----Where has Commerce such a mart,
So rich, so throng'd, so drained, and so supplied,
As London; opulent, enlarged, and still
Increasing London? Babylon of old
Not more the glory of the earth, than she;
A more accomplish'd world's chief glory now.
~~383~~~
According to arrangements previously made, our friends met in the
morning with a determination to shape their course eastward, in order to
take a survey of the Commercial Docks for the accommodation of shipping,
and the furtherance of trade; and the carriage being ordered, they were
quickly on their way towards Blackwall.
“The Docks of the Port of London,” said the Hon. Tom Dashall, “are of
the highest importance in a commercial point of view, and are among the
prominent curiosities of British Commerce, as they greatly facilitate
trade, and afford additional security to the merchants.”
“Yes,” said Sparkle, “and it is to be presumed, no small profit to the
share-holders of the Companies by which they were established; but I
expect your Cousin will derive more gratification from a sight of the
places themselves, than from any description we can give, and the
time to explain will be when we arrive on the spot; for it is scarcely
possible for any one to conceive the immensity of buildings they
contain, or the regularity with which the business is carried on.--” How
do ye do?” (thrusting his head out of the window, and moving his hand
with graceful familiarity,)--“I have not seen Sir Frederick since my
matrimonial trip, and now he has passed by on horseback I really believe
without seeing me; Dashall, you remember Sir Frederick Forcewit?”
“Perfectly well,” replied Tom; “but I was paying so much attention to
you, that I did not notice him. The liveliest fellow, except yourself,
in the whole round of my acquaintance.”
~~384~~~ “And you are one of the best I ever met with to gain a point by
a good turn; but take it, and make the most you can of it--I may have an
opportunity of paying you off in your own coin.”
Tallyho laughed heartily at the manner in which Sparkle had altogether
changed the conversation, but could not help remarking that Sir
Frederick had not given a specimen of his politeness, by avoiding a
return of Sparkle's salutation.
“And yet,” continued Sparkle, “he is one of the most polished men I
know, notwithstanding I think his upper story is not a bit too well
furnished: he has a handsome fortune, and a pretty wife, who would
indeed be a lovely woman, but for an affectation of manners which she
assumed upon coming to the title of Lady Forcewit: their parties are of
the most dashing order, and all the rank and fashion of the metropolis
visit their mansion.”
Sparkle, who was in his usual humour for conversation and description,
now entertained his friends with the following account of a party with
whom he had spent an evening just previous to his departure from town.
“Mrs. Stepswift is the widow lady of a dancing-master, who having
acquired some little property previous to his decease, left his partner
in possession of his wealth and two daughters, though the provision for
their education and support was but scanty. The mother had the good luck
a few years after to add to her stock ten thousand pounds by a prize in
the lottery, a circumstance which afforded her additional opportunities
of indulging her passion for dress, which she did not fail to inculcate
in her daughters, who, though not handsome, were rather pleasing and
agreeable girls; and since the good fortune to which I have alluded, she
has usually given a ball by way of introduction to company, and with the
probable view, (as they are now marriageable), to secure them husbands.
It was on one of these occasions that I was invited, and as I knew
but one of the party, I had an excellent opportunity of making my
uninterrupted remarks.”
“Then,” said Dashall, “I'll wager my life you acted the part of an
observant quiz.”
“And I should think you would be likely to win,” observed Tallyho.
~~385~~~ “I am bound to consider myself obliged,” continued Sparkle,
“for the bold construction you are kind enough to put upon my character
and conduct by your observations; but never mind, I am not to be
intimidated by the firing of a pop-gun, or a flash in the pan, therefore
I shall proceed. Upon my introduction I found the widow playing a rubber
with a punchy parson, a lean doctor, and a half-pay officer in the
Guards; and consequently taking a friend I knew by the arm, I strolled
through the rooms, which were spacious and well furnished. In the
ball-room I found numerous couples 'tripping it on the light fantastic
toe,' to the tune of 'I'll gang no more to yon town,' and displaying
a very considerable portion of grace and agility. In the other room
devoted to refreshments and cards, I met with several strollers like
myself, who being without partners, or not choosing to dance with such
as they could obtain, were lounging away their time near the centre of
the room. I was introduced to the two young ladies, who behaved with the
utmost politeness and attention, though I could easily perceive there
was a considerable portion of affectation mingled with their manners;
and I soon discovered that they operated as the load-stone of attraction
to several dandy-like beaux who were continually flocking around them.
