The London Gazette - January 16, 1874

From the Editors: Dear Sir is offered by the Gazette as an opportunity to solicit advice from one of our finest Gentlemen Editors. Letters should be delivered by coach to the Gazette offices for attention.

Dear Sir,

I have now been a guest of your fine city for somewhat less that a month's time, having come on business from the familial home in Georgia. I have been here long enough to know to ask for a bene bowse (1) with my lunch, what poney(2) is, and even why everyone keeps asking for my poppers (3). I wish to make it clear from the start that, while a foreigner to this Nation, I am neither foolish nor uneducated.

Nonetheless, I continued to be bewildered by the frequent enquiries as to where I "club". I am aware that there are various Gentlemen's Clubs throughout London but, having no colleagues in the city, am completely ignorant as to the standards of propriety in this instance. Are there clubs in which I, an American, would be welcome? Are most of the clubs only for members of certain organizations and such?

You help in this would be greatly appreciated, particularly as some fellow business men seem incapable of contacting me through any means other than a club.

Sincerely Yours,
G.

My good Sir,

First of all, may I welcome you (albeit somewhat belatedly) to our prosperous city.

Your questions and observances are, in fact, quite accurate as to the role of the Club among Gentlemen of Society. One is expected in London to be a member of at least one Gentlemen's Club, although there is nothing preventing an English gentleman from belonging to several. Membership not only gives gentlemen the opportunity to gather someplace where they are free to smoke, drink, eat, read, gamble, or play billiards, but it also allows one the chance to form friendships and make business contacts which might prove useful in the future.

Various clubs are frequently populated by gentlemen of good breeding as well as common interests. Among the political clubs are the Reform Club, an institution of the Liberals with a name relating to the famous Reform Act of 1832, and the Carlton Club, associated with the Conservative party. There are clubs for members of universities (The Oxford and Cambridge University Clubs), for members of the Army and Navy (The Army and Navy Club and the Institute of Directors), and indeed for travellers who have been more than 500 miles from London (The Traveller's Club). The most famous clubs include the Athenaeum Club, whose patrons consist largely of societies' more prominent intellectuals; Brooks, well known for it's recreational games of chance; as well as White's, the oldest Gentlemen's Club in London.

Gentlemen's Clubs are located on Pall Mall and on St James's Street. However, I regret to inform you that many of these clubs have quite a lengthy waiting list, and thus are hard to garner entrance to. As an American your best chance may be with The Traveller's Club, whose membership is somewhat more changeable.

The Traveller's Club is located between Athenaeum and the Reform Club on Pall Mall. It was founded in 1819 for members who had travelled or resided abroad, although members had to have travelled at least 500 miles from London. Foreign gentlemen, with appropriate recommendations, are also welcomed.

I wish the best of luck to you on your visit and your business.

- Sir

1) good beer
2) money
3) pistols - assuming falsely that an American always carries such.