Real Life In London, Volumes I. and II.
relative to her, which, if it does not gratify you, will at least
satisfy some of your inquiries. I am half inclined to believe that all
is not right in the seat of government with her, (pointing his finger to
his head;) and she is therefore rather deserving of pity than an object
of censure or ridicule; though I have reason to believe she frequently
meets with attacks of the latter, when in search of the sympathy and
benefit to be derived from a proper exercise of the former. Her name is
Miss W------. Her father was formerly a two-penny postman, who resided
at Rockingham Row, Walworth, and was himself somewhat eccentric in his
dress and manners, and it was not at all unusual to meet him in
the morning in the garb of his office, though decidedly against his
inclination, and to see him on 'Change during 'Change hours, in silk
stockings, and in every other way dressed as a Merchant, attending
there according to custom and practice; and he managed, by some means
or other, to keep up a character of respectability, and to give an
accomplished education to the younger branches of this family; so that
this lady, though unfortunate in her present circumstances, has been
well brought up, and ~315~~ mingled in polished society; and, if
you were to enter into conversation with her now, you would find
her intelligent in the selection of her words and the combination of
sentences, to explain to you the most improbable events, and the most
unheard of claims that she has upon all the Governments in the known
world. This, however, would be done with good temper, unless any thing
like an insulting observation should be conceived, or intended to be
conveyed.”
“And, pray, what is supposed to be the cause of her present manners and
appearance?” inquired Bob.
“It is principally attributed,” replied Mr M. “to the circumstance of
losing a beloved brother, who she now continually declares is only kept
from her by the persons who daily visit the Rotunda, with a view
to prevent the recovery of the property she lays claim to, and the
particulars of which she generally carries in her pocket. That brother
however suffered the penalty of the law for a forgery;{1} but this she
cannot be induced to believe.
1 The lamentable effusion of blood which has taken place
within the last twenty years, in consequence of forgeries on
the Bank of England, has already excited a very considerable
portion of public interest and indignation; and it is much
to be feared that notwithstanding the very serious expence
the Corporation have incurred, with a view to remedy the
evil, by rendering the imitation more difficult, the
anticipated result is not likely to be obtained. It will
hardly be conceived that the Governors have expended as much
as one hundred thousand pounds in this laudable undertaking,
and, upon producing an impression, we are told it can be
imitated by one, who, within three weeks produced a fac-
simile, and puzzled the makers of the original note to
discover which was the work-manship of their own hands. Nay,
even an engraver on wood is said to have produced an
excellent imitation in a few hours. It is however sincerely
to be hoped that an effectual stop will be eventually put to
the possibility of committing this crime, which, we
apprehend, nine times out of ten brings the poor, needy,
half-starved retailer of paper to the gallows, while the
more un-principled wholesale dealer escapes detection.
While on the subject of forged notes, we cannot help
deprecating the circulation of what are termed _flash
notes_, which, if not originally intended to deceive and
defraud, are calculated to accomplish these objects, when in
the hands of the artful and designing. We think there is a
tradesman in the vicinity of the Bank who presents such of
his customers as visits his repository to have their hair
cut, &c. with a Hash note, purporting to be for 501.; and we
have also reason to believe that more than one attempt has
been detected, where the parties have really endeavoured to
pass them as valid Bank of England paper. The danger
therefore must be evident.
~316~~ We have reason to think she is frequently much straitened for
want of the necessary supplies for sustenance, and she has temporary
relief occasionally from those who knew her family and her former
circumstances in life, while she boldly perseveres in the pursuit of
fancied property, and the restoration of her brother.
“I have heard her make heavy complaints of the difficulties she has had
to encounter, and the privations she has been subjected to; but her own
language will best speak the impressions on her mind. Here is a printed
letter which was circulated by her some time ago:--
To the worthy Inhabitants of the Parish of St. Mary, Newington, Surrey.
It is with feelings of deep regret I have to deplore the necessity that
compels me to adopt a public measure, for the purpose of obtaining my
property from those gentlemen that hold it in trust. For a period of ten
years I have endured the most cruel and unjustifiable persecution, which
has occasioned the premature death of my mother; a considerable loss of
property; all my personal effects of apparel and valuables; has exposed
me to the most wanton and barbarous attacks, the greatest insults, and
the severe and continual deprivation of every common necessary. Having
made every appeal for my right, or even a maintenance, without effect,
I now take the liberty of adopting the advice of some opulent friends in
the parish, and solicit general favour in a loan by subscription for a
given time, not doubting the liberal commiseration of many ladies
and gentlemen, towards so great a sufferer. As it is not possible to
describe the wrongs I have endured, the misery that has been heaped upon
me, in so limited a space, I shall be happy to give every explanation
upon calling for the result of this entreaty and to those ladies and
gentlemen that condescend to favour
S. WHITEHEAD
With their presence, at
The White Hart Inn, Borough.