'“My dear Miss Eliza,' said a pug-nosed dandy, whom I afterwards
understood to be a jeweller's shopman, 'may I be allowed the superlative
honor and happiness of attending you down the next dance?' The manner in
which this was spoken, with a drawling lisp, and the unmeaning attitude
of the speaker, which was any thing but natural, provoked my risibility
almost beyond forbearance; his bushy head, the fall of his cape, and the
awkward stick-out of his coat, which was buttoned tight round his waist;
the drop of his quizzing glass from his bosom, and the opera hat in his
hand, formed altogether as curious a figure as I ever recollect to have
seen; though my eyes were immediately directed to another almost as
grotesque, by the young lady herself, who informed the applicant that
she had engaged herself with Captain Scrambleton, and could not avail
herself of his intended honor; while the captain himself, with a mincing
gait, little compatible with the line of life to which it was to be
presumed he was attached, was advancing and eyeing the would-be rival
with all the apparent accuracy of a military scrutiny. The contrast of
the two figures is ~~386~~~ inconceivable--the supplicating beau on the
one hand, half double, in the attitude of solicitation, and the upright
position of the exquisite militaire, casting a suspicious look of
self-importance on the other, were irresistible. I was obliged to turn
on one side to prevent discovering my impulse to laughter. The captain,
I have since learned, turned out to be a broken-down blackleg, seeking
to patch up a diminished fortune by a matrimonial alliance, in which he
was only foiled by a discovery just time enough to prevent his design
upon Miss Eliza.”
“Mere butterflies,” exclaimed Dashall, “that flutter for a time in
sunshine with golden wings, to entrap attention, while the rays
fall upon them, and then are seen no more! but I always like your
descriptions, although you are usually severe.”
[Illustration: page386 At a Party]
“As soon as I could recover my solemnity, 1 tound a little gentleman,
who reminded me strongly of cunning little Isaac in the Duenna,
advancing towards Miss Amelia with true dancing-master-like precision.
I soon discovered, by her holding up her fan at his approach, that
she held him in utter aversion, and found he received a reply very
derogatory to his wishes; when stepping up to her by the introduction of
my friend, I succeeded m obtaining her hand for the dance, to the great
mortification and discomfiture of Mr. O'Liltwell, who was no other than
an Irish dancing-master in miniature. There is always room enough for
observation and conjecture upon such occasions. There were, however,
other characters in the rooms more particularly deserving of notice.
In one corner I found Lord Anundrum, the ex-amateur director, m close
conversation with Mr. Splitlungs, a great tragedian, and Tom Little,
the great poet, on the subject of a new piece written by the latter,
and presented for acceptance to the former by. Mr. Splitlungs, the
intermediate friend of both. I discovered the title of this master-piece
of dramatic literature to be no other than 'The Methodical Madman, or
Bedlam besieged.' A little further on sat Dr. Staggerwit, who passes
for a universal genius: he is a great chemist, and a still greater
gourmand, moreover a musician, has a hand in the leading Reviews, a
share m the most prominent of the daily papers; is president of several
learned institutions, over the threshold of which he has never passed,
and an honorary member of others which have long been defunct: he
appeared to be absorbed in contemplation, and taking but little notice
of the gaieties by which he was surrounded. My friend informed me he was
just then endeavouring to bring before Parliament his _coup de maître_,
which was a process for extracting a nourishing diet for the poor from
oyster shells.”
~~387~~~ “What the devil is the matter?” exclaimed Dashall, thrusting
his head out of the carriage window upon hearing a sudden crash.
“Matter enough, your honour,” bawled an athletic Irishman in the habit
of a sailor; “by the powers, here's Peg Pimpleface, the costermonger's
great grand-daughter, at sea without a rudder or compass, upset in a
squall, and run bump ashore; and may I be chained to the toplights if I
think either crew or cargo can be saved.”
It appeared that Peg Pimpleface had been round Poplar, Limehouse, and
their vicinities, to sell her cargo of greens, potatoes, and other
vegetables; and having met with tolerable success, she had refreshed
herself a little too freely with the juniper, and driving her
donkey-cart towards Whitechapel, with a short pipe in her mouth, had
dropped from her seat among the remains of her herbage, leaving her
donkey to the uncontrolled selection of his way home. A Blackwall stage,
on the way to its place of destination, had, by a sudden jerk against
one of the wheels of Peg's crazy vehicle, separated the shafts from the
body of the cart, and the donkey being thus unexpectedly disengaged from
his load, made the best of his bargain, by starting at full speed
with the shafts at his heels, while the cart, by the violence of the
concussion, lay in the road completely topsy turvey; consequently Tom
looked in vain for the fair sufferer who lay under it.
