A Sea-Piece—In Three SonnetsScene—Bridlington Quay.At night-fall, walking on the cliff-crowned shore,When sea and sky were in each other lost,Dark ships were scudding through the wild uproar,Whose wrecks ere morn must strew the dreary coast;I mark’d one well-moor’d vessel tempest-tost;Sails reef’d, helm lash’d, a dreadful siege she bore,Her decks by billow after billow cross’d,While every moment she might be no more,Yet firmly anchor’d on the nether sand,Like a chain’d lion ramping at his foes,Forward and rearward still she plunged and rose,’Till broke her cable;—then she fled to land,With all the waves in chase; throes following throes;She ’scaped,—she struck,—she struck upon the sand.The morn was beautiful, the storm gone by;Three days had pass’d; I saw the peaceful main,One molten mirror, one illumined plane,Clear as the blue, sublime, o’er-arching sky.On shore that lonely vessel caught mine eye;Her bow was sea-ward, all equipt her train,Yet to the sun she spread her wings in vain,Like a maim’d eagle, impotent to fly,There fix’d as if for ever to abide:Far down the beach had roll’d the low neap-tide,Whose mingling murmur faintly lull’d the ear,“Is this,” methought, “is this the doom of pride,Check’d in the outset of thy proud career,Ingloriously to rot by piecemeal here?”Spring-tides return’d, and fortune smiled; the bayReceived the rushing ocean to its breast;While waves on waves innumerable press,Seem’d, with the prancing of their proud array,Sea-horses, flash’d with foam, and sporting spray:Their power and thunder broke that vessel’s rest;Slowly, with new-expanding life possest,To her own element she glid away;There, buoyant, bounding like the polar whale,That takes his pastime, every joyful sailWas to the freedom of the world unfurl’d,While right and left the parting surges curl’d.—Go, gallant bark, with such a tide and gale,I’ll pledge thee to a voyage round the world!Montgomery.
A Sea-Piece—In Three SonnetsScene—Bridlington Quay.
At night-fall, walking on the cliff-crowned shore,When sea and sky were in each other lost,Dark ships were scudding through the wild uproar,Whose wrecks ere morn must strew the dreary coast;I mark’d one well-moor’d vessel tempest-tost;Sails reef’d, helm lash’d, a dreadful siege she bore,Her decks by billow after billow cross’d,While every moment she might be no more,Yet firmly anchor’d on the nether sand,Like a chain’d lion ramping at his foes,Forward and rearward still she plunged and rose,’Till broke her cable;—then she fled to land,With all the waves in chase; throes following throes;She ’scaped,—she struck,—she struck upon the sand.The morn was beautiful, the storm gone by;Three days had pass’d; I saw the peaceful main,One molten mirror, one illumined plane,Clear as the blue, sublime, o’er-arching sky.On shore that lonely vessel caught mine eye;Her bow was sea-ward, all equipt her train,Yet to the sun she spread her wings in vain,Like a maim’d eagle, impotent to fly,There fix’d as if for ever to abide:Far down the beach had roll’d the low neap-tide,Whose mingling murmur faintly lull’d the ear,“Is this,” methought, “is this the doom of pride,Check’d in the outset of thy proud career,Ingloriously to rot by piecemeal here?”Spring-tides return’d, and fortune smiled; the bayReceived the rushing ocean to its breast;While waves on waves innumerable press,Seem’d, with the prancing of their proud array,Sea-horses, flash’d with foam, and sporting spray:Their power and thunder broke that vessel’s rest;Slowly, with new-expanding life possest,To her own element she glid away;There, buoyant, bounding like the polar whale,That takes his pastime, every joyful sailWas to the freedom of the world unfurl’d,While right and left the parting surges curl’d.—Go, gallant bark, with such a tide and gale,I’ll pledge thee to a voyage round the world!
At night-fall, walking on the cliff-crowned shore,When sea and sky were in each other lost,Dark ships were scudding through the wild uproar,Whose wrecks ere morn must strew the dreary coast;I mark’d one well-moor’d vessel tempest-tost;Sails reef’d, helm lash’d, a dreadful siege she bore,Her decks by billow after billow cross’d,While every moment she might be no more,Yet firmly anchor’d on the nether sand,Like a chain’d lion ramping at his foes,Forward and rearward still she plunged and rose,’Till broke her cable;—then she fled to land,With all the waves in chase; throes following throes;She ’scaped,—she struck,—she struck upon the sand.
The morn was beautiful, the storm gone by;Three days had pass’d; I saw the peaceful main,One molten mirror, one illumined plane,Clear as the blue, sublime, o’er-arching sky.On shore that lonely vessel caught mine eye;Her bow was sea-ward, all equipt her train,Yet to the sun she spread her wings in vain,Like a maim’d eagle, impotent to fly,There fix’d as if for ever to abide:Far down the beach had roll’d the low neap-tide,Whose mingling murmur faintly lull’d the ear,“Is this,” methought, “is this the doom of pride,Check’d in the outset of thy proud career,Ingloriously to rot by piecemeal here?”
