. Dear Sir, We reached this place precisely at half-past
twelve--exactly an hour behind our time--the loss arose out of various
little _contretemps_, which a little practice will set right. This is
the first time in Europe so long a journey was performed in so short a
time, and if, some very few years ago, it had been said a letter could
be answered by return of post from London, the idea would have been
treated as chimerical, and yet at eight last evening was I in London,
and this letter will reach there to-morrow morning, the proceeding of
these operations occupying a period of 34-1/2 hours only, out of which a
rest of three hours is to be taken, thus performing a distance of 412
miles in 31-1/2 hours.

"Our mail coach was before its time full 15 minutes, notwithstanding at
one place we could not find horses, except posters; and at another
when posters were found there was no coachman; luckily there was one on
the mail, looking out for a place, with which we suited him. To-night,
doubtless, all will go right (some dispute among the amiable
contractors, I believe to be the cause). I need hardly observe that I
have adopted proper measures. I have the honour to be, Dear Sir, Yours
very faithfully, (Signed) Geo. Louis. To Lt.-Col. Maberley, &c., &c.,
&c."

[Illustration: BRISTOL AND EXETER RAILWAY TRAIN BRINGING MAILS TO
BRISTOL ON THE DECLINE OF THE MAIL COACH SYSTEM ABOUT 1844. (CLIFTON
BRIDGE ANTICIPATED BY THE ARTIST.)]

"Manchester, 4th July, 1837. Sir, I have much pleasure in stating that
the London Bag arrived here this day by railway at half-past twelve p.m.
The Bag to London was despatched as usual this morning by the mail
coach, but concluding that a _return by the railway_ is intended both
this day and to-morrow (although the arrangements generally do not
commence until the 6th) I make a despatch with such letters as are in
the office at half-past two p.m., and propose doing the same to-morrow.
I am, Sir, Your most obedient, humble Servant, (Sig.) G.F. Karstadt. To
Lt.-Col. Maberley."

"4th July, 1837. Manchester. G. Karstadt, Esq. For the
Postmaster-General. I enclose a letter from Mr. Louis with this report
from Mr. Karstadt as to the first working of the railroad. I am sorry to
say that it appears from the time bills an hour was lost upon the
railroad coming up. (Signed) J.V.L.M. (Lt.-Col. Maberly). 5th July,
1837. Read, Lichfield (Lord Lichfield)." The coaches running all the way
through at this period