Thursday, 15 November 2012

16th November 1786


Mist

Squinting Agnes bought me a copy of the Derby Mercury in which I found my letter which railed against the outlandish fashions being worn by our ladies adopting outlandish fashions Viz
“I believe that there are few English ladies who in Wisdom and Understanding do not esteem themselves superior of the French, hence it surprises that they are their Apes, follow their fashions and retain Popish names given to their several dresses by Catholic ladies abroad. What has a protestant Lady to do with Cardinals, Pope Joan’s and Capuchins or any other mark of the beast? Let the Catholic ladies keep with them and confess to greasy headed, broad shouldered crew, if they please. I would have OUR HIGH CHURCH ladies call their dresses Laud and Sacrevells. The Low Church will wear their Tenisons; The Presbyterians can clap a Baxter, Chandler, Tong on the Shoulder. If it possible that a fine lady, after seeing her face in the glass, Can be an Atheist, such a one can have a fool caps, a habit of disgrace somewhat that has been worn by a pensioner when they are charged with Drunkenness and other malpractice.
A superstition that has been called a religion run out of its wits, so the custom of wearing Cardinals should be called a fashion run mad. A grave divine has called this fashion Popery. I would have reform else our Protestant ladies should imitate our sworn enemies”

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