Spring-tides return’d, and fortune smiled; the bayReceived the rushing ocean to its breast;While waves on waves innumerable press,Seem’d, with the prancing of their proud array,Sea-horses, flash’d with foam, and sporting spray:Their power and thunder broke that vessel’s rest;Slowly, with new-expanding life possest,To her own element she glid away;There, buoyant, bounding like the polar whale,That takes his pastime, every joyful sailWas to the freedom of the world unfurl’d,While right and left the parting surges curl’d.—Go, gallant bark, with such a tide and gale,I’ll pledge thee to a voyage round the world!
Montgomery.
Mean Temperature 43·85.
[424]In vol. i. col. 1473.[425]Perennial Calendar.
[424]In vol. i. col. 1473.
[425]Perennial Calendar.
Brit.[426]
On the 13th of November, 1755, at a court of the governors of Bridewell hospital, a memorable report was made from the committee, who inquired into the behaviour of the boys at Bartholomew and Southwark fairs, when some of them were severely corrected and continued, and others, after their punishment, were ordered to be stripped of the hospital clothing anddischarged.[427]
The “bridewell-boys” were, within recollection, a body of youths distinguished by a particular dress, and turbulence of manners. They infested the streets to the terror of the peaceable, and being allowed the privilege of going to fires, did more mischief by their audacity and perverseness, than they did good by working the Bridewell engine. These disorders occasioned them to be deprived of their distinguishing costume, and put under proper arts’-masters, with ability to teach them useful trades, and authority to controul and regulate their conduct. The bridewell boys at this time are never heard of in any commotion, and may now, therefore, be regarded as peaceable and industrious lads.
Mean Temperature 42·85.
[426]See vol. i. col. 1473.[427]Gentleman’s Magazine.
[426]See vol. i. col. 1473.
[427]Gentleman’s Magazine.
The “Carbonari,” a political association in the Italian states, occasioned considerable disturbance to the continental governments, who interfered to suppress an order of persons that kept them in continual alarm: “His Holiness” especially desired their suppression.
An article from Rome, dated the 14th of November, 1820, says “Bishop Benvenuti, vice-legate at Macerata, having received orders from the holy father to have all the Carbonari in that city arrested and sent to Rome, under a good escort, proceeded forthwith to execute the order. In consequence he had all the colliers by trade (Charbonniers de profession) which he could find within his reach—men, women, and children, arrested, and sent manacled to Rome, where they were closely imprisoned. The tribunal having at length proceeded to examine them, and being convinced that these Carbonari had been colliers ever since they were born, acquitted them, and sent them to their homes. Bishop Benvenuti was deprived of hisemployment.”[428]
Mean Temperature 43·25.
[428]New Times.
[428]New Times.
Machutus.[429]
To the Editor of the Every-Day Book.
October 20, 1826.
Dear Sir,—In your last week’s number of theEvery-Day Book, your correspondent *, *, P. gives a short account of Blackford, the backsword-player, and also mentions one of his descendants who signalized himself at the “Hungerford revel” about two years since. In the year 1820, I visited the latter revel; perhaps a description may be acceptable to you, and amusing to your readers.
I think it may be generally allowed that Wiltshire, and the western counties, keep up their primitive customs more than any counties. This is greatly to the credit of the inhabitants; for these usages tend to promote cheerful intercourse and friendly feeling among the residents in the different villages, who on such occasions assemble together. In Wiltshire I have remarked various customs, particularly at Christmas, which I have never seen or heard of in any other place. If these customs were witnessed by a stranger, I am sure he must fancy the good old days of yore, where every season brought its particular custom, which was always strictly adhered to.
Wiltshire consists of beautiful and extensive downs, and rich meadow and pasture lands, which support some of the finest dairies and farms that can be met with in the kingdom. The natives are a very strong and hardy set of men, and are particularly fond of robust sports; their chief and favourite amusement is backswording, or singlestick, for which they are as greatly celebrated as the inhabitants of the adjoining counties, Somersetshire and Gloucestershire.
At this game there are several rules observed. They play with a large round stick, which must be three feet long, with a basket prefixed to one end as a guard for the hand. The combatants throw off their hats and upper garments, with the exception of the shirt, and have the left hand tied to the side, so that they cannot defend themselves with that hand. They brandish the stick over the head, guarding off the adversary’s blows, and striking him whenever an opportunity occurs. Great skill is often used in the defence. I have seen two men play for upwards of half an hour without once hitting each other. The blood must flow an inch from some part of the head, before either party is declared victor.
