Among others I
read one of singular contents. A clergyman exhorted the people not
to assent to the shameful Act of Parliament for the toleration of
Catholics, by suffering their children to their eternal ruin to be
instructed and educated by them; but rather to give him, an orthodox
clergyman of the Church of England, this employ and this emolument.
In the middle of the area is a stone statue of Charles the Second.
As I sat here on a bench, and gazed on the immense crowds that
people London, I thought that, as to mere dress and outward
appearance, these here did not seem to be materially different from
our people at Berlin.
Near the 'Change is a shop where, for a penny or even a halfpenny
only, you may read as many newspapers as you will. There are always
a number of people about these shops, who run over the paper as they
stand, pay their halfpenny, and then go on.
Near the 'Change there is a little steeple with a set of bells which
have a charming tone, but they only chime one or two lively tunes,
though in this part of the City you constantly hear bells ringing in
your ears.
It has struck me that in London there is no occasion for any
elementary works or prints, for the instruction of children. One
need only lead them into the City, and show them the things
themselves as they really are. For here it is contrived, as much as
possible, to place in view for the public inspection every
production of art, and every effort of industry. Paintings,
mechanisms, curiosities of all kinds, are here exhibited in the
large and light shop windows, in the most advantageous manner; nor
are spectators wanting, who here and there, in the middle of the
street, stand still to observe any curious performance. Such a
street seemed to me to resemble a well regulated cabinet of
curiosities.
But the squares, where the finest houses are, disdain and reject all
such shows and ornaments, which are adapted only to shopkeepers'
houses. The squares, moreover, are not nearly so crowded or so
populous as the streets and the other parts of the city. There is
nearly as much difference between these squares and the Strand in
London, in point of population and bustle, as there is between
Millbank and Fredericksstadt in Berlin.
I do not at present recollect anything further, my dear friend,
worth your attention, which I can now write to you, except that
everything is ready for our departure to-morrow. I paid Captain
Hilkes, with whom I came over from Hambro', four guineas for my
passage and my board in the cabin. But Captain Braunschweig, with
whom I am to return, charges me five guineas; because provisions, he
says, are dearer in London than at Hambro'. I now have related to
you all my adventures and all my history from the time that I took
leave of you in the street, my voyage hither with Captain Hilkes
excepted. Of this, all that I think it necessary to mention is,
that, to my great dissatisfaction, it lasted a fortnight, and three
days I was sea-sick. Of my voyage back I will give you a personal
account. And now remember me to Biester, and farewell till I see
you again.
*** END OF TRAVELS IN ENGLAND IN 1782 by Charles P. Moritz ***