“Poor Peg,” continued the Irishman, “by the powers, if her nose comes
too near the powder magazine, the whole concarn will blow up; and as I
don't think she is insured, I'll be after lending her a helping hand;
“and with this, setting his shoulders to the shattered machine, at one
effort he restored it to its proper position, and made a discovery of
Peg Pimpleface, with her ruby features close to a bunch of turnips, the
whiteness of which served to heighten in no small degree their effect:
the fall, however, had not left her in the most delicate situation for
public inspection; the latter part of her person presenting itself bare,
save and except that a bunch of carrots appeared to have sympathized in
her misfortune, and ~~388~~~ kindly overshadowed her brawny posteriors.
As she lay perfectly motionless, it was at first conjectured that poor
Peg was no longer a living inhabitant of this world: it was, however,
soon ascertained that this was not the fact, for the Hibernian, after
removing the vegetables, and adjusting her clothes, took her up in his
arms, and carried her with true Irish hospitality to a neighbouring
public-house, where seating her, she opened her eyes, which being black,
shone like two stars over the red protuberance of her face.
“By J------s,” says Pat, “Peg's a brilliant of the first water; give her
a glass of max, and she'll be herself in two minutes:” at the sound of
this, animation was almost instantaneously restored, and Tom and his
friends having ascertained that she had sustained no bodily harm, gave
the generous Irishman a reward for his attentions, jumped into the
carriage, and proceeded on their journey.
They were not long on their journey to Black wall; where having arrived,
the first object of attention was the East India Docks, to which they
were introduced by Mr. M. an acquaintance of Dashall's.
“These Docks,” said Tom to his Cousin, “are a noble series of works,
well worthy of the Company which produced them, though they generally
excite less interest than the West India Docks, which are not far
distant, and of which we shall also have a sight.”
“It should be remembered,” observed Mr. M. “that these docks are solely
appropriated to the safe riding of East Indiamen. The import dock is
1410 feet long, 560 wide, and 30 feet deep, covering an area of 18 acres
and a half. The export dock is 780 feet long, 520 feet wide, and 30 feet
deep, covering nine acres and a half, with good wharf, and warehouse
room for loading and unloading.”
“Pray,” said Bob, “what are those immense caravans, do they belong
to the shew-folk, the collectors of wild beasts and curiosities for
exhibition at the fair? or------”
“They are vehicles of considerable utility, Sir,” replied Mr. M.; “for
by means of those covered waggons, all the goods and merchandize of the
East India Company are conveyed to and from their warehouses in town,
under lock and key, so as to prevent fraud and smuggling. They are very
capacious, and although they have a heavy and cumbrous appearance, they
move along the road ~~389~~~ with more celerity than may be imagined;
and the high wall with which the docks are surrounded, prevents the
possibility of any serious peculation being carried on within them. The
Company are paid by a tonnage duty, which they charge to the owners.
Coopers, carpenters, and blacksmiths, are continually employed in
repairing the packages of goods, landing, and snipping; and a numerous
party of labourers are at all times engaged in conveying the merchandize
to and from the shipping, by which means hundreds of families are
provided for. The Company is established by Act of Parliament, and for
the convenience of the merchants they have an office for the transaction
of business in town.”
“It is a very extensive concern,” said Tallyho, “and is doubtless of
very great utility.”
Having satisfied themselves by looking over these extensive works, Mr.
M. informed them, that adjoining the Docks was a ship-building yard,
formerly well known as Perry's Yard, but now the property of Sir Robert
Wigram. “Probably you would like to take a view round it.”
To this having replied in the affirmative, they were quickly introduced.
“Sir Robert,” said Mr. M. “has been, and I believe still is, a
considerable managing owner of East India Shipping, whose fortune
appears to have advanced as his family increased, and perhaps few men
have deserved better success; he was born at Wexford, in Ireland, in the
year 1744, and was brought up under his father to the profession of
a surgeon: he left Ireland early in life, to pursue his studies in
England, and afterwards obtained an appointment as surgeon of an East
Indiaman, and remained some years in the service: he married Miss
Broadhurst, the youngest daughter of Francis Broadhurst, of Mansfield,
in Nottinghamshire, an eminent tanner and maltster; soon after which
he commenced his career as owner of East India Shipping. The General
Goddard, commanded by William Taylor Money, Esq. sailed under his
management, and was fortunate enough during the voyage to capture eight
Dutch East Indiamen, of considerable value, off St. Helena; since which
he has been one of the most eminent ship-owners in the City of London.”
