1767

// The following letters, acquired by a private collector, document the exchange between Alexander Williams, and Carolina Nottingham (his cousin), while Alexander spent several months with a school friend in London. //

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21 July, 1767

My Dearest Cousin Caroline,

I apologize for not writing you sooner. I do hope all is going well with you at home, and that your dear parents have safely returned to you from their travels abroad. I do miss Auntie Mary’s cooking, I must say. I have found this town to be positively filled with delights that are of taste I have never experienced before. It seems as if my friend John and I are of the enjoyment of new spots for supper. The city life here in London is, to be completely honest, quite overwhelming for a country boy such as myself. I have so much to tell you about, oh what an amazing city, such amazements surround me!

I have been quite persistent in perusing the papers while wandering this town, The London Evening Post, has certainly received my full attention, which is published every few days. Just Yesterday it was reported that his grace the Duke of Richmond was to be Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, and that other changes in Parliament would be taking place. As thee changes take place, it was also rumored that the Lords of the Treasury have been issued orders for a large quantity of shillings and six-pence’s to be coined at the mint.

John and I will be making supper at home tomorrow. We went to the market today and heard a man selling bread; he was saying that he is overjoyed because last month there was a shortage of Wheat, Barley, and Rye. The merchant let us know that last week a ship arrived with Wheat, Barley, and Rye so he was rejoicing that he would have food to sell in order to make money for his family of four.

It was in the Post that Lord Clive had numerous Nobility and Gentry at his house in Berkley-Square to compliment his lordship on his arrival from the East Indies. It is to be rumored he brought back numerous grand presents for his Majesty, who I hear from the town is four months advance in her pregnancy. The whole town has been following along on when she is expecting.

The author in the Post also mentioned that the Lord Chancellors of Ireland since the Revolution have been Englishmen, except one, for which reason many persons think that no Irishman will at this time be appointed to that High office. John has family in Ireland, and he plans to travel there in a year.

How is the weather holding up for you my dear cousin Caroline? The heat has been rather excessive and has caused a drought that has the town worried this will hurt the wheat harvest, and in consequence, public prayers are ordered to obtain rain.

Well that is all for now dear cousin Caroline. I have enjoyed my first month here so far, and only hope that I will continue to explore this city over the coming months. Give my regards to Uncle William and Auntie Mary, and the family.

Your dear cousin, Alexander

- - - 27 August, 1767

My Cousin Caroline,

It was so wonderful to receive your letter. It is good to know that everyone is doing well at home. Send my regards to my mother and father, as I know they will be attending dinner at your home in early September.

On grim terms, the small-pox is in such high repute and all ranks of people make use of such methods to avoid this danger of that distemper in a natural way, as it has been said that for if persons who have had the small pox, are in no kind of danger whatsoever of having the distemper again in a natural way. I know that you caught the pox upon age 7, as for me; I caught the smallpox at age 9. My roommate John frightened me when he mentioned he has never caught the smallpox, so I believe he is possibly likely to catch this danger. I am hoping that he does not.

There has been great mention of Oliver Cromwell in the Post and his family, and that Oliver Cromwell was descended some doubting whether he was not of obscure Birth, and other to prove that he was a gentleman, have produced an extract from the College at Oxford. That he was a gentleman commoner. According to the author of the Post, he mentioned that Oliver was a descendent from an ancient and very respectable family of the name of Williams in Wales. Sir Oliver Cromwell, was created a Knight of the Bath, and was possessed of an estate of ten thousand pounds per year. What became of the elder branches of the family and the great estate they were possessed of, I never got word of. John and I have been reading all about the Cromwell family in the local papers, and the mention that Oliver left his eldest son Richard, no more than eight hundred pounds per year. Maybe you can give mention of this story to your neighbor, Ms. Violet Yates, as she loves to give mention of families of rank, rather gossip about men of status to your family.

