it never causes the least
smarting sensation, but is perfectly soft, sweet, and pleasing.
Likewise his curious Cyprian Wash balls, great variety of shaving
cases and pouches, that hold all the implements necessary for shaving,
dressing, &c.

Sharp’s sweet hard and soft pomatums, are remarkable for keeping good
in any climate longer than any other. His Lavender Water, drawn from
the flowers, his warranted Tooth brushes and the Prince of Wales Tooth
Powder, are articles worthy the attention of the public.

Combs, Soaps, Wash balls, and every article in the Perfumery branch,
wholesale, retail, and for exportation.

N.B. Families, &c., who take any of Sharp’s articles by the dozen save
considerably.

A complete Dressing case fitted up with razor, combs &c., for 10s. 6d.

* * * * *

^KING’S THEATRE, Haymarket.^

By PARTICULAR DESIRE, on Thursday next, January 3rd, 1788,
WILL BE PRESENTED THE SERIO COMIC OPERA called
IL RE THEODORO in VENEZIA.
OR, THEODORE KING OF CORSICA AT VENICE.

The Principal Characters by
Sig. MORELLI, Sig. MORIGI,
Sig. BALELI, Sig. CALVESI,
And Sig. FINESCHI,
Signora SESTINI, and Signora STORACE.

The Music composed, in his best style, by the celebrated
Mr. PAESIELO.

Under the Direction of
Sig. MAZZINGHI;

And Leader of the Orchestra, Mr. CRAMER.

Painter and Mechanist, Sig. GAETANO MARINARI.

Inventor & Maker of the Dresses, Sig. LUPINO.

The doors to be opened at Six and to begin precisely at
Half-past Seven o’clock.

Pit, 10s. 6d. First Gallery, 5s. Upper Gallery, 3s.

Tickets to be had and Subscriptions paid as usual, at Messrs. Ransome,
Moreland, and Hammersley’s, Bankers, No. 57, Pall Mall.

End of Act I., A NEW DIVERTISEMENT, composed
by Mons. CHEVALIER, and performed by
Mons. VESTRIS, Mons. COULON,
And Mons. CHEVALIER;
The Two Miss SIMONETS, Signora REDINI,
And Mad. COULON.

End of the Opera, a new BALLET, composed by
Mons. NOVERRE, called
LES OFFRANDES A L’AMOUR,
And Performed by
Mons. VESTRIS, Mons. COULON,
And Mons. DIDELOT,
Miss HELLESBERG, Mad. VEDIE,
The other Characters by
Messrs. SAUNLIER, COULON, HENRY, SALA,
Mademoiselles GRENIERS, &c. &c.,
And MEZUKES.

N.B. For the Better accommodation of the Subscribers, the office is
removed back to Union Court, Haymarket.

The Nobility and Gentry are requested to take notice that the first
Masque Ball will be given at this place on Monday, the 4th of
February, 1788.

* * * * *

_NEW MUSIC._

This day is Published,

By LONGMAN and BRODERIP,

Musicsellers and Musical Instrument Makers to his Royal
Highness the PRINCE of WALES

No. 26, Cheapside, and No. 13, Haymarket.

_Authors._ £. _s. d._

J. Haydn. THREE SYMPHONIES for a grand Orchestra,
dedicated to his Royal Highness the Prince of
Wales. Op. 5 0 10 6

Ditto. A set of QUARTETTS for two Violins, Tenor and
Violoncello, expressive of the Passion of our
Saviour. Op. 48 0 8 0

Mozart. Two SYMPHONIES for a Grand Orchestra. Op. 5
and 9, each 0 6 0

Ditto. Six QUARTETTS, dedicated to Mr. Haydn. Op. 1 0 15 0

Ditto. QUARTETT for the Harpsichord 0 3 0

Storace. CARE DONNE CHE BRAMATE, sung by Signora
Storace in Il Re Theodore in Venezia 0 2 6

Pleyel. Two SONATAS for the Harpsichord, with an
accompaniment for a Violin. Op. 7 0 4 0

Ditto. TRIOS for a Violin, Tenor, and Violoncello.
Op. 11 0 6 0

Gìordano. Three GRAND DUETS for the Harpsichord, from
the works of Haydn 0 7 6

Chalon. THREE DUETS for the Harpsichord. Op. 7 0 7 6

Barthelemon. COMPLETE INSTRUCTIONS for the Pedal Harp,
with Airs, Arpegias, and Sonatas, and an easy
method for tuning 0 10 6

Percy. Six ITALIAN ARIETTAS in the Venetian style,
for the voice and Piano Forte. Op. 5 0 5 0

Starkel. Three SONATAS for the Harpsichord, with
Accompaniments. Op. 22 0 7 6

Millico. A Fourth set of Six ITALIAN CANZONETS,
dedicated to Lady Louisa Hervey 0 5 0