~~390~~~ “A proof,” said Sparkle, “of the advantages to be derived from
perseverance, and the active exercise of an intelligent mind.”
“His first wife,” continued the informant, “died in the year 1786,
leaving him five children; and in the following year he married Miss
Eleanor Watts, daughter of John Watts, Esq. of Southampton, many years
Secretary to the Victualling Office, who is the present Lady Wigram,
the benevolence of whose heart, and gentleness of manners, have not only
endeared her to her husband, but gained her the esteem and regard of all
who know her, and by this lady he has had seventeen children.”
“Zounds!” said Bob, “a man ought to have a mine of wealth to support
such a numerous progeny.”
“They are, however, all of them well provided for; and Sir Robert has
the happiness, at an advanced age, to find himself the father of a
happy family; he rejoices once a year to have them all seated at his
own table; and has in many instances surprised his friends by an
introduction. It is related, that a gentleman from the Isle of Wight
met him near the Exchange, and after mutual salutations were passed, he
invited the gentleman to dine with him, by whom an excuse was offered,
as he was not equipped for appearing at his table. 'Nonsense,' said Sir
Robert, 'you must dine with me; and I can assure you there will be
only my own family present, so come along.' Guess the surprise of his
visitor, on being introduced to a large party of ladies and gentlemen.
He was confused and embarrassed. He begged pardon, and would have
retired, declaring that Sir Robert had informed him that none but his
own family were to be present. This Sir R. affirmed he had strictly
adhered to, and introduced his friend to his sons and daughters by name,
which it may fairly be presumed, though it explained, did not exactly
tend to decrease his visitor's embarrassment.”
“And these premises,” inquired Bob, “belong to the man you have
described?”
“The same,” said Mr. M.; “they are managed and conducted under the
superintendence of two of his sons. Here, East India ships are built,
launched, and repaired: there are two on the stocks now of considerable
magnitude; the premises are extensive and commodious, and that high
building which you see is a mast-house, and the other buildings about
the yard are devoted to sail lofts, and shops for the various artizans,
requisite to complete the ~~391~~~ grand design of building and fitting
out a ship for sea. From this yard you have a fine view over the marshes
towards Woolwich, and also a commanding prospect of Greenwich Hospital.
The various vessels and boats passing and repassing at all times, give
variety to the scene before you; and when a launch takes place, the
whole neighbourhood represents something of the nature of a carnival;
the river is covered with boats filled with company, and every part of
the shore near the spot from which the magnificent piece of mechanism is
to burst upon its native element, is equally occupied; temporary
booths are erected upon each side of what is termed the cradle, for the
accommodation of invited visitors; bands play as she moves, and a bottle
of wine is thrown at her head as she glides from the stocks, when her
name is pronounced amidst the universal shouts of huzza.”
“It must be a most gratifying sight,” observed Bob, “to see her cleave
the watery world; indeed it is a very pleasing view we have already
had of these floating castles, though I must also remark, that your
descriptions have added greatly to the enjoyment, and I think we are
much indebted for your kindness.”
They now parted with Mr. M.; and after refreshing with a glass of wine
and a sandwich at the Plough, they proceeded to the West India Docks,
the entrance to which required no introduction. “Here,” said Dashall,
“you will find a much longer space occupied than at the East India
Docks. These were undertaken according to an Act of Parliament passed
in 1799, and the place was formerly called the Isle of Dogs, though it
might almost as appropriately have been called the Isle of Boys. Upon
the wharfs and quays adjoining, all West India ships unload and load
their cargoes.”
“And exclusively, I suppose,” interrogated Tallyho, “for the
accommodation of West India Shipping?”
“Exactly so,” continued Tom; “the West India Trade generally arrives in
fleets, and formerly used to create much crowding, confusion, and damage
in the river; but these ships being now disposed of in the docks, the
overgrown trade of the port is carried on with pleasure and convenience;
for notwithstanding they have occasioned a very important trade to
be removed to a considerable and even inconvenient distance from the
metropolis, yet the advantages to the Port of London are upon the whole
incalculable.
