The Sun.
London, England, 1840-03-11 00:00:00

LOW LIFE ABOVE STAIR.

The following epistolary correspondence we saw
about a fortnight ago in the Argus newspaper, but
declined publishing it, as it appeared to be a wicked
satire on high life : it has not, however, been contra-
dicted, and we therefore conclude that it is no fiction.
An excellent comedy might be written on the subject.
Why may not servants, after this, play fantastic
tricks ? They could not possibly make a more ridi-
culous figure.

(Copy I.)—Lady Seymour presents her compliments
to Lady Shuckborough, and would be obliged to her
for the character of Mary Stedman, who states that
she has lived twelve months, and still is, in Lady
Shuckborough's establishment. Can Mary Stedman
cook plain dishes well, make bread—and is she honest,
good tempered, sober, willing, and cleanly ? Lady
Seymour would also like to know the reason why she
leaves Lady Shuckborough's service ? Direct, under
cover, to Lady Seymour, Maiden Bradley.
(Copy 2.)—Lady Shuckborough presents her com-
pliments to Lady S. Her Ladyship's note, dated Oct.
28, only reached her yesterday, Nov. 3. Lady Shuck-
borough was unacquainted with the name of the kitchen-
maid, until mentioned by Lady Seymour, as it is her
custom neither to apply for or give characters to any of
the under servants, this being always done by the
housekeeper, Mrs. Couch—and this was well known to
the young woman ; therefore Lady Shuckborough is
surprised at her referring any lady to her for a charac-
ter. Lady Shuckborough having a professed cook, as
well as a housekeeper, in her establishment, it is not
very likely she herself should know any of the abilities
or merits of the under servants ; therefore she is unable
to answer Lady Seymour's note. Lady Shuckborough
cannot imagine Mary Stedman to be capable of cooking •
for any except the servants' hall table.—Nov. 4, Pavi-
lion, Hans-place.

(Copy 3,)—Lady Seymour presents her compliments
to Lady Shuckborough, and begs she will order her
housekeeper, Mrs. Pouch, to send the girl's character,
without delay ; otherwise another young woman will
be sought for elsewhere, as Lady Seymour's children
cannot remain withoUt their dinners because Lady
Shuckborough, keeping a " professed cook and a house-
keeper," thinks a knowledge of the details of her es.
tablishment beneath her notice. Lady Seymour un-
derstood from Stedman, that, in addition to her other
talents, she was actually capable of dressing food fit
for the little Shuckboroughs to partake of when hungry.
[To this note was appended a clever pen and ink vignette,
by the Queen of Beauty, representing the three little Shuck-
boroughs, with large turnip-looking heads and cauliflower
wigs, seated at a round table, eating and voraciously scrambling
for mutton-chops dressed by Mary Steadman, who is seen
looking on with supreme satisfaction—while Lady Shuck-
borough appears in the distance in evident dismay.]
(Copy 4.)—Madam : Lady Shuckborough has di-
rected me to acquaint you that she declines answering
your note, the vulgarity of which is beneath contempt •
and although it may be the characteristic of the Sheri:
dans to be vulgar, coarse, and witty, it is not that of
"a lady," unless she happens to have been horn in
a garret and bred in a kitchen. Mary Stedman informs
me that your Ladyship does not keep either a cook or
a housekeeper, and that you only require a girl who
can cook a mutton-chop—if so, I apprehend that Mary
Stedman, or any other scullion, will be found fully equal
to cook for or manage the establishment of the Queen of
Beauty.—l am, your Ladyship's, &c.
ELIZABETH COUCH. (Not Pouch.)

t by
the
THE CORONER FOR MIDDLESEX.—
meeting of the Magistrates, the following motion, proposedA
the R , lieu. Mr. Williams, was adopted Mr. Waklev having
admitted that the inquests held between the 30th of December,
1839, and the 10th of January, 1840, amounting to 40/. 9s. 7d.
(including the expenses paid out of pocket), had been held by
deputy; that the same, in accordance with the resolution of
the Court, be recommended to be disallowed." Mr. Wakley
observed that it had gone forth to the world that the charge for
niue inquests amounted to 471. This was in a report from that
Court. lie was determined that the gross untruths, which
were inserted in reports professing to come from his own
Court, should cease, and that, so far as his proceedings as Co-
roner were concerned, the public should be put in possession of
accurate reports, or none.
Lord Francis Egerton has lately become the
owner, by purchase, of the Astley estate (Cheshire). There
were many competitors for the property, s hicli was event tally
knocked down to his Lordship for between 78,000/. and 79,000/.
various indeed were the views of the !idlers as to tl-..e ‘clue
of the property, some of whem ccated bidding .56,0002.
had been offel ed.—Liverpool, C.4)*Mttele, -- •