The following scene, of "hastening to be rich," is almost on a par with what might be witnessed in the time of John Law and the South Sea Bubble, or that of King George (Hudson) of Railway fame. It is thus recorded in the _Annual Register_: "April 7: This morning, as early as five o'clock, a crowd of brokers and others, beset the Exchequer-bill office, in order to put down their names for funding Exchequer Bills. Such was the scramble to get in, that a number of the persons were thrown down, and many of them injured; some fainted by the excessive pressure of the crowd, and a few had their coats literally torn off their backs. The first 14 names (chiefly bankers) subscribed seven millions out of the twelve required; and, very early in the day, notice was given that the subscription was full.... That the first characters in the country, as bankers, merchants, and others, are to be marshalled by police officers, exhorted to be patient, cool, and passive, till they can enter the Exchequer through a door, a third part opened by a chain, and of which the aperture is scarcely sufficient for a moderate sized man to get in, is disgraceful in the extreme." (_Ibid._) April 11th: "For the first time this season nine Mackerel were brought to the beach at Brighton, which were immediately purchased for the London Market at 6s. 6d. each. The following day, another boat arrived with 28 more, which were bought with equal avidity at the same price. On Thursday, a third boat brought 93, which fetched after the rate of £40 per hundred. Not a single Mackerel has been retailed there, but all have been sent off to the metropolis." At the Quarter Sessions held at Truro early in May a certain Joseph Little was placed at the bar, charged with having violently assaulted his wife. When Mrs. Little appeared to give evidence against her turbulent mate, he addressed her in a plaintive tone, and the following dialogue took place:-- "My dear, I am sorry to see you here." "So am I." "I hope you will forgive me this once, and I will never lift my hand to you again." "You have broke your promise so often that I cannot trust you." "My dear life, don't send me back to prison again; you have always been a good, honest, sober, and virtuous wife to me." "It is for the good of your soul that you should be punished." "You need not fear me, I will give you all my property, and part from you, if you wish it." "I know it is for my safety, and for your salvation, that you should be confined a little longer." And after this billing and cooing, John Little brought a counter charge of assault against his wife, and was ultimately bound over to keep the peace.