THE Monthly Intelligencer.

JANUARY, 1731.

Friday, January 1.

Their Majesties received the compliments of the Nobility for the New-Year; among the rest, of the Lord Carteret, who was graciously receiv’d.

At the same time the Ode for the Day, compos’d by Colly Cibber, Esq; Poet-laureat, was perform’d; the Musick by Mr. Eccles, and the vocal by Mr Hughs, Mr. Gates, &c. [See the said Ode, p. 20, and Remarks on it, p. 10, 11.]

Forty mathematical Boys, educated in Christ’s Hospital, in the school founded by K. C. II. were, according to annual Custom, presented to his Majesty.

His Majesty order’d 30 l. per. Ann. to be paid out of the Treasury towards the support of the Poor of the Parish of St. Mary le Strand.

Saturday, Jan. 2.

Great talk of an Experiment to be made on Charles Ray in Newgate, a Malefactor repriev’d on that Occasion. It was said to be in order to discover whether Deafness is not to be cured by purging. The Tympanum was to be cut by an Instrument, in order to demonstrate whether the Hearing proceeds from the Tympanum, or the Nerves that lie between that and the Conceptor of the Ear; it being the Opinion of some that Deafness is principally occasion’d by Obstructions in the said Nerves, See p. 10, 18, 19.

Geo. Burrington, Esq; Gov. of North Carolina, set out to embark for his Government.

Sunday, Jan. 3.

Dr. Greenwood, newly appointed Chaplain, preached before their Majesties, the Pr. of Wales, and three eldest Princesses, at the Chapel-royal at St. James’s; the Nobility attended in their Robes and Collars, and the Duke of Dorset Lord Lieut. of Ireland carried the Sword of State.

Monday, Jan. 4.

The Lady Chaplin, Relict of Sir John Chaplin, of Tathwel in Lincolnshire, Bar., brought to bed of a Daughter. This Lady had a Writ de Ventre inspiciendo issued against her some Months ago, by the Heirs at Law; and by her not having an Heir Male, 3000 l. per. ann. descends with the Title to Thomas Chaplin, Esq; and an Estate of about 2000 l. per. ann. to Sir John’s two Sisters, after a 3d Share to Mrs Chaplin.

Advice came of 3 Incendiaries, or as there call’d, Bristol Firemen, being taken up at Barnstaple, and conducted to Exeter Gaol. One was handsomely dress’d, and had a considerable Sum about him.

Two Hundred Recruits sent from the Savoy, to reinforce the Garrisons of Gibraltar and Port Mahon.

Tuesday, Jan. 5.

The Corpse of the late Earl of Delorain was a few Nights since privately interr’d at Leadwell in Oxfordshire.

Wednesday, Jan. 6.

This being Twelfth-day, his Majesty, the Prince of Wales, and the Kts Companions of the Garter, Thistle, and Bath, appeared in the Collars of their respective Orders. Their Majesties, the Prince of Wales, and three eldest Princesses, preceded by the Heralds, &c. went to the Chapel-royal, and heard Divine Service. The D. of Manchester carried the Sword of state. The King and Prince made the offerings at the altar, of gold, frankincense and myrrh, according to annual custom. At night their Majesties, &c. play’d at Hazard with the nobility, for the benefit of the Groom-porter; and ’twas said the K. won 600 guineas, the Q. 360. Pr. Amelia 20, Pr. Carolina 10, the E. of Portmore, and D. of Grafton several thousands.

At night Mr. Sharpless, high constable of Holborn division, together with several of his petty constables went to search a notorious gaming-house behind Grays-Inn-walks, by vertue of a warrant under the hands and seals of the Rt. Hn. Ld. Delawar and eleven other of his Majesty’s justices of the peace for the County of Middlesex, but the gamesters having previous notice, they all fled, except the master of the house, who was apprehended, and bound in a recognizance of 200 l. penalty, pursuant to the old statute of 33 H. VIII.

It may be some sort of amusement to present our readers with the following list of officers established in the most notorious gaming-houses.

1. A Commissioner, always a proprietor, who looks in of a night, and the week’s accompt is audited by him and two others of the proprietors.

