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TATTERSALL'S;

Or, a GLANCE at the SETTLING DAY after the

DERBY RACE.

FELIX QUI NIHIL DEBET!

Amidst VARIETY's great range,
In LONDON's splendid mart-
Take a peep at that "Gay Exchange,"
Where sportsmen play their part?
All thorough-bred! such chaffing pals:
With HIGH, Low, JACK, and GAME,
Sure to meet with-at TATTERSALL'S,
So old in sporting fame!

For dashing Cab,
With natty lad,
Out-and-out Prad,
Going--going-going-the last time-

"Gentlemen, what can you hesitate about? only look at her! she is one of the most beautiful creatures that I have ever had the honor of submitting to your notice! So gentle in her paces; indeed, so safe a goer, that a child might ride her. Her pedigree is excellentshe is thorough-bred from her ear to her hoof; and the Herald's College could not produce a more sound and satisfactory one-she comes

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from a good house, I pledge, my word, gentlemen. My Lord Duke, will you allow me to say 2501. for your Grace? She will, not withstanding the excellence of your Grace's stud, be an ornament to it. She is a picture-complete to a shade; in fact, I could gaze upon her for ever, and always be struck with some new beauty she possesses. Thank you, my Lord Duke, I was certain your Grace would not let such an opportunity pass. There is not a horse dealer in the kingdom who can show such a fine creature! She is above competition-I may say, she is matchless! the Regent's Park might be betted to a mole-hill with safety that she has no paragon. Sir Henry, let me call your attention to CLEOPATRA ! She is like her namesake in the olden times-but beautiful without paint! She is pure Nature, and no vice! Her action, Sir Harry-yes, her action-I could dilaté upon it for a quarter of an hour--but puffing is out of the question-you shall judge for yourself. Run her down, John-The Graces, I am sure, Sir Harry, were they to behold her movements, would be out of temper with her captivating excellence! Taglioni, I must admit, can perform wonders with her pretty feet; but Cleopatra, my Lord Duke, can distance the whole of them put together; and positively leave the Opera House with all its talent, in the back ground. In fact, I am deficient in words to display her immense capabilities 3001. Going! Going! 3101 Thank you, my Lord Duke, she must be yours. For the last time, going at 3101.; but I will do the handsome thing, I will allow you five minutes to compose your mind-I am well aware that such unparalleled beauty is very dazzling-therefore, before you lose sight of this handsome creature, I do impress upon you, to remember that the opportunity once lost-3207.; Sir Harry, I am obliged to youthe world has always acknowledged you as a man of great taste in matters of this kind; and, without flattery, you have never shown it more than in the present instanceaccording to the poet, Beauty unadorned, is adorned the most!" Going-CLEOPATRA, my Lord Duke, will be in other hands if your Grace does not make up your mind in your usual princely style of doing things-a good bidding will make CLEOPATRA your own for ever, therefore, now's the time to put on the distancing power, and your Grace will win the race in a canter! 340l. My Lord Duke, I can only express my gratitude to say, that you have done me honor-Going!-going-in fact, gentlemen, I am like an artist in this case, I do not like to leave such a delightful picture and 1 could dwell upon the qualities of CLEOPATRA to the echo that applauds again-but most certainly I have given you all a fair chance-CLEOPATRA is on the go-are you all silent-going for 340l. after all, what is that sum for one of the greatest English beauties ever submitted to the inspection of the public! 350., thank you, Sir Charles-worth your money at any price. I have witnessed your

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notice of CLEOPATRA for some time past--she will bear looking at, again and again! Charming CLEOPATRA! I am glad to see she has so many suitors for her hand-I beg pardon, gentlemen-a slip will happen to the best of us-her feet, I should have said, but nevertheless, I am happy to see she has a host of admirers. I cannot bid myself, or else I would "make play," and CLEOPATRA Should become a noble prize. 3701. Bravo! my Lord Duke! for 370l. positively, yes positively, 'pon my honor, positively the last time-or else the beautiful CLEOPATRA goes into the keeping of my Lord Duke. You are sure, gentlemen, that you have all done? Don't blame me, don't blame yourselves! Going, once! Going, twice! Going, three times ! [The auctioneer, after a long pause, and numerous flourishes with his hammer, in hopes to obtain another bidding, but the cock would not fight,' exclaimed,] GONE!!! CLEOPATRA belongs to the Duke.

