From _Tuesday, Dec. 27_, to _Thursday, Dec. 29, 1709_.
Ecce iterum Crispinus!--JUV., Sat. iv. 1.
_Haymarket, Dec. 23._
Whereas the gentleman that behaved himself in a very disobedient
and obstinate manner at his late trial in Sheer Lane on the 20th
instant,[357] and was carried off dead upon the taking away of his
snuff-box, remains still unburied; the Company of Upholders not knowing
otherwise how they should be paid, have taken his goods in execution to
defray the charge of his funeral. His said effects are to be exposed to
sale by auction at their office in the Haymarket on the 4th of January
next, and are as follow:
A very rich tweezer-case, containing twelve instruments for the use of
each hour in the day.
Four pounds of scented snuff, with three gilt snuff-boxes; one of them
with an invisible hinge, and a looking-glass in the lid.
Two more of ivory, with the portraitures on their lids of two ladies of
the town; the originals to be seen every night in the side-boxes[358]
of the play-house.
A sword with a steel diamond hilt, never drawn but once at May
Fair.[359]
Six clean packs of cards, a quart of orange-flower water, a pair of
French scissors, a toothpick case, and an eyebrow brush.
A large glass case, containing the linen and clothes of the deceased;
among which are, two embroidered suits, a pocket perspective, a dozen
pair of red-heeled shoes, three pair of red silk stockings, and an
amber-headed cane.
The strong box of the deceased, wherein were found, five billet-doux, a
Bath shilling, a crooked sixpence, a silk garter, a lock of hair, and
three broken fans.
A press for books; containing on the upper shelf,
Three bottles of diet-drink.
Two boxes of pills.
A syringe, and other mathematical instruments.
On the second shelf are several miscellaneous works; as,
Lampoons.
Plays.
Tailors' bills.
And an almanac for the year 1700.
On the third shelf,
A bundle of letters unopened, endorsed (in the hand of the
deceased), "Letters from the old gentleman."
Lessons for the flute.
Toland's "Christianity not Mysterious."[360]. And a paper filled
with patterns of several fashionable stuffs.
On the lowest shelf,
One shoe.
A pair of snuffers.
A French grammar.
A mourning hat-band: and half a bottle of usquebaugh.
There will be added to these goods, to make a complete auction, a
collection of gold snuff-boxes and clouded canes,[361] which are to
continue in fashion for three months after the sale.
The whole are to be set up and prized by Charles Bubbleboy,[362] who is
to open the auction with a speech.
* * * * *
I find that I am so very unhappy, that while I am busy in correcting
the folly and vice of one sex, several exorbitances break out in the
other. I have not thoroughly examined their new-fashioned petticoats,
but shall set aside one day in the next week for that purpose. The
following petition on this subject was presented to me this morning:
"The humble Petition of WILLIAM JINGLE, Coach-maker and
Chair-maker of the Liberty of Westminster.
"To ISAAC BICKERSTAFF, Esq., Censor of Great Britain:
"Showeth--That upon the late invention of Mrs. Catherine
Cross-stitch, mantle-maker, the petticoats of ladies were too wide
for entering into any coach or chair which was in use before the
said invention.
"That for the service of the said ladies, your petitioner has
built a round chair, in the form of a lanthorn, six yards and a
half in circumference, with a stool in the centre of it; the said
vehicle being so contrived, as to receive the passenger by opening
in two in the middle, and closing mathematically when she is
seated.
"That your petitioner has also invented a coach for the reception
of one lady only, who is to be let in at the top.
"That the said coach has been tried by a lady's woman in one of
these full petticoats, who was let down from a balcony, and drawn
up again by pulleys, to the great satisfaction of her lady and all
who beheld her.
"Your petitioner therefore most humbly prays, that for the
encouragement of ingenuity and useful inventions, he may be heard
before you pass sentence upon the petticoats aforesaid.
"And your petitioner, &c."
I have likewise received a female petition, signed by several
thousands, praying, that I would not any longer defer giving judgment
in the case of the petticoat, many of them having put off the making
new clothes till such time as they know what verdict I will pass upon
it. I do therefore hereby certify to all whom it may concern, that I do
design to set apart Tuesday next for the final determination of that
matter, having already ordered a jury of matrons to be impanelled, for
the clearing up of any difficult points that may arise in the trial.
* * * * *
Being informed, that several dead men in and about this city do keep
out of the way and abscond, for fear of being buried; and being willing
to respite their interment, in consideration of their families, and
in hopes of their amendment, I shall allow them certain privileged
places, where they may appear to one another, without causing any let
or molestation to the living, or receiving any in their own persons
from the Company of Upholders. Between the hours of seven and nine in
the morning, they may appear in safety at St. James's Coffee-house, or
at White's, if they do not keep their beds, which is more proper for
men in their condition. From nine to eleven, I allow them to walk from
Story's to Rosamond's Pond[363] in the Park, or in any other public
walks which are not frequented by the living at that time. Between
eleven and three, they are to vanish, and keep out of sight till three
in the afternoon; at which time they may go to 'Change till five; and
then, if they please, divert themselves at the Haymarket, or Drury
Lane, till the play begins. It is further granted in favour of these
persons, that they may be received at any table where there are more
present than seven in number; provided, that they do not take upon
them to talk, judge, commend, or find fault with any speech, action,
or behaviour of the living. In which case, it shall be lawful to seize
their persons at any place or hour whatsoever, and to convey their
bodies to the next undertakers; anything in this advertisement to the
contrary notwithstanding.