Bishop. Six MINUETS and Twelve COUNTRY DANCES for the
year 1788 0 2 6

Jones. Ditto ditto ditto 0 2 6

Shield. The FARMER. A comic opera, for the Voice and
Harpsichord 0 6 0

* * * * *

_NEW MUSIC._

This Day are Published,

By J. BLAND, No. 45, Holborn,

THE SONGS in Robin Hood, of “Charming Clorinda,” and “When generous
Wine,” sung by Mr. Bowden, 1s. each. “When ruddy Aurora,” and “The
Trump of Fame,” each 6d. “Aurora,” a ballad, 1s. He vowed to love me,
Goodwin cantata; O, thou wert born to please me, a duet; Ye woods and
ye mountains, an elegy; each 6d. Bland’s 13th and 14th Ladies’ Glees,
each, 1s. 6d. Ditto, first vol. of ditto, bound, 18s. Periodical
Ital.; song No. 35, 2s. 6d.; ditto, No. 36, 2s. 6d. Pleyel’s Sonatas,
composed for the Harpsichord. Op. 7, 4s. C. I. T. L. Sonatinas,
dedicated to Dr. Burney, 5s. Mozart’s Terzette, 2s. 6d. Bland’s
Harpsichord Collection, Nos. 1 to 6, each, 5s. Hoffmeister’s Duetts,
violin and violoncello, Op. 6 & 13, 4s. Ditto, Flute Trios 6s. Ditto,
Flute Quartets, 10s. 6d. And a variety of new publications.

* * * * *

_OIL AND LAMP WAREHOUSE._

No. 5, New Street, Covent Garden.

GEORGE DOWNING, Oil Merchant, proprietor of the above Warehouse, begs
leave to offer the most proper tender of his grateful acknowledgments
to the Nobility, Gentry, and public in general, for the repeated
favours conferred upon him. He respectfully informs his friends, that
the OIL and LAMP TRADE continues to be transacted upon the same
liberal terms that first recommended him to their particular
attention.

N.B. Orders for Town or Country executed with punctuality.

New Street, Covent Garden, Jan. 1, 1788.

* * * * *

_CALEDONIAN MACABAU SNUFF._

JOHN YOUNG, MANUFACTURER and VENDOR of the Hibernian high dried or
Lundy Foot’s Snuff, presents his respects to the Nobility, Gentry,
&c., with his Caledonian Macabau Snuff, which upon trial he is
convinced will be found deserving the estimation his Irish Snuff has
so justly acquired. Orders sent to his Snuff-Manufactory, No. 73 in
Drury Lane, near Russell Court, will be attended to with the highest
respect and gratitude.

N.B. Snuffs and Tobacco in the highest perfection.

* * * * *

_STATIONARY._

ADAM THOMPSON, at his paper Manufacturers’ Warehouse, Hand Court,
Upper Thames Street, begs leave to return to his friends sincere
thanks for all past favours, and as he is now well stocked with a
general and choice assortment of Writing and Printing, Wrapping,
Sugar, and Blue Papers, summer made, shall be happy to receive their
further orders, which shall be duly attended to on the most moderate
terms. Notes and Bills taken in Payment at one, two, and three months.

N.B. Has also about fifty reams French Mezzotinto Bay to be sold 20
per cent. below current price.

* * * * *

_NEW MUSIC._

This Day is Published,

By LONGMAN and BRODERIP, No. 26, Cheapside; No. 13, Haymarket, and at
their Manufactory in Tottenham Court Road,

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MAKERS AND SELLERS TO HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCE
OF WALES,

The New Comic Opera, now performing at Covent Garden Theatre, with
great applause, called The Farmer, composed and compiled by Mr.
Shield, 6s. Pleyel’s two Grand Sonatas Op. 7, for the Piano Forte, 4s.
Pleyel’s three Trio Concertante, Op. 11, for a Violin Tenor and
Violoncello, 6s. Percy’s Italian Arietta Op. 5th, 5s. Mozart’s
Harpsichord Quartett, 2s. 6d. Complete Instructions for Pedal Harp,
with a Selection of Favourite Songs and Sonatas by Mr. Barthelemon,
10s. 6d. Stocket’s three Sonatas, Op. 22, with accompaniments, 7s. 6d.
Thomas and Susan; or, The Fortunate Tar, performed at the Royalty
Theatre, 3s. 6d. Chalon’s three Duets for the Pianoforte, Op. 7th, 7s.
6d. Mozart’s Airs, with Variations, for the Pianoforte, each 2s.
Breval’s easy Solos for the Violoncello, Op. 28, 7s. 6d. Clementi’s
Sonata, Op. 10, 3s. Lately imported from the Continent, great variety
of Harp Music, by the most Eminent Masters; together with the most
distinguished New Works of the following Authors, consisting of
Symphonies, Concertas, Quartetts, Trios, Duetts, Solos, and
Harpsichord Sonatas by Haydn, Pleyel, Kozeluch, Mozart, Breval,
Trickler, Todor, Devienne, Vanhal, Starkel, Viotti, &c. Also the
Overture and Songs of Tarare, and select collections of the most
favourite songs from the latest French Operas, for the
Harpsichord.--Where may be seen their new-improved grand & small Piano
Fortes, and Mr. Corri’s new invented Harpsichord Desk, with a
Dictionary of Musical Terms, Examples, &c. Also his newly invented
Piano Forte Board, with a Dictionary, &c. Each One Guinea.

