News Letter extracts from editions of 1786

Similar to these extracts that we publish in Retro each week back in 1936 the News Letter published regular columns under the title ‘150 years Ago’.
By Darryl Armitage
Published 14th Mar 2023, 11:00 BST
James Caulfield, 4th Viscount Charlemont (Later 1st Earl of Charlemont) painted by Pompeo Batoni, c 1753–56. Picture: Google Art ProjectJames Caulfield, 4th Viscount Charlemont (Later 1st Earl of Charlemont) painted by Pompeo Batoni, c 1753–56. Picture: Google Art Project
James Caulfield, 4th Viscount Charlemont (Later 1st Earl of Charlemont) painted by Pompeo Batoni, c 1753–56. Picture: Google Art Project

One of the extracts were published related to Lord Charlemont and the Volunteers of Ulster. It read: Dublin, 25th February, 1786 - The Earl of Charlemont takes this method of reminding the Volunteers of Ulster that the time for settling all matters relative to the Summer Reviews is now at hand, and of intimating his desire that meetings should as usual, be held for that purpose.

Belfast, 28th February, 1786 - As the Earl of Charlemont, With his usual attention to the Volunteer cause, called in our last publication upon the several corps to assemble by delegation, to appoint times and places for the ensuing summer reviews - we insert the following resolution of the body reviewed here by his lordship in July last: ‘Resolved, that Delegates do meet at Belfast, on the 17th March next, to fix the time and place for the Review of the ensuing year.’

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Another extract came from Londonderry on 28th February and related to a new bridge for the city. It read: A few days ago, the gentleman who was commissioned to lay Mr Roach's plan and estimate of our intended bridge before Mr Milne, architect in London, for his opinion, returned to town. The particulars we hope to be able to give our readers in a few days. For the present we are warranted in saying in general that the scheme is declared practicable at Mr Roach's estimate by the London architect; and we indulge the strongest hopes of seeing it soon carried into execution.

The Dublin Volunteers on College Green, 4th November 1779 by by Francis Wheatley (1747–1801). Picture: Wikimedia CommonsThe Dublin Volunteers on College Green, 4th November 1779 by by Francis Wheatley (1747–1801). Picture: Wikimedia Commons
The Dublin Volunteers on College Green, 4th November 1779 by by Francis Wheatley (1747–1801). Picture: Wikimedia Commons

On Saturday last, on account of the pleasing prospect of a bridge being erected, the bricklayers, stonecutters, &c, of this city, had the bells rung the whole day for joy.

Meanwhile, the News Letter had also published the following advert from Downpatrick in 1786, it read: Downpatrick, 28th February, 1786 - Edward Conolly. of Downpatrick, Inn-Keeper, returns his sincere thanks to his friends and the public for their encouragement since his commencement in business, and for their better accommodation, has added several new bed-chambers to those he had before; he has also fitted out a new Hearse in as genteel a manner as any in this kingdom, and will undertake jobs at any distance. He has stout horses and chaises always ready at a call.

Related topics:VolunteersUlster