The Long Ago Times

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London, February 19th, 1824 —

SEVENTY YEARS AGO

(From a New York publication)

The editors of The Times have received from Mr. Isaac Levy a collection of the New York Gazette, spanning three years starting from 1750, issued weekly here by James Parker on Beaver Street.

Here are some highlights from that collection:

St. George’s Chapel in our city was dedicated early July 1752. Reverend Henry Barclay delivered the sermon for the occasion.

In the years 1750, 1751, and 1752, the postal service between New York and Boston adjusted seasonally, operating bi-weekly in winter and weekly during summer months.

Mr. Kean, notable for his tragic roles, had his final performance in Richard the Third on April 29, 1750, before transitioning to clerical work for Mr. Murray.

John Penn, Esq., grandson of the esteemed William Penn of Pennsylvania, landed in New York in November 1752 from London aboard the ship Joseph, captained by Bryant.

Philadelphia streets saw the introduction of street lamps on October 1, 1751, and almost immediately, a penalty was enforced for damaging them—case in point, a fine for breaking a lamp with an apple. New York followed suit in November with legislation against the destruction of glass lamps.

NEW YORK, Dec. 18, 1752. News from Elizabethtown tells of a peculiar group dubbed the Regulators, emerging recently. This group, dressing in women’s attire and wearing makeup, targets those rumored to mistreat their wives. They confront the accused, administer a physical reprimand, and vocally condemn spousal abuse. This initiative has reportedly instilled fear among potential offenders in Elizabethtown, suggesting a need for a counter-group to address other domestic grievances.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE TIMES

Sir, The anticipated tragedy Alasco, in rehearsal at Covent Garden Theatre, has been pulled due to objections from the Lord Chamberlain’s office, presumably on religious, moral, or political grounds. As the associated stigma could impact the reputation and sentiments of the writer involved, I publicly claim authorship of Alasco, accepting full responsibility for its content. My decision to remain anonymous until now was purely from a place of humility, not shame or fear.
Those familiar with me will attest to my integrity and my incapacity to produce work detrimental to our nation’s welfare.
The forthcoming publication of Alasco will allow public judgment on whether the censure was a necessary act of vigilance or an overreach damaging both to my personal standing and to the broader realm of dramatic art. Yours faithfully,
MARTIN ARCHER SHEE. Cavendish Square, Wednesday, Feb. 18.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE TIMES

Sir, Given The Times’ track record in highlighting and addressing societal issues, I wish to draw attention to the discourteous conduct of certain Bank clerks, especially in note and bill transactions. While the protocol involving endorsements and multiple clerks may be justified, the lack of guidance for newcomers is not. This behavior, bordering on arrogance, complicates what should be straightforward transactions, leaving visitors puzzled and frustrated.
72, Westmorland Place.
VERITAS.

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