* * * * *

_THE OPERA FANS._

To the Subscribers and Frequenters of the KING’S THEATRE.

Last Saturday were published, according to Act of Parliament.

THE Delivery, however, was put off till the Re-opening of the Opera
House next week, for the purpose of presenting them in the best state
of improvement.

These FANS, calculated to present at one view both the number of
boxes, including the additional ones, names of Subscribers, &c., have
been carefully compared, with the plan of the House as kept at the
Office, and will be sold only by the Proprietor,

Mrs. H. M., No. 81, Haymarket,

Where she will receive with respectful gratitude any commands from the
ladies, and wait on them if required.

* * * * *

_HANDEL’S SUBSCRIPTION_

Dedicated by Permission to His MAJESTY

This day is published,

THE ELEVENTH NUMBER OF HANDEL’S WORKS. The four First Numbers
comprehending the completest Score of the Oratorio of Athalia, the
four following the whole of Theodora, and the remainder a large
portion of the Messiah. The elegant Apotheosis of Handel will be
delivered to Subscribers only with the Twelfth Number.

Subscriptions are received by Dr. Arnold, No 480, Strand; Messrs.
Longman and Broderip, No. 13, Haymarket; and Birchall and Co., New
Bond Street.

* * * * *

This day is Published,

Price 2s. 6d. separately, or 4s. together,

AN ABRIDGMENT of the MEMORIAL
Address to the KING OF FRANCE,
By M. DE CALONNE,
Minister of State.
In FRENCH AND ENGLISH.

TRANSLATED from the French by W. WALTER

Printed at the _Logographic Press_, by J. WALTER, Printing House
Square, Blackfriars; and sold by Messrs. Robson and Clarke, and T.
Hookham, New Bond Street; P. Elmsley, Strand; Messrs. Egeron, Charing
Cross; and W. Richardson, Royal Exchange.

* * * * *

This day is Published,
Price One Shilling,
CRAZY KATE A
FAVOURITE BALLAD,
Taken from Cowper’s Task.

Set to Music, with accompaniments,
By JOHN MOULDS.

THE FEAST OF APOLLO, No. IV.,
Price One Shilling,
Containing a Favourite Overture for the Piano Forte
“Sans Vous, Ma Chère,” a Favourite Song
“The Sailor he fears not the Roar of the Seas,” ditto

London: Printed for G. Goulding, Haydn’s Head,
No. 6, James Street, Covent Garden,
Where may be had
LA FEVRE,
Taken from SIERNE.
A Favourite SONG, set to Music by HAYDN,
Price only Sixpence.

“The Sailor he fears not the Roar of the Seas,”
A Favourite SONG, set to Music, with Accompaniments,
by RELFE, Price One Shilling.

SANS VOUS, MA CHERE,
A Favourite SONG, sung by Mr. INCLEDON at Bath,
Composed by MOULDS, Price Sixpence.

* * * * *

^Theatre Royal, Covent Garden.^

THIS EVENING
Will be presented the revived Tragedy of
The ROMAN FATHER.

Horatius, Mr. Farren: Tullius Hostilius, Mr. Aickin;
Valerius, Mr. Davis; and Publius, Mr. Pope. Valeria,
Mrs. Merton; and Horatia, Miss Bruton.

In Act V will be introduced a Roman Oration,
To which will be added (6th time) a new Pantomime,
called
The DUMB CAKE;
Or, the REGIONS OF FANCY.
With new Music, Scenery, Dresses, Machinery, and
Decorations.

N.B. Nothing under full price will be taken.

To-morrow (not acted this season), The Suspicious Husband. Ranger, Mr.
LEWIS; and Clarinda, Mrs. Abingdon.

* * * * *

_PROPAGATION OF A LIE._

W. DICKINSON, Bond Street, has this day published a Print, from an
original Drawing by H. Bunbury, Esq., representing the Propagation of
a Lie, being a companion to the much admired prints of the Long
Minuet.

