The Scots Magazine, II, June 1740, pp.210-211
To the author of the SCOTS MAGAZINE.
London, May 17, 1740.
SIR,
THE inclemency of the season has ruined the whole Beau-monde; our spring-cloaths
have been, for two months, hanging on solitary wooden pins: while our
thick, rough, heavy, cross-button'd coats, have press'd our shoulders, till
the summer calls us from town, though our new cuts have seen neither Kensington-gardens,
Hyde-park, nor the Mall. Nay, the only evening that has yet seem'd favourable
I slipt to Vaux-hall, but I vow to G - , before I had stepp'd the walks quite
round, I was blown through and through, in such a manner, as to drink four
full glasses of French wine, before I knew I was alive. And, in that
cold condition, as returning by water would have endanger'd my life, I was
forced to be shook in a most unmerciful hack, till one half of my joints were
distorted, and the other bruised to a jelly. If the weather does not mend
very quickly, I see no avoiding new winter-coats, and ordering my gard'ner
to come to London to stir my fire; for, what with cold and idleness, to be
sure the poor fellow is starv'd to death in the country.
It
may not be amiss to tell you, the spirit of imitation increases amongst
us every day. Vaux-hall has produced tickets and accommodations of
the same nature, at Marybone, on this side of the Thames; and at Cuper's
gardens, on t'other: and at Marble-hall, near Vaux-hall,
a ball is established to relieve us from the necessity of coming home at ten;
where parties bent on pleasure, may be favour'd with an opportunity of sitting
up till day-light, amidst company enough to keep them awake.
The
cut of our sleeves varies not much from last year, in general; though some
Gentlemen strive to introduce a small dog's ear, which I do not think
genteel. Our hat-brims increase, and the crowns deepen a
little; to suit a camp, I believe; for we fall most amazingly into warlike
apparel, a cockade being become as essential a part of dress as a perriwig.White
stockings reign, in spite of dirty weather; and Spensers have push'd
our ties almost out of sight; the former being now worn by Gentlemen of fifty,
to the great advantage of the thin cheek.
The
Ladies are, if it be possible, less settled in their spring-fashions than
we. As the weather requires flower'd silks, few are used; and 'tis most diverting
to behold a brisk young Lady in a thin lutestring gown, covered up, neck and
shoulders, with a lined velvet handkerchief, loaded with lace!
Perriwigs are in great use with the Ladies, and there was, t'other day, a
dispute at White's, whether we should not, by way of reprisal, take
intirely to our own hair? Sacks are yet admired for hiding ANY
imperfection of the shape: and broad straw hats ty'd like the milk-maids,
are permitted to shade the finest features in the three kingdoms.
I
have had a most intolerable inclination toward fighting, ever since the commencement
of the present war; and once or twice almost resolved upon purchasing a commission;
by my money I mean, for I have some doubt whether my services to my
country would be sufficient. But what has prevented my putting on
a sash, has, principally, been a fear of becoming a laughing-stock to
the whole circuit of my acquaintance: for, such is at present the disreputation
of peaceable soldiers, that if it be not soon their good fortune to be sent
abroad, I know no possible way of retrieving their characters, but by beating
one another's brains out, to convince the world they are not afraid of fighting.
But, in all likelihood, there will be no occasion for that; we may have
employment enough abroad: for I can't tell what to think of France;
and, should she declare against us, the land-men may be wanted. But,
till then, I will wave all thoughts of a commission; being determined, if
ever I put on a soldier's face, and leave the fair circle of the boxes, to
do it only in the road of fame; which I doubt not pursuing with as much vigour
as ever I yet did the voice of pleasure. I hope you are fashionable
enough to toast the West-India hero; for, I am persuaded his name has
had its full effect here, more than ten thousand pretty fellows, at a moderate
computation, having got drunk to the short tune of ADMIRAL VERNON; so zealous
are we in our country's cause!
I am, &c.
S. TOUPEE.
VAUXHALL GARDENS 16611859