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Volume I

The Gaming Table by Andrew Steinmetz, Volume II

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Doings In Gaming Houses

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. To my great astonishment,
a person who I supposed was a proprietor, boasted the
impenetrability of HIS house, and on what ground, think you?
Why, on that of it having the countenance of the Lord Chief
Justice of England! True or false, it seemed to revive the
flagging spirits of its visitors. They knew better. Not even
the warm feelings of a father would turn the scale of justice in
the even hand of Lord Ellenborough.'

It must not, however, be taken for granted, merely because these
fellows assert it, that the sons of the late Chief Justice really
frequented that den of iniquity. It is part of the system of
these houses to delude the ignorant, by pretending that this or
the other person uses their tables. I had an instance of that
myself at ----, in Pall Mall. Asking who that gentleman was,
pointing to the party, I was answered--'That is Mr Hay, private
secretary to Lord Melville, the First Lord of the Admiralty.'
Now, I believe I may safely say, and from my own knowledge, too,
that Mr Hay, whose character and conduct is deservedly held in
the highest estimation, NEVER was at that or any such house; yet
his name was constantly quoted, and particularly to young
officers of the navy and marines, to whom his acquaintance held
out hopes of future advantage in their profession![46]

[46] Id. ibid.

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