Blackford, the backsword player, was a butcher residing at Swindon; he died a few years ago. His “successor” is a blacksmith at Lyddington, named Morris Pope, who is considered the best player of the day, and generally carries off the prizes at the Hungerford revel, which he always attends. This revel is attended by all the best players in Wiltshire and Somersetshire, between whom the contest lies. To commence the fray, twenty very excellent players are selected from each county; the contest lasts a considerable time, and is always severe, but the Wiltshire men are generally conquerors. Their principal characteristics are skill, strength, and courage—this is generally allowed by all who are acquainted with them.
But Hungerford revel is not a scene of contention alone, it consists of all kinds of rustic sports, which afford capital fun to the spectators. They may be laid outthus—
1st.Girls running for “smocks,”&c., which is a well-known amusement at country fairs.
2d.Climbing the greasy polefor apiece of bacon which is placed on the top. This affords very great amusement, as it is a difficult thing to be accomplished. The climber, perhaps, may get near the top of the pole, and has it in his power to hold himself up by both hands, but the moment he raises one hand to unhook the prize, he is almost sure to slide down again with great rapidity, bearing all below him who are so foolish as to climb after him.
3d.Old women drinking hot tea for snuff.Whoever can drink it the quickest and hottest gains the prize.
4th.Grinning through horse-collars.Several Hodges stand in a row, each holding a collar; whoever can make the ugliest face through it gains the prize. This feat is also performed by old women, and certainly the latter are the most amusing.
5th.Racing between twenty and thirty old women for a pound of tea.This occasions much merriment, and it is sometimes astonishing to see with what agility the old dames run in order to obtain their favourite.
6th.Hunting a pig with a soaped tail.This amusement creates much mirth, and in my opinion is the most laughable.—Grunter with his tail well soaped is set off at the foot of a hill, and is quickly pursued; but the person who can lay any claim to him must first catch him by the tail, and fairly detain him with one hand. This is an almost impossible feat, for the pig finding himself pulled back, tries to run forward, and the tail slips from the grasp of the holder. It is pretty well known that such is the obstinate nature of a pig, that on being pulled one way he will strive all he can to go a contrary. In illustration of this circumstance, though known perhaps to some of your readers, I may mention a curious wager a few years ago between a pork butcher and a waterman. The butcher betted the waterman that he would make a pig run over one of the bridges, (I forget which,) quicker than the waterman would row across the river. The auditors thought it impossible; the bet was eagerly accepted, and the next day was appointed for the performance. When the signal for starting was given, the waterman began to row with all his might and main, and the butcher catching hold of the tail of the pig endeavoured to pull him back, upon which the pig pulled forward, and with great rapidity ran over the bridge, pulling the butcher after him, who arrived on the opposite side before his opponent.
7th.Jumping in sacks for a cheese.An excellent caricature of jumping in sacks, published by Hunt, in Tavistock-street, conveys a true idea of the manner in which this amusement is carried on: it is truly laughable. Ten or eleven candidates are chosen; they are tied in sacks up to their necks, and have to jump about five hundred yards. Sometimes one will out-jump himself and fall; this accident generally occasions the fall of three or four others, but some one, being more expert, gets on first, and claims the prize.
About ten years ago, before Cannon the prize-fighter was publicly known, as a native of Wiltshire he naturally visited the Hungerford revel. There was a man there celebrated over the county for boxing; it was said that with a blow from his fist he could break the jaw-bone of an ox; upon the whole he was a desperate fellow, and no one dared challenge him tofight. Cannon, however, challenged him tojumpin sacks. It was agreed that they should jump three times the distance of about five hundred yards. The first time Cannon fell, and accordingly his opponent won; the second time, Cannon’s opponent fell, and the third time they kept a pretty even pace for about four hundred yards, when they bounced against each other and both fell, so that there was a dispute who had won. Cannon’s opponent was for dividing the cheese, but he would not submit to that, and proposed jumping again; the man would not, but got out of the sack, and during the time that Cannon was consulting some friends on the course to be pursued, ran off with the cheese. Cannon, however, pursued, and after a considerable time succeeded in finding him. He then challenged him to fight: the battle lasted two hours, and Cannon was victor. This circumstance introduced him to the sporting world.
You must allow me, dear sir, to assure you, that it is not my wish to make your interesting work a “sporting calendar,” by naming “sporting characters.” I tell you this lest you should not incline to read further, especially when you see.
8th.Donkey Racing.I will certainly defy any one to witness these races, without being almost convulsed with laughter. Each candidate rides his neighbour’s donkey, and he who arrives first at the appointedplace claims the prize, which is generally a smock-frock, a waistcoat, a hat, &c. &c.
9th.Duck Hunting.This sport generally concludes the whole: it is a very laughable, but certainly a very cruel amusement. They tie a poor unfortunate owl in an upright position, to the back of a still more unfortunate duck, and then turn them loose. The owl presuming that his inconvenient captivity is the work of the duck, very unceremoniously commences an attack on the head of the latter, who naturally takes to its own means of defence, the water: the duck dives with the owl on his back; as soon as he rises, the astonished owl opens wide his eyes, turns about his head in a very solemn manner, and suddenly recommences his attack on the oppressed duck, who dives as before. The poor animals generally destroy each other, unless some humane person rescues them.
