Saturday 13 October 1781

HICKY's BENGAL GAZETTE; OR THE ORIGINAL Calcutta General Advertiser. A Weekly, Political and Commercial Paper, Open to all Parties, but influenced by None. [No. XXXVIII] From Saturday October, the 6th to Saturday October 13'h 1781. Mr. HICKY, SIR, I WISH thro' your paper to point out a grievance, which tho' almost every one will acknowledge it calls aloud for redress, yet I am very dubious of it's meeting with it, because it may interfere with the interest of three individuals, who are well known, to have secured the Ears of the rulers of the Land; and we have had long and woeful experience, that the public good is made to give way too often, to private advantage—But to my complaint, which is against the multiplicity of Rack Shops, which are so greatly increased within these few years, and of course so much frequented, that it is in vain to expect to get a sett of sober servants in Calcutta, and as to the Garden Houses the case is much worse; of which the following (amongst hundreds) is a pretty plain instance—Yesterday I went to a Friends house in the Country to spend the day, where things were conducted very well at Dinner; but supper was not only, obliged to be called for 50 times before it was brought, but when it was, there was scarcely a servant could walk straight or speak a plain word—In short the Gentleman with whom I went out and myself, were obliged to remain all night at the Garden, his Postilion having taken so large a dose, that so far from being able to ride, he absolutely could not stand: This Morning early we accompanyed our Host, to see how many Temples to Bacchus there was in his neighbourhood, and found no less than three within the space of a Quarter of a mile; and what was something curious, they said each of them purchased their Liquours from a different Gentlemen—one from Mr. C—* one from L—and the other from Mr. T— In two of the Houses there were many servants drunk and fast asleep. Now Sir the remedy, proposed if it does not entirely answer the wish'd for purpose, by removing the Nuisance, it may in part, and another good end into the bargain —it is to have a Law pass'd, that no person whatsoever shall sell Arrack or any spirituous Liquors by retail in Calcutta, and within a certain number of miles distance from it, without having obtained a Licence;— for which he shall pay a certain Fee down, and quarterly such a sum as may be deem'd proper (which ought not to be a trifle) the fee for the Licence to go to the secretary to the G—G—&c—and the one now paid by the Exporters of Rice &c. to be taken of, which is the most impolitic one that ever could have enter'd a Mans head —Just the same as supposing England to abound with Corn at the time Gibralter was distressed for provisions, and Government there to have order'd a high import upon every Vessel going from London to that Port with Wheat, Beef, Pork &c. &c. Hoping this rough sketch may spirit up some Gentleman of influence to take the matter into serious consideration and to procure a speedy remedy. I am Sir, Your obed. Servant. T. G. Sept. 24th, 1781. * One would have thought the two Lucrative-Posts besides his share in the snug Contract, might have satisfied that Gentleman, but perhaps he lets some Dependant use his name, however they are equally praise worthy. Mr. HICKY, SIR, I Beg leave through the Channel of your Paper, to point out to those Gentlemen in power, a Grievance worthy of the attention of the Legislative power and influence, in Bengal, a grievance under which the Merchants of Calcutta, and Madras, have long groaned, occasioned by the many very heavy losses they have sustained; by their Vessels being taken by the French Cruizers. For near 12 Months past the Coast between Madras and point Palmiras has been infested by French Privateers who have (unmolested) reigned Triumphant to the great impediment of Trade; and which impediment it was hoped would be removed when our English Fleet arrived on the Coast; but the A—— seems deaf to every reasonable complaint of this kind, as if he was determined that we should have reason to say that the whole of his conduct was of a Piece ever since his first arrival in India.— However if he so barefacedly neglects this part of his duty, it is to be hoped that the G——t here and at Madras will not theirs, but require such a Protection as the importance of the service demands. They will also please to consider, that every Vessel taken with Rice, and other Articles of Provissions, bound for Madras, for the relief of the Garrison, and that Settlement in General, does not only tend to the distress of that Settlement; but it renders our Enemies one of the most important services they could wish for, Nay should the unprotected situation of our Trade throw any considerable number of our Vessels into their possession, it might in all probability enable them to fit out a Fleet to attack us in our own Harbours, for the Vessels they have, (and in all probability may yet take,) will not only supply them with Transports for their Troops, but also Victualling for them for the Voyage, Cruize, or Expedition.