Saturday 22 December 1781

HICKY'S BENGAL GAZETTE; OR THE ORIGINAL Calcutta General Advertiser. ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————— [ VOL II ] A Weekly Political and Commercial Paper, Open to all Parties, but influenced by None. ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————— From Saturday December the 15th to Saturday December 22d. 1781. No. XLVIII ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————— Now in the Press, and speedily will be Published. Price 4 Rupees. AN Almanac for the ensuing Year, containing the Christian and Bengal Calendars, with the Mahometan Æra of the Hegira,—The conjunctions, Squares, and oppositions of the Lumnaries.—The Moons Southing Calculated agreeable to apparent Astronomical time to the Meridian of Calcutta, and may be reduced to any other Meridian by a Note inserted for that purpose.—The Moons culminating the Meridian, being very useful for determining the time of High-Water at any Port or Harbour provided the time be ascertained at which it is high water at the full and Change.—The Southing may also have it's use by taking Her Meridian Altitude, For determining the Lattitude proper Allowance being made for Her Parallax in Altitude.—The Equation of time necessary in regulating Clocks, Also a Table of the Suns Rising and Setting, independant of Refraction, with directions how to find the Moons full and Change at any other Meridian on the Globe where Longitude is ascertained. N. B. This Almanac will be printed with a beautiful new Type on a fine Paper, and sold at the Printing Office, the 28th of the present Month. ———————————————————— ON BILLY DAY Who broke and from his Landlord run away. HERE DAY and NIGHT conspired a sudden flight. For DAY, they say, is run away by NIGHT, DAY's past and gone—why Landlord where's your rent? Did you not see that DAY was almost spent? Day pawn'd and sold, and put off what he might, Tho' it be ne'er so dark, DAY will be light. You had one DAY, a tenant, and wou'd fain Your eyes could see that DAY but once again. No, Landlord no: now you may truly say, (And to your cost too) you have lost the DAY. DAY is departed in a mist I fear, For DAY is broke, and yet does not appear. From time to time he promised still to pay; You should have rose before the break of DAY, But if you had, you'd have got nothing by't, For DAY was cunning and broke over NIGHT! DAY like a Candle, is gone out, but where? None knows unless to t'other hemisphere. Then to the Tavern let us haste away, Come chear up—hang't 'tis but a broken DAY, And he that trusted DAY for any sum, Will have his money if that DAY will come. AMICO G. ———————————————————— To Mr. HICKY SIR, I OBSERVE that there is a Report pretty current in Town that your old Friend, my L—— P—— is actually going, if not gone, upon an expedition to Delhi on what account my information does not say, perhaps, being a professor of the noble, and benificial science of Virtue and having grown above his own Profession, merely in the hope of adding some what to his already invaluable Musium of shells and Butterflies. It may be, too, that having had so intimate a Connexion and confidential transactions with the Great Mogul of these Realms (as the facetious St—ph—n B—g—aw in one of your ludicrous Anecdotes significantly phrases it) He is desirous of having ocular and mental knowledge of the Portotype, or real Enperour, and discover wherein the Copy resembles the Original.—But is it possible Mr. HICKY that any Man, possessing even the most moderate degree of common understanding can be so lost to all sense of the Station and dignity in which he is, I confess, only nomminily placed (for He has never really been more than a Puppet in the hands of the real performers, to appear upon the scene as their pleasure or their profit dictates, or either as a Tool or Catspaw to do their Business for them) as to suffer himself to be thus disgraced throughout Indostan, as tho' it were not sufficient that his meanness and nothingness were exposed throughout our own Dominion!—In the parliamentary enquiry which is close at hand, and will be rigid and decisive in the affairs of this Country, how will it amaze the supporters of this — — — Politician (the — and — of whose Measures have brought this, till He received it, flourishing Empire to the lowest State of Poverty, and to the brink of Ruin) to find on what — a r they have lavished their illfated countenance, and in the hands of what a Man they have put the Means to do Mischief.