Like all other Wiltshire amusements, the Hungerford revel always closes with good humour and conviviality; the ale flowing plentifully, and the song echoing loud and gaily from the rustic revellers. Although the revel is meant to last only one day, the very numerous attendants keep up the minor sports sometimes to the fourth day, when all depart, and Hungerford is once more a scene of tranquility.
The revel takes place about this time of the year, but I really cannot call to my recollection the precise day. Hoping, however, that this is of no material consequence, I beg to remain,
Dear Sir, &c.C. T.
This nobleman, who at one time is said to have entertained thirty thousand people at the boards of his different manors and estates in England, and who, when he travelled or lodged in any town, was accompanied by four or five hundred retainers, wrote on All Souls’ day the following remarkable letter for the loan of a small sum. It is divested of its ancient spelling.
“To our right trusty and well-beloved Friend, SirThomas Toddenham.
“Right trusty and well beloved friend, we greet you well, heartily desiring to hear of your welfare; and if it please you to hear of our welfare, we were in good health at the making of this letter, entreating you heartily, that ye will consider our message, which our chaplain Master Robert Hopton shall inform you of; for we have great business daily and have had here before this time, wherefore we entreat you to consider the purchase, that we have made with one John Swyffham (Southcote) an esquire of Lincolnshire, of 88l.by the year, whereupon we must pay the last payment, the Monday next after St. Martin’s day, which sum is 458l.Wherefore we entreat you with all our heart, that ye will lend us ten, or twenty pounds, or what the said Master Robert wants of his payment, as we may do for you in time for to come, and we will send it you again afore new year’s day, as we are a true knight. For there is none in your country, that we might write to for trust, so well as unto you, for as we be informed, ye be our well willer, and so we entreat you, that ye consider our intent of this money, as ye will that we do for you in time to come.... Written at London, on All Soul’s Day, within our lodging in the Grey Friars, within Newgate.
“Ric. Erle Warwyke.”
This letter is not dated, as to the year, but is known from circumstances to have been written before 1455. Sir Thomas Toddingham was a wealthy knight of Norfolk, who had an unfortunate marriage with one of the Wodehouses. The epistle shows the importance of ten, or twenty pounds, when rents were chiefly received in kind, and the difference between one degree of wealth and another, was exemplified by the number of a baron’s retainers. “Now,” says Burke, “we have a ton of ancient pomp in a vial of modernluxury.”[430]
Introductory to particulars respectingLotteries, two engravings are inserted, representing exhibitions that appeared in the streets of the metropolis, with the intent to excite adventure in “the last state lottery that will ever be drawn in England.”
The last Stage of the last State Lottery.
The last Stage of the last State Lottery.
Enlarged illustration(400 kB).
A Ballad, 1826.A lazy sot grew soberBy looking at his troubles,For he found out howHe work’d his woe,By playing with Lott’ry bubbles.And just before October,Thegrandcontractors, zealousTosharetheirlastills,With puffs and bills,Drove all the quack-doctors jealous.Theirbill-and-cue-carts slowlyPaced Holborn and Long Acre,Like a funeralNot mourn’d at all,The bury’ng an undertaker.Clerks smiled, and whisper’d lowly:“This is the time or neverTheremustbe a rise—Buy, and be wise,Or your chance is gone for ever.”Yet, of the shares and tickets,Spite of all arts to sell ’em,There were more unsoldThan dare be told;Although, if I knew, I’d tell ’em.And so, worn out with rickets,Thelast“Last Lott’ry” expired;And then there were cries—“We’ve gained aprizeBy thelosswe’ve so long desired:“The lott’ry drew the humbleOften aside from his labour,To build in the air,And, dwelling there,He beggar’d himself and neighbour.“If the scheme-makers tumbleDown to their proper station,They must starve, or work,Turn thief, or Turk,Or hang, for the good o’ th’ nation.”
A Ballad, 1826.
A lazy sot grew soberBy looking at his troubles,For he found out howHe work’d his woe,By playing with Lott’ry bubbles.And just before October,Thegrandcontractors, zealousTosharetheirlastills,With puffs and bills,Drove all the quack-doctors jealous.Theirbill-and-cue-carts slowlyPaced Holborn and Long Acre,Like a funeralNot mourn’d at all,The bury’ng an undertaker.Clerks smiled, and whisper’d lowly:“This is the time or neverTheremustbe a rise—Buy, and be wise,Or your chance is gone for ever.”Yet, of the shares and tickets,Spite of all arts to sell ’em,There were more unsoldThan dare be told;Although, if I knew, I’d tell ’em.And so, worn out with rickets,Thelast“Last Lott’ry” expired;And then there were cries—“We’ve gained aprizeBy thelosswe’ve so long desired:“The lott’ry drew the humbleOften aside from his labour,To build in the air,And, dwelling there,He beggar’d himself and neighbour.“If the scheme-makers tumbleDown to their proper station,They must starve, or work,Turn thief, or Turk,Or hang, for the good o’ th’ nation.”