—— The Critical importance of this alarming circumstance, it is to be hoped will be taken into the serious consideration of G- - - -t who we flatter ourselves will not only in due time demand the protection due to his Britannic Majesty's Subjects but in such terms as the A—— will not dare to refuse it. If the Enemy can keep out Cruizers during the height of this blowing Tempestous weather, we may with some reason conclude, that when the Monsoons are broke up, that they will fit out every thing that can swim: having every thing they can wish for to gain, and nothing on their side to loose. Ganjam. Sept. 16th, 1781. I am Sir, Your most Obedient Servant, Mercator. Mr. HICKY, Please to insert the following short Poem, the singularity of the thought in the last part of it may probably please some of your Readers. On a Lady whose name was Susana. "O lovely sue How sweet art thou * Than sugar thou art sweeter Thou dost as far Excel Sugar. As sugar does salt petre. Your obedient, Q. * Thou in Scotland is pronounced thoo. The LADY and CATERPILLAR. "THOU Caterpillar that devours "The trees, the fruits, the shrubs, and flowers, "Begone! nor more infest this grove, "Sacred to pleasure and to love." This Celia said, with angry frown, And shook the reptile from her gown; Who calmly said, "Insulting dame, Thy glorious pride from insects came. I'm in my dishabille, 'tis true, But soon shall take a nobler hue: When I commence a butter-fly, My colour'd plumes with thine shall vie. Then cease us insects to perplex,

The erful emblems of your sex; You a caterpiller when you rise. But when yo're drest you're bu ter- flies. S I R. The Inclosed lines I have Just received from a friend who Requests you'll insert them in your paper. MY Buxey's going, whether shall I go In what lone place, in tears to ease my woe, When he is gone, who'll take poor Piggy's part, Or who defend him, from improm-tu's dart. Indeed my Clumsey it is most unkind To quit this place and leave poor Pig behind, C. Alass my Dirgey what can Clumsey do, You know I ever much regarded you, But Interest calls and I must that obey; What ever the illnatured World may say, But if thy Clumsey can Point out a post, Depend upon't he'll serve his Piggy most; B. Thy Bobby to must he be left behind Ah whether go another home to find, Indeed my Clumsey tho' I'm much in Years My eyes are blinded with my scalding Tears, For much I fear I never more shall find A friend so true and like my Clumsey kind, C. Oh cease to mourn my Bobby's not forgot, If ever it should prove thy Clumsey's lot To see thee fixed in some ancient Core Indeed my Bob thou canst expect no more, To farther which my Interest I employ, So Therefore cease to mourn my dear old Boy. Adieu my Friends nor think me much unkind That I depart and leave you both behind. So So. F R A G M E N T “DASH'D by their oars the foaming billows broke; and loud remurmur'd at each mighty stroke; Swift sail'd the ship, the sun refulgent beam'd, And bright as flame their glittering armour gleam'd; And, as with nimble oars the heroes row, The parted ocean whitening foams below: So shines the path, along some grassy plain, Worn by the footsteps of the village-swain. “The heavenly pow'rs that Jove's proud palace crown, All on that memorable day look'd down, The godlike chiefs and Argo to survey, As thro' the deep they urg'd their daring way: Then too on Pelion's cloud-capt summit stood The nymphs, and fauns, and dryads of the wood; Wondering they view'd below the sailing pine, Blue-ey'd Minerva's master-piece divine, And bold Thessalia's labouring heroes sweep With stretching oars the navigable deep. Lo! from the mountain's highest cliff descends The centaur Chiron; to the shore he bends His hasty footsteps: on the beach he stood, And dipt his fetlocks in the hoary flood: He hail'd the heroes with his big broad hand, And wish'd them safe to gain their native land. With Chiron came Chariclo to the shore, And young Achilles in her arms she bore; Peleus his sire with secret pleasure smil'd, As high in air she rais'd the royal child. And now, the winding bay's safe precincts past, Thessalian Argo plough'd the watery waste; On Tiphys' care the valiant chiefs relied, To steer the vessel o'er the foaming tide; The smooth high-polish'd rudder to command, Obsequious to the movement of his hand. Next in the deep-extended keel below The mast they place, which to the stern and prow Tight cords, that thro' the