REGULATIONS. 35 



these travelled in the aggregate about 5,500 miles before 

 they reached their several destinations. 



The mail coaches were all miled at a usual charge of 

 i\d. a mile, and were horsed by contract. 



The weight of these mails should be 18 cwt. Their 

 fore wheels were 3 ft. 4 in., and their hind wheels 4 ft. 

 8 in. in diameter. 1 



All carriages carrying mails or expresses were ex- 

 empted by Act of Parliament from paying any tolls ; and 

 should any demand be made on any such mail coach by 

 any collector of tolls, or should any toll-keeper obstruct 

 or delay the mail at his turnpike gate, or bar or gate of a 

 walled town, he was to forfeit five pounds for every such 

 offence. The punishment for stopping a mail with intent 

 to rob was transportation for life. 



Should the guard of the mail allow anyone to ride in 

 the place appointed for himself, or should he be guilty of 

 any misconduct on a mail coach, or not use his diligence 

 to keep the time, according to the regulations of the Post 

 Office he would be lined twenty pounds on conviction. 



The carriage of letters by any but mail coaches or 

 carriages was prohibited. 



1 A loaded coach (stage) never exceeds three tons. The average weight 

 of twelve passengers and their luggage would be one ton. 



D 2 



