Chapter C: Clive (3)

[113:A] The ridiculous tricks mentioned in the "famous Dutch-woman's" bill of fare were permitted without reprehension. These will serve to shew how stationary the entertainments of this place are: six companies of rope-dancers coalesced. "You will see a wonderful girl of ten years of age who walks backwards up the sloping rope driving a wheelbarrow behind her; also you will see the great Italian Master, who not only passes all that has yet been seen upon the low rope, but he dances without a pole upon the head of a mast as high as the booth will permit, and afterwards stands upon his head on the same. You will be also entertained with the merry conceits of an Italian scaramouch, who dances on the rope with two children and a dog in a wheelbarrow, and a duck on his head."

[148:A] Flying Post, August 22, 1717.

[204:A] Shakspeare's Richard III.

[224:A] London Chronicle.

[227:A] The excessive crowd and pressure on those occasions provokes every passion of the human breast to their utmost extent; hence every petty dispute swells into a wide-spreading fray, and every little alarm becomes the source of horror and despair: a melancholy proof of this fact occurred in October 1807, at Sadler's-wells, when the words _a fight!_ were construed by certain terrified ladies into _fire!_ and, wonderful as it may appear, though neither light nor smoke were seen, nor was it scarcely possible a fire could happen in that Theatre, such are the precautions used by the managers, yet a phrensy took place in the gallery altogether unaccountable. The entreaties and despairing cries of the managers with speaking trumpets, that there was no fire, availed nothing: persons, regardless of their lives, threw themselves over into the pit; and eighteen died from pressure and suffocation on the gallery stairs: numbers, besides, will probably suffer long from their bruises. Every possible recompence has been made to their surviving friends by the Proprietors, who have prosecuted the wretches whose hateful tempers excited the terror, and given two _free_ benefits, the produce to be divided between those deprived of support by the unexpected death of their fathers or husbands. Indeed their conduct deserves the thanks of the publick.

[236:A] These veterans died within a year of each other; the latter in September 1806, aged 78: they were almost the last survivors of Garrick's school.

[236:B] This actor was sent a short time before to announce a Comedy for representation to the audience, and forgot the title; after pronouncing the word "called"--"called" several times, a tar vociferated "The Tempest;"--"True," said Obrien, "The Tempest."

[252:A] _The True-born Irishman_, written by Macklin.

[310:A] Both were reduced to ashes, Covent-garden at the close of 1808, and Drury-lane in the beginning of 1809, and _both accidentally_ without doubt.

CHAP. VIII.

ANECDOTES OF DRESS, AND OF THE CAPRICES OF FASHION.

To render past fashions as intelligible as possible, I beg leave to refer to the prints annexed; by which every remarkable change in male and female dress may be traced between 1700 and 1806.

The Ladies Bodice or Stays were sometimes made of silk, with black straps to fasten with buckles set with stones or false jewels.

The head had a covering called a Hood, and this was in the form that is now worn by old-fashioned people on the upper part of the Cloak: they were of satin, sarsnet, or velvet.

Ear-rings, and Girdles fastened by buckles, were common, as were coloured gowns lined with striped silks. Lady Anderson, whose house was robbed at a fire in Red Lion-square in 1700, lost one of this description of _orange_ damask lined with striped silk. The family of George Heneage, Esq. at the same time, and by the same casualty, lost "a _head_ with very fine looped lace of very great value, a Flanders laced Hood, a pair of double Ruffles and Tuckers; two laced Aprons, one point, the other Flanders lace; and a large black Scarf embroidered with gold."

At the same period the ladies wore Holland Petticoats, embroidered in figures with different-coloured silks and gold, with broad orrice at the bottom.

It may be inferred from the ensuing story that Wigs of delicate and beautiful hair, whether for the use of ladies or gentlemen, were in great demand, or highly valued, by some of our beaus or belles.

"An Oxfordshire Lass was lately courted by a young man of that country, who was not willing to marry her unless her friends could advance 50_l._ for her portion; which they being incapable of doing, the lass came to this City to try her fortune, where she met with a good chapman in the Strand, who made a purchase of her Hair (which was delicately long and light), and gave her _sixty pounds_ for it, being 20 ounces at 3_l. an ounce_; with which money she joyfully returned into the Country, and bought her a husband." _Protestant Mercury, July 10, 1700._

Admitting this tale to be a mere fabrication to fill the paper, it is by no means to be doubted that good Hair sold at 3_l. per_ ounce.

The Sword as one of the most reprehensible articles used in the dress of the gentlemen. It is undoubtedly an incumbrance to a well-bred man; but dangling by the side of an awkward person it becomes ridiculous, troublesome to himself, and intolerable to his neighbours. These observations apply only to the _absurdity_ of the custom: as a dangerous weapon ready on a sudden quarrel, humanity revolts against its use. The following notice from the Gazette of January 1, 1701, will shew, that Government was at least careful of the lives of that honourable set of gentlemen _ycleped_ Footmen who sported _their_ side-arms.

"By the Right Hon. Charles Earl of Carlisle, Earl Marshal of England during the minority of Thomas Duke of Norfolk. Whereas many mischiefs and dangerous accidents, tending not only to the highest breach of the peace, but also to the destruction of the lives of his Majesty's subjects, have happened and been occasioned by Footmen wearing of swords: for prevention of the like evil accidents and disturbances for the future, I do hereby order, that no Footman attending any of the nobility or gentry of his Majesty's realms shall wear any sword, hanger, _bayonet_, or other such like offensive weapon, during such time as they or any of them shall reside or be within the Cities of London and Westminster, and the liberties and precincts of the same, as they will answer the contrary hereof. Given under my hand, and the Seal of the Office of Earl Marshal of England, the 30th day of December, 1701, in the 13th year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord King William the Third of England, &c.