6

Then TATTERSALL'S the place,
For pedigree to trace,

One of the tip-top shows in London.

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For the last fifty years, and upwards, the name of TATTERSALL, and his establishment, have stood eminently conspicuous in the sporting world; and, notwithstanding the opposition started at various times against it, yet naturally to be expected in an improving Metropolis, like London, where myriads of speculators and men of talent are always upon the look out, to have a 6 finger in the pie, of good things,' none of the new concerns' have been able to reduce its consequence, or lessen its character in the eyes of the public; but, on the contrary, it has increased rather than diminished both in point of business and attraction. There is no establishment that we can remember, and also from the best information we have acquired upon the subject, that has kept its ground so firmly, in every point of view as-TATTERSALL's; therefore we are induced to quote from ourselves—“ Life in London, 1821;" and have no reason to alter our opinion:

"This scene is so very familiar to a certain part of the public, and can also be identified at any period, that it scarcely requires a comment. But to a great portion of society in the Metropolis, who are quite aloof from sporting transactions, a short account of this most celebrated repository may prove not altogether unacceptable.

"Jerry expressed himself so much pleased with his visit to TATTERSALL'S, that he observed to Logic, during his stay in London he should often frequent it. "I delight," said HAWTHORN, "to be in the company of sportsmen; and no objects afford me greater satisfaction than the sight of a fine hunter,-the view of a high-mettled racer,-and the look of a perfect greyhound." "I admire them also," replied the Corinthian; "and Tattersall's will always prove an agreeable lounge, if no direct purpose call a person

thither. If nothing more than IRFORMATION be acquired, that alone, Jerry, to a man of the world, is valuable at all times. Besides, Tattersall's gives a tone to the sporting world, in the same way that the transactions on the Royal Exchange influence the mercantile part of society. It has likewise its 'settling days' after the great races at Newmarket, Doncaster, Epsom, Ascot, &c. I do not know about the bulls and bears; but if it has no lame ducks to waddle out, it has sometimes Levanters that will not show for a time, and others that will brush off altogether. But this does not happen very often; and Tattersall's has its good MEN' as well as the 'Change; and whose word' will be taken for any amount. It has also its 'subscription room,' which is extremely convenient for gentlemen and other persons, who feel any inclination to become acquainted with the events of the sporting world, at the moderate charge of one guinea a year. Indeed" continued Tom, "there is an air of sporting about this place altogether; elegance, cleanliness, and style, being its prominent features. The company, I admit, is a mixture of persons of nearly all ranks in life: but, nevertheless, it is that sort of mixture which is pleasingly interesting; there is no intimacy or association about it. A man may be well known here; he may also in his turn know almost every body that visits Tattersall's; and yet be quite a stranger to the habits and connexions of society. It is no matter who sells or who purchases at this repository. A bet stands as good with a LEG, and is thought as much of, as with a Peer,-MONEY, being the touchstone of the circumstance. The 'best judge' respecting sporting events is acknowledged the 'best man' here; every person being on the look out,' to see how he lags his blunt. The DUKE and the Parliamentary Orator, if they do not know the properties of a horse, are little more than cyphers; it is true, they may be stared at, if pointed out as great characters, but nothing more. The nod from a stable keeper is quite as im. portant, if not more so, to the Auctioneer, as the wink of a RIGHT HONORABLE. Numbers of persons, who visit TATTERSALL's, are or wish to appear knowing; from which 'self' importance they are often most egregiously duped. In short, if you are not as familiar with the odds upon all events as CHITTY in quoting precedents-show as intimate an acquaintance with the pedigree and speed of race horses as a GULLEY-and also display as correct a knowledge of the various capabilities of the prize pugilists as Jackson:-if GAIN is your immediate object, you are ' of no use' at TATTERSALL'S." 66 Yes," says LOGIC, with a grin, interrupting Toм; "there are to be found here as many flats and sharps as would furnish the score of a musical composer; and several of these instruments have been so much played upon, and are so wretchedly out of tune, that the most skilful musi

