1727+-+Mist's+Weekly+Journal

Salim Abdeslem
Professor Laura Rosenthal ENGL 416 11 Apr 2016

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I hope this letter finds you in good health. I apologize for not having written sooner but I have been rather busy since arriving here in London on the day of the New Year. It seems I underestimated the complexity of life in a city as vast as London. I find myself frequently becoming disoriented and losing my direction as I attempt to navigate the serpentine roads and alleyways. However, I am confident that it is simply due to my inexperience and that given some time I will achieve the navigational prowess of a life-long resident of this beautiful city. ======

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The beauty of this city is nothing like our country home. It has none of the vast fields and forests we are so accustomed to. Its beauty lies in the intangible; I reckon that London must be the capital of the whole globe in terms of intellectual discourse and debates of reason! Many a time I have found myself engrossed in a seemingly unimportant subject simply because the act of debating is done with such fluency and passion by many a gentleman here. I must say I have grown rather fond of the coffeehouses that dot the map of this city. They serve as convenient establishments in which the educated may interact and broaden their intellectual horizons, honing their oratorical skills and adding a wealth of knowledge to their thinking. You will enjoy yourself greatly when it is your time to visit! ======

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I hope Father is not anxious about my business dealings here on his behalf. I have secured a reliable distributor for our fine textiles and have met a trader who fancies himself the premier trader of Turkish cloths in the whole of London. I shall send Father a separate letter inquiring as to whether he would like for me to purchase a few of the Turk’s wares for him to assess. I shall write you again soon Brother and please make sure our sister Elizabeth is well; she seemed to be in bad spirits when I departed. ======

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I must tell you about a great publication I have found titled Mist’s Weekly Journal. I was thumbing through one of the issues I found at a tavern I had stopped in to take my supper and found it enjoyable. I found out that the king of Poland has recovered from his fever but that he remains bedridden due to an incision made in his foot. I will have to gather more information about the publication as a whole. ======

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On Thursday the 12th of January, I was invited to attend a performance at Drury Lane in this fine city. Its proper name is The Theater Royal but most of the citizens who speak of it refer to the theater simply as Drury Lane and thus, I shall do so as well for want of taking on the speaking habits of a Londoner. ======

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The gentleman who had invited me is one of my new friends whom I had met at a coffeehouse nearby my lodgings. His name is Mr. Alexander and is from Cromer in the northern section of Norfolk. Though older in years than I, we have become fast friends due to our mutual interest in philosophy and the arts. After a spirited debate about the writings of Homer, he informed me that he would be able to procure an extra ticket to a show on Thursday and I readily agreed (knowing I had the proper attire with me in my travel bag). ======

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Oh and what a show it was! Never have I seen such a marvelous performance in all my life. The play is Volpone by Johnson and though I have read it before, I have never seen it come alive so enthusiastically! ======

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The characters are largely named after animals and I shall use these terms when referencing them. The play centers around a man named Volpone (the Fox), a rich gentleman who decides to trick the men who desire his fortune by pretending he is to die in the near future. These men are the Vulture, the Crow and the Raven. His servant, the Fly (how aptly named for what a parasite he is), leads each of these men to believe he has been chosen as the heir to Volpone’s fortune. The Crow has a wife named Celia who is beautiful and the Fox desires her. After the Fly tells the Crow that allowing the Fox to lie with his wife will cure him and thus, make him the heir to his fortune, the Crow agrees to this arrangement. He thinks that the Fox is impotent and allows him to lay with her! Imagine my delight at seeing this unfold before me! ======

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The Crow’s wife is unimpressed with the Fox’s advances, promising her wealth beyond measure. The Fox then becomes enraged and attempts to desecrate the poor woman with force! The Fox is clever and well-educated and successfully defends himself in court. After a short time, the Fox pretends he has died and willed his money to the Fly, sending the other potential heirs into a frenzy! They all appear in court and the Fox reveals himself as still possessing life in order to retain his fortune and keep it out of the greedy hands of his servant, the Fly. As the play concludes, all the men implicated are implicated and punished accordingly. ======

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Do you recall the book I allowed you to bother a couple of years past? It was titled Roxana: The Fortunate Mistress and was written by Defoe. It seems as though Defoe and Johnson were warning against the very same thing! Perhaps both were troubled over the increasingly capitalistic societies they were living in (Defoe more so than Johnson I think). Both of these brilliant writers discuss the pitfalls of avarice and incessant greed. Father, being a merchant himself, would likely call this sort of writing absolute rubbish. Even though you and I are destined to take over his business once he bequeaths it to us, I think reading these texts is of the utmost importance since it shall allow our morality not to be skewed by a bit of coin or an extra sale. I think we would do well to listen to this sort of writing but we may discuss this further when I arrive back home. ======

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If you are able to come for a visit while I am in London, we simply must go see a show. They are like nothing you have ever seen and the excitement of all the theater-goers is palpable, rendering the atmosphere quite pleasant and intoxicating. In fact, I am due to accompany Mr. Alexander to Drury Lane again at a later date. I will be sure to tell you about my next experience at London’s magnificent theater house! ======

