Chapter C: F. Greville (2)

"The number of new gaming-houses, established at the West End of
the town, is, indeed, a matter of very serious evil: but they are
not likely to decrease while examples of the same nature are held
forth in the higher circles of life. It is needless to point out
any one of these houses in particular: it is sufficient for us to
expose the tricks that are practised at many of them to swindle
the unsuspecting young men of fortune who are entrapped into
these whirlpools of destruction. The first thing necessary is, to
give the guests a good dinner and plenty of wine, which many of
these houses do, gratis. When they are sufficiently intoxicated,
and, having lost all the money about them, their acceptance is
obtained to Bills of Exchange to a considerable amount, which
frequently are paid to avoid the disagreeable circumstance of a
public exposition in a Court of Justice, which is always
threatened, though the gamesters well know that no such measure
durst be adopted by them.

"Should any reluctance, or hesitation, be shewn by the injured
party, to accept these bills, he is shewn into a long room, with
a target at the end of it, and several pistols lying about, where
he is given to understand these sharpers practice a considerable
time of the day in shooting at a mark, and have arrived to such
perfection in this exercise, that either of them can shoot a
pistol ball within an inch of the mark, from the common distance
taken by duellists. A hint is then dropped, that further
hesitation will render the use of the pistols necessary, and
which will again be the case, should he ever divulge what he has
seen, and heard.

"If further particulars, or proofs, are wanting, they may be
known on application to certain _Military characters_, who have
already made some noise in the world."--(_Times, Feb. 14, 1793._)

The Illustration "Modern Hospitality, or a Friendly Party in High Life," is by Gillray, 31st Mar. 1792, and in it we see Lady Archer, and Lady Buckinghamshire, keeping a Faro Bank: and, as they are rather _passées_, the picture has the following, "To those earthly Divinities who charmed 20 years ago, this Honorable method of banishing mortifying reflections is dedicated. O, Woman! Woman! everlasting is your power over us, for in youth, you charm away our hearts, and in your after years you charm away our purses!"

It is a pity we have not the key to the portraits of the bystanders, for portraits they, undoubtedly, are, because there is such individuality in the expression of their several countenances. The players we can easily recognise--Lady Archer, at the extreme left, has won largely, rouleaux of gold, and bank notes, are before her, and on her right hand are two heaps of loose gold;--with what a smiling countenance does the painted old gambler shew her cards, saying, "The Knave wins all!"

Her next door neighbour, the Prince of Wales, who has staked, and lost, his last piece, lifts his hands, and eyes, in astonishment at the luck. Lady Buckinghamshire has doubled her stake, playing on two cards, and is evidently annoyed at her loss--whilst poor, black muzzled Fox, laments the loss of his last three pieces.

"The profits of Faro are become so considerably reduced, that
most of the Banks now lose almost every evening, after defraying
the expences of the house, which are very considerable. Those
_public-spirited_ Ladies who give such frequent routes, do so at
a certain gain: for the sum of TWENTY-FIVE guineas is regularly
advanced by the bank holders towards the night's expences. The
_punters_ at Mrs. Hobart's, and Mrs. Sturt's, Faro Banks have
dropped off considerably: and those who continue, are got so
_knowing_, that heavy complaints are made that they bring no
grist to the mill. There have not been above eight punters at
Mrs. Sturt's bank, any night this season. The _pigeons_ are all
flown, and the _punters_ are nothing better than
_hawks_."--(_Times, Feb. 10, 1793._)

* * * * *

"No less than six _Faro Banks_ are held in Pall Mall, viz.,
Philips's, Nelson's, Curtis's, Hall's, Whitnoll's, and
Bullock's."--(_Times, Feb. 18, 1793._)

* * * * *

"It is become necessary to put our young men on their guard
against the swindling tricks of some French ladies in this
metropolis, of elevated rank, who have introduced assemblies in
their lodgings, and houses, of an evening, for the purpose of
attracting company, whose pockets are to be taxed by Gallic
address, for the support of these nocturnal establishments.

"In one of these, the _Lady_ who presides, has not yet lost her
personal charms, nor those arts of seduction, and that address,
for which her _well-informed_ countrymen are so _notorious_. She,
however, outwitted herself some day since, by employing one of
her mitred attendants to dispose of a watch set with diamonds.
This right reverend Father in God turned pedlar, in his extreme
zeal to execute the orders of his fair hostess, offered the
bauble to a gentleman who, the evening before, had been present
at this _splendid_ assemblage of Gallic Noblesse, and had seen
the watch by the side of the lady herself. On finding that double
the value was demanded for the trinket, he was at no loss to
discover the _ways and means_ by which this gaudy display of
independence, comfort, and hilarity, was supported."--(_Times,
Feb. 27, 1793._)

* * * * *

"The Banking _Ladies_ in St. James Square, do not see themselves
much obliged to the _Abbé de St. Farre_, and his brother, for
introducing so many noble Emigrants to their houses. These
people come with their crown pieces and half-guineas, and
absolutely form a circle round the Faro tables, to the total
exclusion of our English Lords and Ladies, who can scarcely get
one _punt_ during a whole evening."--(_Times, March 14, 1793._)

* * * * *

"The play at the _Faro Banks_ is reduced to so low a standard,
except where they _punt_ on _tick_, that a _rouleau_ of 20
guineas is quite a novelty."--(_Times, March 19, 1793._)

* * * * *

"A principal Faro Bank was broken twice last week--on Monday
night at Mrs. Hobart's, and on Wednesday at Mrs. Concannon's. On
the first night it lost 2000, and, on the last, 600 guineas. Lord
C. S******* is one of the keenest _punters_ of the present day.
Poor _Mazzinghi_, who deals the cards at Mrs. Sturt's Bank, was
threatened on Tuesday night, by his Lordship, to have his bones
broken, because he disputed the noble Lord's _intention of
cocking a card_. The money was not deposited on the card in the
regular manner, but the young Lord said he _intended_ to stake on
the winning card, and therefore claimed it as if he had actually
done so. Something was muttered about the _highway_, but it was
impossible it could allude to the circumstance in
question."--(_Times, April 29, 1793._)

* * * * *

"Mrs. G. is said to understand Faro better than any other Lady of
the town, particularly in the art of _doubling_ the corner of a
card, so as to win triple stakes if it is successful. She has
_doubled_ the Faro Bank holders out of so much money, that they
shrink at the sight of her presence. There is so much running
upon _tick_ with the Faro Tables, that, like the Country Banks,
they are breaking every day. They will soon want some other
assistance than Cards, and Wax Lights, to keep up some of the
Establishments at the West end of the town.

