Transcriber's notes:
The errata have been left as in the original book and not altered in the text.
Obvious printer's errors have been corrected as they were not listed in the errata.
Other than that, the archaic and inconsistent spelling from the original has not been altered.
Frontispiece
Dr. SAMUEL STEARNS.
An American Philosopher.
Dr. STEARNS's
TOUR
FROM
LONDON TO PARIS.
====
CONTAINING,
A Description of the Kingdom of France The Customs, Manners, Polity, Science, Commerce, and Agriculture of the InhabitantsIts Ancient form of Government ,and the New Particulars concerning the Royal Family Causes of the late Revolution Proceedings and Decrees of the National Assembly An Account of the Destruction of the Bastille , and of many dreadful Commotions which have happened in the NationWith a minute Detail of the late grand Proceedings at the Champ de Mars .The whole interspersed with a Variety of Reflections , humourous, moral, critical, and philosophical.
AFTER WHICH IS DELINEATED,
A NEW CONSTITUTION:
WITH
A DESCRIPTION OF THE ROAD TO LIBERTY.
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"Applicans animum meum ad disquirendum & ad explorandum Sapientiam de omni eo quod fit sub clis." Sol.
==========================================
LONDON, Printed :
AND SOLD BY C. DILLY, IN THE POULTRY.
M DCC XC.
PRICE 3S. STERLING.
Entered at Stationers Hall.
PREFACE.
Kind Reader ,
As I am obliged to spend the greatest part of my time in mathematical, philosophical, and physical studies, it was not my design to have written on this subject, although I was advised to do it more than twelve months ago; but on seeing the movements in France, on account of the Revolution, I altered my mind, kept a journal of many things which I saw and heard, and have accordingly written the following pages, which are presented for your perusal and consideration.
I have endeavoured to avoid error, and to compile the narration as accurate as possible: if any thing of that kind shall be discovered, I hope it will be imputed to my being misinformed, and not to any intention of mine to impose upon the public.
As it is the duty of every philosopher to promote the union, harmony, and felicity of mankind, I have mentioned many things which I hope may be productive of establishing the peace and happiness of the inhabitants of the world. But, alas! it is to be regretted, that some who have shone greatly in the philosophical profession, instead of promoting this laudable work, and for the sake of ingrossing the riches, honours, and profits of this perishing world to themselves, have, under a cloak of religion and liberty, sowed discord amongst brethren, excited insurrections, mobs, and riots, which have terminated in carnage and desolation, and proved destructive of the public tranquillity, and of the liberty and happiness of the people. But these abominable works are by no means the business of a true philosopher, who will attempt to do good instead of doing evil.
How far the politicians of the present, or future ages, may agree with me in sentiment, time alone must determine. But if the things that are written in the subsequent sheets shall prove useful and profitable, it will rejoice the author.
After wishing your health and prosperity, and the felicity of mankind through the world,
I subscribe myself,
kind Reader ,
Your's and the Public's
most obedient
humble Servant,
SAMUEL STEARNS.
London, Sept. 30, 1790.
CHAP. I.
The Doctor engages a Passage to Paris.Copy of a Card received at Piccadilly.He arrives at Dover, and Calais.Is met by a number of Gentlemen, who welcome him to France.An Account of the Beggars, and of the French Diet.Observations on drinking Healths.
July 7, 1790.
Having had an inclination to go to Paris for some months past, I went to Piccadilly this day, where I engaged a passage on board the stage coaches, called the diligences, for which I paid five guineas, and was told "That I would be found for that sum, with every thing that might be needful on the way, only I must give about five shillings to the porters."
At Piccadilly I received a card, a copy of which I publish for the information of strangers, and benefit of the owners of the stages.
"The Paris diligences to and from London, set out from the office next the White Bear Inn, Piccadilly, every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday, at five o'clock in the morning. Five guineas each person, for carriage, sea passage, diet and lodging: Port fees excepted. Fourteen pounds luggage allowed; all above to pay three-pence farthing per pound.
"N. B. In case passengers should be detained by contrary winds, they are to pay their own expences from the next day of their arrival at the seaport, to the time of their shipping.
"Also a wagon, every Monday at ten o'clock in the morning, to carry goods and merchandize, which are registered at the said office, and at the Blossoms Inn, Lawrence-lane, Cheapside, where declarations must be delivered in writing, and signed by the owner, of the quality, quantity, and value of the said merchandize, which will be conveyed to Paris in the course of a fortnight, at the rate of seventeen shillings per hundred weight, Custom-house duties excepted. The proprietors, for the conveniency of the public, will discharge the said duties either in England or France, and charge them with the carriage to the person they are directed to, without requiring any interest or commission whatever.
"Attendance at the above offices every day from nine in the morning till seven in the evening, where parcels are registered to Paris, and to every part of France.
" Passengers luggage must be sent to the office between six and seven o'clock in the evening, or it will be left 'till the following carriage."
As I was on my way to Piccadilly, I was informed that the king of France was to be crowned on the fourteenth of this month, and sworn to adhere to the new Constitution which has been framed by the National Assembly. This made me anxious to get to Paris as soon as possible: but being told the places were all taken in the coaches, and that it was impossible for me to set off till the 12th, I was obliged to wait till that time, but was informed that I must be at Piccadilly with my trunk, &c. by seven in the evening of the 11th; and I was there at the time; lodged at the White Bear inn, and at five the next morning set off for Paris in company with five gentlemen. A lady in a post-chaise overtook us near Greenwich, and came into the diligence.
We breakfasted at a good inn on the road, and dined at Canterbury, where the lady left us, and at evening reached Dover, where we supped, lodged, and went to breakfast. About eleven in the morning of the 13th, we embarked for Calais, and arrived there in about three hours; but had a very rough passage, in consequence of which almost every lady and gentleman on board was afflicted with sea-sickness, which I believe was advantageous to the greatest part of us.