—That the issue of this Enquiry may speedily arrive with us, with Redress proportioned to the injuries received, and the greatness of the cause at stake with Men deserving to be intrusted with such powers, & with the abilities to employ them properly must be the earnest prayer of every. Well wisher to this Country. ——————————————————— SIR, WHERE I spent the Evening last night, some Gentlemen were observing that the preverseness of disposition of a certain Great Man up the Country was such, that if he was advised thro' your Paper, or indeed by any Person whom he had once honor'd with his dislike, to the most beneficial plans to be adopted either for the Public good, or his own even, that he would make a point of it, to act diametrically contrary.—As I was walking home a thought came into my head, that if such was really the case, might prove a luckily one. Suppose Mr. HICKY you was to request of him in a very particular manner, not to hang himself, and to assure him if he was, it would be rendering the Public and the Company a service the nearest adequate (of any in his power at least) to the injuries he has done to both.—It may be worth the tryal, however that I leave to your Consideration.—But wish you would give notice to Mr. M——n of some affairs that seem to merit attention. As for Mr. W—— he thinks of Nothing but giving Contracts and Places to his Relations and Dependants.—The first is the Streets and Public roads—Pray what is to be done with the Arbitrary collections that have been made

last year we were told, it was too late to do any thing more to the drains, than just to give a present cutting.—Is it the intention to let as far of this Season advance, and then make the same excuse! If they really intend to apply the Money for the Public good, not a day should be lost.—As to the Roads I have been 12 Years in the Country, but never remember them in the Month of December in such shocking order, they are not only uneasy and Jolting to the last degree to a Carriage, but thay are so full of holes they are even unsafe to ride on Horse back.—The Monstrous Number of Dram Drinking shops are another terrible nuisance, and which calls aloud for redress; I know they have been mentioned in your Paper more than once; however I would recommend you to try the subject again.—The last affair I shall mention at the present is the fees established for the Secretary and that worthy White D—C— Esq; upon the Vessels carrying Provissions to the coast; at first you had only to pay those to the Secretary, upon which the other said d—n him, he did not see why that Jew looking Son of a — should get a 100 R's for only signing his Name, and he get nothing, and that he would try to be paid to—and has succeeded. At home as soon as there is such plenty of Grain as to admit of exportation, a Bounty is given.—But here our worthy Solomons establish fees of Office to go solely to the Secretary at the rate of 10 or 12 Guineas for every Vessel of 500 tons, and that too when the exportation is for the supply of ourselves; the same if Ireland was in the greatest distress for Wheat, and England had a superfluity, and the like fees of Office were erected there. I shall not trouble you further now, but if I find you take notice of these Articles, you shall speedily here again from. SIR. Your humb. Serv. TIMOTHY HINT. Calcutta 8 Dec. 1781. ————————————————————— Mr. EDITOR. I request you will insert the following Letter, as it appears in a great Measure applicable to the General Modes of paying Visits in this Country. your most obedient Servent. Q— To P. I have had Occasion a thousand times since I saw you, to wish myself in the Land where all things are forgotten; at least that I did not live in the memory of certain restless Mortals of your Acquaintance, who are Visitors by profession. The Misfortune is, no Retirement is so remote, nor Sanctuary so sacred, as to afford a protection from their Impertinance: and tho' one were to fly to the Desart, and take Refuge in the Cells of Saints and Hermits, one should be alarmed with their unmeaning Voice, 'crying even in the Wilderness'. They spread themselves in truth over the whole face of the Land and lay waste the fairest Hours of Business or Conversation. For my own part (to speak of them in a stile suitable to their Taste and Talents) I look upon them, not as paying visits but Visitations; and am never obliged to give Audience to one of this species, that I do not consider myself as under a Judgement for those numberless Hours, which I have spent in vain. If these Sons and Daughters of Folly and Idleness would be persuaded to enter into an exclusive Society among themselves, the rest of the World might possess their Moments unmolested, but