"The Faro Bank holders now lose money almost every evening. The
_punters_ are now becoming the _rooks_, and the _bankers_ the
_pigeons_. The Ladies understand the game so well, and play so
_keen_, that it requires the eyes of _Argus_ to detect all their
_tricks_. As little _Quick_ says in the play, a greenhorn has
only to put down his money, and he is sure to find some one _to
take it up for him_."--(_Times, May 1, 1793._)

* * * * *

"A _Banking_ Lady, in St. James Square, is about to commence a
prosecution, because it is said, that there was much _filching_
at her Faro table. The house was quite in an uproar on Tuesday
night, in consequence of a paragraph that appeared in a Morning
Paper of the preceding day. The Lady _vows_ she will call in the
aid of an _Attorney_ to _support her reputation_: and observes,
that the _credit_ of her house will suffer if such reports are
permitted to go unpunished. The _Faro Ladies_ are, in the
sporting phrase, almost _done up_. Jewels, trinkets, watches,
laces, &c., are often at the pawnbrokers, and scarce anything is
left to raise money upon, except their _pads_. If justice is to
be _hoodwinked_, and _gambling_, and _sharking_, permitted, why
not make it an article of revenue, as in foreign countries, and
lay a heavy tax on it. A tax on excessive gaming would, in the
course of a year, produce as much as would fit out a 50 gun
ship."--(_Times, May 2, 1793._)

* * * * *

"The war has lessened the receipt of the Faro Tables, insomuch,
that they can barely allow _lemonade_.

"The _Faro Tables_ now really come within the true meaning of
_plundering_ shops. They are attended by a gang of sharpers, who
talk of knocking down the _Croupiers_ if any offence is taken at
the most barefaced frauds. Surely the Police may now make
forcible entry into the Houses, fashionable, or unfashionable,
which hold out a bait for the purpose of robbery."--(_Times, May
3, 1793._)

* * * * *

"The Faro Bank holders at the fashionable routs are nearly _done
up_; for what with the _punters_ running away with their
winnings, and never paying when they lose, and the 25 guineas per
night, paid to the fashionable landladies for the use of their
houses, the profits are pared down to a very nothing."--(_Times,
March 28, 1794._)

* * * * *

"Lord Hampden's _Faro Bank_ is broken up for the present season.
Lady Buckinghamshire, Mrs. Sturt, and Mrs. Concannon alternately
divide the _Beau monde_ at their respective houses. Instead of
having two different hot suppers, at _one_ and _three_ o'clock in
the morning, the _Faro Banks_ will now scarcely afford bread and
cheese, and porter.

"One of the Faro Banks in St. James Square lost 7000£ last year
by bad debts. A young son of Levi is a considerable debtor to
one of them; but not finding it convenient to pay what is not
recoverable by law, he no longer appears in these fashionable
circles."--(_Times, April 2, 1794._)

* * * * *

"A Card.--The Lady Gamblers at the West end of the town, present
their compliments to several Ex noble Emigrés, who frequent their
card routs, and inform them, through the channel of this paper,
that their absence would be more agreeable than their company.
They beg leave to suggest that hot suppers, and French wines,
brilliant illuminations, cards, and other expences, cannot be
afforded out of the profits of such _peddling_ play as staking an
_ecu_, or half a guinea, on the turn up of a card, and they beg
leave to observe, that it is not considered as a mark of their
good breeding, to engross the whole round of the Faro table,
which might be turned to so much better advantage, by the
pluckings of a few rich young Lords, and Commoners, who would
wish to sport their _rouleaus_. It is hoped this hint may be
attended to, as it may prevent further observation."--(_Times,
April 3, 1794._)

* * * * *

"It is impossible to conceive a more complete system of fraud and
dishonour than is practised every night at the _Faro Banks_.
Though every table has four croupiers, yet the Bank holders find,
that double the number are necessary to watch all the little
tricks, and artifices, of some of the _fashionable punters_. But
Mrs. G---- beats all her associates in the art of _doubling, or
cocking a card_."--(_Times, April 4, 1794._)

* * * * *

"The Faro Banks being no longer a profitable game, certain Ladies
in St. James' Square have substituted another instead of it,
called _Roulet_: but it is in fact only the old game of E.O.
under a different title. _Roulet_ is now therefore the _order of
the night_."--(_Times, June 25, 1794._)

* * * * *

"The late King was passionately fond of Masquerades, where there
was always a Pharo Bank prepared for his entertainment. Upon one
occasion the crowd was so great in all parts of the Theatre, that
the late Mr. Crawford was called for, and ordered to stop the
further admission of company at the door: in which, however, he
found so much difficulty, that 2700 guineas were forced into his
pocket, whilst he stood purposely to advertise the public that
there was no more room."--(_Times, April 13, 1795._)

* * * * *

"The two gambling houses in St. James's Square are in despair.
The suppers are ordered with great caution: and of things that
will _keep_. The two last companies have been composed,
literally, of the _privileged wives_, and of
foreigners."--(_Times, Dec. 2, 1795._)

* * * * *

"It is to the credit of the rising generation of females, that
they have unanimously quitted those infamous meetings, called
Private Pharoes, where some of their shameless Mammas, and the
faded reputations of the present age, still expose their vices,
and cheat the boys who have not been long enough in the army, to
wear out their first cockades."--(_Times, Dec. 30, 1795._)

* * * * *

"To the CONDUCTOR of the TIMES.