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I have been made aware of somber news today when I awoke. It seems King George I passed from this mortal plane around one week ago while on a visit to Hanover. Oh how grief stricken his family must be! I was unable to communicate with anyone other than a doctor that was called for me for the last five days. I had contracted some form of rash while visiting a brothel nearby. It has cleared up thanks to the good doctor’s assistance but I would be thankful if you did not mention this sordid matter to Father or Mother… ======

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George has not been the most popular king in our nation’s history but I am of the opinion that these sentiments are largely baseless and unsubstantiated. The detestable Lady Mary Wortley Montagu and many others thought him to be of low intelligence. Such a ridiculous claim! The man was simply not a native English speaker. He possessed fluency in his native German as well as French and was well-versed in other languages such as Dutch and Italian. His English skills were limited only in speech and he displayed a high level of fluency and eloquence in his writing. ======

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Though he ascended the throne amid some controversy, it is my belief that he was an effective and progressive ruler for this country. What other king than he would have allowed his detractors to print without heavy censorship? Let us remember it was he who offered the great Voltaire safe haven after his exile last year. He embraced the Enlightenment wholly and thought has flourished under his rule. It must be those small-minded Jacobites who are out to tarnish his legacy. Though there were closer relatives of Queen Anne at the time of her death, they were of the catholic faith and George was her closest Protestant relative. Such a trivial detail! Perhaps the Act of Settlement was a positive political development for London and the nation some twenty years ago. Catholics have proven themselves incapable of rational thought more so than their Protestant counterparts. Alas, I should not take to thinking in this manner for it may render my brain addled with bitterness and clouded thought. ======

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The most recent edition of Mist’s Weekly Journal came out before the news of the King’s death but I am certain it will be discussed in next week’s issue. This week’s contained some engrossing dialogue regarding the virtue of Man and the relationship between moral contentment and the presence of vice. I must say that though the author is a staunch Jacobite (something I only recently learned), his intelligence and eloquence must be the exception to the rule, for the majority of other Jacobites I have encountered strike me as rather dim-witted and crass. I enjoyed reading his take on the character of an individual and the various ills of society that may befall him if he is not pure of heart. ======

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I am sure you have already heard the news of King George’s death but I simply wanted to put some of my thoughts on paper this night as I digest these grave events. I hope all is well with everyone back home and I shall write to you again soon I hope. ======

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As you have probably ascertained, I am rather fascinated with the city of London and find the positives remarkable and the negatives a bit charming in their own way since they are so different from the monotony of country life. I am writing to recount another fascinating experience I had while perusing the shops of London’s mercantile districts. ======

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I have stumbled upon a wonderful and captivating anthology series titled “New Memoirs of Literature, Containing an Account of New Books Printed Both at Home and Abroad, with Dissertations upon Several Subjects, Miscellaneous Observations”. What a wonder this series has been for me! One can find all sorts of literature contained within its pages. More importantly, there is plentiful academic observations and critiques that allow the reader to experience a piece of literature from several different angles and viewpoints. I feel as though I am at Oxford proper when I read from it. The first four volumes were published last year and the year before that and the first month of our year has seen its fifth volume published. I will endeavor to purchase all available volumes before I return home. ======

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Of particular note was a passage written by Mr. Charles Lamotte, Chaplain to the Duke of Montagu in response to a passage written by a Mr. Cary contained in an earlier volume of the series published 1726. In Lamotte’s response, he argues over the subject brought forth by Mr. Cary: a passage in Homer’s writings involving the portrayal of Achilles and the Greek grammar associated with said passage. I will not bore you with the particulars because I recall how much you detested Homer’s writings in our younger days but I will have you know that these fine men have the ability to debate in such an elegant manner and without any animosity that I have become convinced it is an art in itself. Mr. Lamotte appears to write Greek rather proficiently and has included his analysis of various sentences contained in Homer’s writings and whether slight adjustments should be made in the English translations. To know this was published with the intent of allowing the public to learn more about the subject makes my heart swell akin to a giddy child in a sweets-shop. I am certain you will enjoy some of these passages when I bring them to you and Father to discuss. I also happened to stumble across a beautifully written poem by a one Mr. Richard Savage. Contained within the poem is a very elegant immortalization of the late King, discussing his political accomplishments and various aspects concerning his demeanor and decision making. I shall attach a copy to this letter in hopes you will enjoy it. ======

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Have you heard of a certain Jonathan Swift? I have been made aware of his writing after reading a poem composed by him after George II took the throne following his father’s death. The introduction reads “To his Majesty King George, II. on the present State of Affairs in England, with Remarks on the Alterations expected at Court, after the Rise of the Parliament”, and though the poem is succinct, Mr. Smith injects a fair amount of commentary. He appears hopeful for the rise of capitalism and the general economic growth of our beloved nation. This appears to contrast with writers such as Defoe but knowing Swift’s satirical deftness, perhaps I will analyze it more thoroughly when I return. ======

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I spoke to my acquaintance Mr. Alexander about the poem and he inquired as to whether I had read Swift’s novel Gulliver’s Travels. I regrettably told him I had not and he promptly visited his domicile to retrieve me a copy. Oh Brother where do I begin to explain the genius that is Swift’s writing! ======