For now, it is time for me to return to work. I shall write soon, my dear cousin Caroline. Do tell the family that I wish them the very best. Farewell Caroline.

Sincerely, Your Cousin, “the London explorer” Alexander

- - - 15, September, 1767

Dear Caroline,

My sweet cousin Caroline, I do hope that you are well, and I hope that your parents are well. I hope that when the family came to visit, I do believe you said that my parents were also coming, in the beginning of September if I am not mistaken. I hope that was a lovely occasion, and bliss having the family for dinner. Send my regards to your family as always Caroline.

I do know that you absolutely love hearing about who has arrived in this wandering, and busy town of London. I must tell you that Lord North, and Mr. Dowdeswell have both arrived in town and the general opinion is that the former will be appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer in the room of the Right Hon. Charles Townshend. The Right Rev. Dr. Terrick, Lord Bishop of London attended by the proper Officers from the Commons, went to Allhallows, London-wall Church, which his Lordship consecrated with the usual ceremonies, after which was the divine service that was performed by the Rev. Mr. Mence.

There has been word in the London Evening Post that Parliament was suppressing a Book entitled “An Abridgement of the Life and Virtues of St. Vincent de Paul”, as contrary to the pacific views of the Sovereign. I’m not sure what will happen. It was also rumored that the murder of King Charles the First was committed under the suspicious pretences of restoring Liberty, destroying Tyranny. Everyone simply has their opinion of King Charles’ death, and they simply voice it when ever necessary. John and I were in a Pub called Riverbend Square last week, and there were fellows sitting at the bar in deep discussion of King Charles, and how everyone feared the death of him. John and I make our way around the political discussion on the town, and fair to mentions of entertainment and theatre. I know that you are very interested in Political mentions and I include mention of these for you in my letters.

I almost forgot, their Majesties and the Royal Family were in attendance at a Bullfight, which was given in the place called Campo-Santa-Anna. It was said that during this exercise the fighting Cavalier changed horses several time and at length he was overthrown, and greatly hurt. I do hope he recovers well. I have not attended one of these fights but I hear they are quite dangerous. I know that our cousin William back at home did attend one of these fights while abroad, and he said it was quite the blood bath.

I should not be distressing you with such horrid issues of fighting and gory details. I will divert my ramblings to something more suited in your favor. Send my wishes to the family, as always. Stay Safe, my dear cousin Caroline.

Your dear cousin, Alexander

- - - 10 October, 1767

My Dear Cousin Caroline,

It was so nice to receive your letter last week. I know that you worry about me, when I travel out, and when I go around town with friends. There is a lot of pick pocketing going on, and a boy was just tried for picking of pockets, but for want of evidence he was discharged. I am very aware of my surroundings when walking in town, so you are not to worry my dear. John and I are very careful when wandering around town during the day. I know that you do love hearing what is playing at Covent Garden Theatre and this month, on October 9th, Merry Sailors is playing. I do hope to see a play soon dear cousin.

News has spread in the London Evening Post that the Parliament, which stands prorogued to the 7th of October is by his Majesty’s Royal Proclamation to be further prorogued on that day for important affairs. It is also mentioned that many persons of rank and fortune have lost all hopes of rising at court on account of the death of his late Royal Highness the Duke of York, being an event that has also destroyed the hopes of many indigent Gentlemen of merit, along with their livelihood, and any and all future prospects. This news is very different than that of a country. Expressions and opinions of Royal Proclamation glaze the pages of he London Evening Post quite frequently. There is such chat about very anti-government opinions. I really don’t favor mention of Political chatter and opinion however I have been so consumed with it.

A more suited mention for you dear Caroline is that the Jealous Wide will be a theatrical entertainment at Drury Lane. A few of my friends will be attending this performance tomorrow, however I will be at work. I do however; plan to see Othello, Moor of Venice in November.

My dearest cousin Caroline, I have to tell you it has been a grand venture to London, however I am looking forward to returning to the Country after December. I love the city and all that it has to offer. Please send my regards to the family, as I am missing them.