2. A Director, who superintends the Room.

3. An Operator, who deals the cards at a cheating game called Faro.

4. Two Crowpees, who watch the cards, and gather the money for the Bank.

5. Two Puffs, who have money given them to decoy others to play.

6. A Clerk, who is a check upon the puffs, to see that they sink none of the money that is given them to play with.

7. A Squib, is a puff of a lower rank, who serves at half salary, while he is learning to deal.

8. A Flasher, to swear how often the bank has been stript.

9. A Dunner, who goes about to recover money lost at play.

10. A Waiter, to fill out wine, snuff candles, and attend the gaming-room.

11. An Attorney, a Newgate solicitor.

12. A Captain, who is to fight any gentleman that is peevish for losing his money.

13. An Usher, who lights gentlemen up and down stairs, and gives the word to the Porter.

14. A Porter, who is generally a soldier of the foot guards.

15. An Orderly man, who walks up and down the outside of the door, to give notice to the porter, and alarm the house, at the approach of the constables.

16. A Runner, who is to get intelligence of the justices meeting.

17. Link-boys, Coachmen, Chairmen, Drawers, or others, who bring the first intelligence of the justices meetings, or of the constables being out, at half a guinea reward.

18. Common bail, Affidavit-men, Ruffians, Bravoes, Assassins, cum multis aliis.

At a meeting of the society for propagating christian knowledge, held at Edinburgh, the several officers for the year ensuing were chosen, the stock amounted to 12,563 l. 12 s. 5 d. number of schools, 132; and they resolved to send three missionaries to preach the Gospel to the Indians on the borders of New-England; to which they are encouraged by a gift of Dr. Daniel Williams, late a presbyterian minister in England.

Thursday, Jan. 8.

Charles du Bois, chosen governor of the corporation for smelting down lead with sea-coal and pit-coal. And Samuel Beachcroft, Esq; deputy-governor of the same.

Mr Franklin was taken into custody for printing and publishing the Craftsman of the same day; as were likewise 3 persons for publishing it.

Ended the sessions for Westminster, when Sir J. Gouson was again chosen chairman, and desired to print his charge.

Terence Magrahe, a young man in the French interest, having inveigled many Irish papists to enter into that service, and it being soon known by their refusing to work, the magistrates of Birr in Ireland, assembled a Posse to secure them, but they were not able to apprehend above three, the rest escaped with their Captain, and took shipping near Dublin.

Saturday, Jan. 9.

The new-born son and heir of W. Pulteney, Esq; baptized by the name of William; the E. of Berkeley, and E. of Winchelsea and Nottingham, being Godfathers, and the Dutchess-dowager of Marlborough Godmother.

Sunday, Jan. 10.

Dr. Lynch preached before their Majesties at St. James’s chapel; the Earl of Orkney carried the sword of State.

Monday, Jan. 11.

The corpse of the lady Dolben, wife of the rev. Sir John Dolben, lately arrived from France, was carried out of town to be interr’d, at Finedon in Northamptonshire. Sir John had also buried 4 sons in 8 months past.

Tuesday, Jan. 12.

Sir Isaac Shard, Kt. and Jn. Fuller, Esq; the present sheriffs, went to Woodstreet compter, and distributed a considerable sum of money to the poor debtors confined there.

Wednesday, Jan. 13.

The merchants having resolved to pay nothing for receipt of debenture money, for the 15 per Cent. and other duties, this day a great many were paid off without any abatement for pretended fees.

Thursday, Jan. 14.

The noted Mary Harvey, alias Machaig, broke out of the Kings’s-bench, where she was confined for keeping a disorderly house.

Friday, Jan. 15.

Began the sessions at the Old baily, when Mr Maynee, a clerk to the Bank was arraigned upon two indictments for erasing and altering 2 bank notes, and pleaded guilty, upon which the Statute was read that makes it felony without benefit of clergy. See p. 216, 403.

His Majesty order’d a pension of 20 l. per. Ann. to such of the late King’s superannuated livery servants who are not provided for on the present establishment.

Cork, Jan. 15. This day one Tim. Groneen was, for the murder and robbery of Mr. St. Leger and his wife at Bally volane, sentenc’d to be hang’d 2 minutes, then his head to be cut off, his bowels to be taken out and thrown in his face; and his body divided in 4 quarters to be placed in 4 cross ways. He was servant to Mr. Leger, and committed the murder with the privity of Joan Condon the servant maid, who was sentenced to be burnt, also of the gardener, whom he knock’d on the head to deprive him of his share of the booty. When he was taken, he said he would have all catholick servants use their protestant masters so, if they would merit heaven. But after Trial, made the following declaration. The Devil was too great with me, I first resolved only to rob my Master, but when I went into the room shot him in his Bed, and gave my Mistress 5 stabs. The Gardener consented to go with me and held the Candle. I took 20 l. and the watch out of my Masters pocket, and then rode off, (having first kill’d the gardener, and given the maid a small share of the money.)