"Sir,--London is certainly an eligible place for persons who have
nothing but their labour to depend on, to get forward in life,
provided they steer clear of the many snares, and temptations,
which hover in every alley, street, winding, and corner.

"The mischief is, however, that the generality of young men, the
moment they set foot in town, or, if brought up in the
Metropolis, directly they enter the world on their own account,
are hurried away, thoughtlessly, with the stream of error, and
dissipation. If he happens to be a young man possessed of a
moderate independence, without the suggestion of prudence, the
caution of experience, the councils of wisdom or the restraint of
authority, his whole conduct is then influenced by the passion
with which he is actuated, which becomes at once, whether good or
bad, his impulse, and his guide.

"The Play-house is the first place of resort, which from the
frequency of his visits, instead of being an instructive
amusement, or a moral lesson, turns out a rendezvous of intrigue,
and intemperance, where he soon acquires an intimacy with the
idle, the profligate, the gambler, and the prostitute, who eye
him as their lawful prey, and with all that ease, dexterity, and
artifice, which a knowledge of the town, and its vicissitudes,
has furnished them with, they imperceptibly lead him from one
crime to another, till at length he becomes extravagant, and
irregular, callous, and abandoned. Bagnios, gaming-tables,
horses, and black-legs, are now his only wish, theme, and
delight, and, so long as his pocket will endure the burden, so
long, and no longer, is he duped, flattered, caressed, and
encouraged, by those who surround him. But everything must have
an end, and enormous expenditures cannot keep pace with that
income which should be managed with care and frugality. The young
Gentleman _runs short_, as it is termed, and, on his first
embarrassment, is advised to apply for the assistance of some
_friendly advertising money lender_, who, upon proper security,
has the _modesty_ to procure him from time to time, sums of
money, at the _equitable premium of 100 per cent_. A repetition
so involves him, that, by degrees, his estate falls into the
hands of Mr. Usurer, who takes an _absolute assignment of his
estate_, for a consideration less than half its true value: and
reflection never once enters his head, but he unfortunately
squanders the last shilling: but it is, now, he conceives, a
folly to repent, or retreat: consequently he gets into debt, is
arrested, carried to a spunging house, and from thence is removed
to the King's Bench, or Fleet Prison.

"Far be it from me to throw any odium on an unfortunate class of
people immured in the walls of either of those places, there are
no doubt, imprisoned, as worthy, and as good a set of people, as
any in society. But the young spark I am speaking of, being
mortified at his late companions standing aloof, and resigning
him to his fate, becomes loaded with obloquy, associates with
characters equally as vicious as himself, smoaks, swears, and
carouses, and, all at once, is wholly lost, as it were to
himself, and to the world.

"R. K--y."

--(_Times, Dec. 31, 1795._)

* * * * *

"Capt. H. of the Guards, the nephew of the Banker, who a short
time since lost 13,000 guineas at one sitting, at Backgammon, to
an Irish Gambler, revenged himself last week for this loss, by
winning the enormous sum of _45,000 Guineas_, at Billiards, in
one night, of Mr. B. S. of the Guards. It is said that £25,000 of
the money was paid him the next day."--(_Times, March 16, 1796._)

* * * * *

"It is said to be the intention of some of the leading circles in
the Fashionable World, to abolish the tax of _Card-money_,[4] as
an imposition upon hospitality. This would prove the return of
good sense, inasmuch as it tends to substantiate the truth--that
when one person invites another to partake of the conviviality of
his house, he should not lay an impost upon him, even more
exorbitant than that which he would pay, were he to attend a
Tavern Club. When a friend is invited, it is an insult to
friendship to make that friend pay for his
entertainment."--(_Times, Dec. 17, 1794._)

[Footnote 4: The guests paid a small sum each, for every new
Pack of Cards used, which it was supposed the servants
took.]

* * * * *

"The _tabbies_ at Bath are in a state of insurrection, in
consequence of an example set by Lady Elcho, who neither visits,
nor receives, company that _pay for_ Cards: the laudable
reformation is adopted so generally, that many of the _Dowagers_,
who have so long fed upon _Card-money_, are turning their
thoughts to some more creditable means of earning their
livelihood."--(_Times, March 22, 1796._)

* * * * *

"We hope the Ladies in London, who stand upon a nice point of
honour, will follow the example of the Bath Ladies, and exclude
the odious, and pitiful, custom of taking card-money at their
houses. It is a meanness, which no persons who pretend to the
honour of keeping good company, ought to allow. We are afraid
that many a party is formed, rather to derive benefit from the
Card tables, than for the sake of hospitality."--(_Times, March
24, 1796._)

* * * * *

"We hope, now that the business of informations against the
Gambling Houses has found its way into the Court of King's Bench,
that we shall hear of some effectual measures being taken to
suppress them. What other than the most unworthy considerations
could have suffered these houses to be open night after night, in
defiance of every law, and to the destruction of young women,
whose parents are so profligate, as to take them thither. If
certain Mammas have no regard for their reputation, surely they
should consider that their daughters are yet to be provided for.

"We state it as a fact, within our own knowledge, that two Ladies
of Fashion who keep open houses for Gaming, at the West End of
the Town, have lately paid large _douceurs_, to ward off the hand
of justice."--(_Times, Apr. 23, 1796._)

* * * * *

"The Gambling-houses in and about Oxenden St., live in a stile of
unprecedented luxury, and dissipation. It was stated some time
ago, in the Court of King's Bench, that their dinners amounted to
£150,000 per annum."--(_Times, May 27, 1796._)

These two illustrations are almost Hogarthian in their contrast, and preach a homily, better than pages of text would do, on the similarity of plunder. St. James, with Lady Archer and Lady Buckinghamshire quarrelling over gold, bank notes, a sword, and an Order. One other lady, probably Lady Mount Edgcumbe, scrutinising a bill--whilst the fourth, with a pile of gold, and notes, before her, looks calmly on. The artist (who, unfortunately, is anonymous,) shows what very little difference there is between that, and the woman of St. Giles--who, to the accompaniment of Gin, are dividing _their_ spoil, a pipe, a foot rule, a razor, &c.--little things reft from working men--on a very common deal table.