~~392~~~ “The Northern Dock for unloading inwards is 2600 by 510
feet, and 29 feet deep, covering a space of 30 acres, and capable
of containing from two to three hundred sail of vessels, in greater
security than the river could afford them; and the West India Dock
Company are reimbursed for the accommodation by a tonnage of 6s. upon
the burthen of every ship which enters the docks; besides which they are
entitled to charge for wharfage, landing, housing, weighing, cooperage,
and warehouse room; certain rates upon all goods that are discharged,
such as 8d. per cwt. upon sugar; 1d. per gallon upon rum; Is. 6d. per
cwt. upon coffee; 2s. 6d. per cwt. upon cotton, wool, &c.: and all this
immense business is conducted with a general order and regularity which
greatly facilitates the business of the merchant.”
“But,” said Sparkle, “I apprehend it subjects him to something more of
expense than he incurred by the former mode of proceeding.”
“I am not able decidedly to answer,” continued Tom; “but in the main, I
expect that if so, it is well worth what is paid to have the additional
security. The forms of conducting the business may sometimes be attended
with considerable trouble, but there are persons so well acquainted with
them by habitual practice, that there cannot be much difficulty at this
period. This is the Export Dock, which covers an area of 24 acres, and
is 2600 by 400 feet, and 29 deep. The immense buildings round the two
docks, are warehouses for the reception of goods, and are of the most
substantial description; and to enable shipping in their passage up and
down the Thames to avoid the circuitous and inconvenient course round
the Isle of Dogs, a canal has been cut across this peninsula, through
which, upon paying certain moderate rates, all ships, vessels, and
craft, are permitted to pass in their passage up and down the river.
In seeing this, and the East India Docks, you have seen pretty well the
nature of the whole, for they are all of a similar construction, for
similar purposes, and under similar management: but we will now look in
at the London Docks, which are situated between Ratcliffe Highway and
the Thames, then home to dinner, and to dress for Lady M.'s party in the
evening.”
~~393~~~ Thus saying, they took their way towards the place he had
mentioned. It would, however, be extending description more than
necessary, after the preceding observations of the Hon. Tom Dashall,
except to state that the Dock covers 20 acres of ground, and is 1262
feet long, 699 feet wide, and 27 deep. The warehouses, situated at the
eastern extremity, are two in number, appropriated for the reception of
tobacco; the largest 762 feet long, and 160 feet wide, equally divided
by a strong partition wall, with double iron doors; the smallest is 250
feet by 200. They consist of a ground floor and vaults, the latter of
which are devoted to the care and housing of wines, in which are usually
5000 pipes. They are solely under the control of the Customs, and the
proprietors of the Docks have nothing more to do with them than to
receive the rent. Other warehouses are devoted to the reception of the
various articles of commerce, and the small buildings situated near the
edge are appropriated to counting-houses for clerks and officers, and
for weighing and pileing the goods, workshops, &c. as in the West India
Docks. The capital of the Company is about £2,000,000, and the ultimate
profits are limited to 10 per cent. The building was commenced in 1802,
and the grand dock was opened in 1805. In the immense subterraneous
caverns under the warehouses, all wines imported by the London merchant
are deposited, without paying the import duty, until it is fully
disposed of by the owner: a practice which is termed bonding, and saves
the proprietor the advance of the duty to government out of his capital.
When the merchant finds a person likely to become a purchaser, he
directs a written order to the cellarman, to peg certain pipes which
are a part of his stock, in order that the visitor may taste the various
samples, and select from them such as he is most agreeable to purchase.”
“And no small convenience, of course,” said Bon, “and of course the
goods are not allowed to be removed till the duties and charges are paid
by the purchaser.”
“Certainly,” was the reply; “they are held as a security for their
ultimate payment; but come, as we have already seen enough of docks, let
us make the best of our way home.”
~~394~~~ Upon arrival in Piccadilly, a letter from Merrywell reminded
Tom of his proposed journey to the country, with the additional
attraction of Merrywell's description of the parson's daughter, whom he
suggested might in all probability become his wife.
Sparkle likewise received a letter from home, reminding him of the
expectations entertained of his early arrival. After dinner the evening
was spent in the most agreeable and pleasant way, where our friends
engaged themselves with tripping it on the light fantastic toe at Lady
M.'s, till the beams of the morning darted upon them.