A lazy sot grew soberBy looking at his troubles,For he found out howHe work’d his woe,By playing with Lott’ry bubbles.
And just before October,Thegrandcontractors, zealousTosharetheirlastills,With puffs and bills,Drove all the quack-doctors jealous.
Theirbill-and-cue-carts slowlyPaced Holborn and Long Acre,Like a funeralNot mourn’d at all,The bury’ng an undertaker.
Clerks smiled, and whisper’d lowly:“This is the time or neverTheremustbe a rise—Buy, and be wise,Or your chance is gone for ever.”
Yet, of the shares and tickets,Spite of all arts to sell ’em,There were more unsoldThan dare be told;Although, if I knew, I’d tell ’em.
And so, worn out with rickets,Thelast“Last Lott’ry” expired;And then there were cries—“We’ve gained aprizeBy thelosswe’ve so long desired:
“The lott’ry drew the humbleOften aside from his labour,To build in the air,And, dwelling there,He beggar’d himself and neighbour.
“If the scheme-makers tumbleDown to their proper station,They must starve, or work,Turn thief, or Turk,Or hang, for the good o’ th’ nation.”
“The Last.”
“The Last.”
lady with pipe and fish
What’s the odds?—while I am floundering here the gold fish will be gone; and as I always was a dab at hooking the right Numbers, I must cast for a Share of the SIX £30,000 on the 18thJuly, for it is but “giving a Sprat to catch a Herring” as a body may say, and it is the last chance we shall have in England.
What’s the odds?—while I am floundering here the gold fish will be gone; and as I always was a dab at hooking the right Numbers, I must cast for a Share of the SIX £30,000 on the 18thJuly, for it is but “giving a Sprat to catch a Herring” as a body may say, and it is the last chance we shall have in England.
What’s the odds?—while I am floundering here the gold fish will be gone; and as I always was a dab at hooking the right Numbers, I must cast for a Share of the SIX £30,000 on the 18thJuly, for it is but “giving a Sprat to catch a Herring” as a body may say, and it is the last chance we shall have in England.
Memorandum.
The aboveengravingis copied from one of the same size to a lottery bill of 1826: its inscription is verbatim the same as that below the original. In after days, this may be looked on with interest, as a specimen of the means to which the lottery schemers were reduced, in order to attract attention to “the last.”
Dr. Rawlinson, a distinguished antiquary, produced to the Antiquarian society, in 1748, “A Proposal for a very rich Lottery, general without any Blankes, contayning a great Noof good prices, as well of redy money as of Plate and certain sorts of Merchandizes, having been valued and prised by the Commandment of the Queenes most excellent Majesties order, to the entent that such Commodities as may chance to arise thereof, after the charges borne, may be converted towards the reparations of the Havens and Strength of the realme, and towards such other public good workes. The Noof lotts shall be foure hundred thousand, and no more; and every lott shall be the summe of tenne shillings sterling only, and nomore. To be filled by the feast of St. Bartholomew. The shew of Prises ar to be seen in Cheapside, at the sign of the Queenes armes, the house of Mr. Dericke, Goldsmith, Servant to the Queen. Some other Orders about it in 1567-8. Printed by Hen. Bynneman.”
This is the earliest lottery of which we have any account. According to Stow, it was begun to be drawn at the west door of St. Paul’s cathedral, on the 11th of January, 1569, (11th of Elizabeth,) and continued incessantly drawing,day and night, till the 6th of Mayfollowing.[431]It was at first intended to have been drawn “at the house of Mr. Dericke,” who was the queen’sjeweller.[432]“Whether,” says Maitland, “this lottery was on account of the public, or the selfish views of private persons, myauthor[433]does not mention; but ’tis evident, by the time it took up in drawing, it must have been of great concern. This I have remarked as being the first of the kind I read in England.” Maitland does not seem to have been acquainted with Dr. Rawlinson’s communication of the printed “Proposal” for it to the society of Antiquaries, which, as it states that the “commodities,” or profits, arising therefrom were to be appropriated to the “reparations of the havens and strength of the realme,” obviates all doubt as to its being “on account of the public.”
In 1586, 28th of the reign of Elizabeth, “A Lotterie, for marvellous rich and beautifull armor, was begunne to be drawn at London, in S. Paules churchyard, at the great west gate, (an house of timber and boord being there erected for that purpose,) on St. Peter’s day in the morning, which lotterie continued in drawing day and night for the space of two or threedaies.”[434]Of this lottery it is said, in lord Burghley’s Diary, at the end of Murden’s State papers, “June, 1586, the lottery of armour under the charge of John Calthorpdetermined.”[435]This is the second English lottery of which mention has been made.