It was about this time that special attention was called to this gaming mania, and Gillray (?) on the 16th May, 1796, published a Caricature called "Faro's Daughters, or the Kenyonian blow up to gamblers." Here we see the Lady Archer, and Mrs. Concannon, placed together in the pillory, and mutually upbraiding each other.

The _motif_ for this picture was a speech of Lord Kenyon's, who, at a trial to recover £15, won at gaming, on Sunday, at a public house--commented very severely on the hold, the vice of gaming had, on all classes of society, from the highest, to the lowest. The former, he said, set the example to the latter--and, he added, "They think they are too great for the law; I wish they could be punished,"--and then continued, "If any prosecutions of this kind are fairly brought before me, and the parties are justly convicted, whatever be their rank, or station, in the country--though they be the first ladies in the land--they shall certainly exhibit themselves in the pillory."

"A new stratagem has been hit on to gain early intelligence of
the drawings of the ensuing Irish Lottery. As _Pigeons_ are found
sometimes not to fly quick enough, some of our speculating
Lottery Rooks have been for some time past trying experiments on
high eminences in North Wales, by exhibiting rockets about seven
o'clock in the evening. It is to be seen whether this mode of
communication can be rendered sufficiently intelligible, to
answer the purposes of fraud."--(_Times, Nov. 4, 1796._)

* * * * *

"It is said, and we hope with truth, that the Archbishop of
Canterbury, at the head, and with the concurrence of the
Episcopal Lords, means to introduce a Bill into Parliament to
prevent _gambling on a Sunday_. An act at present does exist
against this pernicious practice; but the penalty amounts to a
fine, that the Groom-porters at Hazard, or the Dealer at Faro,
can with ease pay by the _profits of an hour_. The punishment for
the offence of playing any game of chance on a Sunday is, by this
new intended Bill, to be _transportation for seven years to
Botany Bay_. The owner of the house, by a particular clause, is
more severely dealt with. _He_, or _she_, permitting such
gambling, shall be transported for life."--(_Times, Feb. 13,
1797._)

"PUBLIC OFFICE, MARLBOROUGH St. FARO BANKS. On Saturday came on
to be heard, informations against Lady Buckinghamshire, Lady
Elizabeth Luttrell, Mrs. Sturt, and Mr. Concannon, for having,
on the night of the 30th of last January, played at _Faro_, at
Lady Buckinghamshire's house, in St. James's Square, and Mr.
Martindale was charged with being the proprietor of the table.

"The evidence went to prove that the Defendants had gaming
parties at their different houses by rotation, and that when they
met at Lady B.'s, the witnesses used to wait upon them in the
gambling room, and that they played at _E.O._, _Rouge et Noir_,
&c., from about eleven, or twelve, till three, or four, o'clock
in the morning. After hearing Counsel, the Magistrates convicted
_Hy. Martindale_ in the penalty of £200, and _each of the Ladies_
in £50. The Information against Mr. _Concannon_ was quashed, on
account of his being summoned by a wrong Christian
name."--(_Times, Mar. 13, 1797._)

The Magistrates were not quite so severe as Lord Kenyon had promised to be, should he ever get any of these ladies into his clutches: perhaps they had heard of the recent loss of Lady Buckinghamshire's, when in Feb{y}. her Faro Bank was stolen, or, at least, _she said it had been_. Gillray caricatured it very cleverly--as also he did in the accompanying illustration, "Discipline à la Kenyon"--in which the Lord Chief Justice, is administering a sound flogging to Lady Buckinghamshire, whilst Lady Archer, and Mrs. Concannon, stand in the pillory, guarded by a stalwart constable.

"The expence of entertainments at a Gaming House of the highest
class, in St. James' Square, during the eight months of last
season, has been said to exceed _6000 Guineas_! what must be the
profits to afford such a profusion?"--(_Times, March 21, 1797._)

* * * * *

"The Pharo _Trade_ is likely to experience a more severe check
from the recent refusal of some fashionable Gamesters to
liquidate their debts, than from the accumulated terrors of
_Police_ persecution. If the punters won't _pay_, the dealers may
as well _shut up_ shop."--(_Times, Sept. 23, 1797._)

* * * * *

"If a man should happen, in a Cockpit, to make a bet which he is
not able to answer, he is put into a basket, and pulled up to the
ceiling, where he remains suspended during the sport. It is
recommended to the Pharo Bankers to institute some such
punishment for the Lady 'Levanters.'"--(_Times, Sept. 23, 1997._)

* * * * *

"To such a height has the spirit of gambling arisen, that at some
of the great Tables it is not uncommon to see the stake consist
wholly of property _in kind_. A house of furniture was last week
lost to a Lady in the neighbourhood of Pall Mall.

"The successful party had played against it, the stock of a farm
in the County of Essex."--(_Times, Sept. 25, 1797._)

* * * * *

"At some of our first Boarding Schools, the fair pupils are now
taught to play whist, and cassino. Amongst their _winning_ ways,
this may not be the least agreeable to Papa and Mamma.