nothing less will satisfy them, than opening a general Commerce and sailing into every Port where choice or chance may drive them. Were we to live, indeed, to the Years of the Antideluvians, one might afford to resign some part of ones own Time, in charitable Relief of some part of theirs;—But since the Days of Man are sunk into a few hasty Revolutions of the Sun, whole Forenoons and Evenings are much too considerable a sacrifice to be offered up to tame Civility. What heightens the contempt of this Character is that they who have so much of the Form have always least of the Power of Friendship, and tho' they will “craze their Chariot Wheels” (as Milton expresses it) to destroy your Repose, they would not drive half the Length of a street to assist your distress. It was owing to an Interruption from one of these obsequious Intruders that I was prevented from keeping my Engagement with you Yesterday, and you must indulge me in this discharge of my invective against the ridiculous occasion of so mortifying a Disappointment, ADIEU. BON TON INTELLIGENCE. from Madras. THE following Articles were Executed between Mons. Deleau on the one part And Mr. Cataplasm on the other part. TO ALL whom it may concern, I—late of—but now of—Inhabitant, sends GREETING.—WHEREAS divers disputes and unhappy differences have for some time past arrisen between the said Mons. Deleau, and his Wife Mrs. Deleau, principally on Account of the Ill health and weak and feeble constitution of the said Mons. Deleau and of consequence inability to Administer unto the said Mrs. Deleau those comforts which the Ruddy Complexion of her constitution naturally sanguine, and now in the full Bloom of youth appears to require.—AND WHEREAS Mr. Cataplasm the Surgeon in the service of—after having duly vestigated the Temper of her constitution, hath from time to time Administered those Medicines which appeared to him best suited to her habit of Body—AND WHEREAS the said Mons. Deleau being satisfied that the said Mrs. Deleau is likely to have frequent occasion for his Physical assistance, hath from mere motives of Charity, to the distressed Female consented that she the said Mrs. Deleau should live with him the said Mr. Cataplasm, and he the said Mr. Cataplasm has assured the said Mons. Deleau of his intention to fulfill the wishes of the said Mrs. Deleau to the utmost of his power. And as a further proof of his humanity, and from principals of condolance for the natural Infirmeties of the said Mons. Deleau, hath consented to bestow on him the said Mons. Deleau the sum of 200 star Pagodas as some CONPENSATION for his being thus deprived of the power of Coition and his consortial Rights, which the said MONS. DELEAU hath agreed to take and that in consequence of the premises hath declared that he will never in future endeavour to Teize the said Mrs. Deleau but leave her intirely under the conduct and discretion of the said Mr. Cataplasm whose superior power of pleasing he has (tho' with infinate regret) Acknowledged. NOW THESE PRESENTS WITNESS that for and in consideration of the said sum of Two Hundred star Pagodas to the said Mons. Deleau at or before, the sealing and delivery of these Presents, the Receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged he the said Mons. Deleau hath Remised, Released, and for ever Discharged the said Mrs. Deleau his Heirs, Executors, and Administrators of him the said Mons. Deleau and from all, and all manner of Action, and Actions, Cause and Causes of Action which he might otherwise have had against the said Mr Cataplasm for any purposes more libidinous and less Charitable than those herein before set forth. And the said Mons. Deleau doth hereby acknowledge his gratefull obligations to the said Mr. Cataplasm for having undertaken a Task, which he the said Mons. Deleau Acknowledgeth himself to be unequal to, AND he doth therefore not only release the said Mr. Cataplasm from all actions and Causes of Actions, in manner aforesaid, but also from all Money account reckonings, Bonds, Bills speciation,—Covenants, Contracts, Controversies Agreements, Promises, Variances, Damages Judgments, Extents, Executions, Claims and Demands whatsoever, in Law and Equity which against the said Mr. Cataplasm ever had, now hath, or which his Heirs, Executors, or Administrators hereafter can, shall, or may have for upon or by reason of any matter cause, or thing whatsoever from the begining of the World to the day of the date of these presents. IN Witness whereof the said Mons. Deleau hath hereunto set his hand and seal in—this—day of—one Thousand seven hundred and Eighty One.

