AN ADMIRER OF MADAME CATALINI, EXETER, 1821.

"To the Editor of the Exeter Flying Post.

SIR,

Observing in the Western Luminary of to-day a paragraph (copied from a Bristol Paper,) reflecting upon Madame Catalini, I wish to assure the public that the writer of it cannot be at all acquainted with the irreproachable character, charitable and amiable disposition of that Lady, otherwise he would be ashamed of himself for inserting it.  If he will give himself the trouble to enquire what were the sums distributed in charities in Exeter, by means of that Lady, when she visited it, together with the many others in various places throughout the kingdom, he will be convinced she is totally undeserving so scandalous a reflection.....

By inserting this in your next publication , you will oblige,

Sir,

A FRIEND TO TRUTH.

Exeter, 20th Nov. 1821."

Angelica Catalini, the truly great Italian soprano, had sung in Exeter in October 1814.  She had given a concert in the theatre but also had sung in a music-festival in the Cathedral.  (It surprised me to find music-festivals being performed in our Cathedral in the 1820s.)   She was celebrated for her generosity and was said to have contributed to good causes everywhere she sang to the tune (!) of two million francs.   

This FRIEND TO TRUTH was clearly a most devoted fan of that Lady.

Source: The Exeter Flying Post, 22 November 1821.