rolling pulleys glide, Fix upright, stiff, and firm on every side. Then high in air the sweelling sails they raise, And on their bosoms buxom Zephyrs plays: With favouring gales their steady course they keep To where Tisæum frowns upon the deep: Meanwhile sweet Orpheus, as they sail'd along, Rais'd to Diana the melodious song, Who sav'd them, where her guardian pow'r presides, From per'lous rocks that lurk beneath the tides, The fish in shoals, attentive to his lay, Pursu'd the poet o'er the watery way: And oft emerging from their liquid sphere, Strove more distinct the heavenly notes to hear, As sheep in flocks thick-pasturing on the plain Attend the footsteps of the shepherd swain, His well-known call they hear, and, fully fed, Pace slowly on, their leader at their head; Who, sweetly piping as he moves along, Chants to the sprightly reed his pastoral song.” C O N T I N U E D. D——A lucky thought—If he would only get me out of the scrape, I should be the happyest Man living and would confine myself to my sheers, stay tape and Buckram all the days of my Life. B——] Let us then go to him directly. D——ALONS—yet he is so full of his Jokes that I am afraid to see him. They salied out and found Marplot at home enter D——and the B—— MARPLOT)—Ah! my dear friends, —I am glad to see you—What The devil is the matter Durgee.—you seem in the Dumps. DURGEE.) Ah! so I'd need—there are rare pickings for the town from my late Blunders. MARPLOT) Ah—! very true—that satrist Mungo and that vixen Tabitha Tickle have cut us up and thrown all the fat in the fire. DURGEE—They have indeed but whats to be done, my dear Marplot put me in a way. MARPLOT.—Ah! that I can easily do—look ye there that tank is full and we are not far from the river or perhaps you would rather have a little arsenic; or if you prefer a halter, sword, Pistol or razor I have them all at your service. DURGEE—Ah d——n me this

is no jesting matter. MARPLOT—Not to you Durgee I grant, but depend upon it it is an excellent jest to the whole town besides and that this is always the case when a man of sense admit an Ass into his confidence. DURGEE—Nay, come, come, you are now too hard upon the Buxey and me. MARPLOT—y------ you are too soft for me master Durgee what occasion had you, in the name of nonsense, to scribble in the public papers about our Community.. DURGEE—I was led into it by a fit of Jealousy and resentment. I however meant no harm, and so, for heaven sake, think no more of it---but make my peace with C--g--n and I--m--p--t--. MARPLOT) Why that can only be done in one way. DURGEE—How is that. MARPLOT—By reading your Recantation in the public papers. DURGEE.—Well that I'll do with all my heart I am so much agitated that I cannot write it myself—but if you, my dear Marplot, will have the goodness to draw it up. I shall sign it. Marplot immediately wrote the following Concession which Durgee signed and so ended this momentous dispute. WHEREAS I P--D--, head Journeyman to the Bord of Incle Weavers, not having the fear of God before my eyes was lately guilty of divulging the secrets of the COMMUNITY and for which I have been visited by evil spirits, who have tormented me night and day in so much that I can get no rest—but I am like one possessed of the devil.—Now I render myself an object of compassion to the CYPRIAN GODDESS, TENT-POLE IMPROMPTU and all the members of the CLUB I publish this CONFESSION and throw myself on their mercy. Signed in the presence of Buxey— Jack Marplot. P--D-- CALCUTTA. THE Nymph Sloop of War arrived in the River last Wednesday night from Madras and brings the following Advices.—That SIR EYRE COOTE was within five Miles of Arcot.—That Sir Edward Hughes and Colonel Braithwaite had invested Negapatam.---That Lord Mc'Cartney was dangerously ill. That Doctor Paisley died on the 1st. inst. and that Lord Mc'Leod and General Munro were to proceed to Europe on the Rochford. The Governor General is still at Banaras.—He has received overtures of Peace from Madajee Scindy, one of the principal Mahratta Chiefs, and Mr. Anderson is in consequence gone to Poonah in order to Negotiate a peace with that Government. Ohyte Sing has retreated to Beech-Ghur, and Major Popham has marched against that Fort. THE Nymph Sloop Capt Ball arrived here on Wednesday Night, this Vessel left the Squadron off Negapatam on the 3d. Ult.