"It is calculated, that a clever child, by its cards, and its
novels, may pay for its own education."--(_Times, Nov. 2, 1797._)

* * * * *

"At a boarding-school in the neighbourhood of Moorfields, the
mistress complains that she is unable to teach her scholars
either Whist, or Pharo. However, she says, they play perfectly
well at _Kissino_, and all-fours."--(_Times, Nov. 2, 1797._)

* * * * *

"So completely has gambling got the better of dancing, that at a
private Ball, last week, a Gentleman asking a young Lady, from
Bath, to dance the two next dances, she very ingenuously
replied,'Yes, if you will play two rubbers at
Cassino.'"--(_Times, Dec. 22, 1797._)

* * * * *

"Gaming, that hydra of calamities, has again made its appearance
with its black catalogue of horrors. Notwithstanding the late
interference of the Police, there are at present, exclusive of
subscription tables, no less than 18 public gambling houses, at
the West End of the Town. The golden table in Leicester Square
takes the lead in guilty pre-eminence. The _gaming crimps_ are
already very numerous. They dress well, frequent the most
fashionable taverns, and coffee houses, and, having succeeded in
insinuating themselves into company, take an opportunity of
introducing a card, or bill of fare, of their respective
establishments."--(_Times, Sept. 13, 1798._)

* * * * *

"Last week 1272 packs of cards, _unstamped_, pretended to be made
for exportation, but really intended for home consumption, were
burned in the High Street of Shoreham, by order of the
Commissioners."--(_Times, Dec. 6, 1798._)

* * * * *

"In every part of the Metropolis, that most destructive game of
E. O.[5] is now in high practice, but more particularly so in the
neighbourhood of S. James's Street, Pall Mall, and what is called
the fashionable end of the town. The Tables, even if they were
fairly constructed, must be the ruin of all adventurers; because,
in the course of one hour, they play at a game where the Table
has clearly _one hundred and twenty-four_ chances to _one_ in its
favor within that hour. If this does not rouse the Magistracy,
Justice may then be announced to be in a somniferous
state--occasioned probably, by a yellow mineral
application."--(_Times, June 22, 1795._)

[Footnote 5: "A thousand witnesses might be produced to
prove, that at every Ridolio, part of the company is seated
at a round table, which has a hollow, moveable, circle in
the middle, with a declivity from the centre, and its
circumference divided into little separate cavities, or
cells, distinguished by the letters E, and O, placed over
them alternately: the hollow circle is put in motion, and a
small ivory ball thrown upon it in a contrary direction;
after several turns, the inclination of the surface carries
the ball down towards the cavities prepared for its
reception, in one of which, having rebounded several times,
it at last rests, and the parties concerned in this
interesting event, succeed, or fail, as they chance to have
chosen, or not, the letter under which the ball happens to
lie."--"The World," No. 180, 10th June, 1756.]

* * * * *

"It is impossible that the Magistrates can be ignorant of the
number of E. O. Tables, now held at the West end of the town. At
one of these, established close to King's Place, a young man
lost, on Sunday, £1500."--(_Times, June 20, 1795._)

* * * * *

"PRIVATE LOTTERIES.

"Amongst the various species of Gaming that have ever been
practised, we think none exceeds the mischiefs, and calamities,
that arise from the practice of private Lotteries, which at
present are carrying on, in various parts of the town, to very
alarming extents, much to the discredit of those whose province
it is to suppress such nefarious practices, as they cannot be
ignorant of such transactions. 'The little go,' which is the
technical term for a private Lottery, is calculated only for the
meridian of those understandings, who are unused to calculate,
and discriminate, between right, and wrong, and roguery, and
fair-dealing; and, in this particular case, it is those who
compose the lower order of society, whom it so seriously affects,
and on whom it is chiefly designed to operate. No man of common
sense can suppose that the Lottery Wheels are fair, and honest,
or that the proprietors act upon principles anything like honor,
or honesty; for, by the art, and contrivance, of the Wheels, they
are so constructed, with secret springs, and the application of
gum, glue, &c., in the internal part of them, that they can draw
the numbers out, or keep them in, at pleasure, just as it suits
their purposes; so that the insurer, robbed, and cajoled, by such
unfair means, has not the most distant chance of ever winning:
the whole being a gross fraud, and imposition, in the extreme. We
understand the most notorious of these standards of imposition
are situated in Carnaby Market, Oxford Road, in the Borough,
Islington, Clerkenwell, and various other places, most of which
are under the very nose of Magistracy, in seeming security,
bidding defiance to law, and preying upon the vitals of the poor
and ignorant.

"We hope the Magistrates of each jurisdiction, and those who
possess the same power, will perform their duty on behalf of the
poor, over whom they preside, and put a stop to such a growing,
and alarming, evil, of such pernicious, and dangerous tendency:
particularly, as the Proprietors are well-known bad characters,
consisting of needy beggars, desperate swindlers, gamblers,
sharpers, notorious thieves, and common convicted felons, most of
whose names stand recorded in the Newgate Calendar for various
offences of different descriptions."--(_Times, July 22, 1795._)

* * * * *

"The term of _little goes_ for the private lotteries is apt
enough, for the poor devils who risk their property there, have
but little, and that little goes to nought.

"If the wheels of fortune, and the cash, seized at the private
lotteries, become the property of the police runners, the old
adage will be strongly verified, 'What is got over the devil's
back, will be spent under his belly.'"--(_Times, Aug. 13,
1795._)

* * * * *

"On Friday night last, in consequence of searching warrants from
the Parochial Magistrates of St. James's, Westminster, upwards of
30 persons were apprehended at the house of one M'Call, No. 2,
Francis St., near Golden Square, and in the house of J. Knight,
King St., where the most destructive practices _to the poor_ were
carrying on, that of _Private Lotteries_ (called Little Goes.)
Two wheels, with the tickets, were seized on the premises. Upon
examination of those persons, who proved to be the poor deluded
objects that had been there plundered, they were reprimanded, and
discharged.

"The wives of many industrious mechanics, by attending these
nefarious houses, have not only been duped out of their earnings
(which ought to have been applied to the providing bread for
their families) but have even pawned their beds, wedding rings,
and almost every article they were possessed of for that
purpose."--(_Times, Aug. 11, 1795._)

But nothing was said against the big State Lotteries--which were going on without let, or hindrance--and, absolutely, educating the people in the taste for gambling. Here are two anecdotes of the lottery:--

"Dr. B., a physician at _Lime_ (Dorset), a few days since, being
under pecuniary embarrassment, and his house surrounded by
bailiffs, made his escape by a window, into a neighbour's house,
from whence he fled to London. The furniture was seized, and the
sale actually commenced, when it was stopped by a letter, stating
that the Doctor, upon his arrival in London, found himself the
proprietor of the £20,000 prize. We guarantee the truth of this
fact."--(_Times, Dec. 27, 1797._)

* * * * *

"The £20,000 prize, drawn on Friday, is divided amongst a number
of poor persons: a female servant in Brook St., Holborn, had a
sixteenth; a woman who keeps a fruit-stall in Grays-Inn-lane
another; a third is possessed by a servant of the Duke of
Roxburghe's; a fourth by a Chelsea Carrier of vegetables to
Covent Garden; one eighth belongs to a poor family in
Rutlandshire, and the remainder is similarly divided."--(_Times,
Mar. 19, 1798._)

Of Horse Racing we do not hear much--the prizes were small--and gambling on the Turf was not reduced to a Science as it is now-a-days. Even when attending races, the chief losses were at the gaming tables which accompanied them.

