"A person who has been six months deprived of what he calls Heaven's chiefest blessing, domestic happiness, is not ashamed of thus avowing his intention of again endeavouring to regain, by Marriage, that solid felicity he so much regrets the loss of, and hopes this way to become acquainted with some Maiden Lady, who has a soul superior to vulgar prejudices, and who will venture to go a little out of the beaten road, in order to form a truly rational plan for that sociable happiness which is only to be found in the Marriage State. The writer of this has no children, his age is between 40 and 50: he has acquired, by trade, £20,000, has a house at the West end of the town, another in Kent, and a Coach to take him from one to the other: so that he thinks himself deserving of a Lady of equal fortune: the more so, as he will permit her to make it over to herself or her relations: and if she should not possess more than half that sum, 'he'd ne'er quarrel for that.'--A line, addressed to W. W., No. 32 Snow Hill, by any Lady, or her friends, will be considered as a mark of good sense, and treated with the respect that is due from a man of sense to the fair sex."--(_Times, March 10, 1794._) * * * * * Advt.--"Matrimony. A Gentleman of small independent Fortune, occupying a Farm in a retired Part of the Country, within 20 miles South West of London, takes this public method of addressing any Lady, who may feel happy, and disposed to place herself under the protection of such a person. He is a Widower, 28 years of age, with an only child, who is amply provided for. On the part of the Lady, it will be expected that her person be fair, her mind amiable, and well-informed, her disposition feminine. In return, the conduct of the Gentleman will be found to be in every respect manly, honourable, and sincere. A line by way of introduction, addressed to Mr. Amiens, Epsom, will be paid every attention to, and it is particularly entreated, that no other, but of the above description, will give themselves that trouble."--(_Times, Novr. 26, 1798._) The French were very badly off for clothing, and as war was on the very eve of commencement--(diplomatic relations between the two Countries having ceased, and the French already having begun open hostilities)--clothing, naturally, was considered "Contraband of War:" hence the following:-- "A vessel loaded with cloathing, to the amount of £120,000, was on Tuesday stopped in the River. She was bound to a port in France."--(_Times, Feb. 7, 1793._) * * * * *