In 1619, 16th of James I., it appears, from the following entry in the register of charitable gifts to the corporation of Reading, that a lottery was held in that town. “Whereas at a Lottery held within the Borough of Reading, in the Year of our Ld. God 1619, Gabriel Barber Gent. Agent in the sd. Lottery for the Councell & Company of Virginia of his own good Will & Charity towarde poor Tradesmen ffreemen & Inhabitants of the sd. Borough of Reading, & for the better enabling such poor Tradesmen to support & bear their Charges in their several Places & Callings in the sd. Corporation from time to time for ever freely gave & delivered to the Mayor & Burgesses of this Corporation the Sum of forty Pounds of lawfull Money of England Upon Special Trust & Confidence, that the sd. Mayor & Burgesses & their Successors shall from time to time for ever dispose & lend these 40l.to & amongst Six poor Tradesmen after the rate of 06l.13s.4d.to each Man for the Term of five Years gratis And after those five Years ended to dispose & lend the sd. 40l.by Such Soms to Six other poor Tradesmen for other five Years & so from five years to five years Successively upon good Security for ever Neverthelesse provided & upon Condition that none of those to whom the sd. Summs of mony shall be lent during that Term of five years shall keep either Inn or Tavern or dwell forth of the sd. Borough, but there during that time and terme, shall as other Inhabitants of the sd. Borough reside & dwell.
“Memorand. that the sd. Sum of 40l.came not into the hands & charge of the Mayor & Burgesses until April 1626.”
This extract was communicated to the “Gentleman’s Magazine” in 1778, by a correspondent, who, referring to this gift of “Gabriel Barber, gent., agent in the said lottery,” says, “If it be asked what is become of it now?gone, it is supposed,where the chickens went beforeduring the pious protectorship of Cromwell.”
In 1630, 6th Charles I., there was a project “for the conveying of certain springs of water into London and Westminster, from within a mile and a half of Hodsdon, in Hertfordshire, by the undertakers, Sir Edward Stradling and John Lyde.” The author of this project was one Michael Parker. “For defraying the expences whereof, king Charles grants them a special license to erect and publish a lottery or lotteries;according” saysthe record, “to the course of other lotteriesheretofore used or practised.” This is the first mention of lotteries either in theFœderaor Statute-book. “And, for the sole privilege of bringing the said waters in aqueducts to London, they were to pay four thousand pounds per annum into the king’s exchequer: and, the better to enable them to make the said large annual payment, the king grants them leave to bring their aqueducts through any of his parks, chases, lands, &c., and to dig up the samegratis.”[436]
In 1653, during the commonwealth, there was a lottery at Grocers’ Hall, which appears to have escaped the observation of the inquirers concerning this species of adventure. It is noticed in an old weekly newspaper, called “Perfect Account of the Daily Intelligence 16-23 November 1653,” by the following
Advertisement.At the Committee for Claims for Lands in Ireland,Ordered, That a Lottery be at Grocers-Hall London, on Thursday 15 Decem. 1653, both for Provinces and Counties, to begin at 8 of the clock in the forenoon of the same day; and all persons concerned therein are to take notice thereof.W. Tibbs.
Advertisement.
At the Committee for Claims for Lands in Ireland,
Ordered, That a Lottery be at Grocers-Hall London, on Thursday 15 Decem. 1653, both for Provinces and Counties, to begin at 8 of the clock in the forenoon of the same day; and all persons concerned therein are to take notice thereof.
W. Tibbs.
Under Charles II., the crown, with a view to reward its adherents who resided within the bills of mortality, and had served it with fidelity during the interregnum, granted “Plate Lotteries;” by which is to be understood a gift of plate from the crown, to be disposed of in that manner as prizes, with permission to sell tickets. According to the Gazette, in April 1669, Charles II., the duke of York, (afterwards James II.,) and many of the nobility were present “at the grand plate lottery, which, by his majesty’s command, was then opened at the sign of the Mermaid over against the mews.” This was the origin of endless schemes, under the titles of “Royal Oak,” “Twelve-penny Lotteries,” &c., which will be adverted to presently. They may be further understood by an intimation, published soon after the drawing sanctioned by the royal visitors, in these words, “This is to give notice, that any persons who are desirous to farm any of the counties within the kingdom of England or dominion of Wales, in order to the setting up of a plate lottery, or any other lottery whatsoever, may repair to the lottery office, at Mr. Philips’s house, in Mermaid-court over against the mews; where they may contract with the trustees commissioned by his majesty’s letters patent for the management of the said patent, on the behalf of the truly loyal, indigentofficers.”[437]In those times, the crown exceeded its prerogative by issuing these patents, and the law was not put in motion to question them.