sealed and delivered Where no Stampt Paper is to be had, in the pre- sence of. A NOBLE ACT of HUMANITY, said to have been performed by that singular Genius the late Rev. Mr. Charles Churchill, as related by an ingenius Writer in "Chrysal, or the ADVENTURES of a GUINEA." THE Company to which my new Master was in such haste to go, consisted of a few persons whom a similarity of temper had linked in the closest intimacy: with these he spent the remainder of the evening in a manner which few would dislike, though fewer still could approve it: the spirited wit and livliness of their conversation gilded the grossest debaucheries, at the same time, that the rectitude and sublimity of their sentiments, whenever their hearts could find opportunity to speak, made the vices of their practice still more horrible by the contrast. They broke not up, as it might be imagined, 'till Nature sunk under their excesses; when my master, as he staggered home, was accosted by a female who had something in her air and manner so different from those outcasts of humanity who offer themselves to casual prostitution in the streets, that his curiosity was struck, and he stopped to take more particular notice of her. She appeared to be about sixteen. Her figure was elegant, and her features regular; but want had sicklied over their beauty, and all the horrors of despair gloomed through the languid smile she forced when she addressed him. The sigh of distress, which never struck his ear without affecting his heart, came with double force from such an object. He viewed her with silent compassion for some moments, and, reaching her a piece of gold, bade her go home and shelter herself from the inclemencies of the night at so late an hour. Her surprize and joy at such unexpected charity overpowered her: she dropped upon her knees in the wet and dirt of the street, and, raising her hands and eyes towards Heaven, remained in that posture some moments, unable to give utterance to the gratitude that filled her heart. To be Continued ———————— CALCUTTA, Extract of a Letter from Madras Dated 27th Nov. 1781. YOU have no doubt heard long before this of Negapatam being in our hands, it was taken on the 12 Instant by Capitulation; we found in this place near 2,000 Chests of, Spices, and a very great quantity of Copper, and many other Valuable Articles in the Merchantile way. The Army is come in, and our, Engeniers are now Demolishing of the Fortifications. It is supposed that SIR EYRE COOTE will go to Bengal on the Valentine as he is very much indisposed after his long Campaign, and hard Service. —————————————————— RACING INTELLIGENCE Extraordinary from the Course. A Match was run on Saturday the 15th Instant, between Sammy Fat's Horse a Bay Toorkay, and Mr. New-come's Horse for the sum of 4,000 Sicca Rupees the Gentlemen rode their own Horses weight for Inches. Sammy Fat weighed upwards of twenty five stone Mostly Fat, and very little Bone. And Mr. Newcome carried weight. The Horses started a little after sun rise, when Sammy Fat's Horse with great resolution carried his Rider very fleetly, and would undoubtedly have won the Race, had not the following fatal Catastrophe taken place.—The sun at this time not being very high it reflected the shades from the Bellies of the Riders on the Ground, when unfortunately for Sammy Fat, the shade from his body cast so large, and dark a reflection on the Ground, that it loomed exactly like an Elephant, and appeared so to the poor Bay Toorkay, (who by the by is remarkably a fraid of Elephants) he instantly started into convulsions and flung his Rider about twenty paces from the post, his ponderous weight of Body made the Earth-quake beneath him in such a manner that the Post shook with the Ground, like a fishing Rod. Sammy Fat being considerably ahead, Mr. New-come thought he was actually, killed, and as soon as he came up he very cautiously stoped his Horse to see if he was still alive, and finding that he moved a little on all fours after the manner of Falstaff he jogged on and left poor Sammy to shift for himself. It is said that Sammy will send a present of 20 Gold Mohurs to his Taylor who made him his white Riding Jacket, for sewing it so very well and with so strong a thread, that it never moved, for Sammy declares that he owes his life to his Taylor for his excellent workmanship and that if the stitches of the Jacket had gave way his Body must inevitably have bursted. SPORTING INTELLIGENCE. “WE ARE sorry to inform the Public that the Isle of Skey plate which promised such keen sport is likely to prove a Bubble at last.