"CARLISLE, E. M."

Muffs were in use before the year 1700, but very different in shape and materials from those of the present day. What would a fashionable belle say to a Furrier, who should offer her one for sale made of the Leopard's skin? Yet such were worn in 1702.

In the same year it was customary to adorn the arm with Lockets, as they were then called. A large one is thus described in an advertisement as lost by a lady: "Striped with dark brown and fair hair, wrought like Camlet, the hair set in gold, over the hair a cypher of four letters, R. A. M. L. under a cut crystal, and set round with ten rose diamonds."

Diamond Stomachers adorned the ladies' breasts, which were composed of that valuable stone set in silver, and sewed in a variety of figures upon black silk; and they must be admitted to have been a brilliant, if not an elegant ornament.

The men imported the Campaign Wig from France. Those were made very full, were curled, and eighteen inches in length to the front, with drop locks. When _human_ hair was scarce, a little _horse_ hair supplied the place in the parts least in sight.

An advertisement issued in 1703 gives a whole-length portrait of the dress of a Youth in the middle rank of life. Such a figure would attract much wonder at present in the streets of London. "He is of a fair complexion, light-brown lank hair, having on a dark-brown frieze Coat, double-breasted on each side, with black buttons and button-holes; a light drugget Waistcoat, _red-shag Breeches striped with black stripes_, and _black_ Stockings."

Mourning Rings were used in 1703.

Satin Gowns were lined with Persian silk; and laced Kerchiefs, and Spanish leather Shoes, laced with gold, were common. To these the Ladies added bare breasts, with gold and other Crosses suspended on them.

The odd custom of setting little circular pieces of black silk on various parts of the female face, well known by the name of _Patches_ even in our enlightened days, prevailed to a most extravagant degree at the time I am now treating of: they then, as at present, varied in size, and were supported by their auxiliaries in elegance, frizzed and powdered _false Locks_, and emulated by the men's Sword-knots and black silk facings to their Coats.

The Ladies must indeed have exhibited a wonderful appearance in 1709: behold one equipped in a black silk Petticoat with a red and white calico border, cherry-coloured Stays trimmed with blue and silver, a red and dove-coloured damask Gown flowered with large trees, a yellow satin Apron trimmed with white Persian, and muslin Head-cloths with crowfoot edging, double Ruffles with fine edging, a black silk furbelowed Scarf, and a spotted Hood! Such were the clothes advertised as stolen in the Post-Boy of November 15. To cover all this finery from rain the fashionables had Umbrellas. The Female Tatler of December 12 says, "The young gentleman belonging to the Custom-house, that for fear of rain borrowed the _Umbrella_ at Will's Coffee-house in Cornhill of the _Mistress_, is hereby advertised that to be dry from head to foot on the like occasion he shall be welcome _to the Maid's pattens_;" which seems to imply that this useful invention was then considered as too effeminate for Men.

Sedans were in use at the same time; but I should imagine not generally, as the same writer describes a _City_ Lady rendered sick, and dislocating her neck, by being carried in one, and rising too suddenly.

The ridiculous long Wigs of 1710 were very expensive: one was advertised as stolen in that year, and said to be worth five guineas; and Duumvir's "fair Wig" in the Tatler, No. 54, "cost forty guineas." But, lest it should be supposed that the gentlemen _only_ were extravagant in decorating the _caput_, take the prices from the Lace-chamber on Ludgate-hill: "One Brussels head at 40_l._; one ground Brussels head at 30_l._; one looped Brussels head at 30_l._"

The Tatler ludicrously advertises "A Stage Coach as departing from Nando's Coffee-house for Mr. Tiptoe's Dancing-school every evening;" and adds the following: "N. B. Dancing-shoes not exceeding _four inches height in the heel_, and Perriwigs not exceeding _three feet in length_, are carried in the Coach-box _gratis_."

Those unfortunate persons who were born with golden tresses, and those who had lived to bear the silver locks of Time, and did not choose to carry the weight of the above tremendous wigs, were not without their _Tricosian fluid_; for Mr. Michon, goldsmith, informed them in 1710, that he had "found out" "a clear water," which would convert them into brown or black locks.

Mr. Bickerstaff notices the extreme nakedness of the ladies' breasts at this time; and casually mentions the beau's pearl-coloured stockings and _red_-topped shoes, fringed gloves, large wigs, and feathers in the hat.

A lady's Riding-dress was advertised for sale in the Spectator of June 2, 1711, "of blue Camblet well laced with silver; being a coat, waistcoat, petticoat, hat and feather." Another in 1712 mentions an _Isabella_ coloured _Kincob_ Gown, flowered with green and gold, a dark-coloured _cloth_ (probably linen) Gown and Petticoat with two silver orrices, a purple and gold _Atlas_ Gown; a _scarlet and gold_ Atlas Petticoat edged with silver, a wrought _Under_-petticoat edged with gold, a black velvet Petticoat; _Allejah_ Petticoat striped with green gold and white, a blue and silver silk Gown and Petticoat, a blue and gold Atlas Gown and Petticoat, and clogs laced with silver. These were the property of Mr. Peter Paggen of Love-lane near Eastcheap, brewer, who fined for Sheriff in 1712; and were probably the dresses of the females of his family. That _they_, or whoever wore such, were very gaudy, cannot be denied; but those rich coverings for the body were matched by the decorations of the head: if the hips had their scarlet, the seat of the understanding had its blue, yellow, pink, and green Hoods. The Spectator says, "When Melesinda wraps her head in _flame_ colour, her heart is set upon execution." The majority of these fashions were doubtlessly from France, as the same work describes a Parisian Doll imported by the Milliners; a custom most religiously continued during the rare intervals of peace between the two Countries.

