A HUNDRED YEARS AGO
THE SPECTATOR, MARCH 30, 1839.
The Duke of Wellington has left town for Strathfieldsaye, with a waggon-load of plate and sauces, besides sundry cooks and foot- men: so it is reasonably concluded that his Grace intends to be very hospitable and jovial during the Easter holydays. The Marchioness of Londonderry is suffering from a cough and fever, and fears are entertained that her complaint will prove fatal.
The Marchioness of Salisbury has been unwell; but her Lady- ship has departed for Strathfieldsaye; whilst her husband visits the Marquis of Lothian, at Mount Tivot Lodge, Jedburgh; where he expects to enjoy " his favourite sport of salmon-fishing."
Sir Watkin Williams Wynn is so infirm that he cannot be lifted into his carriage without the help of several footmen.
A rumour was circulated of a serious affray between the Forty- sixth and Eighty-second Regiments, stationed at Gibraltar, in which Colonel Campbell of the Forty-sixth was killed. The Government prints, however, assure us that it was nothing more serious than a canteen quarrel, and no mischief ensued.
Her Majesty's ship Powerful, Captain Napier, has, it seems, lost several men by desertion, and it is found impracticable to complete her crew for active service. This is said to be owing to the adop- tion of some novel mode of propelling the ship by a machine resembling a tread-wheel, which the sailors think degrading, as resembling the labour of convicts, and not that of their native element.
Previous page