Besides Bills to an immense amount, accepted by the Dey of Algiers, and
payable by his Grand Plenipotentiary.
Various sums in the English and Irish Funds, in the names of various
Trustees: in the 3 per cent. Consols--3 per cent. 1726--3 per cent.
South Sea Annuities--3 per cent. Old South Sea Annuities--4 per cent. 3
per cent. 5 per cent. Long Annuities.
Besides various Freehold, Copyhold, and Leasehold Estates, Reversions
and Annuities, of incalculable value.
One of the Freehold Estates is that known by the name of Ireland's Row,
and the Brewhouse adjacent, Mile End; the Muswell Hill Estate; a large
House in Russell Square, tenanted at present by Mr. B-----dd!!!
“For the truth of this statement, or the real existence of any property
belonging to her, I am not able to vouch. She is well known in all
the offices of this great Establishment, is generally peaceable in
her conduct, and communicative in her conversation, which at times
distinguishes her as a person of good education.”
“Hard is the fortune which your Sex attends, Women, like princes, find
few real friends; All who approach them their own ends pursue, Lovers
and ministers are seldom true. Hence oft from reason heedless beauty
strays, And the most trusted guide the most betrays.”
The conversation was here interrupted by the arrival of a Gentleman,
who, taking Mr. M. on one side, Tom and Bob wished him a good morning.
They proceeded to ~318~~ view the various offices which branch out
from the Rotunda, and which are appropriated to the management of each
particular stock, in each of which Bob could not help admiring the happy
disposition of every department to facilitate business. The arrangement
of the books, and the clerks, under the several letters of the alphabet,
he conceived was truly excellent.
“The Corporation of the Bank,” said Dashall, “are prohibited from
trading in any sort of goods or merchandize whatsoever; but are to
confine the use of their capital to discounting Bills of Exchange, and
to the buying and selling of gold and silver bullion; with a permission
however to sell such goods as are mortgaged or pawned to them and not
redeemed within three months after the expiration of the time for their
redemption. Their profits arise from their traffic in bullion; the
discounting of Bills of Exchange for Bankers, Merchants, Factors, and
Speculators; and the remuneration they receive from Government, for
managing the public funds, and for receiving the subscriptions on loans
and lotteries. But we may ramble about in these places for a month, and
still have novelty in store; and there is a little world underneath the
greater part of this extensive building devoted to printing-offices,
ware-rooms, &c.”
They had now reached the door which leads into Bartholomew Lane, and,
upon descending the steps, and turning to the left, Bob's eyes soon
discovered the Auction Mart, “What have we here?” inquired he.
“That,” replied his Cousin, “is a building which may deservedly be
rank'd as one of the ornaments of the City; and its arrangements and
economy, as well as the beauty of its interior, are well deserving the
notice of every stranger. This fine establishment, which serves as a
focus for the sale of estates and other property by public auction, is
both useful and ornamental; it was built about the time when the spirit
of combination was so strong in London. You must know, some years back,
every kind of business and trade appeared likely to be carried on by
Joint Stock Companies, and the profits divided upon small shares. Many
Fire-offices have to date their origin from this source--the Hope, the
Eagle, the Atlas, and others. The Golden Lane Brewery was opened
upon this principle; some Water Companies were established; till
neighbourhood ~319~~ and partnership almost became synonimous; and, I
believe, among many other institutions of that kind, the Building before
us is one. It contains many handsome rooms and commodious offices; but,
as for offices, every street and every alley abounds with them, and,
now-a-days, if you want to hire a Cook or a Scullion, you have nothing
to do but to send a letter to a Register-office, and you are suited in
a twinkling. It was an excellent idea, and I remember the old Buck who
used to call himself the founder of establishments of that nature, or
rather the first introducer of them to the notice of Englishmen, poor
old Courtois.”
John Courtois is said to have been a native of Picardy, where he was
born about the year 1737 or 1738. He repaired to this country while yet
young, in the character of _valet de chambre_ to a gentleman who had
picked him up in his travels; and, as he came from one of the poorest
of the French provinces, he “took root,” and throve wonderfully on his
transplantation to a richer soil.
On the death of his master, he removed to the neighbourhood of the
Strand; and St. Martin's Street,. Leicester Square, became the scene of
his industry and success. At a time when wigs were worn by boys, and a
Frenchman was supposed the only person capable of making one fit “for
the grande monarque,” he commenced business as a perruquier, and
soon acquired both wealth and celebrity. To this he joined another
employment, which proved equally lucrative and appropriate, as it
subjected both masters and servants to his influence. This was the
keeping of a register-office, one of the first known in the Metropolis,
whence he drew incalculable advantages. He is also said to have been a
dealer in hair, which he imported largely from the continent. And yet,,
after all, it is difficult to conceive how he could have realized a