Your cousin, Alexander

- - - 26 November, 1767

Dear Sweet Cousin Caroline,

As always, thank you for your latest letter, and letting me know that the family is doing well without me. I am glad to hear that you are doing well. And I am happy t say that this month there is also a performance of The Oxonian In Town playing at Covent Garden this November.

There is so much notice around the middle class or industrialists vs. the nobility and the gentry. Social structure with the Industry Revolution is certainly witnessing the divide with social structures. John was just mentioning to me that his Uncle just began work at the new mill in London. He was in need of work, and he began at the mill last week. I was happy to hear this news. John is such a dear friend, that I wish his family the very best of consequences.

The London Evening Post stated further mention of his Royal Highness and how he was complimented by the States General this past summer, also in July this past summer, he visited the court of Berlin where he was received and entertained by the king of Prussia, with particular marks of distinction and favor. In July Prince Charles who had just before entertained the Prince and Princess of Brunswick also politely received him. After all of his travels his Royal Highness died. The papers are saying that he was quite generous a humored. There was a ceremony of gunshots at King Henrys the VIIth’s Chapel for his late Royal Highness the Duke of York. The bells at St. Paul’s were ringing at the same time, and the bells in most of the churches of London and Westminster were also tolled upon the occasion. Today at the Queen’s Palace, in St. James Park, the Queen was happily delivered of a Prince. Her Royal Highness the Princess Dowager of Wales, his Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury, several Lords of his Majesty’s most honorable Privy Council and the Ladies of her Majesty’s Bed Chamber were present. This great event was soon after made known b the firing of the Tower guns and the young Prince is in perfect health. The London Evening Post seems to have grand mention of anything happening to the Royal family, and folks of nobility and gentry. (I have to say, quite different from our local paper that is printed once a month, and has mention of all classes, and social structure.) I’m sure you would be in agreement with this, Caroline. Anything happening from a birth to a death is quite grandly discussed in the London Evening Post. I have to be honest; I wouldn’t otherwise be of knowledge of these political events and details if I didn’t read the Post explicitly. The Post is quite knowledgeable for a country boy like me.

On a grimmer note, there was mention that the courts are going into mourning on next Sunday the 29th, for her late most serene highness the Archduchess Maria-Josepha daughter of the empress queen and sister to the present emperor of Germany. The ladies attending are to wear black silk or plain linen and white gloves. The men to wear black full trimmed fringed or plain linen, black swords and buckles. Yesterday her majesty was privately churches by the lord bishop of London dean of the chapel royal at the queen’s palace. I know that Aunt Mary will be aware of the passing of Maria-Josepha, as she was an admirer of Maria-Josepha.

I almost forgot to tell you, I know you were concerned with John’s uncle finding work, as I was. I am pleased to tell you that he did find work at the New Mill here in London, so he will start as an industrialist next week on the Mill. There seems to be such division with middle class and the nobility and gentry in this city. Since the social structure of the industry revolution witnessed the middle class—the newspapers are filled with nobility and gentry’ mentions. I would have to say that as the Post does give me grand knowledge of Political issues, and events, it is also rather grim, in discussing death, and such gory items.

So I will end this letter on a better-suited topic. The Theatre! Oh how I cannot wait to tell you about Othello, Moor of Venice. In my next letter dear cousin I will tell you all about my experience at the theatre. The Post always mentions plays that are in session at the theatres here. Since I know dear cousin that you love the theatre, I though I would share with you the plays that are at the theatre this month. At the Hay Market, there is a new comic opera called La Schiava. My friend from work saw this and said it was great. At Drury Lane, The School of Loves and The Mourning Bride was playing. My co-worker saw The Mourning Bride, and said it was quite tragic, and sad. At Covent Garden, Every Man in His Humor is playing. I may try to see this next week. As always please send my regards to the family. Be safe, dearest cousin, Caroline.

