He came from Gravesend, and was sober.” And so on through infinite variety. But to return to our advertisements. Though advertisements were by no means scarce about this time, the imposition of the duty still told heavily with regard to the regular business community, for in regular trade few things were advertised with the exception of books and quack medicines, all other commercial matters being disposed of by means of agents who advertised in a general manner, of which the following, from the _London Journal_ of February 7, 1730, is a fair specimen:-- THE _Public General_ CORRESPONDENCE _of affairs, for Improving Money, Trade and Estates, etc._ Some Persons want to BUY ESTATES HELD BY LEASE from any Bishop, Dean and Chapter, or College, either for Lives or Term of Years. A Person desires to dispose of considerable SUMS OF MONEY, in such manner as will bring him in the best interest, tho’ liable to some uncertainty. A Rev. Clergyman is willing to EXCHANGE A RECTORY of about £250 a year, in a pleasant cheap country, for a Rectory in or near London, tho’ of less value. Persons who want to raise a considerable sum of money on ESTATES, FREEHOLD or FOR LIFE, may be served therein, and in such a manner as not to be obliged to repayment, if they do not see fit. ESTATES _which some Persons want to_ BUY. Some Freehold Lands not far from Hertford.--An Estate from £200 to about £500 a year, within 60 miles of London.--A large Estate in Middlesex or Hertfordshire.--A good Farm in Sussex or Surrey.--And several persons want to buy and some to hire other estates. ESTATES _which some Persons want to_ SELL. Several good Houses in and about London, both Freehold and Leasehold.--A very good house for a Gentleman, pleasantly situated near Bury, with good gardens, etc. and some estate in land.--Several houses fit for gentlemen in the country, within 20 miles of London, some with and some without land.--And several persons want to sell, and some to let other estates. _The Particulars will be given by Mr Thomas Rogers_, Agent _for persons who want any such business to be done. He answers letters_ Post-paid, _and advertises if desired, not otherwise_, All at his own charge _if not successful_. He gives Attendance as undermentioned: Daily except Saturdays from 4 to 6 o’clock at home in Essex Street, then at Rainbow Coffee-house, by the TEMPLE. At 12 } Tuesday at Tom’s Coffee-house, by the EXCHANGE. o’clock} Thursday at Will’s Coffee-house, near WHITEHALL. And on sending for he will go to persons near. The next advertisement which offers itself for special notice is of a somewhat ludicrous character, and shows into what straits a man may get by means of a highly-developed imagination and an indiscreet tongue. It runs thus:-- _Bristol, January 19, 1732/3._