LETTER XVII.

Commerce of London-Illustrative Anecdote Domestic Architecture-Banks of the Thames-Introductions -English Conversations-Threatened Lawsuit.

London.

You know that London itself has monopolized two thirds of the commerce of the three kingdoms. Do you wish to have an idea of the commerce of this vast city—this huge polypus? Follow me along the Strand, and, after having with difficulty squeezed through the crowded streets, take a boat at the Custom House, below London Bridge, and, rowing amongst thousands of vessels that cover the bosom of Old Father Thamessome departing for, others arriving from, the remotest parts of the globe-you will then allow, that you could not have formed a conception of the power with which human in

great (I mean in the sense you will understand) and wonderful people. I must candidly acknowledge, that my mind is more. sensibly affected, in witnessing these miracles of civilization, than it would be in beholding the most delightful pictures of simple nature. You cannot behold this superb river, bearing the real treasures which fable assigns to Pactolus, without thinking of the celebrated answer said to have been made by the citizens of London to some King, (I forget which,) who threatened, in consequence of their misbehaviour, to remove his Court from the Metropolis" Sir, in withdrawing from this city, we hope your Majesty will leave the Thames behind." "Se non è vero, è bên trovato."

I am not yet, and shall with difficulty get, accustomed to the architecture of their houses, of the most tiresome uniformity. The windows are often without frame-work, and

are merely holes, cut at right angles in the walls. Another custom, which must strike a foreigner, is that of having iron railings before every house: dismal and strong they appear. The Englishman, therefore, has more than one reason for calling his house, his castle. The fosse, behind which the houses are entrenched, no doubt, renders their iron chevaux de frize indispensable; but they are not, on that account, more pleasing to the sight. If they would gild, or paint them of a less sombre hue, they would not so much offend the eye.

You cannot enjoy the sight of this magnificent river, the Thames, from any part of the town except from the three bridges of London, Blackfriars, and Westminster. There are no quays; and, with the exception of Somerset House and the Temple, the sides of this fine river are covered with miserable hovels, old sheds, and habitations resembling

great (I mean in the sense you will understand) and wonderful people. I must candidly acknowledge, that my mind is more sensibly affected, in witnessing these miracles of civilization, than it would be in beholding the most delightful pictures of simple nature. You cannot behold this superb river, bearing the real treasures which fable assigns to Pactolus, without thinking of the celebrated answer said to have been made by the citizens of London to some King, (I forget which,) who threatened, in consequence of their misbehaviour, to remove his Court from the Metropolis“ Sir, in withdrawing from this city, we hope your Majesty will leave the Thames behind." "Se non è vero, è bên trovato."

I am not yet, and shall with difficulty get, accustomed to the architecture of their houses, of the most tiresome uniformity. The windows are often without frame-work, and

appear.

are merely holes, cut at right angles in the walls. Another custom, which must strike a foreigner, is that of having iron railings before every house: dismal and strong they The Englishman, therefore, has more than one reason for calling his house, his castle. The fosse, behind which the houses are entrenched, no doubt, renders their iron chevaux de frize indispensable; but they are not, on that account, more pleasing to the sight. If they would gild, or paint them of a less sombre hue, they would not so much offend the eye.

You cannot enjoy the sight of this magnificent river, the Thames, from any part of the town except from the three bridges of London, Blackfriars, and Westminster. There are no quays; and, with the exception of Somerset House and the Temple, the sides of this fine river are covered with miserable hovels, old sheds, and habitations resembling