Letter from Elizabeth Badham to Mary Bagshawe, 6^th May 1749

You desire to know what Mischief was done by the fireworks. I dont hear but of two or three people which was hurt. The Building was very grand & the things very pritty. The one end was Burnt & the great Building took fire 3 times which made it over Sooner then was expected. Aunt & I Saw it off our hads very Plain for She did not Chuse I should goe to it for fear of Danger. Cousin M^r Newton &M^r Heywood had very good Places they gave 3 guinies apeice. M^r Newton would have had me gone with them. He would have got me a place! I think it did not Answer Peoples expectation: we was the friday at Vauxhall to hear the Rehersall of Musick where was ten thousand People Aunt walked half a Mile for Could not get up the Coach any nearer they went four widows together Mrs Baker Clarke Dodson & Aunt; & She was no worse for it but She thought Better & it was a great performance for her