Sincerely,

Your Cousin Alexander

- - - 7 December, 1767

My Dear Cousin Caroline,

I do hope you are well. This letter I will dedicate to discussing theatre and my experiences. I know that you are eager to hear all about my theatre experience. On November 17th, I did go to see the play Othello, Moor of Venice. I have to tell you the man who played Othello, his last name was Powell, was fantastic.

The play opens on a street in Venice, where one character Roderigo and Iago are in an argument. Oh dear, let me start out by saying that this is a tragic play, and by William Shakespeare. There are major themes of love, jealousy, betrayal, and racism in this play. There are four main characters that this play is surrounding, Othello, his new wife Desdemona, his lieutenant Cassio, and his trusted ensign, Iago. Now that you have some background let me proceed in telling you about the play.

Roderigo is wealthy, and arguing with Iago because Iago has not told him about the secret marriage between Desdemona and Othello. He is upset with ths because Roderigo loves Desdemona, and had previously asked her father for her hand to marry her. Iago also dislikes Othello because he believes that Othello has slept with his wife Emilia. Othello is a highly esteemed general in the service in Venice. Othello promotes the Cassio to the position of personal lieutenant and Iago is very jealous of this. Iago begins to maliciously go against Othello. Othello elopes with Desdemona but Iago starts to plot against them. Othello becomes very suspicious of Desdemona, he confides in Iago that he plans to poison Desdemona. Othello ends up killing his innocent wife, and Emilia tells Othello the truth about Iago. There is so much death in this plot and the play concludes with Othello wounds Iago, then commits suicide, and Iago kills Emilia. Iago ends up into custody by the Venetian Authorities.

Caroline, this drama is one of the greatest tragedies by Shakespeare, and I know that you highly regard Shakespeare. I have to be honest, I almost feel bad for Othello, because his character holds incompatibility of love and heroism. Othello’s career is affecting his marriage life. Othello is very occupied with his identity as a soldier, and I find nobility to his identity, as a soldier because I think this is a noble characteristic. Iago is very good at manipulating the other characters, and this ultimately leads to self-destruction. I think perhaps, the most interesting part is how there is a prop and part of the play in which there is a handkerchief that symbolizes different things to different people. Since this handkerchief was the first gift Desdemona received from Othello she keeps it with her. Iago manipulates this handkerchief, by taking it under his possession to prove infidelity by Desdemona.

Such a wondrous production this was! Allow me, dear cousin, to play critic and provide a few points of analysis. I have been thinking about this play for quite some time now, and I believe that life as a soldier would be quite consuming as the gentlemen are away from their loved ones for so long, and they have to put their life on the line.

Good Cousin, it seems that every night there is something going on in this busy town. The stage is my great passion, attending Covent Garden Theatre. There have been several plays here over the past months. The staff at Covent Garden is quite pleasant, I wish I could have had the time to ask them if they have seen any plays outside of their workplace. Covent Garden is managed by two gentleman named Harris and Rutherford, along with Colman and a dramatist and Powell an actor, who ironically actually plays Othello. (He was quite great in his role as Othello—I must say dear cousin.)

It has occurred to me dearest cousin, that there are issues discussed in the periodical The London Evening Post, and issues that are in the plays playing at the theatre here in London. There are issues of Military, and Love, and also death. The periodicals seem to announce deaths, and also marriages that occur. The Post also seems to mention nobility and military issues to keep everyone informed, and we see these issues in Othello, The Moor of Venice. I enjoyed reading The Post, because it would announce the Plays that occurred in the theatre and I would learn what is playing at the Hay-Market, Covent Garden, and Drury Lane theatre.