Sunday, Jan. 17.

The Rev. Dr. Clark preached before their Majesties, &c. in the royal chapel at St. James’s; the Lord Delawar carried the Sword of State.

Monday, Jan. 18.

Eight persons who were taken up at Norwich, for handing about a treasonable paper, intitled, The D. of Wharton’s Reasons, &c. were admitted to bail about this time.

Tuesday, Jan. 19.

The KING’s most excellent Majesty elected governor of the royal African company, Sir Robert Sutton, Knt. of the Bath, sub-governor, and Sir Biby Lake, Bar. deputy-governor; as also, the following Directors or Assistants.

Solomon Ashley, Esq;

John Baker, Esq;

*Tho. Bradshaw, Esq;

Tho. Bodicoate, Esq;

Christian Cole, Esq;

*Ro. Cruikshank, Esq;

Jos. Danvers, Esq;

Rich. Evans, Esq;

Dan. Finch, Esq;

*Cha. Lloyd, Esq;

Peter Meyer, Esq;

Hon. Fr. Negus, Esq;

*James Oglethorpe, Esq;

Hen. Parsons, Esq;

Benj. Perin, Esq;

Tho. Revel, Esq;

Hon. Sr Tho. Saunderson, Knt. of the Bath.

Jn. Thompson, Esq;

Fran. Townly, Esq;

Henry Vander Esk, Esq;

*Tho. Watts, Esq;

*Wardel-George Westby, Esq;

Those mark’d thus * are in the room of Edward Barker, Wm Corbet, George Johnson, Adr. Reynardson, John Torriano, and Philip Wilkinson, Esqs.

Wednesday, Jan. 20.

The Pr. of Wales entering into the 25th year of his age, there was a splendid appearance of the nobility, and a ball at Court, which was open’d by his Royal Highness and the Princess Royal.

20. The Duke of Richmond went to court and resign’d his post of Aid-de-camp to his Majesty; and also his Commission of Captain of a Troop in the Royal Regiment of Horse-Guards blue, commanded by the Duke of Bolton.

Robert Coke, Esq; brother to the Lord Lovel, resign’d his commission of cornet in the said Regiment.

Several parts of the northern Roads were so cover’d with Snow, that the Scotch peers and commoners in their way to Parliament, were obliged to alight and walk many Miles on foot; and in some places the Snow was so deep, that 50 Men were employ’d to remove it to make it passable. The Snow was deeper in Lancashire than it had been for 20 years past.

Thursday, Jan. 21.

The Parliament met, when his Majesty open’d the Sessions with a most gracious Speech to both houses.

The Ld. Raymond was introduced to the house of Peers, between the Ld Delawar, and the Ld Bingley.

Friday, Jan. 22.

The house of Lords waited upon his Majesty with an Address of thanks to his most gracious Speech from the Throne; to which they received the following Answer.

My Lords,

I thank you for this loyal and dutiful Address. The enabling me to fullfil my engagements with my Allies in all events, will not only effectually secure and continue to my People the advantages stipulated for them by Treaties, but may greatly contribute to the obtaining a general pacification.

Saturday, Jan. 23.

About this time a medal was struck at the Tower, having on one side the Head of Sir Isaac Newton, with this Motto, Felix cognoscere causas; on the reverse a Figure representing the Mathematicks. See p. 64.

Sunday, Jan. 24.

The Rev. Dr. Birch preached before their Majesties, and the Lord Gallway carried the Sword of State, and the Rev. Dr. Clark preach’d before his Highness the Duke, and the two young Princesses.

The Ld Cavendish rode a trial (on a hunter) from Hide Park corner to the lodge in Windsor Forest, in an hour and six minutes: There was a wager depending between him and Sir Robert Fagg, that his Lordship did not perform the same in an hour and five minutes. It is 21 Miles, and upwards of 5000 l. betted. [His Lordship performed it on the 7th of February.]

Monday, Jan. 25.

Admiral Cavendish, lately arrived with his Squadron from Gibralter, waited on his Majesty, and was graciously received.

Several Prisoners were released out of Woodstreet compter, by Mr. Webb, executor to the late Ld. Chief Baron Pengelly, who, by his Will bequeath’d 500 l. for that purpose.