Likewise just published,
An Academy for Grown Horsemen; containing the completest
instructions for
Walking,
Trotting,
Cantering,
Galloping,
Stumbling, and
Tumbling

Illustrated with Copperplates, and adorned with a Portrait of the
Author, by Geoffry Cambado, Esq., Riding Master, Master of the Horse,
Grand Equerry to the Doge of Venice.

Where likewise is published all Mr Bunbury’s elegant and caricature
Prints.

* * * * *

_FESTIVAL OF ANACREON._

This Day is Published, Price 3s. 6d,

A New Edition of

THE FESTIVAL OF ANACREON, containing the Songs of Capt. Morris, Mr.
Hewerdine, and other Lyric Writers, as sung at the Anacreons Society,
the Beefsteak and Humbug Clubs.

Published by William Holland, No. 50, Oxford Street, near Berners
Street, removed from No. 66, Drury Lane.

Of whom may be had, just published,

A Portrait of Kitty Cut-a-Dash; a Dilly setting out from King’s Place
with a Guard; History of Modern Flagellants, in seven distinct works,
each of which may be had separate. Comtesse de Barre’s Whim; The
Pretty Nursery Maid; My Aunt; Hal’s Looking Glass; and a large
collection of Books, Pamphlets, Paintings, Drawings, and Prints for
the Cabinets of the Moralist, the Politician, and the Bon Vivant.

☞ Pæans of Pleasure and Memoirs of Kitty Cut-a-Dash will be speedily
published.

* * * * *

This day published,
Price Six Shillings, in Boards,

MEDICAL COMMENTARIES for the Year 1787, exhibiting a concise view of
the latest and most important Discoveries in Medicine and Medical
Philosophy, Collected and Published by

ANDREW DUNCAN, M.D.F.R. & A.S. Edin., &c.

Decade Second, Volume Second

Printed for C. Elliot, T. Kay and Co., opposite Somerset
Place, Strand, London; and C. Elliot, Edinburgh.

Of whom may be had,

Complete SETS of DECADE FIRST, from 1773 to 1785 inclusive. Ten vols.
8vo., price 3l. in boards, and 3l. 10s. bound.

Also, Vol. 8, for 1781-2, Vol. 9, for 1783-4; Vol. 10, for 1785; and
Vol. 1, Decade II. for 1786, at Six Shillings each, in boards.

N.B. As above may be had gratis, C. Elliot, T. Kay and Co.’s Catalogue
of Books, in all the different branches of Medicine, for 1788, with
the lowest prices affixed.

* * * * *

This day are Published,

Printed in One Volume, octavo, on a superfine medium
paper, price 6s., in Boards,

I.

FAMILIAR and FRIENDLY CORRESPONDENCE of FREDERICK THE SECOND, KING OF
PRUSSIA, with U. F. DE SUHM, Counsellor to the Elector of Saxony.

II.

Handsomely printed, in 2 vols., large octavo, on a superfine
medium paper, price 12s. in Boards,

A SELECTION from the WORKS of FRANCIS LORD BACON, Viscount St. Alban,
consisting of his ESSAYS on Civil, Moral, Literary, and Political
Subjects; the Advancement of Learning, System of Moral Philosophy,
Theology, &c., and his celebrated History of Life and Death, together
with his own Life, by Dr. WILLYMOTT.

III.

In 2 vols., 8vo, on a Superfine Medium Paper, Price 12s.
in Boards, illustrated with Copperplates,
A new and elegant Edition of

DR. DERHAM’S PHYSICO and ASTRO THEOLOGY; the first contains a
Demonstration of the Being and the Attributes of God from his Works of
the Creation; the second, a General Survey of the Heavens, with
considerable notes and many curious Observations.

IV.

In Three Volumes, Price 9s. sewed,

The MINIATURE PICTURES,
OR,
PLATONIC MARRIAGE
A NEW NOVEL,
By MRS. CARTWRIGHT

This Lady displays throughout the work a perfect knowledge of the
human passions, and the characters are portrayed in the most chaste
and elegant language.

V.

Elegantly printed, in a small pocket volume, on superfine
Writing Paper, Price 2s. 6d. sewed in Marble Paper,
A New Edition, being the third, of

LETTERS which passed between an ILLUSTRIOUS PERSONAGE and a LADY OF
HONOUR at Brighton.

London: Printed at the _Logographic Press_, by J. Walters, Printing
House Square, Blackfriars, and sold by T. Longman, Paternoster Row;
Robson and Clarke, New Bond Street; and W. Richardson, under the Royal
Exchange.

* * * * *

Universal Register.

* * * * *

_A HOLIDAY AT ALL THE PUBLIC
OFFICES._

* * * * *

To CORRESPONDENTS

Though much has been said of LORD GEORGE GORDON’S beard, yet, as the
subject increases every day, THE TIMES will not let it pass
_unnoticed_. The SHANDEAN _Jeu d’Esprit_ will of course be attended
to, though perhaps with a little clipping.