Dear Cousin, you must see this play of Othello: Moor of Venice, oh how I wish that you were here to be in attendance to the production at Covent Garden. I do wish you could experience all that this magical city has to offer. I will return home next month, and I will come visit you possibly this spring, and we can discuss more on theatre and this play. I have enjoyed writing to you over the past six months, and I have really enjoyed speaking to you about my readings in the London Evening Post. I can’t believe that the London Evening Post first appeared in 1727. Oh, how I will miss reading this paper three times a week. Well dear cousin, I will see you soon. Farewell for now.

See you soon my dear cousin.

Sincerely, Your Dear Cousin Alexander

- - -    ** Bibliography: **

[|http://find.galegroup.com.proxy-um.researchport.umd.edu/bncn/publicationSearch.do?serQuery=Locale%28en%2C%2C%29%3AFQE%3D%28jx%2CNone%2C21%29%22London+Evening+Post%22%3AAnd%3ALQE%3D%28DA+GE%2CNone%2C11%2907%2F05%2F1767+%3AAnd%3ALQE%3D%28DA+LE%2CNone%2C11%29+12%2F25%2F1767%24&searchTerm=london+evening+post&inPS=true&prodId=BBCN&userGroupName=umd_um&currentPosition=0&type=getIssues]

// News London Evening Post // (London, England), July 21, 1767 - July 23, 1767; Issue 4470. (1793 words).

Arts & Entertainment, //London Evening Post// (London, England), August 4, 1767 - August 6, 1767; Issue 6203.

Arts & Entertainment, // London Evening Post // (London, England), August 4, 1767 - August 6, 1767; Issue 6203

// News, London Evening Post // (London, England), September 8, 1767 - September 10, 1767; Issue 6218

//News, London Evening Post// (London, England), September 8, 1767 - September 10, 1767; Issue 6218.

// News, London Evening Post // (London, England), September 10, 1767 - September 12, 1767; Issue 6219.

// News, London Evening Post // (London, England), September 12, 1767 - September 15, 1767; Issue 6220.

// London Evening Post // (London, England), September 12, 1767 - September 15, 1767; Issue 6220

// News, London Evening Post // (London, England), October 1, 1767 - October 3, 1767; Issue 6228.

// News, London Evening Post // (London, England), October 6, 1767 - October 8, 1767; Issue 6230.

// News, London Evening Post // (London, England), November 3, 1767 - November 5, 1767; Issue 6242

// News, London Evening Post // (London, England), November 3, 1767 - November 5, 1767; Issue 6242.

// News, London Evening Post // (London, England), November 3, 1767 - November 5, 1767; Issue 6242.

// News, London Evening Post // (London, England), November 21, 1767 - November 24, 1767; Issue 6250

// News, London Evening Post // (London, England), November 26, 1767 - November 28, 1767; Issue 6252

Image of Theatre: [|http://www.google.com/search?q=picture+of+covent+garden+theatre&client=safari&rls=en&tbm=isch&imgil=NNG3746V1QXZrM%253A%253Bhttp%253A%252F%252Ft3.gstatic.com%252Fimages%253Fq%253Dtbn%253AANd9GcQtxkXA8EzRIWWP_420J4AsaxARyoFsKMZfSMIdk4Ab-r4liDPO%253B859%253B639%253BBnbHOrlu5zCeEM%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fen.wikipedia.org%25252Fwiki%25252FRoyal_Opera_House&source=iu&usg=__QoIl4ZWdtlyISu9Usvw5qpCeEKY%3D&sa=X&ei=u-25U6SGH8PE8QGjs4HwBQ&ved=0CCEQ9QEwAA&biw=921&bih=577#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=NNG3746V1QXZrM%253A%3BBnbHOrlu5zCeEM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fupload.wikimedia.org%252Fwikipedia%252Fcommons%252Fe%252Feb%252FNew_Covent_Garden_Theatre_Microcosm_edited.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fen.wikipedia.org%252Fwiki%252FRoyal_Opera_House%3B859%3B639]

By: Christina Royle English 452 Summer Session 1- Professor Rosenthal University Of Maryland