"Poor _Newmarket_ is completely done up! The Spring Meeting
boasts so few bets in the calendar of gambling, that the chance
will not pay post-chaise hire to the black legs. Thus falls the
destructive sport of the Turf--and, as that is the case, it would
do honour to his Majesty to change the _King's Plates_ into
rewards for the _improvement of Agriculture_."--(_Times, April
17, 1794._)

"The Duke of Queensberry was a principal loser at Epsom Races.
The Noble Duke had his _vis-a-vis_, and six horses, driving about
the course, with two very pretty _emigrées_ in it. The Duke was
in his cabriolet. The Duke of Bedford, Lords Egremont, and Derby,
were also on the course. Several carriages were broken to pieces:
and one Lady had her arm broken.

"There was much private business done in the _swindling way_ at
the last Epsom races. One black legged fellow cleared near a
thousand pounds by the old trick of an E.O. Table. Another had a
_faro table_, and was on the eve of _doing business_, when he was
detected with a _palmed_ card: almost the whole of what may be
justly styled 'vagabond gamblers' of London were present.

"Mr. Bowes, half brother to the Earl of Strathmore, was robbed
of a gold watch, and a purse, containing 30 guineas, at Epsom
races, on Thursday last. Many other persons shared a similar
fate, both on the same evening, and Friday. Upwards of 30
carriages were robbed coming from the races."--(_Times, May 25,
1795._)

* * * * *

"Never since _racing_ was patronised by the _Merry Monarch_, has
the _Turf_ been so much on the decline as at this period. His
Grace of Bedford is the only person who retains a considerable
stud. Lord Grosvenor has disposed of nearly the whole of his,
with the reserve of two, or three, capital horses, and some few
brood mares."--(_Times, Sept. 8, 1797._)

* * * * *

"A _Mr. Marston_, of the Borough, has laid a bet of 2000 guineas,
that he will, in the course of the ensuing week, go into one of
the great wheels of the water-works at London Bridge, while it is
in its swiftest motion with an ebb-tide, stay there five minutes,
and come out again with safety, though not without accident, in a
different part from that in which he went in: and afterwards walk
one mile within an hour, on condition that the lower bucket of
the wheel is two feet distance from the river bottom."--(_Times,
Sept. 11, 1797._)

These water-wheels which were situated where Fishmongers Hall now stands, were commenced in 1582, by a Dutchman, named Peter Moritz, or Morrice, with one wheel. _Hatton_, in his "New View of London," published in Queen Anne's time, says, "besides the old work erected by Mr. _Morris_, the New, placed in the 4th Arch of the Bridge, consists of 2 Wheels with 7 Engines, set up about the year 1702, so that there are in all 13 engines. They are the contrivance of that great English Engineer Mr. _Sorocold_, whereby the _Thames_ Water is raised from the N. end of the Bridge, to a very great altitude, by which means, many parts of the City, &c., are served with the Thames Water."

THE THEATRE.

Our forefathers were fond of the Theatre, and patronised it nightly. They were exacting as to the quality of the acting represented before them, and that very _exigeance_ procured them what they wanted.

In the years of which I treat, there were, in London, the following Theatres:--The King's (now Her Majesty's) in the Haymarket--Drury Lane--Covent Garden--The Theatre Royal, Haymarket--Royalty Theatre, Wells Street, Goodman's Fields--Royal Circus, St. George's Fields--Sadler's Wells--The Royal Grove, and Amphitheatre (Astley's) Westminster Bridge--afterwards Astley's Royal Saloon--and still later called, Astley's Amphitheatre of Arts. Whilst at the Lyceum in the Strand, there were Musical Entertainments, and a New Circus.

It was an age of good actors, and, taking them haphazard, we have only to glance at the following names, to prove the assertion, were it needed. _Suett_, who drank himself to death in 1805. _John Kemble_, the best tragic actor since Garrick. From an education for the priesthood, to performing with a strolling company, was a great leap--but his success was assured when, in 1783, he made his début, at Drury Lane, as Hamlet. He retired from the stage in 1817, and died in 1823. _Baddeley_ was not a first rate actor, and I but mention him because of his bequest of Cake, and Wine, to be partaken of, annually, by the Company, in the Green room of Drury Lane, every Twelfth night. _Quick_ was irresistibly comic--and none could see him act without laughing. He lived to a good old age (acting up to 1813), above 83--dying in the year 1831.

_Edmund Kean_ was born in 1787, and went on the stage as soon as he could walk.--After his education at Eton, he went on the provincial boards--not playing in London, until 1814, when he played Shylock, at Drury Lane. Died 1833. _Macklin_, "the Jew, that Shakespeare drew," acted until he was 90--appearing, for the last time, on the occasion of his benefit, May 7, 1789. After he was dressed for Shylock, he went into the Green Room, and, seeing Mrs. Pope there, said "My dear, are you to play to-night?" "To be sure I am, Sir," she replied, "do you not see I am dressed for Portia?"--"Ah! very true; I had forgotten--but who is to play Shylock!" They got his poor old feeble mind, at last, to grasp the situation, and he went on the stage--but, after two, or three, speeches, he was obliged to give it up, and had to ask the indulgence of the audience, and beg of them to accept Mr. Ryder, as his substitute. He lived some years afterwards, till 11th July 1797--when he died, at the age of 98.