—Squire Wishplace's Horse Old Soldier, on whose bottom the knowing ones depended, is drawn on a suspicion of foul play from Com——Doubleface's servants driving him off the Course in training.—Sir John C—h's Horse Paymaster is nearly in the same situation. They are trying him just now at Night, but without much hopes of success. It therefore rests entirely between Lt. Col. Silverstick's Gelding Scratch, and Com——Doubleface's pyebold Mare Blacky and Brush but from the Nature of the Beasts no sport is looked for, and the knowing ones shrewdly suspect they will agree to go snacks. SAM. SMACK. Per Com. to the J—y C—b. AT a MEETING of the JOCKEY CLUB. ON Wednesday last. George Levius, Thomas Richardson and John Adams Esq. were Balloted stewards for the year ensuing—From the known Taste and Exertion of those Gentlemen, and their attachment to the Turf, it is expected The spirit of Racing will be revived. On thursday last the Town Plate was run for by the following Horses.—Mark'd thus * is the Colour of the Riders Jackets. Prinsep's Black H. Dustock, *Green lost. Hatch's Bay Travel'r not at the Course. Touchet's Grey Proof, Green & red lost. Richardson's Do. Momus, Blue beat. TATOES Yeats's Black H. Nincompoop lost. Neaue's Grey Mare Whrangham, beat. Traue's Do Horse Fop lost. 2 PONIES. Traue's Chestnut Cadet lost. Ario's Sadlier beat. The Horses were so well matched for each prize that they afforded the greatest satisfaction to the Spectators. ON Monday last the Sessions ended When the three following persons received Sentance. Bacca, a Peon, and Conoi Doss, for extorting of money under false pretences, by Counterfeiting the Writs of the Supreme Court and Arresting people with them up the Country, were Sentenced to one years Impres-onment, and to pay a fine of one Sicca Rupee each. Fackier Churn Gose, formerly head Sarcar to the late John Notly; for receiving two pieces of timber knowing them to be stolen—The property of David Cumming Esq. sentenced to remain one year in prison, and to pay a fine of 1,000 Sicca Rupees. ——————————————————— Acknowledgements to Correspondents. A Correspondents Extract of some transactions at Dacca is perused, but as that circumstance happened some years ago, and the person aluded to gone to Europe, the publishing of those transactions now will not render any service to the public, and may on the other hand, give some uneasiness to a very honest, upright, and Honble man who was the friend and patron of the person aluded to. The Rights and Capacity of the people is perused, but the two first pages is wrote in so bad a hand that it Cannot be properly explained, Dick Ranger is also received.

Mr. HICKY. Going along the Loll Baazar the other day, I Stumbled by accident on the following M—S.—which I must beg of you to commit to the Press just as I found it. SARCASM. The SPOKEMAN in the CHAIR. AT the Harmonic Tavern in Loll Baazar Street, Where the hearty supporters of the STEWARDS meet; Where still to protect their bless'd Constitution, They are come to the following wise resolution;— RESOLV'D—That these Reptiles, who dar'd to express In a libellous, vile and malicious address An aversion to our belov'd SPOKEMAN (and thus So apparently meant to reflect upon Us) Are too low for the notice of the SAWNEYS who meet. At the Calcutta Tavern in Loll Baazar Street. And after the most mature deliberation. Much debate and much serious consideration; Since We cannot their insult severely resent, We're determined to treat them with proper contempt: And, therefore, no means of revenge being known, Be it farther RESOLV'D--That we let them alone, DONALD M. GREGOR. Secretary. COMMUNITY SQUABBLES. "Twixt EMMA and MARPLOT the Quarrel's a shamm'd one; "Twixt EMMA and TENTPOLE, I believe 'tis a damn'd one. AMOROSO. To IDEA-GEORGE and JACK PARADISE. "Ye witlings give o'er, the contest as vain, For EMMA has chose for her partner a Swain; Whom fancy and reason approve; Who Laughs to behold you your talents employ, In Lectures on pleasures you Could not enjoy: While he is blest with the Charmer you Love.