To the above list of finery pray let me add Mrs. Beale's loss in 1712. "A green silk knit Waistcoat with gold and silver flowers _all over it_, and _about fourteen_ yards of gold and silver _thick_ lace on it. And a Petticoat of rich strong flowered satin red and white, _all in great_ flowers or leaves, and _scarlet_ flowers with _black specks_ brocaded in, _raised high like Velvet or Shag_." Surely if James I. had seen this Waistcoat and Petticoat, he would have sadly abused his two subjects who wore them; they even set the Stomachers of Queen Bess at defiance, except that they are deficient in _Jewelry_. And in 1714 Mr. John Osheal had the misfortune to be robbed of "a scarlet cloth Suit, laced with broad gold lace, lined and faced with blue; a fine cinnamon cloth Suit with plate buttons, the Waistcoat fringed with a silk fringe of the same colour, and a rich _yellow_ flowered satin morning Gown lined with a cherry-coloured satin, with a pocket on the right side."

The extreme richness of the habits of those days were accompanied by equal extravagance in the furniture of Beds, advertised as stolen 1715, and thus described: "Four Curtains of damask, a blue ground and changeable flowers; the curtains lined with white satin, having a mixed fringe. A white satin Quilt to the said bed embroidered. Four flowered velvet Curtains of a yellowish ash-colour, in a border of the same kind of flowered velvet of a musk-colour; the border trimmed with green lace with a stripe of red, lined with a striped India muslin." Those were the property of a lady resident in Bedford-row, whose name is not mentioned.

The Weekly Journal of January 1717 mentions the death of the celebrated mantua-maker Mrs. Selby, whose inventive talents supplied the ladies with that absurd and troublesome obstruction, that enemy to elegance and symmetry, the Hooped Petticoat. The same paper of a subsequent date contains an humourous essay on the advantages and disadvantages of the Hooped Petticoat. As I presume the reader with me inclines to the disadvantages, he will be pleased with a short extract: "I believe it would puzzle the quickest invention to find out one tolerable conveniency in these machines. I appeal to the sincerity of the ladies, whether they are not a great incumbrance upon all occasions (vanity apart) both at home and abroad. What skill and management is required to reduce one of these circles within the limits of a chair, or to find space for two in a chariot; and what precautions must a modest female take even to enter at the doors of a private family without obstruction! Then a vivacious damsel cannot turn herself round in a room a little inconsiderately without oversetting every thing like a whirlwind; stands and tea-tables, flower-pots, China-jars and basins innumerable, perish daily by this spreading mischief, which, like a Comet, spares nothing that comes within its sweep. Neither is this fashion more ornamental than convenient. Nothing can be imagined more unnatural, and consequently less agreeable. When a slender Virgin stands upon a basis so exorbitantly wide, she resembles a funnel, a figure of no great elegancy; and I have seen many fine ladies of a low stature, who, when they sail in their hoops about an apartment, look like children in Go-carts."

Black and white beaver Hats for ladies were advertised in 1719, faced with coloured silks, and trimmed with gold or silver lace.

Wigs maintained their ground in 1720; and white hair for the manufacture of them bore a monstrous price, if we may credit that that of a woman aged 170, of a very considerable length, produced 50_l._ after her death from a Perriwig-maker. _Original Weekly Journal._

The man of fashion in 1720 wore the full-curled flowing Wig, which fell in ringlets half way down his arms and back; a Neckcloth tied tight round his neck; a Coat reaching to his ancles, laced, strait, formal, with buttons to the very bottom, and several on the pockets and sleeves; his Shoes were square at the toes, had diminutive buckles, a monstrous flap on the instep, and high heels; a belt secured the coat, and supported the Sword.

A man advertised a wonderful Wig to be seen in Sidney-alley, Leicester-fields, at one shilling each person in February 1721. He said it was made without weaving or sewing; in short, as Sterne says, it might be immersed in the Ocean without derangement.

The ladies wore Hooped Petticoats, scarlet Cloaks, and Masks, when walking. The Hoops were fair game for the wits, and they spared them not.

"An elderly lady whose bulky squat figure
By hoop and white damask was rendered much bigger,
Without hood and bare-neck'd to the Park did repair,
To shew her new clothes, and to take the fresh air;
Her shape, her attire, rais'd a shout and loud laughter;
Away waddles Madam; the mob hurries after.
Quoth a wag, then observing the noisy crowd follow,
As she came with a _hoop_, she is gone with a hollow."

If the Flying Post of June 14, 1722, may be credited, the Bishop of Durham[323:A] appeared on horseback at a review in the King's train "in a lay habit of purple with Jack boots, and his hat cocked, and a black wig tied behind him, like a militant officer."

George II. reviewed the Guards in 1727, habited in gray cloth faced with purple, with a purple feather in his hat; and the three eldest Princesses "went to Richmond in riding-habits with hats and feathers and _periwigs_." _Whitehall Evening Post, August 17._

If the reader will have the goodness to forgive the introduction of very vile doggrel lines, I will in turn present him with a Beau of 1727:

"Take one of the brights from St. James's or White's;
'Twill best be if nigh six feet he prove high.
Then take of fine linen enough to wrap him in;
Right Mechlin must twist round his bosom and wrist,
Red heels to his shoes, gold clocks to his hose,
With calves _quantum suff_--for a muff;
In black velvet breeches let him put all his riches;
Then cover his waist with a suit that's well lac'd.
'Tis best if he wears not more than ten hairs,
To keep his brains cool on each side his scull.
Let a queue be prepar'd, twice as long as a yard,
Short measure I mean; there is great odds between.
This done, your Beau place before a large glass;
The recipe to fulfil mix with powder pulvil;
And then let it moulder away on his shoulder.
Let a sword then be tied up to his left side,
And under his arm place his hat for a charm.
Then let him learn dancing, and to ride horses prancing,
Italian and French, to drink and to wench:
O! then with what wonder will he fill the _beau monde_ here!"