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cian in the world cannot restore them to perfect harmony." "It is," resumed the CORINTHIAN, an excellent mart for the disposal of carriages, horses, dogs, &c., and many a fine fellow's stud has been floored by the hammer of TATTERSALL. There is a capacious TAP attached to the premises for the convenience of the servants of gentlemen in attendance upon their masters, or for any person who stands in need of refreshment. TATTERSALL'S, for the purposes intended,is the most complete place in the Metropolis; and if you have any desire to witness real life'-to observe character, and to view the favorite hobbies of mankind, it is the resort of the pinks of the SWELLS -the tulips of the GOES,-the dashing heroes of the military,-the fox-hunting clericals,sprigs of nobility,-stylish coachmen,-smart guards, saucy butchers,- natty grooms,tidy helpers, knowing horse dealers,-betting publicans, neat jockeys,-sporting men of all descriptions,-and the picture is finished by numbers of real gentlemen. It is the tiptop sporting feature in London." "It must have been the work of some time," said JERRY, "to have formed such a famous connexion." "Yes," replied Toм; "you are quite right. It is not the work of a day. The name of TATTERSALL is not only high, but of long standing in the sporting world; and every thing connected with this splendid establishment is conducted in the most gentlemanly manner. The founder of these premises was, during his time, viewed as one of the best judges of horse-flesh in the kingdom; and, as a proof of it, he made his fortune by a horse called HIGHFLYER."

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There liv'd, as fame reports, in days of yore, At least, some fifty years ago, or more,

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At Hyde Park Corner, great in fame, For selling horses, carriages, and hounds, And quickly turning Shillings into POUNDS, The Sporting TATTERSALL"-his name! When Mr. Tattersall commenced business as an auctioneer in the horse-line and carriage department, the times were more propitious towards forming a 'good connection' and realizing a fortune as a reward for industry and past services than at the present period-indeed, the country was in a far different state altogether, but even then JOHN BULL never lost sight of an inch of his native privilege-liberty, perhaps, might be a more appropriate phrase, to grumble, and growl at every thing like a bear with a sore head." But no matter -the founder of the above establishment possessed an active mind, with an eye towards the main chance-and made himself master of a tolerably good knack in describing the properties of a horse, or the qualities of a greyhound, &c., without being obliged to prove himself a competent judge of either of them-(the act of parliament for an auctioneer requiring no such qualifications from the man who knocked down every thing with his hammer), but more like many persons who have certain duties to perform in the pulpit (yet with due deference

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and respect to the cloth be it spoken), purchase MS. sermons, and pass off before their congregations as men of talent-so may an auctioneer proceed in his calling by rote, and with a little self-preparation, something after the manner of a rehearsal, he may ascend the rostrum and descant upon the various articles committed to his charge, with all the ability of a Crichton. The above allusions may, or may not, apply to the late Mr. Tattersall; but it was notorious that he had been a most prosperous man in business; indeed, good luck had been his constant companion in most of his speculations; and almost every thing that he touched, in a business-like point of view, had turned to gold.

The following EPITAPH may form something like a clue to the riches of the late Mr. TATTERSALL:

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He call'd an elegant mansion he built
HIGHFLYER HALL.

At these extensive demesnes
It is not unusual for some of the
Highest characters

To regale sumptuously,
When they do the owner the honor
Of accepting his hospitality.
A gentleman of the Turf,

Tho' he has no produce from the above
STALLION,

Begs leave to pay this small tribute
To his memory.

Here lies the third of the Newmarket race,
That ne'er was conquer'd on the Olympic plain :
Herod his sire, who but to few gave place,

Rachel his dam-his blood without a stain.

By his prolific deeds was built a court,t
Near where proud Ely's turrets rise;

To this fam'd sultan would all ranks resort,
To stir him up to an am'rous enterprise.

To these three patriarchst the Turf shall owe
The long existence of superior breed:
That blood in endless progeny shall flow,

To give the lion's strength and roebuck's speed.

