| Citation |
BC.769.074
8-12 Jun 1769:1853 (100)
We are informed, that, during the altercation among the
ladies at Bath, some secrets were discovered by the
contending parties that are likely to be attended with
disagreeable consequences. . .
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 from 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 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 information of assault and
battery.
A correspondent informs us, that the disputes at Bath,
concerning the succession to the Office of Master of the
Ceremonies, 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 200 L. per annum, if the receipts of the night
should fall short of that sum. The ball-subscription is
settled for the future at three guineas, instead of two:
the guinea extraordinary to be applied to the use of the
Master of the Ceremonies.
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