_Mist's Journal._

I have met with the following description of the dress of a Running Footman in 1730: "They wear fine Holland drawers and waistcoats, thread stockings, a blue silk sash fringed with silver, a velvet cap with a great tassel; and carry a Porter's staff with a large silver handle."

The Beaus of the day seemed emulous of the Running fraternity in the latter part of their _insignia_, according to the Universal Spectator, which says: "The wearing of Swords at the Court-end of the town is by many polite young gentlemen laid aside; and instead thereof they carry large Oak Sticks, _with great heads and ugly faces carved thereon_."

An advertisement in March 1731 mentions several articles of the dress of the time; amongst which were, "a black velvet Petticoat; a rose-coloured paduasoy Mantua, lined with a rich mantua silk of the same colour; a Suit of black paduasoy; a long velvet Scarf, lined with a shot silk of pink and blue; a long velvet Hood; a long silk Hood laced; two white short silk Aprons, one embroidered with silk at the edges; one green silk Apron embroidered with silk and silver; three new muslin India half Handkerchiefs, spotted with plated silver; two gauze half Handkerchiefs, one brown embroidered with gold, silver, and silk; a short crimson satin Cloak, lined with white silk; a gold and silver Girdle, with Buckles set with Bristol stones, &c."

The Weekly Register of July 10, 1731, contains a lively survey of female dress, which I have transcribed for the information and amusement of the reader.

"A GENERAL REVIEW OF FEMALE FASHIONS; ADDRESSED TO THE LADIES.

"The love of novelty is the parent of fashion, and, as the
fancy sickens with one image, it longs for another. This
is the cause of the continued revolutions of habit and
behaviour, and why we are so industrious in pursuing the
change: this makes fashion so universally followed, and is
the true reason why the awkwardest people are as fond of this
folly as the genteelest, who give a grace to every thing they
wear. This affectation indeed is so notorious, that a certain
lady of humour and quality, trusting to the inimitable
beauties of her own person, very frequently invented some
whimsical dress, which she herself was sure to become, that
the rest of the ladies might copy her to their own confusion;
but as soon as the stratagem had effectually taken place,
she laughed at their folly, and left them to be ridiculous
by themselves. Hence it is plain that every novelty is
not beauty, and that it requires great elegance of taste,
and truth of judgment, to determine the modes of dress,
that every one should consult the particular turn of their
own manner in their choice, and be well convinced of its
propriety, before they ventured to set the world an example.
But, as this is very seldom found, I shall content myself
with recommending it only, and make the present entertainment
a mere Register of the fashions that are by turns in vogue,
with a hint or two at the characters of the inventors. I
shall not busy myself with the ladies Shoes and Stockings at
all; it may serve to recal some ideas to the young fellows of
this age, which it does not become my character and office
to encourage; but I cannot so easily pass over the Hoop when
it is in my way, and therefore I must beg pardon of my fair
readers, if I begin my attack where the above-mentioned
pretty gentlemen end theirs. It is now some years since this
remarkable fashion made a figure in the world, and, from
its first beginning, divided the public opinion, as to its
convenience and beauty. For my own part, I was always willing
to indulge it, under some restrictions; that is to say, if
it is not a rival to the dome of St. Paul's, to incumber the
way, or a tub for the resistance of a new Diogenes; if it
does not eclipse too much beauty above, or discover too much
below.--In short, I am for living in peace; and I am afraid
a fine lady, with too much liberty in this particular, would
render my own imagination an enemy to my repose.

"The Farthingal, according to several paintings, and even
history itself, is as old as Queen Elizabeth, of blessed
memory, though it is possible it had its original in the same
manner with the hoop, and was worn as universally: but the
prudes of our days revived it in stark opposition to that
fashion, and boasted that while they were in that circle,
they were secure from temptation; nay, some of them have
presumed to say it gave them all the chastity of that heroic
Princess, who died, as she had lived, a virgin, after so many
years of trial.--N. B. Her Maids of Honour wore Farthingals
as well as her Majesty, and undoubtedly participated of the
same virtue, though I submit that point to the examination of
the learned.

"The Stay is a part of modern dress that I have an invincible
aversion to, as giving a stiffness to the whole frame, which
is void of all grace, and an enemy to beauty; but, as I would
not offend the ladies by absolutely condemning what they
are so fond of, I will recall my censure, and only observe
that even this female armour is changing mode continually,
and favours or distresses the enemy according to the humour
of the wearer. Sometimes the Stomacher almost rises to the
chin, and a Modesty-bit serves the purpose of a Ruff: at
other times it is so complaisant as not to reach half way,
and the Modesty is but a transparent shade to the beauties
underneath. This is what one may call opening the windows of
Heaven, and giving us a view of Paradise; the other shuts up
every avenue, and makes Reserve a Dragon for its security:
the first may give passion too great a licence, and the last
may be an injury to nature: for which reason I recommend a
medium; Coquets are the encouragers of one, and Prudes of the
other.

"I have no objection to make to the Tippet. It may be made
an elegant and beautiful ornament; in Winter the sable is
wonderfully graceful, and a fine help to the complexion: in
Summer the colours and the composition are to be adapted
with judgment, neither dull without fancy, nor gaudy without
beauty. I have seen too many of the last; but, as I believe
them to be the first trial of a child's genius in such
performances, I only give this hint for their amendment.