— AMOROSO. BONS MOTS of Mademoiselle L'ENCLOS. MONSIEUR Remond, boasting one day that this Lady had formed him; "Then (said she) I have done as God did, who repented himself that he had made Man." After Madame de Maintenon became all-powerful, she proposed placing L'Enclos in a Convent, To which L'Enclos replied, "With all my heart, provided it was in a Convent of Cordelieres." But being told that les Filles repentees (the repenting Maids) would be a properer Retirement; "That will not be just, (said she) for I am not a Maid, neither do I repent." Count Choiseul, Marshal of france, found Pecourt, the stage-dancer, one morning at L'Enclos's toilet; piqued at seeing such a rival; and perceiving Pecourt to wear a dress en militaire, the Count asked What Corps he served in? Pecourt replied with a sneer, in return, "I command, Sir, that Corps in which ave served a long A THEATRICAL BON MOT. WHEN Mr. Colman was Manager of Covent Garden Theatre, he happened to have a violntr quarrel with Mr. Yates: the latteo gentleman, prating of his great aiMities and judgment said to br.e Colman, "You little insignificant being, for three farthings, I would put you in my pocket."—"Then (answered Mr. Colman) you would have more wit in your pocket than ever you had in your head," FOR SALE by PRIVATE CONTRACT. AN Extensive Spot of Ground in the best and Most airy Place of Calcutta whereon is erected two Substantial Commodious Pucka Brick Houses.—This Estate already brings in four Hundred Sicca Rupees per month and is lett to the Company for a Term at the Will and option of the Purchaser. For the convenience of the Buyer two thirds of the purchase Money may remain on Mortgage; For further Particulars enquire of Mr. Duncan at the Old Play-House. N. B.—If not Sold by Private Sale before the end of February, it will be submitted to Public Outcry by Mr. Duncan. Calcutta 17th December 1781. For sale by CHARLES HELLYAR A Large quantity of good seasoned Saul Timber, which he has purchased of a Gentleman lately come down the Country, the said Timbers are lying at the Rope Walk Gaut, about half a Mile to the Northward of Sulkey Market, The price of the Timbers are as follows.—Beams 28 Foeet long 12 Inches by 9 Inches, at S R 19each. 28 f l 12 i's by 9 i's at SR 19 E 25 do. 11 i's by 9 i's at do. 15 do 23 do. 10 i's by 8 i's at do. 12 do 21 do. 10 i's by 7 i's at do. 10 do 19 do. 9 i's by 7 i's at do. 7 do 17 do. 8 i's by 6 i's at do 5-8 do 16 do. 8 i's by 6 i's at do. 5 do The above Timbers are all cleanly dressed. In the rough, whole Saul Timbers from 27 Feet long to 31 at S R 14 each, Square pieces of Timber for Doors, Windows, and Burgers of sizes. N. B. The above to be brought over to the Gauts at Calcutta, at the Expence of the dispo. From Luty. JUST PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY. AND is Sold at the Library, the late Bye Law either bound or in Sheets. For sale by Mr. PRESCOT No. 118 in the Cossatollah, Baazar. MADEIRA Wine in pipes or in Bottles. Cape do. in leagures or do. Europe Vinegar in half, do. or do. Brandy in Bottles, Gin and Dutch Cordials in cases or Bottles, Porter, Hock, Claret &c. and Batavia, Sugar, Candy, by the maund, also Europe carpets Mahogany planks, Painters oil colours &c. To be S O L D. A BUDGEROW the Dimentions &c. of an Indiamans Long Boat with a Large Hall and Venetians enquire of Mr. Nyls in Calcutta—also a small Convenient 8 Oar'd Budgerow of 2 Rooms both in good repair, and fit for immediate Use. 24th Nov. 1781. 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 1781. a line directed to K. P or to Mr. Hicky printer of the Bengal Gazette. N O T I C E. IS hereby given, that on Monday the 7th of January and following days, the Effects belonging to the Honnerable Johannes Matthias Ross Esq. will be exposed at Public Auction at Chinsurah---They Consist of Furniture, Plate, CHINA, Ware, LIQUORS of different, Sorts, Ca riages, Horses, (amongst which aSet of six gray Torkays). Different Books in English, French, and Dutch, mongst which the Encyclopedie and the Corps diplomatique with its Suppelments. GLOBES, TELESCOPES and MICROSCOPES, and Many other Articles. Conditions of Sale. The Goods are to be Sold for Sicca Rupees, and not to be delivered to the Purchasers, until they have paid por them, and in Case they are not paid for, and removedat the end of the Month January, they will be se-sold for account, and at the Expence of the first Purchaser. The Stewards of the Subscription Assembly. PRESENT their Compliments to the Subscribers, and request they will be so obliging to send the Names of their Friends who are come to the Presidency. to the office at the Harmonic House that Tickets may be sent them. CALCUTTA Printed by J. A. HICKY, First and late Printer to the Hon. COMPANY,