The Rev. Robert Gordon's letter to the Gleaner
Daily Gleaner, Februay 7, 1867
BLUNDLE'S HALL. To the Editor of the Gleaner. Sir - I do not think it right to quarrel with people for the peculiar social views which they entertain, as it is probable that I have my own, and I would, certainly, like to be tolerated. But, as I am of opinion that Blundle's Hall, in lower East Street, is a Public House of entertainment, and as the majority of my personal friends, not only here but in different parts of the world, are coloured, white and Jewish, who would be likely, at some future time, to seek for admission into that place, I beg to state what occurred in connection with it and myself. An English friend, a Gentleman of independent fortune, a great traveller, a Medical Man, a member one of the Universities of England, a great Linguist and Oriental scholar, who has been good enough to read to me his Poetical Translation in manuscript, of the Poems of the Great Poet of Persia, arrived here during last week, on a visit. Desirous of reciprocating the little social attention which it was my duty to show him, he invited me to dine with him yesterday. On his mentioning the circumstance to his Landlady, (Miss Grant) in order that she might make the necessary preparations, she stoutly objected, on the ground that she would not permit black people to be admitted into her house. My friend was even denied the privilege of having my company in a private room. Of course as he would not submit to the indignity, he left, and obtained lodgings at Date Tree Hall, where I was hospitably entertained by him. I simply give the facts, leaving persons to make their own comments. I remain, Mr Editor Your obt servt ROBERT GORDON Wolmer's, Feb. 6, 1867. |