"As the Breast-knot allows a good deal of ingenuity in the
delicate choice of colours, and disposition of figure, I
think it may be indulged; but very sparingly, and rather with
a negligence, than the least affectation.--It seems there is
a fashion even in the colours of ribands, and I have observed
a beautiful purple to be lately the general mode; but it is
not the beauty of the colour that recommends it so much, as
the symbol it is said to bear: a set of fashionable people
have thought fit to entitle themselves the Gallant Schemers,
and this is the ensign of the order; this is hung out to
distinguish the society, who publicly declare that gallantry
is their business, and pleasure their only idol.--I thought
myself obliged to make this known, that nobody, through
ignorance, might be led astray.--She that invented it, is
above regarding the discovery; such a liberty is but spirit
and genius in quality, and only meets with censure from the
vulgar.

"I come now to the Head-dress, the very highest point of
female elegance; and here I find such a variety of modes,
such a medley of decoration, that it is hard to know where
to fix: lace and cambrick, gauze and fringe, feathers and
ribands, create such a confusion, occasion such frequent
changes, that it defies art, judgment, or taste, to reconcile
them to any standard, or reduce them to any order.--That
ornament of the hair which is styled the Horns, and has been
in vogue so long, was certainly first calculated by some
good-natured lady to keep her spouse in countenance; and, by
sympathy, the fashion has prevailed ever since.--The _Tête
de Mouton_ has made no farther progress, than those who
first imported it from Paris. They inform you the wearer has
seen the world, and has acquired sense enough to contemn
the fashions of her own country, and courage enough to defy
them.--To this may be added, the _Robe de Chambre_; and then
the dull untravelled English may begin their ridicule as
soon as they please; there is more pleasure in being stared
at for the novelty, than there is pain in knowing they
condemn it.--But, though the _Tête de Mouton_ has had no
more success, we have imitations that will do as well; both
sides of a fashionable head are now curled out to the best
advantage, and I do not know but, by little and little, we
shall be able to conquer our difficulties, and appear with a
full fleece, till another foreign belle arrives to furnish us
with a new extravagance.

"The High-crowned Hat, after having been confined to cots and
villages for so long a time, is become the favourite mode of
quality, and is the politest distinction of a fashionable
undress. I quarrel with it only because it seems to be a
kind of masquerade; it would insinuate an idea of innocence
and rusticity, though the Park is not the likeliest place
to be the scene of either: in short, if a woman is dressed
like a Wood Nymph, I expect the simplicity of manners, and
full force of rural nature, which is of a piece with the
character; but I am generally most egregiously disappointed.
Some lady who was intimate with the intrigue of romances was
certainly the reviver of this custom; she had read of lucky
adventures in that disguise, and fancied an amour was its
inseparable companion. On which account I give public notice,
that a High-crowned Hat shall be esteemed as an emblem of an
amorous heart, and a signal for the first assignation that
falls in the way.

"The Hat and Peruke, which has been some time made part of a
lady's riding equipage, is such an odd kind of affectation,
that I hardly know under what species to range it; it is
such an enemy to female beauty, it is so foreign to every
amiable grace, it adds such a masculine fierceness to the
figure, and such a shameless boldness to every feature,
that neither decency nor elegance can justify it.--None but
Amazons ought to wear it; and, if any of the sex are now
courageous enough to bid defiance to mankind, I must insist
on their wearing the Breeches too, to make their disguise
complete. But I am apt to believe it is made use of on quite
different motives; it must certainly take place out of a more
than ordinary regard to us, and must be meant as the highest
compliment. Besides, it may serve to tickle the mind with
pretty imaginations; sometimes supply the absence of a beau,
and sometimes please with the resemblance. I never see one
of these Heroines without ascribing some such cause for her
gallantry; and always surmise with what readiness she would
part with the appearance in exchange for the reality.

"The Riding Habit simply, with the black velvet cap and
white feather, is, in my opinion, the most elegant dress
that belongs to the ladies' wardrobe; there is a grace and
gentility in it that all other dresses want; it displays the
shape and turn of the body to great advantage, and betrays
a negligence that is perfectly agreeable. This fashion was
certainly first invented by a woman of taste; and I am
pleased to see the ladies in general so well reconciled to
it. It argues something like good sense in their choice
still remaining; and she who makes her whole actions most
conformable to that standard, will always be most secure of
conquests and reputation."

Perukes were an highly important article in 1734. Those of _right gray human hair_ were four guineas each; light grizzle Ties three guineas; and other colours in proportion, to twenty-five shillings. Right gray human hair Cue Perukes from two guineas to fifteen shillings each, which was the price of dark cues: and right gray Bob Perukes two guineas and an half to fifteen shillings, the price of dark bobs. Those mixed with horse-hair were much lower. It will be observed from the gradations in price, that real gray hair was most in fashion, and dark of no estimation.

The following extracts will describe the dresses of 1735: "On his Majesty's birth-day, the Queen was in a beautiful suit, made of silk of the produce of Georgia; and the same was universally acknowleged to excel that of any other country. The Noblemen and Gentlemen wore chiefly at Court brown flowered velvets, or dark cloth Coats, laced with gold or silver, or plain velvets of various colours, and Breeches of the same; their Waistcoats were either gold stuffs, or rich flowered silks of a large pattern, with a white ground: the make much the same as has been worn some time, only many had open Sleeves to their Coats: their Tie Wigs were with large curls, setting forward and rising from the forehead, though not very high: the Ties were thick and longer than of late, and both behind; some few had Bag Wigs.

