R.
Rag.—Bank notes, money in general. The cove has no Rag; the fellow has no money. Rag-carrier, an ensign.
Rainbow.—A tailor’s pattern book.
Rain Napper.—An umbrella.
Randall, Jack.—Jack Randall, the Nonpareil of the ring, died at his house, the Hole-in-the-Wall, Chancery Lane, March 12th, 1828, aged 34. Jack was an Anglo-Irishman, and first drew his breath in the Hibernian colony of St. Giles. He was the hero of sixteen prize battles, and left the ring undefeated. At this period it was considered he had received not less than £1,200 by his good fortune, but “easy got, easy gone”—as fast as it was got it was spent, until prudence suggested the expediency of laying the foundation of something substantial for his family, and he accordingly closed his bargain for the Hole-in-the-Wall, under the patronage of General Barton, his friends giving him a pipe of wine, instead of a piece of plate, to commence operations. From henceforth he pursued the business of a publican, and was highly respected by all ranks of the Fancy. Tom Moore, the Irish poet, was a frequenter of his house, and it was there that he picked up most of his material for his “Tom Cribb’s Memorial to Congress,” &c. The liberality of his friends, however, added to his own predilection for daffey, gradually paved the way to the “break-up” of his constitution, and for the last few months of his life he was but the shadow of his former self.
Alas! poor Jack lies on his back,
As flat as any flounder:
Although he died of a bad inside,
No heart was ever sounder.
The Hole-in-the-Wall was once his stall,
His crib the Fancy name it:
A hole in the ground he now has found,
And no one else will claim it.
But too much lush man’s strength will crush,
And so found poor Jack Randall:
His fame once bright as morning light,
Now’s out, like farthing candle.
Rap.—Money, indifferent of what coin.
Rattler.—A Hackney coach. Rattler and Prad, a coach and horses. Rattling-cove, a coachman.
Reader.—A pocket book.
Ready.—Money—not always ready.
Red Tape.—Brandy.
Reeve, John.—Glorious Jack! Comedian, died January 24, 1838, aged 39.
Regular.—In proper course. Regulars, the usual share of the booty.
Rent.—Money. Nap the rent, receive money.
Rhino.—Money.—May there always be plenty rhino betwixt the chaps that you and I know.
Rig-Out.—A suit of clothes.
Right and Fly.—Complete.
River Tick.—Tradesmen’s books.
Rolled-up.—Put in a sponging-house.
Roses, Pinks and Tulips.—Nobility.
Rosy Gills.—One with a sanguine or fresh-coloured countenance.
Row.—A street broil.
Rumbler.—A Hackney coach.
Rum One.—A knowing one.
Rum Peck.—Good grub.
Rum Slim.—Mixed wine or liquor, Rum Punch.
Russell, Samuel.—Otherwise “Jerry Sneak Russell,” from the very admirable manner in which he played the character of the henpecked cockney lout in Foote’s farce of “The Mayor of Garratt.” Mr. Russell was for some years manager of the Theatre Royal, Brighton, where he produced “Tom and Jerry” in 1822. After a long life of toil and trouble as a manager, actor, and—the father of a large family, a charitable benefit was got up for him at the Haymarket Theatre, July 1st, 1841, when “Macbeth” was performed, with Charles Kean as Macbeth; Mr. S. Phelps, Macduff; Lady Macbeth, Miss Ellen Tree. After which Mr. Russell spoke an address thanking his kind friends and patrons for their support and patronage; explaining that he deemed it necessary to address them before his final appearance on the stage, least he should not have the nerve power to do so afterwards. Then followed The Mayor of Garratt, Jerry Sneak (for the last time), Mr. Russell; Major Sturgeon, Mr. Robert Strickland. Unfortunately the money realized by the Benefit, and the private subscription list, was injudiciously invested in a very risky security; and a year or two afterwards the house of business failing the whole of it was irretrievably lost. Mr. Russell died at his daughter’s residence, Gravesend, February 25, 1845, aged 79.