A duel was fought on the new walk in the upper park at St. James’s between the Rt. Hon. the Ld. Hervey and the Rt. Hon. Wm. Pulteney, Esq; who having closed in, after several passes on both sides, were parted and disarm’d by Sir John Rushout, Bart. and Hen. Fox, Esq; their two Friends who attended them. ’Tis said that the Ld. Hervey had two or three slight wounds, and Mr. Pulteney a small hurt in his left Hand; and that his Lordship gave the Challenge on account of Mr. Pulteney’s being the reputed Author of a Pamphlet; entituled, A proper reply to a late scandalous Libel, call’d Sedition and Defamation display’d.

A Printer at Newcastle upon Tyne taken into Custody, for re-printing some parts of the Craftsman.

In pursuance of the late Act for the better regulation of Juries in the sittings in Middlesex the names of the several Persons summon’d and impanell’d were written on distinct pieces of Parchment, and put into a box, and were drawn out one after another, until 12 Persons whose names were drawn did appear.

The Snows were so deep in some parts of Derbyshire, that the Roads were hardly passable.

As Workmen were digging in the Gardens of Charles Child, Esq; of Waverlay in Surry (where an a Abbey was founded above 600 Years ago, by Wm. Giffard then Bp. of Winchester, and Abbot of Waverlay as appears by the Monasticon Anglicanum, vol. 1. p. 703) they found a leaden pot, in which the Heart of a man was preserved in Spirits, supposed from an Inscription on a Tomb in the Cathedral Church of Winchester, to be the Heart of the said Bishop, which was not in the least decayed.

Tuesday, Jan. 26.

His Majesty’s ship Biddeford, of 20 guns, put in commission, and Capt. Bernard appointed commander. Also the Spence Sloop, and the Command given to Lieut. Swale.

Money sent to Deptford to pay 2 Months wages to the Officers and Seamen of his Majesty’s Yatchts.

Wednesday, Jan. 27.

His R. H. the D. of Cumberland, stood Godfather in Person to the new-born Son and Heir of the Ld Archibald Hamilton.

Two publishers were taken into Custody of his Majesty’s Messengers for publishing a Libel intitled, The Divine catastrophe of the Royal Family of the Stewarts, &c. and the next Day were admitted to Bail.

Thursday, Jan. 28.

Sig. Vignola, resident from the republick of Venice, had a private Audience of leave of the King and Queen.

At Night was a Ball at the Opera-house in the Hay-market.

Brigadier Clayton arrived in Town from Gibralter.

The new Church at Bloomsbury was consecrated by the Bishop of London, by the name of St George’s Bloomsbury, as was also the burying-ground in the Fields adjoyning. The Divine Service was performed by Dr. Crew, and afterwards the Sacrament was administred.

Signior Claudio Re, Minister of the Duke of Parma, was at Court, and notified to his Majesty the death of the said Duke.

Friday, Jan. 29.

Sig. Vignola had private Audience of leave of the Prince and Duke.

Ended the Poll for a Member of Parliament for Bedford, the numbers were, for:

Sir. Jer Vanaker Sambroke, Bar. 375

Dr. Thomas Brown, 346

29. The court received advice that on the death of the duke of Parma, the dutchess his widow had declared herself four months gone with child; that the duke had made a will in favour of Don Carlos, declaring him lawful heir to his dominions in failure of male issue to his said dutchess, and that the dutchess has likewise made another will to the same purport; and that 10,000 Imperialists had taken possession of the dutchies of Parma and Placentia, on pretence of the dutchess being with child.

A justice of the peace, who had challeng’d Mr. York, a council against him in a certain affair, came to Westminster-hall, and asked pardon in open court, upon which by consent the rule for an information against him was withdrawn.

About 3 o’clock this morning a woman of distinction fell in labour at the masquerade, was carried home in her habit, and deliver’d of a son in two hours after.

Saturday, Jan. 30.

This being the anniversary of the martyrdom of K. Cha. I. Dr. Middleton preached before the Ld Mayor and Aldermen of this City, at St. Paul’s; the Bp. of Peterborough, before the Lords at Westminster Abby, and Dr. Littleton at St. Margaret’s before the Commons.

Sunday, Jan. 31.

His Majesty did not go to chapel, nor dine in publick.

Divine service was performed in the new church of St. George’s Bloomsbury, for the first time since the consecration, by the Rev. Mr. Vernon in the forenoon, and by the Rev. Mr. Capper in the afternoon.