—The Admiral at that time had great expectations of soon being able to take that Fort, as Colonel Nixon who commands in Tanjour was at the head of five thousand Men marching towards it, with all possible expedition, and there is no doubt but that Mynheers are now our Prisoners. The distressed situation of Madras when the Nymph left it is inconceivable, they had only three hundred Pagodas in the Treasury and about twenty Bags of rotten Rice in store, but we are hapy to inform our Readers that near fifty thousand bags had arrived there on the Dartmouth Resolution and four or five Country Vessels. We are told that the Nymph is come here to claim the Effects found in Chinsurah, and its Dependencies, but how they can be established the Lawyers must Determine, these Hon'ble Gentlemen will have a share of the Plunder no doubt if the business is carried before the supreme court. Captain Ball left Madras twelve days ago he says that at the time of his sailing advices had been Received from the Army under SIR EYRE COOTE informing the Madras Gentlemen that they were within Six miles of Arcot in high spirits and in the expectation of being in possession of that place in a few days. When the Nymph left Madras Lord Macartney was dangerously ill. It is currently reported, that Rajah Chyte Singh has abandoned Beedjaghur, and that he has fled with percipitation to the Southward, and has fixed his Residence (for the present) at a place called Highella, and that Affon Sing, Chyte Sing's Brother is taken Prisoner. Matters now up the Country having such a favourable aspect it is said the Governor General intends to return to Calcutta, as soon as possible. How true the above Paragraph may be, we will not ascertain. A Report prevails now in Calcutta, that Commodore Johnson has taken the Cape, and that as soon as he had regulated matters at that place, to his satisfaction, that he fail'd for England immediately; and that intelligence of this circumstance being received by the French Adm. who with his whole Pleet had been Cruizing in that Lattitude, he shaped his course for the Cape directly, and retook it without the Loss of a Man. The whole of the above paragraph wants confirmation. A Correspondent observes that in the present scarcity at Madras Portable Soup would be a profitable Article and of great use particularly to our Army in the field. Mr. Buchanen a Clergyman is arrived in the late Ships. ARRIVALS.—October 10th His Majesty's Ship Nymph, Capt. Stevens in the River from the Coast.—The Success Galley Fenwick. DEPARTURES.—7th. Snow Hope Nicolas Cohy for Madras with Rice.—Do. Ship Union Adam Doak Do. Do. DIED.] on Saturday last the once pleasant and facetious Mr. Samuel Fielder, a very reputable Tradesman and an old Inhabitant of Calcutta, but whose constitution was too delicate for the intemperance of this Climate and which would have proved fatal to him some Years ago, had it not been for the tender attention paid to him during many severe fits of Illneses by one of the most valuable of Wives, a Native of Chandernagore, and who we are sorry to hear is left unprovided for. Acknowledgements to Correspondents. MOHUR SECCA'S Letter is received, but cannot be inserted as it is repugnant to a plan of the Editors, previously resolved upon by him never to lash at the fair Sex, the poorest of these Ladies is a very valuable Woman, and the other tho' highly exalted, may have faults, but the Editor is of Opinion, that the goodness of her heart, makes a sufficient and ample atonement in the Sight of God for every thing laid to her charge; if so we ought to be content; and altho' she is nearly ally'd to a Man that has ungenerously, and unremittingly pursued the Editor to his ruin; yet as he is unconscious, of any part of it being owing to her Influence, so he is determined, never to give her an uneasy moment from any thing, published in his paper.—If the Author will permit him to make the alterations respecting the Ladies. And also a few dashes in the body of the Letter respecting the Male Characters he promises to publish in full all that reflects upon himself. ON SATURDAY The 20th Instant at 10 A, M. WILL be Sold by publick Outcry, for Sicca Rupees and Ready Money, at Captain Lashooms dwelling House at Fredericksnagor. The Sloop Fredericksnagor, Burthen about 140 Tuns, lying opposite to that House.—She is a Teak built Vessel, and has lately been new Sheathed; and repaired at Battavia.—A list of her Stores is to be seen at the said House. Conditions of Sale. The Sloop to be for Account and Risk of the Purchaser from the Day of Sale, and the Money to be paid within 10 Days after that Time, in default of which, She will be resold on account of the Purchaser, who must be answerable for what Deficiency and Loss there may arise thereby.—The Purchaser must give sufficient security for the amount Sale, if Demanded. Fredericksnagor the 9 October 1781. C. W. DUNTZFELT. WANTED TWO Coffries who can play very well on the French Horn and are otherwise handy and useful about a House, relative to the Business of a Consumer, or that of a Cook, they must not be fond of Liquors. Any person or persons having Such to dispose off, will be treated with by applying to the Printer.