It appears, that some intimate friend of Mr. Tattersall had suggested to him, as a good speculation, the great advantage that would accrue to him if he possessed a NEWSPAPER; more especially, as he had occasion to advertise daily the sale of horses; and it was not a very difficult matter to prove to him (his mind being always open to every channel whereby property might be acquired) that in this way

Childers,-Eclipse. + An elegant villa near Ely. Childers, Eclipse, Highflyer.

he could gain some hundreds a-year by advertisements, independent of the importance it would give him in society. It is, however, true, that his friends dissuaded him, and often repeated, "Ne sutor ultra Crepidam.” "I am quite aware of your objection,” replied Mr. Tattersall," but I know no more about horses than I do of newspapers; and I have done well with the one; therefore, the chance is equal that I shall do well with the other; nay, I think the ODDS are in my favor." However strange it might appear to some persons in the world, that a 'dealer of horses' should suddenly become a 'dealer in LITerature,' and that the stride was immense from the one sort of traffic to the other, and the contrast of character equally out of place; there are persons to be met with in society who entertain an opinion, that in skilful hands, men are more easily managed than horses! But surely, as the facetious George Colman has observed in his Newcastle Apothecary,

Benjamin Bolus, though in trade,

(Which often times will GENIUS fetter); Read works of fancy, it is said:

And cultivated the Belles Lettres.

And why should this be thought so odd!
Can't men have taste who cure a phthisic?
Of Poetry though patron God,

Apollo patronises physic.

And why, it might be asked, should not Mr. Tattersall have a taste for Literature as well as possessing judgment in cattle?

To describe a horse, or pet dog,
And praise the limbs so taper;
'Tis but to give MEM'RY a jog-
And "cut" for the Newspaper.

But in spite of all the objections urged against Mr. Tattersall becoming the proprietor of a newspaper, he entered into the proposed scheme with the utmost composure and confidence; perhaps under the impression of the old adage, "that nothing venture, nothing win." The change of scene which the above connection produced in the affairs of Mr. Tattersall was not at all unpleasant to his feelings; for if he had to combat the opinions of horse-dealers, grooms, and sporting folks respecting turf masters in the morning; the polished conversation he experienced in the evening with literary characters, artists, and men of talent respecting the affairs of the country, made ample amends for it.

If Mr. Tattersall could not have written articles on the state of politics like the late Mr. Perry of the Morning Chronicle, his great intercourse with the 'numerous characters of his day' might have taught him to dictate to an amanuensis a variety of attractive features for a daily Journal; and, if he did not likewise possess talent enough to take the lead in an argument like an orator, he might have shown himself a sharp listener on passing subjects,' so as to have proved himself a tolerably good Jack-all in the capacity of a caterer to the concern. The late Mr. Tattersall did, we have no doubt, furnish, very fre

quently, a column on the " Sayings and Doings," which came under his immediate cognizance, and within the precincts of his own Repository-such as accounts of the young sprigs of nobility starting into life with new carriages, horses, &c., and also the 'break downs' of some of the broken-winded members of fashion, whose high-bred studs were compelled to knock under to the ham

mer:

Prime of Life to go it! where's the place like London ? Four-in-hand to day-the next you may be undone ! Where the Peer and the Prentice they dress so much the same,

You cannot tell the difference excepting by the name:

By which means, the late Mr. Tattersall might have become a very useful sort of personage as- -ONE OF THE PRESS.*

The Newspaper alluded to-the Morning Post, at that period was in a very flourishing condition, and which brought Mr. Tattersall intimately connected with the following public characters, Mr. Alderman Skinner, + Mr.

* ONE OF THE PRESS! There is certainly some importance about this title; more especially if the individual who, in his character of a reporter, performs his duty to the public with truth and firmness, he is, at least, entitled to the respect and thanks of his countrymen. The proprietor of a Morning newspaper is a person of some consequence in the affairs of the world; he possesses that sort of power which is felt, but unknown. The PRESS-is a Monitor which which has made kings tremble upon their thrones ; and hurled some of them headlong from their eminence in society; it is also the PRESS that has made judges quake upon the bench, when their conduct has been contrary to law; prime ministers have been alarmed by its bold truths; and it is the PRESS that has penetrated into the dungeon of the innocently condemned criminal to death, and made his unfortunate case known to the fountain of justice, whereby his life has been preserved, then as one of my last wishes for the prosperity of this most powerful engine, which no steam power can compete with, may it still march with rapid strides to remove ignorance, bigotry, and superstition, and in their stead make mankind happy, enlightened, and good. Just by way of an adieu, in a technical point of view, to this delighful subject, in which so much enthusiasm must always exist in the breasts of the Lovers of Freedom-May TYRANNY be bedded in the coffin of the Press; may its plattin always produce nothing else but the impression of TRUTH; and may LIBERTY be always attached to its frisket. And may the tympan of the Press likewise lend its assistance towards the cause of VIRTUE; may the carriage always proceed rapidly towards relieving DISTRESS; and may its bar be always exercised against OPPRESSION in every shape. The above observations, we trust, will operate as an apology, not only for the late Mr. Tattersall, but for those persons who have at some time or other appeared anxious to obtain the title as-" ONE OF THE PRESS !"

