The pleasantest way of moving from one end of the town to the other
in summer time is by water, on that spacious gentle stream the
Thames, on which you travel two miles for sixpence, if you have two
watermen, and for threepence if you have but one; and to any village
up or down the river you go with company for a trifle. But the
greatest advantage reaped from this noble river is that it brings
whatever this or other countries afford. Down the river from
Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Bucks, &c., come corn and all manner of
provision of English growth, as has been observed already; and up
the river, everything that the coasts and the maritime counties of
England, Scotland, or Ireland afford; this way also are received the
treasures and merchandise of the East and West Indies, and indeed of
the four quarters of the world.

Carts are hired as coaches, to remove goods and merchandise from one
part of the town to the other, whose rates are also fixed, and are
very reasonable; and for small burdens or parcels, and to send on
messages, there are porters at every corner of the streets, those
within the City of London and liberties thereof being licensed by
authority, and wearing a badge or ticket; in whose hands goods of
any value, and even bills of exchange or sums of money, may be
safely trusted, they being obliged at their admission to give
security. There is also a post that goes from one part of the town
to the other several times a day; and once a day to the neighbouring
villages, with letters and small parcels; for the carriage of which
is given no more than a penny the letter or parcel. And I should
have remembered that every coach, chair, and boat that plies for
hire has its number upon it; and if the number be taken by any
friend or servant, at the place you set out from, the proprietor of
the vehicle will be obliged to make good any loss or damage that may