Continued from our Last. BUt if there were no other objection against men, their unfortunate knowledge of Instruments, should be deemed sufficient. Men, know how to hasten the Birth—nay—to force it—and this unhappy knowledge, too frequently tempts them to hurry Matters—by which they often do great mischief—and some times, irreparable. To convince people who chuse to be at the trouble of making use of their senses, I shall present them with a few extracts from the fourth edition of Doctor Smellie's treatise on the Theory and practice of Midwifery. He was one of the most eminent Men Midwives in Town, about twenty or thirty years ago. When the reader has finished these extracts, he will Judge of the Mischief that must have been done by Men—and whether it is possible that Women can be so safe in the Hands of Men, as in those of their own sex. Page 259. Vol. I.—"Even in "these cases, indeed, the last Fillet, or "a long pair of Forceps, may take, "such firm hold, that with great Force and the strong Purchase, the Head will "be delivered: but such violence is com"monly fatal to the Woman, by cau"sing such an inflammation, and, per"haps, Laceration of the Women, as is "attended with Mortification. Vol. II. Page 462—"As the Re"sistance was great, I gradually encreased "the Force, and through the Forceps "slipped several Times, I at last deli"vered the Head, by grasping the "Handles more firmly, and pulling up "towards the Pubis. But the Perinæ"um* was torn by the sudden Delivery, "because I did not then know how to "make the proper Turns, and proceed "in the slow and cautious Manner "which I have since adopted. The "Child's Head was squeezed into a longitu"dinal Form, flattened on the Sides, with "a deep Impression on the Cranium above "the Ears; and from an Indentation on "the os frontis, by a Blade of the Forceps, "which had been fixed on that and the "Occiput, I discovered that the Ears "were not to the Sides, as I had ima"gined." Only think of putting up such an instrument, (and in the Dark too!) into such a Place—then fixing it to the unformed Scull of an unborn Infant—"grasping" it (the Instrument) firm"ly"—and then pulling with encreased "force"!!!—Think, too, of the great Danger of enclosing some Part of the Woman in the Forceps, at the Time they clasp the Child's Head!!!—How easily, thus in the Dark, might such an Accident happen!—How many Injuries have been done by Men, to the insides of Wombs!—Heavens! The Idea makes ones Flesh creep with Horror! Vol. I. Page 255.—"The Disad"vantage attending all Fillets,† is the "Difficulty in introducing and fixing "them: and though this last is easier ap"plied than the others; yet when the "Vertex presents, the Child's Chin is so * The Partition, between the Passage of the Birth—and the Anus. † Another Method of pulling Children out of the Womb. "pressed to the Breast, that it is often "impracticable to insinuate the Fillet "between them, and if it is fixed upon "the Face or hind head, it frequently "slips off, in pulling: but, granting it "commodiously fixed, when the Head "is large; or the Pelvis narrow, so we "are obliged to pull with great Force, "THE FILLET WILL GALL, and "even CUT TO THE VERY BONE, "and if the Child COMES OUT ON "A SUDDEN, in consequence of violent "pulling," (gracious GOD! what an horrid Idea!) "the external Parts of "the Woman are in Danger of SUDDEN "LACERATION."