Travels in Ireland in the Year 1822; Exhibiting Brief Sketches of the Moral, Physical, and Political State of the Country: With Reflections on the Be

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1823 edition. Excerpt: ... part ii. chapter I. notes of A tour in ireland. On the 25th of May, 1822, I left London for Liverpool. In the journey to the latter place nothing occurred worthy of notice: some quarrelling, indeed, happened at every stage where we changed coachman or guard; this was caused by a north-country captain, who would never give more than sixpence, which was considerably under the perquisite expected, I had almost said demanded, on such occasions. The captain stated frankly, that "times were very bad, and as ships now made nothing, he neither could nor would give any more." This declaration, however candid and sincere, was neither received nor answered in the most courteous manner, by the coach servants, who took no pains to disguise their disappointment. Their insolence was met and repelled by the hardy captain, whose language, to do him justice, contained but little of politeness or compliment. At several places where we stopped, the peace was preserved only by the shortness of our stay. It may here be observed that this custom is an imposition which should not be"encouraged: every traveller has found it inconvenient. It would be much better were coach-proprietors to pay their own servants and include L 146 A foreigner. the amount of their perquisites in the passage-money. It frequently happens that one passenger gives more than his fellow-travellers can afford, and these are always obliged to make up the deficiency by enduring much insolence and vulgar abuse, against which the peaceable passenger has no protection. At half-past eight, in the evening of the 26th, the coach arrived in Liverpool, and stopped at the Saracen's Head, where I took up my abode for the night. Having ordered tea, I sat down at a table where a Spanish gentleman was d