The CRITIC will do, so will other SQUIBS from the same hand.

AMERICAN PHILOSOPHERS and PHILOSOPHY are entitled to the Protection of
THE TIMES.--With ARTS AND SCIENCES we shall ever be at _peace_.

On account of the great overflow of temporary matter, several articles
of intelligence are unavoidably postponed. The favours of several of
our Advertising correspondents, which were too long, and came too late
for insertion, shall have places to-morrow.

Parisian intelligence shall likewise have insertion without fail.

* * * * *

_TO THE PUBLIC._

VERBAL _thanks_, however warm in expression, cannot be considered the
criterion of GRATITUDE. DEEDS, not _words_, prove _sincerity_, and by
future endeavours to entertain and inform, THE TIMES will evince their
_zeal_ in the service of THE PUBLIC, and their _feelings_ for the
favours bestowed upon the UNIVERSAL REGISTER.

MR. WALTER, _patentee_ of the _Logographic Press_, cannot omit
his tribute of thanks for the very great encouragement
which his endeavours to improve the art of printing have
experienced--notwithstanding the unjust and illiberal measures adopted
to impede its progress and injure him. An accurate statement of these
mean and invidious practices he is determined to lay before the public
in a pamphlet on a future day; at present he will only mention a very
recent one. THE DAILY ADVERTISER being generally read by the lower
orders of the people, he offered at its office an Advertisement for
several apprentices, which MR. JENOUR, the Printer, refused to insert,
though he had received payment several days preceding.

* * * * *

LONDON.

Last night her Majesty had a concert of vocal and instrumental music
at the Palace at Windsor.

The 7th of this month is fixed for the celebration of the marriage of
the Archduke of Austria and the Princess Elizabeth of Wirtemberg.--The
ceremony will be performed at Vienna.

The great heiress, Miss Pulteney, the daughter of William Pulteney,
Esq., came of age last Thursday.--The entertainments on the occasion
were very splendid, and the celebration kept at Shrewsbury.

The indisposition of Lord Salisbury is a public evil; and to do his
Herefordshire neighbours justice they think so, independent of their
Christmas disappointment. Other and honourable feelings operate more
upon the occasion.

Great expectations are formed of Mr. _Fitzherbert’s_ talents in the
important post to which he has lately been appointed; and we are ready
to believe that he will amply fulfil them. But of this we are rather
certain, that however he may surmount the attacks of the _Hibernian_
politicians, if the jolly fellows once get him amongst them, they will
soon make him feel a _want of understanding_.

The MINISTER, among his late acquisitions, his obtained a gift of an
_under_ WAISTCOTE, which, however, he has ordered to be _hung up_ in
his wardrobe, not wishing to wear near his _heart_ a vestment that has
come from the enemy, and which, like the _shirt_ presented by
_Dejianira_ to _Hercules_, is probably _poisoned_, and would rather
raise a _blister_ than prove of salutary effect.

The _information_ offered by the DESERTER from the _political_
BANDITTI meets with no credit in _Court_; it having been repeatedly
determined at the Sessions house in _the Old Bailey_ that an
_approver_, vulgarly called a _King’s Evidence_, shall have no
_credit_ with _good men_ and _true_, unless his testimony be supported
by witnesses of _honest fame_.

A few days since died Dr. Isaac Mann, Bishop of Cork and Ross, in
Ireland, and Archdeacon of Dublin. The Marquis of Buckingham by the
above event is singularly fortunate, by having it in his power during
the first week of his administration to bestow a mitre on one of his
chaplains.

The declining state of the King of _Spain_ naturally turns the
attention of political observers to that quarter--as a system of
measures very hostile to the views of _France_, and subversive of that
tyranny which it has so long exercised at the Court of _Madrid_, may
possibly be adopted. It is said, and the idea has long met with a
current belief, that the Prince of Austria is well acquainted with the
true interests of his country, and will when the power is his
effectually promote them.

The public events of Holland are known to every one who can and will
read the newspapers, but they alone who are able to get a peep into
private correspondence can be informed, though they will not all of
them _believe_, that _Lord Beauchamp_ is actually giving dinners--aye,
and good dinners too--at the _Hague_.

* * * * *

_THE TIMES._

Why change the head?

This question will naturally come from the Public--and _we_ the TIMES,
being the PUBLIC’S most humble and most obedient Servants, think
ourselves bound to answer.

All things have _heads_--and all _heads_ are liable to _change_--

Every sentence and opinion advanced and supported by Mr. _Shandy_, on
the influence and utility of a well-chosen surname, may be properly
applied in shewing the recommendations and advantages which result
from placing a striking title-page before a book, or an inviting HEAD
on the front page of a NEWS-PAPER.