_Bannister_ began his theatrical career at the early age of 12. At his engagement at Drury Lane, in 1779, he played tragedy, but, after the death of Edwin, he supplied his place, and played Comedy. He died 8th Nov. 1836, aged 76. _Incledon_ was the sweetest singer of his time, and made his debut at Covent Garden in 1790--Died 1826. _Elliston_ first appeared in London, at the Haymarket in 1796. Although he was not a famous actor, he cannot be omitted from a list of theatrical celebrities. Then, too, among the lesser stars, were _Barrymore_, _Ryder_, _Johnstone_, _Pope_, _Holman_ and _Munden_--not even forgetting _Delpini_ the famous Clown, and Scaramouch.

Among the chief actresses, was _Mrs. Jordan_, whose real name was Dorothy Bland, who became a decided favourite, with a London audience, at her first appearance at Drury Lane, in 1785. Her connection with the Duke of Clarence, afterwards William 4th, is well known. They lived very happily together, and had ten Children, but the connection was broken off in 1811--and she was left to shift for herself. She died in 1816.

The name of _Sarah Siddons_ is too well known to elicit any remark; as a tragedian, her equal has, probably, never been seen on an English Stage. She had a long career--from her _début_, at Drury Lane, in 1775, till her last appearance, in London, in 1816. Died 1831--aged 76.

_Miss Farren_, was a most lady-like, and elegant actress. She was tall and slim, and was caricatured as being positively scraggy--but she captivated the then Lord Derby, who, in physique was her complete antithesis, having short legs, a very corpulent body, and a hydrocephalous head. She retired from the stage before her marriage, in 1796.

_Mrs. Crouch_, and _Mrs. Billington_, the rival songstresses, were actresses, but they generally had parts assigned them, in which they could exercise their vocal powers, and they sang at Oratorios, and Concerts. Mrs. Billington did not retire from her profession until 1800. She died in 1817.

_Mrs. Frances Abington_ first appeared before a London audience on 21st Aug. 1755, and played, with few intermissions, until 1798. After Mrs. Clive, she was the best comic actress on the English stage, and could equally play Lady Teazle, Lady Betty Modish, a Chambermaid, a Romp, or a Country girl--Died, 1815.

_Mrs. Bellamy_, can just claim a notice, because she died in 1788, but she left the stage in 1785. She was a tragic actress, and was reckoned equal to _Mrs. Cibber_.

Chief among the next rank of actresses, we must place _Miss Brunton_, _Mrs. Martyr_, and _Mrs. Pope_.

Thinking it would interest my readers, I have taken some portraits of the chief Actors, and Actresses, of the time, from a very rare book, and they are interesting to the present generation, as shewing the Costumes in which the plays were acted, and, which, I suppose, satisfied the æsthetic, and archæological, taste of our grandfathers.

Both audience, and press, were very outspoken in their criticisms, and, indeed, in those days, dramatic criticism was real, and had not been reduced to a fine art, as now. Take the following instance:--

"Theatre, Covent Garden. Hoadley's agreeable Comedy of _The
Suspicious Husband_, was, last night, in general, presented here
with spirit, and attended by a considerable audience. The
Character of most prominent merit, as to performance, was
_Strickland_, which Farren supported with strong emotion, and
probable impression. Mrs. Abington would have represented
_Clarinda_ with more effect, if she had not directed all her
share of the dialogue entirely to the audience. Pope was the
_Frankly_, but he must take great pains before he will acquire
the ease necessary for genteel Comedy. Lewis's _Ranger_ was not
sufficiently marked by the appearance of that airy dissipation
which the part demands. Mrs. Wells' _Jacintha_ was only
distinguished for rustic dialect, and awkward deportment. Mrs.
Bernard had the merit of being decent in _Mrs.
Strickland_."--(_The Morning Post, Jan. 3, 1788._)

The Theatre, was, then, as now, a passion with some people, and amateur theatricals were in high favour.

"At the Blenheim Theatre, her Grace the Duchess of Marlborough
attended her guests in person, and superintended the refreshments
of Sandwiches, fruit and wines, which were distributed in
profusion."--(_Morning Post, Mar. 28, 1788._)

The Newspapers gave Theatrical Gossip--as the following, all from the _Morning Post, Jan. 15, 1789_, shews:--

"It has lately been a practice with one, or two, of the female
performers at Drury Lane Theatre, to refuse appearing on the
stage, though much after the time of commencing the play, because
the boxes may not happen to be filled with fashionable visitors,
regardless of any disapprobation which may arise from the
impatience of the audience.

"When the New Theatre is erected for the Managers of Old Drury,
it is in contemplation to fix a Clock over the Stage, where the
inscription is now placed, that, if the performance should be
improperly delayed, and the audience become clamorous, the Public
may be informed to whom the blame should be applied."

"A whimsical incident happened the other night, at the reading of
Cumberland's new Comedy. The Author, who read the piece himself,
began with the _Dramatis Personæ_, thus, 'The _Impostor_, by Mr.
Palmer:' A laugh occurring at this, the Author became embarrassed
on seeing Mr. Palmer in the room, but, recovering himself, he
added, 'being his _first appearance_ in that character.'"

* * * * *

"Mrs. Jordan and Kemble, according to Green Room report, are not
upon the most amicable footing. It is supposed that the lady
takes advantages of her popularity _to be ill when she pleases_,
and has refused to perform in a farce when Mrs. Siddons appears
in the play, and for this _modest_ reason, 'that _she_ will not
fill the house, and let Mrs. Siddons run away with the reputation
of it.'"--(_Morning Post, Mar. 10, 1789._)

We come across a curious glimpse of Mrs. Robinson--the "Perdita," (deserted by her "Florizel,") in the _Morning Post, March 11, 1789_.