During the reign of Charles II. lotteries were drawn at the theatres. At Vere-street theatre, which stood in Bear-yard, to which there is an entrance through a passage at the south-west corner of Lincolns’-inn-fields, another from Vere-street, and a third from Clare-market, Killigrew’s company performed during the seasons of 1661 and 1662, and part of 1663, when they removed to the new built theatre in Drury-lane; and the Vere-street theatre was probably unoccupied until Mr. Ogilby, the author of the now useless, though then useful “Itinerarium Angliæ, or Book of Roads,” adopted it, as standing in a popular neighbourhood, for the temporary purpose of drawing a lottery of books, which took place in 1668.
Books were often the species of property held out as a lure to adventurers, by way of lottery, for the benefit of the suffering loyalists. Among these, Blome’s Recreations, and Gwillim’s Heraldry, first edition, may be mentioned. In the Gazetteof May 18, 1668, is the following advertisement: “Mr. Ogilby’s lottery of books opens on Monday the 25th instant, at the old Theatre between Lincoln’s-inn-fields and Vere-street; where all persons concerned may repair on Monday, May 18, and see the volumes, and put in their money.” On May 25th is announced, “Mr. Ogilby’s lottery of books (adventurers coming in so fast that they cannot in so short time be methodically registered) opens not till Tuesday the 2d of June; then not failing to draw; at the old Theatre between Lincoln’s-inn-fields and Vere-street.”
A correspondent, under the signature of “A Bibliographer,” communicates to the “Gentleman’s Magazine,” from whence the notice respecting these book lotteries is extracted, one of Ogilby’s Proposals as a curiosity, in which light it is certainly to be regarded, and therefore it has a place here, asfollows:—
A Second Proposal, by the author, for the better and more speedy vendition of several volumes, (his own works,) by the way of a standingLottery, licensed by his royal highness the duke of York, and assistants of the corporation of the royal fishing.
WhereasJohn Ogilby, esq., erected a standing lottery of books, and completely furnished the same with very large, fair, and special volumes, all of his own designment and composure, at vast expense, labour, and study of twenty years; the like impressions never before exhibited in the English tongue. Which, according to the appointed time, on the 10th of May, 1665, opened; and to the general satisfaction of the adventurers, with no less hopes of a clear despatch and fair advantage to the author, was several days in drawing: when its proceedings were stopt by the then growing sickness, and lay discontinued under the arrest of that common calamity, till the next year’s more violent and sudden visitation, the late dreadful and surprising conflagration, swallowed the remainder, being two parts of three, to the value of three thousand pounds and upward, in that unimaginable deluge. Therefore, to repair in some manner his so much commiserated losses, by the advice of many his patrons, friends, and especially by the incitations of his former adventurers, he resolves, and hath already prepared, not only to reprint all his own former editions, but others that are new, of equal value, and like estimation by their embellishments, and never yet published; with some remains of the first impressions, relics preserved in several hands from the fire; to set up a second standing lottery, where such the discrimination of fortune shall be, that few or none shall return with a dissatisfying chance. The whole draught being of greater advantage by much (to the adventurers) than the former. And accordingly, after publication, the author opened his office, where they might put in their first encouragements, (viz.) twenty shillings, and twenty more at the reception of their fortune, and also see those several magnificent volumes, which their varied fortune (none being bad) should present them.
[438]But, the author now finding more difficulty than he expected, since many of his promisers (who also received great store of tickets to dispose of, towards promotion of his business) though seeming well resolved and very willing, yet straining courtesy not to go foremost in paying their monies, linger out, driving it off till near the time appointed for drawing; which dilatoriness: (since despatch is the soul and life to his proposal, his only advantage a speedy vendition:) and also observing how that a money dearth, a silver famine, slackens and cools the courage of adventurers; through which hazy humours magnifying medium shillings loome like crowns, and each forty shillings a ten pound heap. Therefore, according to the present humour now reigning, he intends to adequate his design; and this seeming too large-roomed, standing lottery, new modelled into many less and more likely to be taken tenements, which shall not open only a larger prospect of pleasing hopes, but more real advantage to the adventurer. Which are now to be disposed of thus: the whole mass of books or volumes, being the same without addition or diminution, amounting according to their known value (being the prices they have been usually disposed at) to thirteenthousand seven hundred pounds; so that the adventurers will have the above said volumes (if all are drawn) for less than two thirds of what they would yield in process of time, book by book. He now resolves to attemper, or mingle each prize with four allaying blanks; so bringing down, by this means, the market from double pounds to single crowns.
The Propositions.—First, whosoever will be pleased to put in five shillings shall draw a lot, his fortune to receive the greatest or meanest prize, or throw away his intended spending money on a blank. Secondly, whoever will adventure deeper, putting in twenty-five shillings, shall receive, if such his bad fortune be that he draws all blanks, a prize presented to him by the author of more value than his money (if offered to be sold) though proffered ware, &c. Thirdly, who thinks fit to put in for eight lots forty shillings shall receive nine, and the advantage of their free choice (if all blanks) of either of the works complete,viz.Homer’s Iliads and Odysses, or Æsop the first and second volumes, the China book, or Virgil. Of which,
The whole number of the lots three thousand, three hundred, and sixty-eight. The number of the blanks as above ordered; so that the total received is but four thousand, one hundred, and ten pounds.
