| Citation |
BEP(F.752.037
4 Dec 1752:12 (901)
Extract of a letter from W----m, H------shire.
Though we have but little sport at our races, yet our ball
made a grand appearance by the sumptuous apparel of the
company, especially the women. The wives and daughters of
the trading people were dressed in a manner which would have
suited better those of the first rank and greatest estates,
and those of private gentlemen, in a brilliant and expensive
manner; nor were even jewels wanting to compleat our folly:
And this at a time when the poverty of this country, and
particularly of this place, is so very great. Which shews,
that, whatever dissentions we may have had of late amongst
us, yet we agree and cordially unite in pride, vanity, and
extravagance." (This is a true representation of our case;
especially among many who can least afford it; of which our
numerous insolvencies is no very small proof.)
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