A HEAD so placed, like those _heads_ which once ornamented _Temple
Bar_, or those of the _Great Attorney_ or _Great Contractor_ which,
not long since, were conspicuously elevated for their _great actions_,
and were exhibited in _wooden frames_, at the _East_ and _West_-ends
of this metropolis, never fails of attracting the eyes of passengers,
though indeed we do not expect to experience the lenity shewn to these
_great exhibitors_; for probably THE TIMES will be pelted without
mercy.

But then a _head_ with a _good face_ is a harbinger or gentleman usher
that often strongly recommends even DULNESS, FOLLY, IMMORALITY, or
VICE--The immortal LOCKE gives evidence to the truth of this
observation. That great philosopher has declared that, though
repeatedly taken in, he never could withstand the solicitations of a
well-drawn title-page--authority sufficient to justify _us_ in
assuming a _new head_, with a _new set of features_, but not with a
design to impose; for we flatter ourselves the HEADS of THE TIMES will
not be found deficient in _intellects_, but by putting a _new face_ on
affairs, will be admired for the _light_ of its _countenance_ wherever
it appears.

To advert to our first position.

THE UNIVERSAL REGISTER has been a name as injurious to the
_Logographic News-Paper_ as TRISTRAM was to MR. SHANDY’S SON--but OLD
SHANDY forgot he might have rectified by _confirmation_ the mistake of
the _parson_ at _baptism_, and with the touch of a _Bishop_ have
changed TRISTRAM to TRISMEGESTUS.

THE UNIVERSAL REGISTER, from the day of its first appearance to the
day of its _confirmation_ has like TRISTRAM suffered from innumerable
casualities, both laughable and serious, arising from its _name_,
which on its introduction was immediately curtailed of its fair
proportion by all who called for it, the word _Universal_ being
_universally_ omitted, and the word _Register_, only, being retained.
“Boy, bring me the _Register_.” The waiter answers, “Sir, we have not
a library, but you may see it at the _New Exchange Coffee House_.”
“Then I’ll see it there,” answers the disappointed politician, and he
goes to the _New Exchange_ and calls for the _Register_; upon which
the waiter tells him he cannot have it if he is not a subscriber--or
presents him with the Court and City Register, the _Old Annual
Register_, or the _New Annual Register_; or if the Coffee House be
within the Purlieus of Covent Garden, or the Hundreds of Drury--slips
into the politician’s hand “_Harris’s Register_ of Ladies.”

For these and other reasons, the parents of the UNIVERSAL REGISTER
have added to its original name that of the

_TIMES,_

Which, being a _monosyllable_, bids defiance to _corrupters_ and
_mutilaters_ of the language.

THE TIMES! What a monstrous name! Granted--for THE TIMES _is_ a
many-headed monster that speaks with a hundred tongues, and displays a
thousand characters, and in the course of _its_ transformations in
life assumes innumerable shapes and humours.

The critical reader will observe we personify our _new name_, but as
we give it no distinction of sex, and though _it_ will be _active_ in
_its_ vocations, yet we apply to _it_ the _neuter gender_.

THE TIMES, being formed of materials and possessing qualities of
opposite and heterogeneous natures, cannot be classed either in the
animal or vegetable _genus_; but like the _Polypus_ is doubtful, and
in the discussion, description, dissection, and illustration, will
employ the pens of the most celebrated of the _Literati_.

THE HEADS OF THE TIMES, as has been said, are many; they will however
not always appear at the same time, but casually, as public or private
affairs may call them forth.

The principal or leading heads are--

The LITERARY,
POLITICAL,
COMMERCIAL,
PHILOSOPHICAL,
CRITICAL,
THEATRICAL,
FASHIONABLE,
HUMOUROUS,
WITTY, &c., &c.

Each of which are supplied with a competent share of intellects for
the pursuit of their several functions; an endowment which is not in
_all time_ to be found even in the HEADS of the _State_--The _heads_
of the _Church_--the _heads_ of the _Law_--the _heads_ of the
_Navy_--the _heads_ of the _Army_--and though _last_, not _least_, the
_great heads_ of the _Universities_.

The _Political Head_ of THE TIMES, like that of _Janus_, the Roman
Deity, is double faced; with one countenance it will smile continually
on the _friends_ of _Old England_, and with the other will frown
incessantly on her _enemies_.

The alteration we have made in our _head_ is not without precedents.
The WORLD has parted with half of its CAPUT MORTUUM and a moiety of
its brains. The HERALD has cut off half of its head, and has lost its
original humour. The POST, it is true, retains its whole head and its
old features; and as to the other public prints, they appear as having
neither _heads_ nor _tails_.

