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Smollett, Tobias George, 1721-1771

"The Expedition of Humphry Clinker"


We do not propose to stay long at Harrigate, though, at present,
it is our headquarters, from whence we shall make some
excursions, to visit two or three of our rich relations, who are
settled in this country. -- Pray, remember me to all our friends of
Jesus, and allow me to be still
Yours affectionately,
J. MELFORD
HARRIGATE, June 23.

To Dr LEWIS.
DEAR DOCTOR,
Considering the tax we pay for turnpikes, the roads of this
county constitute a most intolerable grievance. Between Newark
and Weatherby, I have suffered more from jolting and swinging
than ever I felt in the whole course of my life, although the
carriage is remarkably commodious and well hung, and the
postilions were very careful in driving. I am now safely housed
at the New Inn, at Harrigate, whither I came to satisfy my
curiosity, rather than with any view of advantage to my health;
and, truly, after having considered all the parts and particulars
of the place, I cannot account for the concourse of people one
finds here, upon any other principle but that of caprice, which
seems to be the character of our nation.
Harrigate is a wild common, bare and bleak, without tree or
shrub, or the least signs of cultivation; and the people who
come to drink the water, are crowded together in paltry inns,
where the few tolerable rooms are monopolized by the friends and
favourites of the house, and all the rest of the lodgers are
obliged to put up with dirty holes, where there is neither space,
air, nor convenience.


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