"The Ladies wore flowered silks of various sorts, of a large pattern, but mostly with a white ground with wide short Sleeves, and short Petticoats: their Gowns were pinned up variously behind, though mostly narrow. Some few had gold or silver nets on their Petticoats, and to their Facings and Robings; and some had gold and silver nets on their Gown-sleeves, like flounces: they wore chiefly fine escaloped laced Heads, and dressed mostly English. Some few had their hair curled down on the sides; but most of them had it pinned up quite strait, and almost all of them with powder, both _before and behind_. Some few had their heads made up Dutch, some with cockades of ribands on the side, and others with artificial flowers; they wore treble escaloped laced Ruffles, one fall tacked up before, and two down, but all three down behind; though some few had two falls tacked up, and one down before. Laced Tippets were much worn; some had diamond Solitaires to hook them together; others had their jewels made up bows and ends. Those without Tippets had mostly very broad-laced Tuckers, with diamond Necklaces and Ear-rings. Diamond Buckles were much worn in the shoes both of the gentlemen and ladies. Lord Castlemain made a very splendid appearance among the young noblemen in a rich gold stuff Coat; as Lady Harcourt did among the ladies, in a white ground rich silk embossed with gold and silver, and fine coloured flowers of a large pattern."

The Editor of the London Evening Post has whimsically described the dresses then prevailing, under the character of Miss Townley, in one of his papers for December 1738, who observes: "I am a young woman of fashion, who love plays, and should be glad to frequent them, as an agreeable and instructive entertainment, but am debarred that diversion by my relations, upon account of a sort of people who now fill, or rather infest the Boxes. I went the other night to the play with an aunt of mine, a well-bred woman of the last age, though a little formal. When we sat down in the front boxes, we found ourselves surrounded by a parcel of the strangest fellows that ever I saw in my life; some of them had those loose kind of great Coats on, which I have heard called _Wrap rascals_, with gold-laced Hats slouched, in humble imitation of _Stage-coachmen_: others aspired at being _Grooms_, and had dirty Boots and Spurs, with black Caps on, and long Whips in their hands: a third sort wore scanty Frocks, little shabby Hats put on one side, and Clubs in their hands. My aunt whispered me, she never saw such a set of slovenly unmannerly Footmen sent to keep places in her life; when, to her greater surprize, she saw those fellows _at the end of the act pay the box-keeper for their places_."

Claret-coloured cloths were considered as handsome suits; and light-blue, with silver button-holes, and silver garters to the knees, was very fashionable between 1740 and 1751. In the latter year a trunk containing these articles was advertised, which will be found to differ but little from some already described. "A scarlet tabby Negligée trimmed with gold; a green tabby Petticoat trimmed also with gold; a white damask Negligée, trimmed with a blue snail blond lace, with a Petticoat of the same; a silver brocade silk Negligée trimmed with pink-coloured silk; a white fustian Riding-habit turned up with blue, and laced with silver, a Petticoat of the same, and a Waistcoat trimmed also with silver."

When our present Queen landed in England 1761, she was habited in a gold Brocade with a white ground; had a Stomacher ornamented with diamonds; and wore a Fly-cap with richly laced Lappets. Such was the then female British dress, which her Majesty adopted in compliment to her Royal consort's subjects.

General Napier lost by robbery in the same year "a painted silk Negligée and Petticoat, the ground white, a running pattern of flowers and leaves, the edges of the leaves painted in silver, and the veins gold, with some birds and butterflies painted thereon."

The author of "Historical Remarks on Dress," published in 1761 by Jefferies, asserts, that party-coloured Coats were first worn in England in the time of Henry I.; Chaplets, or wreaths of artificial flowers, in the time of Edward III.; Hoods and short Coats without sleeves, called Tabarts, in the time of Henry IV.; Hats in the time of Henry VII.; Ruffs in the reign of Edward VI.; and wrought Caps or Bonnets in the time of Queen Elizabeth. Judge Finch introduced the Band in the time of James I. French Hoods, Bibs, and Gorgets, were discontinued by the Queen of Charles I. The Commode or Tower was introduced in 1687; Shoes of the then fashion in 1633; Breeches, instead of Trunk Hose, in 1654. And Perukes were first worn after the Restoration.

"THE HISTORY OF THE FASHIONS[338:A].

"_The French Night-cap._

"Our fine women have, by covering their cheeks with this
fashion, put their faces into eclipse. Each lady, when
dressed in this mode, can only peep under the lace border.
Perhaps they are intended, like blinds to a horse's
head-harness, to teach ladies to look forward.--A good hint,
however.

"It has been whispered, indeed, that this mode is an
introduction to Popery; it is to bring in the veil by and by,
and a sort of trial, to see how our English Toasts will take
it.

"Some ill-natured persons, indeed, go so far as to say, that
every woman who wears these visage-covers, has done something
she should be a little ashamed of, and therefore do not care
to shew much of her face.

"_The Ranelagh Mob; or the Hood from Low Life._

"This is a piece of gauze, minionett, catgut, or Leicester
web, &c. &c. which is clouted about the head, then crossed
under the chin, and brought back to fasten behind, the two
ends hanging down like a pair of pigeons tails.

"This fashion was copied from the silk-handkerchiefs which
Market-women tie over their ears, roll about their throats,
and then pin up to the nape of their necks.

"They were first worn in the Inner-square of Covent-garden
market, among the green-stalls; it was from thence introduced
into the outward-square or Piazzas among the stalls there.

"Mrs. Jane Douglass (of procuring memory) who was a very
great market-woman in her way, was the first who made
a Scotch lawn double neck handkerchief into the Mob
above-mentioned.

"Her female boarders would do as the mistress did, to be
sure; and, after a little cut and contrivance, away they
whisked in them to Ranelagh.

"The ladies of fashion there, who sometimes dress almost like
ladies of the town, immediately took the hint. The fashion
flew abroad upon the wings of whim; and, as Schioppius
observes, instantly spread itself over the face of the land.

"_The Mary Queen of Scots Cap_,

"Edged down the face with French beads, was very becoming to
some complexions; but as the Cap was made of black gauze, and
saved washing, it has too much good housewifery in it, ever
to be immense taste.