"Perdita, the once beautiful Perdita, parades, every day, along
Pall Mall, in her carriage, from which she frequently

'Casts a longing ling'ring look,'

in hopes that her charms, which, formerly, commanded the grave
and the gay, may revive an attachment long since extinguished.
This unhappy beauty had better try Hyde Park, if she must have a
little morning air--such a daily excursion would be more
serviceable to her health, than an anxious ride through Pall
Mall, can be gratifying to her pride."

Theatrical Salaries were not very high--for, _teste_, the _Morning Post, of March 13, 1789_:--

"It is said that Mrs. Jordan has but Six Pounds a week. Who will
venture to say, that, considering the present attraction of her
talent, this is an adequate recompense?"

The _Morning Post, Oct. 27, 1798_, has the following two paragraphs as to behaviour at the theatres:--

"Two men in the pit at Drury Lane Theatre, last night, were so
turbulent, and riotous, during the last act of Henry the Fifth,
that the performance was interrupted upwards of a quarter of an
hour. The audience, at last, asserted their power, and turned
them disgracefully out of the Theatre. This should always be done
to crush the race of disgusting puppies that are a constant
nuisance at the playhouse every night."

"A box lobby puppy having insulted a gentleman at Covent Garden
Theatre, on Friday night, received a very suitable drubbing.
When this necessary chastisement was completed, the _beater_
demanded _satisfaction_. 'Have I not thrashed you to your heart's
content?' said the gentleman. The other replied, with great
simplicity, 'Sir, that is no _satisfaction_ to me.'"

Fancy our modern Royal Family, on their visits to the Theatre--_joining heartily in the choruses_, and witnessing _slang dances_: yet so it was in 1793.

"The very pleasant Comedy of _Notoriety_ was, yesterday evening,
performed before _their Majesties_, the three elder Princesses,
and a very brilliant house. Some well-timed songs introduced into
the pantomime of _Harlequin's Museum_, gave the audience an
opportunity of testifying their loyalty to the King, and
attachment to both her Majesty, and her family, who joined
heartily in the choruses. We never saw them better entertained.
But surely the Slang dance which is introduced might be very
properly omitted:--it is too vulgar for so elegant, and well
conducted, a theatre."--(_Times, Feb. 5, 1793._)

* * * * *

"The _private boxes_ at the Haymarket Theatre are so _thinly
partitioned_, that we are surprised any person should deem them
proper places to recapitulate _domestic bickerings_."--(_Times,
Feb. 6, 1793._)

The following is _apropos_ of Mrs. Jordan:--

"Performers at the Theatres are now paid more liberally than
heretofore. We are sorry when their public conduct gives reason
for complaint. As the frequenters of them are their support, it
will ever be necessary, in the public, to bring them to a proper
sense of their situation. It is only by this means the conductors
of our entertainments can have any sway over them."--(_Times,
Mar. 10, 1793._)

* * * * *

"Brandenburgh House Theatricals.

"The opening of the New Theatre, belonging to the Margrave of
Anspach's Villa, at Hammersmith, took place on Thursday evening,
with an entertainment the most costly, and at the same time, the
most tasty, and elegant, we ever remember to have witnessed. The
Prince of Wales, who was present, declared he had never seen
anything more splendid, and handsomely conducted. The Theatre is
built at a short distance from the house, between which there is
a communication by means of a colonnade. The outside appearance
rather resembles an old Gothic building, than a Temple devoted to
the Muses. The inside is prettily fitted up, but the ceiling is
too low for the size of it.

"The performance opened by a prelude: after which a little piece
was represented, entitled Fanfan and Colas, the characters by the
Margravine, young Keppel Craven, Mons. and Medame Texier, and
Count d'Alet, _Lord High Chamberlain of the Household_. The third
_petite piece_ was a very humorous dialogue called Le Poulet,
between Mrs. Hobart, as an English servant maid, and Mons. Le
Texier, as a French Valet. Both were inquisitive after news: the
one told all the _chit chat_ of the town in her English dialect:
the other told the great exploits going forward in France, in
French. Mrs. Hobart played her part to admiration, and very aptly
introduced, among other things, the story of her own public
_Fete_, last summer, at Ham, where the torrents of rain poured
down, in such abundance, as to turn all her fine creams into poor
milk and water.

"The supper, after the play, was magnificent in the extreme, and
consisted of a profusion of all the delicacies of the season.
Besides Soups, and every dainty meat, there were pine apples, new
grapes, cherries, strawberries, &c.

"After the supper, there was a Masquerade, and Ball, which was
quite unexpected to the Company. The Margravine had provided new
dresses for all the company, and the Ladies, and Gentlemen, each
dressed in separate rooms. The Duke of Clarence changed his dress
seven different times, and greatly added to the hilarity of the
entertainment. The Prince was in a domino."--(_Times, April 27,
1793._)

* * * * *

"It having been observed, in some public prints, that the Hon.
Mrs. Twisleton was the first female of fashion who had made the
stage her profession, it is but justice to notice, that Mrs.
Holman (the _ci-devant_ Mrs. Hughes) who made her debut in
Dublin, some years since, has a priority to public notice on this
account: if real rank by _birth_, education, and fortune, give a
title to distinction, if admission to the first orders of
fashionable society have pretensions, the friends of that Lady
have certainly a right to enter her claims on this
subject."--(_Times, Feb. 13, 1794._)

* * * * *

OPENING OF NEW DRURY.

"Public curiosity, which has long been on the tip-toe of
expectation, was yesterday gratified by the opening of this
superb edifice, under the immediate management of Mr. Kemble,
whose approved talents well entitle him to so flattering a mark
of distinction. Of this Theatre, language must be inadequate to
give even a faint idea of the effect it produces on the
spectator, at his _entré_: nor does the first impression in the
least diminish from a more minute examination into its structure,
and decorations: the whole forming a happy combination of the
gay, and the grand. The Stage, fitted as it was for an Oratorio,
presented a nouvelle, and pleasing, prospect. The representation
of a Gothic Cathedral, with the 'Long sounding Isle,' and

'Storied windows richly dight
Casting a dim religious light,'

was admirably adapted to suit with the solemnity appertaining to
sacred selections.