The Merry Past 



which went long journeys, such as London to Exeter, 

 with only a short time allowed for stopping, led a 

 very hard life, especially in bad weather. One hun- 

 dred and sixty miles on a frosty night was terrible 

 work for the poor men, who, not unnaturally, drank 

 heavily, generally at other people's expense. 



Many passengers complained of having to tip the 

 guard, saying that they had already paid enough in 

 their fares. 



'' Why should I remember you ? " said one of these 

 individuals ; " the proprietors of this coach are 

 answerable for my luggage, and I do not see what use 

 you have been to me on the journey." " I took care 

 of you, sir," was the reply. " What with ? " " My 

 horn." Nevertheless, guards generally got their tips. 



About 1827 guards had ceased to carry firearms, 

 which was much resented by passengers, who con- 

 sidered that their safety was not assured. 



The Hereford Champion coach was attacked by a 

 highwayman in the winter of 1826, and much irrita- 

 tion was manifested against the proprietor for not 

 having provided the guard with a blunderbuss. 

 \ Many guards of light coaches, as well as of mails, 

 were men of great integrity, who were constantly 

 entrusted with bankers' parcels and other valuables 

 to a large amount, and who well understood the 

 duties of their calling. 



During the hard winter of 1814, a guard distin- 

 guished himself much on the Holyhead road. There 

 were fourteen mails due in Dublin, and the mer- 

 chants and others were much distressed about their 



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