"_The Fly Cap._

"This is fixed upon the forehead, forming the figure of
an over-grown butterfly, resting upon its head, with
outstretched wings; it is much worn at present, not that it
either adds to the colour or outlines of the face; but as
these Caps are edged with garnets, topazes, or brilliants,
they are very sparkling; and a side-box appearance is not now
altogether the consultation of elegance, but ornament.

"Therefore those ladies who make the most show, are looked
upon to be the finest women.

"It is become a very interesting dispute, among the
connoisseurs in general, whether the present Turban-roll,
which is now wore round the Mecklenburgh Caps, was taken from
the Ægyptian Fillet, the Persian Tiara, or Wreath round the
eldest Faustina's temples?

"By way of Postscript we may add, that the ladies, as to
their Shoe-heels, go just as they did, no fixed measure, some
as broad as a tea-cup's brim, some as narrow as the china
circle the cup stands upon.

"Bell-hoops, Blond-laces, Pompoons, Neck-laces as usual.
Modesty-bits--out of fashion; and Hats are trimmed as every
person pleases."

"THE HISTORY OF MALE FASHIONS.

"_First Chapter. Of Hats; after Hippocrates._

"Hats are now worn, upon an average, six inches and three
fifths broad in the brim, and cocked between Quaker and
Kevenhuller. Some have their Hats open before, like a
church-spout, or the tin scale they weigh flower in: some
wear them rather sharper, like the nose of a greyhound; and
we can distinguish by the taste of the Hat, the mode of the
wearer's mind. There is the military cock, and the mercantile
cock; and while the beaux of St. James's wear their Hats
under their arms, the beaux of Moorfields-mall wear their's
diagonally over their left or right eye.

"Sailors wear the sides of their Hats uniformly, tacked
down to the crown; and look as if they carried a triangular
apple-pasty upon their heads.

"I hope no person will think us disaffected; but when we meet
any of the new-raised infantry wearing the buttons of their
Hats bluff before, and the trefoil white worsted shaking as
they step, we cannot help thinking of French figure-dancers.

"With the Quakers, it is a point of their faith not to wear a
button, or loop tight up; their Hats spread over their heads
like a pent-house, and darken the outward man, to signify
they have the inward light.

"Some wear their Hats (with the corner that should come over
their foreheads in a direct line) pointed into the air; those
are the Gawkies.

"Others do not above half cover their heads, which is indeed
owing to the shallowness of their crowns; but between beaver
and eye-brows expose a piece of blank forehead, which looks
like a sandy road in a surveyor's plan. Indeed, people should
hide as much of the face under their Hats as possible; for
very few there are but what have done something for which
they ought to be out of countenance.

"I remember at a droll society established in Dublin, called
'The Court of Nassau,' a gentleman was indicted for wearing
his Hat in the Court: the Attorney-general moved, in favour
of the defendant, that the indictment was falsely laid; for
in it was expressed, the gentleman had his Hat upon his head;
and the Attorney proved his client not to have a head. Now
if, in London, no persons were to wear Hats but such as have
heads, what would become of the hatters? Yet this we may
safely avow, that a man may shew by his Hat whether he has
a head; or at least by the decorating it, whether his head
is properly furnished. A gold button and loop to a plain Hat
distinguishes a person to be a little lunatic; a gold band
round it shews the owner to be very dangerously infected;
and, if a tassel is added, the patient is incurable.

"A man with a Hat larger than common, represents the fable of
the Mountain in labour; and the Hats edged round with a gold
binding, belong to brothers of the Turf.

"_Second Chapter. Upon Wigs._

"Elaborately have both antients and moderns expressed
themselves concerning the brain, the pineal gland, ideas, and
cogitations, by which the head, or the animal spirits of the
head, properly trammeled, might pace in good order.

"But the only persons who can properly be of benefit to
heads, are periwig-makers, and Doctor Monro, Physician to
Moorfields Hospital.

"Wigs are as essential to every person's head, as lace is to
their clothes; and although understanding may be deficient
in the wearer as well as money, yet people dressed out look
pretty; and very fine gentlemen thus embellished represent
those pots upon Apothecaries' shelves which are much
ornament, but always stand empty.

"Behold a Barber's block unadorned: can we conceive any
higher idea of it, than that of a bruiser just preparing
to set to? Indeed, with a foliage round the temples, it
might serve in an Auction-room for the bust of a Cæsar;
and, provided it was properly worm-eaten, would be bid for
accordingly. But of that hereafter: our business now is to
shew the consequence of Wigs.

"_Imprimis._

"The 'Prentice Minor-bob, or Hair-cap; this is always short
in the neck, to show the stone Stock-buckle, and nicely
stroaked from the face, to discover seven-eighths of the
ears; and every Smart we meet so headed seems, like Tristram
Shandy, to have been skaiting against the wind; and his hair,
by the sharpness of the motion, shorn from his face.

"Next the Citizen's Sunday Buckle, or Bob-major; this is
a first-rate, bearing several tiers of curls, disposed in
upper, middle, and lower order.

"Then the Apothecary's Bush, in which the Hat seems sinking
like a stone into a snow heap.

"The Physical and Chirurgical Ties carry much consequence in
their foretops; and the depending knots fall fore and aft the
shoulders, with _secundum artem_ dignity.

"The Scratch, or the Blood's Skull-covering, is combed over
the forehead, untoupeed, to imitate a head of hair, because
those gentlemen love to have every thing natural about them.

"The Jehu's Jemmy, or White and all white, in little curls,
like a fine fleece on a lamb's back, we should say something
upon, were it not for fear of offending some gentlemen of
great riches, who love to look like coachmen.