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The whole of the novel is nothing short of a masterpiece and I find Swift’s writing to be perhaps the finest of our day. I do not want to delve too far into details of the novel’s story as I am worried I may inadvertently ruin the experience for you when you are to read it. However, it is rife with symbolism and well thought out thematic elements. Gulliver himself is a British fellow who voyages to many strange lands. He sees a land filled with tiny people, one filled with giants, and one filled with talking horses. Yes, dear Brother, you read that correctly…talking horses! What a sight indeed! But Swift includes very astute philosophical commentary. I myself am wondering if I identify too much with the Lilliputians, who are portrayed as quite vain. I do not think that I vain in regards to my individual identity but rather a bit too proud of our nationality. I would usually venture to say that England must be without a doubt the finest place to live in all the world. After reading this book, I may have to temper such statements as I have not traveled so extensively as to make a claim without the necessary empirical evidence to support it. Thus, upon finishing Swift’s book, I will endeavor to remain more modest not only regarding my citizenship but also for our species as a whole, as Swift poses some interesting concepts about the natural vanity of humans. Regardless, you will enjoy this fine novel and I am bringing several copies home to distribute to you and our family. ======

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Gulliver’s Travels has impacted many of the more learned communities in London. Why, just the other day I saw a collection of poems written by the great Alexander Pope after being inspired by Swift’s novel. One was titled “The Grateful ADDRESS of the Unhappy HOUYHNHNMS” and was as humorous as it was well-written. I shall obtain as many of these poems as I can while I am here. ======

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I wanted to mention that there was a great issue of Mist’s Weekly earlier this month that discussed the trouble associated with those in London in favor of slavery. I must say, I nearly coughed up my morning tea while reading it due to the wit of Mr. Mist himself. He referred to those who favor slavery as “vermin” that clamor around the streets and should be eradicated. I wholeheartedly agree with him on the matter as there is no room in our enlightened society for those who favor the subjugation of their fellow men. Hopefully this sort of filth will die out as society continues to progress. ======

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I have not much time to write you as I am departing tomorrow morning on a brief visit to Paris, invited by Mr. Alexander. I believe that he may be a great deal wealthier than I originally assumed but it I am not uncouth enough to inquire as to whether or not this is true. ======

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I wanted to relay some noteworthy events that I have read in some of the various news publications of London. Mist’s Weekly Journal is a nice little newspaper with succinct snippets of information. Mr. Swift seems to be quite beloved in his native Ireland; when he returned there from England in late August, he was greeted with a veritable festival! There were reports of large crowds and celebratory bonfires and the like. ======

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Contained in Mist’s Weekly are reports of the plague still ravaging Constantinople. This makes me uneasy concerning the Turk I met who deals in the export of clothes from that area of the globe. I do not think I will pursue any business ventures with the fellow, please inform Father accordingly. ======

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On September the 3rd of this year, there was quite a scandal when some Custom-House officers found that a man was making counterfeit tea! What an outrage! I was livid at the thought that I could have imbibed this faulty drink. Thankfully, all of his coppers and production utensils have been seized and two Justices of the Peace have fined him a considerable amount. Good riddance to those who wish to mislead honest British citizens. ======

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There was a report that the East India Company has recently added eleven ships to their supply. This should help to bring in more exotic products and hopefully, lower the cost of them as well. I was thinking of purchasing a genuine Indian jewel box for Mother, what are your thoughts on the matter? I have already found a red silk scarf that I think she would enjoy having. ======

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I hope to see Hamlet, Prince of Denmark at Drury Lane in a few months time if I am able to attend. I have heard nothing but positive reviews and with such a prolific plot, it would be hard not to put on a good show. There is also Harlequin a Sorcerer that will run next month and is something I have been interested in seeing but have not had the chance just yet. I will do my best to attend several more issues before I return. There to be many plays available for viewing that feature predominantly female casts or in some instances, all female casts. I am glad that such an occurrence is becoming more commonplace as I think those of the fairer sex are gifted actresses and performers who are able to embody the role quite well. ======

Works Cited:

Avery, Emmett L., The London Stage 1660-1800 pt.2 v.2 Carbondale: Southern Illinois UP. 1960. Print

Pope, Alexander. “Poems occasion'd by reading the travels of Captain Lemuel Gulliver.” Eighteenth Century Collections Online. Web. 11 Apr 2016

Mr. Mist. Mist's Weekly Journal Jan-Sep 1727. Eighteenth Century Collections Online. Web. 11 Apr 2016

Swift, Jonathan. “To his Majesty King George, II. on the present State of Affairs in England, with Remarks on the Alterations expected at Court, after the Rise of the Parliament” Eighteenth Century Collections Online. Web. 11 Apr 2016

Savage, Richard. “A poem, sacred to the glorious memory of our late most gracious sovereign lord King George” Eighteenth Century Collections Online. Web. 11 Apr 2016

“Memoirs of Literature” Eighteenth Century Journals Jan 1727. Web. 11 Apr 2016

Swift, Jonathan, and Allan Ingram. Gulliver's Travels. Peterborough, Ont.: Broadview Editions, 2012. Print.