| Citation |
MG-A(G.769.050
6 Jul 1769:1072 (1243)
London, April 16. 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, especially in
respect to one lady who was positively charged with a faux
pas previous to her marriage, which the husband thinks of so
seriously,that if the matter is not soon declared to his
satisfaction, a separation is resolved on. It is added, that
some of the ladies lost their tempers so greatly, as to
descend to mere Billingsgate language, such as to call their
antagonists b--s and w--s.
A gentleman from Bath confirms the news of the riot
among the Belles and Beaux; and give 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, 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 afterward 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. Capt. 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, 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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