"_Third Chapter. Frocks, Coats, Surtouts, and Walking-sticks._

"Every gentleman now, by the length of his skirts, seems
Dutch-waisted, or like a Bridewell-boy, with a garment down
to mid-leg; and they are so much splashed sometimes behind,
that I have, when following in a dirty day one of those very
fashionable frock-wearers, been tempted to call out--'Pray,
dear Sir, pin up your petticoats.'

"Then their cuffs cover entirely their wrists, and only the
edge of the ruffles are to be seen; as if they lived in the
slovenly days of Lycurgus, when every one was ashamed to show
clean linen.

"The Mode-makers of the age have taken an antipathy to the
leg; for by their high-topped Shoes, and long trowser-like
Breeches, with a broad knee-band, like a compress for the
Rotula, a leg in high taste is not longer than a Common
Councilman's tobacco-stopper.

"Fine scarlet shag Frocks were becoming, while no persons
appeared in them but real gentlemen; but since tumblers,
strolling-players, and French figure-dancers, dress
themselves in such martial outsides, it is to be presumed,
every one else will quit this very lasting habiliment,
unless he has a mind to pass for one of those exotics
above-mentioned.

"Blue Manchester velvets, with gold cords, or rich
button-holes, are generally the uniform of bum-bailiffs,
slight-of-hand men, and money-droppers. But plain suits
of those cottons, of grave colours, are the dress of
shop-riders, and country traders.

"Walking-sticks are now almost reduced to an useful size.

"Is it not wonderful we should put forth so many paragraphs
concerning female fantasticalness as we are prone to do, and
never consider that our own heads are but mere Piece-brokers'
shops, full of the remnants of fashion. Do not some of us
strut about with walking-sticks as long as leaping-poles,
as if we were pioneers to the troop of Hickerry-cutters;
or else with a yard of varnished cane, scraped taper, and
bound at one end with wax-thread, and the other tipt with
a neat-turned ivory head, as big as a silver penny, which
switch we hug under our arms so jemmy?--Could our forefathers
be such fools? Like enough, faith; and as we are but twigs of
the same trunks, we scorn to degenerate from our ancestors.

"Surtouts now have four laps on each side, which are called
Dog's-ears; when these pieces are unbuttoned, they flap
backwards and forwards, like so many supernumerary patches,
just tacked on at one end; and the wearer seems to have
been playing many bouts at back-sword, till his Coat is
cut to pieces. When they are buttoned up, they appear like
comb-cases, or pacquets for a penny-postman to sort his
letters in. Very spruce smarts have no buttons nor holes
upon the breast of these their Surtouts, save what are upon
the ears; and their garments only wrap over their breasts,
like a Morning Gown--a proof, that dress may be made too
fashionable to be useful.

"How far several sorts of people dress above themselves, and
'wear the cost of Princes on unworthy shoulders,' is not in
the compass of our plan to examine; but we must beg leave to
observe, that propriety in dress is an indication to a fine
understanding; and those persons are blessed with the nicest
tastes who never sacrifice sense to show, or derogate from
that great rule of right, the Golden Mean."

The Countess Dowager of Effingham was robbed of the Robes which she wore at the Coronation, and other dresses; and thus described them in an advertisement: "Coronation Robes with a silver tissue Petticoat, the gold trimmings to the Petticoat, and the tassels, &c. to the Robe taken off, and put into papers; a scarlet-flowered damask Mantua Petticoat, very richly embroidered with silver; an uncut red-flowered velvet Mantua Petticoat, trimmed with silver flounces of net with silver tassels; a very rich blue and silver Mantua Petticoat, with a figured ground; a Mantua Petticoat white and gold, with figured ground; a white satin Gown and Petticoat; a brown satin Sack richly brocaded with silver; a new satin Sack and Petticoat, white satin ground brocaded with yellow; a scarlet unwatered tabby Sack and Petticoat; a white tissue flowered Sack and Petticoat; a white and silver Sack; a red satin Fly Petticoat, with a broad silver orrice at the bottom; a quilted red silk Petticoat; and a blue and gold Turkey silk Sack and Petticoat."

A person whose name is not mentioned, influenced by the same cause as the Countess, described clothes as follows: "A brocaded lustring Sack with a ruby-coloured ground and white tobine stripes trimmed with _floss_; a _black_ satin Sack flowered with _red_ and _white flowers_ trimmed with _white_ floss; a pink and white striped tobine Sack and Petticoat trimmed with white floss; and a garnet-coloured lustring Night-gown, with a tobine stripe of green and white, trimmed with floss of the same colour, and lined with straw-coloured lustring."

Such were the gawdy fashions of our dames _circa_ 1763. Are we not improved in our taste, good reader?

The rational change adopted soon after of wearing the natural Hair instead of Wigs produced the following petition, which is worth recording, as it marks an æra in an essential turn of public opinion. A Wig is necessary to him whose hair falls from the head; but that young persons should shave off their own locks, and adopt those of others, seems so absurd, that we wonder at the folly of the practice.

"To the KING'S Most Excellent MAJESTY.

"The Petition of the Master Peruke-makers of
the Cities of London and Westminster, on behalf
of themselves and the whole of their distressed
Brethren of the Trade in Great Britain,

"Most humbly sheweth,

"That your Petitioners feel the utmost reluctance to prefer
complaints to your Majesty. But the great distresses which
they already labour under, and the expectation and even
certainty of the continual increase of them unless timely
averted, compels them to cast themselves at your Majesty's
feet, and humbly implore your gracious attention to their
sufferings:

"That themselves, and the several manufacturers depending
on them, such as hair-manufacturers, ribbon-weavers,
cawl-makers, &c. do amount to such a number, that they fear
they should not be credited if they were to give a modest
estimate of it; for they conceive the thousands thus employed
are little if at all inferior to what can be boasted by any
one manufactory in your Majesty's dominions: