Note 130 — CHRONOLOGICAL LIST
Reading edition
About eight years after the publication of these prints, when there was an Act in contemplation relative to the distilleries, Hogarth received the following anonymous letter:—
"December 12, 1759.
"Sir,—When genius is made subservient to public good, it does honour to the possessor, as it is expressive of gratitude to his Creator, by exerting itself to further the happiness of His creatures. The poignancy and delicacy of your ridicule has been productive of more reformation than more elaborate pieces would have effected. On the apprehension of opening the distillery, methinks I hear all good men cry, Fire!—it is therefore the duty of every citizen to try to extinguish it. Rub up, then, Gin Lane and Beer Street, that you may have the honour and advantage of bringing the two first engines to the fire; and work them manfully at each corner of the building; and instead of the paltry reward of thirty shillings allowed by Act of Parliament, receive the glorious satisfaction of having extinguished those fierce flames which threaten a general conflagration to human nature, by pouring liquid fire into the veins of the now brave Britons, whose robust fabrics will soon fall in when these dreadful flames have consumed the inside timbers and supporters.—I am, Sir, yours, etc.,
"An Englishman."