PETER PRY'S LETTER. 77 



another prominent character I fell in with on my return, 

 but I have gabbled away without thought to an extra- 

 vagant length, therefore my obeisance ought to be made. 

 But as my journey was a long one, and occasioned some 

 occurrences amusing to myself, I shall not object to 

 submit another offering, provided the manner and matter 

 of this be considered acceptable. 



' My family are notorious for the love of curiosity and 

 restlessness. Indeed, the fame of my brother Paul is 

 spread over every clime. I possess neither his intellect 

 nor activity ; but I have a good share of his impudence. 

 However, I cannot change either my nature or name ; 

 so must be your obedient humble servant, 



' Peter Pry.' 



Of another well-known coachman, George Clarke, 

 ' Peter Pry ' says there is scarcely any district more try- 

 ing to a coachman than this in which George Clarke 

 works. He takes the ' Umpire' at Newport Pagnel, and 

 meets the down coach at Whetstone, returning about nine 

 o'clock, after thirty miles' hard work. Mr. Okaver, ' one 

 of the best judges in England,' speaking of Clarke, said 

 to ' Peter Pry,' ' He is the first coachman in England for 

 bad horses, and therefore the most valuable of servants.' 

 ' Peter Pry ' continues, — ' Having always weak horses to 

 nurse, the ordeal has worn him down to a pattern of 

 patience. With these and other great weights upon 

 severe ground, he is steady, easy, very economical in 

 thong and cord, very light handed, and sometimes even 

 playful. I observed him closely, and discovered from his 



