The other remarkable series of advertisements to which I alluded are
those signed “J. de W.” There is little doubt that mankind inherited a
large amount of curiosity from our mother Eve; therefore advertisements,
written in the ordinary intelligent manner, though they may be full of
interest and amusement, do not strike us as forcibly as those couched in
an unintelligible style like the ones to which I am now referring, and
simply from the fact that we are unable to read them. For five years “J.
de W.’s” advertisements appeared on or about the first of every month,
commencing March 1st, 1850; and, as we follow them, we can conjure up
for ourselves the stirring history and romance of a lifetime. It is
somewhat difficult to determine whether or not the advertisements,
written in the same type and signed “A. B. C.,” are answers to the
others. It is quite possible that “J. de W.” might be able to receive
letters without interference, but had no means of sending them without
detection, and was therefore reduced to the medium of the _Times_. It
seems quite impossible that any man, though possessed of unbounded faith
and perseverance, would have struggled against fate so long. Would he
not have given up in despair years before he did? So I think we may
conclude that the messages signed “J. de W.” and “A. B. C.” are answers
one to the other.
I have been able to show so many different ways in which our simple
alphabet can be changed to form a language that will defy a large
majority of the public, that I feel sure that all those who are denied
the privilege of an open correspondence, might, with a little ingenuity,
find a way of communication that would baffle those whose eyes they
fear; but at the same time let them remember that parents, guardians,
and friends will have discovered in my pages that what looks so
unintelligible at first sight may, with a little patience, be read as
easily as the plainest English printed in our newspapers.
THE AGONY COLUMN
OF THE “TIMES.”
1.--_Monday, January 13, 1800._
THE ANSWER of a LETTER to an OFFICER at HEREFORD is, “That he Was.”
2.--_Thursday, December 18, 1800._
A CARD.--If the Lady who a Gentleman handed into her carriage from
Covent Garden Theatre, on Wednesday, the third of this month, will
oblige the Advertiser with a line to Z. Z., Spring Garden Coffee House,
saying if married or single, she will quiet the mind of a young
Nobleman, who has tried, but in vain, to find the Lady. The carriage was
ordered to Bond Street. The Lady may depend on honour and secrecy.
Nothing but the most honourable interview is intended. The Lady was in
mourning, and sufficiently cloathed to distinguish her for possessing
every virtue and charm that man could desire in a female that he would
make choice of for a Wife. Deception will be detected, as the Lady’s
person can never be forgot.
3.--_Saturday, May 16, 1801._
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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