'
It is stated as highly honourable to the British flag that, among
the gamesters of the first quarter of the present century, no
Admirals were seen at the INFERIOR tables. Their proper pride
kept them from a familiar association with pursers, clerks,
grocers, horse-dealers, linen-drapers, silk-mercers, masons,
builders, timber-merchants, booksellers, &c., &c., and men of the
very lowest walks of life.
COARSE LANGUAGE OF GAMESTERS.
'I heard those who, in another place, even in the most polished
courts, would take a high rank for good breeding and gentlemanly
education, at these tables make use of language which, I hope,
Billingsgate itself would turn from with disgust. It cannot be
repeated; neither would it be believed, unless by such as, like
myself, have had "confirmation strong," too strong to be
rejected, if I did not, at the same time, reject the evidence of
my senses.'[45]
[45] Seymour Harcourt, The Gaming Calendar.
BOASTED PROTECTION OF GREAT NAMES TO GAMING HOUSES.
'On one occasion I was at the Pigeon Hole, in St James's Square
(since removed to King Street), when the apprehensions which the
rapid sale of The Greeks (a work exposing the system) excited
among the players were warmly debated.
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