The office where their monies are to be paid in, and they receive their tickets, and where the several volumes or prizes may be daily seen, (by which visual speculation understanding their real worth better than by the ear or a printed paper,) is kept at the Black Boy, over against St. Dunstan’s church, Fleet-street. The adventurers may also repair, for their better convenience, to pay in their monies, to Mr. Peter Cleyton, over against the Dutch church, in Austin-friars, and to Mr. Baker, near Broad-street, entering the South-door of the Exchange, and to Mr. Roycroft, in Bartholomew-close.
The certain day of drawing, the author promiseth (though but half full) to be the twenty-third of May next. Therefore all persons that are willing to adventure, are desired to bring or send in their monies with their names, or what other inscription or motto they will, by which to know their own, by the ninth of May next, it being Whitson-eve, that the author may have time to put up the lots and inscriptions into their respective boxes.
D. H., one of Mr. Urban’s contributors, mentions that he had seen an undated “Address to the Learned: or, an advantageous lottery for Books in quires; wherein each adventurer of a guinea is sure of a prize of two pound value; and it is but four to one that he has a prize of three, six, eight, twelve, or fifty pounds, as appears by the following proposals:” one thousand five hundred lots, at 1l.1s.each, to be drawn with the lots out of two glasses, superintended by John Lilly and Edward Darrel, esqrs., Mr. Deputy Collins, and Mr. William Proctor, stationer, two lots of 50l., ten of 12l., twenty of 8l., sixty-eight of 6l., two hundred of 3l., one thousand two hundred of 3l.The undertakers were: Thomas Leigh, and D. Midwinter, at the Rose and Crown, in St. Paul’s Church-yard; Mr. Aylmer, at the Three Pigeons, and Mr. Richard Parker, under the Piazza of the Royal Exchange; Mr. Nicholson, in Little Britain; Mr. Took, at the Middle Temple gate, Fleet-street; Mr. Brown, at the Black Swan, without Temple-bar; Mr. Sare, at Gray’s-inn gate; Mr. Lownds, at the Savoy gate; Mr. Castle, near Scotland-yard gate; and Mr. Gillyflower, in Westminster-hall, booksellers.
Letters patent in behalf of the loyalists were from time to time renewed, and, from the Gazette of October 11, 1675, it appears by those dated June 19, and December 17, 1674, there were granted for thirteen years to come, “all lotteries whatsoever, invented or to be invented, to several truly loyal and indigent officers,in consideration of their many faithful services and sufferings, with prohibition to all others to use or set up the said lotteries,” unless deputations were obtained from those officers.
The most popular of all the schemes was that drawn at the Dorset-garden theatre, near Salisbury-square, Fleet-street, with the capital prize of a thousand pound for a penny. The drawing began October 19, 1698; and, in theProtestant Mercuryof the following day, “its fairness (was said) to give universal content to all that were concerned.” In the next paper is found an inconsistent and frivolous story, as to the possessor of the prize: “Some time since, a boy near Branford, going to school one morning, met an old woman, who asked his charity; the boy replied, he had nothing to give her but a piece of bread and butter, which she accepted. Some time after, she met the boy again, and told him she had good luck after his bread and butter, and therefore would give him a penny, which, after some years’ keeping, would produce many pounds: he accordingly kept it a great while; and at last, with some friend’s advice, put it into the penny lottery, and we are informed that on Tuesday last the said lot came up with 1000l.prize.” However absurd this relation appears, it must be recollected those to whom it was principally addressed had given proof of having sufficient credulity for such a tale, in believing that two hundred and forty thousand shares could be disposed of and appropriated to a single number, independent of other prizes. The scheme of the “Penny Lottery” was assailed in a tract, intituled “The Wheel of Fortune, or Nothing for a Penny; being remarks on the drawing of the Penny Lottery at the Theatre Royal, in Dorset-Garden,” 1698, 4to. Afterwards at this theatre there was a short exhibition of prize-fighters; and the building was totally deserted in 1703.
In 1698-9, schemes were started, called “The Lucky Adventure; or, Fortunate Chance, being 2000l.for a groat, or 3000l.for a shilling:” and “Fortunatus, or another adventure of 1000l.for a penny:” but purchasers were more wary, and the money returned in both cases.—The patentees also advertised against the “Marble-board, alias the Woollich-board lotteries; the Figure-board, alias the Whimsey-board, and the Wyreboardlotteries.”[439]
These patents of the Restoration seem to have occasioned considerable strife between the parties who worked under them. The following verses from “The Post Boy, January 3, 1698,” afford some insight to their estimation among sensiblepeople:—