[25] Here is one among many similar complaints addressed by the postmasters-general to the packet agent at Harwich: "We admire to find the two Bags with the States letters brought over by the Prince and Dispatch which arrived at Harwich June 21st at 7 in the morning should not be dispatcht till 10 the same day; as also at the comeing in of the Mayls, one of which being dispatcht at 12 arrived here at 11 at night, yet the other came not till 7 next morning."
[26] The following is a specimen of the protection order given:—
To all Commanders and Officers of our Shipps, Pressmasters and others whome it may concerne.
James R.You are not to imprest into our service any of the six persons hereunder named belonging to the Jane of Dover, whereof Richard Moone is master, the said vessell being employed in our service as a pacquett boate at Dover. Given at our Court at Whitehall the 6th of October 1688.
By His Majesty's Command.
Pepys.
1. Anth. Deleau.
2. Jasper Moore.
3. David Williams.
4. Pet. Foster.
5. Dennis Matthew.
6. Wm. Ambross.
[27] Equal to £562:10s.
[28] This captain had long been noted for his truculent conduct. Here is a letter which the postmasters-general had written to him two or three years before:—
General Post Office, May 13, 1704.
Captain Chenal—We received the mail from Portugal brought over by you in the Mansbridge packet boat which arriv'd here on Wednesday last. We yesterday received your letter and journal of the said voyage, with the certificate from the sailors who remained in the service the last voyage. We are concern'd to find such differences among persons imploy'd under us, but do think the best way to compose them is to advise every one to mind their proper business and duty. We do think you may keep all your officers and sailors to strict duty without so rugged a treatment as is complain'd of. As we are desirous of good discipline, so are we of good agreement, to which we would have our agent and yourself to contribute your endeavours.
We herewith send you a specimen of a method to keep an abstract of your journal by which you would save yourself and us much trouble by observing.—We are, your loving friends,
R. Cotton.
T. Frankland.
[29] The packet agent at Falmouth.
[30] The provision is as follows: "And for the better management of the Post Office, be it enacted that the postmaster-general shall observe such orders and instructions concerning the settlement of Posts and stages upon the several roads, Cross roads, and Byeways within the United Kingdom and other Her Majesty's Dominions, as Her Majesty shall from time to time give in that behalf."—1 Vic. cap. xxxiii. sec. 8.
[31] The victory at Oudenarde. Who Mr. Bowen was we are not informed.
[32] Mr. (afterwards Sir John) Evelyn had recently succeeded Sir Robert Cotton as postmaster-general.