On the PARLIAMENTARY HEAD every communication that ability and
industry can produce may be expected. To this great _National object_
THE TIMES will be most sedulously attentive, most accurately correct,
and strictly impartial in its reports.

* * * * *

THEATRE.

_Drury Lane._

Hamlet--whose doom, at least this season, has unfortunately been “to
walk the night and strut to empty benches”--performed yesterday
evening its accustomed _penance_ in lieu of Tamerlane.

Were not this excellent tragedy so often used “on the spur of the
occasion,” we think such admirable acting as Kemble’s Prince of
_Denmark_ would meet with more _attendance_--more of applause it could
not have.

Mrs. Ward’s performance of the _Queen_ is the best proof of Mrs.
Siddon’s assertion, that “Gertrude had more good points about her than
the critics were aware of.” Mrs. Ward’s distracted _look_ in the
closet scene aided most powerfully Kemble’s piteous exclamation of,
“On _him!_ on _him!_” Indeed, the noble delineation of that difficult
character did much credit to this rising actress.

* * * * *

_Covent Garden._

“Henry the Fourth,” with Ryder’s Falstaff, ended the year _merrily_ at
this Theatre. The house was remarkably full, and the lower boxes had
most of the fashionable _amateurs_ in town. The Falstaff of Ryder,
though not perfection, is yet respectable, and is the more welcome,
with “all its imperfections upon its head,” as disappointing the
general assertion that Falstaff _died_ with _Henderson_. Among the
most pleasing and prominent features were his address to the _gang_ on
Gadds Hill--“By the _Lord_, I _knew_ you”--to the Prince, and
soliloquy on _honour_. The description of his _company_ was also
replete with humour.

Edwin’s kind donation of the _sugar candy_ was particularly welcome to
Lewis, who was most villainously hoarse. The scene of Anon! anon! Sir,
of course lost much of its effect.

* * * * *

REHEARSAL OF NEW YEAR’S ODE.

Mr. Cramer led the band at the rehearsal yesterday, in _Hickford’s
Rooms, Brewer’s Street_. The Overture consisted of three movements, in
the second of which Mr. Parke’s oboe was distinguished in a Solo
accompanied by the Violincello. Mr. Sale opened the vocal part in a
recitative and air--

“Rude was the Pile, and massy Roof.”

He was followed by Doctor Hayes, who executed an air with great
applause. Master Carnaby, one of the King’s Boys, sung a verse
sweetly, beginning,

“When to the King.”

In the cantibile at the close, he rather failed in his execution,
which was very excusable in a first essay before so many capital
masters. A most rich and beautiful symphony preceded Mr. Dyne’s air.

“Proud Castle, to thy banner’d Bowers.”

It was much admired for its simplicity, it being conceived in the
captivating manner of the late Doctor Arne, with this addition, that
the accompanyments were much richer. The music finished with a very
powerful chorus, “Albion, arouse,” but there were not voices
sufficient to to do it justice.

The DUKE OF CUMBERLAND and near two hundred ladies and gentlemen were
present. Previous to the performance, the minuets for the Queen’s
birthday were as usual played over, two of which seemed to have a
considerable share of novelty and merit.

* * * * *

_THE CUCKOO_

_Cuckoo! Cuckoo!_ Repeated the little piece of _machinery_ which LADY
WALLIS had conveyed into her _muff_, when she visited the COUNTESS OF
HUNTINGDON’S chapel. The _preacher_ raised up his eyes with amazement.
_Cuckoo!_ repeated the machine. “O word unpleasing to a married ear.”
Messrs. A., B., and C. rubbed their _foreheads_, and looked upon the
_preacher_. The _preacher_ went on with his discourse: “_fornicators
and adulterers_ shall not enter the kingdom of heaven.” _Cuckoo!_
repeated the machine. The _preacher_ proceeded till he came to another
quotation: “Saul! Saul! why persecutes thou me?” _Cuckoo!_ repeated
the machine.

LADY BRISTOL, more _notoriously_ known by her assumed title, the
DUCHESS OF KINGSTON, had lately been _seized_ with a longing to
revisit her native country. Her Ladyship declares she has for a
considerable time past felt the _amor patria_, and wishes for a
_private_ conversation with his Majesty’s Ministers, for the purpose
of laying before them the _true state_ of the Empress of Russia’s
_private affairs_.

We are rejoiced for the best reason in the world--because it will
promote the joy of others--that the report of _Mrs. Hobart_ having
retired from the _Richmond Theatre_ is entirely without foundation.
Where mirth, good humour, and elegant festivity prevail, especially if
they should be heightened by the comic scene, Mrs. _Hobart_ cannot be
easily spared.

On Friday evening, there was a private concert at the house of Mr.
Billington, in Poland Street, at which there were some of the
_first-characters_ in the kingdom. A more particular account of it
probably will be given in this paper on a future day.

