three hundred pounds stock; while the poor landed man is forced to pay to the extent, because his estate is known, and accordingly valued. To conclude: I think, in the hands we are in, we need not dispute our safety; and if, as this author would insinuate, even a separate peace should be intended by some of our allies, after the example of our wise neighbours the Dutch at the treaty of Nimeguen, the generality of the people will be easily brought to agree that it is better than no peace at all. They know that our ministry are so well acquainted with the true interest of the nation, and are so tender of its welfare, that they will not consent to take one step in this affair, but what makes for the glory of the queen, and the happiness of her subjects. A TRUE RELATION OF THE SEVERAL FACTS AND CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE INTENDED RIOT AND TUMULT ON QUEEN ELIZABETH'S BIRTHDAY: GATHERED FROM AUTHENTICK ACCOUNTS; AND PUBLISHED FOR THE INFORMATION OF ALL TRUE LOVERS OF OUR CONSTITUTION IN CHURCH AND STATE. FIRST PRINTED IN NOV. 1711. "This is queen Elizabeth's birthday, usually kept in this town "by prentices, &c. But the whigs designed a mighty procession "by midnight; and had laid out a thousand pounds, to dress up "the pope, devil, cardinals, Sacheverell, &c. and carry them with "torches about and burn them. They did it by contribution. "Garth gave five guineas. But they were seized last night by "order from the secretary.” Journal to Stella, Nov. 17, 1711. "I am told the owners are so impudent that they intend to re"plevy them by law. I am assured that the figure of the devil is "made as like lord treasurer as they could."-Ibid. Nov. 19. "I saw to day the pope, the devil, and the other figures of "cardinals, &c. fifteen in all, which have made such a noise. I "have put an understrapper upon writing a twopenny pamphlet, to "give an account of the whole design.”—Ibid. Nov. 26. SIR, A TRUE RELATION, ETC. LONDON, NOV. 24, 1711. I AM very sorry so troublesome a companion as the gout delays the pleasure I expected by your conversation in town. You desire to know the truth of what you call “ a ridiculous story," inserted in "Dyer's Letter" and "The Postboy," concerning the figures that were seized in Drury lane, and seemed only designed for the diversion of the mob, to rouse their old antipathy to popery, and create new aversion in them to the pretender. If, indeed, this had been their only intent, your reflections would be reasonable, and your compassion pardonable. It is an odd sort of good nature, to grieve at the rabble's being disappointed of their sport, or, as you please to term it, of "what would "for the time being have certainly made them very happy." But, sir, you will not fail to change * A newspaper of that time, which, according to Mr. Addison, was entitled to little credit. Honest Vellum, in "The Drummer," act II, scene I, cannot but believe his master is living (among other reasons)" because the news of his death was first published "in Dyer's Letter." + By Abel Roper. G 4 your |