Richard Steele: Edited, with an Introduction and Notes by G. A. AitkenSteele, Richard, Sir
General
Richard Steele: Edited, with an Introduction and Notes by G. A. Aitken
Steele, Richard, Sir
English drama (Comedy); Steele, Richard, Sir, 1672-1729
[143] The documents printed in this Appendix are taken from my _Life
of Steele_, 1889, in order to illustrate, more fully than was possible
in the Introduction, Steele's relations with the theatre at different
periods.
[144] Chancery Proceedings (Pub. Rec. Office), B. and A. Hamilton, iv.,
before 1714, No. 642.
[145] There is a curious mistake in the date of the _Tender Husband_
throughout Steele's Bill. As we have seen, it was first produced in
April, 1705. There are several allusions in the play to the battle of
Blenheim, which was not fought until August, 1704.
[146] In Easter term, 1707, the Queen sent her writ to the Sheriff
of Middlesex in these words: Whereas Christopher Rich, Esq., in our
Court at Westminster by our writ and by judgment of the said Court
recovered against Richard Steele, gentleman, _alias_ Richard Steele of
the parish of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, gentleman, £144 of debt, also
53s. for his damages, whereof Richard is convicted as is manifest to us
by the Records: Now on the part of the said Christopher we understand
that in spite of the judgment aforesaid the debt and damages still
remain unpaid, wherefore Christopher prays us to give him a suitable
remedy. We willing to do what is just in the matter command you by
honest men of your bailiwick to cause Richard to know that he is to
come before us at Westminster on Wednesday next after the Quindene of
Easter to show if he knows or can say anything in bar of execution why
Christopher may not have execution of his debt and damages, according
to the force, form, and effect of recovery, if he shall think proper,
and further to do and receive what the Court shall consider to be just
in the matter.--On the 12th February, 5 Anne (1706-7), at Westminster,
Christopher came, and the Sheriff acknowledged that Richard has nothing
in his bailiwick by which he could cause him to know, &c. [_i.e._, he
had no property to which he could affix the notice]. Richard did not
come; therefore it was commanded to the Sheriff to make known to him
that he was to be before the Queen at Westminster on Wednesday next
after the month of Easter, to show if, &c., and further, &c. The same
day was given to Christopher, whereupon he came, and the Sheriff again
acknowledged that Richard had nothing, &c., but Richard did not come.
It was therefore considered that Christopher might have execution
against him of debts and damages, according to the form and effect of
the recovery aforesaid (Queen's Bench Judgment Roll, Easter 6 Anne,
375). I have not found the original judgment here referred to.
[147] Baggs commenced an action for debt against Steele in the Court of
Queen's Bench in Michaelmas term, 1707, claiming damages of £15.
[148] 1703, N.S.
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