Though clearing the gallery of the COMMONS of strangers be a _standing
order_, which any _member_ may insist upon without being seconded, yet
SIR GREGORY would not venture to put it in execution without
consulting his _Lady_: who, after examining the premises, has given
her opinion that _such things_ ought not to be _sported_ or _trifled_
with.

SIR THOMAS BEAVER and MAJOR MONEY have commenced _Literary
hostilities_, through the medium of the _Norwich Mercury_; their
ammunition is of inflammable materials--more, however, of _brimstone_
than of _salt_, and _charcoal_ in great abundance.

As this Paper has traced _every incident_ respecting LORD GEORGE
GORDON for several months past, it takes the liberty of announcing his
Lordship’s return to St. George’s Fields _early_ in the ensuing term.

LORD GEORGE GORDON is preparing to _beard_ Mr. ATTORNEY GENERAL on the
question of bail; and Mr. _Attorney_ on his part is preparing a
_cutting_ argument for _trimming Lord George_, but though his Lordship
has been so long in the _suds_, it is not thought that _shaving_ will
take place till _the day of Judgement_.

The paragraph which appeared in a certain respectable Morning Print,
relative to the discharge of a person from St. James’s, for having
paid a grateful attention to Lord George in his distresses is,
however, not true; indeed, the report was too _ungracious_ to be so.

O QUACKERY! where wilt thou end? O PHYSIC, when are thy disgraces to
terminate? There are at this time a practitioner in town, who says to
his patients--“Use my _wegetable_, follow my _regiment_, and never
fear it will _radicate_ all your _pectril_ complaints.” Such a
character should not escape the animadversion of THE TIMES; but of
_this here_ Doctor more anon--when _The Times_ have leisure.

Yesterday the Purser of the Dutton, Captain Hunt, for Bombay and
China, received his final dispatches from the India House.

It is really surprising that Bedford Street, one of the great leading
avenues to the Strand, should continue to remain in so confined a
state towards the bottom; it resembles a great bottle with a small
neck; there is not literally at its entrance from the Strand room for
two coaches to go abreast, yet forty yards higher it is roomy and
spacious. If the houses which form so great a bulk on the right hand,
where Cater the Pawnbroker now lives, were thrown down, and an elegant
range of new buildings to match the opposite corner, where Mess.
Humble and Henderson’s upholstery warehouse is, it would certainly be
equally commodious with either Catherine or Southampton Street.

During the late memorable contest between Johnson and Ryan, in the
last _set to_ Ryan trod upon Johnstone’s great toe, and by the
violence of the struggle lacerated the nail wholly from it. Johnstone
was at this instant observed to turn pale. When they were disengaged
Johnstone was so much irritated, that making a blow at Ryan, whom he
missed, he struck one of the uprights of the stage, which shook it in
an incredible manner, the next blow that Johnstone made was aimed at
the chest, in which he succeeded, and this terminated the contest.
Johnstone then asked Ryan if he had enough; to which he replied, “I’ve
had enough these six minutes, but to oblige my friends, I have _stood
up_.” Johnson’s hand was much bruised and black for some time after by
the blow against the upright, and we hear he has not yet recovered of
the hurt which his toe received in the encounter.

The spirit with which the Lord Mayor threatens the pack of _Bullock
Drivers_ in amongst the first fruits of his administration, which
promise it to be, as we hope it will prove, an administration of
effect. As for our part, we cannot be convinced that the power of the
magistracy in the metropolis and its suburbs is not equal to the
correction of the numerous disgraceful abuses which infect its
jurisdiction.

A tradesman of St Alban’s being asked why the King, after his fatigue
on Saturday, quitted the town with so much precipitation, replied with
some humour, “because his Majesty had no inclination to dine with
_Duke Humphrey_.”

Saturday morning, several of the felons in the New Goal in the Borough
made an attempt to escape, but were overheard by the Keeper, when two
of the principals were properly secured in the strong room.

* * * * *

This day is Published,
Price 1s. the book, and 8d. the sheet,
Elegantly printed in a size which may be enclosed in a
Pocket Book,

TRUSLER’S CLERICAL and UNIVERSAL ALMANACK for the year 1788. Which
contains a greater variety of matter than any other now published; and
though in a small size has the lists of Lords and Commons, New Taxes,
and is a complete Court Register in a much lesser compass.

London: Printed at the _Logographic Press_: and sold by all the
Booksellers.

* * * * *

_GAME OF WHIST._

This day is published,
Price fourpence, or four for a shilling to give away,

BOB SHORT’S RULES of the GAME of WHIST, _improved_ by the addition of
the Laws of WHIST, as now played at Brookes’s, Bath, &c.

Printed for John Wallis, No. 16, Ludgate Street, of whom may be had,
price One Shilling,