| Citation |
NYGWPB.769.047
26 Jun 1769:22 (1382)
London, April 20. We are informed, that during the
altercation among the lad[i]es at Bath, some secrets were
discovered by the contending parties, that are likely to be
attended with disagreeable consequences. . . [6 lines]
A gentleman from Bath confirms the news of the riot among
the Belles and Beaux; and gives us the following farther
particulars: It began first upon Mr. Plomer's ordering a
bench to be set for some ladies who came in late, before
another that was full. The Hon. Mrs. O a warm friend of
Major Brereton's insisted, if it was put before her, she
should sit upon it; upon which one of the ladies for whom it
was brought pushed her off, and this insult was returned by
Mrs. O. with a back-handed blow on the head that brought her
antagonist to the floor; and then began the dreadful
conflict, the gentlemen (who wear no swords at Bath) fell to
fisty-cuffs, the ladies to pulling one another's caps, so
that the floor was presently covered with bags and
solitaires, laced ruffles, ladies caps, toupees, &c. Many
ladies fainted away, some turned sick and puked upon their
neighbours; in short, such a scene of confusion is never
remembered to have been exhibited by so genteel a company
before. The magistrates were engaged at the Town hall for
some hours afterwards, in taking informations of assault and
battery. A correspondent informs us, that the dispatches at
Bath, concerning the succession to the office of Master of
the Ceremonis [sic], are at length happily concluded.
Captain Wade is unanimously elected. Five hundred pounds of
the surplus of the ball-subscription for the present season
is allowed to Major Brereton; and Mrs. Brereton is appointed
a benefit-ball every season, which Captain Wade obliges
himself to make equal to 200L. per annum. . .
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