+ Alderman Skinner was likewise an auctioneer of the first class; but in a different line to Mr. Tattersall; and, it was supposed, that three parts of the estates in the kingdom, had been, at different times, consigned to his care. Such was the immense business Alderman Skinner carried on, that it was a very common occurrence to witness fifty advertisements in the different Morning Newspapers of his Sales by Auction. Alderman Skinner was a man of great respectability-and, in a political point of view, had obtained the appellation in the City of the "patriotic Alderman"-he was a true freind to Liberty.

Christie,* and Mr. John Bell, who were partners with him in the above daily Journal. The Rev. Mr. Bate was the editor of the Morning Post, and who had also some shares in the paper. Mr. Bate was a gentleman of

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*This gentleman was also an auctioneer, and completely the architect of his own fortune: who, from holding a very trifling situation in the office of an auctioneer, to his credit be it related, he worked his way into a carriage; and likewise laid the foundation in life for his family. His tiny bits' of French, introduced here and there during his sales, produced at that time a wonderful effect upon his auditors, who in general were of the first taste and quality; and which, ultimately, rendered the auction rooms of Christie a fashionable sort of lounge. The Mr. Christie alluded to, had a sort of winning manner: some persons called insinuating,' others a coaxing' way with him, that he generally obtained very high prices for the articles committed to his sale room. He was what might have been termed a gold beater' of an auctioneer-he could hammer out a guinea to ten by his pleasing mode of delivery-and the plausible manner he had of dwelling on the word-"Going!” My Lady Countess, you surely will not lose this pretty Bijou for such a mere song-let me, Madam, give you the benefit of my experience, and tell your Ladyship that it would he dirt cheap at twice the sum which has been offered for it-I really must knock it down to your Ladyship." And again," this delightful painting-one of the wonders of the world-an article fit for the cabinet of an Emperor-your Lordship cannot, will not pass it over; in fact, your cabinet of rarities would be incomplete without this chef d'ouvre of Reubens. It would, possitively, be a libel on a distin. guished Connoisseur like your Lordship to let it go into other hands-I will run all risks-permit me to sayReubens chef d'ouvre is in the cabinet of your Lordship, &c. The original Mr. Christie was a man of great discernment and industry-he saw his way to preferment and lost not an inch of the ground-he hammered his way into life-knocked down Poverty as a bad lot-and also made out an excellent catalogue for himself to obtain the possession of the articles calculated to give him a desirable eminence in Society. Such were the men whom the late Mr. Tattersall had for his partners in the Morning Post.

+ Mr. John Bell, one of the most spirited and elegant publishers of his time, and to whose exertions the lovers of fine printing, and works of a superior kind, are highly indebted to him. It was the late Mr. John Bell who first introduced the round or short s into all his works; in fact, he gave quite a new era to printing "Bell's Edition of Plays," and "Bell's Edition of the Poets," &c., were immensely attractive at the time they were first published; and up to the present period they have always been held in the highest estimation of the public, and the booksellers as standard editions. Mr. Bell was also connected with the late dashing high-minded Capt. Topham, in a spirited Morning Journal, called "THE WORLD!" which, at one period of its circulation, was in high repute, both in the fashionable and sporting world. Mr. Bell likewise established a weekly journal, called after his name, "Bell's Weekly Messenger," a paper of great notoriety, and also of great sale, and still maintains a respectable eminence in the sale of Sunday newspapers. The premises of the late Mr. John Bell were nearly opposite Exeter Change, in the Strand; and fitted up in a most elegant manner, and were the resort of the beau monde, and the first rate actors belonging to both the Theatres Royal. No man knew better how to measure the foot of the public, or cater for JOHN BULL, in a literary style, than the late Mr. John Bell. He was, indeed, a man of great enterprise and speculation, and who lived to a good old age. The sale of his works were very great; and he ought to have amassed a princely fortune; but, like most men of genius and invention, he was continually assailed by embarrassment. It is said of him that, during his career as a publisher, he had paid half a million of money to government for Stamp Duties,

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