In 1792, Mr Br--gh--n, the son of a baronet, one day at a billiard-table in St James's Street, won L7000 from a Mr B--, but the latter, at the close of the day, recovered the loss, and won L15,000 more. Payment was thus arranged--L5000 on the death of the father of the former, and L10,000 secured by a reversionary annuity, to commence on the father's decease, on the life of the Duc de Pienne, between whom and B-- a previous gaming account existed. In 1794, Mr ---- was a billiard player of the first class, ranking with Brenton, Phillips, Orrel, and Captain Wallis, who were the leaders of the day in this noble game of skill, tact, and discretion.(43) Having accidentally sported his abilities with two other players, he was marked as a 'pigeon' whom every preparation was made for 'plucking.' Captain Cates, of Covent Garden celebrity, was pitted against him at the coffee-room billiard-table, during Epsom races, to play 21 games, for two guineas each game, and five guineas the odds. Mr ---- won 13 games to eight from his veteran opponent, who was invariably backed by the leading sportingmen of the day, whilst the company at large were casually the adherents of Mr ----. (43) The game of Chess may be played in application of the principles of Strategy; the game of Billiards in application of Tactics; indeed, all man's favourite diversions and pastimes most significantly relate to war--which has been called his natural state--exemplifying always either the brute-force that crushes, the skill that foils, the stratagem that surprises, or the ruse that deceives; and such is war to all intents and purposes. The philosophic diversions of science also come in and lend their aid in the game of war--the pastime of heroes and the necessary defence of nations. The match was renewed at the ensuing Ascot meeting, at the rooms of the celebrated Simson, so much frequented by the Etonians--where Mr ---- again obtained the victory, by 36 games to 17. Immense sums were sported on these occasions. Mr ---- resided at Windsor, and was surprised by a message on the Sunday evening preceding the Winchester races, purporting that a gentleman wished to see him on very particular business. It proved to be a request to play a match at Billiards during the races at Winchester, for which the parties offered 10 guineas for the journey. But it was explained to him that the match was of a particular kind, and must be played in a PARTICULAR way--either to WIN or LOSE--so that those concerned might be sure of winning upon the whole, let the match terminate how it would! . . . . This villainous proposal being made without the presence of a third person, Mr ---- indignantly rejected it, instantly left the room, and communicated the facts for the protection of the unwary against a set of desperate sharpers. MILLER'S GAMING HOUSE.