3-057-481 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Letter commenting on South Sea mania, 1720. This letter of April 1720 from Erasmus Lewis to Robert Harley, 1st Earl of Oxford, comments on the South Sea mania gripping the country at that time. Lewis writes: 'I have heard but one sound these three months in this place, viz. that of South Sea, wch has got the Better of Mens Politicks and Lady's fashions, and has entirely engross'd all conversation'. At the top of the page Lewis notes: 'I dined yesterday with my Lord Dartmouth at Black Heath, who always remembers your Lordship with the greatest friendship.' And the letter ends: 'There are several Calculations printed to shew there can be no solid foundation for this rise. There is but one paper printed in favour of the scheme, and that is full of the grossest fallacy's. I have the honour to be with the greatest submission, my Lord, yr. Lordship's most obedient & most humble servant. E. Lewis'.