—Such is the Danger—and such the Use of the Fillet. To be continued. To The PUBLIC. TO be Raffled for by Subscription on a Garden belonging to Mrs. Cornelia De Silva measuring as Per, Potta Seven Biggals and 51 Cottahs, Situated in Dee Entally which is at present Lett out to John B[ILL]e Esq for the Company's use. This Garden is now to be Raffled for, and valued at the Sum of Six Thousand Sicca Rupees, divided unto Eighty Chances at 75 Rupees each chance, Any Lady, or Gentleman willing to subscribe are requested to send their Names to Mr. HICKY at his Printing Office. N. B. Timely Notice will be given in this paper specifying the day of the Raffle. Mr. JONES. BEGS leave to inform the Ladies and Gentlemen of the Presidency that the Europe investment which he lately purchased of Captain Walker, is now at his House nearly opposite the post Office and are ready for sale. ANY Person or Persons who can give information of Mr. William Maynard, will hear something to his advantage Mr. M— was 5th Mate of the Shrewsbury Indiamen Capt, Coggan about two Years and a half ago, but remain'd in India, he was seen in Calcutta on October last. a line directed to K. P or to Mr. Hicky printer of the Bengla S T O L E N. OUT of the House of a Gentleman in Calcutta last Thursday Evening a handsome Pair of Brilliant Diamond Earings set in the Country Containing six Drops three in Each, at the Same time Eight Hundred Sicca Rupees whoever will give information should such a Pair of Earings be brought for Sale, so that the Person or Persons may be apprehended shall received a Reward of Twenty Gold Mohurs by applying to Mr. HICKY the Printer of this Gazette. Calcutta Sept. 22d. 1781. ALL PERSONS HAVING any claims, or demands on the Estate of James Dumoulin deceased are desired to send in their accounts to Mr. George Arnold Rocte of Calcutta, or Mr. Edward Ephraim Pote of Rungpore, the Executors of the said James Dumoulin deceased, and such persons as are indebted to the said Estate are Requested to pay what they do owe to either of the said Executors as soon as they possibly can. W A N T E D ABOUT 50 Gallons of pure old Jamaica Rum. And also about six Dozen of the best Dyon Wine. Please to direct a Line to B. W. at the printing Office mentioning the Age of the Rum and the price and the party shall be treated with. Mrs. MANN. BEGS leave to inform the Ladies and gentlemen of the Presidency that she has moved to the Rada Bazar a No. 139 Opposite the House lately occupied by Messrs. Guthrie and Wordie. NB. Carpenters work as usual Carried on by Mr. Mann. AT THE ACADEMY. MRS. Griffith's Garden House near the Bytaconnah) young Gentlemen are genteely Boarded, tenderly treated and expeditiously taught by the most improved methods. The English, French, Latin, and Italian Languages grammatically. Also Writing, Accompts, Geography &c. Such Gentlemen and Ladies who think proper to honour him with the Tuition of their Children, may depend upon his most strenuous Endeavours to merit their Countenance and future Recommendation, by a religious discharge of the important Trust reposed in him, both with Respect to their Learning and Morals. For particulars Mr. Cowen begs leave to refer to Messrs. THORNHILL & KILLICAN. The terms for Board and Education are 40 sicca Rupees per. Month for all under Ten years of Age, and 50 for all above. W A N T E D. A Very excellent Pocket reading Glass, it's focus quality must be strong and attractive, no matter as to the mounting so that the Glass answer the above description, the price is required, in a line directed to P. M, at the Printing Office. L O S T. SUPPOSED on the Race Ground, or the Road Leading from thence to Town, out of a Phaeton, a Large Rose Diamond hair-pin.—Whosoever has found such a one and will bring it to Mr HICKY at the printing office they shall receive a reward of six Gold mohurs. W A N T E D. A Very Elegant Diamond Breast Buckle the stones Europe cut, and Europe Sett—Any person having such of dispose of are requested to send it by their Sarcar to the Printing Office with a letter mentioning the lowest Price, and if approved of they will be treated with. Calcutta 8th Sept. 1781. JUST PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY. AND is Sold at the Library, the late Bye-Law. either bound or in sheets. CALCUTTA Printed by J. A. HICKY, First and late PRINTER to the HON. COMPANY.